Search — Theology Explorer

Romans 7 salvation sanctification Romans 7

Is Progressive Sanctification Biblical?: While I know sanctification is real and biblical, if we are dead to sin after salvation as mentioned in Romans 7, why do we need progressive sanctification?

Q&A question: Is Progressive Sanctification Biblical?

Witnessing to an LGBTQ+ Family Member: My aunt is gay but claims to be a Christian. I have never talked with her about this, but I feel I am doing her a disservice by not lovingly sharing the truth with her. How can I go about this?

Q&A question: Witnessing to an LGBTQ+ Family Member

homosexuality

Tourism or Idolatry?: I’m planning a trip to Japan and would like to visit some of the shrines for the tourism aspect, but I don’t want to sin against God or put my family at risk of demonic exposure. Is this acceptable?

Q&A question: Tourism or Idolatry?

demons

Believing & Receiving Biblically: How do I pray for something and believe I’ve received it (Mark 11: 24) such as healing or peace, if I don't know how God is using the illness or anxiety in my life or someone else's life?

Q&A question: Believing & Receiving Biblically

Mark 11 healing Mark 11

Is All Sin the Same?: Is it biblical to say that all sin is the same, and is equally bad?

Q&A question: Is All Sin the Same?

1 Corinthians 12 Ephesians 4 prophecy Apostles 1 Corinthians 12

Prophets Today?: Should the Church appoint/recognize official prophets, or is this something similar to apostles (only the original 12 + Paul)? See 1 Corinthians 12: 28, Ephesians 4: 11. Is it an office, a gift, or some mixture of the two?

Q&A question: Prophets Today?

Why Would God Allow a Pope?: Why would Christ allow someone to be appointed as His vicar on Earth? If the authority of the pope is illegitimate, how is that not the worst manifestation of blasphemy? How is it allowed by God?

Q&A question: Why Would God Allow a Pope?

blasphemy papacy

Resentful of the Father but Not the Son?: After a long and HARD life, I sometimes feel almost resentful of GOD the Father whom I’ve never seen, heard, or felt. But every day I love JESUS more and more. Is this normal?

Q&A question: Resentful of the Father but Not the Son?

Jesus

Why Doesn’t God Save Everyone?: My brother is an atheist and says he wouldn’t follow a God that he knows is real, who knowingly creates people who will reject Him and go to Hell, despite having power to save everyone. It’s hard to reason. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Why Doesn’t God Save Everyone?

atheism hell

Jesus’ Spirit Separate from HS?: Does Jesus have a distinct Spirit apart from the Holy Spirit? It seems that Jesus has His own Spirit (Luke 23: 46) that is distinct from the Holy Spirit.

Q&A question: Jesus’ Spirit Separate from HS?

Luke 23 Jesus Luke 23

Questioning our Pastors?: My pastor said that since God called him to shepherd, unless he is teaching false doctrine, you don't question your pastor even if you don't agree with something or they do something wrong. Is this right?

Q&A question: Questioning our Pastors?

pastoral ministry

Advice for a Discouraged Pastor: I’m feeling discouraged in my new job as a youth pastor. I don’t know if I’m making an impact or if I’m meant to do this. Any advice?

Q&A question: Advice for a Discouraged Pastor

pastoral ministry

Transitioning from Cult to Christianity!: I’m in the process of leaving the LDS church for real Christianity (thank you for your videos!!). Do you have any advice or resources for the deconstructing and reconstructing of faith after leaving?

Q&A question: Transitioning from Cult to Christianity!

Mormonism

revelation Jesus revelation

Where is Jesus “Seated”?: What does Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father mean when it’s also said that Jesus was seated on the throne in Revelation?

Q&A question: Where is Jesus “Seated”?

James elder qualifications James

Biblical Recipe for Anointing Oil?: The book of James tells us that if any are sick they should call for the elders and get anointed. Shouldn’t we be using the anointing oil recipe in Exodus 30: 23-25 instead of just olive oil like most people use?

Q&A question: Biblical Recipe for Anointing Oil?

Personalities in Heaven: I believe that we will still have our personality in Heaven, but what about unborn babies? Will they walk around in Heaven like non-player characters since they haven't formed their own personality yet?

Q&A question: Personalities in Heaven

heaven

About Jesus’ Omnipresence: I have a question about God’s nature. Since the Godhead hold all of their being in one indivisible present, in theory, could Jesus have been on Earth and in Heaven concurrently?

Q&A question: About Jesus’ Omnipresence

Jesus

Mike Winger idea 2025-06-06

Bonus Q! What are your 3 favorite books of the Bible, and why? No cop-outs! Thanks so much for your ministry, Mike, it's such a blessing.

