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Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Does God answer unbelievers' prayers? Mike sees no biblical rule preventing it. Jesus healed people who were apparently unrepentant (John 5:14 — "sin no more lest something worse happen" implies the healed man was still in sin). God may answer unbelievers' prayers to show them he's real — but he's not a get-out-of-jail-free card for those who keep living in rebellion.

God answering unbelievers' prayers

John 5:14 God answering unbelievers John 5:14
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-12

Argument 2 — Multiple attestation: Mike Licona found 19+ passages across Mark, M (Matthew-only), L (Luke-only), and John independently attesting Jesus's death/resurrection predictions. Historians consider TWO independent sources "pay dirt" — this has far more. Jesus's prayer in Gethsemane (knowing he'll die) is in Mark 14, Matthew 26, and Luke 22 independently.

Argument 2 — multiple independent attestation

Mike Licona multiple attestation Mike Licona
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Overview: Mark 11:22-25 is the #1 Word of Faith verse. Winger approaches it by sidebaring the Kenneth Copeland debate to first understand the passage in its original context, then apply it.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 43 on prayer, faith, and Mark 11:22-25

Mark 11:22-25 Mark series prayer Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Six reasons why "this mountain" is NOT limited to the temple (contra cessationist interpretation), but is a general truth about prayer: Paul's usage, Matthew/Luke parallels, OT mountain-moving language.

Refuting Jeff Durbin's cessationist interpretation that limits Mark 11 to imprecatory prayer against the temple

1 Corinthians 13:2 Mark 11:24 Mark 13:2 cessationism 1 Corinthians 13:2 cessationism
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Mountain-moving is a euphemism for what is humanly impossible but possible for God. Faith is weak (mustard seed), not strong — the emphasis is that you don't earn miracles; God does everything, you just believe.

Correct interpretation of the mountain-moving promise in Mark 11

Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 faith and prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

The prayer promise is couched in the destruction-of-temple context because Jesus is inaugurating NEW COVENANT prayer — from temple-mediated access to direct access through Christ. Christians ARE the new temple.

The temple context explains WHY this prayer teaching appears here in Mark

1 Peter 2:5 Ephesians 2:19-22 2 Chronicles 6:24-40 1 Peter 2:5 Ephesians 2:19-22 2 Chronicles 6:24-40
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Your part in prayer is faith, but GOD does the miracles — the power is not in your words or your belief, but in God's response. Forgiveness of others and repentance of sin are prerequisites for effective prayer.

Analysis of active/passive language in Mark 11 and the forgiveness requirement

1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24 1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Mark 14 (Gethsemane) is the intentional counterpoint to Mark 11 — Jesus with perfect faith, no sin, no unforgiveness prays and God says NO. Faith means trusting God both when he says yes AND when he says no.

The missing piece: Jesus' Gethsemane prayer as counterpoint to the prayer promise

Mark 14:35-36 Word of Faith Gethsemane prayer Word of Faith
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

First-century magic (witchcraft) forced the gods' will to obey the practitioner. A distorted Mark 11 teaching that sources miracles in MY will rather than God's will moves into the realm of magic, not prayer.

Historical context: prayer vs. magic in the first century

Word of Faith Word of Faith magic vs prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

The claim "it's always God's will to heal sickness" is arbitrary — the apostles themselves suffered illness (Timothy's stomach issues, Trophimus left sick, Epaphroditus nearly died) while doing miracles.

Refuting the Word of Faith claim that sickness is never God's will

2 Timothy 4:20 1 Timothy 5:23 1 Peter 4:19 thorn in the flesh 2 Timothy 4:20 Word of Faith
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Faith for miracles is different from saving faith — it's initiated by God (a spiritual gift), not fabricated by the believer. Jesus had a responsive ministry to the Father, not initiatory. You respond to what the Spirit reveals.

Theological framework: miracle-faith as God-initiated response, not self-generated belief

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14
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 2020-10-22

Critical distinction: achronological narration (not specifying order) vs. dischronological narration (deliberately changing order). The former is uncontroversial; the latter requires heavy burden of proof. "Mere difference hunting" is not sufficient evidence for fact-changing.

