Filter results by source database — Scripture Commentary, Theology, Mike Winger, or Pulpit. Click a tab to narrow to one database.

...more
All (410) Scripture Commentary (113) Theology (56) Mike Winger (239) Pulpit (2)
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-26

Progressive Christianity misrepresents Jesus by reshaping him into the image of current culture; Winger previews a critique of Brandon Robertson's "Jesus was a racist" video.

Closing remarks previewing upcoming content.

Exodus historical evidence discernment Inspiring Philosophy progressive Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Intrusive/unwanted thoughts: possible demonic origin and the Philippians 4:8 remedy

Question from Turka Orenzova about horrifying thoughts that pop into her head unbidden.

Philippians 4:8 John 13:2 Ephesians 6 Peter Philippians 4:8 Satan
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Son of Man in Mark's Gospel: Jesus clearly uses the title self-referentially

Question from Skeptic Reviews claiming Jesus used "Son of Man" in the third person to refer to someone other than himself.

Mark 2:10 Mark 8:31 Mark 9:9 Christology Transfiguration Son of Man
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Are the gods of other religions real? Three views: false polytheism, Heiserian divine council, and Pauline demonic identification

Q6 from Loretta Taylor: Numbers 33:3-4 says Yahweh executed judgments on Egypt's gods — does this mean gods like Allah and Zeus are real?

1 Corinthians 10:19-20 Numbers 33:3-4 Exodus plagues Michael Heiser elohim 1 Corinthians 10:19-20
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Mark 14:36 refutes Oneness Pentecostal modalism by demonstrating distinct wills between Father and Son.

Question 12 from Our Fish about witnessing to a husband raised in Oneness Pentecostalism regarding the Trinity.

Mark 14:36 Trinity apologetics deity of Christ
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Mark 5 demoniac: Jesus was not tricked by the demons; the swine destruction may have been demonic sabotage that God repurposed for good.

Question 16 from Galushkin about whether Jesus or the demons were tricked in the Gerasene demoniac account.

Mark 5:1-20 Gerasene demoniac Gentile mission demon possession
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Joseph Smith was a demonstrably false prophet; modern Mormonism is a victim of his fraud.

Question 19 from Evelyn Ellsworth (a Latter-day Saint) about the priesthood of all believers and Mike's denial of fellowship to Mormons.

1 Peter Genesis 50 priesthood of all believers Mormonism 1 Peter
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Cameron Bertuzzi identifies that Drew conflates suffering with unjustified suffering. The real burden is showing the suffering is unjustified, which Drew assumes but doesn't argue. Questions are not arguments — you must defend premises, not just state conclusions.

Additional response to Q1 — unjustified vs justified suffering

Cameron Bertuzzi justified suffering questions are not arguments
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 2020-03-04

Q: What powers do demons have? From Scripture: possession (even multiple demons), controlling actions, causing insanity (Mark 5), influencing thoughts (Satan put it in Judas's heart to betray Jesus — before possession), inspiring false doctrines ("doctrines of demons"), receiving worship through false religions and idol worship.

Q&A — demonic powers and abilities

1 Timothy 4:1 demon possession 1 Timothy 4:1 demonic powers
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: Luke 9:50 vs Luke 11:23 — "not against you is for you" vs "not with me is against me." No contradiction: both affirm there's no middle ground — you're either in the kingdom or out. The first passage shows the kingdom is bigger than your local group; people can serve Jesus without being part of your organization.

Q&A — apparent contradiction in Luke

Luke 9:50 Luke 11:23 body of Christ body of Christ Luke 9:50
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 2020-03-23

Mark 9:38-40: A man casting out demons in Jesus's name but not part of the Twelve. The disciples tried to stop him. Jesus: "Do not hinder him — whoever is not against us is for us." The organic growth of Christianity always outpaces organizational growth. We must resist suspicion toward genuine believers outside our circle/denomination.

Don't hinder outsiders — the church is bigger than your group

Mark 9:38-40 ecumenism ecumenism Mark 9:38-40
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

The Apostles' willingness to suffer demonstrates sincerity even without formal recantation opportunities. They knew what they were signing up for: Jesus told them they'd be brought before governors and kings (Matthew 10). They watched Stephen die, John the Baptist get executed, and Jesus himself crucified. They repeatedly chose to keep preaching despite imprisonment and beatings (Acts).

Sincerity without formal recantation opportunities

Matthew 10 apostolic martyrdom Matthew 10 sincerity of apostles
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-21

Geographic knowledge in the gospels: the four gospel writers demonstrate detailed knowledge of Palestinian geography — small villages (Bethany, Bethphage, Chorazin), sub-village locations (Garden of Gethsemane = "oil press" on the Mount of Olives), topography ("went DOWN from Jerusalem to Jericho" — correct elevation change), and traveling times. This knowledge couldn't come from other ancient sources (Strabo, Pliny, Josephus don't have this level of detail). Only two explanations: the writers visited or spoke with eyewitnesses.

