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Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

Molinism explained and distinguished from determinism

Listener Solomon Dahlberg asks whether on Molinism people's choices depend only on circumstances God places them in, and if so why doesn't God make everyone believe.

Molinism Free will Avengers: Infinity War
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

God chose to redeem through the cross to display his love, patience, righteousness, and desire for relationship simultaneously.

Question 15 from Daniel James about why God chose death and resurrection as the method of redemption.

John 3:16 atonement Incarnation righteousness of God
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-12

Objection to Premise 2: maybe the universe is infinite in the past. Response: an actually infinite past is impossible — you could never traverse infinite moments to arrive at the present.

Objection — infinite past

infinite past traversal of infinity JP Moreland
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Fourth option: written literature is the BEST medium for communicating detailed, specific information that can be preserved, studied in community, and shared worldwide. Other communication methods (prophets, dreams, miracles) are either also subject to interpretation, subjective, or lack specificity.

Response to Q1 — written text as optimal communication

1 Corinthians 12:12 1 Corinthians 12:27 Mark 12:30-31 hermeneutics hermeneutics divine communication
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-19

Jesus's death on the cross demonstrates that he values the hopeless, the dregs, the dependent — the very categories used to justify abortion. Jesus would rather die than kill the vulnerable.

The cross as commentary on abortion

abortion Incarnation and atonement
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-26

Reason 7 (The Real Hope): Becoming pregnant and experiencing the maternal drive to keep the baby alive — it was intuitive, not theological. Mike shares a story of standing outside an abortion clinic when a car accident happened nearby involving a pregnant woman, and the irony of everyone caring about that baby while babies were being killed across the street.

Reason 7 — maternal instinct and the car accident irony

abortion double homicide maternal instinct
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-26

Mike's closing appeal: abortion is not a women's rights issue — it's a human rights issue. For those who've had abortions: Jesus died for sinners, not just people with minor issues. The cross offers full forgiveness. Don't hide from guilt; take it to the cross.

Closing — gospel appeal

abortion Incarnation and atonement
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-11

Refuting Dean Odel's claim that Revelation 20:9 ("breadth/plane of the earth") proves flat earth via Greek word "platos." Problems: (1) platos means "wide/broad," not "flat" — Strongs says "broad"; (2) the passage describes a specific military march, probably across the valley of Megiddo; (3) earth doesn't mean planet here, just land.

Revelation 20:9 Greek word — breadth, not flat

Revelation 20:9 flat earth Dean Odel Revelation 20:9
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 2020-04-08

Mike leads a salvation prayer: admitting sin, believing in Jesus's death and resurrection, confessing him as Lord, thanking God for forgiveness, asking to be filled with the Spirit to walk in new life. He emphasizes the prayer is a step of faith — salvation comes from the heart posture, not the words themselves.

Salvation prayer

repentance gospel presentation repentance
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Forgiveness: two types. (1) Heart forgiveness — releasing desire for vengeance/punishment — should be given to everyone unconditionally. (2) Relational restoration — actually restoring the relationship — reserved for those who repent, especially in cases of serious offenses. Parallels how God forgives: the cross pays for all sin, but it's not received until one comes with repentance.

Two types of forgiveness

two types of forgiveness heart forgiveness relational restoration
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-19

Points 1-2: (1) A sacrificial lamb — Jesus is the lamb offered for us (Hebrews 9:12-14, 10:1-14). OT sacrifices were shadows; Jesus is the reality. He offered himself ONCE vs yearly repetition. (2) Purpose: avoiding punishment for sin — Passover was explicitly a judgment (Exodus 12:12). Israel needed the lamb too because they were also guilty of idolatry (Ezekiel 20:7). The cross saves us from God's wrath.

Points 1-2 — sacrificial lamb and dealing with sin

Exodus 12 Hebrews 9:12-14 Hebrews 10:1-14 wrath of God substitutionary atonement wrath of God
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-19

Point 13: Blood applied to the doorposts — possibly in the shape of a cross (top lintel and two side posts). Jesus says "I am the door" (John 10:9) — entry through him means salvation. The blood-covered door is the access point to safety from judgment, just as Jesus is the access point to God.

