Search — Theology Explorer

Why Didn’t Jesus Inherit Adam’s Sin?: Since Jesus was fully man, as well as fully God, according to the hypostatic union, how did He not inherit Adam's sin that all men inherit according to Psalm 51:5?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t Jesus Inherit Adam’s Sin?

Psalm 51 Jesus Psalm 51

1 Peter 3:1-6 complementarianism headship complementarianism

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.

James James 4 James James 4

About “Not Boasting of Tomorrow”: In James 4: 13-17, The conclusion (v. 17) seems unrelated to vv. 13-16. I don’t see how it relates specifically to not boasting of tomorrow. Is it just a general statement that could be said after any command?

Q&A question: About “Not Boasting of Tomorrow”

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6:9 salvation 1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6:9

About the Law, Works, & Salvation: I've watched both of your videos on the Old Testament law. I get that we don't need to keep the law, as we are now under grace, so how do I understand 1 Corinthians 6:9 which says adulterers won't inherit the Kingdom?

Q&A question: About the Law, Works, & Salvation

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

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

Are Job and Jonah Historical?: My pastor says Job and Jonah are probably not historical events, but more poetic lessons. How do I decide true stories from parables in the Old Testament without questioning everything?

Q&A question: Are Job and Jonah Historical?

Jonah pastoral ministry Jonah

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Reconciling the Accounts of Jesus’ Birth: How can the accounts of Jesus' birth in Matthew and Luke be reconciled when Josephus says that Quirinius didn't become governor until after the banishment of Archelaus?

Q&A question: Reconciling the Accounts of Jesus’ Birth

Matthew Joseph Josephus Jesus

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Is the Trinity Clearly Taught in the OT?: Is there a reason why a doctrine as important as the Trinity isn't EXPLICITLY declared in the Old Testament, especially the Torah, seeing as belief in the second person is paramount for salvation?

Q&A question: Is the Trinity Clearly Taught in the OT?

Trinity salvation

How to have More Self Control: You mentioned in a past session the issue of “becoming slaves to our desires” instead of "just doing the right things we don't feel like doing." Whether it’s reading Scripture, doing the housework, eating the right things, etc., I struggle with this daily, and my whole house is a disaster. Please, can you offer some advice on how to target this issue?

Q&A question: How to have More Self Control

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

Genesis Deuteronomy 25 Genesis Deuteronomy 25

Is Contraception Sinful?: Why do people say there is no biblical basis against contraception when God kills Onan for it (Genesis 38: 8-10)? And the punishment for that is not death according to Deuteronomy 25:7-10.

Q&A question: Is Contraception Sinful?

heresy charismatic movement

Scriptural Support for Continuationism: Is there Scripture that supports being a Continuationist? I am a "soft-charismatic," but personal experience is not convincing to a Cessasionist claiming I'm being unbiblical, or even heretical.

Q&A question: Scriptural Support for Continuationism

Could a Gentile Become a Jew in the OT?: In the Old Testament, God worked with the Israelites. Could a Gentile become a Jew in the Old Testament and be saved?

Q&A question: Could a Gentile Become a Jew in the OT?

Israel

Can Christians Marry Non-Christians?: Would you recommend marrying someone of a different religion? Say, Seventh Day Adventist, for example?

Q&A question: Can Christians Marry Non-Christians?

About the “Lying Spirit” in 1 Kings: How do you interpret the lying spirit in 1 kings 22?

Q&A question: About the “Lying Spirit” in 1 Kings

1 Peter 3:1-6 complementarianism headship complementarianism

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?

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

Understanding Jesus’ Atonement: Is it more accurate to say that Jesus' death was sufficient for all rather than that He paid for all? Otherwise, wouldn't there be people in Hell right now for sins that Jesus already paid for?

Q&A question: Understanding Jesus’ Atonement

Jesus atonement hell

How Important is a Church’s Statement of Faith?: How important is a church's statement of faith? If a church has a basic, correct statement but adds and emphasizes serious errors in their services, what would you think they're really about?

Q&A question: How Important is a Church’s Statement of Faith?

Settling an Interpretive Disagreement: Can you help settle this? I've heard it said that the word “brothers” in Matt 25: 40 refers only to believing brothers. I believe it refers to anyone in need. How would you interpret this?

Q&A question: Settling an Interpretive Disagreement

anxiety and mental health

Ministering to Friends with Mental Struggles: How can I share the Gospel with people who have schizoaffective disorder and severe depression? I know a man who can't comprehend that he has worth and value.

Q&A question: Ministering to Friends with Mental Struggles

About the Parable of the Prodigal Son: Can you please teach us about the Parable of the Prodigal Son, specifically focusing on the obedient son who stays in his father's house and ends up resenting his prodigal brother? It seems like there's no real benefit to being the obedient son in that situation. Am I missing cultural context that would enhance my understanding of this parable?

Q&A question: About the Parable of the Prodigal Son

About “The Last Reformation”: Have you heard of a movement called The Last Reformation, started by Torben Sondergaard in Denmark? Now he’s based in the U.S., but it has grown worldwide. Would you consider it a cult?

