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Mike Winger idea 2021-03-26

Self-hatred often functions as a mismanagement of guilt — projecting sin onto an "other self" to adopt victim mentality instead of genuine repentance.

Gabriel Martinez says he hates himself sometimes and asks how to love himself biblically.

Genesis 4 2 Samuel 13 (Amnon and Tamar) repentance pastoral counseling guilt
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Resting in God does not mean absence of anguish — the "bedrock" model of Christian peace

Question from Faith Marie about resting in God's presence and staying connected throughout the day.

2 Corinthians 4:8 Rest in God Christian peace Suffering / trials
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

Spiritual dryness and keeping God at arm's length: the will precedes the heart; make obedient decisions and let the heart follow over time.

Q9 from Arrivederci: struggling with trusting and wanting Christ — how to stop keeping the Holy Spirit at arm's length?

spiritual disciplines spiritual dryness faith and the will
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

How to biblically grieve the death of an unsaved loved one: grief is good, blame is bad

Q1 from Megan Chan: How do we biblically grieve the death of a loved one who was not saved, and how do we respond to those who offer to pray for the dead?

Isaiah Isaiah purgatory God's goodness
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Mandating church traditions as biblical commands is wrong; Proverbs 22:28 and Matthew 18:18 do not support it

Q8 from John Doe: A church mandates women wear dresses and men be clean-shaven using Proverbs 22:28 and Matthew 18:18 — is it biblical to mandate adherence to tradition?

Proverbs 22:28 Matthew 18:18 church authority spiritual abuse tradition vs Scripture
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Church COVID restrictions and pastoral imprisonment: uncertain whether it qualifies as persecution, but it feels like it

Q12 from Crystalline Sloan: Can you define persecution and speak to whether pastors imprisoned for defying public health orders are being persecuted?

conscience persecution COVID-19
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Using secular music in worship: not wrong in principle, but wisdom demands sensitivity to the congregation

Q13 from Rohin John: What are your thoughts on using secular music with half secular and half Jesus-focused lyrics as worship?

worship music secular music pastoral wisdom
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

Praying for healing for a child with a birth defect — contentment vs. miracle prayer

Listener Maria says her unborn baby has a serious birth defect; many friends are praying for a miracle but she isn't sure she can/should.

Romans 8:26 Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith Healing prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

Helping a nominal Christian spouse grow in biblical knowledge

Listener Tasteful Chicken has a wife who believes in Jesus and prays but does not read the Bible; her lifestyle does not align with Scripture.

Pastoral care Discipleship in marriage Nominal Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Introduction: Mike frames the show goal as helping viewers think biblically about everything.

Opening remarks before first question; also notes resolved internet issues.

biblical thinking pastoral teaching 20 Questions with Pastor Mike
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Admitting ignorance builds trust rather than undermining pastoral credibility.

Transition comment between questions; Mike reflecting on his own practice.

intellectual honesty pastoral integrity
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Mark 14:36 refutes Oneness Pentecostal modalism by demonstrating distinct wills between Father and Son.

Question 12 from Our Fish about witnessing to a husband raised in Oneness Pentecostalism regarding the Trinity.

Mark 14:36 Trinity apologetics deity of Christ
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Joseph Smith was a demonstrably false prophet; modern Mormonism is a victim of his fraud.

Question 19 from Evelyn Ellsworth (a Latter-day Saint) about the priesthood of all believers and Mike's denial of fellowship to Mormons.

1 Peter Genesis 50 priesthood of all believers Mormonism 1 Peter
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-16

Q: Is COVID God's judgment? Maybe, but claiming to know is pastoral arrogance. Jesus addressed this with the Tower of Siloam (Luke 13:4-5): those who died weren't worse sinners — but if you don't repent, you'll perish too. Judgment stands over all humanity; any time God doesn't judge is grace. The right response to any disaster: get your life right with God.