Geographic evidence — local knowledge test

gospel reliability geographic evidence Palestinian geography
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-03

Can a Christian be demon-possessed? Mike distinguishes possession from influence/oppression. Christians have the Holy Spirit indwelling them — demon possession (ownership/control) seems incompatible with the Spirit's presence. But Christians can be oppressed, influenced, and harassed by demons. The demoniac in Mark 5 was fully controlled; Christians may experience lesser forms of spiritual attack but not total possession.

Demon possession vs oppression in Christians

1 Corinthians 6:19 James 4:7 spiritual warfare spiritual warfare 1 Corinthians 6:19
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-21

Head coverings (1 Corinthians 11): Mike is inclined to say no but admits he can't fully justify that position yet. It's on his list for a 30-40 hour deep study with scholarly literature and commentaries. He's honest about the limits of his current understanding.

Head coverings — unsettled, needs more study

1 Corinthians 11 head coverings 1 Corinthians 11 head coverings
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Discerning false prophets by their "fruit" (Matthew 7:15-20) — fruit is defined IN the passage as whether their teaching leads people to do God's will vs. lawlessness. It's not about charismatic experiences or emotional reactions.

Q4: How to practically use Matthew 7:15-20 to discern people?

Acts 2 Matthew Matthew 7 Acts 2 Jesus prophecy
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 2021-06-04

Can a False Teacher Cast Out Demons?: What is the deeper meaning of Matthew 12:22-28? I’m a little confused. Can a false teacher cast out demons? If so, wouldn't that be a kingdom that is divided against itself?

Q&A question: Can a False Teacher Cast Out Demons?

Matthew 12 Matthew Matthew 12 Matthew demons
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Is “Deliverance” for Today?: Is deliverance for today? Should we be praying for each other to be set free from demonic bondage in our lives, along with seeking medical assistance and counseling where needed?

Q&A question: Is “Deliverance” for Today?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About Demons and The Nephilim: Are demons the spirits of dead Nephilim? Genesis 6 explains that the Nephilim are the offspring of women and angels. Demons never materialize, but we know angels can. Luke 22:3 is not convincing to me.

Q&A question: About Demons and The Nephilim

Genesis Luke 22:3 Genesis 6 Genesis Luke 22:3 Genesis 6
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

About the “Doctrines of Demons”: Can you give more examples about the “doctrines of demons” mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1?

Q&A question: About the “Doctrines of Demons”

1 Timothy 4:1 Timothy demons 1 Timothy 4:1
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

Can Horror Movies & Secular Music Invite Demons?: What are your thoughts about Christians having to be careful so that they don’t invite demons into their lives through watching horror movies or listening to secular music? Is this biblical?

Q&A question: Can Horror Movies & Secular Music Invite Demons?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

Does God Hate Satan?: Does God hate Satan and the demons?

Q&A question: Does God Hate Satan?

Satan demons
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

Is “Deliverance” / Demon Casting Biblical?: I'm wondering about your thoughts on deliverance. Would you consider calling and identifying demons biblical, or is it not?

Q&A question: Is “Deliverance” / Demon Casting Biblical?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-22

Do Ghosts / Demons Exist?: I have a feeling that something is living in my house that shouldn't be there, and it is taking all the energy out of me! Do ghosts/demons really exist, and how can I get rid of them?

Q&A question: Do Ghosts / Demons Exist?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?: What does the Bible say about hypnosis as a form of medical treatment? I struggle with food addiction and have heard that it can help by reaching the subconscious. However, I want to be super careful not to dip into the supernatural demonic realm that can sometimes happen during yoga sessions when "channeling your inner-self" and "connecting with the universe."

Q&A question: Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Demons Confessing Jesus’ Identity: Why did demons always announce Jesus' true identity when they were in His presence? Wouldn't they rather lie and claim He was a false prophet or something to deceive others? (Ex: Luke 4: 33-34)

Q&A question: About Demons Confessing Jesus’ Identity

Jesus prophecy demons
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Can Mental Issues Sometimes be Demonic?: Could my Generalized Anxiety Disorder and OCD be a demonic issue rather than a mental health issue? I'm a believer, but I suffer from both of these issues and I feel trapped.

Q&A question: Can Mental Issues Sometimes be Demonic?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Do Modern Translations Hide Mythology?: Why do modern translations hide so much mythology? Leviathan and Behemoth are animals. Isaiah 34: 14, Lillith is an owl. Psalm 96: 5, Gods are idols and not demons. I fear this leads to materialism.

