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All (254) Scripture Commentary (171) Theology (7) Mike Winger (75) Pulpit (1)
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-01

Apologetics is useful and important but should not be overstated — it works differently for different people

Mike's pastoral qualification on the limits of apologetics.

Apologetics Evangelism Limits of apologetics
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-08

The church must maintain evangelism as its primary posture toward unbelievers; community service without gospel proclamation is insufficient

Response to question about churches focusing solely on community service vs. discipleship and evangelism

discipleship evangelism church mission
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-22

Peter's sermon in Acts 3 is directed to 'men of Israel' -- Jewish-to-Jewish evangelism with a distinctly Jewish message connecting Jesus to Messianic expectation

Survey of Acts chapter 3 sermon

Acts 3:12 Acts 3:17 Acts 3:25-26 Messianic prophecy Abrahamic covenant Peter (Apostle)
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-22

Acts 9: Saul is converted and called as the apostle to the Gentiles, but immediately begins preaching in synagogues to Jews -- the Gentile mission has not yet begun

Survey of Acts chapter 9, Paul's conversion

Acts 9:15 Acts 9:20 Paul the Apostle Acts 9:15 Acts 9:20
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-22

Acts 11:20 -- some men of Cyprus and Cyrene begin speaking to Greeks (Gentiles) in Antioch, preaching the Lord Jesus. Luke narrates this only after establishing how Gentiles can be saved.

Survey of Acts 11:20, first Gentile outreach from scattered believers

Acts 11:20 Luke (author) Gentile mission Acts 11:20 Antioch (Syria)
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-22

Preaching against idolatry is not the same as imposing the law of Moses -- idolatry is condemned universally, not only in the law. Specific Mosaic laws (Sabbath, tithe to Levites, feast attendance) are never mentioned to Gentiles.

Response to Hebrew Roots claim that preaching against idolatry equals teaching Torah

Law of Moses dietary laws feast days
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-22

Acts 20:16 -- Paul hurries to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost. Winger notes he missed Passover and his motivation is gospel preaching to Jews gathered for the feast, not pure feast-day observance.

Survey of Acts 20:16, Paul and Pentecost

Acts 20:16 Acts 20:24 Pentecost Paul the Apostle feast days
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-22

Q&A: difference between preaching Jesus as Christ to Jews vs. as Lord to Gentiles -- connects to what the audience already knows from Scripture

Q&A on Jewish vs. Gentile evangelism vocabulary

resurrection Gentile evangelism Messiah (title)
Mike Winger idea 2019-06-05

Is 119 Ministries preaching another gospel? Winger says no, after their clarification on salvation by grace through faith alone

Q&A: Castellanos asks if 119 Ministries teaches another gospel

Galatians 1 sola fide Galatians 1 119 Ministries
Mike Winger idea 2019-06-13

Anderson's compromised gospel: sounds biblical in some clips but denies gospel in others

Assessing the full picture of Anderson's teaching

1 Timothy 1 Timothy false teaching gospel
Mike Winger idea 2019-06-13

Anderson teaches that preaching repentance is a false gospel

Another major doctrinal error of Anderson

repentance false gospel Steven Anderson
Mike Winger idea 2019-07-24

Many are called but few are chosen; preaching the gospel to all implies a genuine offer for all

Mike uses the Great Commission and related teaching to argue against limited atonement's pastoral coherence.

Matthew 22:14 Mark 16:15 Great Commission gospel proclamation limited atonement
Mike Winger idea 2019-08-07

Leon Morris: God's wrath is consistent, not capricious — a divine reaction to evil

Mike cites Leon Morris's scholarly study of God's wrath in the Old Testament.

God's wrath divine holiness Leon Morris
Mike Winger idea 2019-10-02

Third meaning: all roads lead to God in judgment — this is true and sober

The one coherent interpretation of the slogan

Hebrews 9:27 gospel proclamation final judgment exclusivity of Christ
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-04

Culture's gospel of external beauty is antithetical to the Christian emphasis on inner godly character

Application of the 1 Tim 2:9 principle to contemporary women's ministry and culture.

1 Timothy 2:9 cultural critique women's ministry 1 Timothy 2:9
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-18

Having had an abortion: is it hypocritical to oppose it, have children afterward, or feel unworthy?

Question from "Faded Princess" about abortion, hypocrisy, and guilt.