Q&A — is COVID God's judgment? (Tower of Siloam)

Luke 13:4-5 Tower of Siloam Luke 13:4-5 pastoral arrogance
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Mike on women in ministry: he's complementarian — the highest leadership/preaching/governing role is reserved for men God has called. But he struggles with how to apply this to the wide variety of modern ministry situations. Women can teach; the question is in what contexts. He encourages women to study Scripture carefully and let it guide their choices.

Women in ministry — complementarian but cautious on application

1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism complementarianism
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-19

Can someone who unjustly divorced, repented, but whose ex has remarried, now marry someone else? Yes — the previous marriage is clearly over both legally and morally once the ex has remarried. The wrongly-divorcing party has repented. The alternatives (permanent singleness as unforgivable punishment, or pretending the marriage still exists) don't make biblical sense.

Unjust divorce + ex remarried = free to remarry after repentance

repentance repentance unjust divorce and remarriage
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-19

Is pornography addiction grounds for divorce? Mike finds this intimidating given modern usage rates. His answer: pornography use IS sexual immorality (porneia), but not every instance should trigger divorce. Factors: scale, pattern, repentance, willingness to get help. A single failure vs an unrepentant lifestyle are very different situations. Mike recommends counseling before divorce in pornography cases.

Pornography as grounds for divorce — nuanced

divorce and remarriage porneia pornography as grounds for divorce
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-14

On Steven Furtick: Mike has seen a handful of his messages, finds his preaching style reckless with Scripture. Concerned about the level of allegiance/submission required around him — sounds like pastoral abuse from what he's heard. Furtick doesn't deal carefully with Scripture in context, prioritizing encouragement over accuracy. Similar critique to Joel Osteen.

Steven Furtick critique — reckless with Scripture

Steven Furtick Elevation Church pastoral abuse
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-18

Mark Series pt 39: Mark 10:35-45. James and John ask for positions of authority in Jesus's kingdom. Jesus teaches that greatness in his kingdom = servanthood, the opposite of worldly leadership. This passage addresses pastoral abuse at its root: the false expectation that Christian leadership means authority rather than service.

Introduction — Mark 10:35-45 and pastoral abuse

Mark 10:45 Mark 10:35-45 James and John request servant leadership servant leadership Mark 10:45
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-18

Survey of Mark showing Jesus consistently correcting false messianic expectations: (1) Mark 1:8 — baptize with Holy Spirit, not raise armies. (2) Mark 1:11 — beloved Son (sacrifice imagery from Genesis 22). (3) Mark 1:15 — repent and believe, not take up arms. (4) Jesus's ministry: exorcisms and healings, not political conquest — the enemy is Satan, not Rome; the problem is sin, not occupation. (5) Jesus sends crowds away instead of rallying them for war. The whole Gospel of Mark is about fixing these expectations.

Survey of Mark — correcting messianic expectations

Mark Series Genesis 22 (Isaac) Mark 1:8 Mark Series false messianic expectations Genesis 22 (Isaac)
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-18

Mark 10:42-45 — Jesus's leadership model: "You know that those recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them... but it is not this way among you." The greatest must be servant; the first must be slave of all. Pastoral abuse happens when leaders adopt CEO mentality — protecting their vision, reputation, and authority instead of serving. Signs: demanding allegiance to the leader rather than to Christ, silencing criticism, creating distance/hierarchy, using authority for personal benefit.

Pastoral abuse — CEO vs servant leadership

Mark 10:42-44 pastoral abuse CEO mentality in ministry Mark 10:42-44
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-18

Hope for abusive pastors: the disciples who asked for thrones became the greatest servants in church history. James was the first apostle martyred; John served faithfully into old age. Jesus didn't disqualify them for their worldly ambitions — he corrected them and they changed. The same transformation is available today. But it requires: (1) honest self-examination, (2) willingness to be corrected, (3) choosing service over authority.

