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Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Faith for miracles is different from saving faith — it's initiated by God (a spiritual gift), not fabricated by the believer. Jesus had a responsive ministry to the Father, not initiatory. You respond to what the Spirit reveals.

Theological framework: miracle-faith as God-initiated response, not self-generated belief

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14

Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Conclusion: Mark 11 teaches new-covenant prayer through Christ, accessed by faith (not works). Real faith believes both for miracles AND in suffering when God says no. The harder path of faith is trusting God's "no."

Summary of the full teaching on prayer from Mark 11 and 14

Mark 11:22-25 Mark 14:35-36 Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith Kenneth Copeland

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

Critical distinction: achronological narration (not specifying order) vs. dischronological narration (deliberately changing order). The former is uncontroversial; the latter requires heavy burden of proof. "Mere difference hunting" is not sufficient evidence for fact-changing.

McGrew's key methodological distinctions

harmonization literary devices in Gospels achronological vs dischronological narration

Mike Winger idea 2021-01-11

Mark 12:38-44 is Jesus's warning about fake spirituality in leadership and money-grubbing preachers, paired with the widow's offering showing what genuine sacrificial giving looks like. This is a pervasive, ongoing danger.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 51 on the scribes and the widow's mite

Mark 12:38-44 Mark series Mark 12:38-44 Mark series fake spiritual leadership

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

The disciples couldn't cast out the demon (Luke 9:40-41) because of faithlessness — Jesus calls them a "faithless and twisted generation." Spiritual power comes through faith and prayer/fasting, not technique.

Q7: Why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon in Luke 9?

Luke 9 Mark 9 Jesus prayer Luke 9

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Intercessory prayer may be connected to the spiritual gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9) — a Spirit-given burden to pray persistently for specific people or situations beyond normal prayer discipline.

Q14: Is intercessory prayer a spiritual gift?

1 Corinthians 12 Persis spiritual gifts prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

About our Prayers and Troubling Thoughts: When does God hear my prayers? I am asking you this because my thoughts are barely controllable nowadays, and those thoughts are causing me to pray very weird things and think about things I don’t want to think about.

Q&A question: About our Prayers and Troubling Thoughts

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Are a Person’s Days Determined?: Job 14:5 says a person's days are determined, yet in Isaiah 38, God extends Hezekiah’s life. It almost seems that with enough prayer & faith, we can persuade God to change His mind. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Are a Person’s Days Determined?

Isaiah Isaiah prayer

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

Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?: About prayer, I’ve heard many people say that praying to God should be more of a dialogue than a monologue. Isn’t the Lord’s Prayer spoken by Jesus a monologue? How should we pray then?

Q&A question: Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?

Jesus prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation: Does God really love me, and am I really saved? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but I am still sinful and I struggle with sin. However, it seems that God answers my prayers. Am I really saved?

Q&A question: Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation

Jesus salvation prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

If our Sins are Forgiven, Why Ask for Forgiveness?: If Jesus paid for all of our sins once and for all, why are we still called throughout Scripture to continually ask for forgiveness (ex: The Lord's Prayer)?

Q&A question: If our Sins are Forgiven, Why Ask for Forgiveness?

Jesus prayer forgiveness

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the Doxology in Scripture: How should we make sense of the Doxology at the end of The Lord's Prayer in some English Bibles when it doesn't occur in earlier manuscripts? Should we not use it?

Q&A question: About the Doxology in Scripture

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

Prayer to Help with Deep Depression: Can you pray for me? I’ve battled depression my whole life, and the past 2 weeks I’ve gotten so low I need some prayer if you have the time.

Q&A question: Prayer to Help with Deep Depression

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

How can I Better Support my Pastor?: Aside from tithing and prayer, what are good ways to support my pastor? Would it be weird to send an email each week thanking him for the sermon? I have a social disorder, so I’m always unsure.

Q&A question: How can I Better Support my Pastor?

prayer tithing pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

How to Overcome Nervousness in Prayer: Why do I feel nervous to pray? I want to but it feels unnatural to me.

Q&A question: How to Overcome Nervousness in Prayer

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

About OCD, Vows, & Fear: I’ve been struggling with OCD vows recently (such as, if I don’t say this in prayer, I’m not saved). Many places online say to let it go, and that you can’t make a vow out of fear. How can I look at this biblically?

