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Mike Winger idea 2020-04-08

Consequences of sin: (1) relational separation from God (Isaiah 59:2, Adam and Eve expelled from Eden, Colossians 1:21 — alienated and enemies in our minds); (2) future judgment — God is a just judge who must deal with sin. Romans 6:23: wages of sin is death (separation, judgment, hell). Our goodness can't fix it — we've already failed.

Consequences of sin — separation and judgment

Romans 6:23 Isaiah 59:2 Colossians 1:21 Romans 6:23 wages of sin Isaiah 59:2
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-08

Each chapter has a conversation guide: (1) "Open the conversation" — easy questions to get kids talking without intimidation. (2) "Advance the conversation" — deeper questions with tips in parentheses guiding parents on key points to cover. Designed to move from kids' heads to actual parent-child dialogue.

Conversation guide structure

Natasha Crain kids apologetics conversation guides
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-19

Mike presents 24-26 ways Passover was prophetically fulfilled by Jesus. Passover is a typological prophecy — not direct prediction/fulfillment but symbolic correspondence between OT events and Christ's work. 1 Corinthians 5:7: "Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed." Jesus chose to die during Passover week — his timing was deliberate.

Introduction — Passover as prophetic type

1 Corinthians 5:7 Passover Passover Passover as prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-19

Points 1-2: (1) A sacrificial lamb — Jesus is the lamb offered for us (Hebrews 9:12-14, 10:1-14). OT sacrifices were shadows; Jesus is the reality. He offered himself ONCE vs yearly repetition. (2) Purpose: avoiding punishment for sin — Passover was explicitly a judgment (Exodus 12:12). Israel needed the lamb too because they were also guilty of idolatry (Ezekiel 20:7). The cross saves us from God's wrath.

Points 1-2 — sacrificial lamb and dealing with sin

Exodus 12 Hebrews 9:12-14 Hebrews 10:1-14 wrath of God substitutionary atonement wrath of God
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-19

Points 3-5: (3) Lamb had to be male — Jesus as male representative of all humanity, as Adam represented all (1 Cor 15:22,45). (4) Without blemish — Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 1:18-19: "precious blood of Christ, like a lamb without blemish"). YOU didn't have to be holy; your SACRIFICE had to be holy. (5) Lamb was examined/inspected before sacrifice — Jesus was examined by Pilate, Herod, Sanhedrin and found faultless (John 19:4-6).

Points 3-5 — male, without blemish, inspected

1 Corinthians 15:22 1 Corinthians 15:45 Hebrews 4:15 1 Corinthians 15:22 1 Corinthians 15:45 Hebrews 4:15
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-19

Points 6-7: (6) Lamb was one year old (prime of life) — Jesus began ministry at 30, the age of full maturity for priestly/sacrificial service. (7) Lamb selected on 10th of Nisan — Jesus entered Jerusalem on the same day (Triumphal Entry, Palm Sunday). The crowd cried "Hosanna" (Psalm 118) = "save us" — presenting himself as the Messianic King. He was then "inspected" for 4 days through questioning by religious leaders, found faultless.

Points 6-7 — age, selection date, triumphal entry

Psalm 118 Passover Passover triumphal entry
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-19

Points 8-12: (8) Lamb substituted for the firstborn — Jesus is God's firstborn/only-begotten (John 3:16, Col 1:15, Heb 1:6). (9) No bones broken — Exodus 12:46, fulfilled in John 19:33-36 when soldiers didn't break Jesus's legs. (10) Offered for the household/family — Jesus creates a new family of God (John 1:12). (11) Lamb had to be slain/die — the death was required, not optional; Jesus said he MUST be killed (Mark 8:31). (12) Had to be at Jerusalem — Deuteronomy 16:5-6; Jesus crucified in Jerusalem.

Points 8-12 — firstborn, bones, household, death, location

John 1:12 Mark 8:31 Colossians 1:15 firstborn John 1:12 children of God
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-19

Point 13: Blood applied to the doorposts — possibly in the shape of a cross (top lintel and two side posts). Jesus says "I am the door" (John 10:9) — entry through him means salvation. The blood-covered door is the access point to safety from judgment, just as Jesus is the access point to God.