Hope for transformation — disciples changed

James and John request Acts 12 (James martyred) James and John request pastoral transformation Acts 12 (James martyred)
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

The problem of evil is the #1 argument that practically draws people away from God, but Christianity alone offers both intellectual answers and emotional/pastoral hope — atheism offers neither explanation nor solution.

Pastoral conclusion on the problem of evil and summary of all 5 arguments

theodicy atheism theodicy
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Conclusion: Mark 11 teaches new-covenant prayer through Christ, accessed by faith (not works). Real faith believes both for miracles AND in suffering when God says no. The harder path of faith is trusting God's "no."

Summary of the full teaching on prayer from Mark 11 and 14

Mark 11:22-25 Mark 14:35-36 Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith Kenneth Copeland
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Are man-made Covenants Biblical?: Are man-made covenants for pastoral ordination biblical (specifically, covenants binding oneself to denominational doctrines and principles)? The Salvation Army requires this for their pastors.

Q&A question: Are man-made Covenants Biblical?

salvation pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

Should I Attend a Calvinist Church?: The church that I currently attend is in search of a new pastor, and the one that will be voted in is a Calvinist. I don't agree with Calvinism and question if I can submit to his authority/teaching. What do I do? Stay? Go? I don't want to be divisive but want to stand on God's truth in love.

Q&A question: Should I Attend a Calvinist Church?

Calvinism pastoral ministry submission in marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

Should our Shortcomings Discourage our Callings?: I believe I am called to be a pastor, but I have sin & inconsistencies in my life. Do you think this could mean I’m not called, or do I just need to work on these things before being used in that area?

Q&A question: Should our Shortcomings Discourage our Callings?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About the “5-Fold Ministry”: Have you heard of the "5-Fold Ministry" way of thinking about apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exercising those gifts today? And if so, what are your thoughts about it?

Q&A question: About the “5-Fold Ministry”

prophecy pastoral ministry Apostles
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

About the Greek in Bible Translations: Pastors often say, "what the Greek REALLY says is…" Why don't translators use the Greek that pastors cite in sermons then? (Like how Peter is akin to pebble but is translated as rock.)

Q&A question: About the Greek in Bible Translations

Peter pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

Is Covid God’s Plan, or From the Enemy?: Some pastors say the Coronavirus is God's plan. Others say it's a scourge of the Enemy. How do we rationalize these two views when both come from pastors you trust and admire?

Q&A question: Is Covid God’s Plan, or From the Enemy?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Church Leader Living in Sin? Letter vs. Spirit: I am a young adult, still living in my parents' home. My father is the pastor of our small church. One of my siblings has leadership roles, but is living in sin (cohabitation). My father has talked with him, but hasn't taken any biblical action to remove him from leadership or from church. The elders don't see a need to do anything either. What should I do? (I'm the youngest and a daughter.) I was told I was taking the letter of the law instead of the spirit of the law.

Q&A question: Church Leader Living in Sin? Letter vs. Spirit

elder qualifications church leadership pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

How to “Walk in the Spirit”: From Galatians 5, what is does it mean to “walk in the Spirit”? And do you have any pastoral advice for a new disciple on this subject?

Q&A question: How to “Walk in the Spirit”

Galatians 5 pastoral ministry Galatians 5
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

How can I Better Support my Pastor?: Aside from tithing and prayer, what are good ways to support my pastor? Would it be weird to send an email each week thanking him for the sermon? I have a social disorder, so I’m always unsure.

Q&A question: How can I Better Support my Pastor?

prayer tithing pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?: Hello, I am a Christian, and it's been important to me to understand why the Lord Jesus didn't mention to the apostles or anyone that Paul would be coming to enlighten the Way for His Church. This question hasn't been addressed in any of the studies I've researched, nor by any of the pastors I listen to. But isn't this question a most serious matter, since Paul wrote the majority of our New Testament?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?

Jesus pastoral ministry Apostles
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-22

Should a Head Pastor be Close to His Staff?: What are your thoughts on a head pastor who does not interact with his staff? I teach at a church and have no real relationship (to the point of pain) with my pastor as he is never present.

