Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:07 {Deceased Loved Ones & Necromancy?} Is going to the cemetery and talking to loved ones necromancy? 2. 27:59 {Our Choices & God’s Sovereign Will} Do we have any true control over life entering the world, or is it only based on God's sovereignty? I think if it’s God's plan for me to have a child, I'll get pregnant even if on birth control. But my husband thinks we control conception through birth control. If Jeremiah 1:5 applies to all people, wouldn't that mean God's plan overrides our plan for procreation? 3. 31:45 {Jesus’ Death: Physical but Not Spiritual?} If Jesus' humanity and divinity are inseparable, then how could He experience bodily death on the cross without His deity dying, as well? 4. 36:33 {Do Christians Continue to Need Forgiveness?} 1 John 1:9 perplexes me. I am a Christian. In what sense does my daily confession apply "forgiveness" to me? What happens if I die with “unforgiven” sin? 5. 41:19 {Why Doesn’t God Just Satisfy Skeptics’ Doubts?} How would you answer someone who says, “If there is a God, He knows what evidence I would need to believe and has not given it to me” and seems to genuinely mean it, not mocking/scoffing? 6. 51:33 {Metaphorical, Spiritual, or Physical Resurrection?} Is Romans 8: 11 referring to a metaphorical, spiritual, or physical resurrection later to come? I thought it was spiritual, but the term "mortal bodies" has me thinking differently. 7. 57:43 {Too Much Theology & Doctrine?} My pastor says that theology is “just someone’s opinion” and that “we shouldn’t get hooked on theology and doctrine.” How would you respond? 8. 1:03:05 {Did Peter & Other Disciples Quit?} Did Peter and the others "quit the ministry" when they went fishing in John 21:3? It seems that Peter had already seen the risen Christ 2 or 3 times before this event. 9. 1:08:33 {Stewarding Friendships with Unbelievers} How do you navigate having worldly friends? At times I enjoy their company and the conversation is good, but at other times they are unbearable to be around, making crude jokes. 10. 1:14:19 {God Conceals a Matter?} In Proverbs 25:2, in what sense is the author saying that God conceals a matter? It's clearly not an absolute (i.e., He does reveal things).
If you can see this message, this is a prayer request to my brothers and sisters in Christ. My comments get shadow banned 99.99% since I started sharing the Gospel thanks to Mike's encouragement (been watching for over 10 years now). Since the Gospel is offensive to many, I suspect I've received too many down votes even though I have always sought to promote love and peace. If so inspired, would you please give me an upvote on this comment. Not sure if it will work, but I'm hoping it will allow me to participate in other more controversial channels to promote compassionate Gospel truth where others have gotten caught up in hating their neighbor. At the very least, prayers are appreciated. Thanks so much! ❤
"Is going to the cemetery and talking to loved ones necromancy?" I find that practice highly problematic. In fact a lot of burial/funeral practices seem to be to me like slippery slopes. I get that people are mourning the death of others. But I'm annoyed how that is used to dictate all kinds of practices and even teachings on others. Catholics liked to do that.
I lost my 20 yr old son in a tragic accident in 2022. Grief has been my enemy. I am changed. No desire to be around people and i dont talked to anyone. I work and go home. Jesus has kept me from drowning in it. Holy Spirit is guiding me. There had been times i didn't want to be here anymore. I have talked to my son but i know he doesn't hear me so i pray to God. I am learning to focus on Jesus and talk to him instead. He is close to the broken hearted..one day his kingdom will be here and there will be no more tears or pain. My hope is in our Lord Jesus❤
Jesus is indeed close to the broken hearted. When you're broken over your sin and humble before God, he will certainly lift you up. There's nothing you can go through that God can't get you through it. I'm so glad you chose to abide in Christ.
I remember when my mom died, I prayed for her in ways that I knew went against my Christian theology, asking God to save her (after death). My grief was so overwhelming that I couldn’t even imagine living anymore and starting asking God to take my life. Praise to Jesus, He brought me out of that pit of deep sadness and reminded me of the abundant life He has given me. Our grief is powerful but our Savior is even more powerful to turn our sadness to joy and our hearts back to Him.
I prayed after my parents died things like…please give me rest that they are with You to things like, please tell them that I love them. I don’t think either is wrong UNLESS it starts to adversely affect your relationship with God.
How beautiful that you were able to work out those difficult feelings, and that God led you through it so gently. I think that is the difference of 'crying out in our grief,' and 'pushing God away' believing that he doesn't understand our pain, even after we've gotten the chance to share it with him. He is faithful! ❤️
When my (unsaved) mother died, I found myself saying, "Mama," because I was just sad that I'm never going to see her again and it would have been so easy for her to accept Jesus but she raged at me every time I tried to witness to her. I realized that I was addressing the dead, and replaced "Mama" with "Abba" because He is living and hears me.
I'm so sorry for your loss and your pain. I hope that somehow in a way only He can do, that He spoke to her deep in her heart in her final moments and that her heart may have opened to His love.
You never know what took place in the final moment before she took her last breath. All she had to say is "Jesus". So don't despair. Jesus is THE HEALER of everything, including broken hearts. He will give you PEACE THAT SURPASES ALL UNDERSTANDING. KEEP HAVING TUNNEL VISION FOR HIM. He is your best friend ever. He loves and adores you. Rejoice...the very best is yet to come. 😊😊😊
I had the same with my grandpa, he was a truly evil man, but towards his later years he changed, I don't know if he knew Christ, I was 9 yrs old, that was really hard. He lived by the sword and died by it.
His "answer" to question 3 was his own guesswork. Nothing "true" about it. His answer to question 4 was full of "I think...", "I think...". If you truly want answers you will pray and LISTEN and WAIT. And heed Jesus's words in John 14:26 & 16:13.
@leenieledejo6849 You do realize that Mike isn't Jesus. He is a pastor willing to give his best understanding of scripture. That's it. If you don't like the way Mike is doing his thing. You are always capable of going online and doing it "right".
@@thelanaden Oh some puerile insults! What a surprise from Mike's fanboys. Your idolatry is there for all to see because *raging* at ANY criticism of idols is a classic symptom (since idolatry is a work of the FLESH, your reaction is carnal too: Galatians 5:19-21).
Keep ON helping us, Brother Mike. This 80yrold would bake you an apple pie, or whatever dessert you want, in order to serve you for all the rich, sweet insights you share on the Q&A's.❤🎉
When I was 3, my Granda died. I couldn't really understand death yet. My mum told me he had died and that he was in heaven ( he was a Christian), and a few days later I was asking when he was coming back from heaven. My mum told me he liked heaven so much he didn't want to leave. She also encouraged me to ring him up on my toy phone and talk to him, which I did. This really helped me process what had happened. One time I came off my phone and said "Granda Jack says he likes heaven so much he doesn't want to come back" I knew I wasn't actually talking to him, as I knew I was making the whole conversation up and dialling a completely different number each time.
1 Thess 4 is a great passage for grief, at least for believers (or ones you suppose to be) if we believe Jesus died and rose again, then we believe they will be risen again "and the dead in Christ will rise first". we will be reuinited at the resurrection. what a wonderful thing. don't sorrow as those who don't have hope, we have the hope of the resurrection. even though we die, in Christ we will live again, we will be born again, made alive again, at the resurrection at Christ Jesus' glorious return.
This is one of the best things in this world. A safe place to ask questions about the only thing that matters to me. My God, His Word, the people who love Him. Thankyou Mike for this platform and your sincerity. I love it when you admit you don’t know something because I know you’re going to study it soon and we can talk again if Jesus tarries.
It’s been 18 years since my mother went to be with the Lord, and I still miss her and would love to call her with personal and family news. I never felt the urge to talk to her as in speaking to her in heaven. I can understand when a widower visits his wife’s grave and talks to her as if she’s really there but I think it’s just a way of downloading their emotions. I’m so sorry you lost your mother to pancreatic cancer. I lost my sister to it 20 years ago and I wouldn’t wish that cancer on a worst enemy.
Watching a loved one pass away from pancreatic cancer is HORRIFIC. I lost my mom last year to it... I agree with you. Wouldn't wish it on anyone... 💔 I'm sorry for your loss as well...
