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All (353) Mike Winger (353)
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

John 16:13 has primary application to the apostles; broadly applying it to all Christians sets the bar for Spirit-guidance too low

Question from Rocketman Sean about the extent to which John 16:13 applies to Christians today

John 16:13 apostles Holy Spirit prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Re-baptism is not prescribed in Scripture but can be appropriate when the original baptism lacked genuine understanding

Question from Andrew Green about whether re-baptisms are biblical

2 Corinthians 2 baptism grace re-baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

The Bible's trajectory on slavery moves from regulating and humanizing it in the OT to full abolition ideology in the NT (Philemon)

Closing summary of the slavery question.

Philemon Paul Philemon Slavery in the New Testament
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

Why care about false doctrine (prosperity gospel, word of faith)? Because doctrinal error has real-world spiritual consequences

Question from Tony about why false doctrine matters if it does not compromise salvation.

discernment prosperity gospel apostasy
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

Visiting moments in Scripture: creation of Adam and Eve (OT); Road to Emmaus Christological exposition (NT)

Hypothetical question from Bree Herb about which biblical moment Mike would most want to witness.

Luke 24:13-35 creation Adam and Eve Luke 24:13-35
Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike addresses the canonicity of Hebrews despite unknown authorship, arguing that inspiration does not require apostolic pen but apostolic teaching, and that the New Testament canon formed organically as first-century texts with apostolic content were recognized by the early church.

Response to viewer question about how Hebrews can be inspired if we do not know who wrote it

Hebrews Paul Apollos Barnabas
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-05

Holy Spirit in the Old vs. New Testament: Old Testament experiences were primarily empowerment for service; New Testament introduces indwelling.

Question from Elizabeth about the distinction between the Holy Spirit coming "upon" versus being "in" a person.

Ezekiel 29 Elijah Holy Spirit empowerment Holy Spirit indwelling
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-05

Ephesians 1:13 — the sealing of the Spirit as the New Testament's distinctive: permanent relational indwelling as guarantee of inheritance.

Scriptural basis for the New Testament indwelling distinction.

Romans 8 Ephesians 1:13 Abba Father Romans 8 Pentecost
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-05

The "upon" experience continues in the New Testament alongside indwelling: Acts 4 prayer for boldness as a second coming of the Spirit upon believers already indwelt.

Reconciling Old Testament "upon" empowerment with New Testament reality.

Acts 4 Acts 4 Holy Spirit empowerment Holy Spirit filling
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-05

Adam and Eve as historical people: consistency as a Christian requires affirming their historicity, but salvation does not depend on this doctrine.

Question from Loretta Taylor about whether Christian faith requires Adam and Eve to be literal historical people.

Genesis Romans 5 Genesis Romans 5 Adam and Eve
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-05

Church discipline for a professed believer in a gay marriage: the local body should practice separation/excommunication; individual relationship may continue with pastoral intent.

Question from JTro Man about what biblical separation looks like with a professed believer in a gay marriage.

1 Corinthians 5 1 Corinthians 5 Lifestyle sin Church discipline
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Question: Why is demonic activity so prevalent in the NT vs. OT?

Viewer Tinkerbell Bear asks why the New Testament has so many examples of demons being cast out while the Old Testament rarely mentions demonic possession.

New Testament Old Testament exorcism
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Ministry titles and the clergy-laity distinction: what Jesus really forbade in Matthew 23

Chris Horn asked whether Matthew 23:8-12 prohibits using ministry titles like pastor or elder.

1 Timothy 3 Galatians 3:28 Matthew 23:8-12 servant leadership overseer episkopos
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Fate of the devil: destruction, lake of fire, and whether Satan is annihilated

New Testament Theologist cited Romans 16:20, Hebrews 2:14, and 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 to ask about the ultimate fate of Satan.

Romans 16:20 Hebrews 2:14 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 millennium eschatology Satan
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-26

Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8 — typological connection to Christ, not the Holy Spirit

Steven Rivers asks whether Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8 could be the Holy Spirit and whether Hebrew/Greek pronouns clarify the gender.

Proverbs 8 1 Corinthians 1 typology Holy Spirit Christology
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-05

Christianity has a mountain of evidential support — fulfilled prophecy, unity of Scripture, historical verification

Closing the apologetics discussion by pointing to positive evidence for Christianity

apologetics biblical inspiration fulfilled prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-26

Isaiah's monotheistic declarations that God alone is Savior and Rock are not contradicted by Jesus being called Rock and Savior — Jesus is God.

Taylor Paris asks why Isaiah declares God knows of no other rock/savior while Jesus is called a rock.