Q&A question

Temptation Increasing vs. Satan Fleeing?: The Bible says when we resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). So why does it often feel like spiritual warfare INCREASES when we try to buckle down and resist sins of the flesh, addictions, etc.? When I resist, it doesn't feel like the devil flees - it feels like he tries even harder to get me to fall. Why is this?

Q&A question: Temptation Increasing vs. Satan Fleeing?

James James 4 James 4:7 James James 4 Satan

Mike Winger idea 2025-06-06

The Role of Physical Attraction: What role should perceived physical attractiveness play in choosing a partner?

Q&A question: The Role of Physical Attraction

Sins Against Us or Just God?: If someone commits a sin against you (abuse, etc.), are you also owed justice? Can Jesus forgive the justice you are owed, or was the sin committed only against God and not you (the sinner is now saved)?

Q&A question: Sins Against Us or Just God?

Jesus

elder qualifications Calvinism

Choosing Between Two Churches: What would you do if you had to choose between a Calvinist leaning church and a church that believed women could be elders? Both churches are otherwise healthy and doctrinally sound.

Q&A question: Choosing Between Two Churches

Processing Past Relationship Issues: My wife had several partners before our marriage. I wasn’t around, but I feel like I have to forgive the men. Am I being weird? How do I bring this to God, because I'm still losing sleep 10 years later?

Q&A question: Processing Past Relationship Issues

marriage

Colossians 3:18 Ephesians 5:22 1 Peter 3:1-6 complementarianism headship complementarianism

Winger says Eph 5:22 and Col 3:18 apply regardless of whether the husband is a Christian — the qualifier is 'your husband,' not 'your Christian husband.' Submission is not 100% in every possible thing, and exceptions exist for abuse, but the exception shouldn't be used to invalidate the rule.

Q: How should a newly Christian woman apply Eph 5:22 and Col 3:18 when her husband hasn't come to Christ and isn't supportive?

Pastors Using AI?: For pastors preparing sermons: What is the proper use of AI (artificial intelligence)? What are some rules of wisdom we can apply when using AI as a helpful tool?

Q&A question: Pastors Using AI?

pastoral ministry

Praying for Personal Blessings: Selfish?: Can you share your insight on how to get over the feeling that it’s somehow wrong to pray for personal blessings? Objectively, I know it’s not, but the feeling often creeps in, as if it’s selfish.

Q&A question: Praying for Personal Blessings: Selfish?

Confessing to Others: You've recently been calling leaders out publicly. Do all Christians need to publicly confess our sins, or only leaders? Is confessing to God and repenting enough, or should we tell each other?

Q&A question: Confessing to Others

repentance

The Importance of Jesus’ Lineage: Why was it so important for Jesus to be born from Seth vs. Cain, Isaac vs. Ishmael, etc., since He came to save all mankind?

Q&A question: The Importance of Jesus’ Lineage

Isaac Jesus

Mike Winger idea 2025-08-08

Should Shame Linger?: As a kid, even after apologizing, I felt my parents' shame/disappointment/anger in the room until a period of time would pass. I know my sin harms my intimacy w/God even though Romans 8:1 is true, so I can't get over the "awkward in the room" feeling when I try to pray or draw near to God after sinning. Should shame linger for a period of time?

Q&A question: Should Shame Linger?

Romans 8 Romans 8

Winger advises a 16-year-old in an egalitarian church on how to approach leaders: do self-assessment first (Matt 7:5, Gal 6:1), don't become one-sided in critique, acknowledge blessings from women's ministry even if the role is unbiblical, bring SPECIFIC evidence rather than just conviction, and start with encouragement.

Q from 16-year-old who has been studying Winger's Women in Ministry series and wants to discuss egalitarianism with church leaders.

Galatians 6:1 Matthew 7:5 women in ministry egalitarianism egalitarianism

Mike Winger idea 2025-08-08

Worship Lyrics: Thinking Biblically: I have a question about a worship song. Do you think it is appropriate to sing “Let Your holy fire consume us”?

Q&A question: Worship Lyrics: Thinking Biblically

worship

Mike Winger idea 2025-08-29

The Fear of Failing: I’m afraid I’ll sin or lead myself away from God if I make the wrong decisions about personal convictions, theology, and even daily choices. How should I deal with the fear of being wrong?

Q&A question: The Fear of Failing

Why Some Reject & Some Accept Faith: Could you help me answer the Calvinist who asks what the difference is between a person who has faith and a person who rejects faith? If we are all equally sinful, why do some choose Christ?

Q&A question: Why Some Reject & Some Accept Faith

Calvinism

Why My Prayer Isn’t Answered: How can I tell why a prayer hasn’t been answered? How do I know if I just have to wait longer, or if some sin is hindering my prayer, or if the answer is simply “no”?