When my mom unexpectedly passed away in January, my most frequent prayer was that I wanted to honor Him and bring Him glory through my grief. Since my mom died so unexpectedly and without any kind of warning (she was also young, 61)… the desire to want to just talk to her was there. The Lord laid it on my heart that I can always talk to Him. Bring it to Him. And so, I do. Anytime I want to just shout out “mom I miss you! Mom I love you!” I tell it to the Lord (“ Jesus, I miss my mom” “Father.. if at all possible, could you tell my mom that I love her and miss her so much”). Maybe He tells her, maybe He doesn’t, but I feel that by bringing it to Him and telling Him, that it is the healthiest and honestly, most practical since the Lord hears us ❤️ Thank you for addressing this! Love your content!
Mike, you need some Biblethinker merch. How bout a t-shirt with your mug on the front and the slogan "Just Winging it." on the back? I wear an XL tall. 😂
Definitely catchy and clever... but If Mike were to admit to' winging it' or improvising, isn't he then saying he does things w/o much preparation? The dude is practiced both in terms of the Word and the intent of it.🌹
Exactly. His whole Q&A sessions are "winging it". Most answers are philosophy/wisdom of men and guesswork. Listen to the mess of the question 3 "answer". It would be comical if it wasn't tragic. One day he will have to give an answer to God for misleading thousands 😢
@@leenieledejo6849 Oh dear, I'm not sure what is going on in your life for you to be so bitter but you are in the right place to fix all that. Mike has an is changing lives with his knowledge, wisdom and infectious positivity. I hope you arrive at a place of love and compassion soon.
I used to think (as a believer.. actually in the last 5 years) that my deceased mom was “with me”. It was the night I picked up her ashes, and I thought she “visited” me. The Lord very very clearly showed me years later (in His timing) that it was in fact not her, but something pretending to be her. The Lord has shown me that He is my comforter in grief, and at any point when I used to think it was my mom showing me she was “with me”, it was always God and God only. He told me that my mom or any loved ones would never “visit me” or send me a sign, or a song, or a butterfly… But God would. I have loved ones that feel their deceased family sends them signs and is looking over them, and I wish there was a way I could witness to them. Maybe I’ll just share this video… seems a bit passive aggressive, but that would never be my intent. ❤ Keep sharing Pastor Mike! And sorry about your mom too ❤
I caught your breif comment about birth control ending a conceived life. Thank you for adding that. We need so much more education for women regarding their reproductive systems and what "the pill" all actually means for them.
"This is long-distance, super-hearing powers." I've never heard this stated so well! I was raised as a Spiritualist, and wanted to be a medium when I grew up. The two big beliefs in Spiritualism are "spirit guides"--the dead guiding the living--and reincarnation. There is really no difference between communicating with "spirit guides" and praying to saints. (Many "spirit guides" are Native Americans. Why? I don't know.) Mediums take the place of a pastor in Spiritualist churches, and that's what I wanted to be. My father told me all of the things he was teaching me were in the Bible, so I started reading it when I was 16. After reading 3/4 of the Bible, I realized I hadn't found what he said was there, and figured it wasn't in the other 1/4. (It wasn't. No surprise there.) I prayed for God to lead me to a church which taught from the Bible without manmade traditions. He did. God saved me from belief in the occult, and I was baptized when I was 21. That was in 1982. I'm so thankful He answered my prayer!
Thank you so much Mike! I went through the same when my dad passed. It still hurts but I know one day we will see each other again. Thank you for all your hard work and helping us think bibilically.
My mother passed away 4 yrs ago today. They say time heals all wounds but that’s not true…grief is way too deep. For me it gets worse as time passes. But I have never cried out or spoken to my mother. It’s way too spooky. She’s with Jesus she doesn’t care she’s with her savior and I will continue to cope with grief until I see her again. Prayers for those dealing with grief…😢
My dad died 2 years ago and I’ve said the same thing…that it has gotten harder, not easier. I don’t talk to him either although I sometimes say “miss you dad” when I see something in life that reminds me of him. I know he’s safe and in complete joy with Christ!
Great insight! Only thing I’d add on q1… It doesn’t always have to go as far as demonic deception. Humans can take advantage of peoples grief by doing tricks, that seems persuasive, but are a dishonest version of stage magic that make it seems like they’re communicating with loved ones. They’re liars, and are financially benefiting off grief.
I have friends (mostly coworkers) who are unsaved. I never shy away from mentioning my faith, especially making it known that I am praying for them. When we're having discussions or debates where my opinion is informed by the Bible and my faith, I will state as such. When I pray for them, I also ask God for boldness and wisdom that I might have the right words in those moments.
I soo missed my parents after they died. First my mom and 6 months later my dad. I still miss them. But, I am so thankful that God saw me through it all. I am glad no one hears or sees us after death. Think of the horrible things that happen in our lives. How would that bring peace and joy to those in Heaven seeing 0r hearing such. I pray for anyone going through the loss of loved ones as it is a very painful time. Only Jesus brings us the comfort that heals our hearts.
When my dear mother died, I went through a terrible time of grief. I fully understand what you are saying and appreciate your compassion on this topic. I went to the cemetery shortly after her death and wanted to speak to her. Immediately the Lord spoke to my heart and told me I could not do that, I got the impression that it would lead to ancestor worship. He told me that she was with Him and that I was only to speak to Him and not those who had died. I felt my heart literally break and the temptation was very strong to ignore that word. But I did not. I knew it was true. From that day forward whenever I want to tell Mom something, I turn it around and say, "Father, I can't tell Mom but I can tell You", and so then I tell HIM what my news was and I know that He hears and He helps. It makes me sad to hear of so many who go on speaking to their dead loved ones without the understanding that the Lord is the One who carries us and heals us through intense grief. Thank you for tackling this important subject.
One things that's helped me was to pray to Jesus to actually pass a comment or a hug on to my loved ones in heaven, knowing that I cannot communicate with them any longer. I know they are in the presence of the Lord, although I do not assume that Jesus is under any obligation to abide. Still, I ask.
I have an aunt who lost her son when he was 20 years old in a bull riding accident. My cousin was really close to me, and I am sure he was saved. This death has been really hard on the family, but I’m concerned with my aunt. He has been gone for 10 years now and she is still obviously grieving. Posts about him on social media frequently (at least 5 days a week) showing her sorrow. She often says it’s to keep his name alive, and I am convinced she will do this until she passes. I want to help her as everyone in our Hispanic family is just encouraging this behavior instead of helping her grieve properly. I hope some of you will offer some advice. Thank you and God bless you.
How many times in the Bible is there a mention of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ saying “Fear not”. This includes everything including grief. When we place our trust entirely on Him, all other factors including massive levels of grief, bodily & mental infirmities will melt away. I pray I would be strong enough to follow what I just wrote. It is easy to mention but hard to put it into practice but nothing is impossible with our Lord. 😊
Lost my husband in January. It’s so hard. I talk to God a lot and ask him to tell my husband that I love him. I do find myself just saying out loud things to my husband about the kids. 😢
1 the question that should be asked in regards to necromancy is what the morality is behind why God says no. Behind necromancy are a few things; witchcraft, love for loved ones above love for God, and not trusting God when it comes to the departed. How should we respond when God says no? Do it anyways? Matthew 8:22
I am reminded of David, when the Lord took his first born son, he said; "But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 2 Samuel 12:23. When Jesus died he commended his spirit into his Father's hands.
My parents died 6 years ago. Often a thought or regret will come to mind and I ask God to tell them. Is this wrong? It gives me peace knowing they have perfect understanding now and that God communes with them. I know it's in His perfect will whether or not He tells them what I'm asking.
- saw an image of my paternal Grandma, at one time; as to also, a flowery scent and a very reminiscent and warmth within the surrounding air all of a sudden appearing in June 2011
I have a suggestion for your channel. As much as I do enjoy the Q&A videos, I've really been hoping for more verse by verse study like you used to do. That series on Hebrews you talked about doing a while ago would be awesome. I'd much rather that than Q&A. The problem with Q&A stuff is that you don't really get to dig in to the topic and scripture at all. It's good, and your answers are always really good and helpful. I'd just really like to see a return to much more biblical depth.
