Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 0:29 {Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?} Hello, I am a Christian, and it's been important to me to understand why the Lord Jesus didn't mention to the apostles or anyone that Paul would be coming to enlighten the Way for His Church. This question hasn't been addressed in any of the studies I've researched, nor by any of the pastors I listen to. But isn't this question a most serious matter, since Paul wrote the majority of our New Testament? 2. 6:45 {Is God Male?} Is God a male? 3. 10:08 {About the Woman of Tekoa & Banishing} How can someone be banished, and yet not cast out from God? I’m referring to what the woman of Tekoa said in 2 Samuel 14: 14. Is it only within that context, or can it be applied transcendently? 4. 17:34 {About OCD, Vows, & Fear} I’ve been struggling with OCD vows recently (such as, if I don’t say this in prayer, I’m not saved). Many places online say to let it go, and that you can’t make a vow out of fear. How can I look at this biblically? 5. 22:39 {Are Souls Eternal?} Is the soul as an eternal entity more of a Greek philosophical idea, or confirmed in Scripture? Do you have any biblical references for an eternal soul? 6. 25:20 {Did Anyone in “The Flood” Go to Heaven?} Do you think any of the people that died in the flood (above the age of accountability) may have been saved or will not go to Hell? 7. 29:01 {About Natural Revelation & Salvation} You've said people who've never heard of Jesus need to respond to natural revelation to be saved. Can you give an example of how a woman growing up in Saudi Arabia would respond to natural revelation? 8. 33:55 {About the “Mysteries of God” in Ephesians} Please explain what is meant by the mysteries of God in Ephesians 3:5. 9. 38:09 {About the Beginning of the New Covenant} Did the New Covenant start when the Temple, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, was destroyed? 10. 44:07 {About Miracles & False Religions} You've said miracles in other religions are false signs from Satan. Why would other religions have reason to think these signs are from Satan? Couldn't a Muslim say the same thing to a Christian? 11. 48:47 {Do We Have to Attend Church?} Is it OK to not attend church at all? I live in Russia and Christianity here is very unbiblical. I’ve tried a lot of churches and I don’t feel comfortable there. 12. 50:53 {Is it a Sin to Depict God?} I’m a new believer. I watched a Christian cartoon with my son, and it depicted God as a Santa-looking man. My son asked if we were breaking the 2nd commandment. Is it a sin to depict God in any way? (Exodus 20:4) 13. 56:07 {Do those who Seek God Really Find Him?} The Bible says that those who diligently seek God will find Him. What about the Muslims, Hindus, and all the people who are diligently seeking God but never find Jesus and stay in their religion? 14. 1:02:31 {Does God Forgive Repeated Sin?} If you struggle with sin and there is true contrition but you still keep repeating the same sin and asking for forgiveness, will God still forgive you? 15. 1:05:59 {Advice for the Timing of Baptism} I recently converted to Christianity. Our church does baptisms once a year, but my husband has Covid and can't attend. I want him to be there, but I also want to get baptized ASAP. What should I do? 16. 1:07:12 {About a “Gap” in Scripture} Can you explain the gap between the early churches in the New Testament and the first Protestants like Martin Luther? 17. 1:11:32 {Men of Valor Living in Sin?} Why does the Lord call Gideon a mighty man of Valor when he had many wives? Was this always a sin? I'm confused about this, honestly. 18. 1:16:59 {Where Does Sin Nature Come From?} If God knits us in our mothers’ wombs, where do we get our sin nature? 19. 1:19:54 {Defending the Trinity in 1 Cor.} I believe in the Trinity, but there is someone who has used 1 Corinthians 15:28 against the doctrine. Could you please explain this for me? 20. 1:23:18 {About Young Ambassadors Living for Christ} How can young people be good ambassadors for Christ when we also sin? How do we make sure we do not conform to this world?
About the new covenant-this is why in covenant theology we say the covenant of grace-the one that everyone is saved under-was enacted after the fall. It was revealed in Genesis.
Jesus didn’t know about Paul. Paul willingly accepted the invitation to discontinue his persecution of the The Way and become a follower of Christ. That’s the problem with teaching that God chooses to know everything before it happens because He does not. Having the power to do something doesn’t mean you indiscriminately employ or use that power or ability. People would agree God is all-powerful yet they limit His ability to CONTROL His power. If God doesn’t want to foresee someone’s future then He can CHOOSE not to. That’s an ability any human can do. If I had the power to fire one of my employees, could I choose not to do it even though I can? OF COURSE!
2)He is our Heavenly Father, He’s Papa. He has both qualities, not limited to male and female. Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” Romans 8:15-16 “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children”
@@Failur3i5n0tan0pt1on Paul was ‘invited?’ He was struck blind and the voice of the Lord asked him why he was persecuting him. He also told Paul he was kicking against the goaded-meaning there was a conviction there that Paul was attempting to resist. Obviously Paul failed in that resistance. He told Paul to go to Ananias. When Ananias told God that he was hesitant to see Paul because Paul had been persecuting God’s people, God LITERALLY told him that Paul was God’s CHOSEN INSTRUMENT to bring the gospel to the Jews. I know it’s our fallen human nature to want to be sovereign, I really do. But God really is in control. Psalm 33:10 The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
To the person who asked about OCD and vows...my daughter suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and went through a phase where her compulsion was ritualistic prayer to try to relieve the anxiety caused by unwanted thoughts. In her mind, if she thought certain words in her head, it meant she was going to hell. So she would compulsively say prayers over and over again. Please know that you are suffering from a mental health disorder. Please seek treatment from someone who approaches religious OCD from a Christian perspective. They should offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Prayers for you. It’s a debilitating disorder, but there is hope!
I’m so glad someone said this! You sound like a great Mama!! If the person with OCD happens to read this, I just want to say a few things. It is important to connect with a Doctor who understands this disorder and is knowledgeable about effective ways to treat it. That being said, God understands the intricacies of your mind and your specific struggles. He made you! :) So as far as being saved, I think God is looking less for the perfect words, and more for a genuine and repentant heart. I truly do feel for you!! I know it can be brutal. Be strong and wait on the Lord. Praying for you.❤️
I will also say that growing up Catholic and being raised in a faith where works were elevated above grace, I used to struggle with this and still have it poke its head into my faith. This fear subsided greatly once I was water baptized, so if he has not been water baptized, this may help. Also to deal with this, I: 1. Read scripture daily 2. Pray regularly I found that studying about the love of God really helped lay aside my fear. I studied the Book of John, and the I, II and III Epistles of John along with I Corinthians 13. I was so afraid of losing my salvation, but listening to sermons by both John MacArthur and Timothy Keller on John 3 also helped. May the Lord provide healing of his OCD and bring peace and wisdom to all those who wrestle with the fear of not having salvation or losing salvation.
Pastor- your ability to explain a thought process, to literally teach us how to think--rather than teaching what to think-- is exactly what is missing from 99% of the teaching out there. Thank you for that.
I've suffered from OCD since I was a kid. God knows your heart and intentions. He knows we're suffering from a mental disorder/illness. Keep reading the scripture to be reasured by your FAITH in Christ. Keep pressing forward through this valley and don't be afraid to talk w a pastor or counselor and if medication is in order, that's ok. There is no sin or weakness in those things....only strength. God bless, I wish you well!
Please pray for my friend who is an self proclaimed atheist (and allows that “if” there is a god that they are angry with God for allowing things in the past to happen) and accepts their need for a savior outside of themselves but the anger (and I think a few other things) are getting in the way of accepting Jesus as their savior. They are so close and the Holy Spirit has clearly been working but there is a block. Thank you and may God bring you peace and boldness in Christ Jesus.
I'm honestly not certain why Jesus mentioning or not mentioning Paul has any importance at all. Honest question, no judging. God didn't mention Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel before they came. He just sent them. So why should Jesus give a heads-up about Paul?
Interesting titbit...the Essenes had a prophecy that some believe to be referring to Paul. Also it is believed that John the Baptist was a Essene and that when John sent his disciple to ask Jesus if He is the One, Jesus quoted a part back to him that comes from Essene writing and was not actually written exactly like that in the Old Testament. I obviously cannot say this is fact, but from what I've read and talks I've listened to, it sounds legit.
Question 13's answer is probably the most accurate description of how we see ourselves. Seeing ourselves as the hero of the story is the undercurrent of most sin.
