Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 0:20 {Should We Obey the Sabbath?} What exactly does Jesus mean in Matthew 12:1-8 when He says we must obey His commands? Do we receive special rewards for obeying the sabbath, and are we jeopardized for not obeying the sabbath? 2. 7:09 {Are Unwanted Bad Thoughts from the Enemy?} I struggle a lot with bad thoughts popping into my head out of nowhere. I'm kind of horrified and I don't agree with them! Is it possible that they can come from the Enemy? 3. 12:19 {About the Local Church} What is a local church and how should one be started? Many teach that it should be a plant under the authority of an existing church, but is that a biblical mandate? 4. 16:09 {How to Rest in God’s Presence} How should we as Christians rest in the presence of the Lord? Is there anything you do to be connected to Him throughout the day? 5. 20:35 {How Could Judas Betray Jesus} Does Hebrews 6:4-6 apply to Judas Iscariot? How else could Judas betray Jesus even after he had "been enlightened" and "tasted of the heavenly gift" and had "partaken of the Holy Spirit"? 6. 28:00 {Refuting “Universal Salvation} How do you square Romans 5: 18 and 1 Corinthians 15: 22 (among others) with 2 Thessalonians 1:9 and Matthew 25: 46 (among others) regarding the issue of universal salvation? 7. 32:10 {Do Online Church Services Violate Hebrews 10?} How absolute is the instruction in Hebrews 10: 25 about "meeting together"? Are churches who go online-only due to COVID and/or government rules failing to live up to it? 8. 37:41 {Why did Command Killing Instead of Moving People?} In the Old Testament, I struggle with why God has Israel kill thousands of people to take the promised land, rather than just driving them out or trying to convert them. 9. 45:12 {Why was Zacharias Disciplined but Not Mary?] In Luke 1: 18 & 34, both Zacharias & Mary questioned Gabriel when he told them of their future offspring. So why was Zacharias disciplined for his question, but not Mary? 10. 49:16 {Does God Ever Stop Forgiving?} Can we anger God to the point where He never forgives? 11. 51:26 {Advice for Agnostics Seeking God} I am agnostic, trying to believe. How would you recommend someone should approach this? I am reading though the Bible - I started with John as some recommend, but my heart hasn't changed yet. Any advice? 12. 55:28 {About “Total Depravity”} How do you read 1 Peter 1:3 in light of your rejection of the doctrine of Total Depravity? 13. 58:15 {About Justification, Sanctification, & sin} Can someone be justified without being sanctified? In other words, can someone live a lifestyle of habitual sin and still be saved? 14. 1:03:30 {About the “Mandela Effect”} This is purely hypothetical, but: How would you respond to the suggestion that the disciples’ confidence in the resurrection was produced by the Mandela Effect? 15. 1:06:08 {Do Non-Believers get Physical Bodies Back?} Do the non-believers who have died or will die get their physical bodies back at the final judgment? I know we will, but does Scripture mention this about those who reject Christ? 16. 1:09:55 {About Peter & Satan - Was Satan Divided?} Jesus says to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!" when Peter tries to rebuke Him from dying in Jerusalem, but "Satan entered into [Judas]" leading him to betray Jesus. Was Satan "divided against himself"? 17. 1:11:44 {About Fear of Kids Rejecting Christ} A friend is afraid to have kids because she’s afraid they’ll reject Jesus. She would feel guilty for having them if they went to Hell and doesn’t want to take that chance. How should I respond? 18. 1:13:44 {About Old Testament Scholarship} What is your take on scholarship that attempts to alter our common understanding of the Old Testament by questioning the translations or our understanding of the culture? 19. 1:17:06 {Does Jesus Directly Say He is “Son of Man”?} In the Gospel of Mark, since Jesus talked about the Son of Man in the third person, that means Jesus was talking about someone ELSE. Where in Mark does Jesus directly say He is the Son of Man? 20. 1:21:30 {About the Bema Seat of Judgment} Will sins be publicly exposed to an assembly or those we’ve sinned against at the Bema Seat before being erased/forgiven? (1Corinthians 5: 10, Luke 12:2-3)
Hi Mike Winger, I know you've already done some videos on this subject, but could you do at one point a series on false bibles translation ? It's quite a phenomenon nowdays , so a series on this with the names of the authors, their background, the date those bibles were written would be interesting. I think just like satan did with Adam and Eve the more time goes the more our ennemies will try to corrupt the word. Thanks and God bless you !
1:13:44 Many KJV-Only people claim modern Bible translations have an agenda, trying to change essential Christian doctrines like the deity of Christ, the Trinity, the physical Resurrection, etc. What do you think?
What Mike said about praying if your atheist/agnostic and letting God show Himself to you is how I became a Christian. I was raised atheist (sometimes agnostic) in the South. I was always opened to learning about every other religion except Christianity. Well joke was on me LOL! I went to my first church service at 24 as a date, and God stirred my heart that there was something there. Eventually I got my hands on the Gospels and couldn't stop reading. I got on my knees on the bathroom floor and prayed for God to send me someone who could explain to me what this all meant. Not even a week later, a girl came up to me while I was eating lunch in my college's student center, and asked if I wanted to study the Bible! That prayer changed my life, and as I learned more and studied the Bible, God kept showing me that He had always been here.
Exactly my thought. Mike is the most attractive and adequate pastor to intellectuals who care about refuting the arguments of nonbelievers or doctrine disputes. Best of all, he is so credible we can trust him. Mike made me love God with my brain and heart!
I used to be a Satanist and yes demons would speak to me though thoughts . When I became Christian he still would come to tell me I’m his. I just run to Jesus.”Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”Romans 10 12:13
I remember speaking to a Satanist. He would tell me they don't worship the devil but its about doing what you want. And I'm like, that's exactly what the devil would want. But its more to do with taking our hearts away from Christ.
@@theshakter It really depends who you are talking to I had a relationship with spirits. I invited them inside and they wanted me to give energy to them.They would fill me with a supernatural lust to worship and I would give energy.
Hey Mike, I'm a former fundamentalist turned agnostic atheist but I've been watching several of your videos, so you must be doing something right. Keep following the truth wherever it leads
@@danglingondivineladders3994 Umm... Was highly active youth leader, lay preacher for about 18 years. Fell off personally , then dug into higher criticism and lost my faith. Years of atheist listening and reading. However lately wanted to give christianity a second listen from Christian speakers who are honest with the text i.e. take on the common objections and provide answers I may have never considered. I don't think Mike get's everything right, but I think he is sincere and not trying to be sleazy the way some apologists are. Plus he just speaks very well and keeps me interested. The biggest + for christianity I think is its practical moral principles which the current world lacks: forgiveness..vs cancel culture, humility vs self absorption, servitude rather than selfishness. That said there are just some christian claims I cannot accept and thus I am not a christian.
@@esq8 1. The idea that the Bible is inerrant or has a consistent systematic theology I think is demonstrably false 2. The Idea that Jews were always monotheistic is historically false. 3. Existence of a miracle working Jesus with massive crowds following him everywhere is near impossible 4. Bodily resurrection of Jesus as a historical truth. 5. Existence of Satan or hell as objective reality. 6. The gospels are eyewitness testimony, rather than religious propaganda.
@@wingedlion17 I know it’s been some time and though I can’t answer everything, may I address a few of your objections?: 3) Jesus didn’t constantly have extremely large crowds around him. Yes there are a few instances in the bible where there are large crowds that come to hear him speak (sermon on the mount/the reason he was on the boat when he claimed the storm), but this was not always the case. He had the 12 disciples, as well as some other followers, but the extract number for the entirety of his preaching is never made clear 4) I urge you to look more into the resurrection of Jesus - there is too much to put in one comment- but if you are diligent in reading a variety of sources I think you may be interested 6) if the gospels were meant to be religious propaganda they did a terrible job. In the gospels, the religious leaders are constantly shown to be proud and arrogant. They are the ones who arrest and persecute Jesus. The religious leaders ask Jesus trick questions about the bible and morality in order to try to trip him up. In addition to this, the gospels were written within 40 - 85yrs of the accrual events, meaning most of the people in these stories were all still alive to verify them. On average, stories take around a century (at the very low end of the spectrum - often it’s more like a few centuries) to then become legend and myth. If you look at the inexplicable boom of Christianity after the death and resurrection pf Jesus, it would suggest an event that was widely believed/known to have recently happens, with large amounts of eye witness. Simple religious propaganda would not have been able to accomplish that. Also, Jesus coming essentially split up the Jews. You now had traditional Jews who still followed the Old Testament, and messianic Jews who believe Jesus is the son of God and the Messiah. If the gospels were just religious propaganda, then why on earth did they endeavour to change to much of the way things were done? Why did Jesus bring in a new covenant making the Old Testament rules no longer necessary? If you would like to chat more, please respond. Sorry I couldn’t answer everything right now, hope this helped :)
Favourite Mike Winger moment: "I hope I didn't hurt your feelings but some of you guys really needed it." Bahahahaha this right here is gold and why we love Mike. Peace bro 👊
No feelings hurt at all. I just wanted see how he would answer because that's actually one of the trickiest objections to the resurrection that I've though about (and there is a Reddit thread about it). Mike slightly misunderstood my question. I wasn't asking about parallel universes, but how he would respond to someone who says that the disciples' confidence in the resurrection was actually a product of false memories. Obviously, that's not what I believe. But I still wanted to know how he would answer it.
Our church is a very small church in montana we stayed closed the first week of the covid but seeing our pastor on video taping from his office little did I know that the next week we taped from the chapel cause 12 of us wouldn't stay home. We didn't sing or make noise for a few month's but we could tell by the way it encouraged our pastor and really has bonded us as a church is amazing. We never got upset with those who didn't gather but it has made a great change in those of us who love being around other's who love to hear the word.
Yes, our church too. It broke our pastor's heart when he said everyone had to stay home and we would livestream instead. The ministry team (musicians, admin, etc.) would still go at least to run the service. But if anyone of the congregation showed up anyways they would not be turned away, screw the rules. We ended up having about 4 families that always showed up for church even in lock down. It was so encouraging to have someone present to preach and sing to.
I love the way that you as a young pastor is prepared to answer hard questions and if you dont know you brave enough to say so. Bless you from Wales UK
Satan and his demons are real they try to put bad thoughts in our minds. They attack me every night and I rebuke them in Jesus name they leave and return again. I don't know the reason for all this but I will continue to serve God. Please pray for me.
When I was young (between 8 and 11yo) I used to get terrifying, graphic visions of people I loved (mainly my little sister) getting hurt. These used to paralyse me. I got prayer for this at a Christian camp and since that day I never got another one of these awful visions! God is good! 😊
Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Serotonin Father and of the Oxytocin Son and of the Holy Dopamine Ghost via Placebo Faith,"
Hi Mike! Thank you for all of your hard work. You are a warrior for the kingdom! I have been a Christian my whole life but I have always been scared to talk about my beliefs with my atheist/agnostic friends. I have listened to all of your podcasts and now I’m rewatching everything on TH-cam!!! I didn’t know much about the evidential side of the Bible until I started listening to you. Now that I understand more, Good has been presenting me with opportunities to discuss faith with my unbelieving or confused friends. I haven’t seen much overt change yet but I thank God that I am able to plant seeds and be somewhat of use to him. I also am thankful for your video on speaking in tongues, having come from a Pentecostal background myself. I wasn’t about to fake tongues and now I can relax knowing salvation isn’t through gifts. 💛💛💛💛
Unwanted Bad Thoughts from the Enemy. This was a GREAT question I wanted to be asked and answered. I am no longer going to beat myself up over it. Great council today Mike.