Q&A question: About OCD, Vows, & Fear

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

“Hearing” God in Prayer/His Guidance in Life: When we pray, how do we "hear" God's reply? How can someone differentiate between hearing the voice of God and hearing their own thoughts? When I pray, I feel like it's just me. How can I make decisions if I don't know what God wants of me?

Q&A question: “Hearing” God in Prayer/His Guidance in Life

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Are Prayers from Books Spells?: Could prayers from prayer books be considered spells?

Q&A question: Are Prayers from Books Spells?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?: I’ve heard several teachings about prayer and I’m a bit confused. Are we to pray once, believe we have it, and walk in faith? Or should we pray repeatedly until God gives us an answer?

Q&A question: Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?: Jesus promises to give us what we ask in His name/His will, if we believe it. He also says to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Can we really say that God keeps His promises when this doesn't always happen?

Q&A question: Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?

Jesus prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

Does Prayer Have a Required Formula?: I talk to God in my head and pray during the day, but my thoughts drift and sometimes I realize I never said “amen.” I know that He’s listening, but if it’s not formatted like a prayer, does it still count?

Q&A question: Does Prayer Have a Required Formula?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-17

Surrendering to God when it’s Difficult: I'm double-minded and depressed. I want real salvation but have a hard time fully surrendering. Good works and prayer feel like pushing a boulder up a hill. Any advice?

Q&A question: Surrendering to God when it’s Difficult

salvation prayer

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

A Prayer Request from Pastor Mike: Today I want to know how we can all pray for YOU and your ministry.

Q&A question: A Prayer Request from Pastor Mike

prayer pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

My Fault if Someone’s Not Saved?: I know God is in control, but since prayer and fasting makes a difference, is it my fault if someone is not saved because I didn’t pray or fast enough for them? I feel responsible when I eat or forget to pray.

Q&A question: My Fault if Someone’s Not Saved?

prayer fasting

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Right and Wrong Public Worship/Prayer: In Matthew 6:5, Jesus says not to pray like people in public who try to get attention. Would that include praying and worshiping in church?

Q&A question: Right and Wrong Public Worship/Prayer

Matthew Matthew 6 Jesus prayer worship

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

Tongues: Heavenly or Earthly Language?: When we pray in tongues in private prayer time, is this a heavenly language, or an earthly language?

Q&A question: Tongues: Heavenly or Earthly Language?

prayer tongues

Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?: Following a tragedy, people will often say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected,” which is often followed by angry or mocking non-believer comments such as, “Your prayers clearly aren’t working. Do something that will actually help like changing the laws.” What are some proper, biblical ways to respond to that sort of position?

Q&A question: Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Prayer for a Struggling Marriage: Would you please pray for my wife and I? I know it's a vague request without much detail, but we are struggling in our marriage and prayers are much needed.

Q&A question: Prayer for a Struggling Marriage

marriage prayer

Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Loving God vs. Fearing Punishment: I find that I fear Hell rather than love God. Prayer and Bible reading feel like selfishly avoiding Hell more than devotedly pursuing God. How do I stop my fear from getting in the way of my relationship with God?

Q&A question: Loving God vs. Fearing Punishment

prayer hell

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-15

Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?: Should prayer be a dialogue or monologue? How should we determine if instances of humans having a dialogue with God in the Bible are to be taken as normative?

Q&A question: Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?: Is “inner healing prayer” as a form of trauma relief biblical? This practice involves a prayer leader asking the patient to picture vivid images and hear direct statements from Jesus.

Q&A question: Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?

Jesus prayer healing

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Health/Prayer Update: Pastor Mike, can you give us an update on your personal health and sleep troubles?

Q&A question: Health/Prayer Update

prayer pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

Trusting God when He Seems Silent: What practical steps do you do to trust in the Lord? I frequently have difficulty trusting Him during difficult times, especially when He doesn’t seem to be answering prayer.

Q&A question: Trusting God when He Seems Silent

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

Traditional Preferences over Biblical Theology?: I’m an ex-Catholic, but I’m getting pulled back in. I don’t know why, but I just like praying in Latin, the Rosary, praying to saints, and using scripted prayers because I don’t know how to pray on my own.