I used to think Lot's wife looked back in longing for what she lost but I do not think so any more. A saved person does not long for the dispair and madness of sin. What I think is she was checking to see how far she had come, something Jesus teaches us not to do in the parable of the man who was plowing. The important thing is where we are going.
4 confession is the way to not walk in the darkness, but rather walk in the light. This is referring to christians, to bring to light those sins which are hidden in the christian. The point of the passage is that as christians, we are to not hide our sins, but confess them, and walk in the light
When I went through the death of my wife, the Lord told me early on to go through him to speak to her. So I did not speak to her directly. I was to talk to him and he would tell her. He was not giving me messages from her he would just relay them. From me through him to her.
Retired Pastor: Encountered this with a very devout Baptist Christian Aunt by marriage recently. I told her it probably doesn't hurt to talk to 'X' but don't expect him to talk back. And NEVER let 'talking to' turn into 'praying to'. God is tolerant and understanding but also jealous. Just because a person has moved into the SPIRIT realm does not mean they have any more power than they had when they walked this earth. And don't talk to the dead asking them to talk to God. DO THAT YOURSELF - DIRECTLY. Otherwise, if you want to share your thoughts, feelings, etc, like you did when they were alive - go for it. And then to go God and share them with HIM - if you want to be productive about it.
I believe that when someone thinks a deceased loved one is talking to them, it's really that person using the experiences they had with that person in life to guide them. More like, Dad would tell me to do xyz. Not that he IS telling me, but I know what he WOULD have told me to do.
I remember Jesus saying that our father is a God of the living, not the dead. Both my parents are dead. I think of them almost every day. My prayers are to the living only. I speak to the living only. I will not open myself to unclean spirits.
I completely agree that we should not speak with the dead, but I know a Christian Mystic who claims to communicate with the Apostles, Eve, and people she knew who have passed. She claims they are not dead because God is not the God of the dead, and she uses The Transfiguration as another reason it's different than necromancy. Jesus did speak with Elijah and Moses. That argument stumped me.
don't be so quick to assume. Saul went to the witch to summon the spirit of samuel, and when samuel actually showed up, she cried out and was afraid because she didn't expect him to.
Q5...God has provided what all men need to believe, the individual just doesn't like what has been provided, but prefers to blame except take responsibility.
That’s objectively not true. We believe primarily based on the environment we grow up in. The number one factor in determining what religion you will adopt is the religion of your parents. You are speaking from your Christian centric perspective.
I lost my husband in 2017. I say Out loud I miss you, but know he does not hear me nor do I expect anything out of it. It's just me saying things out loud, as I know he's in heaven and that door between heaven and earth is closed between us. Someday I will see him again, but even then my focus will be on the Lord and not him.
The saints are alive, not dead. (Mk 12:26-27) The saints are aware of our prayers and needs. (cf. Lk 15:10, Heb 12:1, Rev 5:8) Be at peace. The saints in heaven know EVERYTHING that your loving Father wants them to know.
I talk to a lot of dead people, but never talking to them thinking I can talk to the dead. When my exboyfruend left me in 2020 and moved 6 hrs away, i talked to him and cussed him our every day. Recently I found our ge died, now i say to him, why did you leave me. It didn't have to be this way, i say that because he didn't just leave me, he left me, church, Jesus, pilgrim radio, morning devotional,,i think he is not in heaven..i do ask God to tell him I miss him if he is in heaven.
Many years ago, I read a biography of Abraham Licolm and learned his wife tried to communicate with him after he had died. She procured a spiritist to conduct a seance and perhaps heard his voice? I don't know. This obsession led to her undoing. This, along with other mental (spiritual issues), caused her son to have her placed at an asylum for the mentally ill. She, of course, resented it. The one thing that is certain is that the Father admonishes His people not to engage in these seances. King Saul sought to engage in this sane activity after Samuel had died, and as we read, it didn't end well with him.
Yes, those are examples of what NOT to do. But that's not what Christians are doing. Consider this: We know that nothing unrighteous can enter heaven. (cf. Rev 21:27). Since the saints are in heaven, they must be righteous. And since the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective, the prayers of the saints must be powerful and effective. So, the real question is not "Why talk to saints?" but "Why not ask your brothers and sisters to join with you in prayer for your needs?"
Sarah Zimmerman question for next week. Mike what do you think when pastor Tony Evans says that when Jesus says depart from me and go to the place of darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Tony Evans says that's not a literal Hell but rather a bad place in heaven. What do you think about that Evangelist Roger Mansour
Here’s a question that popped up as I was watching this: (Multi-level question) So Jesus died and was risen from the dead, but, Jesus is not here on Earth. He is in heaven. So is Jesus “alive” in the same way that we are alive? Or is his “life” more indicative of the “life” we will have after his return? Or maybe something else?
I know this is off the topic but please do an expose on the Church of Christ. My brother and family belongs to this group. They are of opinion that only they are right. South Africa
In Romans flesh refers to circumcision and being under the Mosaic Law. From the beginning of Romans Paul is arguing against the influence of Jewish Christians who are teaching Christians that they have to follow the law to be saved. The thread of that is throughout the whole letter. When Paul says flesh, it's reference to the mark of circumcision on the flesh which is an expression of a Jew being under the Law.
I was recently directed to Revelation 5:8 as an indication that God approves of prayer to the "saints." "And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." Someone please argue this for me. I'm aware that we're all made saints through Christ, but all else I've come up with is that these elder and creatures are *holding* the bowls, not giving them over to Christ. Plus they're singing praise to the *Lamb,* not singing praise declaring that they're mediators. What other symbolism in this passage indicates that the Catholic interpretation is wrong?
You're assuming it's wrong and looking for justification of that assumption. It's not wrong. Here are other verses which prove Catholics to be correct in their understanding: Luke 15:10 - Saints Hear Our Prayers "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10) Who are those rejoicing in the presence of the angels, and how do they know that someone on earth has repented? Hebrews 12:1 - Cloud of Witnesses “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” Commenting on this passage, Protestant William Barclay wrote: “Christians are like runners in some crowded stadium. As they press on, the crowd looks down; and the crowd looking down are those who have already run the race.” (William Barclay, Letter to the Hebrews, p. 202) Revelation 5:8 - Bowls of Incense And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints; How did the creatures and elders get the bowls filled with the prayers of the saints?
47:20 ultracrepidarian: adjective expressing opinions on matters outside the scope of one's knowledge or expertise. noun a person who expresses opinions on matters outside the scope of their knowledge or expertise.
Hi Mike - great topics. On the topic of speaking with the dead, what are your thoughts on the transfiguration? Mat17:3 > And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. And, < Mrk9:3-5 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. *And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.* And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles... Mike, I'd be very interested to hear your take on how the above relates to the issue you tackled on this show. In any case, thank you for all you do to extol the name of Jesus!
Great question. You have hit upon an important idea. Jesus never sinned and did not need to be baptized, but He was baptized by John so that we might learn from His example. Additionally, He often went off by Himself to pray through the night in private. But at the Transfiguration, Jesus intentionally invited Peter James and John to come along with Him. Why? Was it just to prove to them that He was God? Wouldn't that be taken care of after the resurrection? Could it be that Jesus wanted His inner core disciples to see Him speaking with Moses and Elijah as an example for them? And what did the Early Church (which allegedly existed before Constantine "created" the Catholic Church) believe? There are inscriptions in the catacombs of Rome dating from the 200's requesting prayers from the "dead". When and where did these people learn to make these types of requests of the Saints? Did this come from their Pagan background? If so, then where is the evidence that the Early Church taught against the practice? (There is none.)
Why would anyone in God’s presence want to see the sin left behind in the world? To me that would bring sorrow. I don’t want my family even to hear anything. And I don’t need to tell them anything. They are with Christ. Shining in his glory. What more can they want?
YOUR salvation. And that of others still running the race. "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10) Who are those rejoicing in the presence of the angels, and how do they know that someone on earth has repented?
Jesus's deity didn't die because he doesn't have separate deity from the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Father and Holy Spirit didn't become less during the incarnation and neither did they die when Jesus died, yet the three were still one. I hope I'm clear in this, and if I am incorrect please tell me respectfully.
