Learn to think biblically about everything! Teaching theology, apologetics, and verse-by-verse Bible studies. Mike Winger teaches with clarity, doesn't shy away from controversial topics, and always seeks to teach the Bible accurately. This podcast will equip you to know and defend the Christian faith and understand the Bible in a deeper way.
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Several disturbing things the Pope has said: 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 30)
Episode 797
Friday, September 20, 2024 • Duration 01:30:00
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
1. 0:05 {What Did the Pope Say?} Have some of the things Pope Francis has recently said been heretical? 2. 39:27 {Does Sin Cause Illness?} Does sinning cause physical illness? Does refraining from sinning stop it? John 9:3 and John 5:14 seem to say both are true. Is this a contradiction? 3. 43:17 {Casting Pearls before Swine} In what ways or in what situations might Matthew 7:6 be applicable today? 4. 49:24 {Was David Conceived in Adultery?} In Psalm 51:5, David says that in sin his mother conceived him. Is he saying that he has been in sin since his conception, or that his mother was in sin when she conceived him? Was David born in adultery? 5. 55:26 {Is Calvinism Heresy?} Why isn’t Calvinism more strongly condemned among non-Calvinists? The doctrine essentially teaches that God will punish people for something completely out of their control, which makes God seem unjust. 6. 1:02:35 {Is God Prideful?} Is God prideful? If our purpose in life is to glorify God, does that mean we were created only to praise Him? I know He is worthy of praise, but was He seeking praise by creating us? 7. 1:05:49 {Bible Typography} How important is Bible typography? For example, the way the KJV arranges paragraphs makes context harder to understand than in the ESV. 8. 1:10:12 {Standing With Israel?} With all of the tensions and things going on over in Israel, how should we be responding to those we’re surrounded by who hate Israel? They don’t seem to understand why we stand with Israel. 9. 1:13:56 {Was Simon Always “Peter”?} Catholics always say Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter. However, previous verses (Matthew 16:16, John 21:15, Matthew 4:18, and Luke 5:8) refer to him as Simon Peter. Jesus says, “You are Peter…” not “From now on, you are Peter.” Was Simon always known as Peter? 10. 1:20:35 {Adam – “Leave & Cleave”?} How do you interpret Genesis 2:24? How could Adam come with such a statement, since he had no earthly mother or father?
I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join.
To ask a question in a future session, you'll need to follow these instructions: 1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera. 2. Post questions as comments on the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream. 3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment in the chat. 4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment. 5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.
Helpful links:
You can hear the pope's speech, where he said all religions arrive at God, at this link which will take you right to where it begins: Click Here
The CURRENT translation that the Vatican has for this: Click Here
Days after that event, the pope doubled down in saying God wants the richness of other religions and that religious identities are a gift of God. -Vatican translation:
Did "The Chosen" make their own Gospel? 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 29)
Episode 796
Friday, September 13, 2024 • Duration 01:31:06
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
1. 0:10 {The Chosen’s New Book} Did The Chosen make their own Gospel? 2. 29:00 {Our Attitude when God Works Through Us} Is it sinful for a Christian to be pleased when God enables them to do a good work (Isaiah 64:6, Galatians 6:4)? 3. 34:27 {Is YHWH Biased?} How do we know YHWH isn't just BIASED with His Word (as one would be in any form of competition), when God says "There is no other, beside Me there is no God" in Isaiah 45:5 or "I know not any" in Isaiah 44:8? 4. 43:27 {Did Christ Become the HS?} Does 1 Corinthians 15:45 mean that Christ became the Holy Spirit? I was taught this growing up, but it seems like Modalism to me now. I can’t break from this reading of the verse since I left that group. 5. 54:30 {How to Love Your Neighbor As Yourself} What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Do I put their needs equal to mine, or above mine? 6. 58:48 {Are Believers “Priests”?} What are the implications of believers being called to be "A Holy Priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5)? Does this mean we need to view ourselves as priests? 7. 1:04:00 {Typology = Eisegesis?} Is it eisegesis to interpret the Old Testament as depicting Jesus? I commonly hear this objection from Jews who say Christians are "inserting their theology into our book." 8. 1:10:29 {Tongues = Vain Repetition?} Would it be fair to consider the way some churches use tongues in opposition to 1 Corinthians 14 as a form of "vain repetition" (Matthew 6:5-8)? 9. 1:19:23 {How to Know if We Should Marry Someone} What are some biblical ways to help you decide if you should marry someone? 10. 1:24:24 {Why Evangelize?} Why should we evangelize, other than because God tells us to? If it would be God's will for someone to hear about Him, wouldn't God's will happen anyway? And based on Matthew 10:14-15, wouldn’t they be worse off?