Mike, send your family member over to Temecula and I will lift up every brick in my backyard and reveal to him that ants do, indeed, exist in this present universe...
Question #2 this is me so much 2 Corinthians 10:5..."take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" Is the latter half of the verse but I make it a mantra whenever bad thoughts enter my mind if that helps at all.
Dumb as this comment may be, that shirt rocks. And together with the blue book shelf, it even matches the logo colours. intended or not, that's exterior, but it's a very neat fit. Decently neat. Says someone who usually just listens with a black screen. But I just had to pause and post that sincere flattery. But now I shut up and resume the intro to, well, listen. What I came for. Cheers, Mike!
Thank you so much for answering my question. I will take your advice and try praying (the example of how to do that was also much appreciated). Your videos really cleared up some of the doubts and questions I had and your advice to write down the last few and try to get the answers is right down my alley. Again, thank you for the very kind answer, it helped me get a bit of direction for my next step. Somehow you anticipated all the objections and hurdles I would have with your answer. I'm not sure you considered it, but it would be very nice if you made a video filled with advice for people like myself. Your approach and way of thinking through the Bible resonates a lot with those that are still not there yet and searching for answers.
So great to have you here! Your earnest and respectfully approach is admirable. I will be praying for you, that you find the truth you are seeking, and find a personal, life-giving relationship with Jesus!
I really appreciated your answer to question 8, the problem of the conquest where God tells the Israelites to kill and drive out the people living in Canaan. I preached on this a few years ago and also pointed out that the people were incredibly wicked. Actually, a number of the laws ended with the note that God's people would not be like the people God was driving out before them, so we know exactly the kinds of things they did, just like you mentioned. Also, God had reached out for centuries to them, even giving them Melchizedek. - thanks again.
Also, they were not unaware of the situation. Joshua 2:9-11 Rahab tells the spies they knew israel was coming, that God had given them the land, and they were deathly afraid. But what the people didn't do was repent or go willingly. They resisted what they knew God had decreed.
Something feels off when I can’t see the entire jar of gummy bears. Sorry, Mike, this is a gotsta-go situation with the question counter. Maybe put it on the bookshelf? All joking aside, I appreciate the investment you put into your ministry, so those tuning in have a better experience. I’m sure there are so many more things we don’t know about that make what you do so helpful for us. Thanks, Mike!
Thank you for your faithfulness in doing these Friday night livestreans. I really enjoy the diversity of questions and your solid answers. Always something new for me to learn. God bless you
They’re taking over our kitchen right now, but at least the kids are not leaving dirty dishes in the sink anymore (trying not to leave any bits of food). 😁
“Law Shmaw” lol thanks for adding comic relief Pastor Mike , this is such an important subject , however it’s nice to have some laughs intermingled with this extremely sound and biblical teaching, and I love that the laughs are not ever mocking or at the expense of making fun of others. They are always light hearted and fun. God bless you continuously in this precious gift of teaching that the Lord has bestowed upon your life!
Wow! I learned that you pastor @ Hosanna in Belflower . Passed by there so many times! Wished I would have gone there. 😅 I've moved from SoCal. Anywho. Thank you for the great content, it's been such blessing and I've learned a lot from you Pastor Mike. May the lord continue to use you greatly!
Dear brother Mike, ...you blessed me with your beautiful response and advice to flawless, the agnostic caller. ...may flawless be touched by the Holy Spirt and rest in the inner-peace that only Jesus can bring. ...may our loving Father in heaven continue to bless you with discernment and wisdom, in the powerful name of Jesus , i pray eyah Shoreline Calvary , Morro Bay
When it come to not wanting to have kids out of fear they’d go to hell: I think if my parents knew the kind of sin I’ve fallen into, they may have thought that same thing. But I was thinking recently that being born itself is a massive gift from God. It is so great that I get to be alive and to experience heaven. And maybe even the possibility of going to heaven is worth it. But just put faith in God, do your best to teach them right and remember that ultimately they’re in Gods hands. And God is good.
There are places right now where people are killed for leaving their homes. They can't even leave home safely to buy food. I'm glad you are not suggesting they have to meet in churches!
As to the judgment seat I can testify of a wonderful and terrible dream at the same time that I had, where everyone who had ever lived was standing in a stadium larger than any on earth, and up in the sky was everything we had ever done, and as I stood there watching and realized that everyone else saw what I saw and realized nothing was left off the table, I started laughing with joy, saying "Thank God I am forgiven of that and that and THAT!!! etc. BUT, MANY ran screaming in horror at the fact that their sins were being revealed in such a public way. I realized that, for them, they were ashamed of what they had done, and moreso, that they had never asked God to forgive them, nor, had sought to repent of what they had done. Secondly, though, right after this dream, I had another of a war hero I knew standing on a street filled with people crowding around him. He looked over to me and I was wearing my sterile uniform with no name or flag on it as I wore downrange sometimes in Special Forces, and he yelled: "Jeff, you are out of uniform!" I said to him, "I am in the Army of God brother, but you are like Peter when he began to walk towards Jesus on the water during the storm, and taking his eyes off of Jesus he sank because he had his eyes on the storm," and I knew the people clamoring about him were that storm, representing the world and "the lust of the flesh and eyes and pride of life," as 1 John 2:16 states are of the world and not of the Father. As I began sharing more of Jesus with him, nobody wanted to hear it, and it was not long at all before it was just me and him sharing Christ. These two dreams came after 7 months of working on a doctoral dissertation on James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up," where I broke that down for over 12 hours a day, day on end without retreat for those 7 months, and when I had finished those two dreams came back-to-back, telling me what the Bible says is so absolutely true: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." - Matthew 7:13 It's not that Jesus hasn't given us enough truth for us to believe; on the contrary, either people either love their sins more than the truth of Christ and his promise that to be free of sin and death, in him, is better than all that is in the world; or, people have believed the lie of Satan, which is two-fold: either God doesn't exist; or, if he does he won't forgive us, which is the lie of condemnation; whereas, Jesus came not to condemn but does give us the Holy Spirit, our conscience, wherein we are moved through conviction to an eternal truth: Forgiveness is truly divine and our loving Father "is so longsuffering that he would that not any should perish," - 2 Peter 3:9 Yet, still, many shall not believe. This should not prevent our loving others as God has loved us... limitlessly.
Thank you Mike for your work!! To the girl struggling with what can be labeled as "intrusive thoughts". You are ok and having those intrusive thoughts are normal. Jesus knows your heart and how your mind works. And you are not alone at all in that experience. I would suggest that maybe you look up "OCD intrusive thoughts" and the various kinds of OCD that exist. This is a "real thing" and might be helpful for you! God bless you sister. Also...the "movie screen" thing when we get to heaven...I feel like that's an abusive and manipulative teaching and only puts people in fear. Why would God do that when He's taken away our sins? That "teaching" needs to be intensely questioned. I definitely remember hearing that being taught when I was growing up 😔. Thanks again Mike for what you do!
"Resting in the Lord" explained so well! We lost our oldest child and are utterly broken, but we do have that bedrock. Our church family has been-rather judgemental-because we are hurt and broken. I've tried to explain that we still have faith, but are just enduring an awful, awful pain. This teaching helps me. Thank you.
Same. This is something that I’ve known but has really been taking root in my heart lately. Between my own personal grief and just wave after wave of hard news from friends recently it just can become overwhelming, but finding that peace and knowing the anchor I have in Christ means I can have peace and confidence while still mourning and feeling heavy and sad. Those two feelings aren’t necessarily in opposition of each other.
@@katywolffis7678 praying for courage and peace for you. That sounds like a very hard trial. I praise God you know the hope you have despite the circumstances. ❤
Hey Mike! I just have a question regarding your theological stance upon Jesus’s rebuke of Peter. After reading some of Michael Heiser’s books and listening to some of his teachings, I have learned that Heiser believes after his research that Satan is a title and not a name. It is usually read as “The Satan” in the original texts which means “The accuser”. I was wondering what your thoughts on this are? Specifically when Satan is mentioned in the book of Job. Is it the Serpent figure? Or is it a member of God’s council given the title of “the accuser” since the character is putting God on trial? In the same way, is Peter really having thoughts put in his head, or is he simply being deemed with this title because he is throwing an accusation that Jesus will not actually be killed? Thanks!
Question #2: I have those same “Fiery Darts” that happen when I am being focused on God. When I am reading chapters of the Bible daily and watching mostly Christian videos like this one, Bam HORRIBLE thought, then later in the day BAM Another one. When this happens I Say “In the name of Jesus Satan get behind me” and he is gone for a while anyways. Lastly I see this as you are doing something right for the Kingdom of God and making spiritual waves...
Thank you Mike for all of your studies and Biblically based solid teachings! In studying on The keeping Shabbat, You might consider Hebrews chapter 4 when teaching on The Sabbath, and another Day of Rest called "today!" This chapter is a double prophecy, "its applicable Now as we walk in Messiahs present "Rest by faith, as believers, His Rest is Today andBelievers, IN Messiah, and it's also speaking towards the future when ALL THINGS ARE FULFILLED, and full redemption is realized, at the end of our faith.
Related to question #7 (gathering at church): I think it is very tempting to say what other people should do while ignoring opportunities we still have to invest in church members. Calling my brother or sister in Christ on the phone to ask how they are doing, encouraging someone who posted something on social media, and other long-distance outreach is still available. I know it is not the same as meeting as a congregation, but I think we need to look for things we CAN do when we feel limited by COVID restrictions or decisions other people are making about meeting. We live in a culture that thinks posting complaints on social media can be the end of our responsible action, but the type of love Christians are called to show is more active and personal than that.
Perty good point number 7. What about me (the one my family and friends think here we go again every thing has to ultimately go back to Christ and scripture 😁. No I don’t think they feel that way really) but since my heart surgery I’ve been unable to attend services. Two funerals more so from COVID but I pray for the day soon to physically sit in Gods house and enjoy a church service. I would not be sincere though if I acted like I haven’t had trouble with patience. Remember the Lord knows even your very thoughts and intentions. No doubt there are times we need a kick in the rear to get going but there are many times that we are very hard on ourselves in situations we cannot control. Said a prayer that Mike has no more headaches.....those that teach or are placed in a position of authority need the prayers of the assembled. And yes I’m probably commenting on an upload made weeks before. Hey I’m one of those binge watching people 😏 Also I would dare say Christians as a whole ask way more “questions” than non believers.....just what I’ve seen and it’s just of course my opinion. But I seem to hear that a lot......that believers operate on just blind faith. SO NOT TRUE. God bless all trust in Christ.
Hi Mike! (re #7) My general statement on human government: Submit to authority, unless your leaders are compelling you to sin. Example: Hiding Jewish friends in your basement during Hitler's reign was illegal, but it was not sinful.
Question 7: you floored me with your honesty. But to add my two cents: Not only is gathering commanded (granted, in those days, technology didn’t allow virtual), but so also, is the laying on of hands. I do believe scripture teaches physical gatherings. Now, Florida has been relatively open. I think it foolish for a church in Florida to not meet. Maybe in a New York, where cases are ballooned, as well as the deaths, it might make sense. But if I were to err, I would err on the side of defying government orders and meeting physically. In general, virtual church gatherings do not allow for actual connection with other believers. We are not together singing, not together seeing who is sleeping, or distracted (a form of accountability). I left my church of 10 years during the pandemic. So many people that have known us for that time still don’t know. Because the church has not met physically. It’s been all Facebook live! Now, that speaks to my own failure to keep communication, as well as the other congregants. But that is an easy thing to lapse when we no longer see each other! It is a dangerous form of isolation.