Mike, on #7 i think you may have misunderstood the pastor (albeit due to ignorance on the meaning of the specific words he chose.) maybe perhaps he meant that not all who study theology are correct in their doctrines. Just because we read the text does not mean we have the ability to understand it without the holy ghost. ( 1 Corinthians 2) Many bible scholars study theology (in a scholarly only kind of sense, not in faith) with no real understanding and do muddy the waters for true believers. The holy spirit gives understanding through faith. Not merely study.
One last question on the “necromancy” issue: What about asking God (in prayer) if he would deliver a message to your saved loved one? (“Lord, if you will, please let my mother know that I love her.”) Is this a sinful request? I understand that the answer to this question is likely negative, as I can’t think of any biblical precedence for it. I just am unsure if this is sinful or not.
Romans 10:9-10 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Pastor Mike, you mentioned that the spirits of our loved ones have no way of knowing when we are attempting to communicate with them and wouldn’t have a way of responding without a bodily resurrection. I don’t know that I agree with that notion based on the fact that we have spiritual interactions with other forces such as demons. Surely satan has an awareness of the world and influence over it. Would we attribute that to their origins as angelic beings with abilities beyond that of the human soul, or is it simply something all spirits have? I find the spiritual realm to be extremely unclear on many things simply because it deals with powers far beyond anything we are aware of. For instance, I always assumed that prayer works simply because of God’s omniscience, not because souls can hear you.
@@davegink9222 nothing that I know of suggests that they do, however there isn’t anything that disproves the idea either as scripture really lacks examples of human souls recounting what they are experiencing save for the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The only thing I can think of that is relevant to the topic is the saints in Revelation when they ask the Lord when will He avenge their blood (Revelation 6:10). Clearly they are aware it hasn’t happened yet, however the method by which they know is unfortunately entirely conjecture.
@@ethansanders5706 It really is not conjecture! We are told that God is spirit, and that when we receive salvation, His spirit begins to dwell inside us 24/7, informing us directly through a home in our heart and mind. The Bible says Jesus can speak into our heart. The Bible also describes, 'The eyes of our heart being opened.'
@@FireflowerDancer I agree, however, that is on this side of eternity. Does the spirit continue to indwell believers after death? Once we are made perfect and are in the midst of the Father, what role would the spirit fulfill? What I meant by conjecture is that we are not told how the saints know the happenings on earth. Yes, the Lord could have just told them but it is equally possible that they can see what happens on earth.
1.) Is witchcraft really supernatural? 2.) Is witchraft not just mind power? (I hope not) 3.) Is Spiritism true? 4.) Are Ouija boards real 5.) Is mind power scientific? 6.) Does the quote an quote powers in witchcraft come form the devil or demons?
Why do people disregard the Old Testament? Everything that God prescribed has a reason behind it. All prescribed rules act as guardrails to a happy life. If you remove these safeguards, you would be exposed to danger. Everything that God says leads to human flourishing-both as individuals, families, and society as a whole. Just because we haven't understood something doesn't make it any less relevant!
I lost twins through miscarriage 2 years ago. I know they are in heaven, and I know I can't talk to them. But there are times, In my prayers that I've asked the Lord to let my babies know that I love and miss them. Is that wrong? Should I not be doing that?
"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10) Who are those rejoicing in the presence of the angels, and how do they know that someone on earth has repented? Bottom Line: they know of your love by the power and mercy of God. It's okay...you can tell them you love them.
♦️I agree that we are not talk to the dead. What I don't understand is the verse that says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. What does that mean?! Does it mean they can see us, watch what we do? Can they witness to us from heaven? Can they guide us from heaven whether we know it or not? Please help me understand that passage. Thx
If we are in control of whether we fall pregnant or not, should I then still be waiting on God to give me a baby or must I take human measures to try to achieve it? It's so hard when people tell you to just believe and stop taking things into my own hands when like you just said, there are in fact measures that we can take to either achieve or prevent it. Is me not falling pregnant then due to something that I'm doing wrong?
We really need to stop thinking people belong to us. No, we all belong to The Father. Its our relationship with the Father through Christ Jesus thats important. If we would start treating people as Gods property you would find it easier to let go and trust God. Mom passed over when I was 13. My Father at age 42. My 40 yr old daughter at age of 60. I know where they are and wouldnt come back if they could. I wont begrudge them their passing over into glory with Christ!
Jesus was God in the flesh while He was here on earth. When Jesus died, God’s spirit left the flesh temporarily and went to the grave (hell). Also we don’t have a soul. We are a soul. When our body and spirit separates we are no longer a soul and we won’t become a soul again until we receive our new body.
The way I agree with you on your general take on this, there's one part of your logic that I do think is flawed. I'm not saying I disagree with your perception of what's going on but rather your explanation of why I can't work. And one specific example is your comments about being able to hear them in this world. The problem is, reality is almost certainly not how we perceive it. It means that it makes sense that they can't create sound waves, except that's just based on our own perception of reality. We don't really know a lot about what happens after people die. We don't know if the experience time the way we experience time and that's just a piece of it. I strongly agree that we should not seek them out as you were saying. But what about when we simply see a loved one that passed? I'm talking about sort of the same thing as near-death experiences. You don't ask for it, it just happens. I agree that the quote proactively trying to make it happen is absolutely wrong. But regarding when it happens to us without us asking for it, it's just something that gives me pause. At the end of the day it suggests we don't understand fully.add appearance God is not willing to share the details of a with us, just like he doesn't share the details of the possibility of sentient life on the quadrants of other planets in the universe. When it comes to the physical world, our Bible tells us about the Earth, not all those other places. That's outside the scope of its purpose.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:07 {Deceased Loved Ones & Necromancy?} Is going to the cemetery and talking to loved ones necromancy?
2. 27:59 {Our Choices & God’s Sovereign Will} Do we have any true control over life entering the world, or is it only based on God's sovereignty? I think if it’s God's plan for me to have a child, I'll get pregnant even if on birth control. But my husband thinks we control conception through birth control. If Jeremiah 1:5 applies to all people, wouldn't that mean God's plan overrides our plan for procreation?
3. 31:45 {Jesus’ Death: Physical but Not Spiritual?} If Jesus' humanity and divinity are inseparable, then how could He experience bodily death on the cross without His deity dying, as well?
4. 36:33 {Do Christians Continue to Need Forgiveness?} 1 John 1:9 perplexes me. I am a Christian. In what sense does my daily confession apply "forgiveness" to me? What happens if I die with “unforgiven” sin?
5. 41:19 {Why Doesn’t God Just Satisfy Skeptics’ Doubts?} How would you answer someone who says, “If there is a God, He knows what evidence I would need to believe and has not given it to me” and seems to genuinely mean it, not mocking/scoffing?
6. 51:33 {Metaphorical, Spiritual, or Physical Resurrection?} Is Romans 8: 11 referring to a metaphorical, spiritual, or physical resurrection later to come? I thought it was spiritual, but the term "mortal bodies" has me thinking differently.
7. 57:43 {Too Much Theology & Doctrine?} My pastor says that theology is “just someone’s opinion” and that “we shouldn’t get hooked on theology and doctrine.” How would you respond?
8. 1:03:05 {Did Peter & Other Disciples Quit?} Did Peter and the others "quit the ministry" when they went fishing in John 21:3? It seems that Peter had already seen the risen Christ 2 or 3 times before this event.
9. 1:08:33 {Stewarding Friendships with Unbelievers} How do you navigate having worldly friends? At times I enjoy their company and the conversation is good, but at other times they are unbearable to be around, making crude jokes.
10. 1:14:19 {God Conceals a Matter?} In Proverbs 25:2, in what sense is the author saying that God conceals a matter? It's clearly not an absolute (i.e., He does reveal things).
Great agent Smith impersonation by the way, Mike!
It’s interesting on question nine that they said atheists. There are Christians who use crude language and have “lower standards“ than you?
