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

...more
All (487) Scripture Commentary (145) Theology (31) Mike Winger (309) Pulpit (2)
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 2020-01-08

Drew's Question 1: Why did God communicate through literature? Literature demands interpretation, leading to contradictory sects and suffering (e.g., JW blood transfusions). If God couldn't do better, he's not omnipotent; if he didn't know, not omniscient; if he didn't care, not omni-benevolent.

Presenting Drew's argument — literature and the problem of evil

problem of evil problem of evil trilemma
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

The JW blood transfusion example actually comes from Watchtower proclamations, not biblical interpretation. John notes the Bible's manuscript tradition makes it more reliable than modern media like video. Even supernatural direct knowledge could still be questioned by skeptics.

Additional response to Q1 — JW example and textual reliability

textual criticism textual criticism Watchtower
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-19

Q&A: The witness of the Holy Spirit is not primarily an emotion but a witness (like testimony) — the Spirit confirms truths like "I am a child of God" (Romans 8). It can come through Scripture, prayer, or ongoing experience and can be temporarily quenched.

Q&A — witness of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8 Romans 8 witness of the Holy Spirit witness of the Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: Could Christians have made up martyrdom claims? Unreasonable for Peter, James, and John — first-century evidence of their martyrdom is strong. Some later apostle martyrdom stories may have been embellished, but the core eyewitnesses clearly suffered for their resurrection claims. Martyrdom proves sincerity, not necessarily truth — but combined with ruling out hallucination, the case is strong.

Q&A — historicity of apostolic martyrdom

apostolic martyrdom sincerity of testimony
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: 2 Corinthians 3:17 ("the Lord is the Spirit") — does it teach Jesus is the Holy Spirit? It affirms oneness in God but not Oneness Pentecostal theology. The Spirit is sometimes called the Spirit of Jesus; the Holy Spirit is Christ's presence with us. But the full NT also affirms distinct persons of the Trinity.

Q&A — 2 Corinthians 3:17 and the Trinity

2 Corinthians 3:17 Trinity Trinity 2 Corinthians 3:17
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 2020-05-21

Undesigned coincidences: subtle agreements between independent gospel accounts that are too incidental to be deliberate. Example: John says Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread (John 6); only Luke says the feeding was near Bethsaida; only John says Philip and Andrew were from Bethsaida. The connection (Jesus asked the local guys) only appears when you combine the accounts — no single author engineered it.

Undesigned coincidences — cross-gospel subtle agreements

John James Blunt John 6 feeding 5000 Bethsaida undesigned coincidences Bethsaida
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-19

Leviticus 20:10 objection: if adultery = death, how can it be grounds for divorce (the person would be dead)? Four responses: (1) The death penalty wasn't practiced after 30 AD under Roman rule — John 18:31: "it is not lawful for us to put anyone to death." (2) The Mishnah has rules for divorced adulteresses (can't marry their lover) — proving they weren't killed. (3) Adultery was hard to prove (requires 2+ witnesses). (4) Jesus uses porneia (broader than adultery) to include lesser sexual offenses.

Adultery death penalty objection — four rebuttals

Leviticus 20:10 John 18:31 Deuteronomy 24 Leviticus 20:10 John 18:31 Mishnah Yevamot 2:8
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

Positive evidence FOR gospel reliability: consistent personality of Jesus across Gospels, unexplained allusions (John 7 — Jesus quotes a scripture nobody can identify), unnecessary realistic details, and the absence of realistic fiction as a genre in the first century.

McGrew's positive case for the reportage model

John 7 undesigned coincidences Lydia McGrew John 7
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

Deuteronomy 19:11-13 shows the death penalty must be enacted even over compassion — "your eyes shall not pity him" — and failing to punish murderers spreads their guilt onto the entire community.

OT law reinforcing the death penalty with protections and communal guilt

Deuteronomy 19:11-13 Numbers 35:30-31 death penalty Deuteronomy 19:11-13 Numbers 35:30-31
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

Objections answered: (1) Jesus's "turn the other cheek" refutes personal vengeance, not governmental justice; (2) David's pardon is a divine exception, not a rule; (3) John 8 (woman in adultery) was a mob, not a court — and the passage is textually questionable.

Responding to objections against the death penalty

John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye death penalty John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

God's justice is BOTH restorative AND retributive — using restoration to eliminate punishment is itself unjust. The solution to wrongful convictions is to reform the death penalty, not abolish it.