Hebrews 4:16 Ephesians 1 sanctification hypocrisy abortion
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-02

Advice for young ministers: teach verse-by-verse through whole books rather than purely topical studies

Question from Andrej Pollock about practical advice for a young man called to ministry in a small church

Galatians Galatians preaching methodology verse-by-verse teaching
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-02

Advice for young ministers: root out pride continually — comparing yourself to other ministers is a major red flag

Continued advice for Andrej Pollock on young ministry pitfalls

humility preaching methodology ministerial formation
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-02

Grace Community Church COVID decision: Mike is on the fence — neither fully endorsing nor opposing their refusal to close

Question from Teonbay about Grace Community Church defying California government COVID gathering restrictions

Acts 5:29 Romans 13 Acts 5:29 Romans 13 COVID-19
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-17

Cheerful giving — the problem is the grudge, not the giving

Q from Folky about whether it is better not to give if you cannot give cheerfully.

2 Corinthians 9 Sanctification Giving 2 Corinthians 9
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-17

Purpose of a church service — discipleship vs. evangelism balance

Q from Austin Hallman about whether church services should be primarily for believers or inclusive of the unsaved.

Evangelism Discipleship Church
Mike Winger idea 2018-09-26

How Mike prepares his messages — text-first exegetical process

A viewer asks how Mike prepares for teaching.

hermeneutics commentaries sermon preparation
Mike Winger idea 2018-09-26

Can a high school student give a sermon? — Giving a message vs. holding the office of elder

A viewer asks whether biblical leadership qualifications prevent a high school student from giving a message at a school Bible study.

1 Timothy 3 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications youth ministry
Mike Winger idea 2018-09-26

Gaps in vocational ministry — expository preaching, apologetics, archaeology, worship leading

A viewer asks what the church is most lacking in vocational ministry.

calling worship leading apologetics
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

The role of the church's Sunday service is primarily discipleship with contextual outreach emphasis — the degree depends on the season and makeup of the congregation; discipleship always happens, outreach emphasis is more variable.

Q: Should the church be focused on reaching unbelievers or teaching believers who then go out and evangelize?

Evangelism Discipleship Church Mission / Ecclesiology
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Personal evangelism by individual believers throughout the week is more effective than Sunday-service-only outreach — placing the entire evangelism burden on the pastor is both ineffective and inappropriate.

Continued discussion of church role and outreach strategy.

Evangelism Church Mission / Ecclesiology Personal Witness
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Prosperity preaching flips Psalm 37 upside down — the psalm encourages those with little, not those seeking more

Conclusion of the Psalm 37 discussion

Psalm 37:16 Psalm 37:21 prosperity gospel Word of Faith contentment
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

Preaching with a stutter: accept your limitations, resist performing, and trust God to use you or redirect you

Question from Hudson Hancock, who preaches with a stutter and finds it discouraging.

Jeremiah Exodus 4:10 Jeremiah 1:6 Paul Moses Jeremiah
Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike advises a youth pastor that discipleship of willing students produces more fruit than constant outreach programming, drawing on his own early ministry failure when he focused on students who did not care.

Response to youth pastor viewer about ministry focus

Hebrews youth ministry evangelism spiritual maturity
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Demonic activity in first century as messianic confirmation and spiritual battleground

Jesus's authority over demons served as a sign to the Jews confirming his messianic identity; the concentration of demonic opposition is explained by Satan's forces mobilizing against the Son of God.

Gerasene demoniac Satan spiritual warfare
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Lines Mike will not cross for ecumenism: false gospel and sexual ethics compromise

Where qualified ecumenism ends — the gospel and moral compromise that hinders repentance.

Galatians 1 repentance false gospel church discipline
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Isaiah 6's commissioning does not mean God does not want Israel healed — the prophet's message hardens already-rejecting hearts, and God's overall posture throughout Isaiah is restorative.

Question from V Palumbi about Isaiah 6 and God's apparent unwillingness for the people to return and be healed.

Isaiah 6 Isaiah 1:18 Atonement Isaiah 6 Divine sovereignty and human responsibility
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

Politics in the pulpit — biblical worldview yes, partisan politics no

Listener Lisa asks whether politics belong in the pulpit; she is 100% against it.

Abortion Politics in the pulpit Biblical worldview
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Mike on women in ministry: he's complementarian — the highest leadership/preaching/governing role is reserved for men God has called. But he struggles with how to apply this to the wide variety of modern ministry situations. Women can teach; the question is in what contexts. He encourages women to study Scripture carefully and let it guide their choices.