Thank you ❤ May the Lord bless you and protect you
If you can see this message, this is a prayer request to my brothers and sisters in Christ. My comments get shadow banned 99.99% since I started sharing the Gospel thanks to Mike's encouragement (been watching for over 10 years now). Since the Gospel is offensive to many, I suspect I've received too many down votes even though I have always sought to promote love and peace. If so inspired, would you please give me an upvote on this comment. Not sure if it will work, but I'm hoping it will allow me to participate in other more controversial channels to promote compassionate Gospel truth where others have gotten caught up in hating their neighbor. At the very least, prayers are appreciated. Thanks so much! ❤
"Is going to the cemetery and talking to loved ones necromancy?"
I find that practice highly problematic. In fact a lot of burial/funeral practices seem to be to me like slippery slopes. I get that people are mourning the death of others. But I'm annoyed how that is used to dictate all kinds of practices and even teachings on others. Catholics liked to do that.
I lost my 20 yr old son in a tragic accident in 2022. Grief has been my enemy. I am changed. No desire to be around people and i dont talked to anyone. I work and go home. Jesus has kept me from drowning in it. Holy Spirit is guiding me. There had been times i didn't want to be here anymore. I have talked to my son but i know he doesn't hear me so i pray to God. I am learning to focus on Jesus and talk to him instead. He is close to the broken hearted..one day his kingdom will be here and there will be no more tears or pain. My hope is in our Lord Jesus❤
I am so terribly sorry for your incomprehensible loss 🙏😢
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
❤
Jesus is indeed close to the broken hearted. When you're broken over your sin and humble before God, he will certainly lift you up. There's nothing you can go through that God can't get you through it. I'm so glad you chose to abide in Christ.
I am so so sorry for your loss.
I remember when my mom died, I prayed for her in ways that I knew went against my Christian theology, asking God to save her (after death). My grief was so overwhelming that I couldn’t even imagine living anymore and starting asking God to take my life. Praise to Jesus, He brought me out of that pit of deep sadness and reminded me of the abundant life He has given me. Our grief is powerful but our Savior is even more powerful to turn our sadness to joy and our hearts back to Him.
Praise the Lord!
I prayed after my parents died things like…please give me rest that they are with You to things like, please tell them that I love them. I don’t think either is wrong UNLESS it starts to adversely affect your relationship with God.
How beautiful that you were able to work out those difficult feelings, and that God led you through it so gently. I think that is the difference of 'crying out in our grief,' and 'pushing God away' believing that he doesn't understand our pain, even after we've gotten the chance to share it with him. He is faithful! ❤️
Thank you for sharing you heart. May Jesus continue to bless your heart. I wish I could hug you. May His love be all you need it to be.
It's incredible what God can bring us back from
"Alright we're live. So, Necromancy." Might be one of the most 0-100 starts to a stream I've seen
Morning stream! So, first degree arson. 😊
Hahahaha
😂
When my (unsaved) mother died, I found myself saying, "Mama," because I was just sad that I'm never going to see her again and it would have been so easy for her to accept Jesus but she raged at me every time I tried to witness to her. I realized that I was addressing the dead, and replaced "Mama" with "Abba" because He is living and hears me.
I'm so sorry for your loss and your pain. I hope that somehow in a way only He can do, that He spoke to her deep in her heart in her final moments and that her heart may have opened to His love.
You never know what took place in the final moment before she took her last breath. All she had to say is "Jesus". So don't despair. Jesus is THE HEALER of everything, including broken hearts.
He will give you PEACE THAT SURPASES ALL UNDERSTANDING. KEEP HAVING TUNNEL VISION FOR HIM. He is your best friend ever. He loves and adores you.
Rejoice...the very best is yet to come. 😊😊😊
❤❤❤❤
I had the same with my grandpa, he was a truly evil man, but towards his later years he changed, I don't know if he knew Christ, I was 9 yrs old, that was really hard. He lived by the sword and died by it.
@@sonyaweakley4440 All she had to do was say “Jesus”?
Then what would have happened according to your understanding of scripture?
Mike Winger... Always sharing Christ filled Truth... God bless brother 🙏🏾
His "answer" to question 3 was his own guesswork.
Nothing "true" about it.
His answer to question 4 was full of "I think...", "I think...".
If you truly want answers you will pray and LISTEN and WAIT.
And heed Jesus's words in John 14:26 & 16:13.
@leenieledejo6849
You do realize that Mike isn't Jesus. He is a pastor willing to give his best understanding of scripture. That's it. If you don't like the way Mike is doing his thing. You are always capable of going online and doing it "right".
@@thelanaden Jesus tells you how to get the best understanding of Scripture. Stop ignoring him:
John 14:26 & 16:13.
@leenieledejo6849
Look Karen. If you don't like Mike. Stop watching him. Crying like a spoiled brat is never an option.
@@thelanaden Oh some puerile insults! What a surprise from Mike's fanboys.
Your idolatry is there for all to see because *raging* at ANY criticism of idols is a classic symptom (since idolatry is a work of the FLESH, your reaction is carnal too: Galatians 5:19-21).
I am so moved by parents commenting who have lost children. I will pray for each one who has expressed their experience. Joy will come!
Keep ON helping us, Brother Mike. This 80yrold would bake you an apple pie, or whatever dessert you want, in order to serve you for all the rich, sweet insights you share on the Q&A's.❤🎉
And I’ll help you bake it, dear sister!
When I was 3, my Granda died. I couldn't really understand death yet. My mum told me he had died and that he was in heaven ( he was a Christian), and a few days later I was asking when he was coming back from heaven. My mum told me he liked heaven so much he didn't want to leave. She also encouraged me to ring him up on my toy phone and talk to him, which I did.
This really helped me process what had happened. One time I came off my phone and said "Granda Jack says he likes heaven so much he doesn't want to come back"
I knew I wasn't actually talking to him, as I knew I was making the whole conversation up and dialling a completely different number each time.
1 Thess 4 is a great passage for grief, at least for believers (or ones you suppose to be)
if we believe Jesus died and rose again, then we believe they will be risen again "and the dead in Christ will rise first". we will be reuinited at the resurrection. what a wonderful thing. don't sorrow as those who don't have hope, we have the hope of the resurrection. even though we die, in Christ we will live again, we will be born again, made alive again, at the resurrection at Christ Jesus' glorious return.
This is one of the best things in this world. A safe place to ask questions about the only thing that matters to me. My God, His Word, the people who love Him. Thankyou Mike for this platform and your sincerity. I love it when you admit you don’t know something because I know you’re going to study it soon and we can talk again if Jesus tarries.
It’s been 18 years since my mother went to be with the Lord, and I still miss her and would love to call her with personal and family news. I never felt the urge to talk to her as in speaking to her in heaven. I can understand when a widower visits his wife’s grave and talks to her as if she’s really there but I think it’s just a way of downloading their emotions.
I’m so sorry you lost your mother to pancreatic cancer. I lost my sister to it 20 years ago and I wouldn’t wish that cancer on a worst enemy.
Watching a loved one pass away from pancreatic cancer is HORRIFIC. I lost my mom last year to it... I agree with you. Wouldn't wish it on anyone... 💔
I'm sorry for your loss as well...
I can feel your grief. That makes this message so much the more powerful. You are speaking from a place of understanding. Thank you again.
When my mom unexpectedly passed away in January, my most frequent prayer was that I wanted to honor Him and bring Him glory through my grief. Since my mom died so unexpectedly and without any kind of warning (she was also young, 61)… the desire to want to just talk to her was there. The Lord laid it on my heart that I can always talk to Him. Bring it to Him. And so, I do. Anytime I want to just shout out “mom I miss you! Mom I love you!” I tell it to the Lord (“ Jesus, I miss my mom” “Father.. if at all possible, could you tell my mom that I love her and miss her so much”). Maybe He tells her, maybe He doesn’t, but I feel that by bringing it to Him and telling Him, that it is the healthiest and honestly, most practical since the Lord hears us ❤️
Thank you for addressing this! Love your content!
Mike, you need some Biblethinker merch. How bout a t-shirt with your mug on the front and the slogan "Just Winging it." on the back? I wear an XL tall. 😂
Definitely catchy and clever... but
If Mike were to admit to' winging it' or improvising, isn't he then saying he does things w/o much preparation?
