Search — Theology Explorer

1 Corinthians 14 prophecy 1 Corinthians 14 tongues

A Difficult Bible Contradiction: Can you please explain 1 Corinthians 14: 22-24? Verse 22 states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, and prophecy is for believers. But vv. 23 and 24 then go on to seemingly describe the exact opposite.

Q&A question: A Difficult Bible Contradiction

Debates on the Canon: What do we do with some of the earliest listed Bible canons and church fathers that exclude Esther and include Sirach and Wisdom of Solomon?

Q&A question: Debates on the Canon

Esther Esther Solomon

Are Easier Translations Unwise?: I struggle reading word for word translations of the Bible like the ESV. I love the NLT for its simple vocabulary and how easy it is to understand. Is it unwise to use the NLT to memorize and study from?

Q&A question: Are Easier Translations Unwise?

Bible translations

Mike Winger idea 2024-05-24

Is “Déjà Vu” a Biblical Concept?: What are your thoughts on Deja Vu and are there any examples of it in the Bible? I've definitely had times where I had the feeling of being somewhere before when it was the first time being there.

Q&A question: Is “Déjà Vu” a Biblical Concept?

Winger rejects the 'covering' argument that a senior male pastor can authorize female elders/pastors under his headship. A husband is the head of his wife — an elder is NOT the head of other elders. 1 Timothy 2 says 'I don't allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man,' period — not 'without a male head.'

Q&A: advice for a member of a church with a male lead elder pastoring alongside ordained female elders who often teach on Sundays.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism headship

Mike Winger idea 2024-06-07

Is Doomsday Prepping Biblical?: Should we as Christians be stockpiling food and supplies for some future global catastrophe? Some of my Bible study sisters are constantly talking about this and have started preparing for impending doom. Scripture tells us, “Do not worry about tomorrow” and "Be anxious for nothing.” But at the same time, I don't want to be caught off guard. Should Christians be stockpiling just in case?

Q&A question: Is Doomsday Prepping Biblical?

Bible study

Mike Winger idea 2024-06-28

Winger says a wife co-teaching an adult Sunday school Bible study IS an elder-type role and would be wrong under his complementarian view. However, co-teaching a topical class (like parenting) is NOT eldership and he'd be fine with it. He warns against creating Pharisaic rules but draws the line at verse-by-verse Bible teaching.

Bonus Q after viewer watched WIM series: Is a woman helping her husband teach a co-ed adult Sunday school class an elder-type role?

1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism egalitarianism

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-05

Taking On an Atheist’s Challenge: Can you please respond to Holy Koolaid’s video alleging various Bible contradictions and problems with Christianity? Did Jesus Himself undermine Christianity?

Q&A question: Taking On an Atheist’s Challenge

Jesus atheism

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-05

The Pinnacle of Wickedness: Mike, are we there yet? The Bible says it will be as in the days of Noah in the last days. Have we arrived at the pinnacle of wickedness yet?

Q&A question: The Pinnacle of Wickedness

NAR

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-05

Questioning Salvation = Not Saved?: I asked the youth how confident they are of salvation on a 1-10 scale. One replied with a ”7” citing that they still sin and don’t read their Bible often. Can one be saved if they associate salvation with works like Bible reading? Are the warnings in Galatians fitting here?

Q&A question: Questioning Salvation = Not Saved?

salvation

Discussing Biblical “Contradictions”!: Can you please discuss some different Bible passages that appear to be contradictory?

Q&A question: Discussing Biblical “Contradictions”!

biblical reliability

Hypostatic Union – Contradictory?: Is Jesus being God and Man a contradiction? The Bible says that the Son doesn’t know the day or the hour of His coming. Can Jesus know (as God) and not know (as Man) at the same time?

Q&A question: Hypostatic Union – Contradictory?

Jesus

Bible = Pure Fiction?: As a Christian, what is an appropriate answer to an atheist claiming that the Bible is pure fiction?

Q&A question: Bible = Pure Fiction?

atheism

James James 2 John 5 James salvation James 2

Mixed Messages in Scripture?: I lost my faith due to all the mixed messages in the Bible. For example, is salvation by faith alone like John 5: 24, or faith plus works like James 2? Why doesn’t this cause you to doubt?

Q&A question: Mixed Messages in Scripture?

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-19

How to Trust in Christ: I’m a Bible believing non-Christian that hurt himself by absorbing bad Charismatic teachings. I have always had trouble trusting and accepting Christ. How would one begin to as a skeptic?

Q&A question: How to Trust in Christ

charismatic movement

The Bible Doesn’t Exist?: Can you please respond to Abraham Piper’s claim that the Bible doesn’t even exist?

Q&A question: The Bible Doesn’t Exist?

Abraham

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-19

Lack of Works = No Heaven?: Why do we only talk about what will get you into Heaven (faith or works or both)? The Bible seems to teach that only faith can get you in, but lack of works can keep you out. Any thoughts?