Isaiah 40-48 John 1:3 Colossians 1:16 Trinity monotheism deity of Christ
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Universal salvation vs. conditional salvation: Romans 5:18, 1 Corinthians 15:22, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Matthew 25:46

Question from New Testament Theologist about squaring universalist-sounding texts with texts affirming eternal punishment.

1 Corinthians 15:22 Matthew 25:46 Romans 5:18 1 Corinthians 15:22 Matthew 25:46 Romans 5:18
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 2020-11-02

Romans 13:1-4 endorses the death penalty in the NEW Testament era — the government "bears the sword" as "God's avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." Romans 12:19 commands individuals NOT to avenge — leave it to government.

Romans 13 as NT endorsement of the death penalty, paired with Romans 12

Romans 13:1-7 Romans 12:19 death penalty Romans 13:1-7 Romans 12:19
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

1 John 3:4 ("sin is lawlessness") doesn't mean Christians must keep the Mosaic Law — "lawlessness" means rebellion against God's moral authority, not specifically violating Torah commands. The New Testament redefines how we relate to God's moral standards.

Q19: Does 1 John 3:4 mean the Law of Moses still applies?

1 John 3:4 1 John 3 Moses 1 John 3:4 1 John 3
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?: Hello, I am a Christian, and it's been important to me to understand why the Lord Jesus didn't mention to the apostles or anyone that Paul would be coming to enlighten the Way for His Church. This question hasn't been addressed in any of the studies I've researched, nor by any of the pastors I listen to. But isn't this question a most serious matter, since Paul wrote the majority of our New Testament?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?

Jesus pastoral ministry Apostles
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

About a “Gap” in Scripture: Can you explain the gap between the early churches in the New Testament and the first Protestants like Martin Luther?

Q&A question: About a “Gap” in Scripture

Martin Luther
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

Did God’s Promise Change?: Why did the promise for honoring your parents change from Old Testament (Exodus 20: 12 – “in the land I will give you”) vs. the New Testament (Ephesians 6:2 – “living long on the earth”)?

Q&A question: Did God’s Promise Change?

Exodus 20 Ephesians 6 Exodus 20 Ephesians 6
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Defending the Trinity: What are your thoughts on the argument against the Trinity that points out the lack of a Trinitarian controversy (like that of Nicaea) in the time of Acts and the writing of the New Testament?

Q&A question: Defending the Trinity

Trinity
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-18

Why Isn’t the Greek OT More Authoritative?: Why isn’t the Greek Old Testament more authoritative? Its manuscripts are older and are referenced in the New Testament. E.g., Jesus mentions Greek version of Isaiah 61 with “blind” in Luke 4: 18.

Q&A question: Why Isn’t the Greek OT More Authoritative?

Isaiah Isaiah Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

If God Doesn’t Change, Why do His Rules?: From a non-Christian friend: If God doesn’t change over time, how come He commands Jews not to eat certain foods in the Old Testament, but deems them OK in the New Testament?

Q&A question: If God Doesn’t Change, Why do His Rules?

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

About OT Prophet Credibility: Why were many of the prophets who wrote books included in the Old Testament if they didn't perform miracles and their prophecies didn't come true until the New Testament? What made them stand out from false prophets?

Q&A question: About OT Prophet Credibility

prophecy miracles
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-05

Are Altar Calls Biblical?: Are altar calls biblical? Hard to find much of this in the New Testament. Hard to think this through without preconceived notions.

Q&A question: Are Altar Calls Biblical?

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Help with the Hiddenness of God: The hiddenness (and silence) of God is causing me doubts. Is there any advice or help you can offer (such as that God is silent now because revelation has been completed with the New Testament)?

Q&A question: Help with the Hiddenness of God

revelation revelation
Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

Do We Pray For or Against our Enemies?: How do you reconcile the New Testament's clear teachings to love and pray for our enemies with Psalms like Psalm 69:22-28? Is there ever a time when we should pray against our enemies?

Q&A question: Do We Pray For or Against our Enemies?

Mike Winger idea 2023-10-17

The Day of The Lord & His Second Coming: How do the ideas of "The Day of The Lord" in the Old Testament and Jesus' second coming in the New Testament intersect? I've been studying this, but I'd like some of your opinions.

Q&A question: The Day of The Lord & His Second Coming

Jesus second coming
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-29

The Granville Sharp’s Rule: How reliable is the Granville Sharp's rule? Is it implemented outside of New Testament writings?

Q&A question: The Granville Sharp’s Rule

Mike Winger idea 2024-04-05

Don’t Add or Take Away!: People often use Revelation 22: 18-19 referring to the whole Bible. When I read it, I see it only referring to Revelation, since the New Testament wasn't formed yet. Could you provide some clarity?