God reaches people in many ways. I have heard of devout Muslims having dreams of christ and getting saved. God knows how we will best respond to the gospel and he will present the gospel in the best possible way for our hearts to be receptive.
Pastor Mike, ...i am really blessed by your youtube channel; you are a gifted teacher and researcher, thank you for the work and time that you put into the teachings, and praise God for sharing your gift with many others and helping to bring clarity to the Word
Oh my goodness! You just made me so happy! You mentioned you might do Hebrews but you hadn’t firmly made the decision as to what would be next. I have been patiently waiting!!!! I can’t wait to study Hebrews under your tutelage! I LOVED studying through Romans, Peter and Mark with you! I can’t wait. I am excited.
The story of the overseas man from question 7 was a beautiful testimony. It was sad, yes, but look how Jesus saves us in moments of struggle. It can be hard to believe when things are tough. This man who didn't have an extensive written knowledge of the gospel had pure faith with no reason to. Faith for faith's sake. He felt the good news.
When l received the Holy spirit, after calling out to Jesus outloud the very first time, and the next morning I was born with a new heart. Since then, when reading the Bible, I do not need interpretation,however I keep and open heart and mind, and trust in Jesus the Christ will lead me to the truth. REMEMBER; GOD BROUGHT YOU TO IT, GOD WILL THEN SEE YOU THRU IT...
So true Pastor Mike, on us never living up to our own standards of what's right and wrong. Through the new heart the Holy Spirit guides not through learning of the rules. Walking by faith and not by sight. A lesson I struggle with.
Mike, you have said a lot of things that really hot home with me. Was raised in a Christian home, but have always struggled with sin and send doubt. I feel both like I was unprepared for the words and should have known better at the same time. Thanks for the biblical teachings.
Thank you for stating that all are subjected to the son, Jesus Christ and the son is subjected to God. It's simple to answer the many questions others ask, or comment against the notion of how Jesus is God. My usual answer was always, no one can come to the Father if not through the son. The Glory goes to God, because these questions and answers have given me a better understanding on how to respond.
Pastor Mike doing a verse by verse study of the book of Hebrews, marching through it like the study of the book of Romans?? Let’s go!!!!!! I’m so stoked and pumped. Lord continue to bless us with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You; we thank you for enlightening our eyes of understanding.
"Nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God." Romans 8:39 God loves you so much and showed that by sending Christ to die for us. God's love is unconditional, undeserved, and unending. Just as you have been loved, love one another. And love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Hopefully this inspired and encouraged you today. God bless you!
you have been misled by blind faith. Jesus dying on cross doesn't take away your and mine sinful proclivity. Nor does Jesus dying taking away reactions to sinful acts committed by you and me. So, if you do a sin or crime, Police will catch you and put you in jail, Jesus won't come to rescue you.. So, Jesus didn;t take away your punishment, You suffered for your wrong acts. So, don't do wrong acts. Simple.
@@thegodlogic3844 This is blasphemy and heretical to the highest of standards. Everyone, do not listen to this person; they’re terribly misinformed. Your works CAN NOT and WILL NOT grant you everlasting life, that only comes through God’s grace and mercy through faith alone. Here’s the gospel truth: You and I broke God’s law, Jesus payed the fine. Accept Christ and believe (i.e. commit yourselves) in him and repent (turn away; change of mind) from your sins. You have God’s promise that you shall be granted everlasting life if you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
#14. I do believe God is very gracious and will forgive us repeatedly, but do not take advantage of this -- like I once did. I continued to sleep with my fiance knowing it was wrong, but I thought I'll just pray for forgiveness. Then one day in church, I swear the Bible fell open in my lap and it seemed to have a spotlight on this verse. Hebrews 10:26 "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,"
I feel like our covenant began when Christ died and the veil of the temple was rent in two. At that point, we were welcomed into the very presence of God.
Question 13: Anyone who is "seeking God," and not finding Him isn't seeking God. They're seeking to validate their conception of God, or to understand or appease the prince of their principality as if that entity were God.
Hey Pastor Mike, love the channel - recommended by an older gentleman in my men's group and I'm going on 4 weeks now. I run and listen to podcasts that autoqueue on Pocket Casts so every week now, I get a good bit through the 20Q episode during my Saturday run, then on Sunday check the timestamp and pick up from there to watch the rest on TH-cam after church...then discuss at Tuesday morning men's group(!). Great rhythm, thank God for your ministry, keep up the good work and God bless.
Gazalia(sorry if that’s not spelled right) my church formed 75 years ago. It started as a group of like 4 people that left their church and started meeting in a basement because it started becoming worldly and straying from the word. Now it’s a growing church, in an actual building they managed to get built on a lot and have added to it over the years. And strong in doctrine!
I wanted to mention something real quickly on the very first question from Gabriella. I hope this helps a little...Paul and Luke are prophesied in Isiah 66. In 38 years I've just recently discovered the scripture and have never heard anyone speak about it. However I do find it fascinating because it is very specific where they would travel. For instance to Tarshish Paul and Luke were sent to travel and preach the Gospel to Gentiles only. Pul, and Lud according to the commentaries are cities. But they may be an additional thing. It could be this is a Hebrew variation of Paul and Luke. And the Lord just chose to keep this again in scripture as a little nugget or a treasure for us to find. I've never heard anyone in the commentaries add as I have the implication that this could be Paul and Luke specifically mentioned by name. But it was an interesting thought and they certainly did fulfill this prophecy in Isaiah 66:19 when they dispatched from the Jews in Acts 13.
I love these. Really loved the first question too!!! Loved the insight and the pursuit of truth among Christians. Looking for answers for me doesn’t ever mean I doubt the beauty of Gods word
Amen, wonderful answers 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Thank you so much Patornfor all this work. Much appreciated 🙏 you are a blessing for many of us baby Christians who have so many questions !!!!! Be blessed !
Mike, you were really “Winging it” (Mike Winger winging it!😅) on several of these questions today. I would have had no idea what some of them were asking. But you grappled with them. Good job!
Hi Pastor Mike, God bless you thank you for amazing ministry My wife father is priest in Ukrainian Orthodox Church. I refuse to attend they service due to idolatry practices. They never asks me to come any more. We have two children. Tomorrow they will be having their church name celebrations Theotokos. My wife wants us to go as family, I refused and creating tense between us. I'm feeling like going there, share foods and drinks seems like I'm compromising.
Re question 11, I can completely relate to Guzalya. I've been living in the Philippines for over 8 years and have not found a church that I feel is suitable to call home. All English speaking ones within a 2-3 hour drive (in horrendous traffic) are either Catholic, prosperity doctrine oriented, anti-foreigner or otherwise grossly unbiblical in doctrine and practices (tithing parades, pastor in spiritual submission to his wife, etc.). I truly thank God for Mike and others like him. If your reading this sister, please pray for me regarding our common situation, as I will for you.
@@foggylog19 I think my initial statement pretty well covers all available denominations. I do not use absolutes lightly. When I say, "all" I mean "all". Are you, or have you even been, living in the Philippines?
@@kevinschaefer3945 fair enough, and no I haven't. I am used to people saying all, and when you really look it's like 60-90% but not every single church. And I was just wondering, I myself am quite new to Christianity so I don't even know all the denominations
@@foggylog19 First of all, I'd like to say congratulations and welcome to the Kingdom! You've made the most important decision you'll ever make in your life! I apologize if I came on a bit strong, but having been in the legal profession when I lived in the U.S. and now an ESL tutor, I've gotten into the habit of choosing my words carefully. It's nothing like the U.S. here, in any respect., especially when it comes to churches. Being here has been the most challenging, and the most growth-oriented, nine years of my life. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18). "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8). NASB I don't mean to suggest that our walk with God is all suffering, there is so much peace and joy to be had when you stay within His arms, but keep in mind that God often refines as one does gold; through the fire. Remember three things from this analogy: 1) gold is precious to the goldsmith; 2) melted gold can be molded into any form the goldsmith desires; and 3) when gold is melted, the impurities rise to the surface and can be more easily removed by the goldsmith and he can then see his reflection in it more clearly. Sorry to go on so. I'll get off my soapbox now. You're in for the greatest love affair of your life! Allow me to leave you with these four words: "Obedience out of love."