Restorative vs. retributive justice, and the wrongful conviction problem

Revelation 6:10 Roman Catholicism death penalty Revelation 6:10
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Refuting JW Theology: A Jehovah’s Witness said that all the letters in the NT addressed to saints are for the 144,000 (example: Romans 1:7). How do I show that a saint is a believer, and that the NT should be applied to everyone?

Q&A question: Refuting JW Theology

Romans 1 Romans 1 Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Witnessing to Abuse Victims: A friend was sexually abused by her family including her mother, foster family, the school priests, and her first husband. Understandably, she refuses to believe in any God. How can I witness to her?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Abuse Victims

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Witnessing to Mormon Family Members: I'm a Christian who is married to a non-practicing Mormon who still bases his beliefs on LDS doctrine. I think I want to go into apologetics (largely inspired by you), but I don't think my husband will approve. I also feel called to evangelize my Mormon in-laws, but I struggle to get past their feelings-based testimony and their beliefs about who Jesus is and salvation. Any advice on my apologetic aspirations in my specific circumstances, and on the best way to surmount these LDS hurdles?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Mormon Family Members

marriage Jesus salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ: My husband isn’t open to hearing me speak truth, so I have stopped correcting him. Is this a sin?? If he dies, he will go to hell.

Q&A question: About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ

marriage hell
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

MW’s Personal Experience Witnessing: Could you share your most memorable experience in leading someone to the Lord?

Q&A question: MW’s Personal Experience Witnessing

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Can Christians Attend JW Weddings?: Is it ok to attend a wedding of a Jehovah’s Witness? My colleague is a JW and she is getting married in 3 weeks. I was wondering if it’s ok for me to attend because of the belief system.

Q&A question: Can Christians Attend JW Weddings?

Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

Was Jesus Created? Answering JWs: How would you respond to a JW who says that Revelation 3: 14 proves that Jesus was created when it says He is the “beginning of Creation”?

Q&A question: Was Jesus Created? Answering JWs

Revelation 3 revelation Jesus creation Revelation 3
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

When to “Shake the Dust from our Feet”: At what point are we to "shake off the dust from our feet" as mentioned in Matthew 10: 14 when trying to witness to friends, strangers, loved ones, etc.?

Q&A question: When to “Shake the Dust from our Feet”

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness: How do we know when to speak up about the truth of Christ vs. when not to? I am grieved by what I see being claimed as “truth” today, but I don’t want to just sit back and say “I’m not supposed to judge.”

Q&A question: When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

About the “Faithful & Discreet Slave”: Can you explain how we should properly interpret Matthew 24: 45-47? I know Jehovah’s Witnesses think it’s referring to their governing body, but I’d like your opinion.

Q&A question: About the “Faithful & Discreet Slave”

Matthew 24 Matthew Matthew 24 Matthew Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-22

About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle: What is the significance of the Bible saying "2 or 3 witnesses" to establish an accusation, as opposed to saying "2 witnesses" or "3 witnesses"?

Q&A question: About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

How to Witness to an Angry Person: My friend has left Christianity. His family is a bit extreme and aggressive with their faith, and he says they are what pushed him away from his. If I try to talk with him, he gets angry. What can I do?

Q&A question: How to Witness to an Angry Person

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-17

What if I Don’t Live near a Bible-based Church?: What do you do when there are only Jehovah’s whiteness, Catholic, and extremely Progressive churches within a day’s drive of where you live?

Q&A question: What if I Don’t Live near a Bible-based Church?

Roman Catholicism Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Overcoming Fear while Witnessing: I am currently attending a public school, and I’m wondering how I am supposed to speak the Word and truth of God when I fear that I will be shut down if I let my true beliefs be heard. Any advice?

Q&A question: Overcoming Fear while Witnessing

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

About the 2 Witnesses / Rapture?: It seems like the 2 witnesses in Zechariah 4 and Revelation 11 are like two peoples instead of individuals, as Romans 11: 17-21 speaks of olive trees/branches being Jews/Gentiles. If so, would the rapture be the "calling up" of them?

Q&A question: About the 2 Witnesses / Rapture?

Romans 11 revelation Zechariah rapture Romans 11 revelation
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

About Cult Shunning/Shaming: How can we differentiate the instructions given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5: 11 & by Jesus in Matthew 18: 15-17 with the shunning/shaming practices of certain cults like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc.?

Q&A question: About Cult Shunning/Shaming

1 Corinthians 5 Matthew 18 Matthew 1 Corinthians 5 Jesus Matthew 18
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Witnessing Well at Work: I've had some really good conversations with friends at work about being a Christian. What are some good tips for me to continue talking to them without it seeming like I'm pushing it on them?