Q&A question: Don’t Add or Take Away!

revelation revelation
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-05

Does God still Speak through Dreams?: Does God still communicate through dreams? Is there any New Testament examples of God doing so, apart from Mary and Joseph?

Q&A question: Does God still Speak through Dreams?

Joseph
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-19

About OT Quotes in the NT: How should we understand inerrancy for New Testament passages that appear to quote the Old Testament, but no clear reference can be found? (e.g., James 4:5, Matthew 2: 23).

Q&A question: About OT Quotes in the NT

James James 4 Matthew 2 James James 4 Matthew 2
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 2024-08-16

The Changing Morality of the Bible?: Why does God seem more wrathful in the Old Testament and more forgiving and loving in the New Testament? Does the Bible have changing morals?

Q&A question: The Changing Morality of the Bible?

generosity
Mike Winger idea 2025-05-30

Jesus’ Deity: Why isn’t the NT Clearer?: In Titus 2: 13, Is Paul explicitly saying Jesus is God and Savior? Why do New Testament authors often not address Jesus as God and appear to place Jesus outside of the Godhead (e.g. 2 John 1:3)?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Deity: Why isn’t the NT Clearer?

Titus Titus 2 Titus Jesus Titus 2
Mike Winger idea 2025-07-18

“Lord” in the OT vs. NT: Is the title of Lord used in the same capacity in the New Testament as it is in the Old Testament (for example, in John13: 13)?

Q&A question: “Lord” in the OT vs. NT

Mike Winger idea 2025-10-03

Learning to Evangelize Better: I converted just over a year ago and had some success evangelizing to my community (libertarians). I've read the New Testament and I’m working on reading it twice now. What can I do to evangelize better, especially to libertarians?

Q&A question: Learning to Evangelize Better

angels
Mike Winger idea 2026-01-02

How/Why was Jesus Amazed?: Matthew 8:5-13 says that Jesus was amazed at the centurion's faith. In other places in the New Testament, Jesus knew the thoughts of the Pharisees. If Jesus could read thoughts, how could He be amazed?

Q&A question: How/Why was Jesus Amazed?

Matthew Matthew 8 Jesus Pharisees Centurion
Mike Winger idea 2026-03-13

The Meaning of “Jew”: When the New Testament uses the word “Jew,” who is it referring to?

Q&A question: The Meaning of “Jew”

Mike Winger idea 2026-03-13

Serving When We Don’t Want To: I know I’m supposed to serve, but to be honest, I’m always tired and would rather go home and relax after church. I’m ashamed of that, considering all Jesus did for me, but it's true. Lately I challenged myself to just obey with a good attitude when asked, but even then, I feel so guilty knowing I didn’t want to.

Q&A question: Serving When We Don’t Want To

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2026-03-13

Celebrating Black History in Church?: Is it appropriate for a church to dedicate a service in celebration of Black History Month? If not, in what ways could it be a cause for concern?

Q&A question: Celebrating Black History in Church?

Mike Winger idea 2026-03-13

Believes in Purgatory – Still Saved?: Can a person who trusts Christ for her eventual salvation but thinks she might have to go to purgatory first be saved?

Q&A question: Believes in Purgatory – Still Saved?

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2026-03-13

Bad Tree Bearing Good Fruit?: In Philippians 1: 15-18, Paul rejoices when Christ is preached from strife and selfish ambition. How is that not a bad tree bearing good fruit (Matthew 7: 18)?

Q&A question: Bad Tree Bearing Good Fruit?

Matthew Philippians 1 Matthew 7 Philip Matthew Philippi
Mike Winger idea 2026-03-13

The Divine Seed Doctrine?: Have you heard of the “Divine Seed” Doctrine that states that Christ was born solely of the seed of God and not from the egg of Mary and that His flesh was a kind of divine flesh?

Q&A question: The Divine Seed Doctrine?

Mary (mother of Jesus)
Mike Winger idea 2026-03-13

About Jesus or About Israel?: As someone who engages with Hebrew Roots folks often, how can Matthew interpret “Out of Egypt I called my son” to mean Jesus, when the Old Testament passage is clearly about Israel?

Q&A question: About Jesus or About Israel?

Matthew Jesus Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2026-03-13

Building Materials: Works or Teachings?: I've heard it taught that the building materials in 1 Corinthians 3: 10-15 are a person's works, but reading the verses beforehand makes me think it's referring to teaching in the church. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Building Materials: Works or Teachings?

1 Corinthians 3 1 Corinthians 3