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Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Six reasons why "this mountain" is NOT limited to the temple (contra cessationist interpretation), but is a general truth about prayer: Paul's usage, Matthew/Luke parallels, OT mountain-moving language.

Refuting Jeff Durbin's cessationist interpretation that limits Mark 11 to imprecatory prayer against the temple

1 Corinthians 13:2 Mark 11:24 Mark 13:2 cessationism 1 Corinthians 13:2 cessationism

Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Mountain-moving is a euphemism for what is humanly impossible but possible for God. Faith is weak (mustard seed), not strong — the emphasis is that you don't earn miracles; God does everything, you just believe.

Correct interpretation of the mountain-moving promise in Mark 11

Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 faith and prayer

Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Your part in prayer is faith, but GOD does the miracles — the power is not in your words or your belief, but in God's response. Forgiveness of others and repentance of sin are prerequisites for effective prayer.

Analysis of active/passive language in Mark 11 and the forgiveness requirement

1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24 1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24

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 2020-10-05

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 2020-10-12

A consistent OT pattern: it's the LEADERS of Israel who persecute God's messengers (Jezebel vs. Elijah, Saul vs. David, people of Ephraim vs. Gideon, King Jehoiakim vs. Jeremiah). The motive: wanting power, credit, and avoidance of suffering.

OT examples of leadership rejecting prophets and application to modern rejection of the gospel

Jeremiah 7:25-26 leadership accountability Jeremiah 7:25-26 leadership accountability

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-12

Psalm 118:22-23 (rejected cornerstone) is quoted by the crowd entering Jerusalem AND by Jesus to the Sanhedrin — the "builders" (scribes/scholars in rabbinic literature) reject the stone, but God establishes it anyway. The "others" who receive the vineyard are the leaders of the Christian church.

The cornerstone quotation and who replaces the vine growers

James 3:1 Psalm 118:22-23 papacy James 3:1 leadership accountability

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-12

Final applications: (1) Humility — see yourself with the same clarity you see others; (2) Obedience — receive God's messengers, don't reject them; (3) Leaders can be replaced; (4) The cornerstone wins — no matter what opposition arises, Jesus's lordship is the end of the story.

Closing summary and applications from Mark 12:1-12

humility humility leadership accountability

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-29

Critical Race Theory is a discipline within critical social theory (rooted in Marx). It emerged from critical legal studies in the 1980s. The overarching worldview: society is defined by dominant group vs. oppressed group, and the goal is dismantling oppressive systems.

What is Critical Theory and Critical Race Theory — definitions and origins

critical theory intersectionality Kimberlé Crenshaw

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-29

CRT redefines racism as "prejudice plus power" — meaning only the dominant group (whites) can be racist, and systemic racism is the only real racism. This enables dismissing any concern from majority groups while making all disparities evidence of racism.

CRT's redefinition of racism and its consequences

Proverbs 18:13 Robin DiAngelo Ibram X. Kendi prejudice plus power

Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Jesus identifies TWO problems with the Sadducees: they don't know the Scriptures AND they don't know the power of God. He then proves resurrection FROM the Pentateuch — their own strongest ground — using Exodus 3:6 ("I am the God of Abraham").

Jesus's response: two rebukes and the burning bush argument for resurrection

Mark 12:18-27 Exodus 3:6 resurrection resurrection marriage in heaven

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 2021-10-01

Is “Entire Sanctification” Biblical?: What are your thoughts on Entire Sanctification? Could a Christian eventually live a life without sin through God's power? If not, shouldn’t we shoot for it anyway?

Q&A question: Is “Entire Sanctification” Biblical?

sanctification

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction: Since God can’t contradict Himself, does that mean that His power is limited in a way? I know God is all powerful, but what is the logical reason behind Him being powerful and non-contradictory?

Q&A question: About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction

biblical reliability

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Why did People Fall Over in John 18?: My question is about John 18:6. It’s a really powerful moment, but did the other disciples not see it?

Q&A question: Why did People Fall Over in John 18?

John 18:6 John 18 John 18:6 John 18

Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?: Is it man-centered thinking to say that “Jesus died for everyone but it is only applied to you if/when you accept it”? Are we the ones who give the cross its power? I’d Like to hear your thoughts on this.

Q&A question: Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?