The dude is practiced both in terms of the Word and the intent of it.🌹
Smart...but maybe 'God's Wingman' instead. He's changed so many lives this guy...literally God's wingman.
@@linak7155 I agree. I was just kidding. No one puts in more preparation than Mike Winger.
Exactly. His whole Q&A sessions are "winging it".
Most answers are philosophy/wisdom of men and guesswork.
Listen to the mess of the question 3 "answer".
It would be comical if it wasn't tragic.
One day he will have to give an answer to God for misleading thousands 😢
@@leenieledejo6849 Oh dear, I'm not sure what is going on in your life for you to be so bitter but you are in the right place to fix all that. Mike has an is changing lives with his knowledge, wisdom and infectious positivity. I hope you arrive at a place of love and compassion soon.
I used to think (as a believer.. actually in the last 5 years) that my deceased mom was “with me”. It was the night I picked up her ashes, and I thought she “visited” me. The Lord very very clearly showed me years later (in His timing) that it was in fact not her, but something pretending to be her. The Lord has shown me that He is my comforter in grief, and at any point when I used to think it was my mom showing me she was “with me”, it was always God and God only. He told me that my mom or any loved ones would never “visit me” or send me a sign, or a song, or a butterfly… But God would. I have loved ones that feel their deceased family sends them signs and is looking over them, and I wish there was a way I could witness to them. Maybe I’ll just share this video… seems a bit passive aggressive, but that would never be my intent. ❤ Keep sharing Pastor Mike! And sorry about your mom too ❤
Mike, I'm so thankful that you are so solid in your biblical understanding and wisdom. Love listening to you man. Can't wait to chill in Heaven!
I caught your breif comment about birth control ending a conceived life. Thank you for adding that. We need so much more education for women regarding their reproductive systems and what "the pill" all actually means for them.
"This is long-distance, super-hearing powers." I've never heard this stated so well! I was raised as a Spiritualist, and wanted to be a medium when I grew up. The two big beliefs in Spiritualism are "spirit guides"--the dead guiding the living--and reincarnation. There is really no difference between communicating with "spirit guides" and praying to saints. (Many "spirit guides" are Native Americans. Why? I don't know.) Mediums take the place of a pastor in Spiritualist churches, and that's what I wanted to be. My father told me all of the things he was teaching me were in the Bible, so I started reading it when I was 16. After reading 3/4 of the Bible, I realized I hadn't found what he said was there, and figured it wasn't in the other 1/4. (It wasn't. No surprise there.) I prayed for God to lead me to a church which taught from the Bible without manmade traditions. He did. God saved me from belief in the occult, and I was baptized when I was 21. That was in 1982. I'm so thankful He answered my prayer!
👏🫶🙏🥰
Thank you so much Mike! I went through the same when my dad passed. It still hurts but I know one day we will see each other again. Thank you for all your hard work and helping us think bibilically.
Mike, you truly are a treasure! Thank you for your wisdom 👏🏻
My mother passed away 4 yrs ago today. They say time heals all wounds but that’s not true…grief is way too deep. For me it gets worse as time passes. But I have never cried out or spoken to my mother. It’s way too spooky. She’s with Jesus she doesn’t care she’s with her savior and I will continue to cope with grief until I see her again. Prayers for those dealing with grief…😢
My dad died 2 years ago and I’ve said the same thing…that it has gotten harder, not easier. I don’t talk to him either although I sometimes say “miss you dad” when I see something in life that reminds me of him. I know he’s safe and in complete joy with Christ!
Great insight!
Only thing I’d add on q1…
It doesn’t always have to go as far as demonic deception. Humans can take advantage of peoples grief by doing tricks, that seems persuasive, but are a dishonest version of stage magic that make it seems like they’re communicating with loved ones. They’re liars, and are financially benefiting off grief.
🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳Please 🙏🏻pray for salvation for Chris, Pete and Nick.
I said a prayer for them ❤ Please pray for John, who doesn’t know the Lord. Thank you, may God bless you ✝
@@kgebhardt1187. Will do. Thank you❤
I have friends (mostly coworkers) who are unsaved. I never shy away from mentioning my faith, especially making it known that I am praying for them. When we're having discussions or debates where my opinion is informed by the Bible and my faith, I will state as such. When I pray for them, I also ask God for boldness and wisdom that I might have the right words in those moments.
I soo missed my parents after they died. First my mom and 6 months later my dad. I still miss them. But, I am so thankful that God saw me through it all. I am glad no one hears or sees us after death. Think of the horrible things that happen in our lives. How would that bring peace and joy to those in Heaven seeing 0r hearing such. I pray for anyone going through the loss of loved ones as it is a very painful time. Only Jesus brings us the comfort that heals our hearts.
Best video I've heard you do!
Love the shirt! Thanks for another great video.
Thank you for being you❤
Totally unrelated to any question, Mike, but I clicked on this vid and laughed out loud at your t-shirt! 😆
Love your perspective.
When my dear mother died, I went through a terrible time of grief. I fully understand what you are saying and appreciate your compassion on this topic. I went to the cemetery shortly after her death and wanted to speak to her. Immediately the Lord spoke to my heart and told me I could not do that, I got the impression that it would lead to ancestor worship. He told me that she was with Him and that I was only to speak to Him and not those who had died. I felt my heart literally break and the temptation was very strong to ignore that word. But I did not. I knew it was true. From that day forward whenever I want to tell Mom something, I turn it around and say, "Father, I can't tell Mom but I can tell You", and so then I tell HIM what my news was and I know that He hears and He helps. It makes me sad to hear of so many who go on speaking to their dead loved ones without the understanding that the Lord is the One who carries us and heals us through intense grief. Thank you for tackling this important subject.
My mother died in 1994. Maybe once a year she will pop in my mind and I'll ask God to tell her that I miss her and love her. 😊
One things that's helped me was to pray to Jesus to actually pass a comment or a hug on to my loved ones in heaven, knowing that I cannot communicate with them any longer. I know they are in the presence of the Lord, although I do not assume that Jesus is under any obligation to abide. Still, I ask.
I have an aunt who lost her son when he was 20 years old in a bull riding accident. My cousin was really close to me, and I am sure he was saved. This death has been really hard on the family, but I’m concerned with my aunt.
He has been gone for 10 years now and she is still obviously grieving. Posts about him on social media frequently (at least 5 days a week) showing her sorrow. She often says it’s to keep his name alive, and I am convinced she will do this until she passes. I want to help her as everyone in our Hispanic family is just encouraging this behavior instead of helping her grieve properly.
I hope some of you will offer some advice. Thank you and God bless you.
Prayers, love and condolences Mike on the passing of your mother. I had no idea 😢❤
The way all the questions poured in the chat in the first 30 seconds! My goodness!
How many times in the Bible is there a mention of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ saying “Fear not”. This includes everything including grief. When we place our trust entirely on Him, all other factors including massive levels of grief, bodily & mental infirmities will melt away. I pray I would be strong enough to follow what I just wrote. It is easy to mention but hard to put it into practice but nothing is impossible with our Lord. 😊
Lost my husband in January. It’s so hard. I talk to God a lot and ask him to tell my husband that I love him. I do find myself just saying out loud things to my husband about the kids. 😢
Question 1: a great book to read: Seasons of sorrow- the pain of loss and the comfort of God by Tim Challies.
Please can we have a list of sound preachers to listen to on TH-cam. Thank you 😊
1 the question that should be asked in regards to necromancy is what the morality is behind why God says no. Behind necromancy are a few things; witchcraft, love for loved ones above love for God, and not trusting God when it comes to the departed. How should we respond when God says no? Do it anyways? Matthew 8:22
I am reminded of David, when the Lord took his first born son, he said; "But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 2 Samuel 12:23.
When Jesus died he commended his spirit into his Father's hands.
My parents died 6 years ago. Often a thought or regret will come to mind and I ask God to tell them. Is this wrong? It gives me peace knowing they have perfect understanding now and that God communes with them. I know it's in His perfect will whether or not He tells them what I'm asking.