Q&A question: About “The Last Reformation”

hermeneutics death and afterlife

Biblical or Unbiblical Use of a Verse?: Many Christians use "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away" from Job (1: 21) to explain difficult things such as the death of a loved one. Is this biblical, or is it a misinterpretation of Job?

Q&A question: Biblical or Unbiblical Use of a Verse?

Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

Why Don’t We Have To Obey the Sabbath?: It seems the only commandment of the 10 that we don't still HAVE to follow is the Sabbath. If it was as important as the other 10, why are they all still upheld without exception and not that one?

Q&A question: Why Don’t We Have To Obey the Sabbath?

Sabbath

Was Simon Magus Repentant?: In Acts 8:9, Do you think Simon Magus was aware that he wasn’t right with God before Peter rebuked him? Some commentaries assume that he was never truly repentant, but some say he was genuine.

Q&A question: Was Simon Magus Repentant?

Acts 8 Peter Acts 8

Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

Obeying vs. Honoring Parents: I am a legal adult and I currently still live in my parents’ home. I am looking at moving out in the near future, but my parents believe that young women shouldn’t leave the home until they’re married. Where do you draw the line between personal convictions and the command to honor your parents?

Q&A question: Obeying vs. Honoring Parents

How to Interpret Proverbs: Verses in Proverbs often seem like unrelated thoughts. Their vague quality makes it hard to know how to interpret them correctly. How do you determine the context of these verses?

Q&A question: How to Interpret Proverbs

Bearing with One Another’s Conscience: The Bible says to bear with brethren of weaker faith. If instrumental music is a liberty, shouldn’t we bear with those who believe a cappella is the right way and not use instruments?

Q&A question: Bearing with One Another’s Conscience

faith and science

Is it Sometimes Biblical to Pray for Death?: Is there ever a biblical case to pray for someone to die? Didn't Paul pray for the destruction of some peoples’ flesh for the spirit to be saved in the day of judgment?

Q&A question: Is it Sometimes Biblical to Pray for Death?

death and afterlife

Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Do Women Always Need a Male Head?: If there is a Christian adult woman whose father has passed away and she does not have a husband, who is she to be accountable to?

Q&A question: Do Women Always Need a Male Head?

marriage

Do we Need Religion to have Morals?: How would you respond to this statement?: “You don’t need religion to have morals. If you can’t determine right from wrong, then you lack empathy, not religion.”

Q&A question: Do we Need Religion to have Morals?

Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Comments on Reincarnation/Simpsons’ Prophecies?: Do you have any suggestions to help a believer of reincarnation? Ex: Ryan Hammons has 55 verified statements about having a past life. Also, Bible prophecies mean nothing since The Simpsons have predicted the future many times.

Q&A question: Comments on Reincarnation/Simpsons’ Prophecies?

prophecy

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?

About the Witness in John 8: In John 8: 13-19, Jesus testifies that the Father is His witness. Given the emphasis on 2 witnesses in the Law, why did He not mention the Holy Spirit in this point? The absence is conspicuous.

Q&A question: About the Witness in John 8

John 8 Jesus John 8

Are there Differing Accounts of Who Saw Jesus?: How should we explain the differing accounts of people who saw Jesus after He rose? Some verses say women saw Him first, and others say men.

Q&A question: Are there Differing Accounts of Who Saw Jesus?

Jesus

Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?: We just got a new pastor, and he preaches from commentaries in addition to the Bible. Is this something that we should be cautious about? Is there a line where it can become too much?

Q&A question: Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?

pastoral ministry

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

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

tithing pastoral ministry

Can Legalism be Spiritually Abusive?: Our pastor and denomination as a whole requires that any women serving (even volunteers) must only wear skirts, and that only the KJV is God's Word (every other version is a "perversion") and requires tithing. Are these things spiritual abuse?

Q&A question: Can Legalism be Spiritually Abusive?

Hebrews 11 Deborah Barak Hebrews 11

Why is Deborah not Mentioned in Hebrews 11?: I’ve appreciated your Women in Ministry series so much. Regarding Deborah, why do you suppose her name is not mentioned with the other 4 Judges in Hebrews 11: 32, but Barak is mentioned?

Q&A question: Why is Deborah not Mentioned in Hebrews 11?

dating and relationships anxiety and mental health

How to Biblically Choose Who to Date?: How should mental health issues affect dating for Christians (both one's own issues and a spouse candidate's potential issues)? Overall, what things should be considered when choosing to start dating?

Q&A question: How to Biblically Choose Who to Date?

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew

Are Secret Churches “Denying God Before Men?”: Do secret churches in countries where Christianity is illegal contradict Matthew 10: 32-33?

Q&A question: Are Secret Churches “Denying God Before Men?”

Anxiety about Hell: I've become anxious about the thought of eternal torment in Hell. If that's the punishment for our sins, wouldn't it have been best for unbelievers never to be born?

Q&A question: Anxiety about Hell

hell

Dealing with Toxic People: What biblical counsel would you give for dealing with toxic people, especially Christian family members you live with, who are oftentimes mentally and emotionally unhealthy to be around?

Q&A question: Dealing with Toxic People