Point 13 — blood on doorposts and Jesus as the door

John 10:9 Passover Passover John 10:9
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-23

Context: Mark 8-10 reveals the messianic mystery — Jesus has TWO comings (suffering first, glory later), but the disciples only expect one glorious military conquest. Their argument about who's greatest stems from thinking they're about to rule in an earthly kingdom. They're wrong about both timing and values.

Context — the messianic mystery in Mark

Mark 8:22-24 messianic mystery two comings of Christ Mark 8:22-24
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

Evidence for early Christian persecution: (1) Multiple attestation across the entire NT — Gospels, Acts, Hebrews, James, 1 John, Peter, Revelation all attest to Christians paying a price for faith. (2) Earliest church fathers (Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp) confirm the theme. (3) Non-Christian sources (Tacitus, Suetonius) confirm persecution under Nero.

Evidence for early persecution — multiple independent sources

multiple attestation Tacitus Clement of Rome
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-21

Undesigned coincidences: subtle agreements between independent gospel accounts that are too incidental to be deliberate. Example: John says Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread (John 6); only Luke says the feeding was near Bethsaida; only John says Philip and Andrew were from Bethsaida. The connection (Jesus asked the local guys) only appears when you combine the accounts — no single author engineered it.

Undesigned coincidences — cross-gospel subtle agreements

John James Blunt John 6 feeding 5000 Bethsaida undesigned coincidences Bethsaida
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-21

Why the gospels can't be explained as deliberate fabrication: (1) No scholar — even skeptics — proposes collusion between gospel writers as a serious hypothesis. (2) The gospels contain brilliant parables (Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son) recognized as among the greatest short stories ever told — you can't manufacture genius by wanting to. (3) The simplest explanation for one amazing storyteller across multiple accounts is that Jesus himself was the storyteller.

Against fabrication — parables and genius

parables of Jesus gospel reliability Good Samaritan
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-03

1 Peter 2:24 ("by his wounds you have been healed") does refer to physical healing in Mike's view, but the TIMING is the issue. Many benefits of the cross aren't received now — we still die, still have corruptible bodies. Full physical healing comes in the resurrection. It's theologically inconsistent to demand healing for the common cold while accepting death from old age. The "healing in the atonement" teaching overreaches on timing, not content.

Healing in the atonement — timing issue

1 Peter 2:24 physical resurrection 1 Peter 2:24 healing in the atonement
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-12

Argument 2 — Multiple attestation: Mike Licona found 19+ passages across Mark, M (Matthew-only), L (Luke-only), and John independently attesting Jesus's death/resurrection predictions. Historians consider TWO independent sources "pay dirt" — this has far more. Jesus's prayer in Gethsemane (knowing he'll die) is in Mark 14, Matthew 26, and Luke 22 independently.

Argument 2 — multiple independent attestation

Mike Licona multiple attestation Mike Licona
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-14

Mike discusses the American Gospel documentary films. Both are valuable against prosperity gospel and progressive distortions, but both have a strong Calvinist slant — especially the second film. Mike (a non-Calvinist) was included in film 2 to round things out but was surprised by how strongly Calvinistic it came across.

American Gospel films — valuable but Calvinistic

Calvinism Calvinism American Gospel film
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

The crowd adds "blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David" — not from Psalm 118 — reflecting their political expectations. The OT sometimes calls the Messiah "David" as a typological title.

Analysis of the non-Psalm 118 addition in Mark 11:10

Ezekiel Ezekiel Psalm 118 typology Ezekiel typology
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

Argument 2 — "Don't indoctrinate children, teach critical thinking" — presents a false dichotomy. You can only separate religion from critical thinking IF you assume all religion is false, making this circular.

