Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:31 {How to Pray Without Ceasing} What does it mean to "pray without ceasing" as instructed in 1Thessalonians 5: 17, and how do we practically achieve this? 2. 17:44 {Proof of Annihilationism?} Does Isaiah 66: 24 prove annihilationism? The only counter verse seems to be Revelation 14: 10-11 and most of the Bible talks about Sheol, perishing, or the wages being death. 3. 25:35 {WHY is Cussing Wrong?} I know I'm "supposed to" believe cuss words are bad to use as a Christian, but can you help me REALLY understand why? Most of them don't "feel" wrong to say in casual settings, especially if I'm by MYSELF (home alone and I trip or something). 4. 33:11 {Demons Drowning - Why?} When Jesus cast the Legion of demons into the swine, why do they proceed to drown themselves? It showed the validity of the man being healed, but what was the actual reason for the demons to do so? 5. 38:37 {Can We Truly Learn if Forgiven?} My friend says he doesn't want forgiveness because he won't learn from his mistakes if he doesn't face consequences. How would you respond? 6. 45:26 {Must All People Hear before Rapture?} Does Matthew 24: 14 teach that the rapture will not happen until all people groups hear the Gospel? Or could Christ return before this happens? 7. 53:39 {Marriage in God’s Eyes} What does it take for someone to be considered married in the eyes of God? A ceremony? A presiding religious leader? Religious words spoken? Having a legal certificate? Intimate acts? 8. 1:01:35 {Are We Judged Twice?} Are we judged twice? Luke 16: 19-23 and Revelation 20: 11-13 suggest so. 9. 1:09:41 {Can WE Bless GOD?} Popular worship song lyrics say things like "I bless You" (as in we humans can bless God) and "You are enough, so I am enough." Is this biblical? Does Christ's righteousness imparted onto us also make us "enough"? 10. 1:20:27 {Voting for the “Lesser of 2 Evils”?} Is it biblical to vote for “the lesser of two evils”? Could you point to something in Scripture to help us understand why or why not?
3)Cussing is wrong, be aware of music, social media, tv streaming and people you surround yourself with, you become that. Spend time in the secret place daily, Jesus does a work in us. We’re called to speak blessings and not curses so we don’t give the devil a foothold open door in our lives. We’re to sincerely ask God for help by asking for forgiveness. And certainly don’t use the Lords name in vain in the place of damm or Sh&#, it’s normalized in today’s society, some Christian do it. We need Gods help.🙏🕊️ Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Exodus 20:7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
the explanation for question 4 (the *swine were unclean* anyway) makes so much sense! I think Mike just figured it out, please tell him. Thanks and God bless! :D
I pray usually before or after reading scripture every evening. And I speak to God throughout the day when lead to. It's confusing because God says He's not impressed by many words, so I'm straight to the point. I also will pray for others at times when I see the need or asked. Still I know I could do better but it somehow never comes to mind.
Will pray for all three of them. I hope your family realizes that God is everything and that following him means tribulation and trials, but Jesus is with us the whole entire way. Just like Psalm 23:4 NKJV says: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
I've been listening to Mike Winger for a few years. Not every video, but a lot of them. I always benefit so much that it's hard to put it into words. Mike Winger is literally the most thorough and straightforward and sense making expositor of biblical questions that I have ever heard and I will never grow tired or weary of listening to his teaching.
My 2 year old is mocking you, Mike. I'm sorry, I can't control him. When you asked, "is it possible?" During question 4, my child began repeating that over and over in his deepest, derpiest, voice that he can do. Pray for him... Better yet... Pray for me!
I often forget the many times God has powerfully worked when I have prayed. Sometimes I get discouraged or distracted to pray. Thank you, Mike, for this encouraging and thoughtful reminder to make serious time for prayer.
Me too man, make note of those moments! Like make a list in your phone of your prayers or at least the main idea of them and then you can reflect and see how the Lord has worked through them later in hindsight!
I have learned how to be grateful, even in the darkness, when it hurts most. I am grateful for the very thing that is painful as I know it builds perseverance and my faith. God bless you all!
Please pray for me, I’ve been living with an abusive and cheating spouse for so long the stress has caused me to have shingles and I can’t read in my right eye from excessive cortisol due to extreme stress. I’m a healthy 29 year old and I’m going blind in my right eye from the stress right now. Thanks
I'm so sorry that you're going through that 😟 I'll definitely pray for you. Stay strong brother! God will show you the right path if you allow him to lead you. Leaving your cheating spouse would most likely be a great idea if she's causing you this level of stress. Pray about it first though. I hope everything works out in your favor.
There is a worship song like that! 😊 Give thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son And now let the weak say, "I am strong" Let the poor say, "I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us"
I found this channel because of your Reckless Love or Reckless Theology video. It was helpful to me as a worship leader. Your channel has been a huge blessing to me ever since! May God continue to renew your strength and make your work effective and glorifying to Him. P.S. Thanks for sharing about the importance christians doing TH-cam. It was inspiring to me. May God be glorified, and people blessed, through all of us. 1:11:11 (about question 9 talking about worship lyrics.)
".... we are more conscious of ourselves than we are of God...more conscious of me talking as opposed to being conscious of God who is listening." Game. Changer. Thank you Mike Winger!
I feel God already knows what I’m going to pray for, what I need, don’t need in advance, but it is good to pray for what you need, for others and be grateful for what you have received.
Hey Mike! My 9 month old baby loves listening to these with me! He always crawls toward my phone when he hears your voice. Thanks for helping me motivate him to crawl!
You have NO idea how much bibl8cal understanding to so many issues has greatly helped my christian walk...I listen with my earpod in at work and also go in and listen to your older teachings. You are biblically on point teaching in a way that even I can understand..God Bless you for all you do and thank you..THANK YOU
Mike, thanks for the reminder to be more intentional about prayer, and choosing to put down distractions to spend time in prayer. It’s so easy to put off!
