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All (304) Scripture Commentary (166) Theology (15) Mike Winger (122) Pulpit (1)
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-01

Calibrated theological humility: hold beliefs with appropriate confidence, expect some error, keep learning

Continuing Q14 on following heart vs. conscience vs. Scripture

epistemology theological error intellectual humility
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

God is good and His promises remain — our eternal kingdom is incorruptible and preserved in Christ

Opening encouragement at the start of the Q&A, framed against social and political polarization in early 2021

Christian worldview kingdom of God eternal security
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Christians risk confusing Christ's kingdom with contemporary political events, as did the first disciples

Transition from opening encouragement into a warning about political entrenchment

discipleship kingdom of God Christian political engagement
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Psalm 37:4 is misused in Word of Faith teaching as a blank-check promise to receive material desires

Question from Lungil Zandi about how to read Psalm 37:4 without falling into a Word of Faith trap

Psalm 37:4 hermeneutics prosperity gospel covetousness
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Psalm 37 in context is an encouragement to the righteous who are NOT experiencing abundance, not a promise of material wealth

Contextual reading of Psalm 37 to correct the Word of Faith misuse

Psalm 37 contextual interpretation eschatology prosperity gospel
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 2021-01-08

The feeling of "not being there yet" in Christian growth is healthy when it motivates pressing on rather than giving up

Question from Derry Draws about how to grow spiritually when the fire feels gone

Philippians 3:13-14 calling Paul discouragement
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

The Hobbit analogy: getting into the Word is like climbing above the fog to regain vision and direction

Transition into the bonus questions — encouragement for the viewers

perspective Christian worldview kingdom of God
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

Ministry faithfulness in obscurity is intrinsically valuable regardless of audience size

Mike introduces himself and describes his Sunday night service in Bellflower, CA — typically 12-15 attendees despite massive YouTube reach — as an encouragement to small-ministry workers.

Matthew 25:14-30 Luke 16:10 Matthew 25:14-30 Faithfulness in ministry Parable of the Talents
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

Discipleship readiness: everyone can encourage immediately; formal leadership is about raising others up, not establishing authority

Second part of Bree Herb's question: how do you know when you are ready to disciple others?

discipleship spiritual leadership mentoring
Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike introduces the livestream as an informal Q&A format, explains he is preparing for an upcoming debate on the resurrection of Jesus Christ against an atheist on Thursday.

Opening remarks and format explanation

resurrection of Jesus debate preparation livestream format
Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike advises Christians to witness to Jehovah's Witnesses as they would to anyone, noting the advantage that JWs already want to talk about God, and encourages boldness in gospel witness with all people.

Response to viewer question about engaging Jehovah's Witnesses

evangelism Jehovah's Witnesses gospel witness
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-12

Q5: How to view false Trump prophecies — identified as wrong, traced to pride, competitive prophetic culture, and spiritual dysfunction

Viewer Crystal Peck asks about Christians who falsely prophesied Trump's 2020 electoral victory.

testing prophecy charismatic movement false prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Question: Synoptic differences — disciples called before/after healing Peter's mother-in-law; Luke heals by rebuking the fever

Viewer Stephen Wilson asks about the differences between Matthew/Mark (disciples called before healing) and Luke (called after; heals by rebuking the fever).

Luke Matthew Mark synoptic problem Luke Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

The still small voice (1 Kings 19) is not a model for seeking God through hints and whispers

Common proof-text for listening prayer misapplied.

1 Kings 19 spiritual disciplines still small voice listening prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Closing encouragement: abide in Christ as the first peg; upcoming study on the return of Jesus

Mike closes the Q&A with pastoral encouragement and preview of upcoming content.

eschatology second coming pastoral care
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 2021-03-05

Anxiety about eschatology (pre/mid/post-trib) is unnecessary — Christians are called to live ready for a full lifetime of service

Responding to a question about hoping Jesus does not return until after the questioner has died, due to eschatological anxiety

eschatology rapture abomination of desolation
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-05

Helping a believer in mental anguish: bear burdens without requiring performance; listen and meet needs without trying to fix them

Responding to how to help and encourage a believer going through a season of mental anguish

Galatians 6:2 Proverbs 14:10 pastoral care Galatians 6:2 mental health
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Parting thought: eternal perspective reframes present suffering

Closing encouragement from Winger at the end of the Q&A session.

Suffering / trials Eternal perspective Faith and trust
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-12

Closing: Mike encourages viewers who are convinced to start seeking God, praying, and paying attention to Christ. He promotes Braxton Hunter's YouTube channel as a resource for apologetics.

Closing exhortation and promotion

evidence for God evidence for God Braxton Hunter
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Good #3: Soul-building theodicy — suffering provides opportunities to develop character virtues (sacrifice, courage, compassion, forgiveness). Good #4: Robin Collins' connection-building theodicy — virtuous responses to evil create valuable relationships that grow infinitely over time.

Response to Q4 — soul-building and connection-building

theodicy theodicy soul-building theodicy
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-19

Q&A: The witness of the Holy Spirit is not primarily an emotion but a witness (like testimony) — the Spirit confirms truths like "I am a child of God" (Romans 8). It can come through Scripture, prayer, or ongoing experience and can be temporarily quenched.

Q&A — witness of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8 Romans 8 witness of the Holy Spirit witness of the Holy Spirit
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 2020-06-03

Mike announces BibleThinker is now its own incorporated ministry organization, separate from his local church (while still attending). Also previews follow-up to his marriage/divorce/remarriage study — longest teaching he's ever done (3 hours), nearly 1,000 comments in one week.

