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Mike Winger idea 2020-08-21

Advice for a new missionary to Japan: (1) Don't go alone — attach yourself to other believers and protect those relationships; Satan will target them. (2) Long-term missions requires patience — it's years of investment, not quick results. (3) Your impact ripples through generations even if it feels small. The lives you change will change other lives for decades.

Missionary advice — Japan

long-term missions
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

The Triumphal Entry is better understood as the "Ironic Entry" — the central contrast is between the crowd's expectations of a political liberator and Jesus' actual mission of humble sacrifice.

Introduction to Mark 11:1-11 verse-by-verse study

Mark 11:1-11 Mark series Triumphal Entry Mark 11:1-11 irony in Scripture
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

The colt arrangement was likely a pre-arranged passphrase, not supernatural knowledge — Jesus had extensive prior contact in Bethany and could have sent someone ahead to arrange it.

Analysis of the "password" phrase in Mark 11:2-6

Mark 11:2-6 Mark 11:2-6 donkey symbolism
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

Psalm 118 is the key text the crowd quotes — it prophesies the rejected cornerstone (Messiah rejected by Israel's leaders) whom God establishes anyway. Jesus quotes it about himself in Mark 12.

Detailed exposition of Psalm 118 and its messianic significance

Acts 7 Psalm 118 Psalm 118:22 typology typology Acts 7
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 2020-10-05

The Sanhedrin's question is for intimidation and ammunition, not information. Jesus's counter-question about John's baptism is a standard rabbinic technique that embeds his answer while denying them usable ammo.

Analysis of the Sanhedrin's question and Jesus's response strategy

Mark 11:27-33 Mark 14:61-62 Sanhedrin Sanhedrin Mark 11:27-33
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

Key examples of alleged literary devices: (1) John moved the temple cleansing from Passion Week to early ministry; (2) John invented "I thirst" on the cross as a theological symbol; (3) Matthew's raised saints as "special effects." McGrew argues all are unnecessary — simpler historical explanations exist.

Examples of literary devices McGrew disputes

Matthew 27 Matthew 27 literary devices in Gospels fictionalizing literary devices
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-18

Mark 13:5-13 lists things that are NOT signs of Jesus's second coming — wars, earthquakes, pandemics, famines. Jesus is expressly warning against premature messianic expectations, but Christians consistently misuse these verses as signs.

Introduction to Mark 13:1-13 on things that are NOT signs of the end

Mark 13:1-13 Mark series end times predictions Mark 13:1-13 Mark series
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 2021-05-28

Do Angels Sing?: Do angels sing? Or is worshipping via singing something unique to humanity? Thank you so much for your ministry. It really is encouraging for me and my wife. How can we be praying for you and your family?

Q&A question: Do Angels Sing?

marriage worship angels
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 2021-06-11

Winger walks through 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications, acknowledging real-life churches (especially small ones) struggle to find people who meet all criteria. Lists: blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy, gentle, not quarrelsome, rules his own house well, not a novice.

Q&A: How literally should we follow the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy and Titus?

1 Timothy 3 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications
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 2021-09-03

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 2021-10-22

How to Keep Marriage God-Centered: Is your wife a part of your ministry? How do you keep your marriage God-centered?

Q&A question: How to Keep Marriage God-Centered

marriage
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 2022-01-28

Winger affirms husband-wife roles are equal in value but different in role, calling this 'irrefutably taught' in the NT. He rejects the word 'rule' as misleading in modern English but affirms husbands have a higher position of authority.

Q&A question asking why submission is taught as God-ordained in the NT if the husband's rule was a curse of the fall.

Genesis 3:16 Ephesians 5:22 1 Peter 3:1-6 complementarianism headship complementarianism
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Leading with Confidence, Not Cockiness: I just came into a lead role in a local ministry where many of the other adults are older than I. I want to be confident, but not cocky; Firm, but able to learn. Any tips?

Q&A question: Leading with Confidence, Not Cockiness
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

Winger clarifies his 1 Peter 3 teaching on Abigail: she is an example of not submitting in a life-threatening situation, but he does NOT limit exceptions to only life-threatening cases. He refuses to draw precise lines because 'life is so messy' — drawing them too tightly either encourages rebellion or traps abuse victims.

Q challenging why Winger interpreted Abigail's story through a 'life-threatening situations' lens as the only valid exception for wives not submitting.

1 Peter 3:1-6 complementarianism headship complementarianism
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

Comparing Paul & Joseph Smith: Compared with Paul, is Joseph Smith such a novelty? E.g., they both had a vision of Jesus only they reported on, introduced new teachings, weren’t prophesied of by Jesus, and were martyred as result of ministry.

Q&A question: Comparing Paul & Joseph Smith

Joseph Joseph Smith Jesus
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
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?: What does the Bible say about ministries that raise money using raffles, lotteries, or giveaways? Would you give money to them? They appeal to my (and presumably others’) carnality. Is this sinful?

Q&A question: Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

Wisdom in Applying for Ministry Jobs: I'm pursuing a degree in religion, and considering looking for ministry jobs. Is it right of me to apply for ministry jobs I might not be qualified for and trust the church to make a good decision?

Q&A question: Wisdom in Applying for Ministry Jobs
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?: We just got a new pastor, and he preaches from commentaries in addition to the Bible. Is this something that we should be cautious about? Is there a line where it can become too much?

Q&A question: Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Can Legalism be Spiritually Abusive?: Our pastor and denomination as a whole requires that any women serving (even volunteers) must only wear skirts, and that only the KJV is God's Word (every other version is a "perversion") and requires tithing. Are these things spiritual abuse?

Q&A question: Can Legalism be Spiritually Abusive?

tithing pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Why is Deborah not Mentioned in Hebrews 11?: I’ve appreciated your Women in Ministry series so much. Regarding Deborah, why do you suppose her name is not mentioned with the other 4 Judges in Hebrews 11: 32, but Barak is mentioned?

Q&A question: Why is Deborah not Mentioned in Hebrews 11?

Hebrews 11 Deborah Barak Hebrews 11
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Balancing Duties as a Young Leader: I am a full time high school/youth pastor whose role involves a lot of leadership and administrative duties. As a young person, I find it challenging and catch myself trying to overcompensate. Advice?

Q&A question: Balancing Duties as a Young Leader

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Must Pastors be Married?: Does 1 Timothy 3:2 mean that I must have a wife to be a pastor? What about a man who doesn’t have a wife?

Q&A question: Must Pastors be Married?

1 Timothy 3:2 1 Timothy 3 Timothy 1 Timothy 3:2 marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Can Fathers “Veto” Who their Daughters Marry?: We moved and are visiting a new church. The Pastor is teaching on marriage. He used 2 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV) to say that fathers can “veto” who their daughters marry. Is this a biblical view?

Q&A question: Can Fathers “Veto” Who their Daughters Marry?

marriage pastoral ministry
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