Question 2 seems like something called "intrusive thoughts". Most people get them and it usually has nothing to do with something spiritual. If you haven't dabbled in the occult, I think it's safe to assume it's "normal". I had them a lot and it had me so scared - until one day I realized God knew about "intrusive thoughts" long before we came up with the words. He knows I don't mean any of these thought, I have no control over them and His Spirit is in me and keeps me safe from bad things that could come from these thoughts. And it went away. Unfortunately stress is what keeps them coming, so give this to Christ and believe that God knows what is true and what isn't.
Thank you for paying more attention to the Holy Scripture than to inherited doctrine. Many people who study the Biblie do it to find the verses that will serve as proof of the doctrine they follow regardless of what the verses actually mean. What saddens me is that they are convinced they are following our Lord. What can we do? There are pastors that teach the congragation that if they cannot speak in tongues they have not been baptized by the Holy Spirit no matter what the Bible actually says.
I guess you follow 9/10 commandments the 4th commandment starts with rember which implies it will be forgotten Read the Bible without commentary like you did with the wine don't forget Revelation 14 in your study I think you do a good job overall
My beloved brother Mike I lis ten to you all the time and recommend you highly as a teacher in the body of Christ. I do t his because you research the entire word and carefully consider all possible angles. So with that said plz consider why strip clubs have been designated as “essential “ but church services “nonessential “. Walmart essential” ma @ pa nonessential “ I could go on and on with examples but I need to start dinner. Remember Jesus was hard on the hypocrites. Plz consider and give this subject your serious study. Acts obey man v Romans 13
Mike I'm listening to this while out on a hike and I genuinely don't see any ants. Not saying your relative is right at all but it's pretty funny to me atm
#2 I wanna chime in and say it may be good to get checked out by a doctor. I have OCD and struggle with I intrusive thoughts, my OCD leans more towards pure O. Because of intrusive thoughts I've tried to kill myself before (believing I was too sinful to be forgiven or that I would never get better, etc). The intrusive thoughts may have to do with mental health, so it may be a good idea to reach out for some coping mechanisms and possibly CBT/DBT/exposure (exposure worked well for me). Also, with OCD the more your try to push a thought out of your head/avoid it/reprimand yourself for it the more likely it is to stick in your head longer/worst
Confused as brought up RC. Sometimes i just dont know. Not really practicing. I want to know the truth and know the Lord and be saved. Hard times with habitual sin like alcohol. I dont know that much of bible either. Guess am lazy reading. I really enjoyed listening to all your answers. loved your humility too.
I wasn't asking about parallel universes. I wanted to know how Mike would answer someone who says that the disciples' confidence in the Resurrection was caused by false memories.
Pastor Mike you missed that it is against the Sabbath Law to Harvest on the Sabbath! It wasn't Not washing their hands the Pharisee's objected to even though they also thought they were correct in not eating without washing them.
The law of Moses we are no longer under the hand written book that was put beside the ark of the covenant as a witness against Israel. Which also had holy days and Sabbaths . But not the seventh day Sabbath which is the fourth commandment of God that was written on the tablets of stone inside the ark of the covenant.
To question number 4, John Eldridges book Get Your Life Back (it’s a stupid name, but what do you do? 🤷🏼♀️), I think is would be a helpful read to answer this. 😊
Hosanna Christian Fellowship of Bellflower is the full name of the church, and it is a Calvary Chapel church. :) Pastor Mike generally does not teach during their live services, but I enjoy listening to their other pastors as well.
Hello Mike, could you please answer this question for me (thank you in advance ).. If Two people are married through civil law not the church ..are these two married people (actually married or committing adultery? ) And my second question is ..if this marriage is broken and the couple signed divorce papers due to adultery, verbal abuse and basically because when they Got married they did not put God first, the marriage did not have a Christian foundation...If one of the married people Found God and wants a Marriage guided by God is it ok to remarry through church?
I think the answer to your first question depends on what makes a marriage. Relevant to me as I'm currently in the final stages of planning a wedding myself. As we discussed details with our minister the other day, he explained that the Bible doesn't have much to say on how to initiate a marriage so there's a lot of leeway for us as individuals to choose how exactly we go about it as long as we are also honoring God with our choices. It seems like the only necessary parts are both husband and wife intending to be married and specifically saying that through word or action as well as the free ability to make that choice. So if someone is threatened and forcibly "married" then that wouldn't count, neither would someone who is too young or not in their right mind and therefore can't understand what they are doing. For the other part of your question, I'd suggest checking out Mike's video on divorce and remarriage. It's three hours long and goes very in depth on what the Bible has to say and how we can best apply that.
To the person who is saying he has random unwanted thoughts in his head, this happened to me a lot when I was younger. I thought I wasn’t saved because the ideas were so nasty. I’ve met tons of Christians who have this same problem. It’s a part of my OCD (not diagnosing you, because it can happen to everyone. But it’s a very OCD problem). What helped me was realizing these thoughts don’t come from my heart. In fact they came from me trying my best to get rid of those thoughts. I stopped feeling guilty and stopped trying to get rid of the thoughts. They went away after that. Mike’s advice is great about not obsessing over the thought. Just let it pass by. 🙂💗
Super disagree about the Sabbath...that was super part of the moral law from what I can tell. I highly recommended people look at other people's thoughts on how the Sabbath might be understood today. Still great videos! Also I have definitely experienced what, as best as I could tell, mental images and thoughts that were demonic, but I also have a ton of my own terrible thoughts...but those were just a very different experience. Also, for question 4, I highly recommend "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
I’d forgotten about that book. I read it many years ago & it was so helpful. I also have struggles with the Sabbath because it was time made sacred at creation, & the Ten Commandments say to remember it. While it adds nothing at all to our salvation, it seems we are to still honor it in some form & seems to be future mentioned in three places in Scripture (if I’m remembering correctly).
I may be considered an Individual who is wicked by much of your fan base, but I must say I enjoy your videos and the rational way you break things down. I am agnostic, Atheist in the sense that I am without personal theism. I don't deny the one true god, or the other gods that people believe in, but I have studied religion greatly in my own search for meaning, truth, and faith. with my studies I have discovered some at least superficial truths and meanings, but faith has always eluded me. The zeal in your sermons(not meant in the negative fashion) are inspiring in what I have witnessed. You do a very powerful thing, with both logical reason and faith, something less commonly observed today. I may not always agree with your points, but you express yourself well and your belief shines through every sentence you speak, true inspiring conviction. Now I have helped lost Christians come back to the fold, as well as shepherded those away when I felt that is where their hearts lay. In those who wish to reconfirm their faith in a way that their communities, preachers, or family don't seem to be able to provide I do my humble best to help them. I might not have your knowledge of the bible, I have to look up and reread passages to give them the information you seem to easily call forth, but its the best I have available. I will most likely both borrow your words and help some individuals find your page to help confirm their faith. It's unlikely for all given your particular brand of Christianity isn't quite compatible with all Christians, but I think many of your arguments and points can shine light in some of these souls and branch across faith lines. Thank you for being you, and while I doubt you will get to this comment, but you are helping others vicariously through others who aren't even Christian. Thank you for the respect you show others that in the religious and anti religious world is often missing. A part of me feels, intentionally or otherwise, that you absolutely could say you love your fellow man. You are a good example for others no matter your faith.
Mike, as always, I appreciate your insights into the scripture. Thanks for consistently creating biblically sound content. In regards to question 5, about the Hebrews passage. I believe your second observation about the passage possibly referring to the Nation of Israel is the correct interpretation/application. Personally, I struggled with the passage myself at first, until I realized that being a letter to the “Hebrews” this would make the most sense. It also seems to apply to in the same way to Hebrews 10:26 “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sin.” I’ve heard some refer to this verse as an argument against eternal security, but I feel like it better lines up with the fact that the Hebrews who are still attempting to operate under the old covenant, no longer have access to a physical temple for the sacrifices. Also, if you read on further through verse 29, the author goes on to explain the statement made in verse 26, posing the question of how much more severe of a judgment will those who have rejected the Son of God would receive vs those who rejected/despised Moses’ law. So, in verse 26, the author seems to be referring to how Israel’s rejection of Jesus has left them with no other sacrificial option to receive forgiveness of sins, which parallels well with the passage in question in Chapter 6.
I have a question: Why does being a Christian cost those of us living in the US nothing and those in China, North Korea, Sudan are being tortured? and many/most(?) made to renounce their faith under torture? and why is it that churches in the United States don't care?
We do care, and we do things that we aren't public about because it could endanger the lives of the people we are trying to help. Our GOVERNMENT doesn't care because most of the politicians in our country hate Christ and only pretend not to.
My thoughts on Church gathering: We are relational and need the connection of relation to help us grow in the Lord. I do not believe that there is a biblical mandate of how far apart you should be when you engage in that relation. Are two people who are within two feet of each other talking about the Lord less or more spiritual than two people talking on the phone about the Lord I do not believe so. Counter, there are those whose means are lacking in any ability to have distant relations, they have no friends family or others to whom they can be encouraged in the Lord. These people need a local gathering in which to join together in fellowship. So the question of whether or not a church body should work with or against current government regulations will depend completely on the needs of the congregants I believe it is better to obey God than man and if the needs of the congregants are such that they cannot fellowship without the church body then they should meet. However, if the church has means to meet the needs of the congregants in a distance way then they should meet that way.
Thank you Mike for your ministry. Just finished listening to this and wanted to comment on Q. #20. With so many verses that refer to what God does with our forgiven sins (Micha 7:18-19; Isa. 38.17, 43: 15, 25; Jer. 31:34, Heb. 8:12, 10:16-17 and so many others) I have come to believe that when God forgives our sins He will remember them no more. Not that He doesn't have the ability to because He is omniscient but because He CHOSES to forget them. Even in our mortal lives here on earth we understand that if we truly forgive someone who has wronged us and repented and asked for our forgiveness, once we give it we do not bring it up in their face again. This is our awesome God - merciful, kind, gentle.
Absolutely! Interestingly enough, the Hebrew word for "remember" is "zakar". Which also means, "to mention" or "bring to remembrance". God will always remember what we've done and said, He just refuses to rub our noses in it. There is NO words for His mercy and grace. God bless!
Thank you Mike. I read my bible and there are so many questions I have and I have found you answer so many I have wondered about and I'm learning how important the context and cultures of the time helps. I had spent the last few years very confused about the bible and you have helped me alot.
Hey Mike Winger 👋🏽, I am going to be attending university this fall (I’m 18 btw). I haven’t been apart of a church since I was young (maybe 5-7) and I am wondering if you have any tips on finding and reviewing a good church? How do I know their foundation is good and biblical?
Hi Brianna! I'm not Pastor Mike 😜 but I couldn't just scroll past your question. I actually kept coming back to it. I don't know where you will be attending university, but if I may make a suggestion I hope it will help you! Most churches do have either a facebook page, or a website. On those medias there is always a "statement of faith" section. Read these, compare these faith statements with what the Bible says. If your in doubt, talk to a trusted person. Fundamental basics would be that Jesus is the Son of God, came to earth to die for our sins, rose again and is now seated in Heaven with the Father. We must believe and confess this. Repentance and forgiveness of sin through the atonement of Christ's sacrifice is the ONLY way to Heaven. The Holy Spirit is given to us enabling us to live a life free from the bondage and curse of sin, and that one day Jesus is coming to catch us away to heaven to be with Him forever. There will be a final judgement where unbelievers will be eternally separated from God, in hell,vehicle those who believed and trusted in Christ for. Salvation will live on eternally with the LORD. This is a brief summary, but I pray it helps. Perhaps someone else will offer you more in depth information. God Bless you Brianna, and I pray you will find a good, honest Bible practicing, teaching church in your area.