I totally agree that repetition in a worship song (Q9) isn't inherently a bad thing! And I'm so glad you added that to that answer, Mike. There have been times in my life, especially when things were tough, when it was at the 15th repetition that it finally. sunk. in. that God is, in fact, SO good. Or that He does, in fact, love ME. Or that He is, truly, WORTHY of all my praise. Those times, I needed that repetition. And I would have been glad for it to continue, because those things are worth saying and meaning more than once! I love that the Psalms show us that repetition. Indeed, His mercy endures forever. 🙌
My leaning is towards annihilation rather than eternal conscious torment, and would choose Malachi 4:1-3 as a better proof text than the closing verses of Isaiah. Having said that, being right with God is infinitely preferable to finding out the hard way which of the multitude of opinions is closest to the truth.
I agree. Most visual metaphors we have in the bible seems to scream... death- not conscious torment. Being burned up, turned to ash, being eaten by a worm... dying. What do those things sound like? Can a person be eaten by a worm forever, can they burn forever, can they be made ash and still conscious? I know it can seem like annihilationists jump thru hoops to prove their views for convenient reasons, but to me it seems like you'd have to jump thru more hoops to prove the traditional view of hell based on these descriptions. The "knashing of teeth" passages align with annihilationism as well, since the view includes judgement and regret, with death coming eventually. Could be wrong though, just my thoughts. Praise Jesus
I lean toward annihilation too. I’ve been studying this topic for nearly a year. I’m only comfortable considering it as possibly true because it doesn’t change the Gospel regardless which is true but it does deeply impact theology, specifically, God’s character. I think people just look at His Just and Holiness natures and neglect the reality of how merciful, gracious and compassionate He is. If God forgives us in this life simply by believing in Jesus and gifts us eternal life for that, if we are not immortal in our being until after the resurrection and glorification of our bodies, why would we have eternal spiritual life that is full of torment just for not believing in Jesus during a temporal life, which starts out with us being deceived…? And Judaism doesn’t really have a hell, they just believe everyone not made right with God will forever burn in His presence because He is holy and an all consuming fire. And also, Jesus talked about hell a lot but he compared it to a garbage constantly burning with flames off the cliff of Jerusalem… if it was a place to suffer forever consciously- why didn’t Jesus compare it to a prison or something? But I’m still exploring. I just want the truth.
Thank you Mike for your words of wisdom and encouragement in this 10 Questions session! Of course, I really enjoy your answers each week but today was especially thoughtful and well stated. I know that as Christians, Brothers & Sisters in the Family of God, we will not always agree but I absolutely agree that arguing and fighting will never solve any issues. We should be able to have discussions with differing opinions without harsh words or anger. Thanks again for your words of calm, wisdom and love!
Never thought of cussing as something that makes me manly or empowers me. My guess would be it is how its like for you. Sadly, I still cuss, when I'm alone. But not because I think to myself "finally I'm alone, let the cussing begin!". It just happens automatically, without plan or thought. I just stop cussing when I'm with someone and start when talking to myself. Don't know how or why, but I did notice to "sometimes" catch myself cussing, while before it didn't even registered in my brain. I guess any bit helps...
This video was stuck in my recommended no matter how often I refreshed. God did not want me to procrastinate on this one. Thank you for the reminder and your diligent work as always
Be open to any and all directions at all times. . "Ask and you shall receive." We either ask the world or we ask God. Jesus told his disciples to live without any money to depend on God. I did this for a year in a foreign country. It attuned me to listening when I was in need that gave me the habit for the last 35 years.
Thank you, Mike, for what you said about the upcoming election. I now have an answer to give my sister as to why she should vote. I so appreciate you ministry that you have followed God's leading.
I really, really enjoyed the first question. I have been to at least a dozen churches and no pastor has broken down praying without ceasing like you did in this video. Excellent!! I have listened to the first question a few times. Thank you!
Yes God convicted me when I turned to depression, in depression I hated everything and was unhappy with everything, God convicted my heart and told me to start thanking Him. After I forced myself to thank God for what I do have my perspective started changing and the ball started rolling. I fell into a trap of the devil and that’s what got me out . Also Philippians 4:5,6,7, if you’re also anxious through depression to cast all your cares on him and with thankfulness, let your prayers be known to God and he’ll give you peace that surpasses all understanding”
As an Eastern Orthodox concert, I now understand the simplicity of the Jesus Prayer. It allows us at any point to direct prayer to God and clear our mind. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Pushback on Q9: while half of Psalm 136 is repetition, the other half is a building up of eternal truths and historical recounts of God's love. The structure actively works against "empty" or "meaningless" repetition by bringing each new statement back to the common theme. The repetition used in many p&w song tracks is closer to brainwashing technique than to Psalm 136, IMO.
I’ve come to think of praying without ceasing is a reflection of our relationship with Christ. As with any close earthly relationship, the closest of my friends know they can call me anytime, day or night. Prayer is conversation with God, and conversation is a two way street. Many times we are so focused on on tell God this and that, that we forgot to listen. God wants to not just hear our voice, but for us to hear Him. Picture if we have a live open phone connection with God. Whether we take a few moments to speak to God, or whether we are alert at other times to listen for what God wants to say to us, both actions of speaking and listening are what praying without ceasing is. At least that is how I have come to understand praying without ceasing. Is there potential for scripture references that could point to this being a logical understanding of this?
The problem with question #10 is that an opinion on abortion and/or trans laws doesn't automatically make one better than the other. Those are not issues that God places above all other ways that either side is immoral, unloving to their neighbors, etc. This is a big issue that so many Christians have. They place certain issues and sins above others that are equally important.
