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Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

Biblical confirmation: Genesis 1:26-27 (made in God's image as immaterial minds), 2 Corinthians 5:8 (we exist apart from body), Galatians 5:13 (called to live in libertarian freedom to choose love over sin).

Scriptural support for the philosophical conclusions

Genesis 1:26-27 2 Corinthians 5:8 Galatians 5:13 image of God Genesis 1:26-27 2 Corinthians 5:8
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The Sanhedrin's three authority claims (succession from Moses, Moses's seat, oral tradition) are structurally identical to the Catholic magisterium's claims (apostolic succession, chair of Peter, sacred tradition).

Detailed parallel between Sanhedrin and Roman Catholic authority claims

Matthew 23 Mark 7:8-9 Roman Catholicism oral tradition papacy
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Jesus's response pattern gives us a template: acknowledge the legitimate role (responsibility to teach) while rejecting the authority claims. The papacy has responsibility to teach God's Word but not the authority to determine truth.

How Jesus's response to the Sanhedrin applies to modern Catholic claims

Roman Catholicism sola scriptura papacy
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Christians must have spines — courage of conviction — when facing cultural pressure. Not angry Christians, but Christians who speak truth clearly and wisely. The persecuted church's lesson: when you know you're following God's revealed Word, you don't need man's permission.

Application on Christian courage in the face of authority and cultural pressure

Christian courage people-pleasing
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

Mark 12:13-17 ("Render to Caesar") is one of the most political NT passages — the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about the poll tax, and Jesus's answer gives principles for Christian politics.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 47 on the tribute to Caesar

Mark 12:13-17 Mark series render to Caesar Mark 12:13-17 render to Caesar
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

Positive evidence FOR gospel reliability: consistent personality of Jesus across Gospels, unexplained allusions (John 7 — Jesus quotes a scripture nobody can identify), unnecessary realistic details, and the absence of realistic fiction as a genre in the first century.

McGrew's positive case for the reportage model

John 7 undesigned coincidences Lydia McGrew John 7
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

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

Overview: Interview with Neil Shenvi on Critical Race Theory. The culture has real racism problems, but CRT distorts the problem and offers solutions that create more injustice. The goal is to think biblically, not politically.

Introduction to CRT discussion with Neil Shenvi

biblical justice Neil Shenvi Christian politics
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 2020-11-16

Using Scripture against Scripture is the Sadducee/progressive playbook: Obama used the Sermon on the Mount to dismiss Romans on same-sex marriage; Rob Bell used "God is love" to dismiss hell. The only safe position is believing ALL of Scripture.

The progressive pattern of pitting Scripture against Scripture

Rob Bell Barack Obama progressive Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Jesus agreed with the Pharisees on 4 points (supernatural worldview, resurrection, Scripture authority, messianic focus of OT) but disagreed on 3 (traditions as doctrine, authority claims, works-righteousness). Jesus agreed with the Sadducees on NOTHING.

Summary: Jesus vs. Pharisees vs. Sadducees mapped to modern groups

Roman Catholicism sola scriptura resurrection
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-04

In Mark 12:35-37, Jesus asks a riddle about Psalm 110:1 — if the Messiah is David's son, why does David call him "Lord"? Jesus is challenging the LIMITED christology that the Messiah is merely a human descendant of David.

Mark Series pt 50: Jesus's question about Christ and David from Psalm 110

Psalm 110:1 Mark 12:35-37 Mark series deity of Christ Psalm 110:1 Mark 12:35-37
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

About Cohabitation Before Marriage: What Scripture shows that 2 heterosexual Christians who love each other and intend to marry can’t cohabitate if they are celibate?

Q&A question: About Cohabitation Before Marriage

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

Defense of the Trinity: Hi Mike! I fully believe in the Trinity due to ALL of Scripture. But 1 Corinthians 8:6 is a bit problematic and seems Unitarian. What do you make of it?

Q&A question: Defense of the Trinity

1 Corinthians 8 Trinity 1 Corinthians 8
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

How do we Meditate on Scripture?: I was wondering: how do you remember Scripture? I will read in the morning, and by the time night/the next day comes, I forget what I read. I know we’re to meditate on it, but how do we do this?

Q&A question: How do we Meditate on Scripture?

meditation and contemplation
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

In Defense of Sola Scriptura: What is your understanding of 2 Thessalonians 2: 15, as many Orthodox Christians point to this as evidence of the legitimacy of traditions that are not explicitly written in Scripture?

Q&A question: In Defense of Sola Scriptura

apologetics Reformation theology
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Is All of Scripture Inspired?: When Paul says, "I say, not the Lord but I..." in 1 Corinthians 7: 12, does that mean that portion of Scripture was not inspired?

Q&A question: Is All of Scripture Inspired?

1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 7
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 2021-07-23

Is Biblical Numerology Really Biblical?: What are your thoughts about “biblical numerology”? Are certain numbers in Scripture intended by God to carry hidden theological significance for us to find, or is this a man-made and potentially dangerous thing to look for while studying?

Q&A question: Is Biblical Numerology Really Biblical?

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 2021-07-30

About “Rhema” (Sword of the Spirit): Can you explain the Greek word Rhema in Ephesians 6 when it talks about the “sword of the Spirit is the Word of God?” Is it Scripture, or like a word of wisdom, knowledge, or prophecy?

Q&A question: About “Rhema” (Sword of the Spirit)

Ephesians 6 prophecy Ephesians 6
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

Did Jesus Consider the OT to be Scripture?: You said in a past Q&A session that Jude references Enoch, and your best explanation is that it's just to make a point, not to say that Enoch is canon or inerrant. But that's also my conclusion about when Jesus refers to the Old Testament. Isn’t it the same for when Jesus refers to the Old Testament?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Consider the OT to be Scripture?

