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Mike Winger idea 2020-08-07

Mike shares major ministry update: BibleThinker is now its own incorporated ministry (no longer under his local church), reaching ~500,000 views/month. He's no longer on staff as a local pastor but still teaches weekly. Passion Translation scholarly project delayed by COVID — scholars have submitted papers but in-person interviews are on hold.

Announcements — BibleThinker incorporation, Passion Translation update

World Mission Society Church of God Passion Translation World Mission Society Church of God
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 2020-08-31

The geography of Bethphage, Bethany, and the Mount of Olives sets the stage for a ceremonial ascent to Jerusalem — cresting the mount gives the first view of the city and temple.

Verse-by-verse study of Mark 11:1

Mark 11:1 Mark 11:1 geography of Jerusalem Mount of Olives
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

The "outsider test of faith" (apply your reasons for rejecting Thor to Christianity) backfires for informed Christians because the evidence for Christianity specifically doesn't work for pagan deities.

Responding to the street epistemology version of argument 1

Luke Barnes William Lane Craig biblical prophecy William Lane Craig
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

The trap: Pharisees and Herodians (sent by the Sanhedrin) use flattery to pressure Jesus into a direct yes/no answer. They want either criminal charges (sedition) or depopularization (alienating zealot followers).

Analysis of the trap question setup in Mark 12:13-16

Mark 12:13-17 Acts 5:37 Proverbs 29:5 Josephus Josephus Sanhedrin
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

The Mirror Bible by François Du Toit is the worst Bible translation Winger has ever seen — not just inaccurate but anti-gospel, inverting Scripture to teach that humans are already divine and don't need to be born again.

Introduction to review of the Mirror Bible translation

Bible translations Mirror Bible Mirror Bible
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit systematically changes key gospel texts: John 1:12 ("become children of God" → you're already God's offspring), John 3:3 (born again → you were already born from above), John 3:18 (condemned already → under your own self-judgment).

Specific examples of the Mirror Bible inverting gospel texts

John 1:12 John 3:3 John 3:7 born again John 1:12 John 3:3
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit redefines sin itself (hamartia) through the etymological fallacy — deriving fake "root meanings" to avoid the actual meaning. Sin becomes "living out of context with your blueprint" instead of moral rebellion against God.

The etymological fallacy and the Mirror Bible's abuse of Greek

Romans 3:22-23 etymological fallacy Mirror Bible Mirror Bible
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit changes "forgiveness" to "I am-ness" and teaches that the Trinity has four circles (Father, Son, you/me, Holy Spirit). Jesus didn't die to save us from sin but from a wrong mindset. Hell is "just a pathway to heaven."

The Mirror Bible's broader theological distortions

John 17:7 Mirror Bible Mirror Bible François Du Toit
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

The Mirror Bible is endorsed by John Crowder ("toking the holy ghost") and William Paul Young (author of The Shack, later a universalist). It's part of a broader movement: progressive Christianity, hyper-charismatic theology, and universal salvation all pushing the same direction.

Endorsers and broader context of the Mirror Bible

John Crowder Mirror Bible Mirror Bible John Crowder
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-29

The historical problem of racism in the US is genuinely appalling — race is a social construct invented to justify white dominance, US chattel slavery was predicated on the anti-gospel act of man-stealing, and legalized racism lasted ~340 years (1619-1964).

Honest accounting of US racial history before critiquing CRT

1 Timothy 1:10 Acts 17:26 1 Timothy 1:10 racism history US Acts 17:26
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-29

CRT redefines racism as "prejudice plus power" — meaning only the dominant group (whites) can be racist, and systemic racism is the only real racism. This enables dismissing any concern from majority groups while making all disparities evidence of racism.

CRT's redefinition of racism and its consequences

Proverbs 18:13 Robin DiAngelo Ibram X. Kendi prejudice plus power
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-29

Biblical framework: impartiality in judgment (no favoritism for rich or poor), all humans of one blood in God's image, individual sin/accountability, Scripture as the authority over lived experience. CRT is incompatible with Christianity on every core tenet.

The biblical response to CRT

Leviticus 19:15 image of God image of God biblical justice
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

The death penalty is clearly supported by Scripture. Genesis 9:5-6 — given to ALL humanity (not just Israel) — establishes capital punishment for murder based on the image of God: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed."

The foundational biblical case for the death penalty from Genesis 9

Genesis 9:5-6 image of God image of God capital punishment
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Jesus identifies TWO problems with the Sadducees: they don't know the Scriptures AND they don't know the power of God. He then proves resurrection FROM the Pentateuch — their own strongest ground — using Exodus 3:6 ("I am the God of Abraham").