About question nr. 2. I would like to add... Satan can definitely put thoughts in your mind. That is one way he uses to throws those fiery darts at you. Usually they come just out of the blue and can be pretty horrible and/or blasphemous. What I do when this happens I just say I take this thought captive and bring it under the authority of Jesus. As it says in 1Cor10:5. Also put the truth against it. Like Jesus did when Satan tried to tempt Him, Jesus always responded with: it is written.... When you do this and not entertain the thought any further you will notice it's gone.
I agree Mike, with your stating that it is up to the individual. Many people regard church as a building, that everybody has to be together inside the church building with a pastor. How many people actually talk, support each other in these churches? Having as few as two or three people who gather who watch the service over zoom and then review the service, read the bible passages, discuss and pray, sing praise songs, encourage each other in your small gathering, is this not church?
I'm glad I found your channel. I kept rejecting jesus even though he has saved my life once and saved me from depression and a mental breakdown twice. My rational mind could not accept what was jn my heart. I no longer have to know if he is true. It is true that he saved me and that is all that matters so I believe. Your channel is a good place for me to be and to learn. Thank you.
Q2 EXCELLENT reply. Just note, the Satan is not omnipresent; he has his servants globally doing his bidding but that doesn’t make him omnipresent, only our creator God Almighty is.
There's another solution for planting a church "near" a mother church: send anyone who comes to the new church back to their church instead of pulling them out 🤷🏼♂️
I was lead here from your homepage (search function-great tool btw!!🙏) Pastor Mike, and regarding Q17: Would it make a difference in your response if the woman is in an unequally yoked marriage? Since the risk for the child to become an unbeliever might be highly increased. I am in this situation and very anxious to have a child (again) in this marriage.. Thank you and thank you SO MUCH for your ministry! I really helped me to transform my thinking and follow Jesus seriously (better late than never🙈).
This the Spirit of the the Law = all the Laws promote LIFE. That’s why they were given. He said, “I am the Way (that leads to the) the Truth, (that leads to) THE LIFE.” Now that we have His Spirit, we choose out of our “new hearts” the loving way that brings LIFE. All the Mosaic Laws were the “written” directions to lead us to LIFE. But we are free “in Christ” to be loving IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS that are not specifically “written down” by God, but are thought of by those who “have the mind of Christ”, those who are now influenced by the Spirit, in freedom.
A new body is promised to the new believer. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 it appears by this verse that all, those in Christ, and those not, receive a new body, not revealing WHERE each would go. But we see that in other Scriptures. Also, every gift from God is given by the GRACE of God. Faith is a “gift” also. See Ephesians 2:8. “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of heavenly lights, in whom there is no shifting shadow.” James 1:17
QUESTIONS!: 1. Where was ADAM buried? and Eve? 2. Where was "the Land of Nod".....in what is now the Gobi desert? 3. Are there levels of punishment in Hell? 4. What was "the DIDACHE" and who wrote it? when? 5. Is the Holy Spirit feminine? Because if God is the Father (Masculine) and Jesus is the Son (masculine) and the Holy Spirit/comforter is "HE will guide you into all truth"....then the entire Godhead is Masculine. And if that's true, then a rin was taken from Adam to make a female, how did they even know what a female is, if none of them are female and all masculine? 6. where did SETH's kids grow up? what country? 7. Shem, Ham and Japeth. Was one of them Oriental with Chinese-looking eyes? Which one? If none of them were, then when and where did chinese-looking eyes start? 8. The Pyramids. Were they built BEFORE Noah's flood? or after. How do we know?
Someone called Lindsay asked the question I was wonderin about in my reading today and yesterday. This happens every week. God is good. Thank you so much Pastor Mike
Romans 13 is an understanding of the fact that God created government to promote PEACE and ORDER within any culture. Usually, Peace and Order promotes LIFE, which is God’s desire for the people on earth generally. In America, we are given the blessing and privilege to have a representative form of government, where the people get to “decide” what kind of PEACE and ORDER we would like to express in our culture. But every country’s government is built to keep ORDER and PEACE. Those who are in the Body of Christ desire, by their cleansed conscience, Order and Peace, because they have the mind of Christ and want to express our loving God. God IS LOVE. God allows us to walk away from His love. He compels no one. He offers. We choose, and when we have His Spirit, we choose Christ.
I'm now working alongside the Biblethinker team and as I'm going back and listening to questions coming in regarding mental health, as a professional therapist, I want to add to the greatness in which Pastor Mike answered this question. 100% truth regarding Phil 4:8, be intentional! The average human has between 60-80,000 thoughts each day and there many kinds of thoughts. What this viewer described is called intrusive, just like it’s name “intruder”. We all experience these occasionally but if it happens more often, I have found that working to manage your overall anxiety helps a great deal. Things such as the distractions he mentioned, yes, excellent. Also, working to dispute the thought for example: “I know something horrible will happen to my family if we go on that trip” can be disputed with “I have no evidence of this thought. Here’s what I do know, we are taking great safety precautions, we’ve talked through the importance of staying together, we are praying for wisdom in our decisions, and our kids know how to react should we get separated”. Distractions are very effective, sometimes it also requires an assertive retraining of our thinking, taking authority over them. He offered terrific counsel, hope this helps anyone seeing this, even 3 years later.😉
For question 20, if you're asking because you have wronged someone close to you and you're worried that your betrayal will be exposed. Maybe that's not what you're wondering but if it is, I have asked myself this question too. I would say this, if you betrayed someone like a spouse, relative, or friend and you never disclosed it to them you could still be actively sinning. Like if you commited adultery and haven't told your spouse then have you really repented? Remember the worst part is the betrayal and if you haven't came clean then you're still living in that betrayal.
“Godly sorrow” is something that one feels when we don’t do what we know we should. If we did not feel that we were wrong, then we would probably not have the Spirit of Christ. We care about the things that Christ cares about….”we have the mind of Christ”. (2 Corinthians 7:10) (Ephesians 4:23)
Not sure you still read this, but you mentioned a number of months ago that you felt that the Lord's Supper bread had to be unleavened because "leaven represents sin." I already knew that all the Eastern Rite churches used leavened bread, and I also knew that leaven represents a given spirit--in the Luke 13, the Apostles were told that the Kingdom of God is like leaven!!!! That's not sin. So I did a bit more digging. Before the 800s or 900s, all Christians used leavened bread. The Apostles had used leavened bread, according to early church tradition, in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The catacombs clearly show leavened bread. This leaven represented the Holy Spirit and the New Covenant. The old leaven of the Old Covenant was purged on the Passover, after which the new leaven came in. That was the ancient theology of the Lord's Supper. The Latin Rite decided to change to be more like the Last Supper. Note: I don't think God cares what you use. This was just and FYI because you made an assumption that I used to make, too, and I was wrong.
Hey Mike, I love your ministry and am a Calvinist. I understand some of your issues with Calvinism, I urge you not to not rely on any post millennials for reformed theology. Honestly, you should mainly get your understanding of reformed theology from Futuristic Premillennials: Jim McClarty, John MacArthur, etc. Even tho I don’t think you’ll be convinced, I think you’ll start to accept SOME of TULIP bc the belief that they’re all the same may be due to a poor teaching of what TULIP means
Satan is the name of a specific supernatural being when “Ha Satan”(the Satan) is used but also a description of any adversary when “Satan” is used....In Hebrew, (שָּׂטָן) Satan is used generically to describe any adversary. It’s similar to how Adam was the name of a specific man but also the name for mankind. When Jesus addresses Peter He could simply be saying get behind me adversary...because Peter though he was well intentioned was actually opposing the will of God. It’s easy to miss the simplicity when you think too granularly about things, it’s one of the deceptions of intelligence.
My understanding of the Mandela Effect is that it's an anthropological anomaly. That is, it's a psychological issue affecting an entire culture. It's just that everyone in a culture "remembers" something wrong. I.e. Mandela died sometime in the 1980's. This is the first time I've heard of it being an ontological/quantum physics issue. I read the wiki article a few years ago, and maybe I missed something, maybe I forgot something. But I didn't think it related to parallel universes.
Regarding Q#7...IMHO... we can say with confidence that we should "not forsake meeting together" UNLESS... there is a global pandemic and are informed by research scientists that because of how the virus is spread that sitting right next to anywhere from 50 to 3000+ unmasked fellow saints in an enclosed area might possibly threaten the health of not only one another but also our community.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:20 {Should We Obey the Sabbath?} What exactly does Jesus mean in Matthew 12:1-8 when He says we must obey His commands? Do we receive special rewards for obeying the sabbath, and are we jeopardized for not obeying the sabbath?
2. 7:09 {Are Unwanted Bad Thoughts from the Enemy?} I struggle a lot with bad thoughts popping into my head out of nowhere. I'm kind of horrified and I don't agree with them! Is it possible that they can come from the Enemy?
3. 12:19 {About the Local Church} What is a local church and how should one be started? Many teach that it should be a plant under the authority of an existing church, but is that a biblical mandate?
4. 16:09 {How to Rest in God’s Presence} How should we as Christians rest in the presence of the Lord? Is there anything you do to be connected to Him throughout the day?
5. 20:35 {How Could Judas Betray Jesus} Does Hebrews 6:4-6 apply to Judas Iscariot? How else could Judas betray Jesus even after he had "been enlightened" and "tasted of the heavenly gift" and had "partaken of the Holy Spirit"?
6. 28:00 {Refuting “Universal Salvation} How do you square Romans 5: 18 and 1 Corinthians 15: 22 (among others) with 2 Thessalonians 1:9 and Matthew 25: 46 (among others) regarding the issue of universal salvation?
7. 32:10 {Do Online Church Services Violate Hebrews 10?} How absolute is the instruction in Hebrews 10: 25 about "meeting together"? Are churches who go online-only due to COVID and/or government rules failing to live up to it?
8. 37:41 {Why did Command Killing Instead of Moving People?} In the Old Testament, I struggle with why God has Israel kill thousands of people to take the promised land, rather than just driving them out or trying to convert them.
9. 45:12 {Why was Zacharias Disciplined but Not Mary?] In Luke 1: 18 & 34, both Zacharias & Mary questioned Gabriel when he told them of their future offspring. So why was Zacharias disciplined for his question, but not Mary?
10. 49:16 {Does God Ever Stop Forgiving?} Can we anger God to the point where He never forgives?
11. 51:26 {Advice for Agnostics Seeking God} I am agnostic, trying to believe. How would you recommend someone should approach this? I am reading though the Bible - I started with John as some recommend, but my heart hasn't changed yet. Any advice?
12. 55:28 {About “Total Depravity”} How do you read 1 Peter 1:3 in light of your rejection of the doctrine of Total Depravity?
13. 58:15 {About Justification, Sanctification, & sin} Can someone be justified without being sanctified? In other words, can someone live a lifestyle of habitual sin and still be saved?
14. 1:03:30 {About the “Mandela Effect”} This is purely hypothetical, but: How would you respond to the suggestion that the disciples’ confidence in the resurrection was produced by the Mandela Effect?