Jesus Enoch
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

If I Don’t Read Scripture, am I Still Accountable?: Romans 1:8-2: 16…Responsibility? I'm afraid to read/not read the Scriptures. So I read/don't read, sometimes feeling physically ill/deeply anxious/even empty. Is it normal to feel like this?

Q&A question: If I Don’t Read Scripture, am I Still Accountable?

Romans 1 Romans 1
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

About Paul and a Time Gap in Scripture: Why didn’t Luke mention the time gap that took place during Acts 9: 20-26, that Paul mentioned in Galatians 1: 17-18?

Q&A question: About Paul and a Time Gap in Scripture

Galatians 1 Acts 9 Galatians 1 Acts 9
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

Hidden Meaning in the Book of Ruth?: Is there any hidden meaning behind Ruth uncovering Boaz's feet in Scripture?

Q&A question: Hidden Meaning in the Book of Ruth?

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

About Jewish Interpretation: What's your take on Jewish interpretive methods for Scripture such as Gematria (Matthew 1: 17, Revelation 13: 18) or the Hebrew alphabet and pictographic symbolism? (Psalm 119: 73 for example) "Yod" = Hand, etc.

Q&A question: About Jewish Interpretation

Revelation 13 Matthew 1 revelation Revelation 13 Matthew 1 revelation
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

What is the Purpose of the Christian Life?: If a non-Christian asked you “What is the purpose of life as a Christian?” what would you say, and what Scriptures would you use as a reference?

Q&A question: What is the Purpose of the Christian Life?

Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Is Depression Ever a Sin Issue?: Is there ever a point where depression can be a sin issue? How should I view it in light of what Scripture says about worrying, while being charitable toward those who are struggling?

Q&A question: Is Depression Ever a Sin Issue?

anxiety and mental health
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Are Souls Eternal?: Is the soul as an eternal entity more of a Greek philosophical idea, or confirmed in Scripture? Do you have any biblical references for an eternal soul?

Q&A question: Are Souls Eternal?

Philo
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

About a “Gap” in Scripture: Can you explain the gap between the early churches in the New Testament and the first Protestants like Martin Luther?

Q&A question: About a “Gap” in Scripture

Martin Luther
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 2021-09-24

Identifying & Rejecting False Teaching: What's up with all the bad hermeneutics out there? How can those of us without formal training avoid bad interpretation/application of Scripture by ourselves and be able to spot them in sermons, etc.?

Q&A question: Identifying & Rejecting False Teaching

hermeneutics
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 2021-10-08

Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?: If Mary was aware of the immaculate conception (visited by an angel, etc.), why in Mark 3: 21 does it seem she’s surprised about Jesus being the Messiah? Scripture says His "family" that goes to "take charge of Him" for being out of His mind are His mother & brothers. Why would Mary think He is out of His mind if she had been visited by an angel?

Q&A question: Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?

Mark 3 Jesus Mark 3 angels
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 2021-10-22

Should we Read Non-Canonical Books?: Would you recommend that current Christians develop an awareness of Scripture that is no longer canon?

Q&A question: Should we Read Non-Canonical Books?

Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

How to Tell if a Sermon is Biblical: How does one recognize if a message is biblically accurate? Oftentimes a message is given with Scripture to back it up. How do you gauge the truthfulness of the message?

Q&A question: How to Tell if a Sermon is Biblical

Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

Does Scripture Value Children?: In the book of Job, his children were killed as part of his trials. At the end, he was blessed with more children. This has always bothered me. Why does it appear that children are disposable like that?

Q&A question: Does Scripture Value Children?

parenting
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

Was the Temple Ever Cleaned?: Blood was sprinkled around the altar in the Tabernacle and Temple. Did the priests ever clean up all the blood splatter? Or just let it accumulate? I cannot find the answer in Scripture.

Q&A question: Was the Temple Ever Cleaned?

NAR
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Lifting Hands in Worship & Others Watching Us: I have trouble lifting my hands during worship songs, though commanded in Psalms. I can’t get over the mental block that I’m trying to look good to people around me. Do I have a weak conscience, or am I disobeying Scripture?

Q&A question: About Lifting Hands in Worship & Others Watching Us

worship
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

How to Find Counsel in Scripture: How do I go about searching the Scriptures to help me find a solution or to come to a decision in an area of my life?

Q&A question: How to Find Counsel in Scripture

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

Tips for Reading Scripture w/Children: It seems like the more I try and teach my kids the Word (ages 8,12 yrs.) the more they say the Bible is boring and groan every time I want to read with them. I’m getting discouraged. Suggestions?

Q&A question: Tips for Reading Scripture w/Children

parenting
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

How is the Bible Perfect, Written by Humans?: According to Scripture, all humans are flawed. There are no examples of humans being perfect, apart from Christ. Therefore, how can anyone deem the Bible 100% perfect when its authors were imperfect?

Q&A question: How is the Bible Perfect, Written by Humans?

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

Comfort from Scripture after a Breakup: My girlfriend (devout Catholic) and I (devout "protestant") broke up recently after dating for a year. We wanted to get married, but we broke up due to our faiths. Where can I read for comfort?

Q&A question: Comfort from Scripture after a Breakup

Roman Catholicism
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

When to Lovingly tell Someone they’re Deceived: If you spend years lovingly bringing scripture to someone in a religion that corrupts it, hoping to open their eyes but fail, is it wrong to finally say directly they've been deceived, and that the religion is a lie?

Q&A question: When to Lovingly tell Someone they’re Deceived