Q&A question: Do Modern Translations Hide Mythology?

Isaiah Isaiah demons
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-19

Can Satan Heal People?: In view of the magicians in Exodus potentially getting their power from Satan, can Satan and demons heal, and are these potentially healings that don't last?

Q&A question: Can Satan Heal People?

Satan healing demons
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

About “Holy Water” or “Blessed” Objects: A local street preacher uses holy water on the ground, which he says keeps demonic activity from disrupting his preaching. I haven't seen Scripture support this. Is it biblical?

Q&A question: About “Holy Water” or “Blessed” Objects

demons
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Raising Dead & Healing for Today?: Raising the Dead: Should we practice Matthew 10:8 today, or has the command to heal, cast out demons, and raise the dead ceased?

Q&A question: Raising Dead & Healing for Today?

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew healing
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

Can a Christian Have a Demon?: Can a true Christian be “possessed” or have demons?

Q&A question: Can a Christian Have a Demon?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-03

Do This if Your House is Haunted: What's the biblical response on what a Christian should do if they move into a haunted house? I know "hauntings" are demonic...

Q&A question: Do This if Your House is Haunted

demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-12

Bonus Q: Why is he still babbling and not demonstrating his god exists?

Q&A question

demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-26

Do God & Satan Talk?: Is the devil talking to God in today’s generation like in the book of Job? If angels are warring with demons, can we assume there is communication?

Q&A question: Do God & Satan Talk?

Satan angels demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-01

How to Safely Study Demonic Works: I've been reading occult books to understand the worldview of a friend in the occult (books like Kybalion, Hermeticism, mediumship, etc.). Do you have any advice for reading these books without getting contaminated?

Q&A question: How to Safely Study Demonic Works

demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

Is the Hypostatic Union Illogical?: How can Christ truly be God and man at the same time, infringing upon the laws of logic? If it’s true, I know I can't understand it fully, but I do expect to be able to demonstrate how it isn't illogical.

Q&A question: Is the Hypostatic Union Illogical?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-11-17

Does Satan Himself Actually Tempt Us?: Considering Satan is not omnipresent or omnipotent, is it realistic to state that he tempts us, or does much of anything directly? Wouldn't it be more orchestration of demons who act?

Q&A question: Does Satan Himself Actually Tempt Us?

Satan demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-01

Is it OK to Tour Other Religions’ Places?: Where do you see the Bible speak to touring temples of other faiths for the goal of building long-term relationships and sharing the Gospel while also guarding against demonic influence or causing people to stumble?

Q&A question: Is it OK to Tour Other Religions’ Places?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-09

Our Sinful Flesh vs. Spiritual Warfare: How can I discern the difference between demonic influence and my flesh when it comes to sinful struggles?

Q&A question: Our Sinful Flesh vs. Spiritual Warfare

demons
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-16

Who Will be Told by Jesus to “Depart”?: How is it that some people can cast out demons in Jesus’ name but then be told, “Depart from me for I never knew you”? How do I avoid that fate?

Q&A question: Who Will be Told by Jesus to “Depart”?

Jesus demons
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-19

Discerning the Spirit’s Voice: Is the confirmation of the Holy Spirit distinguishable from an evil demon or psychological self-deception?

Q&A question: Discerning the Spirit’s Voice

demons
Mike Winger idea 2024-09-06

Demons Drowning – Why?: When Jesus cast the Legion of demons into the swine, why do they proceed to drown themselves? It showed the validity of the man being healed, but what was the actual reason for the demons to do so?

Q&A question: Demons Drowning – Why?

Jesus demons Legion
Mike Winger idea 2025-05-02

Tourism or Idolatry?: I’m planning a trip to Japan and would like to visit some of the shrines for the tourism aspect, but I don’t want to sin against God or put my family at risk of demonic exposure. Is this acceptable?

Q&A question: Tourism or Idolatry?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2025-10-24

Is Diwali Demonic?: Can you tell us a bit about Diwali? And is it OK to wish others a “Happy Diwali”? How should Christians view the holiday?

Q&A question: Is Diwali Demonic?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2025-10-24

Demonic Fear & Sexual Temptation: This may sound like a silly question, but do you have any advice for someone scared of demonic or evil forces when going to sleep? It doesn't help that I often fall sexually at night, too.

Q&A question: Demonic Fear & Sexual Temptation

demons
Mike Winger idea 2026-02-06

Mental Illness vs. Demonic Possession: What is your opinion on whether or not the spike in mental illness in this world could potentially be demon possession?

Q&A question: Mental Illness vs. Demonic Possession

demons