I love your videos thank you for pointing out how salvation is not as simple as a magical prayer. But it is at a point of belief a point of faith in each and every individual's life. Some come sooner to this knowledge some come later. However as our brother Paul once said brethren I count NOT myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things that are behind and Reaching forth unto those things that are before I press towards the mark the PRIZE. It is important to understand that our brother says that he died daily and that he picks up and follows his master daily and that he had NOT DENIED the faith. He was sold to the point of death where fear was not a factor but he longed to be with his master. For if we have that which we hope for why do we yet hope for it. But it is by faith that we hope to have a greater Resurrection. Brethren put away these foolish ideas of magical prayers or assume dates. And let's keep our eyes focused on our master let's keep our eyes focused on his words which hold the key to life eternal. Put away your foolish thinking of saved always saved or the foolish teaching of losing your salvation for none of your arguments are biblical. The master knows your hearts he knows who you are let us keep our eyes focused on him. That way as we abide in him we bring forth much fruit for yahweh's Glory. Shalom Brothers.
John 10:16 answers the question of whether Jesus mentioned Paul or not. "And other sheep i have which are not of this fold; them also i must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd"
As far as am aware of John 10:16 is referring to other group of people who are not Israelites. It's basically referring to gentiles and not another fellow Israelites that will follow JESUS in The future.
If you really need a reference as to where JESUS Spoke Of Paul, Read Acts 9:10-15, Where JESUS Appears To His Disciple Ananias And Sends Him To Heal Paul And Tells Ananias that He(Paul) is a chosen vessel to bear witness of HIS(JESUS'S) Name Before Gentiles, Kings And The Children Of Israel.
To whom asked question #20. I will tell you what my dad asked me "if everyone jumped off a bridge, would I do it?" Of course, my answer is no. Although this is not Biblical it did keep me from conforming to my peers as a teenager and even now as an adult. Do what Pastor Mike suggested, but at the sametime, you can think to yourself 'I'm not jumping off a bridge because my friend is ( so to speak). Another one I use today is asking myself "What would Jesus do or what would HE want me to do?" Just food for thought! God bless you.
Here is the way I think of the soul question. I don't know if I'm right, but it's what I've come to believe. Imagine a torch. The physical body of the torch is the same as your flesh (made from the dust of the earth), the electricity that switches the light on is the spirit (given by God, which will return to him, this is what makes the dust become a living soul), the light (consciousness) is switched on by the electricity (spirit), and this is what is called a living soul. Your body dies when your spirit returns to the father, and the light goes out, now you have a dead soul (dust that used to have life). Your consciousness doesn't go anywhere, the light just goes out. To put it simply a living soul is the torch that is switched on, a dead soul is a torch that is switched off. Consciousness is the light of the torch, and spirit is the electricity that turns the light on. When you die your body returns to the earth (Sheol). Jesus gave us the opportunity have eternal life by our body of dust being clothed in the spirit at the resurrection, where all will be resurrected and judged. Revelation is a symbolic vision and the souls crying out shouldn't be considered evidence for an eternal soul. In my view it symbolises the dead souls waiting (unconsciously) to be clothed in the spirit.
Supporting scripture Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Job 10:9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Job 17:16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust. Job 17:16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust. Job 34:15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust. Ecclesiastes 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Job 40:13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret. Psalms 44:25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Ecclesiastes 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Luke 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, Luke 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: Acts 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: Hebrews 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Jesus told us when we die our spirit returns to Him. In Ecclesiastes 9:5 the dead know not any thing. Ecc.9:10 there is no knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave (paraphrasing)
In Mark 12:25 Jesus told His deciples "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels which are in heaven."
The reason we know Jesus didn't mention Paul is Paul's conversion story. When he met Jesus and switched from being a persecutor to a follower, the other disciples' reaction wasn't: "oh yeah it's the guy Jesus told us about", but rather: " oh no, we don't trust that guy. We heard he is vicious toward believers in Christ. But also, why is that a question that someone is so concerned with anyway? Would that have made him more legitimate as an apostle?
I'm confused about #5 on eternality of the soul being in question. I thought that's why we want to be saved so we can be with Jesus eternally. Isn't that what John 3:16 is about? And the reason for Christ's resurrection?
@@lindamarion9312 Don't feel too bad, Linda. I did the same thing in my comment above. No disrespect intended, Guzalya. BTW, I'm in the same boat, but in the Philippines. God has me here for a reason, but it's been very difficult... yet purifying.
Paul is a type of Jesus, in the same likeness of Moses, Elijah and others too. They all pointed to Jesus. Paul on the other hand is an expounded and expanded version of Jesus. Paul explained and taught, in richness, depth and philosophically, the teachings of Jesus. He pretty much expounded on His teachings in a way Jesus couldn't do. Paul embodied a man inspired by the holy spirit. And he wrote every letter inspired by the spirit.
To the person asking about OCD, your definitely experiencing religious ocd you have to disregard the thoughts and stop doing the compulsive prayers. As someone who recovered from OCD and anxiety you have to stop rumination and all compulsions to fully recover.
So I've been debating a Muslim going on a few years now. They really don't like Paul. I think that it's because of the fact by the same measure that they claim Muhammad is who Jesus was talking when he said the Holy Spirit was coming after him we can say he was talking about Paul. I pray for God to touch this man's heart and show him the truth and bring him and his family to Christ. This all started because his 2 kids are always asking me questions about Jesus.
Ref to question 9: Paul says “Jesus led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8). Which I have learned, and believe is scripturally sound, that after Jesus descended to hell and payed for our sin in the fiery pit God could legally rise him up, ….for he that liveth by the law shall live {Lev 18:5), he crossed the chasm that separated the fiery pit from Bosom of Abraham or Sheol (Luke 16:22) to bring those that die prior to Jesus death, burial and resurrection to heaven with him. Everyone that dies in Christ since then goes straight to heaven since our savior has already come and payed the price. As Paul’s says in 2 Cor 5:8 “to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”. As for the criminal on cross, I assume he would have gone to Sheol or paradise until he was taken captive by Jesus with the others. Thus I would vote for the new covenant started with his resurrection.
@@tell-me-a-story- haha I can definitely relate. A lot of time modern movies try to make you root for some really nasty characters. Bad behaviour is either excused or lauded
Regarding the question whether all went to hell who died in the flood: although it is not mentioned, we can not rule out the possibility that there were people who were moved by the Holy Spirit and repented and called on God, obviously before death but after the flood had already started.
56:10 I don't know if it's true, but I once heard a story of a guy who decided to go to every difference church/mosque/temple of every religion to see if he could determine which one is true. When he got to a Christian church he saw this beautiful woman there, and he went back a second time because boys will be boys lol. He was saved(can't remember exactly the pretext, but it was a particularly good sermon haha) and he continued to go to that church. He never saw the woman again, and said he thinks she was probably an angel. Seek and you will find. Taste and you will see that the Lord is good.
I love their stuff on the books of the Bible and Bible characters. I find their animations excellent for helping me to remember things They are however different in their views from me on certain things, they are annhilationists I believe? I don't see any harm in watching their videos as long as you know their views on certain doctrinal issues. These days I do a little research on any Christian channel I watch so I can be aware of their stance beforehand. There is still a lot to learn from others who differ from us on certain issues, as long as they're not salvific I'm cool with it.
@@littleboots9800 I listened a lot to their podcasts before Mike's videos. But Mike's put me on pause on those podcasts on his emphasis of biblical thinking. When I hear he didn't entirely agree on the divine counsel, which BP did a video about, that's when I knew it's important to discern your resources outside Scripture and compare it w/ it. BP is great in other areas tho, like their videos I agree. For me, I'm doing their classroom Beta on the Introduction of the Hebrew Bible and it's super cool tbh. I'm certain God guides us in our learning w/ things outside Scripture, long as we're prayerful and sincere.
@@zy8753 I agree. I think their series are fantastic teaching resources. The books of the Bible was the first one I went through, a really great overview and I find the animation/doodling style of the videos super engaging. It wasn't until I happened on a talk one of them gave on end times that I realised they held a few different views to me but I really am so over this whole way of thinking that denounces other Christians for differing views on various non salvific issues and judges all their work as "dangerous." We lose out on so much that way. I like Mike's constant use of the Bible as our metric to measure everything against. Striving to think Biblically and praying for discernment should keep us on the right path.
Yeah Mike, I went through the same thing with the sinners prayer...and I too felt better once I prayed it. hahaha I know God had already saved me before then, but I felt like I needed to say it.