Jesus

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 2022-04-08

Drawing Near to God on Spiritual Holidays: First Easter being saved! Do you have any suggestions for some God honoring ways to spend Good Friday and Holy Saturday? I’m so excited and want to do whatever is in my power to feel especially close to Christ.

Q&A question: Drawing Near to God on Spiritual Holidays

Mike Winger idea 2022-04-08

What is Biblical “Meekness”?: Do you believe the current oxford definition of meek or meekness is biblically correct? It's being quiet, gentle, and submissive – but I’ve heard it's being powerful under control. I’d Love to hear your thoughts!

Q&A question: What is Biblical “Meekness”?

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 2022-10-21

Does Satan Think He’ll Win in the End?: How can Satan, an angel much smarter than us, be so unwise as to oppose an all-powerful God? Does Satan think he stands a chance of winning in the end?

Q&A question: Does Satan Think He’ll Win in the End?

Satan angels

Mike Winger idea 2022-12-09

Why was the Cross Necessary if God is All-Powerful?: I have an agnostic friend who can’t accept that the cross was necessary. They believe God was not all powerful if He could not find another way of saving humanity without sacrificing Jesus. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Why was the Cross Necessary if God is All-Powerful?

Jesus agnosticism

Mike Winger idea 2023-05-12

Why Won’t Christians Marry Non-Christians?: A woman stopped dating me because of worldview differences. I believe in a higher power and wouldn’t have pulled her away from her faith. It hurt badly. Why do some Christians do that? She seems indoctrinated (“can’t marry a non-Christian”).

Q&A question: Why Won’t Christians Marry Non-Christians?

dating and relationships

Mike Winger idea 2023-11-17

Does Reading Scripture Aloud = Prophecy?: Does reading the Scriptures aloud in the power of the Holy Spirit count as prophecy? It's speaking forth the Word of God. Also, Scripture is called prophecy in 2 Peter 1: 19-21.

Q&A question: Does Reading Scripture Aloud = Prophecy?

Peter prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2024-02-09

Did Jesus Always Have Power to Heal?: Regarding when Luke 5: 17 says, “The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal,” did Jesus not always have this power, or does Luke emphasize it here because of what happens next? What’s your take on this?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Always Have Power to Heal?

Jesus

Mike Winger idea 2024-04-05

Does Satan Have Power?: Is it a biblical idea that it's blasphemy to say that Satan has any power?

Q&A question: Does Satan Have Power?

Satan

Mike Winger idea 2024-10-25

Spiritual Power?: How can I argue biblically against the idea that we gain personal power/status in the spiritual realm by being full of the Spirit, and how does this relate to abiding in Christ & James 5-16?

Q&A question: Spiritual Power?

James James

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Jesus’ Ministry – Which Nature?: Do you believe Jesus did His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing out of His divinity, or out of His humanity empowered by the Holy Spirit, in light of Matthew 3: 16-17, etc.? What about us?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Ministry – Which Nature?

Matthew Jesus Matthew healing

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Images of God: Ever Biblical?: Author J.I. Packer states that the 2nd commandment forbids using images of God for worship (such as paintings or statues/icons of God) and that images cannot capture His power & only serve as a crutch when worshiping Him. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Images of God: Ever Biblical?

worship

Mike Winger idea 2025-02-14

David’s Story: Exempting Accountability?: How should we respond to people who use the story of David and other flawed biblical figures, whom God still used, to justify their own sinful behavior, especially when in positions of power?

Q&A question: David’s Story: Exempting Accountability?

David

Mike Winger idea 2025-04-11

Guarding Against Greed & Corruption: As your influence grows, how do you personally guard against the temptations of greed and the misuse of power, like the corrupted leaders you're revealing?

Q&A question: Guarding Against Greed & Corruption

Mike Winger idea 2025-05-09

Why Doesn’t God Save Everyone?: My brother is an atheist and says he wouldn’t follow a God that he knows is real, who knowingly creates people who will reject Him and go to Hell, despite having power to save everyone. It’s hard to reason. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Why Doesn’t God Save Everyone?

atheism hell

Mike Winger idea 2025-10-03

Acceptance Only of a “Higher Power”: My daughter (13) believes that there may be a higher power, but doesn’t believe in Jesus. I’m trying to figure out how to reach her in an effective manner. What advice can you offer?

