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All (242) Mike Winger (242)
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-16

Psalm 91 is NOT a guarantee of divine protection from all disease. Satan himself quoted Psalm 91 to tempt Jesus to jump off the temple (Luke 4:9-12). Jesus responded: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." God CAN protect, but demanding supernatural protection while doing reckless things is testing God, not trusting him.

Psalm 91 and COVID — don't test God

Psalm 91 Luke 4:9-12 temptation of Jesus temptation of Jesus Psalm 91
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-16

Selflessness should drive decisions — even if you're low-risk, older/vulnerable congregants face serious danger. Mike's personal practice: running errands for his elderly mother with COPD. Churches can close for a season without spiritual compromise — maintain community through calls, small groups, and online gatherings.

Selflessness and community during lockdown

Hebrews 10:25 Hebrews 10:25 COVID lockdown church closures
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-16

Romans 13: Christians should generally obey government unless commanded to sin. Closing churches during a global health crisis isn't persecution — it's a quarantine affecting everyone. Government conspiracy theories about using COVID to target churches are unfounded (China was already persecuting churches without needing excuses). The line: obey until they demand disobedience to God.

Government authority and Romans 13

Romans 13 Romans 13 Romans 13 Romans 13 church closures
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-16

Q: Is COVID God's judgment? Maybe, but claiming to know is pastoral arrogance. Jesus addressed this with the Tower of Siloam (Luke 13:4-5): those who died weren't worse sinners — but if you don't repent, you'll perish too. Judgment stands over all humanity; any time God doesn't judge is grace. The right response to any disaster: get your life right with God.

Q&A — is COVID God's judgment? (Tower of Siloam)

Luke 13:4-5 Tower of Siloam Luke 13:4-5 pastoral arrogance
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-08

The OT sacrificial system was a dress rehearsal for the cross. Israel given the law → failed repeatedly → sacrifices provided forgiveness and fellowship. Jesus fulfills this: lives a perfect life, dies sacrificially in our place (Matthew 26:28 — blood of the covenant poured out for forgiveness of sins), and rises from the dead as proof of victory and eternal life.

The cross — sacrifice and resurrection

Matthew 26:28 substitutionary atonement OT sacrificial system Matthew 26:28
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Sovereignty of God: God is good, all-knowing, and in ultimate control. Romans 8:28: works all things for good for those who love him. But sovereignty doesn't mean exhaustive divine determinism (God causing every single thing). Job: God allowed Satan's attack but didn't cause it. God is in control of the flow of all things, can stop or allow anything, but humans have real choices.

Sovereignty of God — not determinism

Romans 8:28 free will sovereignty of God free will
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-23

First livestreamed Sunday night Bible study (during COVID). Mark Series Pt 32 covering Mark 9:33-42 — unnecessary division, competition in Christian leadership, and why pastors shouldn't be CEOs.

Introduction — Mark 9:33-42

Mark 9:33-42 Mark Series servant leadership Mark 9:33-42 Mark Series
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-29

Mike announces his "passion project": hiring 5+ well-respected scholars (Craig Blomberg, Mark Strauss, Darrell Bock, Tremper Longman, Nijay Gupta) to each evaluate different books of the Passion Translation by Brian Simmons, producing free 5-page papers and video interviews. Goal: provide definitive scholarly assessment showing pervasive (not just isolated) problems with the translation.

Passion Translation scholarly project announcement

Mark Strauss Craig Blomberg Brian Simmons Passion Translation
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

McDowell responds to Moss's dismissal of Nero persecution: (1) 50-year gap doesn't warrant dismissal — McDowell's father remembers Nixon 50 years ago. (2) Suetonius provides additional support she doesn't cite. (3) Her claim that "Christian" wasn't used until end of first century is false — Acts records the term at Antioch c.47 AD. (4) Tacitus says "great multitude" — not a handful. Nero needed a sufficiently large scapegoat group.

Responding to Moss on Nero — four rebuttals

Acts 11:26 Tacitus Candida Moss Suetonius
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-21

Gospel contradictions: Williams argues the burden of proof is on the person claiming two accounts CAN'T fit together, not on the believer to provide the exact harmonization. The Judas death example (Matthew: hanged; Acts: fell and burst open) — multiple scenarios fit both descriptions. Ancient reporting conventions (no quotation marks, different summarization styles, legal naming conventions) explain most alleged contradictions.