If you’re in the camp of Paul replacing Judas and not Matthias, one could make the argument from Acts 1;20 referring to Judas. “For it is written in the book of (Psalms) Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it, and let (another) take his office. From Psalm 69;25
It was at His death, the ripping of the veil . Paid in full doesn't mean later the payment will be made. It is finished doesn't mean later it will end.#9
I will say it’s a good chance that the apostles first knowledge of him was as Saul the persecutor. And you will remember that the apostles first acknowledgment of him as an apostle was when Barnabas vouched for him and his conversion by Christ in Acts 9:27
regarding the 'is god male' query... god made man in his own image, then could not find a suitable mate for him so he took the female from the male, literally separated attributes that were equally from god. thus the idea of marriage is to form a complete image of god's love... BOTH male and female, both protective and nurturing
Sorry in advance for my wordiness lol... I like your answer better, as anything else IMHO leaves too much room for the world to relegate woman to some kind of divine after-thought(?). I'm NOT attempting to defend a heretical feministic view of God (at least I hope not), I'm defending God, against a misogynistic view of women (I fully accept this is bc I'm a woman, which doesn't necessarily contradict the Truth of Who God is). Of course we're also talking about the same world that likes to equate the origin of sin with Eve alone, VS Adam & Eve IE: Eve through her sinful response to the enemy's temptation & man via his passivity & decision to eat of the fruit also. Am I saying God is both male & female? I'm saying both male & female are equal, but different image bearers, or reflections of who God is, so I guess you could say a better question than "Is God male?" would be "What is male & female?", as MIke alluded to; but then is Mike's answer correct? I'm not 100% convinced it is. I've got to search & study the scriptures some more in view of this question (your input is welcome). I love Pastor Mike, but I have found is teaching to be in error on two other occasions (once in reference to a question about abortion & the other in reference to mega-churches), which is still a better track record than most pastors I've listened to. I do not mean to disparage Pm in any way, as I believe his goal is to "Think Biblically", I also believe that the scriptures teach there's a very big distinction to be made between one who teaches something in error & a false-teacher, as one of them has a motive to deceive & I most assuredly don't believe that to be the case with Pastor MIke. PS: To clear up what may be a temptation to peg me as a radical-feminist, the place where I found PM to be in error w/abortion, was in his inclusion of "If the mother's life" as an exception to the prohibition of abortion, as I believe there's an argument to be made for why no exception is more in keeping with scripture. His error about mega-churches came in reference to someone's question about whether or not mega-churches reflected God's perfect pattern for the local church. In PM's reply he first correctly affirmed that the bible doesn't give a "right-size" description & affirmed the early church's number of at least 3,000 souls AND he also correctly explained & affirmed how fellowship was/is part of reason why God instituted the Church (collective) & fellowship is better fostered in smaller groups, it was when he listed as one of the "pros" for a mega-church to be the greater likelihood that one might find someone more skilled at rightly dividing the Word bc greater numbers increased the odds of finding someone who'd been formally trained (seminary) & it's my biblical contention that God can raise up a suitable teacher regardless of the size crop He has to work with.
Thanks for another great video! I happened upon your channel a few weeks ago when I was doing some research for a study I am doing in my home with other like minded ladies. Your teachings on Romans has been very helpful, thank you! I hope to one day submit a question, but the time difference is too great. It is 4am here in China when the questions live streams begin. But I do enjoy watching them later in the day. Many blessings to you and your family. Thank you so much for your ministry. It really is a life line here.
I know it's been a year since this was streamed so no-one's probably reading comments but just to clear up one point. The ark of the covenant wasn't actually in the Holy of Holies in Jesus' day, it had been taken away into Babylon and does not appear to have been returned. thanks for all the work
Concerning whether the soul is eternal as supported in Scripture, consider this: Death had not entered the world until man sinned and fell. God made man in His image. If man had never sinned and there was no death, then people would live forever. We gained nothing by sinning. That means we certainly did not gain a soul. Thus, the soul was with us from the moment God created man, likely as part of us being formed in His image and because God is eternal. This also means that those who die in their sin will be punished for eternity.
It's so sad. I read Orthodox writing, the church Fathers, etc. And there seems to be so much rich truth and wisdom in that tradition. And then I look at so many Orthodox churches and they just don't seem to teach and live what they claim to be Holy Tradition. To the point where Orthodox partitioners are finding fuller truth in Protestant tradition than they can find in Orthodox churches 😔 and then the mess with Ukraine, Russia and Constantinople sullies it even more.
I think Jesus did mention Paul. He said there was more about what he was saying than he would tell them now, but they would hear more about it later. That seems to correspond to Paul really nicely. Paul elaborated in depth on the grace of God. I will try to find that quote.
Why didn't Jesus mention Paul? Why didnt Jesus mention all the others by name that were to come and work for His kingdom? What is this question supposed to solve in the mind of who is making it? If Paul is legit apostle of Christ? When I was just new I came to question Paul too because of the voices I heared and almost decide I wasnt going to take all the books as inspired of God but only some of them. Be careful not to let the questions weaken your faith in His Word and His messengers but look diligently for the answers so as to come with a strengthened faith in our Lord and Saviour the one who always was and is forever.
REF:Why didn't Jesus tell them about Paul Had they waited for a answer from the Lord His choice would have been made plain to them. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen
I agree with you about Peter endorsing Paul in 2nd Peter, but those who reject Paul claim that 2nd Peter is a Pauline forgery. It does read like a Pauline epistle.
If you are sincerely seeking God and are confused on why you don't feel like something has happened yet... Look at how you are living your life, does it look like you are going out of your way for Jesus? Someone who doesn't believe in God won't do the actions towards Him for His will constantly without the spirit. Beyond that, where do you have real questions about God? Reltionships, Politics, Daily Living? Dive into these topics and put a value on each of them regarding the word.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:29 {Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?} Hello, I am a Christian, and it's been important to me to understand why the Lord Jesus didn't mention to the apostles or anyone that Paul would be coming to enlighten the Way for His Church. This question hasn't been addressed in any of the studies I've researched, nor by any of the pastors I listen to. But isn't this question a most serious matter, since Paul wrote the majority of our New Testament?
2. 6:45 {Is God Male?} Is God a male?
3. 10:08 {About the Woman of Tekoa & Banishing} How can someone be banished, and yet not cast out from God? I’m referring to what the woman of Tekoa said in 2 Samuel 14: 14. Is it only within that context, or can it be applied transcendently?
4. 17:34 {About OCD, Vows, & Fear} I’ve been struggling with OCD vows recently (such as, if I don’t say this in prayer, I’m not saved). Many places online say to let it go, and that you can’t make a vow out of fear. How can I look at this biblically?
5. 22:39 {Are Souls Eternal?} Is the soul as an eternal entity more of a Greek philosophical idea, or confirmed in Scripture? Do you have any biblical references for an eternal soul?
6. 25:20 {Did Anyone in “The Flood” Go to Heaven?} Do you think any of the people that died in the flood (above the age of accountability) may have been saved or will not go to Hell?
7. 29:01 {About Natural Revelation & Salvation} You've said people who've never heard of Jesus need to respond to natural revelation to be saved. Can you give an example of how a woman growing up in Saudi Arabia would respond to natural revelation?
8. 33:55 {About the “Mysteries of God” in Ephesians} Please explain what is meant by the mysteries of God in Ephesians 3:5.
9. 38:09 {About the Beginning of the New Covenant} Did the New Covenant start when the Temple, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, was destroyed?
10. 44:07 {About Miracles & False Religions} You've said miracles in other religions are false signs from Satan. Why would other religions have reason to think these signs are from Satan? Couldn't a Muslim say the same thing to a Christian?
11. 48:47 {Do We Have to Attend Church?} Is it OK to not attend church at all? I live in Russia and Christianity here is very unbiblical. I’ve tried a lot of churches and I don’t feel comfortable there.
12. 50:53 {Is it a Sin to Depict God?} I’m a new believer. I watched a Christian cartoon with my son, and it depicted God as a Santa-looking man. My son asked if we were breaking the 2nd commandment. Is it a sin to depict God in any way? (Exodus 20:4)
13. 56:07 {Do those who Seek God Really Find Him?} The Bible says that those who diligently seek God will find Him. What about the Muslims, Hindus, and all the people who are diligently seeking God but never find Jesus and stay in their religion?
