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All (376) Scripture Commentary (210) Theology (16) Mike Winger (150)
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-21

Names in the gospels match the known name distribution of 1st-century Palestine (research by Tal Ilan, Richard Bauckham). The most common names (Simon, Joseph, Mary) are disambiguated with extra identifiers (Simon Peter, Simon of Cyrene, Simon the Zealot) while less common names (Thomas, Thaddeus) stand alone — exactly as you'd expect from authentic records. Names are the first thing lost in retelling; getting them right indicates early, close-to-source transmission.

Onomastic (name) evidence — statistical match

Richard Bauckham Tal Ilan gospel reliability
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 2020-10-05

Mark 11:27-33 reveals a striking parallel between the Sanhedrin's authority claims and modern Roman Catholic magisterial claims — not as a "hypocrite" jab, but as a pattern Jesus addresses.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 44 on authority, the Sanhedrin, and Roman Catholicism

Mark 11:27-33 Mark series Roman Catholicism Sanhedrin Sanhedrin
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The chief priests, scribes, and elders = a delegation from the Sanhedrin (Jewish supreme court, ~70 members). This is a significant escalation — Jesus is now on their turf in Jerusalem, confronting the highest authority in Israel.

Identifying the Sanhedrin delegation in Mark 11:27-28

John 18:31 Mark 11:27-33 Sanhedrin Sanhedrin temple cleansing
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The Sanhedrin's question is for intimidation and ammunition, not information. Jesus's counter-question about John's baptism is a standard rabbinic technique that embeds his answer while denying them usable ammo.

Analysis of the Sanhedrin's question and Jesus's response strategy

Mark 11:27-33 Mark 14:61-62 Sanhedrin Sanhedrin Mark 11:27-33
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Jesus's two options — "from heaven or from men" — establish a "sola heaven" principle: heavenly authority doesn't need earthly institutional approval. John didn't get Sanhedrin permission; neither does Jesus.

The theological implications of Jesus's binary question

Mark 7:8-9 sola scriptura Mark 7:8-9 sola scriptura
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The Sanhedrin's three authority claims (succession from Moses, Moses's seat, oral tradition) are structurally identical to the Catholic magisterium's claims (apostolic succession, chair of Peter, sacred tradition).

Detailed parallel between Sanhedrin and Roman Catholic authority claims

Matthew 23 Mark 7:8-9 Roman Catholicism oral tradition papacy
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Jesus's response pattern gives us a template: acknowledge the legitimate role (responsibility to teach) while rejecting the authority claims. The papacy has responsibility to teach God's Word but not the authority to determine truth.

How Jesus's response to the Sanhedrin applies to modern Catholic claims

Roman Catholicism sola scriptura papacy
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The Sanhedrin's "we don't know" answer is pretend agnosticism — they knew what they believed but wouldn't say it. This is a modern plague: people claim not to know as a cover for not wanting to submit to the evidence.

Analysis of the Sanhedrin's non-answer and modern pretend agnosticism

Mark 11:27-33 Sanhedrin Sanhedrin Mark 11:27-33
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 2020-10-12

We are great critics of the past but blind to our own sins — the Pharisees built tombs for prophets their fathers killed while plotting to crucify Christ. We must see ourselves with the same critical clarity we apply to history.

Jesus's rebuke of historical self-righteousness (Matthew 23:29-31) and personal application

Matthew 23:29-31 humility humility Matthew 23:29-31
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

Mark 12:13-17 ("Render to Caesar") is one of the most political NT passages — the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about the poll tax, and Jesus's answer gives principles for Christian politics.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 47 on the tribute to Caesar

Mark 12:13-17 Mark series render to Caesar Mark 12:13-17 render to Caesar
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

The trap: Pharisees and Herodians (sent by the Sanhedrin) use flattery to pressure Jesus into a direct yes/no answer. They want either criminal charges (sedition) or depopularization (alienating zealot followers).

Analysis of the trap question setup in Mark 12:13-16

Mark 12:13-17 Acts 5:37 Proverbs 29:5 Josephus Josephus Sanhedrin
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Paul before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23) is a model — he cleverly divided the room on the resurrection issue rather than just proclaiming Jesus is Lord.