Announcements — BibleThinker incorporation, divorce study

divorce and remarriage BibleThinker ministry
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 2020-08-21

Feeling the presence of a dead loved one: concerning because it may lead to attempting to contact the dead, which the OT consistently condemns. If you're contacting any spirit, it's not the deceased — you're opening yourself to whatever spirit wants to respond. Encourage the person to cherish memories but not pursue spiritual contact. The practice of praying to the dead entered church history through the Eastern church's interaction with pagan culture.

Contacting the dead — biblically condemned

necromancy necromancy contacting the dead
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 2020-10-05

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 2021-05-28

Encouragement through Chronic Illness: I’m newly diagnosed with a very debilitating chronic illness. How do I continue to serve the Lord in my role as a wife and mother and serve the body of Christ? I’m very discouraged.

Q&A question: Encouragement through Chronic Illness

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

Should our Shortcomings Discourage our Callings?: I believe I am called to be a pastor, but I have sin & inconsistencies in my life. Do you think this could mean I’m not called, or do I just need to work on these things before being used in that area?

Q&A question: Should our Shortcomings Discourage our Callings?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Encouragement when we feel Empty: I struggle with emotional emptiness, abandonment issues, & having low self-worth. This makes my walk hard because my cup is always empty. God won’t answer my prayers. Any advice?

Q&A question: Encouragement when we feel Empty

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About being Used by God in our Lives: I see others being used by God, and I want to be used too. Because of this, I often struggle with envy, jealousy, & comparison. How would you encourage & help me grow past this sin?

Q&A question: About being Used by God in our Lives
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 2022-02-04

Encouragement for New Bible Teachers: I'm a recent MDiv graduate who gets questions from friends and family about the Bible. I do a study and answer them, and they respond with "that's what I thought." Any encouragement to keep trying?

Q&A question: Encouragement for New Bible Teachers
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 2022-03-11

Should we Follow our Hearts?: "Follow your heart" is a popular mantra, but is not encouraged in some Christian circles. I understand that Jeremiah 17.9 says "the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick," but Proverbs 4.23 says "the springs of life" flow from our hearts. Also, since God's word is written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31.33), shouldn't we follow our hearts?

Q&A question: Should we Follow our Hearts?

Jeremiah Jeremiah 31 Jeremiah Jeremiah 31
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Should we Desire to Read Scripture Daily?: Shouldn't a truly born-again believer desire to read the Scriptures regularly (even daily)? How should I approach and encourage a "Christian" who doesn't?

Q&A question: Should we Desire to Read Scripture Daily?
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

Encouragement for a Progressive Friend: My friend has always been a strong Christian and is now struggling with same-sex attraction. He has adopted progressive thoughts on the Bible. How can I encourage him otherwise?

Q&A question: Encouragement for a Progressive Friend
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Helping Friends be Biblical: Most of my friends claim to be Christians, but they support “pride month.” It depresses me that they encourage gay marriage which the Bible clearly says is a sin. How do I talk to them about this?

Q&A question: Helping Friends be Biblical

marriage homosexuality
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-15

Discerning True vs. False Prophecies: How do you test WOF prophecy when it sounds more like insights/encouragements, not foretelling future events? What SHOULD modern prophecy sound like?

Q&A question: Discerning True vs. False Prophecies

prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-05

Should we be Baptized while Having Doubts?: People encourage me to get baptized ASAP (Acts 22: 16), but I struggle with serious psychological doubts. Should I disregard my doubts and get baptized? Can I take more time?

Q&A question: Should we be Baptized while Having Doubts?

baptism
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Encouragement amid Infertility: My husband and I have struggled to have a baby, and I have had Psalm 127:3 on my mind. It makes me feel like there is something I need to do, and a lack of faith. What is the context of the “reward”?

Q&A question: Encouragement amid Infertility

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Encouragement Amid Physical Limitations: What counsel would you give a discouraged believer with a debilitating chronic illness who carries a lot of guilt for not being able to serve in the ways they want to be able to?

Q&A question: Encouragement Amid Physical Limitations

suffering
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

The Doctrine of Inspiration: What evidence and encouragement can you offer a believer who is struggling to trust the doctrine of inspiration? I know that it’s true, but I struggle with doubt.

Q&A question: The Doctrine of Inspiration

apologetics doubt and faith
Mike Winger idea 2024-08-09

Courage & Self-Control on Social Media: Do you think God expects us to post about controversial issues on our social media accounts? I don’t want to start needless arguments online, but I also sometimes worry that I’m being cowardly.

Q&A question: Courage & Self-Control on Social Media
Mike Winger idea 2024-10-04

Staying Encouraged in Today’s Culture: How do you stay encouraged in today’s culture? The culture is so discouraging. I sometimes feel like a failure because other Christians seem to “have it all together.” Also, how can we pray for you?

Q&A question: Staying Encouraged in Today’s Culture
Mike Winger idea 2025-03-21

Encouragement through Arduous Times: What gives people the will to live in the midst of terror, hardship, poverty, pain, childhood abuse, loss, and all other types of calamity (specifically non-Christians, but also Christians)?

Q&A question: Encouragement through Arduous Times
Mike Winger idea 2025-05-09

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
Mike Winger idea 2025-08-08

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
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