Q&A question: Acceptance Only of a “Higher Power”

Jesus

Mike Winger idea 2025-09-29

When solidly biblical Christians disengage from politics out of fear of being seen as partisan, they cede that space to power-hungry leaders who compromise — leaving politicians with access only to figures like Paula White rather than those with genuine theological integrity. There is a real cost to being on the fence: biblical values go unrepresented in policymaking.

The cost of Christian political disengagement; faithful Christians must enter the arena

Mike Winger idea 2025-10-01

The Christological trilemma (Lord, Liar, or Lunatic — associated with C.S. Lewis, likely originating with G.K. Chesterton) is built on the historical evidence that Jesus made both messianic and divine identity claims. He cannot have been lying — he made his violent death by the very authorities whose power he claimed to supersede a core part of his mission, which an impostor would never do. Mark 8's double rebuke (Peter rebukes Jesus; Jesus rebukes Peter as "Satan") shows this is not a later invention.

The Christological trilemma: Jesus's self-claims were not those of a liar or madman

Mark 8 Peter Jesus Satan

Pulpit research note

The Status-Seeking Reading of 1 Corinthians 14 — Well Supported

The sermon's central thesis — that Corinthians were using spiritual gifts for status seeking rather than building up the body — is one of the best-supported readings available, backed by 40 years of s

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Pulpit research note

Status-Seeking as the Primary Issue in 1 Corinthians — Not Merely Order

Pastor Brett Landry's reading — that the Corinthians' primary problem was status-seeking and self-promotion, with disorder being the symptom rather than the disease — represents the dominant scholarly

1 Corinthians 12-14

Pulpit research note

Podcast Q3: What Happens When You Read Verse 36? (Impact 9/10, Reconsideration 6/10)

"One thing I noticed you didn't address was verse 36, which starts with the Greek particle eta — 'Or did the word of God come from you? Or are you the only ones it has reached?' Greek lexicons like [F

1 Corinthians 14:36

Pulpit research note

Commentary: The Format That Silences Correction — 1 Corinthians 14:30-31 and Church Authority

**1Co 14:30-31** says: "If a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first must be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be encouraged." Paul's model

1 Corinthians 14:30-31

Pulpit research note

Commentary: God Never Said She Would Want to "Overpower" Her Husband

At 11:31, Ardavanis claims that God tells Eve she is going to want to "overpower her husband" and "subvert God's design," and calls this "one of the most timeless wars waged in culture." ### God Says

Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

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Six reasons why "this mountain" is NOT limited to the temple (contra cessationist interpretation), but is a general truth about prayer: Paul's usage, Matthew/Luke parallels, OT mountain-moving language.

Mountain-moving is a euphemism for what is humanly impossible but possible for God. Faith is weak (mustard seed), not strong — the emphasis is that you don't earn miracles; God does everything, you just believe.

Your part in prayer is faith, but GOD does the miracles — the power is not in your words or your belief, but in God's response. Forgiveness of others and repentance of sin are prerequisites for effective prayer.

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 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.

A consistent OT pattern: it's the LEADERS of Israel who persecute God's messengers (Jezebel vs. Elijah, Saul vs. David, people of Ephraim vs. Gideon, King Jehoiakim vs. Jeremiah). The motive: wanting power, credit, and avoidance of suffering.

Psalm 118:22-23 (rejected cornerstone) is quoted by the crowd entering Jerusalem AND by Jesus to the Sanhedrin — the "builders" (scribes/scholars in rabbinic literature) reject the stone, but God establishes it anyway. The "others" who receive the vineyard are the leaders of the Christian church.

Final applications: (1) Humility — see yourself with the same clarity you see others; (2) Obedience — receive God's messengers, don't reject them; (3) Leaders can be replaced; (4) The cornerstone wins — no matter what opposition arises, Jesus's lordship is the end of the story.

Critical Race Theory is a discipline within critical social theory (rooted in Marx). It emerged from critical legal studies in the 1980s. The overarching worldview: society is defined by dominant group vs. oppressed group, and the goal is dismantling oppressive systems.

CRT redefines racism as "prejudice plus power" — meaning only the dominant group (whites) can be racist, and systemic racism is the only real racism. This enables dismissing any concern from majority groups while making all disparities evidence of racism.