McGrew's key methodological distinctions

harmonization literary devices in Gospels achronological vs dischronological narration
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-11

Mark 12:38-44 is Jesus's warning about fake spirituality in leadership and money-grubbing preachers, paired with the widow's offering showing what genuine sacrificial giving looks like. This is a pervasive, ongoing danger.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 51 on the scribes and the widow's mite

Mark 12:38-44 Mark series Mark 12:38-44 Mark series fake spiritual leadership
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

The disciples couldn't cast out the demon (Luke 9:40-41) because of faithlessness — Jesus calls them a "faithless and twisted generation." Spiritual power comes through faith and prayer/fasting, not technique.

Q7: Why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon in Luke 9?

Luke 9 Mark 9 Jesus prayer Luke 9
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Intercessory prayer may be connected to the spiritual gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9) — a Spirit-given burden to pray persistently for specific people or situations beyond normal prayer discipline.

Q14: Is intercessory prayer a spiritual gift?

1 Corinthians 12 Persis spiritual gifts prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

About our Prayers and Troubling Thoughts: When does God hear my prayers? I am asking you this because my thoughts are barely controllable nowadays, and those thoughts are causing me to pray very weird things and think about things I don’t want to think about.

Q&A question: About our Prayers and Troubling Thoughts

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Are a Person’s Days Determined?: Job 14:5 says a person's days are determined, yet in Isaiah 38, God extends Hezekiah’s life. It almost seems that with enough prayer & faith, we can persuade God to change His mind. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Are a Person’s Days Determined?

Isaiah Isaiah prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Encouragement when we feel Empty: I struggle with emotional emptiness, abandonment issues, & having low self-worth. This makes my walk hard because my cup is always empty. God won’t answer my prayers. Any advice?

Q&A question: Encouragement when we feel Empty

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?: About prayer, I’ve heard many people say that praying to God should be more of a dialogue than a monologue. Isn’t the Lord’s Prayer spoken by Jesus a monologue? How should we pray then?

Q&A question: Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?

Jesus prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation: Does God really love me, and am I really saved? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but I am still sinful and I struggle with sin. However, it seems that God answers my prayers. Am I really saved?

Q&A question: Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation

Jesus salvation prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

If our Sins are Forgiven, Why Ask for Forgiveness?: If Jesus paid for all of our sins once and for all, why are we still called throughout Scripture to continually ask for forgiveness (ex: The Lord's Prayer)?

Q&A question: If our Sins are Forgiven, Why Ask for Forgiveness?

Jesus prayer forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the Doxology in Scripture: How should we make sense of the Doxology at the end of The Lord's Prayer in some English Bibles when it doesn't occur in earlier manuscripts? Should we not use it?

Q&A question: About the Doxology in Scripture

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

Prayer to Help with Deep Depression: Can you pray for me? I’ve battled depression my whole life, and the past 2 weeks I’ve gotten so low I need some prayer if you have the time.

Q&A question: Prayer to Help with Deep Depression

prayer
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 2021-05-07

How to Overcome Nervousness in Prayer: Why do I feel nervous to pray? I want to but it feels unnatural to me.

Q&A question: How to Overcome Nervousness in Prayer

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

About OCD, Vows, & Fear: I’ve been struggling with OCD vows recently (such as, if I don’t say this in prayer, I’m not saved). Many places online say to let it go, and that you can’t make a vow out of fear. How can I look at this biblically?

Q&A question: About OCD, Vows, & Fear

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

“Hearing” God in Prayer/His Guidance in Life: When we pray, how do we "hear" God's reply? How can someone differentiate between hearing the voice of God and hearing their own thoughts? When I pray, I feel like it's just me. How can I make decisions if I don't know what God wants of me?

Q&A question: “Hearing” God in Prayer/His Guidance in Life

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Are Prayers from Books Spells?: Could prayers from prayer books be considered spells?

Q&A question: Are Prayers from Books Spells?

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?: I’ve heard several teachings about prayer and I’m a bit confused. Are we to pray once, believe we have it, and walk in faith? Or should we pray repeatedly until God gives us an answer?

Q&A question: Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?: Jesus promises to give us what we ask in His name/His will, if we believe it. He also says to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Can we really say that God keeps His promises when this doesn't always happen?

Q&A question: Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?

Jesus prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

Does Prayer Have a Required Formula?: I talk to God in my head and pray during the day, but my thoughts drift and sometimes I realize I never said “amen.” I know that He’s listening, but if it’s not formatted like a prayer, does it still count?