Second argument from Dawkins: the indoctrination argument

Natasha Crain false dichotomy circular reasoning
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

Key examples of alleged literary devices: (1) John moved the temple cleansing from Passion Week to early ministry; (2) John invented "I thirst" on the cross as a theological symbol; (3) Matthew's raised saints as "special effects." McGrew argues all are unnecessary — simpler historical explanations exist.

Examples of literary devices McGrew disputes

Matthew 27 Matthew 27 literary devices in Gospels fictionalizing literary devices
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 2020-10-29

The four central tenets of CRT: (1) Racism is permanent, pervasive, and normal; (2) Racial disparities prove racial discrimination (disparities = proof of racism); (3) Dominant groups won't address racism because they benefit from it; (4) Lived experience of minorities is central to understanding racism.

Four core tenets of Critical Race Theory

systemic racism critical race theory white fragility
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) is under attack by influential figures who call it "cosmic child abuse" and "pagan." Isaiah 53 is the key passage they avoid. Winger builds the case that Isaiah 53 clearly teaches PSA.

Introduction to the penal substitutionary atonement series focusing on Isaiah 53

Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Brian Zahnd
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Isaiah 52:15 — "he shall sprinkle many nations" — uses sacrificial terminology (sprinkling blood on the altar). Multiple ancient translations confirm "sprinkle" over "startle." The Septuagint of Isaiah 53 is unreliable in several key places.

Debate over "sprinkle" vs. "startle" in Isaiah 52:15 and the Septuagint problem

Isaiah 52:13-15 Isaiah 52:13-15 Septuagint reliability sacrificial terminology
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Isaiah 53:4-5 is the crux: "he was pierced FOR our transgressions, crushed FOR our iniquities; the chastisement that brought us peace was UPON HIM." The word "chastisement" is ALWAYS affliction from God in the prophets. Isaiah 53:10 confirms: "it was the will of the LORD to crush him."

Detailed exegesis of Isaiah 53:4-5 and 53:10 establishing PSA

Isaiah 53:4-5 Isaiah 53:10 Michael Brown Isaiah 53:4-5 penal substitutionary atonement
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

The Hebrew preposition "min" (for/because of) in "pierced FOR our transgressions" — anti-PSA advocates claim it means "because of" (we sinned against him) not "for" (substitutionary). But min is used 7,000+ times with huge variety, and most translations render it "for."

Debate over the Hebrew preposition min in Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 53:4-5 Isaiah 53:4-5 penal substitutionary atonement penal substitutionary atonement
Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Conclusion: Isaiah 53 clearly teaches that Christ suffered in our place as a sacrifice bearing our sin, bringing atonement so we receive his righteousness. Those who call PSA wicked are confused by caricatures — if the doctrine is so bad, why must they misstate it to argue against it?

Summary and Q&A on penal substitutionary atonement

Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 penal substitutionary atonement
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Progressive Christians are the modern counterpart of the Sadducees — not atheists, but religious liberals who call themselves Christians while rejecting resurrection, judgment, hell, the supernatural, and biblical authority.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 48 on the Sadducees and progressive Christianity

Mark 12:18-27 Mark series Rob Bell Brian Zahnd progressive Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

The Sadducees: no resurrection, no judgment, no afterlife, no angels/spirits; aristocratic minority of educated elites; publicly pretended to be faithful Jews while privately rejecting core beliefs. Modern progressives follow the exact same pattern.

Detailed profile of the Sadducees and their modern parallels

John Dominic Crossan Alisa Childers Josephus Josephus
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-18

The Christian response to persecution is NOT pointing fingers and crying "persecution!" — it's loving enemies, blessing those who persecute you, praying for those who spitefully use you. Persecution is a chance to shine Christ's love.

Biblical response to persecution from Mark 13:9-13

Mark 13:1-13 Mark 13:1-13 persecution response
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

Unity When We Disagree Politically: There is a lot of contempt within the body of Christ across the political aisle. How can there be genuine unity with those who differ so greatly in thinking when it comes to things like abortion or BLM?

Q&A question: Unity When We Disagree Politically

abortion
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

{About Jesus Descending to Hell” If someone believes Jesus had to suffer in Hell for three days after the crucifixion, could they truly be saved? Don't we need to believe it was all accomplished on the cross?