Q&A question: Lack of Works = No Heaven?

heaven

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-26

Delivering Someone Over to Satan?: What does the Bible mean when it says to "deliver such a one over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh"?

Q&A question: Delivering Someone Over to Satan?

Satan

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-26

Prophecy = Preaching the Word?: I hear many Bible teachers say that the New Testament gift of prophecy is merely proclaiming/preaching the Word; it is never predictive or revelatory. That doesn’t seem right to me. Could you give us your take?

Q&A question: Prophecy = Preaching the Word?

prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-26

Dangerous Recreational Activities: What does the Bible say about participating in dangerous activities, particularly those that are recreational, such as riding motorcycles, mountain climbing, big wave surfing, etc.?

Q&A question: Dangerous Recreational Activities

creation

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-16

The Changing Morality of the Bible?: Why does God seem more wrathful in the Old Testament and more forgiving and loving in the New Testament? Does the Bible have changing morals?

Q&A question: The Changing Morality of the Bible?

generosity

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-16

Strengthening our “Study Muscles”: What are some ways to make reading the Bible easier? I’m not saying I want the Scriptures deluded or anything, but I’m not a very good reader and I just end up getting frustrated and quitting.

Q&A question: Strengthening our “Study Muscles”

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-23

Jesus’ Deity in Scripture: Where does the Bible teach that the deity of Jesus is a salvation/damnation issue? For example, in Athens (Acts 17), it seems weird that Paul didn't explicitly teach this. John 8, perhaps?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Deity in Scripture

Acts 17 John 8 Acts 17 Jesus salvation

Mike Winger idea 2024-09-06

Proof of Annihilationism?: Does Isaiah 66: 24 prove annihilationism? The only counter verse seems to be Revelation 14: 10-11 and most of the Bible talks about Sheol, perishing, or the wages being death.

Q&A question: Proof of Annihilationism?

Isaiah revelation Isaiah revelation annihilationism

Mike Winger idea 2024-09-20

Bible Typography: How important is Bible typography? For example, the way the KJV arranges paragraphs makes context harder to understand than in the ESV.

Q&A question: Bible Typography

hermeneutics

Mike Winger idea 2024-10-11

Thoughts on The Bible Project: What are your thoughts on The Bible Project?

Q&A question: Thoughts on The Bible Project

Mike Winger idea 2024-10-18

Anger at God’s Word?: Do you have any specific advice on how to deal with emotions while reading the Bible? Recently, I can’t even get through a few verses without feeling overwhelmed with anger or frustration!

Q&A question: Anger at God’s Word?

Mike Winger idea 2024-10-25

Advice for Depression & Spiritual Dryness: When I was a teen, I had depression leading to a suicide attempt. Through God I'm still here, married, and have a family. I read/study the Bible and pray, but I feel lost and far from God. Advice?

Q&A question: Advice for Depression & Spiritual Dryness

anxiety and mental health

A Biblical View of Immigration: What are some biblical thoughts surrounding the political issue of immigration?

Q&A question: A Biblical View of Immigration

Confessing Your Faith when Difficult: I'm a 30 y/o woman in SoCal, financially dependent on my Muslim parents. I've studied for years and I’m now feeling called to Christ. I fear being kicked out. Any advice on how to tell them I'm Christian?

Q&A question: Confessing Your Faith when Difficult

Islam

Eternal Begottenness?: Should we hold to eternal begottenness of the Son which seems to suggest that the Son was caused? It seems orthodox, but wrong to say of God.

Q&A question: Eternal Begottenness?

When Discipline turns to Drudgery: William Booth says, “We ought not consult feelings but do our duty.” How does that not then become drudgery? How do we be disciplined like Daniel, yet not mechanical?

Q&A question: When Discipline turns to Drudgery

Daniel Daniel

1 Corinthians 5 1 Corinthians 5

Hosting Sinners in our Homes: Is 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 only for corporate gatherings or also for private gatherings such as family meals, etc.? Should Christians host professing Christian family members who are living in unrepentant sin?

Q&A question: Hosting Sinners in our Homes

Overcoming Difficult Addictions: I’ve tried SO many times trying to quit vaping. I’m starting to feel like a bad Christian. Any advice?

Q&A question: Overcoming Difficult Addictions

addiction

Contemplative Prayer: I'm curious about contemplative and listening prayer practices promoted in my church. Are they rooted in or influenced by Eastern mysticism or New Age ideologies?

Q&A question: Contemplative Prayer

prayer

Why Didn’t God Forbid Polygamy?: If verses like Exodus 21: 10 aren't supporting polygamy but protecting women in a bad situation, why didn't God just outlaw polygamy outright? I agree with you, but don't know how to counter this argument.

Q&A question: Why Didn’t God Forbid Polygamy?

Exodus 21 Exodus 21