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All (26) Mike Winger (26)
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-18

Ephesians 4:15-16 — Christ as head from whom the body grows; this passage does focus on provision

Mike examines the second passage cited by egalitarians.

Ephesians 4:15-16 kephale Ephesians 4:15-16 body of Christ provision
Mike Winger idea 2018-02-07

Todd White's leg-lengthening video analyzed: hand pivoting, body swinging, and foot angle changes account for the apparent growth — at a rental car location in Israel.

Third example video: Todd White performing a leg-lengthening healing.

Todd White healing fraud physical manipulation
Mike Winger idea 2018-02-07

Summary of the leg manipulation mechanism: pivoting feet, turning ankles outward, curving toes, turning ankles inward — multiple techniques combine to create the illusion of leg growth or shrinkage.

Consolidating the technical analysis across multiple leg-lengthening videos.

healing fraud physical manipulation leg lengthening
Mike Winger idea 2018-02-07

In the fifth video Todd initially does not hold the boy's legs while commanding growth; only after reaching out and grabbing them does the 'healing' occur — showing he needs physical control to produce the effect.

Key observation about Todd White's technique in the fifth video.

Todd White healing fraud physical manipulation
Mike Winger idea 2017-12-27

Responsibilities area: the question is whether you are 'just getting by' or actively pursuing Christ in each area

Elaboration on the 'responsibilities' area within Tip 4.

responsibility pursuing Christ spiritual growth
Mike Winger idea 2018-01-24

Mormon theology contains more gods than any other religion in history — an infinite, eternal regression of gods with no beginning.

Mike stresses the full scope of Mormon polytheism: not just three gods but an infinite cosmological chain of deities.

eternal progression Mormon polytheism infinite regression of gods
Mike Winger idea 2018-01-24

Liberal theology movements die — Mormonism's doctrinal retreat is likely to cause continued fragmentation, declining membership, and organizational decline.

Mike predicts the long-term consequences of Mormonism's theological liberalization.

liberal theology LDS membership decline Mormon splinter groups
Mike Winger idea 2018-03-28

Dan Barker's four reasons to reject the resurrection: problem of history, possible natural explanations, internal Bible contradictions, legendary growth

Overview of Barker's case against the resurrection

resurrection Dan Barker methodological naturalism
Mike Winger idea 2018-03-28

Barker's legendary growth argument cherry-picks data — each Gospel sometimes has more miraculous content, sometimes less

Mike's critique of Barker's fourth objection

Markan priority Gospel origins resurrection Dan Barker
Mike Winger idea 2018-03-28

Five years is not enough time for legendary development — the 500-witness claim makes legendary embellishment implausible

Mike's argument against legendary development theory using the early dating of 1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15 resurrection legendary growth
Mike Winger idea 2019-04-03

F.F. Bruce's distillation of the historical core in Hegesippus: James killed because he refused to deny that Jesus was the Messiah, threatening the political stability of the Jewish leadership

Scholarly evaluation of what the Hegesippus account preserves historically

James the brother of Jesus F.F. Bruce apostolic martyrdom Hegesippus
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-08

Matthew 6:14-15 has a direct and uncomfortable application; persistent unwillingness to forgive may be evidence of not being in Christ, not a cause of losing salvation

Response to question about applying Matthew 6:14-15 to life situations

Matthew 6:14-15 Philippians 2:13 assurance of salvation forgiveness Matthew 6:14-15
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-15

Hebrew Roots movement defined: a scattered, loosely organized group seeking to practice the Law of Moses

Background on the movement being critiqued

Hebrew Roots movement Sabbath Torah observance
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-22

Church grows to ~5,000 in Acts 3-4, still entirely Jewish or proselyte. The default assumption is: continue doing what you were already doing regarding the law.

Summary observation from Acts 3-4

Torah observance Jewish believers early church
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-18

Faith as small as a mustard seed — the call is to use existing faith, not to manufacture more

Question from Lavell Martinez about the tension between being told to have great faith and Jesus saying mustard-seed faith moves mountains.

Luke 17:5-6 faith discipleship mustard seed
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-17

Demon possession: less visible in Western cultures due to secular/medical framing

Q&A question from "Only in Antarctica" about why demon possession seems less prevalent today given population growth.

Satan Paganism Demon Possession
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

The feeling of "not being there yet" in Christian growth is healthy when it motivates pressing on rather than giving up

Question from Derry Draws about how to grow spiritually when the fire feels gone

Philippians 3:13-14 calling Paul discouragement
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

Hillsong's explosive growth is driven by an extra layer of intense positivity — the "Happy Meal" model of Christianity

Continued analysis of Hillsong's ministry model.

Hillsong Prosperity gospel / positivity gospel Ministry success metrics
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

Though gifts cannot be taught, believers can grow in their expression and use of already-given gifts

Nuanced development of the spiritual gifts question.

1 Corinthians 14 2 Timothy 1:6 1 Corinthians 14 Elijah Spiritual gifts
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

Introduction: channel milestone of 200,000 subscribers and format of the 20 Questions Friday livestream

Opening remarks before questions begin. Mike Winger celebrates reaching 200k subscribers and explains the Q&A format.

Mike Winger online ministry ministry perseverance
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-12

God's timing for the Incarnation was strategically optimal — Jesus came when manuscript distribution, roads, and population growth maximized gospel spread

Mike continues the Matthew 11 answer by addressing why Jesus did not go to Sodom in the past.

Matthew 11:22-24 manuscript evidence apologetics Providence
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Closing encouragement: abide in Christ as the first peg; upcoming study on the return of Jesus

Mike closes the Q&A with pastoral encouragement and preview of upcoming content.

eschatology second coming pastoral care
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Good #3: Soul-building theodicy — suffering provides opportunities to develop character virtues (sacrifice, courage, compassion, forgiveness). Good #4: Robin Collins' connection-building theodicy — virtuous responses to evil create valuable relationships that grow infinitely over time.

Response to Q4 — soul-building and connection-building

theodicy theodicy soul-building theodicy
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 2020-03-23

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 2021-07-30

About Believer/Non-Believer Relationships: What should a new Christian do if he or she has been in a relationship for 7+ years with a non-Christian (not married), and the non-Christian doesn't slow down the spiritual growth of the Christian?

Q&A question: About Believer/Non-Believer Relationships