15. 1:06:08 {Do Non-Believers get Physical Bodies Back?} Do the non-believers who have died or will die get their physical bodies back at the final judgment? I know we will, but does Scripture mention this about those who reject Christ?
16. 1:09:55 {About Peter & Satan - Was Satan Divided?} Jesus says to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!" when Peter tries to rebuke Him from dying in Jerusalem, but "Satan entered into [Judas]" leading him to betray Jesus. Was Satan "divided against himself"?
17. 1:11:44 {About Fear of Kids Rejecting Christ} A friend is afraid to have kids because she’s afraid they’ll reject Jesus. She would feel guilty for having them if they went to Hell and doesn’t want to take that chance. How should I respond?
18. 1:13:44 {About Old Testament Scholarship} What is your take on scholarship that attempts to alter our common understanding of the Old Testament by questioning the translations or our understanding of the culture?
19. 1:17:06 {Does Jesus Directly Say He is “Son of Man”?} In the Gospel of Mark, since Jesus talked about the Son of Man in the third person, that means Jesus was talking about someone ELSE. Where in Mark does Jesus directly say He is the Son of Man?
20. 1:21:30 {About the Bema Seat of Judgment} Will sins be publicly exposed to an assembly or those we’ve sinned against at the Bema Seat before being erased/forgiven? (1Corinthians 5: 10, Luke 12:2-3)
Hi Mike Winger,
I know you've already done some videos on this subject, but could you do at one point a series on false bibles translation ? It's quite a phenomenon nowdays , so a series on this with the names of the authors, their background, the date those bibles were written would be interesting. I think just like satan did with Adam and Eve the more time goes the more our ennemies will try to corrupt the word.
Thanks and God bless you !
@Karmic Fox this os so anti-biblical and anti-orthodoxy. May God bring you clarity on the nature of Christ. Most heresies stumble at him.
Hey Mike, what would you consider becoming active again on Instagram? your arguments would be great for us Protestants trying to spread the truth
1:13:44 Many KJV-Only people claim modern Bible translations have an agenda, trying to change essential Christian doctrines like the deity of Christ, the Trinity, the physical Resurrection, etc. What do you think?
@@johnernest1207 They certainly have a bit of grounding as LDS (Mormons) use the KJV testaments + book of Mormonī
What Mike said about praying if your atheist/agnostic and letting God show Himself to you is how I became a Christian. I was raised atheist (sometimes agnostic) in the South. I was always opened to learning about every other religion except Christianity. Well joke was on me LOL!
I went to my first church service at 24 as a date, and God stirred my heart that there was something there. Eventually I got my hands on the Gospels and couldn't stop reading. I got on my knees on the bathroom floor and prayed for God to send me someone who could explain to me what this all meant. Not even a week later, a girl came up to me while I was eating lunch in my college's student center, and asked if I wanted to study the Bible! That prayer changed my life, and as I learned more and studied the Bible, God kept showing me that He had always been here.
This is beautiful 💜
Amen sista 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
And isn't that just how it works? Awesome testimony!
Wow
That’s an Awesome Testimony!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Man this guy is the most thorough pastor I've ever seen, listening to him gives me even more confidence in the truth of Christianity.
Pray for him and others like him.
Exactly my thought. Mike is the most attractive and adequate pastor to intellectuals who care about refuting the arguments of nonbelievers or doctrine disputes. Best of all, he is so credible we can trust him. Mike made me love God with my brain and heart!
Agreed.
Amen
@@practicalporters
Amen
I used to be a Satanist and yes demons would speak to me though thoughts . When I became Christian he still would come to tell me I’m his. I just run to Jesus.”Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”Romans 10 12:13
Schizophrenia...
You are now a child of God, bought by the blood of Christ. We know how it ends for satan- GOOD BYE satan.
I remember speaking to a Satanist. He would tell me they don't worship the devil but its about doing what you want. And I'm like, that's exactly what the devil would want. But its more to do with taking our hearts away from Christ.
@@theshakter This is laveys satanism. There is theological satanism aswell. One does not exclude the other and they are, in practice, equally bad.
@@theshakter It really depends who you are talking to I had a relationship with spirits. I invited them inside and they wanted me to give energy to them.They would fill me with a supernatural lust to worship and I would give energy.
Hey Mike, I'm a former fundamentalist turned agnostic atheist but I've been watching several of your videos, so you must be doing something right. Keep following the truth wherever it leads
want to tell me your story/thoughts? just curious
@@danglingondivineladders3994 Umm... Was highly active youth leader, lay preacher for about 18 years. Fell off personally , then dug into higher criticism and lost my faith. Years of atheist listening and reading. However lately wanted to give christianity a second listen from Christian speakers who are honest with the text i.e. take on the common objections and provide answers I may have never considered. I don't think Mike get's everything right, but I think he is sincere and not trying to be sleazy the way some apologists are. Plus he just speaks very well and keeps me interested. The biggest + for christianity I think is its practical moral principles which the current world lacks: forgiveness..vs cancel culture, humility vs self absorption, servitude rather than selfishness. That said there are just some christian claims I cannot accept and thus I am not a christian.
@@wingedlion17 Can I ask what some of those claims are that you have problems with? If I'm not intruding that is.
@@esq8 1. The idea that the Bible is inerrant or has a consistent systematic theology I think is demonstrably false 2. The Idea that Jews were always monotheistic is historically false. 3. Existence of a miracle working Jesus with massive crowds following him everywhere is near impossible 4. Bodily resurrection of Jesus as a historical truth. 5. Existence of Satan or hell as objective reality. 6. The gospels are eyewitness testimony, rather than religious propaganda.
@@wingedlion17 I know it’s been some time and though I can’t answer everything, may I address a few of your objections?:
3) Jesus didn’t constantly have extremely large crowds around him. Yes there are a few instances in the bible where there are large crowds that come to hear him speak (sermon on the mount/the reason he was on the boat when he claimed the storm), but this was not always the case.
He had the 12 disciples, as well as some other followers, but the extract number for the entirety of his preaching is never made clear
4) I urge you to look more into the resurrection of Jesus - there is too much to put in one comment- but if you are diligent in reading a variety of sources I think you may be interested
6) if the gospels were meant to be religious propaganda they did a terrible job. In the gospels, the religious leaders are constantly shown to be proud and arrogant. They are the ones who arrest and persecute Jesus. The religious leaders ask Jesus trick questions about the bible and morality in order to try to trip him up.
In addition to this, the gospels were written within 40 - 85yrs of the accrual events, meaning most of the people in these stories were all still alive to verify them. On average, stories take around a century (at the very low end of the spectrum - often it’s more like a few centuries) to then become legend and myth. If you look at the inexplicable boom of Christianity after the death and resurrection pf Jesus, it would suggest an event that was widely believed/known to have recently happens, with large amounts of eye witness. Simple religious propaganda would not have been able to accomplish that.
Also, Jesus coming essentially split up the Jews. You now had traditional Jews who still followed the Old Testament, and messianic Jews who believe Jesus is the son of God and the Messiah. If the gospels were just religious propaganda, then why on earth did they endeavour to change to much of the way things were done? Why did Jesus bring in a new covenant making the Old Testament rules no longer necessary?
If you would like to chat more, please respond. Sorry I couldn’t answer everything right now, hope this helped :)
Favourite Mike Winger moment: "I hope I didn't hurt your feelings but some of you guys really needed it." Bahahahaha this right here is gold and why we love Mike. Peace bro 👊
No feelings hurt at all. I just wanted see how he would answer because that's actually one of the trickiest objections to the resurrection that I've though about (and there is a Reddit thread about it). Mike slightly misunderstood my question. I wasn't asking about parallel universes, but how he would respond to someone who says that the disciples' confidence in the resurrection was actually a product of false memories. Obviously, that's not what I believe. But I still wanted to know how he would answer it.
@@ethanhocking8229 that's so interesting! Can you leave a link to the Reddit thread about this? Never thought ppl would pose that as an objection.
Our church is a very small church in montana we stayed closed the first week of the covid but seeing our pastor on video taping from his office little did I know that the next week we taped from the chapel cause 12 of us wouldn't stay home. We didn't sing or make noise for a few month's but we could tell by the way it encouraged our pastor and really has bonded us as a church is amazing. We never got upset with those who didn't gather but it has made a great change in those of us who love being around other's who love to hear the word.
Yes, our church too. It broke our pastor's heart when he said everyone had to stay home and we would livestream instead. The ministry team (musicians, admin, etc.) would still go at least to run the service. But if anyone of the congregation showed up anyways they would not be turned away, screw the rules. We ended up having about 4 families that always showed up for church even in lock down. It was so encouraging to have someone present to preach and sing to.
I love the way that you as a young pastor is prepared to answer hard questions and if you dont know you brave enough to say so. Bless you from Wales UK
Beautiful country! Lived there for a year in Wrexham and those are my Welsh dragons in the pic💚❤
Hello, fellow countrywoman!
Satan and his demons are real they try to put bad thoughts in our minds. They attack me every night and I rebuke them in Jesus name they leave and return again. I don't know the reason for all this but I will continue to serve God. Please pray for me.
John 10:10 ESV
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
When I was young (between 8 and 11yo) I used to get terrifying, graphic visions of people I loved (mainly my little sister) getting hurt. These used to paralyse me. I got prayer for this at a Christian camp and since that day I never got another one of these awful visions! God is good! 😊
Praying for you!
Satan is under our feet!!!
Thank you all so very much for your prayers, may God continue to bless you all in Jesus name.
Whoa! Less than half your audience is in the US?!?!?! Praying for continued reach EVERYWHERE!!!
Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Serotonin Father and of the Oxytocin Son and of the Holy Dopamine Ghost via Placebo Faith,"
Praying along with you from South Africa 🇿🇦
Also listing frim South Africa
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.......
Hi Mike! Thank you for all of your hard work. You are a warrior for the kingdom! I have been a Christian my whole life but I have always been scared to talk about my beliefs with my atheist/agnostic friends. I have listened to all of your podcasts and now I’m rewatching everything on TH-cam!!! I didn’t know much about the evidential side of the Bible until I started listening to you. Now that I understand more, Good has been presenting me with opportunities to discuss faith with my unbelieving or confused friends. I haven’t seen much overt change yet but I thank God that I am able to plant seeds and be somewhat of use to him. I also am thankful for your video on speaking in tongues, having come from a Pentecostal background myself. I wasn’t about to fake tongues and now I can relax knowing salvation isn’t through gifts. 💛💛💛💛
Unwanted Bad Thoughts from the Enemy. This was a GREAT question I wanted to be asked and answered. I am no longer going to beat myself up over it. Great council today Mike.
Mike, send your family member over to Temecula and I will lift up every brick in my backyard and reveal to him that ants do, indeed, exist in this present universe...
Question #2 this is me so much
2 Corinthians 10:5..."take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ"
Is the latter half of the verse but I make it a mantra whenever bad thoughts enter my mind if that helps at all.
Come to Mike Winger for thorough theology, stay for tips on how to get songs unstuck from your head
Theology and practical life advice rolled into one video
Dumb as this comment may be, that shirt rocks. And together with the blue book shelf, it even matches the logo colours. intended or not, that's exterior, but it's a very neat fit. Decently neat. Says someone who usually just listens with a black screen. But I just had to pause and post that sincere flattery. But now I shut up and resume the intro to, well, listen. What I came for. Cheers, Mike!