Q&A question: Does Prayer Have a Required Formula?

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-17

Surrendering to God when it’s Difficult: I'm double-minded and depressed. I want real salvation but have a hard time fully surrendering. Good works and prayer feel like pushing a boulder up a hill. Any advice?

Q&A question: Surrendering to God when it’s Difficult

salvation prayer
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 2022-01-28

My Fault if Someone’s Not Saved?: I know God is in control, but since prayer and fasting makes a difference, is it my fault if someone is not saved because I didn’t pray or fast enough for them? I feel responsible when I eat or forget to pray.

Q&A question: My Fault if Someone’s Not Saved?

prayer fasting
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Right and Wrong Public Worship/Prayer: In Matthew 6:5, Jesus says not to pray like people in public who try to get attention. Would that include praying and worshiping in church?

Q&A question: Right and Wrong Public Worship/Prayer

Matthew Matthew 6 Jesus prayer worship
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

Tongues: Heavenly or Earthly Language?: When we pray in tongues in private prayer time, is this a heavenly language, or an earthly language?

Q&A question: Tongues: Heavenly or Earthly Language?

prayer tongues
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?: Following a tragedy, people will often say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected,” which is often followed by angry or mocking non-believer comments such as, “Your prayers clearly aren’t working. Do something that will actually help like changing the laws.” What are some proper, biblical ways to respond to that sort of position?

Q&A question: Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Prayer for a Struggling Marriage: Would you please pray for my wife and I? I know it's a vague request without much detail, but we are struggling in our marriage and prayers are much needed.

Q&A question: Prayer for a Struggling Marriage

marriage prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Loving God vs. Fearing Punishment: I find that I fear Hell rather than love God. Prayer and Bible reading feel like selfishly avoiding Hell more than devotedly pursuing God. How do I stop my fear from getting in the way of my relationship with God?

Q&A question: Loving God vs. Fearing Punishment

prayer hell
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-15

Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?: Should prayer be a dialogue or monologue? How should we determine if instances of humans having a dialogue with God in the Bible are to be taken as normative?

Q&A question: Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?: Is “inner healing prayer” as a form of trauma relief biblical? This practice involves a prayer leader asking the patient to picture vivid images and hear direct statements from Jesus.

Q&A question: Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?

Jesus prayer healing
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Health/Prayer Update: Pastor Mike, can you give us an update on your personal health and sleep troubles?

Q&A question: Health/Prayer Update

prayer pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

Trusting God when He Seems Silent: What practical steps do you do to trust in the Lord? I frequently have difficulty trusting Him during difficult times, especially when He doesn’t seem to be answering prayer.

Q&A question: Trusting God when He Seems Silent

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

Traditional Preferences over Biblical Theology?: I’m an ex-Catholic, but I’m getting pulled back in. I don’t know why, but I just like praying in Latin, the Rosary, praying to saints, and using scripted prayers because I don’t know how to pray on my own.

Q&A question: Traditional Preferences over Biblical Theology?

Roman Catholicism prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Can We Take Communion for Someone Else?: My mom likes to “take communion over people” when they need prayer as if it does something extra special or gives her favor in prayer. It seems like this isn’t right or biblical. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Can We Take Communion for Someone Else?

prayer communion
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Avoiding Distraction in Prayer: What is the best way to focus on God? Do you know of any techniques for this? While I'm praying, I try to focus on God, but I always seem to get distracted.

Q&A question: Avoiding Distraction in Prayer

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Can We “Declare” things in Prayer?: What are your thoughts on “declarative prayer” or “positive confession” (e.g., “I declare revival for this city,” “I declare that this day is blessed,” etc.)?

Q&A question: Can We “Declare” things in Prayer?

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Why Do Two Peoples’ Prayers Yield Different Results?: Why do some people have a gift of healing that works when they pray for people, but I can’t do the same? If we are praying to the same God, why do two peoples’ prayers give different results?

Q&A question: Why Do Two Peoples’ Prayers Yield Different Results?

prayer healing
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

How to Pray for Unbelievers: I don’t believe Calvinism is biblical, but I find that my prayers for unbelievers often sound Calvinistic: “Change their hearts, bring them to You,” etc. How should we pray for unbelievers' salvation?

Q&A question: How to Pray for Unbelievers

salvation prayer Calvinism
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