Q&A question: Why My Prayer Isn’t Answered

prayer

Single but Living As Married: My fiancée moved in, is sleeping with me, using my credit card, is on my home title and health insurance, and we’re filing taxes jointly. But our wedding ceremony is not until 2027. I want to break up with her. Is that OK since we’ve made no vow yet before God?

Q&A question: Single but Living As Married

dating and relationships

Romans 5 Moses Romans 5 salvation

Sin Before The Law: In Romans 5: 13, what does it mean that sin was not counted against those before Moses gave the law? Did all those people receive eternal salvation?

Q&A question: Sin Before The Law

Mike Winger idea 2025-09-12

Jesus’ Stripes vs. The Cross?: My former church claimed that Jesus' stripes specifically paid for our sickness, while the cross paid for the rest, using Isaiah 53:5 to support it. Is this biblical?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Stripes vs. The Cross?

Isaiah Isaiah 53:5 Isaiah 53 Isaiah Jesus Isaiah 53:5

Mike Winger idea 2025-09-12

What’s a Backslidden Christian?: What's a backslidden Christian? Is this the same as a Christian with thorny soil (Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8)? And are they a slave to sin if they do sin? I'm afraid I'm this Christian.

Q&A question: What’s a Backslidden Christian?

Matthew Matthew 13 Luke 8 Matthew Matthew 13 Luke 8

Mike Winger idea 2025-09-12

Anxiety: Am I Doing Something Wrong?: I am a Christian and struggle with anxiety. It especially happens when I try to speak or when God is using me for something even around believers. It cripples me. Am I doing something wrong?

Q&A question: Anxiety: Am I Doing Something Wrong?

anxiety and mental health

Mike Winger idea 2025-09-19

PSA + Crucified WITH Christ?: How does the doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement harmonize with us being “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2: 20, Romans 6:5-6)? The substitution element seems to be missing, and wrath seems confusing if we are to affirm crucifixion with Christ.

Q&A question: PSA + Crucified WITH Christ?

Galatians 2 Romans 6 Galatians 2 atonement Romans 6

Mike Winger idea 2025-09-19

Pre-Wired to Sin?: Why are Adam and Eve guilty when the brains God gave them are what guided them to make their decision to sin? They processed the situation based on the way God had pre-wired them.

Q&A question: Pre-Wired to Sin?

Adam and Eve

Mike Winger idea 2025-10-03

Is My Sin Even My Fault?: Why am I accountable to God for my sins when I was born with a sin nature? Shouldn't a loving God provide the basic remedy for creation when they had no choice in being created and no choice regarding their nature?

Q&A question: Is My Sin Even My Fault?

creation

Mike Winger idea 2025-10-03

Why is David in Heaven?: Can you explain how David would be in Heaven when he knew 1 wife was God’s design but was living in continuous sin (1 John 3:4-9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Hebrews 10: 26, Ephesians 5:3-7)?

Q&A question: Why is David in Heaven?

1 Corinthians 6 Ephesians 5 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 David marriage 1 Corinthians 6

Mike Winger idea 2025-10-10

Is Repeated Repentance a Deception?: I have heard you say we should keep repenting. But, if we are continually repenting for the same sin or sins, has it lost its value? Is our repentance real or are we deceiving ourselves?

Q&A question: Is Repeated Repentance a Deception?

repentance

Mike Winger idea 2025-10-24

Witnessing to Muslims: My Muslim friend is willing to go through the Bible with me. Which books should I start with?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Muslims

Islam

Mike Winger idea 2025-10-24

Ladies: Is Makeup Sinful?: Is it sinful for a Christian woman to wear makeup? Nothing too much, but makeup nonetheless. How about nail polish? I don’t personally feel a conviction on this, but I heard a Christian say she “saw people in Hell for it.”

Q&A question: Ladies: Is Makeup Sinful?

hell

alcohol faith and science

Churches Promoting Events w/Drinking?: Should churches publicly promote local events involving alcohol? It seems unwise and inconsiderate toward those with weaker consciences. Some say we shouldn't legalistically refuse to advertise these opportunities for fellowship since drinking in moderation isn't sinful. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Churches Promoting Events w/Drinking?

James James 1 Romans 7 James James 1 Romans 7

Sin Struggles = Double Minded?: What's the difference between being a double-minded man (James 1:8) and being a sincere Christian struggling with sin and the flesh's love for sinful things (Romans 7: 14-25)? Can you draw a distinction?

Q&A question: Sin Struggles = Double Minded?

Romans 5 Genesis Genesis 5 Romans 5 Genesis Genesis 5

Adam’s 930 Years: Could Genesis 5:5 mean Adam’s 930 years began after the Fall, so he and Eve lived much longer in the Garden? Romans 5: 12 says death came through sin; did Adam start dying then?

Q&A question: Adam’s 930 Years