Women in ministry — complementarian but cautious on application

1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism complementarianism
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

The Apostles' willingness to suffer demonstrates sincerity even without formal recantation opportunities. They knew what they were signing up for: Jesus told them they'd be brought before governors and kings (Matthew 10). They watched Stephen die, John the Baptist get executed, and Jesus himself crucified. They repeatedly chose to keep preaching despite imprisonment and beatings (Acts).

Sincerity without formal recantation opportunities

Matthew 10 apostolic martyrdom Matthew 10 sincerity of apostles
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-03

How to find a good church: (1) Sound biblical teaching is #1 priority — does the pastor handle Scripture correctly? (2) Genuine community — not just Sunday performance. (3) Don't expect perfection — you'll bring your own imperfections too. (4) Be willing to serve, not just consume. (5) Size doesn't determine quality. Visit several, ask questions, look for fruit.

Finding a good church

expository preaching expository preaching finding a good church
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-14

On Steven Furtick: Mike has seen a handful of his messages, finds his preaching style reckless with Scripture. Concerned about the level of allegiance/submission required around him — sounds like pastoral abuse from what he's heard. Furtick doesn't deal carefully with Scripture in context, prioritizing encouragement over accuracy. Similar critique to Joel Osteen.

Steven Furtick critique — reckless with Scripture

Steven Furtick Elevation Church pastoral abuse
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

The "fickle crowd" preaching point (same crowd shouts Hosanna then Crucify Him) is likely wrong — the Palm Sunday crowd was Jesus' traveling followers, distinct from the city population.

Correcting a common sermon point about the Triumphal Entry crowds

John 7:8-10 Matthew 21:10-11 Triumphal Entry John 7:8-10 Matthew 21:10-11
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit changes "forgiveness" to "I am-ness" and teaches that the Trinity has four circles (Father, Son, you/me, Holy Spirit). Jesus didn't die to save us from sin but from a wrong mindset. Hell is "just a pathway to heaven."

The Mirror Bible's broader theological distortions

John 17:7 Mirror Bible Mirror Bible François Du Toit
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

Can Preaching the Truth Harden Hearts?: What is a Christian’s role to speak truth on cultural issues to non-Christian society? Just preach good news & individual hearts get changed? It seems like preaching against homosexuality hardens hearts.

Q&A question: Can Preaching the Truth Harden Hearts?

homosexuality
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins: How would you respond to a pastor who says “I don't need to teach that a particular practice is a sin”? What dangers do you think are there if someone doesn't recognize certain sins?

Q&A question: About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Giving to Different Ministries: If I don't feel edified by the watered-down milk preaching at my local church, it is wrong to give less money to the local church and more money to online ministries that I spend hours listening to?

Q&A question: Giving to Different Ministries

generosity
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Overcoming Self-Consciousness: Mike how can we be less self-aware or self-conscious? It stops me from preaching to anybody because my thoughts tell me I'm being disingenuous.

Q&A question: Overcoming Self-Consciousness

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-05

Can we Trust Paul’s Writings?: I was wondering how you combat the claims against the Apostle Paul if you have heard of the claims against him, such as preaching a different Gospel than Jesus and the 12.

Q&A question: Can we Trust Paul’s Writings?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

About “Holy Water” or “Blessed” Objects: A local street preacher uses holy water on the ground, which he says keeps demonic activity from disrupting his preaching. I haven't seen Scripture support this. Is it biblical?

Q&A question: About “Holy Water” or “Blessed” Objects

demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

About Plagiarism in Preaching: Plagiarism in preaching seems to be on the rise. In Philippians 1: 15-18, Paul seems to be saying the end justifies the means when preaching. Is this an accurate interpretation, and applicable to plagiarism?

Q&A question: About Plagiarism in Preaching

Philippians 1 Philip Philippi Philippians 1
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching: What are your thoughts on the "Hellfire and Brimstone" style of preaching? Is there any truth in it?

Q&A question: Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching

hell
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-12

Is Everyone Called to Street-Preaching?: Do you think the warning in James 3:1 has implications for evangelism? I think all Christians should be ready to share their testimony when asked (1 Peter 3: 15), but not all should street preach.

Q&A question: Is Everyone Called to Street-Preaching?

James 1 Peter 3 James 3:1 Peter James 1 Peter 3
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 2024-08-23

Evangelism for the Ineloquent: Everyone seems to have their way of sharing the Gospel: street-preaching, pastoring, etc. How do I know how God has called me to share the Gospel? I'm not good socially, but I want to reach people.

Q&A question: Evangelism for the Ineloquent

pastoral ministry angels