14. 1:02:31 {Does God Forgive Repeated Sin?} If you struggle with sin and there is true contrition but you still keep repeating the same sin and asking for forgiveness, will God still forgive you?
15. 1:05:59 {Advice for the Timing of Baptism} I recently converted to Christianity. Our church does baptisms once a year, but my husband has Covid and can't attend. I want him to be there, but I also want to get baptized ASAP. What should I do?
16. 1:07:12 {About a “Gap” in Scripture} Can you explain the gap between the early churches in the New Testament and the first Protestants like Martin Luther?
17. 1:11:32 {Men of Valor Living in Sin?} Why does the Lord call Gideon a mighty man of Valor when he had many wives? Was this always a sin? I'm confused about this, honestly.
18. 1:16:59 {Where Does Sin Nature Come From?} If God knits us in our mothers’ wombs, where do we get our sin nature?
19. 1:19:54 {Defending the Trinity in 1 Cor.} I believe in the Trinity, but there is someone who has used 1 Corinthians 15:28 against the doctrine. Could you please explain this for me?
20. 1:23:18 {About Young Ambassadors Living for Christ} How can young people be good ambassadors for Christ when we also sin? How do we make sure we do not conform to this world?
About the new covenant-this is why in covenant theology we say the covenant of grace-the one that everyone is saved under-was enacted after the fall. It was revealed in Genesis.
Sarah, thanks!
Jesus didn’t know about Paul. Paul willingly accepted the invitation to discontinue his persecution of the The Way and become a follower of Christ. That’s the problem with teaching that God chooses to know everything before it happens because He does not. Having the power to do something doesn’t mean you indiscriminately employ or use that power or ability. People would agree God is all-powerful yet they limit His ability to CONTROL His power. If God doesn’t want to foresee someone’s future then He can CHOOSE not to. That’s an ability any human can do. If I had the power to fire one of my employees, could I choose not to do it even though I can? OF COURSE!
2)He is our Heavenly Father, He’s Papa. He has both qualities, not limited to male and female.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them”
Romans 8:15-16
“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children”
@@Failur3i5n0tan0pt1on
Paul was ‘invited?’ He was struck blind and the voice of the Lord asked him why he was persecuting him. He also told Paul he was kicking against the goaded-meaning there was a conviction there that Paul was attempting to resist. Obviously Paul failed in that resistance. He told Paul to go to Ananias. When Ananias told God that he was hesitant to see Paul because Paul had been persecuting God’s people, God LITERALLY told him that Paul was God’s CHOSEN INSTRUMENT to bring the gospel to the Jews. I know it’s our fallen human nature to want to be sovereign, I really do. But God really is in control.
Psalm 33:10
The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations;
He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
To the person who asked about OCD and vows...my daughter suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and went through a phase where her compulsion was ritualistic prayer to try to relieve the anxiety caused by unwanted thoughts. In her mind, if she thought certain words in her head, it meant she was going to hell. So she would compulsively say prayers over and over again. Please know that you are suffering from a mental health disorder. Please seek treatment from someone who approaches religious OCD from a Christian perspective. They should offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Prayers for you. It’s a debilitating disorder, but there is hope!
I’m so glad someone said this! You sound like a great Mama!! If the person with OCD happens to read this, I just want to say a few things.
It is important to connect with a Doctor who understands this disorder and is knowledgeable about effective ways to treat it.
That being said, God understands the intricacies of your mind and your specific struggles. He made you! :) So as far as being saved, I think God is looking less for the perfect words, and more for a genuine and repentant heart. I truly do feel for you!! I know it can be brutal. Be strong and wait on the Lord. Praying for you.❤️
I will also say that growing up Catholic and being raised in a faith where works were elevated above grace, I used to struggle with this and still have it poke its head into my faith. This fear subsided greatly once I was water baptized, so if he has not been water baptized, this may help. Also to deal with this, I:
1. Read scripture daily
2. Pray regularly
I found that studying about the love of God really helped lay aside my fear. I studied the Book of John, and the I, II and III Epistles of John along with I Corinthians 13. I was so afraid of losing my salvation, but listening to sermons by both John MacArthur and Timothy Keller on John 3 also helped.
May the Lord provide healing of his OCD and bring peace and wisdom to all those who wrestle with the fear of not having salvation or losing salvation.
The best way is not to indoctrinate your children with this religious nonsense.
@@ramptonarsecandle so teaching your kids religion is bad? If so that means you can’t teach your kids anything in life
@@jvarkey_ Read what I said f wit.
Pastor- your ability to explain a thought process, to literally teach us how to think--rather than teaching what to think-- is exactly what is missing from 99% of the teaching out there. Thank you for that.
I've suffered from OCD since I was a kid. God knows your heart and intentions. He knows we're suffering from a mental disorder/illness. Keep reading the scripture to be reasured by your FAITH in Christ. Keep pressing forward through this valley and don't be afraid to talk w a pastor or counselor and if medication is in order, that's ok. There is no sin or weakness in those things....only strength.
God bless, I wish you well!
Please pray for my friend who is an self proclaimed atheist (and allows that “if” there is a god that they are angry with God for allowing things in the past to happen) and accepts their need for a savior outside of themselves but the anger (and I think a few other things) are getting in the way of accepting Jesus as their savior. They are so close and the Holy Spirit has clearly been working but there is a block. Thank you and may God bring you peace and boldness in Christ Jesus.
I'm honestly not certain why Jesus mentioning or not mentioning Paul has any importance at all. Honest question, no judging. God didn't mention Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel before they came. He just sent them. So why should Jesus give a heads-up about Paul?
Point
Good comment
That was also my first response to this question (after going, "Whaaaat?!?" Someone's asking *that?!!??* ) 😁😁😁
I think that was a good Question That. Always confused me
Interesting titbit...the Essenes had a prophecy that some believe to be referring to Paul. Also it is believed that John the Baptist was a Essene and that when John sent his disciple to ask Jesus if He is the One, Jesus quoted a part back to him that comes from Essene writing and was not actually written exactly like that in the Old Testament. I obviously cannot say this is fact, but from what I've read and talks I've listened to, it sounds legit.
Question 13's answer is probably the most accurate description of how we see ourselves. Seeing ourselves as the hero of the story is the undercurrent of most sin.
God reaches people in many ways. I have heard of devout Muslims having dreams of christ and getting saved. God knows how we will best respond to the gospel and he will present the gospel in the best possible way for our hearts to be receptive.
Pastor Mike,
...i am really blessed by your youtube channel; you are a gifted teacher and researcher, thank you for the work and time that you put into the teachings, and praise God for sharing your gift with many others and helping to bring clarity to the Word
This ministry is valuable!
Oh my goodness! You just made me so happy! You mentioned you might do Hebrews but you hadn’t firmly made the decision as to what would be next. I have been patiently waiting!!!!
I can’t wait to study Hebrews under your tutelage!
I LOVED studying through Romans, Peter and Mark with you!
I can’t wait. I am excited.
Hebrews video 1 is finally out!
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
The story of the overseas man from question 7 was a beautiful testimony. It was sad, yes, but look how Jesus saves us in moments of struggle. It can be hard to believe when things are tough. This man who didn't have an extensive written knowledge of the gospel had pure faith with no reason to. Faith for faith's sake. He felt the good news.
When l received the Holy spirit, after calling out to Jesus outloud the very first time, and the next morning I was born with a new heart. Since then, when reading the Bible, I do not need interpretation,however I keep and open heart and mind, and trust in Jesus the Christ will lead me to the truth. REMEMBER; GOD BROUGHT YOU TO IT, GOD WILL THEN SEE YOU THRU IT...
So true Pastor Mike, on us never living up to our own standards of what's right and wrong.
Through the new heart the Holy Spirit guides not through learning of the rules. Walking by faith and not by sight. A lesson I struggle with.
Mike, you have said a lot of things that really hot home with me. Was raised in a Christian home, but have always struggled with sin and send doubt. I feel both like I was unprepared for the words and should have known better at the same time. Thanks for the biblical teachings.
How can you not have Mikes back. Super graceful and patient. Be well everyobe God bless!
Thank you for stating that all are subjected to the son, Jesus Christ and the son is subjected to God. It's simple to answer the many questions others ask, or comment against the notion of how Jesus is God. My usual answer was always, no one can come to the Father if not through the son. The Glory goes to God, because these questions and answers have given me a better understanding on how to respond.