Example of Christian cleverness from Paul in Acts 23

Acts 23 Matthew 10:16 Acts 23 Matthew 10:16 shrewd as serpents
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Jesus agreed with the Pharisees on 4 points (supernatural worldview, resurrection, Scripture authority, messianic focus of OT) but disagreed on 3 (traditions as doctrine, authority claims, works-righteousness). Jesus agreed with the Sadducees on NOTHING.

Summary: Jesus vs. Pharisees vs. Sadducees mapped to modern groups

Roman Catholicism sola scriptura resurrection
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

Did the Covid Mandates Involve a Spiritual Battle?: A lot of believers seemed to believe the Church was being persecuted by being required to wear masks, meet in smaller groups, etc. Was a spiritual battle being waged in the Covid mandates?

Q&A question: Did the Covid Mandates Involve a Spiritual Battle?
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the Enneagram: What is your view on the Enneagram? I recently had a lot of problems within my church about this.

Q&A question: About the Enneagram
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 being “In Christ” in Paul’s Letters: In Paul’s prison letters, he uses the phrases “in him, in Christ, and in whom.” He seems to use these a lot in Ephesians 1, but also uses them in Philippians and Colossians. What does it mean?

Q&A question: About being “In Christ” in Paul’s Letters

Ephesians 1 Philip Philippi Ephesians 1
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Do We Have to Attend Church?: Is it OK to not attend church at all? I live in Russia and Christianity here is very unbiblical. I’ve tried a lot of churches and I don’t feel comfortable there.

Q&A question: Do We Have to Attend Church?
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Why Does Lot Offer His Daughters?: In Genesis 19:6-8, why does Lot offer his own daughters to the wicked people of Sodom?

Q&A question: Why Does Lot Offer His Daughters?

Genesis Genesis 19 Genesis Genesis 19
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Thoughts about Steven Crowder: What is your opinion on Christian YouTuber Steven Crowder? A lot of his content (while in the name of comedy and free speech) is quite vulgar and feels insensitive. Is his method biblical?

Q&A question: Thoughts about Steven Crowder
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

What is the Light in Gen. 1?: What is the light in Genesis 1:3? Some say the light is a spiritual force, Jesus, stars, the Big Bang, etc. I know it’s not Jesus, but I’m getting a lot of feedback in a group without any real solid answers.

Q&A question: What is the Light in Gen. 1?

Genesis Genesis 1 Jesus Genesis Genesis 1
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

Advice for Finding a Godly Spouse / Our Desires: I’m 23 yrs. old. 6 yrs. ago, my attraction to women just disappeared. This messed with my head a lot, and also, because of physical problems, I can’t approach girls in order to find a wife. Please, can you advise me?

Q&A question: Advice for Finding a Godly Spouse / Our Desires

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?: A lot of people in my circle talk about being under the "covering" and authority of their pastor and elders. Is this a thing?

Q&A question: Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?

elder qualifications pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Book of Ecclesiastes – Enjoying Life?: When the teacher in Ecclesiastes says to enjoy life, in the context of the book, is it being said like "Enjoy it 'cause it is a gift from God," or "Enjoy your lot since everything is meaningless”?

Q&A question: Book of Ecclesiastes – Enjoying Life?

hermeneutics
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-04

Do Sources of Inspiration Matter?: I want my music to glorify God. When I make music with computer though, I worry a lot about the sources of my inspiration. Any tips or principles to ensure that I’m not being influenced by ungodly sources?

Q&A question: Do Sources of Inspiration Matter?
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Can we Roll Dice to Hear from God?: In Proverbs 16: 33, the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Does this mean we can roll dice to get answers from God?

Q&A question: Can we Roll Dice to Hear from God?
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

How to Stay Focused during Bible Reading: I am a fast reader & I get distracted a lot. this effects my Bible reading/study time. Any tips or advice?

Q&A question: How to Stay Focused during Bible Reading
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

About Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings: Biblically thinking, are The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter different regarding sorcery? Lots of Christians disapprove of Harry Potter, yet admire LOTR. Is this distinction biblically justified?

Q&A question: About Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings
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 2022-04-15

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 2022-05-20

Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?: What does the Bible say about ministries that raise money using raffles, lotteries, or giveaways? Would you give money to them? They appeal to my (and presumably others’) carnality. Is this sinful?

Q&A question: Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

Why is Transgender Surgery Wrong?: If Christian work is restorative: healing the sick, clothing the naked, etc. to create "foretastes" of Heaven, then why is transgender surgery wrong? Isn't that also restorative/fixing disorder?