- saw an image of my paternal Grandma, at one time; as to also, a flowery scent and a very reminiscent and warmth within the surrounding air all of a sudden appearing in June 2011
I have a suggestion for your channel. As much as I do enjoy the Q&A videos, I've really been hoping for more verse by verse study like you used to do. That series on Hebrews you talked about doing a while ago would be awesome. I'd much rather that than Q&A. The problem with Q&A stuff is that you don't really get to dig in to the topic and scripture at all. It's good, and your answers are always really good and helpful. I'd just really like to see a return to much more biblical depth.
Great teaching ! RCC members Tap in
42:00 I’d say this. “He has but you live with your eyes closed. God is there but you can’t see him. Open your eyes and you will see.”
Talking to your dead loved ones, knowing they can't hear you and you can't hear them: David's song of the bow to Jonathan and Saul.
Therapy. Nothing more. Not necromancy.
I used to think Lot's wife looked back in longing for what she lost but I do not think so any more. A saved person does not long for the dispair and madness of sin. What I think is she was checking to see how far she had come, something Jesus teaches us not to do in the parable of the man who was plowing. The important thing is where we are going.
4 confession is the way to not walk in the darkness, but rather walk in the light. This is referring to christians, to bring to light those sins which are hidden in the christian. The point of the passage is that as christians, we are to not hide our sins, but confess them, and walk in the light
Hi Mike, have you considered making more short videos on TH-cam?
When I went through the death of my wife, the Lord told me early on to go through him to speak to her. So I did not speak to her directly. I was to talk to him and he would tell her. He was not giving me messages from her he would just relay them. From me through him to her.
Retired Pastor: Encountered this with a very devout Baptist Christian Aunt by marriage recently. I told her it probably doesn't hurt to talk to 'X' but don't expect him to talk back. And NEVER let 'talking to' turn into 'praying to'. God is tolerant and understanding but also jealous. Just because a person has moved into the SPIRIT realm does not mean they have any more power than they had when they walked this earth. And don't talk to the dead asking them to talk to God. DO THAT YOURSELF - DIRECTLY. Otherwise, if you want to share your thoughts, feelings, etc, like you did when they were alive - go for it. And then to go God and share them with HIM - if you want to be productive about it.
31:50 yes, his Deity died as well, but "death could not resist Him"
I believe that when someone thinks a deceased loved one is talking to them, it's really that person using the experiences they had with that person in life to guide them. More like, Dad would tell me to do xyz. Not that he IS telling me, but I know what he WOULD have told me to do.
Mike - you should make more 11 hour videos!
😂😂 we all will probably watch it lol
I remember Jesus saying that our father is a God of the living, not the dead. Both my parents are dead. I think of them almost every day. My prayers are to the living only. I speak to the living only. I will not open myself to unclean spirits.
Pray to Jesus
I completely agree that we should not speak with the dead, but I know a Christian Mystic who claims to communicate with the Apostles, Eve, and people she knew who have passed. She claims they are not dead because God is not the God of the dead, and she uses The Transfiguration as another reason it's different than necromancy. Jesus did speak with Elijah and Moses. That argument stumped me.
My friend believes her dead spouse does things to help her.
don't be so quick to assume. Saul went to the witch to summon the spirit of samuel, and when samuel actually showed up, she cried out and was afraid because she didn't expect him to.
Q5...God has provided what all men need to believe, the individual just doesn't like what has been provided, but prefers to blame except take responsibility.
That’s objectively not true. We believe primarily based on the environment we grow up in. The number one factor in determining what religion you will adopt is the religion of your parents. You are speaking from your Christian centric perspective.
I lost my husband in 2017. I say Out loud I miss you, but know he does not hear me nor do I expect anything out of it. It's just me saying things out loud, as I know he's in heaven and that door between heaven and earth is closed between us. Someday I will see him again, but even then my focus will be on the Lord and not him.
The saints are alive, not dead. (Mk 12:26-27)
The saints are aware of our prayers and needs. (cf. Lk 15:10, Heb 12:1, Rev 5:8)
Be at peace. The saints in heaven know EVERYTHING that your loving Father wants them to know.
We only used barrier birth control. We didn’t conceive for 5 years. Then we conceived 3 times in 4 years with the same methods.
- Bodily Mantle, was the called name, of a basement metal band as in the 1980's with an pre-cut album trial entitled The Resurrection of Two Cities
42:20 : "do you want to be convinced? Do you want there to be a God?"
I lost my first born. Elijah.
I have in my grief asked God to tell him I said hi.
I talk to a lot of dead people, but never talking to them thinking I can talk to the dead. When my exboyfruend left me in 2020 and moved 6 hrs away, i talked to him and cussed him our every day. Recently I found our ge died, now i say to him, why did you leave me. It didn't have to be this way, i say that because he didn't just leave me, he left me, church, Jesus, pilgrim radio, morning devotional,,i think he is not in heaven..i do ask God to tell him I miss him if he is in heaven.
Many years ago, I read a biography of Abraham Licolm and learned his wife tried to communicate with him after he had died. She procured a spiritist to conduct a seance and perhaps heard his voice? I don't know. This obsession led to her undoing. This, along with other mental (spiritual issues), caused her son to have her placed at an asylum for the mentally ill. She, of course, resented it. The one thing that is certain is that the Father admonishes His people not to engage in these seances. King Saul sought to engage in this sane activity after Samuel had died, and as we read, it didn't end well with him.
Yes, those are examples of what NOT to do. But that's not what Christians are doing. Consider this: We know that nothing unrighteous can enter heaven. (cf. Rev 21:27). Since the saints are in heaven, they must be righteous. And since the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective, the prayers of the saints must be powerful and effective. So, the real question is not "Why talk to saints?" but "Why not ask your brothers and sisters to join with you in prayer for your needs?"
Sarah Zimmerman question for next week. Mike what do you think when pastor Tony Evans says that when Jesus says depart from me and go to the place of darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Tony Evans says that's not a literal Hell but rather a bad place in heaven. What do you think about that Evangelist Roger Mansour
Your audio sounds fine!
Here’s a question that popped up as I was watching this:
(Multi-level question)
So Jesus died and was risen from the dead, but, Jesus is not here on Earth. He is in heaven. So is Jesus “alive” in the same way that we are alive? Or is his “life” more indicative of the “life” we will have after his return? Or maybe something else?
I Love your shirt lol!!!!! I want one. ❤😂
I know this is off the topic but please do an expose on the Church of Christ. My brother and family belongs to this group. They are of opinion that only they are right. South Africa
In Romans flesh refers to circumcision and being under the Mosaic Law. From the beginning of Romans Paul is arguing against the influence of Jewish Christians who are teaching Christians that they have to follow the law to be saved. The thread of that is throughout the whole letter. When Paul says flesh, it's reference to the mark of circumcision on the flesh which is an expression of a Jew being under the Law.
So many people are taught that we become a sort of god after death, and that is unbiblical and the opposite of humility.
I was recently directed to Revelation 5:8 as an indication that God approves of prayer to the "saints."
"And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."
Someone please argue this for me. I'm aware that we're all made saints through Christ, but all else I've come up with is that these elder and creatures are *holding* the bowls, not giving them over to Christ. Plus they're singing praise to the *Lamb,* not singing praise declaring that they're mediators.
What other symbolism in this passage indicates that the Catholic interpretation is wrong?
You're assuming it's wrong and looking for justification of that assumption. It's not wrong. Here are other verses which prove Catholics to be correct in their understanding:
Luke 15:10 - Saints Hear Our Prayers
"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)
Who are those rejoicing in the presence of the angels, and how do they know that someone on earth has repented?
Hebrews 12:1 - Cloud of Witnesses
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”
Commenting on this passage, Protestant William Barclay wrote: “Christians are like runners in some crowded stadium. As they press on, the crowd looks down; and the crowd looking down are those who have already run the race.” (William Barclay, Letter to the Hebrews, p. 202)
Revelation 5:8 - Bowls of Incense
And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints;
How did the creatures and elders get the bowls filled with the prayers of the saints?
47:20
ultracrepidarian:
adjective
expressing opinions on matters outside the scope of one's knowledge or expertise.
noun
a person who expresses opinions on matters outside the scope of their knowledge or expertise.