I’m new to being a Christian only about a year. I’ve been praying every day more than once. My problem is that when I watch videos and people basically say pray with your whole heart. Sometimes you can’t. And I think isn’t it better to pray even if your heart isn’t in it. Because if you only pray when you feel your heart is in it then you’ll stop praying all together. It’s better to be in the habit of praying even when you don’t feel it. What do you think?
I agree. A discipline is something you do even when you don't feel like doing it because you know that action will have long term benefits. We have to do things based on knowledge, not feelings, because feelings are very fleeting. Jesus wouldn't have gone to the cross if he succumbed to his feelings.
scripture says, the prayer of a righteous man availed much, if your in Christ your righteous there fore your prayer will availed much, it does not say a prayer of a full heart availed much. so keep praying dont trust feelings. trust Gods word.
@@sheresejames oh no I don’t think it is he was just a special guest that was invited to preach last Wednesday night. It’s for youth group (middle school and high school) it was about Jesus being a mediator for us. In hebrews 4 14-16? I think
History tells us that... Every Great Nation’s Days Are Numbered. Sir John Bagot Glubb wrote this in the 1950’s. He was an Army General and historian. He studied eleven empires starting with the Assyrians in 859 B.C. and ending with the British in 1950. Sir John determined that each empire followed a remarkably similar pattern from birth to demise. Spanning a period of about 250 years, each went through the following 7 stages before their collapse: 1..The Age of Pioneers. 2. The Age of Conquests. 3. The Age of Commerce. 4. The Age of Affluence. 5. The Age of Intellect. 6. The Age of Decadence. 7. The Age of Decline & Collapse. He also added these traits to the decline. Defensiveness, pessimism, materialism, frivolity, an influx of foreigners, the Welfare State, and a weakening of religion. To what did he attribute this decadence? Too long a period of wealth and power, selfishness, love of money, and the loss of a sense of duty. Again, please remember, this was written in the 1950’s. USA…247 yrs of great power...Hummmmmm.......Looks like we are next…Jesus is returning very soon… Several years back in the late 1940’s, Paul-Henry Spaak the first President of the United Nations General Assembly said “We do not want another committee, we have too many already. What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all people, and to lift us out of the economic morass (confusion) into which we are sinking. Send us such a man and be he God or devil, we will receive him.”-Paul Henri Spaak, the first president of the UN General Assembly, first president of the European Parliament, and onetime secretary general of NATO. God predicted this in His precious Bible almost two thousand years ago. Please read Revelation, chapter 13, especially verses 16 through 18. May the True and Living God of the Bible bless you. Amen and amen
I visited the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France yesterday. One body over way too many people (450 million diverse people) from 27 nations…. And way too much power.
A Short prayer to God all during the day is doable. How hard is it to say Jesus I thank you. Help me today. Praise you Lord. Thank you for this day. Protect my family today.Etc. It's easy to say short prayers all day and night.
@@master_miller Appreciate your shock & awe, it was for me to read that, as no way anything here would encourage that! Mike has great programs of TRUTH on Roman Catholic Church!! Maybe MARILYN meant CHRISTIAN??? Not catholic???
@@master_millerI think there are a couple of reasons someone might be considering it (as a protestant). Alleged historicity, apparent unity, the brilliance of catholic theologians, seeming spirituality especially with the liturgies, the claimed authority of the pope (which can be attractive in a day when authority is barely respected or upheld in society and otherwise) and the fact that you don't have to put too much effort into studying to know what you believe (because you can just listen to the pope and your priest and you're fine). These are just some reasons I can think of off the top of my head. The truth is, for some people, it is very attractive. I can certainly understand the attractiveness. Hope this helps.
Thank you for your answer to Q10. (I linked to it in my recent blog post about politics/this election; I'm so grateful to have resources like this to point people to.) And thank you for being forthright and speaking truth. May we all be so bold, so tied to biblical truth, and so full of the grace of Christ toward others. It shouldn't be rare, but it is.
Pray without ceasing, its foolish to say it to do during sleep. However you can do it without stopping as you have infact enlightened me to it just by saying it. Not giving up on prayer even after 5 years. Fantastic analogy! It makes sense, Because God tells us our prayers will be answered, As you pray think it is already being done. (Smile with your Heart) To smile with your heart think of someone you love and imagine them with a happy face a happy sense. and you will feel your heart change, that is smiling with your heart, This can also heal certain things but enough with that. And obviously prayers wont come immediately for most, for a rare few perhaps yea, but remember the things you are praying for will be given in Gods house.
Thank you! That word on prayer really convicted me. I spend a shameful amount of time on my phone, and I hate that I do. I'm going to pray before reaching today!
If you vote, you will always be voting for the lessor of two evils, or if you prefer, the greater good. Man is fallen. Until Jesus comes back we, will be ruled by sinful "man".