Q&A question: Traditional Preferences over Biblical Theology?

Roman Catholicism prayer

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Can We Take Communion for Someone Else?: My mom likes to “take communion over people” when they need prayer as if it does something extra special or gives her favor in prayer. It seems like this isn’t right or biblical. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Can We Take Communion for Someone Else?

prayer communion

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Avoiding Distraction in Prayer: What is the best way to focus on God? Do you know of any techniques for this? While I'm praying, I try to focus on God, but I always seem to get distracted.

Q&A question: Avoiding Distraction in Prayer

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Can We “Declare” things in Prayer?: What are your thoughts on “declarative prayer” or “positive confession” (e.g., “I declare revival for this city,” “I declare that this day is blessed,” etc.)?

Q&A question: Can We “Declare” things in Prayer?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Why Do Two Peoples’ Prayers Yield Different Results?: Why do some people have a gift of healing that works when they pray for people, but I can’t do the same? If we are praying to the same God, why do two peoples’ prayers give different results?

Q&A question: Why Do Two Peoples’ Prayers Yield Different Results?

prayer healing

Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

How to Pray for Unbelievers: I don’t believe Calvinism is biblical, but I find that my prayers for unbelievers often sound Calvinistic: “Change their hearts, bring them to You,” etc. How should we pray for unbelievers' salvation?

Q&A question: How to Pray for Unbelievers

salvation prayer Calvinism

Mike Winger idea 2023-05-12

Is Every Good Thing an Answered Prayer?: Why are some people so quick to celebrate when God answers “small” prayers, but they overlook the fact that He didn’t answer “bigger” prayers like healing someone of cancer?

Q&A question: Is Every Good Thing an Answered Prayer?

prayer healing

Mike Winger idea 2023-05-12

Why does God Require Prayer?: Why would God require prayer for what He knows He SHOULD heal?

Q&A question: Why does God Require Prayer?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2023-05-26

Using Cannabis Before Quiet Time?: I take mild cannabis edibles for my ADHD. On them I have wonderful quiet times in prayer and Bible study. Would it be rightly dividing Scripture to say this is how I personally am being “sober-minded”?

Q&A question: Using Cannabis Before Quiet Time?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

Proper Posture for Prayer: Does God really care about our physical position while we pray or praise and worship? Does He care whether we are standing, sitting, bowing, etc.?

Q&A question: Proper Posture for Prayer

prayer worship

Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

Jesus = Michael the Archangel?: Is Michael the Archangel Jesus? I once heard a pastor give praises and prayers to Michael on the pulpit, and when I asked him about it, he referenced a few Scriptures but I’m just not fully convinced.

Q&A question: Jesus = Michael the Archangel?

Jesus prayer pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2023-08-18

When Other Faiths Pray for Us: When people of other religions pray for us and we see these prayers answered, how do we reconcile that with Christianity? Does that mean all faiths are good?

Q&A question: When Other Faiths Pray for Us

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2023-08-18

OCD-Like Prayers: Any thoughts on struggles with OCD-like prayers? Ex: feeling the need to pray for protection over family members every day in fear that something bad will happen to them if I don’t.

Q&A question: OCD-Like Prayers

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2023-09-29

Do Our Prayers Need to be Specific?: People have been saying with increasing frequency, "Make your prayers specific.” I’m wondering why I keep hearing this lately. Is this biblical?

Q&A question: Do Our Prayers Need to be Specific?

prayer

Mike Winger idea 2023-12-29

Why Ask for Forgiveness?: If we are saved by faith alone, why are there so many prayers asking that our sins be forgiven, when by faith we know that they have been? Thank You

Q&A question: Why Ask for Forgiveness?

prayer forgiveness

Mike Winger idea 2024-02-09

Do Our Prayers Affect Others’ Salvation?: Do our prayers for the unsaved actually increase their chances of being saved, vs. if they didn’t have anyone praying for them?

Q&A question: Do Our Prayers Affect Others’ Salvation?

salvation prayer

← Prev Page 6 of 7 Next →

Faith for miracles is different from saving faith — it's initiated by God (a spiritual gift), not fabricated by the believer. Jesus had a responsive ministry to the Father, not initiatory. You respond to what the Spirit reveals.