It is a great shirt, it's cute, a great color too~
Thank you so much for answering my question. I will take your advice and try praying (the example of how to do that was also much appreciated).
Your videos really cleared up some of the doubts and questions I had and your advice to write down the last few and try to get the answers is right down my alley.
Again, thank you for the very kind answer, it helped me get a bit of direction for my next step. Somehow you anticipated all the objections and hurdles I would have with your answer.
I'm not sure you considered it, but it would be very nice if you made a video filled with advice for people like myself. Your approach and way of thinking through the Bible resonates a lot with those that are still not there yet and searching for answers.
So great to have you here! Your earnest and respectfully approach is admirable.
I will be praying for you, that you find the truth you are seeking, and find a personal, life-giving relationship with Jesus!
I pray you will be encouraged as you seek and learn, and that your faith will be increased! God Bless you!
I was an atheist/agnostic not too long ago. Is God real? If so, what's his character? What's his nature? How do you affirm truth?
Hi, ItsFlawless! Just wanted to ask how you're doing now! I and some friends have been praying for you. ❤
I really appreciated your answer to question 8, the problem of the conquest where God tells the Israelites to kill and drive out the people living in Canaan. I preached on this a few years ago and also pointed out that the people were incredibly wicked. Actually, a number of the laws ended with the note that God's people would not be like the people God was driving out before them, so we know exactly the kinds of things they did, just like you mentioned. Also, God had reached out for centuries to them, even giving them Melchizedek. - thanks again.
Also, they were not unaware of the situation.
Joshua 2:9-11 Rahab tells the spies they knew israel was coming, that God had given them the land, and they were deathly afraid.
But what the people didn't do was repent or go willingly. They resisted what they knew God had decreed.
Something feels off when I can’t see the entire jar of gummy bears. Sorry, Mike, this is a gotsta-go situation with the question counter. Maybe put it on the bookshelf?
All joking aside, I appreciate the investment you put into your ministry, so those tuning in have a better experience. I’m sure there are so many more things we don’t know about that make what you do so helpful for us.
Thanks, Mike!
Thank you for your faithfulness in doing these Friday night livestreans. I really enjoy the diversity of questions and your solid answers. Always something new for me to learn. God bless you
Your relative that thinks there are no ants? They should come visit my kitchen! (chuckle, chuckle) They were in the bathroom last week!
Yeah, last week we had ants in our house too! Hahah
They’re taking over our kitchen right now, but at least the kids are not leaving dirty dishes in the sink anymore (trying not to leave any bits of food). 😁
Question 5 makes me think about the TH-camrs Link&Rhett. They have come down hard that they reject the truth. So sad.
“Law Shmaw” lol thanks for adding comic relief Pastor Mike , this is such an important subject , however it’s nice to have some laughs intermingled with this extremely sound and biblical teaching, and I love that the laughs are not ever mocking or at the expense of making fun of others. They are always light hearted and fun. God bless you continuously in this precious gift of teaching that the Lord has bestowed upon your life!
We gather as a church by having Zoom prayer meetings every evening and service on Sundays.
Another fruitful and sober friday. Thanks again!
Wow! I learned that you pastor @ Hosanna in Belflower . Passed by there so many times! Wished I would have gone there. 😅 I've moved from SoCal. Anywho. Thank you for the great content, it's been such blessing and I've learned a lot from you Pastor Mike. May the lord continue to use you greatly!
Dear brother Mike,
...you blessed me with your beautiful response and advice to flawless, the agnostic caller.
...may flawless be touched by the Holy Spirt and rest in the inner-peace that only Jesus can bring.
...may our loving Father in heaven continue to bless you with discernment and wisdom,
in the powerful name of Jesus , i pray
eyah
Shoreline Calvary , Morro Bay
When it come to not wanting to have kids out of fear they’d go to hell:
I think if my parents knew the kind of sin I’ve fallen into, they may have thought that same thing. But I was thinking recently that being born itself is a massive gift from God. It is so great that I get to be alive and to experience heaven. And maybe even the possibility of going to heaven is worth it. But just put faith in God, do your best to teach them right and remember that ultimately they’re in Gods hands. And God is good.
Just an aside, the commercial that played before this video was for LDS. 🙂
I get those all the time. It’s just a product that JW and LDS both pay lots of money on advertisements.
Same here lol
Algorithms!
There are places right now where people are killed for leaving their homes. They can't even leave home safely to buy food. I'm glad you are not suggesting they have to meet in churches!
As to the judgment seat I can testify of a wonderful and terrible dream at the same time that I had, where everyone who had ever lived was standing in a stadium larger than any on earth, and up in the sky was everything we had ever done, and as I stood there watching and realized that everyone else saw what I saw and realized nothing was left off the table, I started laughing with joy, saying "Thank God I am forgiven of that and that and THAT!!! etc.
BUT, MANY ran screaming in horror at the fact that their sins were being revealed in such a public way. I realized that, for them, they were ashamed of what they had done, and moreso, that they had never asked God to forgive them, nor, had sought to repent of what they had done.
Secondly, though, right after this dream, I had another of a war hero I knew standing on a street filled with people crowding around him. He looked over to me and I was wearing my sterile uniform with no name or flag on it as I wore downrange sometimes in Special Forces, and he yelled: "Jeff, you are out of uniform!"
I said to him, "I am in the Army of God brother, but you are like Peter when he began to walk towards Jesus on the water during the storm, and taking his eyes off of Jesus he sank because he had his eyes on the storm," and I knew the people clamoring about him were that storm, representing the world and "the lust of the flesh and eyes and pride of life," as 1 John 2:16 states are of the world and not of the Father.
As I began sharing more of Jesus with him, nobody wanted to hear it, and it was not long at all before it was just me and him sharing Christ.
These two dreams came after 7 months of working on a doctoral dissertation on James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up," where I broke that down for over 12 hours a day, day on end without retreat for those 7 months, and when I had finished those two dreams came back-to-back, telling me what the Bible says is so absolutely true:
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." - Matthew 7:13
It's not that Jesus hasn't given us enough truth for us to believe; on the contrary, either people either love their sins more than the truth of Christ and his promise that to be free of sin and death, in him, is better than all that is in the world; or, people have believed the lie of Satan, which is two-fold: either God doesn't exist; or, if he does he won't forgive us, which is the lie of condemnation; whereas, Jesus came not to condemn but does give us the Holy Spirit, our conscience, wherein we are moved through conviction to an eternal truth:
Forgiveness is truly divine and our loving Father "is so longsuffering that he would that not any should perish," - 2 Peter 3:9
Yet, still, many shall not believe.
This should not prevent our loving others as God has loved us... limitlessly.
Love what you wrote and the way you said it. I'm screenshotting it!
Wow!
Thank you Mike for your work!! To the girl struggling with what can be labeled as "intrusive thoughts". You are ok and having those intrusive thoughts are normal. Jesus knows your heart and how your mind works. And you are not alone at all in that experience. I would suggest that maybe you look up "OCD intrusive thoughts" and the various kinds of OCD that exist. This is a "real thing" and might be helpful for you! God bless you sister.
Also...the "movie screen" thing when we get to heaven...I feel like that's an abusive and manipulative teaching and only puts people in fear. Why would God do that when He's taken away our sins? That "teaching" needs to be intensely questioned. I definitely remember hearing that being taught when I was growing up 😔. Thanks again Mike for what you do!
"Resting in the Lord" explained so well! We lost our oldest child and are utterly broken, but we do have that bedrock. Our church family has been-rather judgemental-because we are hurt and broken. I've tried to explain that we still have faith, but are just enduring an awful, awful pain. This teaching helps me. Thank you.
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss & pain.
Hi pastor mike wondering if you have watched any of “the chosen” series and your thoughts on it.
Your explanation of resting in the Lord had me tearing up. Amen! Please never stop doing these 20 question videos, they are so amazing!
My sentiments exactly!!
Same. This is something that I’ve known but has really been taking root in my heart lately. Between my own personal grief and just wave after wave of hard news from friends recently it just can become overwhelming, but finding that peace and knowing the anchor I have in Christ means I can have peace and confidence while still mourning and feeling heavy and sad. Those two feelings aren’t necessarily in opposition of each other.
@@katywolffis7678 praying for courage and peace for you. That sounds like a very hard trial. I praise God you know the hope you have despite the circumstances. ❤
I paused and told my husband about that one! “It doesn’t mean you don’t have anguish in your heart”.
Thank you for your hard work. Well done
Hey Mike!
I just have a question regarding your theological stance upon Jesus’s rebuke of Peter. After reading some of Michael Heiser’s books and listening to some of his teachings, I have learned that Heiser believes after his research that Satan is a title and not a name. It is usually read as “The Satan” in the original texts which means “The accuser”. I was wondering what your thoughts on this are? Specifically when Satan is mentioned in the book of Job. Is it the Serpent figure? Or is it a member of God’s council given the title of “the accuser” since the character is putting God on trial? In the same way, is Peter really having thoughts put in his head, or is he simply being deemed with this title because he is throwing an accusation that Jesus will not actually be killed?
Thanks!
Question #2: I have those same “Fiery Darts” that happen when I am being focused on God. When I am reading chapters of the Bible daily and watching mostly Christian videos like this one, Bam HORRIBLE thought, then later in the day BAM Another one. When this happens I Say “In the name of Jesus Satan get behind me” and he is gone for a while anyways. Lastly I see this as you are doing something right for the Kingdom of God and making spiritual waves...
Thank you Mike for all of your studies and Biblically based solid teachings! In studying on The keeping Shabbat, You might consider Hebrews chapter 4 when teaching on The Sabbath, and another Day of Rest called "today!" This chapter is a double prophecy, "its applicable Now as we walk in Messiahs present "Rest by faith, as believers, His Rest is Today andBelievers, IN Messiah, and it's also speaking towards the future when ALL THINGS ARE FULFILLED, and full redemption is realized, at the end of our faith.
This was so refreshing. Thank you!! I really appreciated the calls to humility and how you approach questions.
Related to question #7 (gathering at church): I think it is very tempting to say what other people should do while ignoring opportunities we still have to invest in church members. Calling my brother or sister in Christ on the phone to ask how they are doing, encouraging someone who posted something on social media, and other long-distance outreach is still available. I know it is not the same as meeting as a congregation, but I think we need to look for things we CAN do when we feel limited by COVID restrictions or decisions other people are making about meeting. We live in a culture that thinks posting complaints on social media can be the end of our responsible action, but the type of love Christians are called to show is more active and personal than that.
Perty good point number 7. What about me (the one my family and friends think here we go again every thing has to ultimately go back to Christ and scripture 😁. No I don’t think they feel that way really) but since my heart surgery I’ve been unable to attend services. Two funerals more so from COVID but I pray for the day soon to physically sit in Gods house and enjoy a church service.
I would not be sincere though if I acted like I haven’t had trouble with patience. Remember the Lord knows even your very thoughts and intentions.
No doubt there are times we need a kick in the rear to get going but there are many times that we are very hard on ourselves in situations we cannot control.
Said a prayer that Mike has no more headaches.....those that teach or are placed in a position of authority need the prayers of the assembled. And yes I’m probably commenting on an upload made weeks before. Hey I’m one of those binge watching people 😏
Also I would dare say Christians as a whole ask way more “questions” than non believers.....just what I’ve seen and it’s just of course my opinion. But I seem to hear that a lot......that believers operate on just blind faith. SO NOT TRUE. God bless all trust in Christ.