Question #6 concerning Matthew 24:14 seems to coincide with Revelation 14:6 "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue and people--"
Great reminder on Prayer, I really appreciated that! On Question 2, I did a project on Hell recently. See below for the verses dealing with the topic of hell summarized into categories by the descriptive words they use. (I did not include the references simply to sheol or 'the grave' that do not clearly speak of the afterlife) Fire (Ezekiel 28:18, Isaiah 50:11, Isaiah 66:24,Matthew 5:29-30 Matthew 13:49-50, Matthew 18:8-9, Matthew 25:41, Mark 9:43-48, Luke 16:24, 2 Thess 1:8, James 3:6, Rev 14:10-11, Rev 19:3, Rev 19:20, Rev 20:10-15, Rev 21:8) Eternal (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:26, 2 Thess 1:9, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3, Rev 20:10) Torment / Affliction (Isaiah 50:11, Luke 16:23-24, Luke 16:28, 2 Thess 1:6, Rev 2:11, Rev 14:11, Rev 20:10) Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:49-50, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 24:51, Matthew 25:30, Luke 13:28) Destruction (Psalm 92:7, Ezekiel 28:18-19, Matthew 10:28, 2 Thess 1:9) Second Death (Rev 2:11, Rev 20:6, Rev 20:14, Rev 21:8) Punishment (Nahum 1:2-3, Isaiah 24:21-22, Matthew 25:46) Outer Darkness (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 25:30) Worm does not die (Isaiah 66:24, Mark 9:43-48) Wrath (Romans 2:5, Eph 5:5-6) Judgment (Matthew 11:22, Romans 2:5) Note, the most common descriptor is Fire, followed by eternal, torment, affliction, etc. As for Annihilationism I was more open to this view prior to doing my analysis. See below for my thoughts after having parsed through all this. Some hold to a view of Hell known as Annihilationism or conditional immortality, wherein those who are unsaved are ultimately removed from existence rather than suffering eternally. While this seems much more emotionally palatable, the Biblical evidence for this is sketchy at best. The primary references used for this view are those of Destruction (See above), however, note that the most common descriptors of Hell are those of Fire, Torment, Eternality, and Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth. The argument for annihilationism would view the eternality as referencing Destruction (being eternally erased from existence), but all the other descriptors as being only temporary; that there is some form of temporal torment which will upon a certain period of time eventually lead to ultimate destruction. While this may be tenable, it certainly seems to be stretching the text. We know all people will be resurrected to face judgment, which certainly strikes against an extreme form of conditional immortality wherein only the righteous have existence beyond death: "having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." Acts 24:15 I believe that the best individual pushback to Annihilationism comes from the following passage: "Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”" Rev 14:9-11 Note that this speaks of people, not angels, and their torment goes up forever and ever. In order to rescue annihilationism one would have to appeal to a pre-millennial eschatology and a different general rule of eternal punishment for those who worship the beast vs those who simply die in unbelief, which is going way too far in trying to force an interpretation onto the text vs taking it at face value. A counterargument may come from the following: "just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire." Jude 7 The story here is the cities being destroyed by fire, yet Jude references it as punishment of eternal fire. An annihilationist may use this to try to explain how fire and eternality and punishment all fit under the umbrella of destruction, but it seems to rather be referencing that the eternal fate of those cities mirrors their temporal fate.
I just think the traditional view of hell is so widespread that it's etched into our psyche and we read it into scripture. What I do know is that in the Bible, the term forever in many cases does not really mean forever. That alone made me consider looking into the annihilation view. I actually believe the annihilation view has a much stronger case than eternal conscious torment. Don't fear him who can destroy the body, but fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell. I also don't think it makes sense that the angels will be watching the burning of people simultaneously while experiencing eternity. I think when the Bible mentions that heaven and earth will melt with a fervent heat, all evil will be banished from the new world. The righteous who have taken on immortality will live in joy and peace knowing that their unsaved loved ones are not burning forever while they are having a great time. I think one should actually look into the term " weeping and gnashing " of teeth from an old Jewish perspective and they'll discover that it's not how we typically see it. And as far as I've studied, the concept of eternal conscious torment was not spoken about in the old testament and not known to anyone during that time. Its actually a new concept many centuries after the early church. After I watched a couple annihilists skillfully rebut Alan Parr's video on hell, I saw how Alan Parr was simply regurgitating talking points of the traditionalist with a very surface level of understanding of the various texts that he took out of context. It's definitely understandable though, especially when you're not going through great lengths to examine the text from from an ancient context.
@@andrewmontague1339 The term forever when contrasting heaven and hell I think is disingenuous to say is forever when talking about heaven but not when talking about hell. “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:45-46. I'm always weary of when the straightforward reading of a passage is supposedly completely different than the 'historical' or 'jewish' way of reading it. That's not to say your research is wrong, I haven't looked into that, but I also have seen plenty of folks use that sort of appeal to try and get around various Biblical concepts by appealing to critical literature, so I always take it with a grain of salt. You might be right, just saying that's a possible concern. As far as Allen Parr he does generally use the surface level understanding of things, so I'm not surprised if there were some holes that could be shot at in his summary. I would add that I do think there's room in terms of what exactly the torment is, is the fire metaphorical or literal, etc. And there are also a multitude of passages that speak of people being judged according to their deeds "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." - 2 Cor 5:10 see also, 1 peter 1:15-17, rev 20:11-12, romans 2:9-16, jeremiah 17:10, etc So a pushback to the traditional view I would have to your point is that not everyone experiences exactly the same punishment. Now is that merely more or less hot fire or is it something else? I don't know and I trust God as a perfect judge to figure all that out. Point is, I think looking statistically at the most common descriptors by how many times they appear, we reach something akin to the eternal conscious torment view, but can leave particulars as either metaphorical for some form of suffering or literal (which I would lean towards). Also I think there may be a level of truth to C.S.Lewis's perspective in The Problem of Pain & The Great Divorce: “I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful, rebels to the end; that the doors of hell are locked on the inside. I do not mean that the ghosts may not wish to come out of hell, in the vague fashion wherein an envious man “wishes” to be happy: but they certainly do not will even the first preliminary stages of that self abandonment through which alone the soul can reach any good. They enjoy forever the horrible freedom they have demanded, and are therefore self enslaved: just as the blessed, forever submitting to obedience, become through all eternity more and more free. In the long run the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of hell, is itself a question: “What are you asking God to do?” To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help? But He has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them? They will not be forgiven. To leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what He does.” C.S.Lewis - The Problem of Pain (P.130)
Some pushback #2: *You said:* Eternal (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:26, 2 Thess 1:9, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3, Rev 20:10) *My response:* 'I don't see "eternal" in Isaiah 66:24 (corpses on earth) or Luke 16:26. As for your other verses, a lot is riding on this: Whenever hell, the lake of fire or destruction is said to be "eternal," "everlasting" or "forever," it's based on the Greek word _aionios._ A google search of "aionios" will reveal many opinions about its meaning. There are excellent reasons to believe it should be translated "of an age." The adjective _aionios_ is derived from the noun _aion,_ which means "eon" or "age." Eons and ages are long but *finite* periods of time. The very literal Rotherham's Emphasized Bible version translates _aionios_ as "age-abiding." Young's Literal Translation says "age-during," which means during an age. Also, the phrase "forever and ever" is nonsensical, since nothing can be added to "forever." This is a serious red flag -- not about biblical authority but about this common translation from the Greek. Young's Literal Translation translates Rev. 14:10: "and they shall be tormented day and night--to the ages of the ages." This makes perfect sense, especially since both _aionas_ and _aionon_ are plural nouns. Highly regarded evangelical Bible expositor G. Campbell Morgan wrote: "Let me say to Bible students that we must be very careful how we use the word 'eternity.' We have fallen into great error in our constant use of that word. There is no word in the whole Book of God corresponding with our 'eternal,' which, as commonly used among us, means absolutely without end. The strongest Scripture word used with reference to the existence of God, is--'Unto the ages of the ages,' which does not literally mean eternally." _--God's Methods with Man_ More to come if time permits.