Gospel contradictions — burden of proof and Judas

burden of proof Bart Ehrman Bart Ehrman
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-03

Should new believers read the whole Bible? Yes, eventually. But start with the Gospel of John (written for the purpose of producing faith), then the rest of the NT. Read Psalms and Proverbs for wisdom/worship. Genesis for foundations. Don't start at Genesis 1 and try to plow through — you'll bog down in Leviticus. A reading plan helps maintain consistency.

Bible reading plan for new believers

John 20:31 Gospel of John Gospel of John new believers
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-19

Leviticus 20:10 objection: if adultery = death, how can it be grounds for divorce (the person would be dead)? Four responses: (1) The death penalty wasn't practiced after 30 AD under Roman rule — John 18:31: "it is not lawful for us to put anyone to death." (2) The Mishnah has rules for divorced adulteresses (can't marry their lover) — proving they weren't killed. (3) Adultery was hard to prove (requires 2+ witnesses). (4) Jesus uses porneia (broader than adultery) to include lesser sexual offenses.

Adultery death penalty objection — four rebuttals

Leviticus 20:10 John 18:31 Deuteronomy 24 Leviticus 20:10 John 18:31 Mishnah Yevamot 2:8
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 2020-08-21

Deliberate sin and condemnation (Hebrews 10): (1) The NT provides forgiveness for sins the OT law couldn't cover — Jesus is better than the law. (2) Hebrews' "willful sin" passage is about apostasy (rejecting Christ entirely), not individual acts of deliberate sin. The context of Hebrews 10 is about abandoning the faith, not occasional moral failures.

Deliberate sin — Hebrews 10 is about apostasy

Hebrews 10 willful sin apostasy apostasy Hebrews 10 willful sin
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

Solomon's inauguration on a donkey (1 Kings 1) and Genesis 49:10-11 provide additional donkey-messiah connections that Zechariah 9:9 likely draws from.

Additional OT background on donkey symbolism

Genesis 49:10-11 Psalm 20:7 1 Kings 1 typology typology Genesis 49:10-11
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

Four theodicies provide a cumulative answer to the problem of evil: soul-building, free will, natural law, and skeptical theism.

Detailed treatment of theodicies responding to the problem of evil

theodicy theodicy problem of evil
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Mountain-moving is a euphemism for what is humanly impossible but possible for God. Faith is weak (mustard seed), not strong — the emphasis is that you don't earn miracles; God does everything, you just believe.

Correct interpretation of the mountain-moving promise in Mark 11

Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 faith and prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Mark 11:27-33 reveals a striking parallel between the Sanhedrin's authority claims and modern Roman Catholic magisterial claims — not as a "hypocrite" jab, but as a pattern Jesus addresses.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 44 on authority, the Sanhedrin, and Roman Catholicism

Mark 11:27-33 Mark series Roman Catholicism Sanhedrin Sanhedrin
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

About the Lord’s Supper during Covid: In my church, holy communion is postponed because of the measures surrounding Covid. Drinking from one cup is not possible. To justify this, they use Joshua 5:1-8. Is this biblical reasoning?

Q&A question: About the Lord’s Supper during Covid

communion
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

Did the Covid Mandates Involve a Spiritual Battle?: A lot of believers seemed to believe the Church was being persecuted by being required to wear masks, meet in smaller groups, etc. Was a spiritual battle being waged in the Covid mandates?

Q&A question: Did the Covid Mandates Involve a Spiritual Battle?
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 2021-08-13

Should we be Worried about Gov’t Control?: Should Christians be worried about government control? I have friends not getting the Covid vaccine because "it's a way to be controlled by the government.” I want to think biblically about this.

Q&A question: Should we be Worried about Gov’t Control?
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

About the Covid Vaccine: How should Christians respond to the push to get the Covid vaccine (especially here in LA)? Is it our Christian duty to put others above ourselves, even if it betrays our own conscience?

Q&A question: About the Covid Vaccine

faith and science
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Advice for the Timing of Baptism: I recently converted to Christianity. Our church does baptisms once a year, but my husband has Covid and can't attend. I want him to be there, but I also want to get baptized ASAP. What should I do?

Q&A question: Advice for the Timing of Baptism

marriage baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Is Worrying a Sin?: Is worrying (stress/anxiety) a sin? If so, could you provide some thoughts on the reasons you think it is?

Q&A question: Is Worrying a Sin?

anxiety and mental health
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 2022-07-01

Navigating Marital Struggles: What should a Christian wife do if her husband doesn't want to work on their marriage, expects her to do almost everything when it comes to responsibilities, and doesn't provide enough for her needs?