Point 13 — blood on doorposts and Jesus as the door

John 10:9 Passover Passover John 10:9
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-23

First livestreamed Sunday night Bible study (during COVID). Mark Series Pt 32 covering Mark 9:33-42 — unnecessary division, competition in Christian leadership, and why pastors shouldn't be CEOs.

Introduction — Mark 9:33-42

Mark 9:33-42 Mark Series servant leadership Mark 9:33-42 Mark Series
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

Where McDowell agrees with Candida Moss: many Christians overstate early persecution. There wasn't official statewide persecution until 3rd-4th centuries. Moss correctly notes that many martyrdom accounts are exaggerated. But she takes the correction too far by dismissing all early persecution evidence.

Agreement with Moss — overstated persecution

Candida Moss Myth of Persecution persecution vs prosecution
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

Argument 4 — "Religion is desperation, fear of reality" (Nietzsche) — is circular (assumes atheism is reality) and actually describes Buddhism more than Christianity. Atheism itself denies key realities.

Fourth argument from Nietzsche: religion as escapism

Daniel Dennett circular reasoning atheism Sam Harris
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

The Kalam Cosmological Argument supports step 8: the cause of the universe must be timeless, spaceless, immaterial, enormously powerful, personal, and possessing libertarian freedom — matching the biblical God.

Using the Kalam to defend the abductive conclusion (step 8)

William Lane Craig William Lane Craig Kalam cosmological argument
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

Biblical confirmation: Genesis 1:26-27 (made in God's image as immaterial minds), 2 Corinthians 5:8 (we exist apart from body), Galatians 5:13 (called to live in libertarian freedom to choose love over sin).

Scriptural support for the philosophical conclusions

Genesis 1:26-27 2 Corinthians 5:8 Galatians 5:13 image of God Genesis 1:26-27 2 Corinthians 5:8
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Mark 14 (Gethsemane) is the intentional counterpoint to Mark 11 — Jesus with perfect faith, no sin, no unforgiveness prays and God says NO. Faith means trusting God both when he says yes AND when he says no.

The missing piece: Jesus' Gethsemane prayer as counterpoint to the prayer promise

Mark 14:35-36 Word of Faith Gethsemane prayer Word of Faith
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit changes "forgiveness" to "I am-ness" and teaches that the Trinity has four circles (Father, Son, you/me, Holy Spirit). Jesus didn't die to save us from sin but from a wrong mindset. Hell is "just a pathway to heaven."

The Mirror Bible's broader theological distortions

John 17:7 Mirror Bible Mirror Bible François Du Toit
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Using Scripture against Scripture is the Sadducee/progressive playbook: Obama used the Sermon on the Mount to dismiss Romans on same-sex marriage; Rob Bell used "God is love" to dismiss hell. The only safe position is believing ALL of Scripture.

The progressive pattern of pitting Scripture against Scripture

Rob Bell Barack Obama progressive Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-23

The greatest commandment — love God with ALL your heart, soul, mind, strength — is what everyone gets wrong about morality. Love of GOD comes first, love of neighbor second. Not all sins are equal; violating this foremost command is the most serious.

Mark 12:28-34 verse-by-verse study on the greatest commandment

Mark 12:28-34 Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Leviticus 19:18 Mark 12:28-34 Shema Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-18

Verses 5-13 are a list of NON-SIGNS: false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution — Jesus explicitly says "the end is not yet" and "these are merely the beginning of birth pangs." Do not use these to predict Christ's return.

Detailed exegesis of Mark 13:5-13 as warnings against false predictions

Mark 13:5-8 World Mission Society Church of God Mark 13:5-8 World Mission Society Church of God
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Is Satan an Actual “being”?: What would you say to the brethren that suggest that Satan is not actually a being? People argue that the OT doesn’t describe him as a singular being but something of the human mind.

Q&A question: Is Satan an Actual “being”?

