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All (271) Mike Winger (271)
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-01

Wives submit vs. children obey — different words, different authority structures; discipline is for children not wives

Continuing Q19 on husband-wife authority vs. parent-child authority

Ephesians 6:1 Ephesians 5:22 Ephesians 6:4 submission hupotasso marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 establishes mutual bodily authority in marriage and implicitly rules out polygamy

Reading and exposition of 1 Corinthians 7 on conjugal rights

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 Paul 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 conjugal rights
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Love in marriage means giving yourself to your spouse regardless of desire — selfless love, not feeling-dependent love

Practical application of 1 Corinthians 7 to the questioner's situation

self-sacrifice marriage love
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

The claim that a wife's submission will cause her husband to repent is not biblical — each person is accountable for their own behavior

Rebuttal of a specific style of marriage counseling

1 Peter 3:1 submission 1 Peter 3:1 marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

1 Peter 3:1 says a wife's godly conduct MAY win her husband — not that it WILL — preserving his moral agency

Careful reading of 1 Peter 3:1 regarding wives with unbelieving or disobedient husbands

1 Peter 3:1 submission Sarah Abraham
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Real-life example: a wife's Christ-like conduct broke through her angry husband's defenses and led to his conversion

Illustrative story supporting 1 Peter 3:1 and the "may" interpretation

1 Peter 3:1 1 Peter 3:1 marriage conversion
Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike argues that killing in self-defense is clearly permitted by Scripture, citing Old Testament law which imposed no penalty for legitimate self-defense, and Jesus’ instruction to the disciples to carry swords the night of his betrayal.

Response to viewer question about whether killing in self-defense is wrong in God’s eyes

Luke 22 Christian ethics just war Old Testament law
Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike gives an extended reading and defense of 1 Corinthians 11 on head coverings, arguing the text is about role differentiation within a framework of equal personal value, not about female inferiority, and that charging God with sexism reflects moral overreach toward the Creator.

Response to viewer asking about 1 Corinthians 11 and the charge that the Bible is sexist

1 Corinthians 11 Galatians 3:28 Ephesians 5 headship head coverings Trinity
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-05

Background to Exodus 4:24 — circumcision as covenant sign and Moses's failure to circumcise his son.

Question from Dave Baran about why God sought to kill Moses in Exodus 4:24 and what Zipporah meant by "bloody husband."

Exodus 4:24 Moses Exodus 4:24 Circumcision
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-05

Books on courting and marriage: tentative recommendation of "Love and Respect" based on its grounding in biblical commands to husbands and wives.

Question from Nathaniel about books for those preparing for marriage.

Ephesians 5 Ephesians 5 Love and Respect (book) Marriage theology
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-12

Q10: Galatians 4:27 — who is 'the desolate one'? Mike leans toward not forcing the Hagar/Sarah identification; Paul draws on Isaiah 54:1

Viewer Zoe Abundant asks whether the 'desolate one' in Galatians 4:27 refers to Sarah or Hagar.

Galatians 4:21-27 Isaiah 54:1 typology Paul the Apostle New Jerusalem
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-12

Q16: Is consulting and making decisions cooperatively with your wife permissible? Absolutely yes — the husband's headship is not about excluding his wife's input

Viewer Joel Parks asks whether Mike's past characterization of 'knucklehead' husbands means cooperative decision-making with a wife is wrong.

complementarianism headship marriage
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Responding to an abusive parent who weaponizes 'honor your parents': adult children are not obligated to obey parents, and marriage triggers the leave-and-cleave authority shift.

Question from Enoch about an abusive father who uses 'honor your parents' to demand submission.

Genesis 2:24 Genesis 2:24 Honor your parents Leave and cleave
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Why God creates people he foreknows will reject him

Our Fish asked why God would create people he knows will not choose him.

Matthew 13:24-30 free will theodicy problem of evil
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-26

Wife more spiritually mature than husband — encouragement over competition

Lil Mik Nick asks for advice when a wife is more spiritually mature than her husband who has admitted it.

marriage encouragement discipleship
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

1 Corinthians 5:11 "do not eat with them" — does not apply to family relationships

Listener Melissa Heeg asks whether 1 Corinthians 5:11's instruction not to eat with a sinning "brother" applies to family gatherings.

1 Peter 3 1 Corinthians 5:11 1 Peter 3 Lifestyle sin 1 Corinthians 5:11
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

Sharing Jesus with children when an atheist spouse objects

Listener Sheila is a new believer; her atheist husband does not want her sharing Jesus with their daughter because the daughter will think he's going to hell.