Q&A question: Navigating Marital Struggles

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Does our Evangelism Determine Salvation?: Could our failure to share the Gospel actually determine someone’s salvation? Or will God provide the same opportunity somewhere else? I can’t imagine we have control over each other’s salvation?

Q&A question: Does our Evangelism Determine Salvation?

salvation angels
Mike Winger idea 2023-04-07

Should Men Move Out Before Dating?: Looking at Ephesians 5: 31, Should a Christian man move out of his parents’ house before trying to date, to prove they can provide an income and a house?

Q&A question: Should Men Move Out Before Dating?

Ephesians 5 Ephesians 5
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

Must we Share our Faith in Every Circumstance?: Looking at 1 Peter 3: 15-17, what would you say to anyone who would ask you about "the hope you have in you"? And are there times or certain people who you wouldn't bother providing that answer to (e.g., someone you know isn't really interested in the answer and just seeks to make fun of you)?

Q&A question: Must we Share our Faith in Every Circumstance?

1 Peter 3 Peter 1 Peter 3
Mike Winger idea 2023-11-17

Was Ezra Wrong to Assume God’s Protection?: Regarding Ezra 8: 21-23, shouldn’t Ezra have been practical and used the resources available to him? Isn’t it unwise to just assume/hope that God will provide divine protection?

Q&A question: Was Ezra Wrong to Assume God’s Protection?
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-16

Prophecies Written Afterwards?: How can you prove that parts of the Bible weren't written after the events took place, like prophecies or historical accounts of God's providence?

Q&A question: Prophecies Written Afterwards?

prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2024-03-08

Paul’s Hands vs. Jesus’ Hands: “These hands” provided for Paul in Acts 20: 34 NKJV & ESV. But “…of mine” (i.e., “these hands of mine”) is in some translations such as NIV & NET. Is Paul referring to Jesus’ hands or his OWN hands?

Q&A question: Paul’s Hands vs. Jesus’ Hands

Acts 20 Acts 20 Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-05

Don’t Add or Take Away!: People often use Revelation 22: 18-19 referring to the whole Bible. When I read it, I see it only referring to Revelation, since the New Testament wasn't formed yet. Could you provide some clarity?

Q&A question: Don’t Add or Take Away!

revelation revelation
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-26

When Competition turns Sinful: How do I know when my competitiveness is sinful? I coach baseball and want to ensure I'm providing the right model of competition for the players, while also still being as competitive as possible.

Q&A question: When Competition turns Sinful
Mike Winger idea 2025-01-03

Avoiding the “Barn Building” Attitude: I feel the need/desire to make good money - that it's necessary to feel secure, to be a provider, and yes - to have some nice things (a house, vacations, etc.). Am I the Luke 12 barn builder?

Q&A question: Avoiding the “Barn Building” Attitude
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-07

Giving Time vs. Money?: Is it ever OK to give time instead of money to church? How do we balance giving vs. saving, especially if giving might cause debt (Mark 12: 41-44, Romans 13:1-8)? I also have a family to provide for.

Q&A question: Giving Time vs. Money?

Romans 13 Mark 12 Romans 13 Mark 12
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-14

Should We Expose Pastors?: Can you provide an overview of why it is biblical and right to expose abusive and harmful pastors and those who are in positions of Christian leadership?

Q&A question: Should We Expose Pastors?

pastoral ministry
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 2025-10-10

Mark of the Beast: Always Wrong?: If a man takes the Mark of the Beast to provide for his family, how will God judge him?

Q&A question: Mark of the Beast: Always Wrong?

mark of the beast mark of the beast
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-20

A note left on Winger's car in response to his "Former Embryo on Board" bumper sticker argued that abortion is justified when a parent can't provide love, financial support, or a non-abusive home. Winger uses this as a case study in pro-choice reasoning, arguing its logic is genocidal because it ties human value to external conditions rather than inherent worth.

The bumper sticker note as a test case for examining pro-choice reasoning

abortion
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-16

Winger explains the reason for his extensive long-COVID delay in completing the Women in Ministry series: the number of complex texts and exegetical issues in 1 Timothy 2 is genuinely large, and he refuses to produce a rushed or shallow treatment of a topic that will have real impact on people's lives and churches. This reflects his broader ministry philosophy of thoroughness over speed.

Long-COVID illness and the delay in completing Women in Ministry series; commitment to thoroughness

1 Timothy 2 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Philo
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