So Grateful for all the questions you answer ❤️.
Pastor Mike doing a verse by verse study of the book of Hebrews, marching through it like the study of the book of Romans?? Let’s go!!!!!! I’m so stoked and pumped. Lord continue to bless us with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You; we thank you for enlightening our eyes of understanding.
"Nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God." Romans 8:39
God loves you so much and showed that by sending Christ to die for us. God's love is unconditional, undeserved, and unending. Just as you have been loved, love one another. And love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Hopefully this inspired and encouraged you today. God bless you!
I think you're confusing agape with fondness and affection. That would be phileo.
you have been misled by blind faith. Jesus dying on cross doesn't take away your and mine sinful proclivity. Nor does Jesus dying taking away reactions to sinful acts committed by you and me. So, if you do a sin or crime, Police will catch you and put you in jail, Jesus won't come to rescue you..
So, Jesus didn;t take away your punishment, You suffered for your wrong acts.
So, don't do wrong acts. Simple.
@@thegodlogic3844 This is blasphemy and heretical to the highest of standards. Everyone, do not listen to this person; they’re terribly misinformed. Your works CAN NOT and WILL NOT grant you everlasting life, that only comes through God’s grace and mercy through faith alone. Here’s the gospel truth: You and I broke God’s law, Jesus payed the fine. Accept Christ and believe (i.e. commit yourselves) in him and repent (turn away; change of mind) from your sins. You have God’s promise that you shall be granted everlasting life if you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
#14. I do believe God is very gracious and will forgive us repeatedly, but do not take advantage of this -- like I once did. I continued to sleep with my fiance knowing it was wrong, but I thought I'll just pray for forgiveness. Then one day in church, I swear the Bible fell open in my lap and it seemed to have a spotlight on this verse. Hebrews 10:26 "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,"
Ouch. Good for you for listening.
It's my favorite Greek atheist former Jehovah witness youtuber. 🤣😂
I feel like our covenant began when Christ died and the veil of the temple was rent in two. At that point, we were welcomed into the very presence of God.
Question 13: Anyone who is "seeking God," and not finding Him isn't seeking God. They're seeking to validate their conception of God, or to understand or appease the prince of their principality as if that entity were God.
Hey Pastor Mike, love the channel - recommended by an older gentleman in my men's group and I'm going on 4 weeks now. I run and listen to podcasts that autoqueue on Pocket Casts so every week now, I get a good bit through the 20Q episode during my Saturday run, then on Sunday check the timestamp and pick up from there to watch the rest on TH-cam after church...then discuss at Tuesday morning men's group(!). Great rhythm, thank God for your ministry, keep up the good work and God bless.
Another great wander through theology. If anyone is ever going to convince me that there is a god it will be Mike Winger!
Yes he is so smart...
Question 9 utterly blew my mind out of amazement of everything about God.
Gazalia(sorry if that’s not spelled right) my church formed 75 years ago. It started as a group of like 4 people that left their church and started meeting in a basement because it started becoming worldly and straying from the word. Now it’s a growing church, in an actual building they managed to get built on a lot and have added to it over the years. And strong in doctrine!
I wanted to mention something real quickly on the very first question from Gabriella. I hope this helps a little...Paul and Luke are prophesied in Isiah 66. In 38 years I've just recently discovered the scripture and have never heard anyone speak about it. However I do find it fascinating because it is very specific where they would travel. For instance to Tarshish Paul and Luke were sent to travel and preach the Gospel to Gentiles only. Pul, and Lud according to the commentaries are cities. But they may be an additional thing. It could be this is a Hebrew variation of Paul and Luke. And the Lord just chose to keep this again in scripture as a little nugget or a treasure for us to find. I've never heard anyone in the commentaries add as I have the implication that this could be Paul and Luke specifically mentioned by name. But it was an interesting thought and they certainly did fulfill this prophecy in Isaiah 66:19 when they dispatched from the Jews in Acts 13.
Amazing testimony about the man in Islamic Saudi Arabia coming to know Jesus.
30:30
All of your hard work and study are much appreciated! God bless you for freely sharing all you've learned. :)
I believe god uses mike for me to understand scripture better. I have a hard time reading books
I love these. Really loved the first question too!!! Loved the insight and the pursuit of truth among Christians. Looking for answers for me doesn’t ever mean I doubt the beauty of Gods word
I agree and feel the same way.
Amen, wonderful answers 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Thank you so very much pastor Mike.
Talk is Chip Action Speaks ! Prase the Lord Jesus ! AMEN
Thank you so much Patornfor all this work. Much appreciated 🙏 you are a blessing for many of us baby Christians who have so many questions !!!!! Be blessed !
Mike, you were really “Winging it” (Mike Winger winging it!😅) on several of these questions today. I would have had no idea what some of them were asking. But you grappled with them. Good job!
Mike has a deep knowledge of scripture very few pastors can answer the tuff questions I personally need someone like this i can trust
Hi Pastor Mike,
God bless you thank you for amazing ministry
My wife father is priest in Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
I refuse to attend they service due to idolatry practices.
They never asks me to come any more.
We have two children.
Tomorrow they will be having their church name celebrations Theotokos.
My wife wants us to go as family, I refused and creating tense between us.
I'm feeling like going there, share foods and drinks seems like I'm compromising.
God Bless you Mike
The story of the guy from number 7 just gave me great joy and hope, praise the Lord
Very interesting discussions. Thanks Mike.
Re question 11, I can completely relate to Guzalya. I've been living in the Philippines for over 8 years and have not found a church that I feel is suitable to call home. All English speaking ones within a 2-3 hour drive (in horrendous traffic) are either Catholic, prosperity doctrine oriented, anti-foreigner or otherwise grossly unbiblical in doctrine and practices (tithing parades, pastor in spiritual submission to his wife, etc.). I truly thank God for Mike and others like him. If your reading this sister, please pray for me regarding our common situation, as I will for you.
Have you looked into different types of churches, eg Baptist, Anglican, etc?
@@foggylog19 I think my initial statement pretty well covers all available denominations. I do not use absolutes lightly. When I say, "all" I mean "all". Are you, or have you even been, living in the Philippines?
@@kevinschaefer3945 fair enough, and no I haven't. I am used to people saying all, and when you really look it's like 60-90% but not every single church. And I was just wondering, I myself am quite new to Christianity so I don't even know all the denominations
@@foggylog19 First of all, I'd like to say congratulations and welcome to the Kingdom! You've made the most important decision you'll ever make in your life!
I apologize if I came on a bit strong, but having been in the legal profession when I lived in the U.S. and now an ESL tutor, I've gotten into the habit of choosing my words carefully.
It's nothing like the U.S. here, in any respect., especially when it comes to churches. Being here has been the most challenging, and the most growth-oriented, nine years of my life. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18). "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8). NASB
I don't mean to suggest that our walk with God is all suffering, there is so much peace and joy to be had when you stay within His arms, but keep in mind that God often refines as one does gold; through the fire. Remember three things from this analogy: 1) gold is precious to the goldsmith; 2) melted gold can be molded into any form the goldsmith desires; and 3) when gold is melted, the impurities rise to the surface and can be more easily removed by the goldsmith and he can then see his reflection in it more clearly.
Sorry to go on so. I'll get off my soapbox now. You're in for the greatest love affair of your life! Allow me to leave you with these four words: "Obedience out of love."
@@kevinschaefer3945 thank you for your thoughts.
I feel better now that I know that the protagonist thing isn't just me... Sometimes I have wondered about my moral compass!
Awesome answer to number 4!
God Bless
I love your videos thank you for pointing out how salvation is not as simple as a magical prayer. But it is at a point of belief a point of faith in each and every individual's life. Some come sooner to this knowledge some come later. However as our brother Paul once said brethren I count NOT myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things that are behind and Reaching forth unto those things that are before I press towards the mark the PRIZE. It is important to understand that our brother says that he died daily and that he picks up and follows his master daily and that he had NOT DENIED the faith. He was sold to the point of death where fear was not a factor but he longed to be with his master. For if we have that which we hope for why do we yet hope for it. But it is by faith that we hope to have a greater Resurrection. Brethren put away these foolish ideas of magical prayers or assume dates. And let's keep our eyes focused on our master let's keep our eyes focused on his words which hold the key to life eternal. Put away your foolish thinking of saved always saved or the foolish teaching of losing your salvation for none of your arguments are biblical. The master knows your hearts he knows who you are let us keep our eyes focused on him. That way as we abide in him we bring forth much fruit for yahweh's Glory. Shalom Brothers.