Satan
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Winger walks through 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications, acknowledging real-life churches (especially small ones) struggle to find people who meet all criteria. Lists: blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy, gentle, not quarrelsome, rules his own house well, not a novice.

Q&A: How literally should we follow the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy and Titus?

1 Timothy 3 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Can we Truly Feel God’s Presence?: Todd Friel (Wretched Radio) said “The Bible doesn’t teach that we can feel God’s presence” and the “warm fuzzies” are only an emotional response when our minds receive biblical truth. Is this true?

Q&A question: Can we Truly Feel God’s Presence?
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

Will we receive Glorified Bodies AND Minds?: We know that we will eventually gain glorified bodies, but what about glorified minds? Will someone who suffers from a mental disorder (like Down’s Syndrome) be “healed”?

Q&A question: Will we receive Glorified Bodies AND Minds?
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-08

Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?: If Mary was aware of the immaculate conception (visited by an angel, etc.), why in Mark 3: 21 does it seem she’s surprised about Jesus being the Messiah? Scripture says His "family" that goes to "take charge of Him" for being out of His mind are His mother & brothers. Why would Mary think He is out of His mind if she had been visited by an angel?

Q&A question: Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?

Mark 3 Jesus Mark 3 angels
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Repentance of the Heart & Mind: I am a former crossdresser (not transgender), but I don't feel any guilt or remorse for when I used to cross-dress. Any advice on how to not just repent with my actions, but also repent with my mind/heart?

Q&A question: Repentance of the Heart & Mind

repentance
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

Should We Ever Hate People?: Should we hate the evil doer (e.g., those who promote or perform abortion) or should we just keep their salvation in mind? Or can we do both at the same time?

Q&A question: Should We Ever Hate People?

salvation abortion
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

Understanding the Trinity: How should we understand the "power dynamic" within the Trinity specifically as it applies to "sending" (filioque clause in mind)? Does the Father have a sort of "sending" authority over the Son & the Spirit?

Q&A question: Understanding the Trinity

Trinity
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

The Correct Way to Pray: When I pray, sometimes it feels like I’m so deep in God’s love, but other times it feels like I’m talking to a wall. How can I be sure that I’m praying correctly and not just blabbering mindlessly?

Q&A question: The Correct Way to Pray
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Can We Focus Too Much on End Times?: As Christians, what should our attitude and mindset be toward end times stuff? I personally know many strong Christians who seem to be almost too focused or too concerned about end times.

Q&A question: Can We Focus Too Much on End Times?

eschatology
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-18

Theism vs. Biblical Christianity: I’m a theist, but I am not a Christian. What are some attributes of God? And how does Jesus exhibit them in specific situations in the Bible? Could you please pray that God gives me confirmation in my mind of the deity of Jesus? Or at least whether or not Jesus rose from the dead. No matter the evidence, I can’t tell. I want the truth.

Q&A question: Theism vs. Biblical Christianity

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-05

Distinguishing Obedience from Legalism: How can we walk in obedience to Christ without falling into a “works-based salvation” frame of mind?

Q&A question: Distinguishing Obedience from Legalism

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Encouragement amid Infertility: My husband and I have struggled to have a baby, and I have had Psalm 127:3 on my mind. It makes me feel like there is something I need to do, and a lack of faith. What is the context of the “reward”?

Q&A question: Encouragement amid Infertility

marriage
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 2023-06-09

The Man in Mark 14: Who was the man in Mark 14: 51-52? Could it be that this was somehow Jesus Himself escaping? As an unbeliever, how should I approach my readings? Any questions I should keep in mind?

Q&A question: The Man in Mark 14

Mark 14 Jesus Mark 14
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-23

Is Repentance a Change of Mind?: If repentance (metanoia) literally means “change of mind,” then why do we say repentance means changing our mind/attitude about sin? Why isn't it changing our minds from unbelief to belief?

Q&A question: Is Repentance a Change of Mind?

repentance
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-23

Cursing & Blessing in the OT: When prophets such as Elisha cursed or blessed people, was it God who put it in their minds to do that, or did they have a Spirit-given ability to do such things without having to consult Him?