More pushback (#2): *You said:* Eternal (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:26, 2 Thess 1:9, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3, Rev 20:10) *My response:* 'I don't see "eternal" in Isaiah 66:24 (an earthly scene) or Luke 16:26. As for your other verses, a lot is riding on this: Whenever hell, the lake of fire or destruction is said to be "eternal," "everlasting" or "forever," it's based on the Greek word _aionios._ A google search of "aionios" will reveal many opinions about its meaning. There are excellent reasons to believe it should be translated "of an age." The adjective _aionios_ is derived from the noun _aion,_ which means "eon" or "age." Eons and ages are long but *finite* periods of time. The very literal Rotherham's Emphasized Bible version translates _aionios_ as "age-abiding." Young's Literal Translation says "age-during," which means during an age. Also, the phrase "forever and ever" is nonsensical, since nothing can be added to "forever." This is a serious red flag -- not about biblical authority but about this common translation from the Greek. Young's Literal Translation translates Rev. 14:10: "and they shall be tormented day and night--to the ages of the ages." This makes perfect sense, especially since both _aionas_ and _aionon are plural nouns. Highly regarded evangelical Bible expositor G. Campbell Morgan wrote: "Let me say to Bible students that we must be very careful how we use the word 'eternity.' We have fallen into great error in our constant use of that word. There is no word in the whole Book of God corresponding with our 'eternal,' which, as commonly used among us, means absolutely without end. The strongest Scripture word used with reference to the existence of God, is--'Unto the ages of the ages,' which does not literally mean eternally." _--God's Methods with Man_ More to come if time permits.
More pushback (#3): *You said:* Eternal (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:26, 2 Thess 1:9, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3, Rev 20:10) *My response:* I don't see "eternal" in Isaiah 66:24 (an earthly scene) or Luke 16:26. As for your other verses, a lot is riding on this: Whenever hell, the lake of fire or destruction is said to be "eternal," "everlasting" or "forever," it's based on the Greek word _aionios._ A google search of "aionios" will reveal many opinions about its meaning. There are excellent reasons to believe it should be translated "of an age." The adjective _aionios_ is derived from the noun _aion,_ which means "eon" or "age." Eons and ages are long but *finite* periods of time. The very literal Rotherham's Emphasized Bible version translates _aionios_ as "age-abiding." Young's Literal Translation says "age-during," which means during an age. Also, the phrase "forever and ever" is nonsensical, since nothing can be added to "forever." This is a serious red flag -- not about biblical authority but about this common translation from the Greek. Young's Literal Translation translates Rev. 14:10: "and they shall be tormented day and night--to the ages of the ages." This makes perfect sense, especially since both _aionas_ and _aionon_ are plural nouns. Highly regarded evangelical Bible expositor G. Campbell Morgan wrote: "Let me say to Bible students that we must be very careful how we use the word 'eternity.' We have fallen into great error in our constant use of that word. There is no word in the whole Book of God corresponding with our 'eternal,' which, as commonly used among us, means absolutely without end. The strongest Scripture word used with reference to the existence of God, is--'Unto the ages of the ages,' which does not literally mean eternally." -- _God's Methods with Man_ More to come if time permits.
I would submit that "rejoicing" differs from thanksgiving. They can be done at the same time, but they're different. We remember that the English word rejoice or joy is chosen for chairos (the Greek word there) because it communicates the experience of pleasure especially after hoping for it for a long time. This is captured quite well in "we count it all joy when we enter diverse temptations" in others words, we find pleasure/we're delighted/we're pleased when we enter persecution. I submit he's giving three commands here, not bookending one with two of the same commands. We're to delight (presumably in the Lord) always, pray regularly, and give thanks in all things.
@faithandreason #5 I understand the question as, if forgiveness is allowed, your friend won't be able to stop sinning. As the people who think Christians use God's forgiveness as an excuse to remain sinful since we are forgiven. Sounds like a lack of understanding, a deep Mike Winger type understanding of what forgiveness actually is. A forgiveness that deserves a debt of gratitude, and that gratitude, as spoken about in Q#1, is the one that makes us holier and less sinful. Your friend is leaning on their own understanding, counting on their own flesh to become holy. They will find it so much easier to really truly give it to God. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom!
The Lord is teaching me this RIGHT NOW- the last 5 weeks. 🥰 RE: How do I pray without ceasing? It’s praying in The Spirit (in tongues)! And you can pray in The Spirit WHILE having a conversation with someone. ….and it changes EVERYthing.