John 10:16 answers the question of whether Jesus mentioned Paul or not. "And other sheep i have which are not of this fold; them also i must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd"
As far as am aware of John 10:16 is referring to other group of people who are not Israelites. It's basically referring to gentiles and not another fellow Israelites that will follow JESUS in The future.
If you really need a reference as to where JESUS Spoke Of Paul, Read Acts 9:10-15, Where JESUS Appears To His Disciple Ananias And Sends Him To Heal Paul And Tells Ananias that He(Paul) is a chosen vessel to bear witness of HIS(JESUS'S) Name Before Gentiles, Kings And The Children Of Israel.
To whom asked question #20. I will tell you what my dad asked me "if everyone jumped off a bridge, would I do it?" Of course, my answer is no. Although this is not Biblical it did keep me from conforming to my peers as a teenager and even now as an adult. Do what Pastor Mike suggested, but at the sametime, you can think to yourself 'I'm not jumping off a bridge because my friend is ( so to speak). Another one I use today is asking myself "What would Jesus do or what would HE want me to do?" Just food for thought! God bless you.
You had me laughing tonight, Pastor Mike. Worster, worstiest, Worcestershire. :)
Me too! And I don’t lol often haha
Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this has helped me.
25:12 Yes, the soul is eternal but what the soul decides to do with that eternity is decided when we choose whom we will serve.
The flood thing is tough but God doesn’t judge the righteous with the wicked
Thank you pastor mike
Here is the way I think of the soul question. I don't know if I'm right, but it's what I've come to believe.
Imagine a torch.
The physical body of the torch is the same as your flesh (made from the dust of the earth), the electricity that switches the light on is the spirit (given by God, which will return to him, this is what makes the dust become a living soul), the light (consciousness) is switched on by the electricity (spirit), and this is what is called a living soul.
Your body dies when your spirit returns to the father, and the light goes out, now you have a dead soul (dust that used to have life). Your consciousness doesn't go anywhere, the light just goes out.
To put it simply a living soul is the torch that is switched on, a dead soul is a torch that is switched off. Consciousness is the light of the torch, and spirit is the electricity that turns the light on.
When you die your body returns to the earth (Sheol).
Jesus gave us the opportunity have eternal life by our body of dust being clothed in the spirit at the resurrection, where all will be resurrected and judged.
Revelation is a symbolic vision and the souls crying out shouldn't be considered evidence for an eternal soul. In my view it symbolises the dead souls waiting (unconsciously) to be clothed in the spirit.
Supporting scripture
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Genesis 3:19
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Job 10:9
Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?
Job 17:16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust.
Job 17:16
They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust.
Job 34:15
All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
Ecclesiastes 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Job 40:13
Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.
Psalms 44:25
For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.
Psalms 104:29
Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
Ecclesiastes 3:20
All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Isaiah 26:19
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Isaiah 26:19
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Daniel 12:2
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Luke 20:27
Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
Luke 20:35
But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
John 5:29
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 11:24
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
John 11:25
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Acts 4:2
Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Acts 17:32
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Acts 24:15
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Romans 6:5
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
1 Corinthians 15:21
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:42
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
Hebrews 11:35
Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Revelation 20:5
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Jesus told us when we die our spirit returns to Him. In Ecclesiastes 9:5 the dead know not any thing. Ecc.9:10 there is no knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave (paraphrasing)
In Mark 12:25 Jesus told His deciples "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels which are in heaven."
I love your videos so much!! Thank you for your work.
The reason we know Jesus didn't mention Paul is Paul's conversion story. When he met Jesus and switched from being a persecutor to a follower, the other disciples' reaction wasn't: "oh yeah it's the guy Jesus told us about", but rather: " oh no, we don't trust that guy. We heard he is vicious toward believers in Christ.
But also, why is that a question that someone is so concerned with anyway? Would that have made him more legitimate as an apostle?
I'm confused about #5 on eternality of the soul being in question. I thought that's why we want to be saved so we can be with Jesus eternally. Isn't that what John 3:16 is about? And the reason for Christ's resurrection?
Pray for me I have put myself in a bad situation and need God Grace.
Interesting question. Thank you for doing your best to give an answer for a basically unanswerable question
Thank you for answering my question! ❤️ God bless you 🙏🏻
Guzalya lmramiva, Rick Renner has a church in Moscow & maybe other cities.
Guzalya Ikramova, Rick Renner (Russia) has many teachings on TH-cam. Sorry I messed up your name on other comment.
@@lindamarion9312 Don't feel too bad, Linda. I did the same thing in my comment above. No disrespect intended, Guzalya. BTW, I'm in the same boat, but in the Philippines. God has me here for a reason, but it's been very difficult... yet purifying.
Paul is a type of Jesus, in the same likeness of Moses, Elijah and others too. They all pointed to Jesus.
Paul on the other hand is an expounded and expanded version of Jesus. Paul explained and taught, in richness, depth and philosophically, the teachings of Jesus. He pretty much expounded on His teachings in a way Jesus couldn't do.
Paul embodied a man inspired by the holy spirit. And he wrote every letter inspired by the spirit.
To the person asking about OCD, your definitely experiencing religious ocd you have to disregard the thoughts and stop doing the compulsive prayers. As someone who recovered from OCD and anxiety you have to stop rumination and all compulsions to fully recover.
So I've been debating a Muslim going on a few years now. They really don't like Paul. I think that it's because of the fact by the same measure that they claim Muhammad is who Jesus was talking when he said the Holy Spirit was coming after him we can say he was talking about Paul. I pray for God to touch this man's heart and show him the truth and bring him and his family to Christ. This all started because his 2 kids are always asking me questions about Jesus.
Ref to question 9: Paul says “Jesus led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8). Which I have learned, and believe is scripturally sound, that after Jesus descended to hell and payed for our sin in the fiery pit God could legally rise him up, ….for he that liveth by the law shall live {Lev 18:5), he crossed the chasm that separated the fiery pit from Bosom of Abraham or Sheol (Luke 16:22) to bring those that die prior to Jesus death, burial and resurrection to heaven with him. Everyone that dies in Christ since then goes straight to heaven since our savior has already come and payed the price. As Paul’s says in 2 Cor 5:8 “to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”. As for the criminal on cross, I assume he would have gone to Sheol or paradise until he was taken captive by Jesus with the others. Thus I would vote for the new covenant started with his resurrection.
Interesting point about the movies/shows. It's very true, from our perspective we are good and those who are good to us we consider good
When I read a book or watch a movie where I'm expected to root for someone I don't like, it just makes me angry.
@@tell-me-a-story- haha I can definitely relate. A lot of time modern movies try to make you root for some really nasty characters.
Bad behaviour is either excused or lauded
Regarding the question whether all went to hell who died in the flood: although it is not mentioned, we can not rule out the possibility that there were people who were moved by the Holy Spirit and repented and called on God, obviously before death but after the flood had already started.
56:10 I don't know if it's true, but I once heard a story of a guy who decided to go to every difference church/mosque/temple of every religion to see if he could determine which one is true. When he got to a Christian church he saw this beautiful woman there, and he went back a second time because boys will be boys lol. He was saved(can't remember exactly the pretext, but it was a particularly good sermon haha) and he continued to go to that church. He never saw the woman again, and said he thinks she was probably an angel. Seek and you will find. Taste and you will see that the Lord is good.
Hello Pastor Mike, I learned so much from you thank you for your hard work!!
Q what’s your opinion on the Bible Project?
I’ve been wondering also
I love their stuff on the books of the Bible and Bible characters. I find their animations excellent for helping me to remember things
They are however different in their views from me on certain things, they are annhilationists I believe?
I don't see any harm in watching their videos as long as you know their views on certain doctrinal issues. These days I do a little research on any Christian channel I watch so I can be aware of their stance beforehand. There is still a lot to learn from others who differ from us on certain issues, as long as they're not salvific I'm cool with it.