Conclusion: Mark 11 teaches new-covenant prayer through Christ, accessed by faith (not works). Real faith believes both for miracles AND in suffering when God says no. The harder path of faith is trusting God's "no."

Critical distinction: achronological narration (not specifying order) vs. dischronological narration (deliberately changing order). The former is uncontroversial; the latter requires heavy burden of proof. "Mere difference hunting" is not sufficient evidence for fact-changing.

Mark 12:38-44 is Jesus's warning about fake spirituality in leadership and money-grubbing preachers, paired with the widow's offering showing what genuine sacrificial giving looks like. This is a pervasive, ongoing danger.

The disciples couldn't cast out the demon (Luke 9:40-41) because of faithlessness — Jesus calls them a "faithless and twisted generation." Spiritual power comes through faith and prayer/fasting, not technique.

Intercessory prayer may be connected to the spiritual gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9) — a Spirit-given burden to pray persistently for specific people or situations beyond normal prayer discipline.

About our Prayers and Troubling Thoughts: When does God hear my prayers? I am asking you this because my thoughts are barely controllable nowadays, and those thoughts are causing me to pray very weird things and think about things I don’t want to think about.

Are a Person’s Days Determined?: Job 14:5 says a person's days are determined, yet in Isaiah 38, God extends Hezekiah’s life. It almost seems that with enough prayer & faith, we can persuade God to change His mind. Thoughts?

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?

Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?: About prayer, I’ve heard many people say that praying to God should be more of a dialogue than a monologue. Isn’t the Lord’s Prayer spoken by Jesus a monologue? How should we pray then?

Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation: Does God really love me, and am I really saved? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but I am still sinful and I struggle with sin. However, it seems that God answers my prayers. Am I really saved?

If our Sins are Forgiven, Why Ask for Forgiveness?: If Jesus paid for all of our sins once and for all, why are we still called throughout Scripture to continually ask for forgiveness (ex: The Lord's Prayer)?

About the Doxology in Scripture: How should we make sense of the Doxology at the end of The Lord's Prayer in some English Bibles when it doesn't occur in earlier manuscripts? Should we not use it?

Prayer to Help with Deep Depression: Can you pray for me? I’ve battled depression my whole life, and the past 2 weeks I’ve gotten so low I need some prayer if you have the time.

How can I Better Support my Pastor?: Aside from tithing and prayer, what are good ways to support my pastor? Would it be weird to send an email each week thanking him for the sermon? I have a social disorder, so I’m always unsure.

How to Overcome Nervousness in Prayer: Why do I feel nervous to pray? I want to but it feels unnatural to me.

About OCD, Vows, & Fear: I’ve been struggling with OCD vows recently (such as, if I don’t say this in prayer, I’m not saved). Many places online say to let it go, and that you can’t make a vow out of fear. How can I look at this biblically?

“Hearing” God in Prayer/His Guidance in Life: When we pray, how do we "hear" God's reply? How can someone differentiate between hearing the voice of God and hearing their own thoughts? When I pray, I feel like it's just me. How can I make decisions if I don't know what God wants of me?

Are Prayers from Books Spells?: Could prayers from prayer books be considered spells?

Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?: I’ve heard several teachings about prayer and I’m a bit confused. Are we to pray once, believe we have it, and walk in faith? Or should we pray repeatedly until God gives us an answer?

Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?: Jesus promises to give us what we ask in His name/His will, if we believe it. He also says to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Can we really say that God keeps His promises when this doesn't always happen?

Does Prayer Have a Required Formula?: I talk to God in my head and pray during the day, but my thoughts drift and sometimes I realize I never said “amen.” I know that He’s listening, but if it’s not formatted like a prayer, does it still count?

Surrendering to God when it’s Difficult: I'm double-minded and depressed. I want real salvation but have a hard time fully surrendering. Good works and prayer feel like pushing a boulder up a hill. Any advice?

A Prayer Request from Pastor Mike: Today I want to know how we can all pray for YOU and your ministry.

My Fault if Someone’s Not Saved?: I know God is in control, but since prayer and fasting makes a difference, is it my fault if someone is not saved because I didn’t pray or fast enough for them? I feel responsible when I eat or forget to pray.