@@Chipsomedip Indeed. Tongues is a spiritual Gift. And we are exhorted to desire & earnestly seek the spiritual Gifts. (They are for building one another up in The Body.) Also, Paul desired that all would speak in tongues. (For good reason.) Here is wisdom: Anything that is not Faith is sin. Without Faith it is impossible to please God. Don’t allow the world & the kingdom of darkness deceive you out of Faith in any matter.
@@ingela_injeela Just shared these 2 Scriptures: We are exhorted to desire & earnestly seek the spiritual Gifts- tongues is on that list. (They are for building one another up in The Body.) Also, Paul desired that all would speak in tongues. The Lord has taught me this: Every good thing is a gift. (Truly understanding this is the beginning of humility…which is essential for truly walking in The Love of Christ for those around us. ❤) So then, if you find that you lack/need any good thing…. simply ask your Father, in Faith *in* Him- WHO He is (What father would give a snake or scorpion to his child?…). If you do not receive, it is because of 1 of 3 things: 1- You didn’t ask 2- You asked with corrupt motives (selfish gain) 3- You didn’t ask in Faith (Faith = utterly convinced by God that He is exactly Who He says He is and His Heart, Character, Nature & Ways are exactly as He has proclaimed & demonstrated them to be.) James 1 explains that the one who asks without Faith: 1- Will be tossed about like the waves of the sea (wavering back & forth between opinions; What God has said -vs- thoughts which set themselves up against the knowledge of God) 2- *Cannot* receive (that word for “receive” is literally “actively, aggressively lay hold of something that is available”) anything from God. So, it’s not that God withhold any good thing from the one who doesn’t have Faith…. It’s that unbelief hinders the person from LAYING HOLD OF what God has given. So then… Anyone who earnestly desires the spiritual gift of tongues should simply ask The Father for this gift and receive it. 💕 Hope that’s a blessing to you. PS: Here’s another fun one He taught me in this “everything is a gift” lesson…. If you lack Faith… This too is a gift. ❤ So… all you have to do is ask your Father to please increase your Faith. 💕 He will. 🥰
@@kingjesusreigns @kingjesusreigns Paul desired all to speak in tongues but not all do. Just like God’s will is for all to be saved but not all are. Its the way you insinuate that all must pray in tongues that is the issue, its along the lines of the denominations that claim that only those who speak in tongues are saved. Those are very foolish things to say.
Thanks Mike again for your answers. Regarding the marriage question I would stress the public aspect of marriage more. At the first marriage in scripture (between Adam and Eve) the biblical author gives commentary by saying: Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife (Gn.2:24). I find it very interesting that the author stresses this point of leaving your father and mother first before joining to your wife (as Adam and Eve didn't have parents of course). So to me this clearly teaches the public nature of marriage. From this moment you are no longer part of your father and mother (in a certain sense) but form a new cell in society. So it is at least known to your parents (generally speaking) but by implication also to the rest of your community. The people surrounding you know that you are no longer available but belong to eachother. So marriage isn't decided between a man and a woman (in the bedroom) just before God (for the excuse that they can now sleep together) but is made known to the family/community/tribe etc. first (however this is filled in culturally speaking).
The Bible is history that includes the Word of God. It took place in certain regions and is primarily about redeeming the Israelites who were divided into two kingdoms. The term world oftentimes refer to the people.
Regarding question 4, the Gospel of Luke explains why they wanted to go into the swine, once the legion were cast out: Luke 8:30-32 - "Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them." As Luke confirms, the reason why they wanted to go into swine was so that they wouldn't be cast into the abyss or the bottomless pit after being exorcised out of the man, the same place that Satan will be bound in for a thousand years in Revelation 20.
One of the best sets of questions in a while! Great video. For question #3, I'm firmly on the side personally not to curse, but I can understand the side of others who disagree about the words but affirm the importance of being careful of how we speak or not actually "cursing" people by using words in a negative way against someone. The issue I get to is that humans get to decide in a very non-authoritative way which words are obscene or cussing. I feel there should be something more objective than that. I don't imagine God having a list, and if he does, it's not the same as ours. Thoughts?
I don’t like profanity. I used to have a foul tongue. Christ has changed me a lot over the last few years. The Bible is clear. Be exact in your speech keep profane talk from your lips.
It's by my spirit says the Lord, Just think upon the things of God, draw close to him and respond to what he places on your heart. and remember his burden is light and his yoke is easy.
Mike, thanks for Friday Questions. I always learn. I have a question. When God knit me together in my mother's womb, didn't He create my personality, my physical attributes, and my emotions? There's a new worship thought that we aren't supposed to be emotional during worship or have an emotional experience (tears). Why? Some worship songs bring me to tears because I feel my own sin deeply and I am so thankful for God's love and forgiveness. Why is this wrong?
There really isnt anything wrong if certain songs touch your heart just as a pastor can give a sermon that convicts you. Which is a good thing it makes us look inside ourselves and our flaws realistically. That makes us closer to Jesus and we can improve our thoughts and behavior.
@@TruthIsAsOldAsGod I get that. I'm 70. I understand the BEH effect. But it seems like we just sing songs now because we're supposed to. Our songs are mostly fast and loud with heavy keyboard and drums...it's almost like we're not supposed to 'feel' anything. My prayer...come Thou fount of every blessing, "tune" my heart to sing Thy praise. ❤
1:20:00 that’s why Ecclesiastes chapter 3 is so important to remember. I’m honestly surprised how many Christians aren’t aware of it or forget about it.
#5... Forgiveness does not equal no consequences. If you cheat on your spouse, they can forgive you. But that doesn't mean you won't have to build back trust, go to counseling, establish accountability partners, delete any private social media and share with your spouse, and any other problematic issues that led to your indiscretion. Life doesn't just go back to the way it was. There are consequences. Forgiveness is acknowledging that we all sin and fall short of God's glory. We shouldn't be surprised that we sometimes hurt each other. But, say a crime is involved. Forgiveness doesn't mean you won't be facing legal action. It's a recognition of our tendency to sin, but you still may face jail time.