Acts 5:29 Acts 5:29 Atheism Religious liberty in marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Mark 14:36 refutes Oneness Pentecostal modalism by demonstrating distinct wills between Father and Son.

Question 12 from Our Fish about witnessing to a husband raised in Oneness Pentecostalism regarding the Trinity.

Mark 14:36 Trinity apologetics deity of Christ
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-12

Q&A: When a Christian feels static in their walk, the answer is to fall in love with Jesus again rather than legalistically checking boxes. Pray for increased love and dedication; remember first works (Revelation 2, Ephesus).

Q&A — spiritual stagnation

Revelation 2 (Ephesus) first love Revelation 2 (Ephesus) spiritual stagnation
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-19

Q&A: Family members with distorted gospels — separate fellowship/church from family. 1 Peter teaches a wife should stay committed to an unbelieving husband. Family is not the same as church partnership; maintain relationship while not partnering in false ministry.

Q&A — family with distorted beliefs

1 Peter (wives and husbands) 1 Corinthians (church discipline) family vs fellowship 1 Peter (wives and husbands) 1 Corinthians (church discipline)
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Jesus taught monogamy. Matthew 19:9 and Mark 10:11-12: divorcing and marrying another = adultery, which wouldn't make sense if polygamy were permitted. 1 Timothy 3:2, 3:12, Titus 1:6: elders/deacons must be husband of one wife — referring to polygamy prohibition. 1 Corinthians 7:2-4: each man his own wife, each woman her own husband — mutual sexual exclusivity eliminates polygamy.

Jesus taught monogamy — against polygamy

1 Timothy 3:2 Matthew 19:9 Mark 10:11-12 1 Timothy 3:2 polygamy polygamy
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Your part in prayer is faith, but GOD does the miracles — the power is not in your words or your belief, but in God's response. Forgiveness of others and repentance of sin are prerequisites for effective prayer.

Analysis of active/passive language in Mark 11 and the forgiveness requirement

1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24 1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Witnessing to Abuse Victims: A friend was sexually abused by her family including her mother, foster family, the school priests, and her first husband. Understandably, she refuses to believe in any God. How can I witness to her?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Abuse Victims

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Witnessing to Mormon Family Members: I'm a Christian who is married to a non-practicing Mormon who still bases his beliefs on LDS doctrine. I think I want to go into apologetics (largely inspired by you), but I don't think my husband will approve. I also feel called to evangelize my Mormon in-laws, but I struggle to get past their feelings-based testimony and their beliefs about who Jesus is and salvation. Any advice on my apologetic aspirations in my specific circumstances, and on the best way to surmount these LDS hurdles?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Mormon Family Members

marriage Jesus salvation
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 2021-06-11

About Married Couples in Heaven: Does Luke 20: 27-36 teach that people who are married on Earth won't be married anymore in Heaven? I feel sad that my husband and I might not be together still in Heaven.

Q&A question: About Married Couples in Heaven

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ: My husband isn’t open to hearing me speak truth, so I have stopped correcting him. Is this a sin?? If he dies, he will go to hell.

Q&A question: About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ

marriage hell
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Help with Marital Conflict: I feel led by God to homeschool my teens. My husband disagrees. He doesn't want them to be sheltered. I want to submit, but I’m conflicted. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Help with Marital Conflict

marriage submission in marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

Clinging to Hope in Tough Circumstances: My husband had a vasectomy before we got together. I used to be WOF and "claimed" a baby but now know that movement is heretical. Is it dumb to still believe in having a baby?

Q&A question: Clinging to Hope in Tough Circumstances

marriage heresy
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

Were Jesus’ Disciples Married?: Were Christ’s disciples married / did they have families? I believe there is a reference to Peter’s in-law, but I find it to be an interesting question. What would it be like for them? How would that fit with what the Lord tells us about the role of a husband/father? The love for God trumps all, so did that override their responsibilities as a husband/father?

Q&A question: Were Jesus’ Disciples Married?

Peter marriage Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

How to Respond to Verbal Abuse in Marriage: My husband yells & curses at me. I always tell him I don’t deserve it, but he continues. Can this be corrected? If so, how? And would I dishonor God if I stop being physically intimate with him?