Jesus's response: two rebukes and the burning bush argument for resurrection

Mark 12:18-27 Exodus 3:6 resurrection resurrection marriage in heaven
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-11

Sacrificial giving has the highest value to Jesus — the things that cost you the most are worth the most. When you think your service to God is at its lowest value, Jesus may see it at its highest.

The widow's mite principle: sacrifice determines value, not amount

widows mite sacrificial giving widows mite
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

The Gospel of Thomas is a mid-2nd century Gnostic forgery, not a legitimate alternate gospel. It's a sayings collection borrowing from Matthew/Luke with added Greek philosophical content inconsistent with a 1st-century Jewish teacher.

Q1: Thoughts on the Gospel of Thomas?

Matthew Philo salvation Thomas
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Bible Contradiction?: Can you explain the what appears to be contradiction in 1 Kings 7: 26 and 2 Chronicles 4:5, due to the different numbers?

Q&A question: Bible Contradiction?

suffering biblical reliability
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

Faith vs. Works Contradiction?: I’m confused on two verses, Romans 4:3 and James 2: 21. I don’t believe the Bible has any contradictions, can you please clear up my confusion on this?

Q&A question: Faith vs. Works Contradiction?

James James 2 Romans 4 James James 2 Romans 4
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Can we Truly Feel God’s Presence?: Todd Friel (Wretched Radio) said “The Bible doesn’t teach that we can feel God’s presence” and the “warm fuzzies” are only an emotional response when our minds receive biblical truth. Is this true?

Q&A question: Can we Truly Feel God’s Presence?
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

How is Isaiah 52-53 evidence for the Bible if most of the stuff in there is theology, and not testable historically?

Q&A question

Isaiah Isaiah 52 Isaiah Isaiah 52
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

When does Competition become Unbiblical?: The Bible stresses the importance of unity within the body of Christ. When does competition among believers (even seemingly friendly competition - games, sports, etc.) become unhealthy?

Q&A question: When does Competition become Unbiblical?
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

Comparing Bible Verses – The Ark: How can you explain Isaiah 66: 22-23 to be understood, alongside Revelation 11: 19 (the 10 words are in the ark currently), if Colossians 2: 16 speaks of the weekly Sabbath being abolished?

Q&A question: Comparing Bible Verses – The Ark

Isaiah revelation Isaiah revelation
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

Should Repetitive Bible Passages Concern Us?: I'm very confused about why Psalms 14 & 53 are almost identical. Is this an error in Scripture? Are any other pairs of psalms also duplicate? This is causing me to worry about the reliability of Scripture. Please help me understand this!

Q&A question: Should Repetitive Bible Passages Concern Us?

biblical reliability
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

About Jupiter in the Bible: In Acts 19:35 where it says “the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter,” is this referring to the planet Jupiter, and did they know of other planets in that period of time?

Q&A question: About Jupiter in the Bible

Acts 19 Acts 19
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

What is a Biblical Perspective on Anointing for Today?: Can you explain “anointing” in the Bible and what the NT application is for believers? I've heard phrases like "That song/speaker is anointed" or "the anointing is in the room." Is this correct?

Q&A question: What is a Biblical Perspective on Anointing for Today?
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

Can we Know 100% our Faith is True?: Is it possible to be 100% certain of Christianity and the Bible? Is believing but also having doubt a sin? I would like to have 100% certainty, but there's always a doubt that it all could be a lie.

Q&A question: Can we Know 100% our Faith is True?

doubt and faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

What does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean?: In the Bible, it says to “turn the other cheek.” Does that mean no one is supposed to be punished, except by God? (Meaning we shouldn't have prisons or protect ourselves and loved ones.)

Q&A question: What does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean?
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

Bible Study Resource Recommendations?: Do you know of any good Bible Study resources for a group with no teacher, only facilitators?

Q&A question: Bible Study Resource Recommendations?

Bible study
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

Should we Ask Qs while Reading Scripture?: Does God want us to ask Him questions and look for the answers in Scripture, even if the Bible does not specifically deal with the question?

Q&A question: Should we Ask Qs while Reading Scripture?
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

The Deity of the Holy Spirit: I was wondering if the Bible mentions that the Holy Spirit was in the beginning with God the Father and the Son, and where is the Holy Spirit said to be God?

Q&A question: The Deity of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Can we Only Attend Smaller Groups?: I’m an introvert and have never felt comfortable at large Bible studies with people I don’t know. Do I have to enjoy large group studies? Is it OK to stick to small studies with one or two others?