Q&A question: Why is Transgender Surgery Wrong?

healing
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Can We “Cast Lots” to Determine God’s Will?: Can you explain “casting lots”? Since God never explicitly tells us that we can do this to determine His will, would it be unbiblical for us to do so?

Q&A question: Can We “Cast Lots” to Determine God’s Will?
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Understanding Philippians 4: Philippians 4:8 confuses me because so many true things are none of the other things on the list. A lot of truth is just the opposite. I read books about true things that are not the other things.

Q&A question: Understanding Philippians 4

Philippians 4:8 Philippians 4 Philippians 4:8 Philippians 4 Philip
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Balancing Duties as a Young Leader: I am a full time high school/youth pastor whose role involves a lot of leadership and administrative duties. As a young person, I find it challenging and catch myself trying to overcompensate. Advice?

Q&A question: Balancing Duties as a Young Leader

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

About OT Sacrifices: In the Old Testament sacrificial system, there seems to be a lot of required sacrifices. How often were those sacrifices required, and who was required to offer them? Was it just the heads of households?

Q&A question: About OT Sacrifices

Mormonism
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Can we be Refilled with the Spirit?: Is it unbiblical to ask for a "refilling of the Holy Spirit"? Don't we already have Him living inside us? I hear this a lot at my church, and I don't know what to think of it.

Q&A question: Can we be Refilled with the Spirit?

Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Are there Sins we Really Can’t Help Doing?: How can I reconcile 1 Corinthians 10: 13 after decades of struggling with sloth, bad work ethic, sin at work, etc.? I’m praying for forgiveness, but was recently diagnosed with ADHD. I now see I can’t help it without meds.

Q&A question: Are there Sins we Really Can’t Help Doing?

1 Corinthians 10 1 Corinthians 10 forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-05

Overcoming Negativity & Responding to “Church People” Behaving Badly: How can I overcome bitterness & negativity? I have been disappointed in friends, family, and "church people" a lot and I found out it has a big impact in my life.

Q&A question: Overcoming Negativity & Responding to “Church People” Behaving Badly
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

About Fantasy Entertainment: What is your stance on fantasy entertainment which utilizes pagan/made up religions such as GoT, Lotr, Zelda, Hercules, or Valheim? Isn’t it promoting Idolatry?

Q&A question: About Fantasy Entertainment

Hercules
Mike Winger idea 2022-10-21

Is Monarchy Unbiblical?: I’ve been thinking about this question a lot since Queen Elizabeth died last month, but I’ve had it for a while. Does 1 Samuel 8:6-7 teach that monarchy is unbiblical?

Q&A question: Is Monarchy Unbiblical?

Samuel
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Am I Obedient Enough? Repentant Enough?: I have recently been worrying a lot about whether I am obedient enough, repentant enough, or believing enough to be a real Christian. How can I biblically deal with this struggle?

Q&A question: Am I Obedient Enough? Repentant Enough?

repentance
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

Can Coffee be Addictive?: Does proverbs 25: 28 apply to coffee? A lot of people are addicted to coffee, and without drinking coffee they get headaches and other problems. Does that mean it is sinful?

Q&A question: Can Coffee be Addictive?

alcohol
Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

Prophecy Fulfillment, or Just Staged?: People quote prophecy as evidence of Jesus’ deity. Couldn’t He have deliberately fulfilled some prophecies, such as bribing men to divide His clothes, or purposefully riding a donkey into Jerusalem?

Q&A question: Prophecy Fulfillment, or Just Staged?

Jesus prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

Must We Always be “Nice”?: Is it biblical to be nice? My boyfriend is extremely honest and it rubs a lot of people the wrong way. Does he have a biblical obligation to be nice with his words?

Q&A question: Must We Always be “Nice”?
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Do our Prophecies Create Reality?: Kris Vallotton cites Ezekiel 37:1-6 to claim that our prophecies create reality, rather than just foretelling the future. Is there merit to this?

Q&A question: Do our Prophecies Create Reality?

Ezekiel Kris Vallotton prophecy Ezekiel
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 2023-07-21

Polygamy in Scripture?: Polygamy? Exodus 21: 10–11 says if he takes to himself another woman, he may not reduce her food, her clothing, or her conjugal rights. Clearly, God is speaking of multiple wives. Your thoughts?

Q&A question: Polygamy in Scripture?

Exodus 21 Exodus 21
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