Q&A question: How to Respond to Verbal Abuse in Marriage

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

Winger admits he doesn't have a fully clear teaching on 1 Cor 11:7 (head coverings) but explains 'woman is the glory of man' as related to creation order: God made Adam from dust, then Eve from Adam. Paul draws a parallel suggesting an interrelationship between man and woman that relates to authority in the relationship.

Q&A: struggling with 1 Corinthians 11:7 — what does 'glory of man' mean?

1 Corinthians 11:7 complementarianism creation order headship
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Discussing Theology Without Focusing on Death: My 14 y.o. does not like the subject of death (her father/my husband died suddenly 4 years ago). How can I talk about salvation and other biblical things in a way that doesn’t make her anxious?

Q&A question: Discussing Theology Without Focusing on Death

marriage salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

When Married Couples Disagree on Theology: What is your view of a husband and wife having differing opinions on eschatology or matters of salvation and particular biblical verses? Is it best to just agree to disagree?

Q&A question: When Married Couples Disagree on Theology

marriage salvation eschatology
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 2021-09-24

How to Support a Recovering Spouse: My husband is a recovering alcoholic, now beginning to attend AA meetings. As a wife, what are the most practical ways I can support him while encouraging him to begin leading our home in a biblical way without overwhelming him?

Q&A question: How to Support a Recovering Spouse

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Advice - Tough Marriage/Divorce Situation: Regarding divorce, you mentioned that verbal/emotional abuse is only a valid justification when it is extreme. How do we think biblically about what God would consider to be extreme? I'm finding it hard not to doubt my own perceptions, but my husband is in complete denial. Also, where the husband has essentially separated from the wife within the marriage, is it still not permissible to remarry?

Q&A question: Advice - Tough Marriage/Divorce Situation

marriage justification divorce
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

Why Didn’t Adam Stop Eve?: Since Adam was sinless before the fall, why didn't he fulfill his role as a husband when Eve was tempted by the serpent (it seems like he was nearby)?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t Adam Stop Eve?

marriage
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 2022-02-04

Theological Disagreements in Marriage: Should a husband refuse to go to a hyper-Charismatic church that his wife wants to attend, and rather attend his own church that emphasizes the Bible?

Q&A question: Theological Disagreements in Marriage

marriage charismatic movement
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Praying for and Trusting in God’s Will: How should I pray? I prayed for my husband's health, and shortly thereafter, he died suddenly & unexpectedly. Oftentimes, I feel that my will is out of sync with Yahweh's. It hurts.

Q&A question: Praying for and Trusting in God’s Will

marriage
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 2022-03-04

Help for a Tough Marital Situation: How does a wife whose husband hates church approach the issue when he convinces the kids (5 & 6 y.o.) that they can just stay home with him? How can I respectfully yet firmly advocate that they should come to church? Help!

Q&A question: Help for a Tough Marital Situation

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

Winger says NO — do not follow your husband to a cult. The Bible never gives husbands spiritual authority to dictate their wife's worship. Wives have a relationship with God independent of their husbands. He also rejects the 'husband as priest of his house' teaching as unbiblical. Uses 1 Peter 3:1-6 extensively.

Q&A: Husband joined a cult teaching women go to hell for wearing makeup/trousers. Should wife submit and follow him there?

1 Peter 3:1-6 complementarianism headship complementarianism
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-08

Raising Children with an Unbelieving Spouse: My husband doesn't believe in God and our 6 year old has started to notice and is asking why daddy doesn't believe. How should I approach this in a way that's helpful and honors my husband and God?

Q&A question: Raising Children with an Unbelieving Spouse

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-08

When a Spouse Refuses to Follow Scripture: Can you help a brotha out on what to do if your wife says she will never be a biblical wife for her husband? She is a believer.

Q&A question: When a Spouse Refuses to Follow Scripture

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

How Intimate Before Marriage is Appropriate?: I think sexual intimacy prior to marriage (i.e., clothed sexual touching/rubbing) is sinful, but my fiancée disagrees. What do I do, as a soon to be husband, when we disagree on what is sinful?

Q&A question: How Intimate Before Marriage is Appropriate?

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

How to Respectfully Correct our Husbands: As a Christian wife, what are some principles I can apply in order to respectfully and lovingly offer my husband correction when needed?

Q&A question: How to Respectfully Correct our Husbands

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

Do Women Always Need a Male Head?: If there is a Christian adult woman whose father has passed away and she does not have a husband, who is she to be accountable to?

Q&A question: Do Women Always Need a Male Head?

marriage
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