Thank you for the prep, hard work, and content! You rock!
Hi Mike! (re #7) My general statement on human government: Submit to authority, unless your leaders are compelling you to sin. Example: Hiding Jewish friends in your basement during Hitler's reign was illegal, but it was not sinful.
Question 7: you floored me with your honesty. But to add my two cents:
Not only is gathering commanded (granted, in those days, technology didn’t allow virtual), but so also, is the laying on of hands.
I do believe scripture teaches physical gatherings. Now, Florida has been relatively open. I think it foolish for a church in Florida to not meet. Maybe in a New York, where cases are ballooned, as well as the deaths, it might make sense. But if I were to err, I would err on the side of defying government orders and meeting physically. In general, virtual church gatherings do not allow for actual connection with other believers. We are not together singing, not together seeing who is sleeping, or distracted (a form of accountability). I left my church of 10 years during the pandemic. So many people that have known us for that time still don’t know. Because the church has not met physically. It’s been all Facebook live! Now, that speaks to my own failure to keep communication, as well as the other congregants. But that is an easy thing to lapse when we no longer see each other! It is a dangerous form of isolation.
Question 2 seems like something called "intrusive thoughts". Most people get them and it usually has nothing to do with something spiritual. If you haven't dabbled in the occult, I think it's safe to assume it's "normal". I had them a lot and it had me so scared - until one day I realized God knew about "intrusive thoughts" long before we came up with the words. He knows I don't mean any of these thought, I have no control over them and His Spirit is in me and keeps me safe from bad things that could come from these thoughts. And it went away.
Unfortunately stress is what keeps them coming, so give this to Christ and believe that God knows what is true and what isn't.
Thank you for paying more attention to the Holy Scripture than to inherited doctrine. Many people who study the Biblie do it to find the verses that will serve as proof of the doctrine they follow regardless of what the verses actually mean. What saddens me is that they are convinced they are following our Lord. What can we do? There are pastors that teach the congragation that if they cannot speak in tongues they have not been baptized by the Holy Spirit no matter what the Bible actually says.
I guess you follow 9/10 commandments the 4th commandment starts with rember which implies it will be forgotten
Read the Bible without commentary like you did with the wine don't forget Revelation 14 in your study
I think you do a good job overall
My beloved brother Mike I lis ten to you all the time and recommend you highly as a teacher in the body of Christ. I do t his because you research the entire word and carefully consider all possible angles. So with that said plz consider why strip clubs have been designated as “essential “ but church services “nonessential “. Walmart essential” ma @ pa nonessential “ I could go on and on with examples but I need to start dinner. Remember Jesus was hard on the hypocrites. Plz consider and give this subject your serious study. Acts obey man v Romans 13
Mike I'm listening to this while out on a hike and I genuinely don't see any ants. Not saying your relative is right at all but it's pretty funny to me atm
#2 I wanna chime in and say it may be good to get checked out by a doctor. I have OCD and struggle with I intrusive thoughts, my OCD leans more towards pure O.
Because of intrusive thoughts I've tried to kill myself before (believing I was too sinful to be forgiven or that I would never get better, etc).
The intrusive thoughts may have to do with mental health, so it may be a good idea to reach out for some coping mechanisms and possibly CBT/DBT/exposure (exposure worked well for me).
Also, with OCD the more your try to push a thought out of your head/avoid it/reprimand yourself for it the more likely it is to stick in your head longer/worst
Confused as brought up RC. Sometimes i just dont know. Not really practicing. I want to know the truth and know the Lord and be saved. Hard times with habitual sin like alcohol. I dont know that much of bible either. Guess am lazy reading. I really enjoyed listening to all your answers. loved your humility too.
1:12 Mike recommends Psalm 119, and my uneducated person was desperately looking for Psalm 1:19 XD oh dear.
Sorry I wasn’t more clear!
Lol @ the Mandela effect..😆
Thank you Mike for your ministry, God bless
I wasn't asking about parallel universes. I wanted to know how Mike would answer someone who says that the disciples' confidence in the Resurrection was caused by false memories.
@@BansheeVi Thanks, that's really helpful.
Great job thanks for the tongue twister I said it three times fast and I think I just entered into the Mandela effect. Thanks a lot.😎
Pastor Mike you missed that it is against the Sabbath Law to Harvest on the Sabbath! It wasn't Not washing their hands the Pharisee's objected to even though they also thought they were correct in not eating without washing them.
The law of Moses we are no longer under the hand written book that was put beside the ark of the covenant as a witness against Israel. Which also had holy days and Sabbaths . But not the seventh day Sabbath which is the fourth commandment of God that was written on the tablets of stone inside the ark of the covenant.
To question number 4, John Eldridges book Get Your Life Back (it’s a stupid name, but what do you do? 🤷🏼♀️), I think is would be a helpful read to answer this. 😊
I am still not able to attend church and wondering if your church has a live service that is streamed, i gain much from your teaching, thank you
Hosanna Christian Fellowship of Bellflower is the full name of the church, and it is a Calvary Chapel church. :) Pastor Mike generally does not teach during their live services, but I enjoy listening to their other pastors as well.
Thank you!
Thanks again. Let me please say too how much I enjoy your “law shmaw” type character insertions. Funny stuff and so appropriate. 🙂
A Bosqa biscuits, a bos o bis misquit and a bisi miser.
There, easy tongue twister Mike.
I really don't think all the sins of saved Christians will be exposed to the other saved Christians at judgement. I don't see that in scripture.
If we do not have to keep the Sabbath then why do we have to keep the other commandments?, or keep Sunday?
Hello Mike, could you please answer this question for me (thank you in advance ).. If Two people are married through civil law not the church ..are these two married people (actually married or committing adultery? ) And my second question is ..if this marriage is broken and the couple signed divorce papers due to adultery, verbal abuse and basically because when they Got married they did not put God first, the marriage did not have a Christian foundation...If one of the married people Found God and wants a Marriage guided by God is it ok to remarry through church?
I think the answer to your first question depends on what makes a marriage. Relevant to me as I'm currently in the final stages of planning a wedding myself. As we discussed details with our minister the other day, he explained that the Bible doesn't have much to say on how to initiate a marriage so there's a lot of leeway for us as individuals to choose how exactly we go about it as long as we are also honoring God with our choices. It seems like the only necessary parts are both husband and wife intending to be married and specifically saying that through word or action as well as the free ability to make that choice. So if someone is threatened and forcibly "married" then that wouldn't count, neither would someone who is too young or not in their right mind and therefore can't understand what they are doing.
For the other part of your question, I'd suggest checking out Mike's video on divorce and remarriage. It's three hours long and goes very in depth on what the Bible has to say and how we can best apply that.
To the person who is saying he has random unwanted thoughts in his head, this happened to me a lot when I was younger. I thought I wasn’t saved because the ideas were so nasty. I’ve met tons of Christians who have this same problem. It’s a part of my OCD (not diagnosing you, because it can happen to everyone. But it’s a very OCD problem).
What helped me was realizing these thoughts don’t come from my heart. In fact they came from me trying my best to get rid of those thoughts. I stopped feeling guilty and stopped trying to get rid of the thoughts. They went away after that. Mike’s advice is great about not obsessing over the thought. Just let it pass by. 🙂💗
Super disagree about the Sabbath...that was super part of the moral law from what I can tell. I highly recommended people look at other people's thoughts on how the Sabbath might be understood today. Still great videos! Also I have definitely experienced what, as best as I could tell, mental images and thoughts that were demonic, but I also have a ton of my own terrible thoughts...but those were just a very different experience.
Also, for question 4, I highly recommend "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
I’d forgotten about that book. I read it many years ago & it was so helpful.
I also have struggles with the Sabbath because it was time made sacred at creation, & the Ten Commandments say to remember it. While it adds nothing at all to our salvation, it seems we are to still honor it in some form & seems to be future mentioned in three places in Scripture (if I’m remembering correctly).
Making a list using Philippians 4:8 is such a good idea! Thank you for the tip, Pastor Mike!
I may be considered an Individual who is wicked by much of your fan base, but I must say I enjoy your videos and the rational way you break things down. I am agnostic, Atheist in the sense that I am without personal theism. I don't deny the one true god, or the other gods that people believe in, but I have studied religion greatly in my own search for meaning, truth, and faith. with my studies I have discovered some at least superficial truths and meanings, but faith has always eluded me. The zeal in your sermons(not meant in the negative fashion) are inspiring in what I have witnessed. You do a very powerful thing, with both logical reason and faith, something less commonly observed today. I may not always agree with your points, but you express yourself well and your belief shines through every sentence you speak, true inspiring conviction.
Now I have helped lost Christians come back to the fold, as well as shepherded those away when I felt that is where their hearts lay. In those who wish to reconfirm their faith in a way that their communities, preachers, or family don't seem to be able to provide I do my humble best to help them. I might not have your knowledge of the bible, I have to look up and reread passages to give them the information you seem to easily call forth, but its the best I have available. I will most likely both borrow your words and help some individuals find your page to help confirm their faith. It's unlikely for all given your particular brand of Christianity isn't quite compatible with all Christians, but I think many of your arguments and points can shine light in some of these souls and branch across faith lines.
Thank you for being you, and while I doubt you will get to this comment, but you are helping others vicariously through others who aren't even Christian. Thank you for the respect you show others that in the religious and anti religious world is often missing. A part of me feels, intentionally or otherwise, that you absolutely could say you love your fellow man. You are a good example for others no matter your faith.
Love this!
Mike, as always, I appreciate your insights into the scripture. Thanks for consistently creating biblically sound content. In regards to question 5, about the Hebrews passage. I believe your second observation about the passage possibly referring to the Nation of Israel is the correct interpretation/application. Personally, I struggled with the passage myself at first, until I realized that being a letter to the “Hebrews” this would make the most sense. It also seems to apply to in the same way to Hebrews 10:26 “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sin.” I’ve heard some refer to this verse as an argument against eternal security, but I feel like it better lines up with the fact that the Hebrews who are still attempting to operate under the old covenant, no longer have access to a physical temple for the sacrifices. Also, if you read on further through verse 29, the author goes on to explain the statement made in verse 26, posing the question of how much more severe of a judgment will those who have rejected the Son of God would receive vs those who rejected/despised Moses’ law. So, in verse 26, the author seems to be referring to how Israel’s rejection of Jesus has left them with no other sacrificial option to receive forgiveness of sins, which parallels well with the passage in question in Chapter 6.
I have a question: Why does being a Christian cost those of us living in the US nothing and those in China, North Korea, Sudan are being tortured? and many/most(?) made to renounce their faith under torture? and why is it that churches in the United States don't care?
Things could soon get a lot worse for churches in America.
We do care, and we do things that we aren't public about because it could endanger the lives of the people we are trying to help.
Our GOVERNMENT doesn't care because most of the politicians in our country hate Christ and only pretend not to.
No ants??? Lol. I just got attacked by fire ants on my foot when I went visiting my fam in Puerto Rico 😂😩 hurt like hell for dayyyssss
My thoughts on Church gathering:
We are relational and need the connection of relation to help us grow in the Lord. I do not believe that there is a biblical mandate of how far apart you should be when you engage in that relation. Are two people who are within two feet of each other talking about the Lord less or more spiritual than two people talking on the phone about the Lord I do not believe so.
Counter, there are those whose means are lacking in any ability to have distant relations, they have no friends family or others to whom they can be encouraged in the Lord. These people need a local gathering in which to join together in fellowship.