Q&A question: Cursing & Blessing in the OT

prophecy Elisha
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-21

Loving the Lord with Everything: I’ve been wondering about the great commandment Jesus gives in Matthew 22: 36. Seems like a Deuteronomy 6 quote, but why does Jesus change the last quality from “might” to “mind”?

Q&A question: Loving the Lord with Everything

Matthew Jesus Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2023-08-18

How to Hear God’s Voice: What does it mean to hear God's voice? Many teachings say to listen to your thoughts and discern God's voice. Is this even Biblical, or is it a cliche? Reminds me of imagination (visions/prophecy).

Q&A question: How to Hear God’s Voice

prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-01

Have a Pure Mind – Battling Lust: I came to Christ around 9 months ago, but I’ve been really struggling with getting closer God. I’m 15 and I have problems with lust. How can I stop always falling back into sin through lusting?

Q&A question: Have a Pure Mind – Battling Lust

sexual ethics
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-16

Does the Devil Know Our Thoughts?: Can the Devil interpret what a non-believer may be thinking or what's on their mind? Can he understand what a person is thinking?

Q&A question: Does the Devil Know Our Thoughts?

hermeneutics
Mike Winger idea 2024-05-17

Will We Remember “The Bad” in Eternity?: Can you go into detail as to what Isaiah 65: 17 means by “not remembered” and the “nor come to mind” part? I was told it meant literal memory loss and that scares me. I want to remember even the bad.

Q&A question: Will We Remember “The Bad” in Eternity?

Isaiah Isaiah
Mike Winger idea 2024-05-24

Mark of the Beast: Literal or Symbolic?: Could the Mark of the Beast being on the forehead or right hand symbolize something that dominates the mind or actions of those who submit to it instead of a literal mark on the body as many assume?

Q&A question: Mark of the Beast: Literal or Symbolic?

submission in marriage
Mike Winger idea 2024-08-16

How Much Detail do we Confess?: When we, as Christians, confess our sins to God, how detailed should we be? Two verses that come to my mind are Psalm 139: 23-24.

Q&A question: How Much Detail do we Confess?

Psalm 139 Psalm 139
Mike Winger idea 2024-08-16

Be Quiet & MYOB?: In 1 Thessalonians 4: 11 we are told to be quiet and mind our own business. How does that play out in a time where there is so much wrong in the world and in the Church? How are you doing it? You are the best!

Q&A question: Be Quiet & MYOB?

1 Thessalonians 4 1 Thessalonians 4
Mike Winger idea 2024-10-11

Stay Focused on Christ!: How do I keep my mind on Jesus all day? I often get so distracted and conform to the ways of people around me. This is the thing I struggle with the most. I’d love your advice!

Q&A question: Stay Focused on Christ!

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2025-05-02

Permissible Doubts vs. Double-mindedness: Can you explain the difference between the man in Mark 9: 24 and the double-minded man talked about in James 1:5-8? I find myself relating to the former a lot, but I also fear being double-minded.

Q&A question: Permissible Doubts vs. Double-mindedness

James James 1 Mark 9 James James 1 Mark 9
Mike Winger idea 2025-11-14

Sin Struggles = Double Minded?: What's the difference between being a double-minded man (James 1:8) and being a sincere Christian struggling with sin and the flesh's love for sinful things (Romans 7: 14-25)? Can you draw a distinction?

Q&A question: Sin Struggles = Double Minded?

James James 1 Romans 7 James James 1 Romans 7
Mike Winger idea 2026-03-20

How to Walk by The Spirit: Regarding Romans 8:4-6, how do we walk according to the Spirit and set our minds on the Spirit?

Q&A question: How to Walk by The Spirit

Romans 8 Romans 8
Mike Winger idea 2026-01-09

Miller describes what happens to Christian students at secular universities: the combination of social pressure (frat culture, peers) and intellectual indoctrination (Nietzsche, Freud, Darwin) across all departments erodes faith. Real believers don't technically "lose" their faith but are beaten down to the point where their belief has no practical effect — "the heart cannot embrace what the mind cannot believe."

How universities erode Christian faith through combined social and intellectual pressure
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