Q&A question

Jesus hell
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Jesus – “Forgive them, for they know not…”: Why did Jesus say “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” if Jesus knew they had to do it to save us at the cross?

Q&A question: Jesus – “Forgive them, for they know not…”

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Was Christ Nailed to a Tree or Cross?: I’ve heard some Christian songs say Christ was nailed to a “tree” instead of a cross. Would you happen to know why the two terms are interchanged?

Q&A question: Was Christ Nailed to a Tree or Cross?
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Repentance of the Heart & Mind: I am a former crossdresser (not transgender), but I don't feel any guilt or remorse for when I used to cross-dress. Any advice on how to not just repent with my actions, but also repent with my mind/heart?

Q&A question: Repentance of the Heart & Mind

repentance
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?: Is it man-centered thinking to say that “Jesus died for everyone but it is only applied to you if/when you accept it”? Are we the ones who give the cross its power? I’d Like to hear your thoughts on this.

Q&A question: Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

Where was Jesus After the Cross?: In a previous Mark series video, you mentioned that you don't believe Jesus descended into Hell after dying on the cross. If He didn't descend into hell, where did He go and what did He do?

Q&A question: Where was Jesus After the Cross?

Jesus hell
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

How to “Carry our Cross”: How should we carry our cross in a practical sense?

Q&A question: How to “Carry our Cross”
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

Did the Father Turn His Face Away?: Did the Father really turn His face away from Jesus on the cross?

Q&A question: Did the Father Turn His Face Away?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

Can God be in the Presence of Sin?: If God cannot be in the presence of sin, how do you reconcile an eternal perfect unity within the Trinity with the moment that Jesus “became sin” on the cross?

Q&A question: Can God be in the Presence of Sin?

Trinity Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Does God Need Death to Atone for Sins?: In Isaiah 6, sin is taken away by hot coals. Does God need death to forgive something or atone for sin (i.e. Jesus on the cross)? If so, how was Isaiah forgiven? If not, what’s the point of sacrifices?

Q&A question: Does God Need Death to Atone for Sins?

Isaiah Isaiah 6 Isaiah Jesus Isaiah 6
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

How did Jesus Pay in Advance for our Sin?: I'm not sure about penal substitution. How can it be that my sins, which were not yet committed at the time of the crucifixion, could have been imputed to Christ on the cross?

Q&A question: How did Jesus Pay in Advance for our Sin?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Will the Father Not Forgive Us?: Matthew 6: 14-15 says we should forgive others of their trespasses or our Father will not forgive us of ours. But the Bible also says that all of our sins have been atoned for on the cross. Can you explain?

Q&A question: Will the Father Not Forgive Us?

Matthew Matthew 6 Matthew Matthew 6
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Can We Wear Cross Jewelry?: What are your thoughts about wearing cross jewelry?

Q&A question: Can We Wear Cross Jewelry?
Mike Winger idea 2022-10-21

“My Yoke is Easy” vs. “Take Up Your Cross”?: I’m confused about why Jesus says “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden” but then instructs us to pick up our cross (of suffering?) and follow Him. That sounds like a heavy burden to me, to try to love and obey Jesus perfectly.

Q&A question: “My Yoke is Easy” vs. “Take Up Your Cross”?

Jesus suffering
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

How Was the “Thief on the Cross” Saved?: How was the “good thief” in Luke 23: 42 saved? He died without knowing Jesus' resurrection. Jesus tells him, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” but Christ doesn’t rise for 3 days. Confused!

Q&A question: How Was the “Thief on the Cross” Saved?

Luke 23 Jesus resurrection Luke 23
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-09

Why was the Cross Necessary if God is All-Powerful?: I have an agnostic friend who can’t accept that the cross was necessary. They believe God was not all powerful if He could not find another way of saving humanity without sacrificing Jesus. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Why was the Cross Necessary if God is All-Powerful?

Jesus agnosticism
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