Links that may interest you...
A playlist of videos teaching through the Gospel of Mark from start to finish: Click Here
10 Questions with Mike Winger (Episode 22)
Episode 787
Friday, July 19, 2024 • Duration 01:33:20
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
1. 0:40 {The Bible Doesn’t Exist?} Can you please respond to Abraham Piper’s claim that the Bible doesn’t even exist? 2. 12:03 {Jesus’ Deity in Scripture} In Luke 4:9-12, Satan uses the term "Son of God" yet Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:16. Is this a possible claim that Christ is God, similarly to how He takes God's names for Himself? 3. 20:52 {Lack of Works = No Heaven?} Why do we only talk about what will get you into Heaven (faith or works or both)? The Bible seems to teach that only faith can get you in, but lack of works can keep you out. Any thoughts? 4. 24:01 {Are Sinful Desires Sinful?} James 1:15 speaks about your desire giving birth to sin, but if you have an evil desire, isn’t that already sin? 5. 37:48 {Are Natural Disasters from God?} We recently had a tornado touch down here in upstate New York. How does one explain to a non-believer that the tornado was not from God? Was it man-made? 6. 45:40 {Does Hebrews 1 Prove Cessationism?} Is Hebrews 1:1 supportive of the idea that there are no prophets since the 1st century as God only speaks from Jesus Christ? 7. 54:14 {Does Blas. of the Spirit Debunk Calvinism?} Is the fact that we can commit Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit proof that Calvinism is false? 8. 58:58 {Jesus & the Samaritan Woman} Was Jesus pointing out the sin of the Samaritan woman, or was He letting her know He understood her circumstances, considering women had little control over their marital status? 9. 1:09:34 {Modalism & Oneness – Truly Saved?} Are people who believe in Modalism or Oneness doctrines truly saved? Should I allow my kids to participate in events at churches that believe in Modalism? 10. 1:15:44 {Receiving the Holy Spirit} When does a Christian receive the Holy Spirit? The apostles, it seems, received the Holy Spirit twice (John 20:22, Acts 2:1-4). Others had different experiences (Acts 8:14-17, 11:15, 19:1-6). BONUS Q! 1:24:01 What language do you think we will speak in Heaven?
LINKS:
Atheist scholar, Bart Ehrman misleads people about the Bible (not low-hanging fruit): Click Here
20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 95)
Episode 697
Saturday, March 18, 2023 • Duration 01:56:05
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:23 {Overcoming Covetousness} Why is it so hard to be content? I've been blessed with more than most people, but I'm always wanting MORE. I drain so much money buying more "stuff" and once I see something I like, I'm bummed/stressed until I get to buy it. I don't want to be this way. Please help!
25:10 {Eschatological Timings} What effect does Psalm 110:1 and Luke 20:42-43 have on the timing or placement of the rapture of the Church in reference to the tribulation?
29:59 {How to Pray for Unbelievers} I don’t believe Calvinism is biblical, but I find that my prayers for unbelievers often sound Calvinistic: “Change their hearts, bring them to You,” etc. How should we pray for unbelievers' salvation?
32:10 {Can We Be as Close as the Disciples?} Do you think that we can have as personal and intimate of a relationship with Jesus as His twelve disciples did? I've heard 1 John 1:1-3 used to support this.
36:17 {Did God Direct Moses to Deceive Pharaoh?} Why did God tell Moses to ask Pharaoh to go "three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God" (Exodus 3:18) if it wasn't God's intention for them to return to Egypt?
42:58 {Do our Prophecies Create Reality?} Kris Vallotton cites Ezekiel 37:1-6 to claim that our prophecies create reality, rather than just foretelling the future. Is there merit to this?