On question 6 pastor Mike I disagree. Why? Well in most situations with ppl who study end times, including me. It makes us get up off our butt and push the gospel, to tell ppl about Jesus and start ministries like I'm trying to do because we see that time is so short that we have work to do as his return approaches. I see many who don't talk end times, many many churches that never speak on revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel etc because they're afraid to "scare off" there congregations. When in actually they would be doing 2 things..1 equipping the church for these days and 2 getting them to understand its not fearing but but getting excited for his return in such a way you get up and spread the message that much more. Prophecy is nearly 30 percent of the bible and its way under used for God's glory to excite the church and get them working harder than ever. We who study end times and the rapture are ao misunderstood. I wish you'd do a interview with pastor Tom Hughes of hope for our time on this subject, he watches you sometimes he said....on question 10, it's like this, which candidate will leave me in best situation to spread the gospel. Clue, it's not kamala. God bless, I hope you respond. Yeah I disagree on question 6 but I still love you brother Mike and your ministry!!!
about the first question: what is also important is that *prayer* is not the same Greek word as *ask* (like 1 John uses it) so prayer is distinct from asking God (however, it may encompass it).
Moses had to hold his hands up while the Israelites fought the Amalekites, and when he didn't the Israelites started to lose the battle. Sometimes prayer is just an act of obedience to build up endurance and perseverance which leads to character and ultimately hope!
Let's open a can of worms: sex can exist apart from marriage, but marriage cannot exist without sex. It has always been the case in the Jewish and Christian culture that a marriage has to be consummated in order to be a marriage. You cannot become "one flesh" without sex. I think everyone knows where I am going with this. Fun fact: Matthew 1:25 pretty clearly states that Joseph and Mary consummated their marriage. Another fun fact: the idea of the perpetual virginity of Mary, didn't appear until halfway through the second century with the so-called infancy gospels of James and Thomas. Both of these books were rejected by the Catholic church as forgeries and fictional. And yet, for some reason, they adopted beliefs about Mary that existed solely in those books.
@@junk3996 Catholics will argue that Mary and Joseph always intended to have a sexless marriage, even before Jesus was announced to them. First of all, there is no evidence that any such marriage arrangement ever existed in Jewish culture. Second, it is literally a requirement in the Catholic church to be intending to have children to get married. Why don't they allow the type of marriage that they claim the "perfect" mother of Jesus had?
@@rosemary6907 nobody cares what our legal system deems. it only matters what it is and what matters to God legally you just go pay for a piece of paper and sign it, boom you're married. but that doesnt make you one flesh
How are we able to trust the commitment to any given candidate has to Biblical standards while in office given how prolific the lying is as a standard practice for professional politicians? I believe it is incumbent on more Christians to prayerfully consider running for all levels of government office as a limited service as God directs us. Bonus concept: government is not the solution to the problems our sin has caused, only God can fix this broken Creation and our job is to share The Good News in anticipation. Therefore, The Church (universal not any denomination) is to work on a person by person basis to change the world rather than rely on governmental agencies to ‘fix’ sin situations.
❤ Purgatory is Prison ❤. 1 Peter 3 verse 19 It was in the spirit also that he went to preach to the spirits in prison. 20 They had disobeyed as long ago as Noah's day, etc etc. Chapter 4 verse 6. The reason the gospel was preached even to the dead was that, although condemned in the flesh in the eyes of men, they might live in the spirit in the eyes of God. ❤
26:58 wouldn’t Philippians 3:8 be a general use of that term, and not literally meaning dung? From my understanding that would be the equivalent of our modern S word used in that same context. It is used more as colorful language than an expletive. But it seems pretty relevant and shouldn’t be swept under the rug without mention.
Jesus says “Be perfect” (an unreachable, impossible to reach Goal) maybe pray without ceasing means… Aim to pray as much as possible, apply your mind & get creative in ways to adhere to this command (and privilege) to pray without ceasing 😉
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:31 {How to Pray Without Ceasing} What does it mean to "pray without ceasing" as instructed in 1Thessalonians 5: 17, and how do we practically achieve this?
2. 17:44 {Proof of Annihilationism?} Does Isaiah 66: 24 prove annihilationism? The only counter verse seems to be Revelation 14: 10-11 and most of the Bible talks about Sheol, perishing, or the wages being death.
3. 25:35 {WHY is Cussing Wrong?} I know I'm "supposed to" believe cuss words are bad to use as a Christian, but can you help me REALLY understand why? Most of them don't "feel" wrong to say in casual settings, especially if I'm by MYSELF (home alone and I trip or something).
4. 33:11 {Demons Drowning - Why?} When Jesus cast the Legion of demons into the swine, why do they proceed to drown themselves? It showed the validity of the man being healed, but what was the actual reason for the demons to do so?
5. 38:37 {Can We Truly Learn if Forgiven?} My friend says he doesn't want forgiveness because he won't learn from his mistakes if he doesn't face consequences. How would you respond?
6. 45:26 {Must All People Hear before Rapture?} Does Matthew 24: 14 teach that the rapture will not happen until all people groups hear the Gospel? Or could Christ return before this happens?
7. 53:39 {Marriage in God’s Eyes} What does it take for someone to be considered married in the eyes of God? A ceremony? A presiding religious leader? Religious words spoken? Having a legal certificate? Intimate acts?
8. 1:01:35 {Are We Judged Twice?} Are we judged twice? Luke 16: 19-23 and Revelation 20: 11-13 suggest so.
9. 1:09:41 {Can WE Bless GOD?} Popular worship song lyrics say things like "I bless You" (as in we humans can bless God) and "You are enough, so I am enough." Is this biblical? Does Christ's righteousness imparted onto us also make us "enough"?