Q&A question: Can we Only Attend Smaller Groups?
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Is Lying Ever OK in Rare Circumstances?: What does the Bible say about lying to protect someone? Like if my brother breaks a vase and I say the dog broke it, or if I take the blame for something I didn’t do?

Q&A question: Is Lying Ever OK in Rare Circumstances?
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Did Moses Write the Pentateuch?: Do we have evidence that Moses wrote the first 5 books of the Bible? My atheist friend is questioning this.

Q&A question: Did Moses Write the Pentateuch?

Moses atheism
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Should our Faith Make Sense?: Is Christianity a faith that should make sense, or is it just having the faith to believe? How can we believe if one person interprets the Bible this way and another the other way?

Q&A question: Should our Faith Make Sense?

hermeneutics
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Do those who Seek God Really Find Him?: The Bible says that those who diligently seek God will find Him. What about the Muslims, Hindus, and all the people who are diligently seeking God but never find Jesus and stay in their religion?

Q&A question: Do those who Seek God Really Find Him?

Jesus Islam
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About Asking for Forgiveness/Mark of the Beast: A popular internet ministry says Jesus never said we need to ask for forgiveness and the Bible doesn’t mention it. Is that true? They also say it’s impossible for a Christian to take mark of the beast. Is that true?

Q&A question: About Asking for Forgiveness/Mark of the Beast

Jesus forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Why Keep the L.E. of Mark in the Bible?: If the longer ending of Mark isn't original, nor written by Mark, how is keeping it in the Bible not diluting the Word of God and cheapening the meaning of "Scripture"?

Q&A question: Why Keep the L.E. of Mark in the Bible?
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Help During Trying Times of Doubt: Why can’t I trust Christ for complete forgiveness even though I fully believe every word in the Bible? Why won’t my heart allow me to enter salvation? Why doesn’t God seem to want to help me?

Q&A question: Help During Trying Times of Doubt

salvation forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

About the Fear of God and Dinosaurs: Does the "fear" of the Lord mean "scared"? If not, why is "fear” still used in today’s Bibles? Translation problem? Confused here! And were dinosaur bones/fossils created by the devil to cast doubt?

Q&A question: About the Fear of God and Dinosaurs

Bible translations creation and science doubt and faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

Learning about Biblical Heroes: Some biblical characters are heroes in the faith, but not mentioned much in the Bible (people like Enoch and Melchizedek). How can I find out more about what was so special about their relationship with God?

Q&A question: Learning about Biblical Heroes

Melchizedek Enoch
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

Are All of God’s Actions Infallible?: How do I approach a conversation with someone who doesn't believe God is infallible? He believes in the God of the Bible, but he doesn't think all of God's actions are "good," like in the book of Job.

Q&A question: Are All of God’s Actions Infallible?

biblical inerrancy
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

How the Jewish Bible is Different: Why aren't there Bibles with the Hebrew order of the Old Testament? Some say the Hebrew order helps to show additional context and beauty of the Prophets and writings within Israel’s history. Any reason to stick to the English order? If either is fine, why aren’t there options?

Q&A question: How the Jewish Bible is Different

prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Can we Write Jesus into Games or Stories?: I'm a hobbyist/game developer and have started making Bible themed games. I want to include Jesus in one of my projects, but I feel uncomfortable writing words for Him. Any advice? Can I even do this?

Q&A question: Can we Write Jesus into Games or Stories?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Can There Be Differing Interpretations of Scripture?: If the word “clear” is used to describe a teaching in the Bible by two Christians with opposing views on the same teaching, wouldn’t that void the effectiveness of using the word in that way?

Q&A question: Can There Be Differing Interpretations of Scripture?

hermeneutics
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

Does Scripture Promote Evil Things?: I’ve been challenged with the accusation that the Bible “promotes killing, rape, and slavery,” quoting Numbers 31: 15-18. I don’t want to simply prove them wrong; that doesn’t address this person’s heart. Would you please help?

Q&A question: Does Scripture Promote Evil Things?
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

Why Didn’t God Rewrite Difficult Passages?: Can you explain the Holy Spirit Inspiration Doctrine? I struggle with understanding why God did not rewrite controversial Bible passages. I know I am only a man, and I seek to understand.

Q&A question: Why Didn’t God Rewrite Difficult Passages?

Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-22

Why is Suicide a Sin?: Why do Christians see suicide as a sin if it’s never condemned in the Bible? Why should I be forced to live a pathetic life I never asked for?

Q&A question: Why is Suicide a Sin?

anxiety and mental health
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