Q&A question: Should a Head Pastor be Close to His Staff?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Was it Right for Rahab to Lie?: Hebrews 11: 31 says that Rahab's faith saved her. Yet Joshua 2:4-6 shows Rahab lying about the Israelite spies. Romans 3:7-8 condemns good from evil. How do we reconcile this, Pastor Mike?

Q&A question: Was it Right for Rahab to Lie?

Hebrews 11 Joshua 2 Romans 3 Rahab Hebrews 11 pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

Why does Pastor Mike Love Jesus?: I would love to know, why do you love Jesus?

Q&A question: Why does Pastor Mike Love Jesus?

Jesus pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

Is it Sin, or Am I Legalistic?: A pastor told me it was a sin to watch Star Wars & Dragon Ball Z & listen to rock music because they're Pagan. I'm willing to give these up if they are, but how do I know if it's a sin or legalism?

Q&A question: Is it Sin, or Am I Legalistic?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

About Pastor Nathan Finochio: What do you know about Nathan Finochio? My daughter was invited to a youth event where he is the main preacher, but I'm not sure if I should let her attend.

Q&A question: About Pastor Nathan Finochio

Nathan pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins: How would you respond to a pastor who says “I don't need to teach that a particular practice is a sin”? What dangers do you think are there if someone doesn't recognize certain sins?

Q&A question: About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

Thinking Biblically about Covid Restrictions: My province has new Covid mandates that my pastor is implementing. Reduced attendance, vaccine passport checks, and masks even while singing. I think this is unbiblical. What can I do?

Q&A question: Thinking Biblically about Covid Restrictions

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?: A lot of people in my circle talk about being under the "covering" and authority of their pastor and elders. Is this a thing?

Q&A question: Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?

elder qualifications pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

A Prayer Request from Pastor Mike: Today I want to know how we can all pray for YOU and your ministry.

Q&A question: A Prayer Request from Pastor Mike

prayer pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Is it Wrong to have Vaxxed & Non-Vaxxed Services?: My church has decided to have 2 different services: one for those who have gotten the vaccine, and one for those who have not. I love my pastors, but I disagree with this approach, and I see it as divisive. Is this something I should leave the church over? I wouldn’t think Jesus would ever be for this option.

Q&A question: Is it Wrong to have Vaxxed & Non-Vaxxed Services?

Jesus pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

About Jews & the Great Tribulation: I heard a pastor claim that 2/3 of Jews will die during the Great Tribulation, and the ones who survive will become Christians. Is this what Paul was referring to with “all Israel will be saved”?

Q&A question: About Jews & the Great Tribulation

tribulation pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Are Job and Jonah Historical?: My pastor says Job and Jonah are probably not historical events, but more poetic lessons. How do I decide true stories from parables in the Old Testament without questioning everything?

Q&A question: Are Job and Jonah Historical?

Jonah pastoral ministry Jonah
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Pastor Mike’s Favorite Attributes of God: What is your personal favorite aspect/quality of each member of the Trinity?

Q&A question: Pastor Mike’s Favorite Attributes of God

Trinity pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

How Much to Confess Past Sins: I have some past sins that are pretty bad and very shameful. Do I need to confess these sins to my family and friends? I've confessed them to God and a personal pastor.

Q&A question: How Much to Confess Past Sins

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

Can We Hear the “Still Small Voice” Today?: Pastors have preached about this “still small voice” that approached Elijah when he was distressed in the caves. Is this something we are supposed to be waiting and staying still to listen to today?

Q&A question: Can We Hear the “Still Small Voice” Today?

Elijah pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

About Pastors Purchasing Sermons: What are your thoughts about pastors purchasing sermons and not acknowledging the original author, basically plagiarizing another pastor? It has been a huge problem at our former church.

Q&A question: About Pastors Purchasing Sermons

pastoral ministry