52:24 {Does Jesus’ Compassion Change?} When Jesus interacts with people, He is often compassionate. However, with the 12, he most often sounds harsh. Does His relationship toward us change once we are “on the team"?
1:00:17 {Moving Forward after Church Hurt} What are your thoughts on how to best get back involved with the Church after you have had past hurts both done to you, and you toward others? Also, should a person go back to the same church, or seek a new one?
1:05:48 {Trinitarian Clarity} How is the Holy Spirit not the Son or Father (Matthew 10:20, Philippians 1:19)? These verses confuse me when I’m trying to answer this question.
20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 94)
Episode 696
Saturday, March 4, 2023 • Duration 01:42:30
A worthwhile ministry to support right now….
"Restoring Faith" is a ministry that helps bring aid to people in crisis. They are sending funds to Syria to assist victims of the recent earthquake. 100% of the money donated goes to aid for the victims: http://restoringfaithinc.org/
Today's Time Stamps:
0:29 What does it mean to worship God “in Spirit and in truth”?
14:14 Is Hebrews 1:1 a reasonable proof text for cessationism in relation to prophecy? It says God spoke to our ancestors through prophets, but "in these last days," He has spoken to us through Christ. Are we in the "last days" Paul refers to?
21:23 At my age and health, it’s hard to manage my long hair. May I cut it chin length as long as I keep it looking feminine and still relatively longer than a man’s? Is simply maintaining that gender distinction the important part?
23:16 Coming from a “2 works movement” (CHM), I’ve always heard 1 Thessalonians 5:23 taught as calling people to a second work of Grace, or an experience of entire sanctification. What is Paul actually saying there?
29:42 How much do my efforts influence situations when God is sovereign and in control? For example, my hard work vs. God blessing my business, improving my health to "extend" my life vs. God setting the number of my days, etc.
33:25 What does the harvest refer to in Luke 10? I've always heard it talked about relating to evangelism, but a harvest implies that the work has already been done and you're able to get the fruit of your labor.
37:01 Can Satan stop God's plan? I had to cancel a mission trip at the last minute due to something I couldn't control, but doors had opened and things had fallen into place for us to go, so it seemed like it was God's will.
41:47 1 Timothy 3:4-5 and Titus 1:6 seem to indicate if someone desires to be an elder they are disqualified by unbelieving children. Does this include adult children? The wife? What do these verses mean?
Did Pharaoh Have Free Will When "God Hardened His Heart"?
Episode 695
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 • Duration 06:02
CLICK HERE for the full study on this topic from my verse-by-verse teaching through Romans.
This is my best understanding of this topic and I think that it fits really well with a wide variety of Scripture that speaks to the issue. For a fuller defense of my own view, please see the video I have linked above.
0:15 {Do We Pray For or Against our Enemies?} How do you reconcile the New Testament's clear teachings to love and pray for our enemies with Psalms like Psalm 69:22-28? Is there ever a time when we should pray against our enemies?
23:44 {Gospel Patterns?} Is Genesis 1:1-6 a foreshadowing of the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? John 1:1, Luke 1:1, Mark 1:1, Matthew 4:17, and 1 John 1:1 all speak of beginning, then water, light, and darkness.
29:25 {Unhealthy Associations w/Gratitude} Growing up, I had people expect me to show gratitude as a way to ignore abuse. Now, I want to be thankful for blessings in my life, but I associate gratitude with abuse. How do I separate that?
33:24 {Prophecy Fulfillment, or Just Staged?} People quote prophecy as evidence of Jesus’ deity. Couldn’t He have deliberately fulfilled some prophecies, such as bribing men to divide His clothes, or purposefully riding a donkey into Jerusalem?
37:38 {Why Physical vs. Spiritual Blessings?} What is the significance of God promising physical blessings to nations (thinking particularly of the promise to Ishmael), when, in light of eternity, physical blessings are nearly insignificant?
39:38 {About the Septuagint & Masoretic Text} Is the Greek LXX (Septuagint) considered a flawed copy? The genealogy of Shem adds hundreds of years which is quite significant. Is the Masoretic Text inerrant, or am I misunderstanding inerrancy?
44:38 {Thoughts on the Asbury Revival} What are your thoughts about what is happening at Asbury?