Right and Wrong Public Worship/Prayer: In Matthew 6:5, Jesus says not to pray like people in public who try to get attention. Would that include praying and worshiping in church?

Tongues: Heavenly or Earthly Language?: When we pray in tongues in private prayer time, is this a heavenly language, or an earthly language?

Prayer for a Struggling Marriage: Would you please pray for my wife and I? I know it's a vague request without much detail, but we are struggling in our marriage and prayers are much needed.

Loving God vs. Fearing Punishment: I find that I fear Hell rather than love God. Prayer and Bible reading feel like selfishly avoiding Hell more than devotedly pursuing God. How do I stop my fear from getting in the way of my relationship with God?

Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?: Should prayer be a dialogue or monologue? How should we determine if instances of humans having a dialogue with God in the Bible are to be taken as normative?

Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?: Is “inner healing prayer” as a form of trauma relief biblical? This practice involves a prayer leader asking the patient to picture vivid images and hear direct statements from Jesus.

Health/Prayer Update: Pastor Mike, can you give us an update on your personal health and sleep troubles?

Trusting God when He Seems Silent: What practical steps do you do to trust in the Lord? I frequently have difficulty trusting Him during difficult times, especially when He doesn’t seem to be answering prayer.

Traditional Preferences over Biblical Theology?: I’m an ex-Catholic, but I’m getting pulled back in. I don’t know why, but I just like praying in Latin, the Rosary, praying to saints, and using scripted prayers because I don’t know how to pray on my own.

Can We Take Communion for Someone Else?: My mom likes to “take communion over people” when they need prayer as if it does something extra special or gives her favor in prayer. It seems like this isn’t right or biblical. Thoughts?

Avoiding Distraction in Prayer: What is the best way to focus on God? Do you know of any techniques for this? While I'm praying, I try to focus on God, but I always seem to get distracted.

Can We “Declare” things in Prayer?: What are your thoughts on “declarative prayer” or “positive confession” (e.g., “I declare revival for this city,” “I declare that this day is blessed,” etc.)?

Why Do Two Peoples’ Prayers Yield Different Results?: Why do some people have a gift of healing that works when they pray for people, but I can’t do the same? If we are praying to the same God, why do two peoples’ prayers give different results?

How to Pray for Unbelievers: I don’t believe Calvinism is biblical, but I find that my prayers for unbelievers often sound Calvinistic: “Change their hearts, bring them to You,” etc. How should we pray for unbelievers' salvation?

Is Every Good Thing an Answered Prayer?: Why are some people so quick to celebrate when God answers “small” prayers, but they overlook the fact that He didn’t answer “bigger” prayers like healing someone of cancer?

Why does God Require Prayer?: Why would God require prayer for what He knows He SHOULD heal?

Using Cannabis Before Quiet Time?: I take mild cannabis edibles for my ADHD. On them I have wonderful quiet times in prayer and Bible study. Would it be rightly dividing Scripture to say this is how I personally am being “sober-minded”?

Proper Posture for Prayer: Does God really care about our physical position while we pray or praise and worship? Does He care whether we are standing, sitting, bowing, etc.?

Jesus = Michael the Archangel?: Is Michael the Archangel Jesus? I once heard a pastor give praises and prayers to Michael on the pulpit, and when I asked him about it, he referenced a few Scriptures but I’m just not fully convinced.

When Other Faiths Pray for Us: When people of other religions pray for us and we see these prayers answered, how do we reconcile that with Christianity? Does that mean all faiths are good?

OCD-Like Prayers: Any thoughts on struggles with OCD-like prayers? Ex: feeling the need to pray for protection over family members every day in fear that something bad will happen to them if I don’t.

Do Our Prayers Need to be Specific?: People have been saying with increasing frequency, "Make your prayers specific.” I’m wondering why I keep hearing this lately. Is this biblical?

Why Ask for Forgiveness?: If we are saved by faith alone, why are there so many prayers asking that our sins be forgiven, when by faith we know that they have been? Thank You

Do Our Prayers Affect Others’ Salvation?: Do our prayers for the unsaved actually increase their chances of being saved, vs. if they didn’t have anyone praying for them?

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