So the question of whether or not a church body should work with or against current government regulations will depend completely on the needs of the congregants I believe it is better to obey God than man and if the needs of the congregants are such that they cannot fellowship without the church body then they should meet. However, if the church has means to meet the needs of the congregants in a distance way then they should meet that way.
Thank you Mike for your ministry. Just finished listening to this and wanted to comment on Q. #20. With so many verses that refer to what God does with our forgiven sins (Micha 7:18-19; Isa. 38.17, 43: 15, 25; Jer. 31:34, Heb. 8:12, 10:16-17 and so many others) I have come to believe that when God forgives our sins He will remember them no more. Not that He doesn't have the ability to because He is omniscient but because He CHOSES to forget them. Even in our mortal lives here on earth we understand that if we truly forgive someone who has wronged us and repented and asked for our forgiveness, once we give it we do not bring it up in their face again. This is our awesome God - merciful, kind, gentle.
Absolutely! Interestingly enough, the Hebrew word for "remember" is "zakar". Which also means, "to mention" or "bring to remembrance". God will always remember what we've done and said, He just refuses to rub our noses in it. There is NO words for His mercy and grace. God bless!
Did anyone ever notice that Pastor Mike looks like the ScreenRant Movie Pitch guy?!!!
Thank you for being a blessing to me and my family.
Thank you Mike. I read my bible and there are so many questions I have and I have found you answer so many I have wondered about and I'm learning how important the context and cultures of the time helps. I had spent the last few years very confused about the bible and you have helped me alot.
Hey Mike Winger 👋🏽, I am going to be attending university this fall (I’m 18 btw). I haven’t been apart of a church since I was young (maybe 5-7) and I am wondering if you have any tips on finding and reviewing a good church? How do I know their foundation is good and biblical?
Hi Brianna! I'm not Pastor Mike 😜 but I couldn't just scroll past your question. I actually kept coming back to it.
I don't know where you will be attending university, but if I may make a suggestion I hope it will help you!
Most churches do have either a facebook page, or a website. On those medias there is always a "statement of faith" section. Read these, compare these faith statements with what the Bible says. If your in doubt, talk to a trusted person. Fundamental basics would be that Jesus is the Son of God, came to earth to die for our sins, rose again and is now seated in Heaven with the Father. We must believe and confess this. Repentance and forgiveness of sin through the atonement of Christ's sacrifice is the ONLY way to Heaven. The Holy Spirit is given to us enabling us to live a life free from the bondage and curse of sin, and that one day Jesus is coming to catch us away to heaven to be with Him forever. There will be a final judgement where unbelievers will be eternally separated from God, in hell,vehicle those who believed and trusted in Christ for. Salvation will live on eternally with the LORD.
This is a brief summary, but I pray it helps. Perhaps someone else will offer you more in depth information. God Bless you Brianna, and I pray you will find a good, honest Bible practicing, teaching church in your area.
Although you don't have to keep the sabbath. But it was a huge blessing when I was able to.
"Law shmaw" - Mike you make me laugh every video 🤣😍
About question nr. 2. I would like to add... Satan can definitely put thoughts in your mind. That is one way he uses to throws those fiery darts at you. Usually they come just out of the blue and can be pretty horrible and/or blasphemous. What I do when this happens I just say I take this thought captive and bring it under the authority of Jesus. As it says in 1Cor10:5. Also put the truth against it. Like Jesus did when Satan tried to tempt Him, Jesus always responded with: it is written.... When you do this and not entertain the thought any further you will notice it's gone.
That’s actually you
I agree Mike, with your stating that it is up to the individual. Many people regard church as a building, that everybody has to be together inside the church building with a pastor. How many people actually talk, support each other in these churches? Having as few as two or three people who gather who watch the service over zoom and then review the service, read the bible passages, discuss and pray, sing praise songs, encourage each other in your small gathering, is this not church?
I'm glad I found your channel. I kept rejecting jesus even though he has saved my life once and saved me from depression and a mental breakdown twice. My rational mind could not accept what was jn my heart. I no longer have to know if he is true. It is true that he saved me and that is all that matters so I believe. Your channel is a good place for me to be and to learn. Thank you.
Q2 EXCELLENT reply. Just note, the Satan is not omnipresent; he has his servants globally doing his bidding but that doesn’t make him omnipresent, only our creator God Almighty is.
Shout out from Jakarta, Indonesia Pastor Mike. God bless
There's another solution for planting a church "near" a mother church: send anyone who comes to the new church back to their church instead of pulling them out 🤷🏼♂️
I was lead here from your homepage (search function-great tool btw!!🙏) Pastor Mike, and regarding Q17: Would it make a difference in your response if the woman is in an unequally yoked marriage? Since the risk for the child to become an unbeliever might be highly increased. I am in this situation and very anxious to have a child (again) in this marriage.. Thank you and thank you SO MUCH for your ministry! I really helped me to transform my thinking and follow Jesus seriously (better late than never🙈).
This the Spirit of the the Law = all the Laws promote LIFE. That’s why they were given. He said, “I am the Way (that leads to the) the Truth, (that leads to) THE LIFE.” Now that we have His Spirit, we choose out of our “new hearts” the loving way that brings LIFE. All the Mosaic Laws were the “written” directions to lead us to LIFE. But we are free “in Christ” to be loving IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS that are not specifically “written down” by God, but are thought of by those who “have the mind of Christ”, those who are now influenced by the Spirit, in freedom.
A new body is promised to the new believer. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 it appears by this verse that all, those in Christ, and those not, receive a new body, not revealing WHERE each would go. But we see that in other Scriptures.
Also, every gift from God is given by the GRACE of God. Faith is a “gift” also. See Ephesians 2:8. “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of heavenly lights, in whom there is no shifting shadow.” James 1:17
QUESTIONS!:
1. Where was ADAM buried? and Eve?
2. Where was "the Land of Nod".....in what is now the Gobi desert?
3. Are there levels of punishment in Hell?
4. What was "the DIDACHE" and who wrote it? when?
5. Is the Holy Spirit feminine? Because if God is the Father (Masculine) and Jesus is the Son (masculine) and the Holy Spirit/comforter is "HE will guide you into all truth"....then the entire Godhead is Masculine. And if that's true, then a rin was taken from Adam to make a female, how did they even know what a female is, if none of them are female and all masculine?
6. where did SETH's kids grow up? what country?
7. Shem, Ham and Japeth. Was one of them Oriental with Chinese-looking eyes? Which one? If none of them were, then when and where did chinese-looking eyes start?
8. The Pyramids. Were they built BEFORE Noah's flood? or after. How do we know?
Someone called Lindsay asked the question I was wonderin about in my reading today and yesterday. This happens every week. God is good. Thank you so much Pastor Mike
Romans 13 is an understanding of the fact that God created government to promote PEACE and ORDER within any culture. Usually, Peace and Order promotes LIFE, which is God’s desire for the people on earth generally. In America, we are given the blessing and privilege to have a representative form of government, where the people get to “decide” what kind of PEACE and ORDER we would like to express in our culture. But every country’s government is built to keep ORDER and PEACE. Those who are in the Body of Christ desire, by their cleansed conscience, Order and Peace, because they have the mind of Christ and want to express our loving God. God IS LOVE. God allows us to walk away from His love. He compels no one. He offers. We choose, and when we have His Spirit, we choose Christ.
I'm now working alongside the Biblethinker team and as I'm going back and listening to questions coming in regarding mental health, as a professional therapist, I want to add to the greatness in which Pastor Mike answered this question. 100% truth regarding Phil 4:8, be intentional!
The average human has between 60-80,000 thoughts each day and there many kinds of thoughts. What this viewer described is called intrusive, just like it’s name “intruder”. We all experience these occasionally but if it happens more often, I have found that working to manage your overall anxiety helps a great deal. Things such as the distractions he mentioned, yes, excellent. Also, working to dispute the thought for example: “I know something horrible will happen to my family if we go on that trip” can be disputed with “I have no evidence of this thought. Here’s what I do know, we are taking great safety precautions, we’ve talked through the importance of staying together, we are praying for wisdom in our decisions, and our kids know how to react should we get separated”.
Distractions are very effective, sometimes it also requires an assertive retraining of our thinking, taking authority over them.
He offered terrific counsel, hope this helps anyone seeing this, even 3 years later.😉
For question 20, if you're asking because you have wronged someone close to you and you're worried that your betrayal will be exposed. Maybe that's not what you're wondering but if it is, I have asked myself this question too. I would say this, if you betrayed someone like a spouse, relative, or friend and you never disclosed it to them you could still be actively sinning. Like if you commited adultery and haven't told your spouse then have you really repented? Remember the worst part is the betrayal and if you haven't came clean then you're still living in that betrayal.
“Godly sorrow” is something that one feels when we don’t do what we know we should. If we did not feel that we were wrong, then we would probably not have the Spirit of Christ. We care about the things that Christ cares about….”we have the mind of Christ”. (2 Corinthians 7:10) (Ephesians 4:23)
Not sure you still read this, but you mentioned a number of months ago that you felt that the Lord's Supper bread had to be unleavened because "leaven represents sin." I already knew that all the Eastern Rite churches used leavened bread, and I also knew that leaven represents a given spirit--in the Luke 13, the Apostles were told that the Kingdom of God is like leaven!!!! That's not sin. So I did a bit more digging. Before the 800s or 900s, all Christians used leavened bread. The Apostles had used leavened bread, according to early church tradition, in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The catacombs clearly show leavened bread. This leaven represented the Holy Spirit and the New Covenant. The old leaven of the Old Covenant was purged on the Passover, after which the new leaven came in. That was the ancient theology of the Lord's Supper. The Latin Rite decided to change to be more like the Last Supper.
Note: I don't think God cares what you use. This was just and FYI because you made an assumption that I used to make, too, and I was wrong.
Hey Mike, I love your ministry and am a Calvinist. I understand some of your issues with Calvinism, I urge you not to not rely on any post millennials for reformed theology. Honestly, you should mainly get your understanding of reformed theology from Futuristic Premillennials: Jim McClarty, John MacArthur, etc.
Even tho I don’t think you’ll be convinced, I think you’ll start to accept SOME of TULIP bc the belief that they’re all the same may be due to a poor teaching of what TULIP means
Satan is the name of a specific supernatural being when “Ha Satan”(the Satan) is used but also a description of any adversary when “Satan” is used....In Hebrew, (שָּׂטָן) Satan is used generically to describe any adversary. It’s similar to how Adam was the name of a specific man but also the name for mankind. When Jesus addresses Peter He could simply be saying get behind me adversary...because Peter though he was well intentioned was actually opposing the will of God. It’s easy to miss the simplicity when you think too granularly about things, it’s one of the deceptions of intelligence.
Just found this channel through Nate and Sutton. Looking forward to checking it out! God bless you!
My understanding of the Mandela Effect is that it's an anthropological anomaly. That is, it's a psychological issue affecting an entire culture. It's just that everyone in a culture "remembers" something wrong. I.e. Mandela died sometime in the 1980's.
This is the first time I've heard of it being an ontological/quantum physics issue. I read the wiki article a few years ago, and maybe I missed something, maybe I forgot something. But I didn't think it related to parallel universes.
Regarding Q#7...IMHO... we can say with confidence that we should "not forsake meeting together" UNLESS... there is a global pandemic and are informed by research scientists that because of how the virus is spread that sitting right next to anywhere from 50 to 3000+ unmasked fellow saints in an enclosed area might possibly threaten the health of not only one another but also our community.