48:04 {Is there a Proper Format for Church Services?} Is the current way we do church services prescribed in the Bible? Where did this current style of worship come from?
51:34 {Was Aaron Punished for the Golden Calf?} Why didn't Aaron get punished for making the golden calf in Exodus 32?
1:00:38 {Butterfly Effect/Multiple Universes?} What are your thoughts on the butterfly effect and the possibility of multiple universes?
1:06:31 {Galatians 5 – Heaven or Rewards?} In Galatians 5:19-21, is the “kingdom of God” a reference to Heaven itself, or a reference to rewards? A local pastor says it is about rewards, but I am skeptical.
What I got wrong about Heaven.
Episode 693
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 • Duration 21:06
I probably shouldn't have gotten my theology from cartoons. Here are specific, common, false beliefs about Heaven and a number of things we can know about Heaven based on the Bible.
My website: https://BibleThinker.org
Explaining EACH piece of "The Armor of God"
Episode 692
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 • Duration 07:33
Christians, you are in a spiritual battle every day. You need the armor of God, lest you fall victim to the schemes of Satan.
This reality should stir us up and make us very serious about our spiritual well-being and preparation for the daily battle we face. Put on the armor of God, not just a short video about it. Seek practical application of these principles in your life today.
My website: https://BibleThinker.org
What each piece means. We are in a war.
Bethel and Bill Johnson’s Bridge to the New Age and Spiritual Fakery.
Episode 691
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 • Duration 01:56:25
I have been wanting to make this video for quite a while. It's based on the teaching in the book The Physics of Heaven, which is very much a "Bethel book." It is sold in their bookstore, it's endorsed by their leaders, it's written by people from Bethel, including their two lead pastors, Bill Johnson and Beni Johnson. The book is a very open appeal to Christians to embrace New Age beliefs and practices. I truly wish I was exaggerating.
In today's video, I'm going to share quotes from the book to demonstrate the problems with its teachings and show its dangers. I'll address the way they misuse Scripture to support these teachings. I'll also be sharing content from a physicist who has weighed in to demonstrate how fake the "science" of the book is. Finally, I'll share some shocking details about the deceptions in the book related to the supposed credentials of the "quantum physicist" who they lean on as an expert. Spoiler: he's not.
Bethel Church in Redding, California has presented itself to the worldwide body of Christ as a guide for deeper and more miraculous spiritual experiences. Since they have such a wide impact and reach, and their teachings on these issues are, I am sad to say, not only reckless but dangerous and unbiblical, I feel this video is worth making.
A physicist reviews the wacky science claims in The Physics of Heaven. Special thanks to Dr. Martin Krause for providing this analysis for free.
Do you want my notes from today's video? Here they are, with all book references.
I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join.
To ask a question you'll need to follow these instructions:
1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera. 2. Post questions as comments on the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream. 3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment in the chat. 4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment. 5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.
My website: https://BibleThinker.org
The dating of the book of Daniel (also not low hanging fruit): Click Here
Why I think the phrase "Baptism of the Spirit" should be used to refer to salvation, not a later event: Click Here
I take YOUR questions from the live chat on anything related to Christianity and thinking biblically about everything.
1:10:38 {Warnings about False Teachings} Do warnings to Churches and believers in verses such as Jude 1:3-4 or other Epistles regarding false/heretical doctrines apply to Mormons who want a relationship with God/Jesus but are just deceived?
1:15:29 {Knowing When to Yield} My pastor wants me to obey my husband even when it hurts my mental health, triggers my eating disorder, or my sleep disorder. Is he right or wrong? He says I should “Die like Christ.”
1:19:03 {Encouragement Amid Physical Limitations} What counsel would you give a discouraged believer with a debilitating chronic illness who carries a lot of guilt for not being able to serve in the ways they want to be able to?
1:24:10 {Jesus AND the Bible = “The Word”?} What is the distinction that is to be made between Jesus and the Bible, as far as the title "Word of God" goes, which is applied to both of them?
1:28:15 {When Translations Vary} What do we do when we find significant difference between translations (such as 1 John 5:7 in the KJV vs. modern translations)?