Q&A question: Witnessing Well at Work

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Who Recorded Job 1:6?: Job 1:6 states that angels and Satan present themselves before the Lord and they proceed to have a conversation about Job in the ensuing verses. Who was there to witness and record the conversation?

Q&A question: Who Recorded Job 1:6?

Satan angels
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

Witnessing Opportunity vs. Spiritual Trap!: I met some Muslims who were evangelizing, and I went up to them to challenge their beliefs. They invited me to a Ramadan dinner at a mosque. Should I go, or would that be a spiritual trap?

Q&A question: Witnessing Opportunity vs. Spiritual Trap!

Islam angels
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

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
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Witnessing to a Dying Loved One: My grandpa is dying, and doesn't have long. He has dementia/Alzheimer’s now and has never been a Christian. Is it too late to share the Gospel with him? If not, how do I do it effectively?

Q&A question: Witnessing to a Dying Loved One

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing: I have felt God call me to minister to the JWs, and He has opened doors for me to do so. What should I do to make sure my faith is not endangered when I am doing ministry? I meet with them tonight.

Q&A question: Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Should False Teachers be Shown Less Grace?: I've been told that when witnessing to groups such as the LDS (Mormons), a rebuke is better than a conversation because of Acts 13:8-10. Should false teachers be shown less grace than non-believers?

Q&A question: Should False Teachers be Shown Less Grace?

Acts 13 Mormonism Acts 13
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-09

Witnessing to Muslims: How do you convince a Muslim that Jesus is more than just a prophet?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Muslims

Jesus prophecy Islam
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-09

Respectfully & Effectively Witnessing to a Boss: My boss is a leader in the LDS church. He is a good and friendly boss but calls himself a Christian. Do I have a responsibility to confront him, and if so, how do I do this respectfully since he is my boss?

Q&A question: Respectfully & Effectively Witnessing to a Boss

Mormonism
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Witnessing to Stubborn Family Members: Does “shaking the dust off your feet” (Matthew 10: 14) ever apply to family? Or are we to always endure in witnessing to family, despite continual rejection?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Stubborn Family Members

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2023-04-07

Witnessing to Muslims: I'm 15, and my best friend at school is a Muslim. Do you have any advice for trying to evangelize Muslims who are intelligent and rational but very set in their ways?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Muslims

Islam angels
Mike Winger idea 2023-04-21

Witnessing to Strangers: What’s your favorite way to witness to strangers?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Strangers

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-05

Did Jesus Bodily Rise if He Appeared in the Flesh?: Jehovah's Witnesses claim that Jesus was resurrected as a spirit only (not a bodily resurrection) since He appeared in a locked room, and if He was in the flesh He couldn't have done that. What are your thoughts in response to this?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Bodily Rise if He Appeared in the Flesh?

Jesus resurrection Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-05

Will Sharing Tough Truth Ruin our Witness?: I'm afraid to talk about issues like abortion, LGBT, etc. for fear that I'll turn people off so much that they won't listen AT ALL when I try to share the Gospel. How can I resolve this?

Q&A question: Will Sharing Tough Truth Ruin our Witness?

abortion
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

About the “Two Witnesses” in Rev.: Who are the two witnesses in the book of Revelation, and is it possible for them to be people that are walking the Earth today that are not in the Bible?

Q&A question: About the “Two Witnesses” in Rev.

revelation revelation
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

Overcoming Anxiety while Witnessing: I always get anxiety and my heart starts beating fast whenever I try to speak up about social or biblical Issues to my family (mainly my dad who is a Progressive Christian). How can I overcome this?

Q&A question: Overcoming Anxiety while Witnessing

evangelism progressive Christianity anxiety and mental health
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

Relearning Proper Theology: One of your videos gave my fiancé a change of heart. He is a former Jehovah’s Witness and feels like he has to start over and unlearn then relearn everything. Where do you suggest we start studying?

Q&A question: Relearning Proper Theology

Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-01

They’re Not Worried about Eternity!: What advice do you have for witnessing to someone who doesn’t care about what happens after they die? I have a friend who is content with betting their eternity on Hell if they are wrong.

Q&A question: They’re Not Worried about Eternity!

hell
Mike Winger idea 2024-01-26

Does Deuteronomy Prohibit Witnessing to Cults?: Does Deuteronomy 12: 30 prohibit current Christians from learning about other worldviews/religions/cults in order to evangelize them and utilize appropriate apologetics techniques?

Q&A question: Does Deuteronomy Prohibit Witnessing to Cults?

apologetics angels
← Prev Page 9 of 10 Next →