@@littleboots9800 I listened a lot to their podcasts before Mike's videos. But Mike's put me on pause on those podcasts on his emphasis of biblical thinking. When I hear he didn't entirely agree on the divine counsel, which BP did a video about, that's when I knew it's important to discern your resources outside Scripture and compare it w/ it. BP is great in other areas tho, like their videos I agree. For me, I'm doing their classroom Beta on the Introduction of the Hebrew Bible and it's super cool tbh. I'm certain God guides us in our learning w/ things outside Scripture, long as we're prayerful and sincere.
@@zy8753 I agree. I think their series are fantastic teaching resources. The books of the Bible was the first one I went through, a really great overview and I find the animation/doodling style of the videos super engaging.
It wasn't until I happened on a talk one of them gave on end times that I realised they held a few different views to me but I really am so over this whole way of thinking that denounces other Christians for differing views on various non salvific issues and judges all their work as "dangerous." We lose out on so much that way.
I like Mike's constant use of the Bible as our metric to measure everything against. Striving to think Biblically and praying for discernment should keep us on the right path.
Poor Jephus from the lesser know Er.. never had a chance 💧
You're advice for teens was amazing. Thank you!!!
Yeah Mike, I went through the same thing with the sinners prayer...and I too felt better once I prayed it. hahaha I know God had already saved me before then, but I felt like I needed to say it.
If you’re in the camp of Paul replacing Judas and not Matthias, one could make the argument from Acts 1;20 referring to Judas.
“For it is written in the book of (Psalms)
Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it, and let (another) take his office.
From Psalm 69;25
It was at His death, the ripping of the veil . Paid in full doesn't mean later the payment will be made. It is finished doesn't mean later it will end.#9
I will say it’s a good chance that the apostles first knowledge of him was as Saul the persecutor. And you will remember that the apostles first acknowledgment of him as an apostle was when Barnabas vouched for him and his conversion by Christ in Acts 9:27
regarding the 'is god male' query... god made man in his own image, then could not find a suitable mate for him so he took the female from the male, literally separated attributes that were equally from god. thus the idea of marriage is to form a complete image of god's love... BOTH male and female, both protective and nurturing
Sorry in advance for my wordiness lol... I like your answer better, as anything else IMHO leaves too much room for the world to relegate woman to some kind of divine after-thought(?). I'm NOT attempting to defend a heretical feministic view of God (at least I hope not), I'm defending God, against a misogynistic view of women (I fully accept this is bc I'm a woman, which doesn't necessarily contradict the Truth of Who God is). Of course we're also talking about the same world that likes to equate the origin of sin with Eve alone, VS Adam & Eve IE: Eve through her sinful response to the enemy's temptation & man via his passivity & decision to eat of the fruit also. Am I saying God is both male & female? I'm saying both male & female are equal, but different image bearers, or reflections of who God is, so I guess you could say a better question than "Is God male?" would be "What is male & female?", as MIke alluded to; but then is Mike's answer correct? I'm not 100% convinced it is. I've got to search & study the scriptures some more in view of this question (your input is welcome). I love Pastor Mike, but I have found is teaching to be in error on two other occasions (once in reference to a question about abortion & the other in reference to mega-churches), which is still a better track record than most pastors I've listened to. I do not mean to disparage Pm in any way, as I believe his goal is to "Think Biblically", I also believe that the scriptures teach there's a very big distinction to be made between one who teaches something in error & a false-teacher, as one of them has a motive to deceive & I most assuredly don't believe that to be the case with Pastor MIke. PS: To clear up what may be a temptation to peg me as a radical-feminist, the place where I found PM to be in error w/abortion, was in his inclusion of "If the mother's life" as an exception to the prohibition of abortion, as I believe there's an argument to be made for why no exception is more in keeping with scripture. His error about mega-churches came in reference to someone's question about whether or not mega-churches reflected God's perfect pattern for the local church. In PM's reply he first correctly affirmed that the bible doesn't give a "right-size" description & affirmed the early church's number of at least 3,000 souls AND he also correctly explained & affirmed how fellowship was/is part of reason why God instituted the Church (collective) & fellowship is better fostered in smaller groups, it was when he listed as one of the "pros" for a mega-church to be the greater likelihood that one might find someone more skilled at rightly dividing the Word bc greater numbers increased the odds of finding someone who'd been formally trained (seminary) & it's my biblical contention that God can raise up a suitable teacher regardless of the size crop He has to work with.
On #18 I would say it’s free will not sin nature. Our free will is given to us
Thanks for another great video! I happened upon your channel a few weeks ago when I was doing some research for a study I am doing in my home with other like minded ladies. Your teachings on Romans has been very helpful, thank you! I hope to one day submit a question, but the time difference is too great. It is 4am here in China when the questions live streams begin. But I do enjoy watching them later in the day. Many blessings to you and your family. Thank you so much for your ministry. It really is a life line here.
I know it's been a year since this was streamed so no-one's probably reading comments but just to clear up one point. The ark of the covenant wasn't actually in the Holy of Holies in Jesus' day, it had been taken away into Babylon and does not appear to have been returned. thanks for all the work
Concerning whether the soul is eternal as supported in Scripture, consider this: Death had not entered the world until man sinned and fell. God made man in His image. If man had never sinned and there was no death, then people would live forever. We gained nothing by sinning. That means we certainly did not gain a soul. Thus, the soul was with us from the moment God created man, likely as part of us being formed in His image and because God is eternal. This also means that those who die in their sin will be punished for eternity.
Great advice to teens. Get outside yourself and look at your generation.
Jesus spoke to Paul in the book of Acts, choosing him to be an apostle.
Q#17 thank you to the person Asked this question and thank you Mike for the answer
The answer to the question is fairly easy to answer. Jesus didn’t mention Paul, because it was a secret; it says so explicitly, repeatedly
Thank you so much.
Thanks for sharing.
A friend got baptized in a pool in the paster's garden (not the swimming pool!) So was able to have a few, (6) people there. Would that work?
I totally agree with the Russian. I grew up Orthodox, became saved in my 50’s and realize now that Orthodoxy is totally unbiblical
It's so sad. I read Orthodox writing, the church Fathers, etc. And there seems to be so much rich truth and wisdom in that tradition. And then I look at so many Orthodox churches and they just don't seem to teach and live what they claim to be Holy Tradition. To the point where Orthodox partitioners are finding fuller truth in Protestant tradition than they can find in Orthodox churches 😔 and then the mess with Ukraine, Russia and Constantinople sullies it even more.
I'm glad you read the Bible and found the truth of God there when it wasn't taught in your church.
Mike, your cat is awesome.
I think Jesus did mention Paul. He said there was more about what he was saying than he would tell them now, but they would hear more about it later. That seems to correspond to Paul really nicely. Paul elaborated in depth on the grace of God.
I will try to find that quote.
I experienced the gospel alone, in my car, before I even knew what the gospel was.
Why didn't Jesus mention Paul?
Why didnt Jesus mention all the others by name that were to come and work for His kingdom?
What is this question supposed to solve in the mind of who is making it? If Paul is legit apostle of Christ? When I was just new I came to question Paul too because of the voices I heared and almost decide I wasnt going to take all the books as inspired of God but only some of them. Be careful not to let the questions weaken your faith in His Word and His messengers but look diligently for the answers so as to come with a strengthened faith in our Lord and Saviour the one who always was and is forever.
For me it sounded like Paul was sexist against women. Had to resort to a lot of prayer in the roles of men and women in marriage and church ministry.
Thanks for these!
Paul wasn’t part of the 12 but he was an apostle and did write scripture.
Love you Pastor Mike. Thank you for these videos. They are a real help. Pastor James
REF:Why didn't Jesus tell them about Paul
Had they waited for a answer from the Lord His choice would have been made plain to them.
Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen
If anybody here sees this, and you feel lead, please pray for me to be healed.
Mike is absolutely precious. LOL He is seldom right, but he is never in doubt. :)
Ok
Explain what you mean by he is seldom right?
I agree with you about Peter endorsing Paul in 2nd Peter, but those who reject Paul claim that 2nd Peter is a Pauline forgery. It does read like a Pauline epistle.
If you are sincerely seeking God and are confused on why you don't feel like something has happened yet... Look at how you are living your life, does it look like you are going out of your way for Jesus? Someone who doesn't believe in God won't do the actions towards Him for His will constantly without the spirit. Beyond that, where do you have real questions about God? Reltionships, Politics, Daily Living? Dive into these topics and put a value on each of them regarding the word.