Jesus identifies TWO problems with the Sadducees: they don't know the Scriptures AND they don't know the power of God. He then proves resurrection FROM the Pentateuch — their own strongest ground — using Exodus 3:6 ("I am the God of Abraham").

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.

Is “Entire Sanctification” Biblical?: What are your thoughts on Entire Sanctification? Could a Christian eventually live a life without sin through God's power? If not, shouldn’t we shoot for it anyway?

About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction: Since God can’t contradict Himself, does that mean that His power is limited in a way? I know God is all powerful, but what is the logical reason behind Him being powerful and non-contradictory?

Why did People Fall Over in John 18?: My question is about John 18:6. It’s a really powerful moment, but did the other disciples not see it?

Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?: Is it man-centered thinking to say that “Jesus died for everyone but it is only applied to you if/when you accept it”? Are we the ones who give the cross its power? I’d Like to hear your thoughts on this.

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?

Drawing Near to God on Spiritual Holidays: First Easter being saved! Do you have any suggestions for some God honoring ways to spend Good Friday and Holy Saturday? I’m so excited and want to do whatever is in my power to feel especially close to Christ.

What is Biblical “Meekness”?: Do you believe the current oxford definition of meek or meekness is biblically correct? It's being quiet, gentle, and submissive – but I’ve heard it's being powerful under control. I’d Love to hear your thoughts!

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?

Does Satan Think He’ll Win in the End?: How can Satan, an angel much smarter than us, be so unwise as to oppose an all-powerful God? Does Satan think he stands a chance of winning in the end?

Why was the Cross Necessary if God is All-Powerful?: I have an agnostic friend who can’t accept that the cross was necessary. They believe God was not all powerful if He could not find another way of saving humanity without sacrificing Jesus. Thoughts?

Why Won’t Christians Marry Non-Christians?: A woman stopped dating me because of worldview differences. I believe in a higher power and wouldn’t have pulled her away from her faith. It hurt badly. Why do some Christians do that? She seems indoctrinated (“can’t marry a non-Christian”).

Does Reading Scripture Aloud = Prophecy?: Does reading the Scriptures aloud in the power of the Holy Spirit count as prophecy? It's speaking forth the Word of God. Also, Scripture is called prophecy in 2 Peter 1: 19-21.

Did Jesus Always Have Power to Heal?: Regarding when Luke 5: 17 says, “The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal,” did Jesus not always have this power, or does Luke emphasize it here because of what happens next? What’s your take on this?

Does Satan Have Power?: Is it a biblical idea that it's blasphemy to say that Satan has any power?

Spiritual Power?: How can I argue biblically against the idea that we gain personal power/status in the spiritual realm by being full of the Spirit, and how does this relate to abiding in Christ & James 5-16?

Jesus’ Ministry – Which Nature?: Do you believe Jesus did His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing out of His divinity, or out of His humanity empowered by the Holy Spirit, in light of Matthew 3: 16-17, etc.? What about us?

Images of God: Ever Biblical?: Author J.I. Packer states that the 2nd commandment forbids using images of God for worship (such as paintings or statues/icons of God) and that images cannot capture His power & only serve as a crutch when worshiping Him. Thoughts?

David’s Story: Exempting Accountability?: How should we respond to people who use the story of David and other flawed biblical figures, whom God still used, to justify their own sinful behavior, especially when in positions of power?

Guarding Against Greed & Corruption: As your influence grows, how do you personally guard against the temptations of greed and the misuse of power, like the corrupted leaders you're revealing?

Why Doesn’t God Save Everyone?: My brother is an atheist and says he wouldn’t follow a God that he knows is real, who knowingly creates people who will reject Him and go to Hell, despite having power to save everyone. It’s hard to reason. Thoughts?

Acceptance Only of a “Higher Power”: My daughter (13) believes that there may be a higher power, but doesn’t believe in Jesus. I’m trying to figure out how to reach her in an effective manner. What advice can you offer?

The Status-Seeking Reading of 1 Corinthians 14 — Well Supported

Status-Seeking as the Primary Issue in 1 Corinthians — Not Merely Order

Podcast Q3: What Happens When You Read Verse 36? (Impact 9/10, Reconsideration 6/10)

Commentary: The Format That Silences Correction — 1 Corinthians 14:30-31 and Church Authority

Commentary: God Never Said She Would Want to "Overpower" Her Husband

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