1:33:08 {Why Did God Choose the Tribe of Levi?} Do we know why God chose the tribe of Levi to be the priesthood?
1:34:26 {Tips for Preparing Your First Sermon} I give my first sermon this Sunday. Any tips/pointers for those going through seminary/preparing for their first sermon(s)?
1:39:29 {Advice for Raising Kids in the Faith} I want to raise my two kids aged 7 and 9 in the faith. I don’t want to push too hard. Any advice? My ex-wife has left the faith, so I feel like it’s up to me (and God).
1:41:23 {Was Paul Married?} I heard a theory that the Apostle Paul was married and a widower. Do you think that’s relevant, and does it have any biblical standing?
1:45:43 {Is My Daughter’s Cancer a Punishment?} When I got pregna...
48:19 How are we to relate to fallen brothers in terms of fellowship, and to cult members with hospitality according to 1 Corinthians 5:11 and 2 John 1:10?
55:56 If I have a friend who is not saved and I have tried to evangelize them and have only been met with resistance, do I need to stop hanging out with them?
58:41 Why does God allow success for celebrities that don’t follow Him?
1:02:17 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 says that someone should not speak in tongues unless there is an interpreter, but how are they supposed to know if there is an interpreter present?
1:04:19 What is a correct approach to reach someone you care about who is dealing with suicidal thoughts?
1:06:18 In the KJV, 2 Kings 8:26 and 2 Chronicles 22:2 give two completely different ages for Ahaziah when he took the throne. How can we account for this?
1:14:43 I am a new Christian and my brother is an atheist. He has brought up the question of “What if God is lying about everything and this all a big cosmic joke?” How do I combat this thinking?
1:19:55 Ephesians 5:5 says that the sexually immoral will have no place in the Kingdom of God, yet later, Ephesians says we’re saved by grace through faith. Is this contradictory?
1:25:20 If all meats were made clean, then how do Christians interpret Isaiah 66:15-18, as that passage, I believe, refers to Christ’s second coming, and in it He “destroys” those who eat unclean meats?
1:28:48 When is the right age to evangelize? I'm 15 and I used to evangelize and many believed, but I also got into trouble with the police and at my school. My pastor told me to wait until I’m more mature and I’ve learned more of God’s Word.
1:31:09 How do I help my dad (an unbeliever) who thinks religion is used to control us? He also says, “If God exists, where was He when my father was beat...
1:14:17 {Did God Permit Child Sacrifice?} Why did God allow child sacrifice in Judges when the man said he will sacrifice anything that walks through the door, and then his daughter walks out? Aren't the other nations judged for this action?
1:19:22 {Can Killing a Leader be Justified At Times?} We know that self-defense is biblical, but what about assassinations like Project Valkyrie (Hitler) or times when killing a leader might save other lives? Are we still bound to their authority?
1:23:50 {Bible Reading Schedule – Required?} Do you think it's wrong if I don't read the Bible regularly? I do read and study it, but I don't have a consistent schedule.
1:26:36 {Parable of the Minas} I was just wondering what your interpretation of the parable in Luke 19: 11-27 is. Specifically, what do you think the slaves and the minas represent?
1:34:07 {Must We Always be “Nice”?} Is it biblical to be nice? My boyfriend is extremely honest and it rubs a lot of people the wrong way. Does he have a biblical obligation to be nice with his words?
1:35:57 {The Holiness of God’s Justice} Any tips for how to become less opposed to God’s judgment, and to see it as holy? It can cause me to feel like God is an unloving God sometimes.
1:42:01 {Dancing as a Form of Worship?} Is dancing allowed in church? Can it be considered worship?
1:44:15 {Works-Based Salvation?} Does Matthew 7:21 tell us that works are necessary to get saved?
1:46:25 {Are Men’s Beards Prideful?} What do you think about beards? I heard a pastor say that it is a prideful thing to wear a beard, and therefore wrong to have one. I don't really agree. I don't think you do either, as you have...
CLICK HERE for my video showing that James Goll (used a source in the book) pretended to prophesy while just reporting commonly held political speculation.
CLICK HERE for my original video on Bill Johnson and Bethel Church's theology and practice. I would be harsher today, though I will leave this video up because I believe it has a good analysis of problems.
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