Hi Mike - great topics. On the topic of speaking with the dead, what are your thoughts on the transfiguration?
Mat17:3 >
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
And,
< Mrk9:3-5
And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. *And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.* And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles...
Mike, I'd be very interested to hear your take on how the above relates to the issue you tackled on this show.
In any case, thank you for all you do to extol the name of Jesus!
Great question. You have hit upon an important idea.
Jesus never sinned and did not need to be baptized, but He was baptized by John so that we might learn from His example. Additionally, He often went off by Himself to pray through the night in private. But at the Transfiguration, Jesus intentionally invited Peter James and John to come along with Him. Why? Was it just to prove to them that He was God? Wouldn't that be taken care of after the resurrection? Could it be that Jesus wanted His inner core disciples to see Him speaking with Moses and Elijah as an example for them?
And what did the Early Church (which allegedly existed before Constantine "created" the Catholic Church) believe? There are inscriptions in the catacombs of Rome dating from the 200's requesting prayers from the "dead".
When and where did these people learn to make these types of requests of the Saints? Did this come from their Pagan background? If so, then where is the evidence that the Early Church taught against the practice? (There is none.)
You explain things well not sure about the mention of Doreen virtue though
He was simply mentioning her. Be sure to remember that mentioning someone does not imply an endorsement of them or their teachings.
Why would anyone in God’s presence want to see the sin left behind in the world? To me that would bring sorrow. I don’t want my family even to hear anything. And I don’t need to tell them anything. They are with Christ. Shining in his glory. What more can they want?
YOUR salvation. And that of others still running the race.
"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)
Who are those rejoicing in the presence of the angels, and how do they know that someone on earth has repented?
Necromancy: cool in video games, suspicious at best in real life.
Jesus's deity didn't die because he doesn't have separate deity from the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Father and Holy Spirit didn't become less during the incarnation and neither did they die when Jesus died, yet the three were still one. I hope I'm clear in this, and if I am incorrect please tell me respectfully.
Mike, on #7 i think you may have misunderstood the pastor (albeit due to ignorance on the meaning of the specific words he chose.) maybe perhaps he meant that not all who study theology are correct in their doctrines.
Just because we read the text does not mean we have the ability to understand it without the holy ghost. ( 1 Corinthians 2) Many bible scholars study theology (in a scholarly only kind of sense, not in faith) with no real understanding and do muddy the waters for true believers.
The holy spirit gives understanding through faith. Not merely study.
One last question on the “necromancy” issue:
What about asking God (in prayer) if he would deliver a message to your saved loved one? (“Lord, if you will, please let my mother know that I love her.”) Is this a sinful request?
I understand that the answer to this question is likely negative, as I can’t think of any biblical precedence for it. I just am unsure if this is sinful or not.
The saints are aware of our prayers and needs. (cf. Lk 15:10, Heb 12:1, Rev 5:8)
Romans 10:9-10 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Pastor Mike, you mentioned that the spirits of our loved ones have no way of knowing when we are attempting to communicate with them and wouldn’t have a way of responding without a bodily resurrection. I don’t know that I agree with that notion based on the fact that we have spiritual interactions with other forces such as demons. Surely satan has an awareness of the world and influence over it. Would we attribute that to their origins as angelic beings with abilities beyond that of the human soul, or is it simply something all spirits have? I find the spiritual realm to be extremely unclear on many things simply because it deals with powers far beyond anything we are aware of. For instance, I always assumed that prayer works simply because of God’s omniscience, not because souls can hear you.
Those are beings who were created as spirit. Can you show anything scripturally that says human beings have that ability after death?
@@davegink9222 nothing that I know of suggests that they do, however there isn’t anything that disproves the idea either as scripture really lacks examples of human souls recounting what they are experiencing save for the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The only thing I can think of that is relevant to the topic is the saints in Revelation when they ask the Lord when will He avenge their blood (Revelation 6:10). Clearly they are aware it hasn’t happened yet, however the method by which they know is unfortunately entirely conjecture.
@@ethansanders5706 It really is not conjecture! We are told that God is spirit, and that when we receive salvation, His spirit begins to dwell inside us 24/7, informing us directly through a home in our heart and mind. The Bible says Jesus can speak into our heart. The Bible also describes, 'The eyes of our heart being opened.'
@@FireflowerDancer I agree, however, that is on this side of eternity. Does the spirit continue to indwell believers after death? Once we are made perfect and are in the midst of the Father, what role would the spirit fulfill? What I meant by conjecture is that we are not told how the saints know the happenings on earth. Yes, the Lord could have just told them but it is equally possible that they can see what happens on earth.
"For the living know that they will die; but *the dead know nothing* , and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten(Ecc. 9:5)".
1.) Is witchcraft really supernatural?
2.) Is witchraft not just mind power? (I hope not)
3.) Is Spiritism true?
4.) Are Ouija boards real
5.) Is mind power scientific?
6.) Does the quote an quote powers in witchcraft come form the devil or demons?
Why do people disregard the Old Testament? Everything that God prescribed has a reason behind it. All prescribed rules act as guardrails to a happy life. If you remove these safeguards, you would be exposed to danger. Everything that God says leads to human flourishing-both as individuals, families, and society as a whole. Just because we haven't understood something doesn't make it any less relevant!
I lost twins through miscarriage 2 years ago. I know they are in heaven, and I know I can't talk to them. But there are times, In my prayers that I've asked the Lord to let my babies know that I love and miss them. Is that wrong? Should I not be doing that?
"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)
Who are those rejoicing in the presence of the angels, and how do they know that someone on earth has repented?
Bottom Line: they know of your love by the power and mercy of God. It's okay...you can tell them you love them.
Mike I love your shirt, how can I get one of my own
Could you pray to God to tell them something like "i love you"? Any thoughts?
♦️I agree that we are not talk to the dead. What I don't understand is the verse that says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. What does that mean?!
Does it mean they can see us, watch what we do? Can they witness to us from heaven? Can they guide us from heaven whether we know it or not? Please help me understand that passage. Thx
If we are in control of whether we fall pregnant or not, should I then still be waiting on God to give me a baby or must I take human measures to try to achieve it? It's so hard when people tell you to just believe and stop taking things into my own hands when like you just said, there are in fact measures that we can take to either achieve or prevent it. Is me not falling pregnant then due to something that I'm doing wrong?
We really need to stop thinking people belong to us. No, we all belong to The Father. Its our relationship with the Father through Christ Jesus thats important. If we would start treating people as Gods property you would find it easier to let go and trust God. Mom passed over when I was 13. My Father at age 42. My 40 yr old daughter at age of 60. I know where they are and wouldnt come back if they could. I wont begrudge them their passing over into glory with Christ!
Does anyone know the website/app Mike uses to look up the Bible verses?
Mike we love your shirt...😊
Jesus was God in the flesh while He was here on earth. When Jesus died, God’s spirit left the flesh temporarily and went to the grave (hell). Also we don’t have a soul. We are a soul. When our body and spirit separates we are no longer a soul and we won’t become a soul again until we receive our new body.
The way I agree with you on your general take on this, there's one part of your logic that I do think is flawed. I'm not saying I disagree with your perception of what's going on but rather your explanation of why I can't work. And one specific example is your comments about being able to hear them in this world. The problem is, reality is almost certainly not how we perceive it. It means that it makes sense that they can't create sound waves, except that's just based on our own perception of reality. We don't really know a lot about what happens after people die. We don't know if the experience time the way we experience time and that's just a piece of it.
I strongly agree that we should not seek them out as you were saying. But what about when we simply see a loved one that passed? I'm talking about sort of the same thing as near-death experiences. You don't ask for it, it just happens. I agree that the quote proactively trying to make it happen is absolutely wrong. But regarding when it happens to us without us asking for it, it's just something that gives me pause.
At the end of the day it suggests we don't understand fully.add appearance God is not willing to share the details of a with us, just like he doesn't share the details of the possibility of sentient life on the quadrants of other planets in the universe. When it comes to the physical world, our Bible tells us about the Earth, not all those other places. That's outside the scope of its purpose.
I'm surprised no one mentioned people like Tyler Henry who claim to have messages from loved ones who've died.