10. 1:20:27 {Voting for the “Lesser of 2 Evils”?} Is it biblical to vote for “the lesser of two evils”? Could you point to something in Scripture to help us understand why or why not?
3)Cussing is wrong, be aware of music, social media, tv streaming and people you surround yourself with, you become that. Spend time in the secret place daily, Jesus does a work in us. We’re called to speak blessings and not curses so we don’t give the devil a foothold open door in our lives. We’re to sincerely ask God for help by asking for forgiveness. And certainly don’t use the Lords name in vain in the place of damm or Sh&#, it’s normalized in today’s society, some Christian do it. We need Gods help.🙏🕊️
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Exodus 20:7
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”
the explanation for question 4 (the *swine were unclean* anyway) makes so much sense! I think Mike just figured it out, please tell him. Thanks and God bless! :D
Is there a punishment for hidden cameras and eavesdropping devices in the Bible?
See the stream line bellow (crawler line) the b4eaks in the line are exact to topics/question timeline.
I pray usually before or after reading scripture every evening. And I speak to God throughout the day when lead to. It's confusing because God says He's not impressed by many words, so I'm straight to the point. I also will pray for others at times when I see the need or asked. Still I know I could do better but it somehow never comes to mind.
💐💐💐💐💐Please pray for salvation for my husband, Pete and my two sons, Chris and Nick
Will do
@user-jt3ex9pl8s,
Prayer for your husband and sons continues sister!
God bless and keep you and yours always! 🙏🕊️
@@MikeWingerThank you very much❤
@@DaysOfNoah17_15Thank you and God bless you 🕊️
Will pray for all three of them. I hope your family realizes that God is everything and that following him means tribulation and trials, but Jesus is with us the whole entire way. Just like Psalm 23:4 NKJV says: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Last week you scolded me and this week you comforted me, and for BOTH I thank you. God bless.
My husband said… “Joy is the product of a thankful heart!” ❤️
I've been listening to Mike Winger for a few years. Not every video, but a lot of them. I always benefit so much that it's hard to put it into words. Mike Winger is literally the most thorough and straightforward and sense making expositor of biblical questions that I have ever heard and I will never grow tired or weary of listening to his teaching.
My 2 year old is mocking you, Mike. I'm sorry, I can't control him.
When you asked, "is it possible?" During question 4, my child began repeating that over and over in his deepest, derpiest, voice that he can do.
Pray for him... Better yet... Pray for me!
Your little boy sounds ADORABLE 😅
Well, now I’m really excited to hear Question 4 😂
I often forget the many times God has powerfully worked when I have prayed. Sometimes I get discouraged or distracted to pray. Thank you, Mike, for this encouraging and thoughtful reminder to make serious time for prayer.
Amen! Yes, I needed that reminder also.
Me too man, make note of those moments! Like make a list in your phone of your prayers or at least the main idea of them and then you can reflect and see how the Lord has worked through them later in hindsight!
@@mateorosado6857 Amen!
The cell phone -vs- prayer analogy got me! Thank you, Pastor Mike!
Same
I start my prayer with psalms 103. I thank him for his many benefits. Read it. My favorite chapter of the Bible at present.
Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been reading that chapter several times daily for about a week now. Really enjoying it, and getting a lot of comfort from it
I’ll have to check this out! Thanks!
I have learned how to be grateful, even in the darkness, when it hurts most. I am grateful for the very thing that is painful as I know it builds perseverance and my faith. God bless you all!
Please pray for me, I’ve been living with an abusive and cheating spouse for so long the stress has caused me to have shingles and I can’t read in my right eye from excessive cortisol due to extreme stress. I’m a healthy 29 year old and I’m going blind in my right eye from the stress right now. Thanks
I'm so sorry that you're going through that 😟 I'll definitely pray for you. Stay strong brother! God will show you the right path if you allow him to lead you. Leaving your cheating spouse would most likely be a great idea if she's causing you this level of stress. Pray about it first though. I hope everything works out in your favor.
@@JosiahPlaisance praying for you. May God give you peace and even joy that is unexplainable in your stressful situation.
I pray that you can get yourself into a healthier, safer situation so your body can heal.
🙏 praying for you
Praying 🙏
There is a worship song like that! 😊 Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
@@heatherkerr7254 I love that song. It's been along time since I have heard it tho.
I lovvvvvvve this song
I love that song.
Yes, I love that song! 🇦🇺
I love that song!
I found this channel because of your Reckless Love or Reckless Theology video. It was helpful to me as a worship leader. Your channel has been a huge blessing to me ever since! May God continue to renew your strength and make your work effective and glorifying to Him.
P.S. Thanks for sharing about the importance christians doing TH-cam. It was inspiring to me. May God be glorified, and people blessed, through all of us.
1:11:11 (about question 9 talking about worship lyrics.)
Mike, thank you for this channel. It gives me peace every Friday.
".... we are more conscious of ourselves than we are of God...more conscious of me talking as opposed to being conscious of God who is listening."
Game. Changer.
Thank you Mike Winger!
3x I had to pause & rewind you to write it down. (9:30-10:00) wow. The powerlessness of the person coming in to prayer to a powerful God.
I feel God already knows what I’m going to pray for, what I need, don’t need in advance, but it is good to pray for what you need, for others and be grateful for what you have received.
God bless you Mike Winger and please, if you happen to see this, pray for me also
I know I'm not Mike, but I'll pray for you today
@@morninglynn6281 Bless you
On #5, Mike , this feels more like pride than some sort of self-help. Not wanting forgiveness is a deliberate defiance of God's presence
Thank you for the rebuke about prayer!!!
Amen Please continue to pray pray my grandkids who live with me and myself for healing and protection and safety Thank you Lord
I also am a Grandma who loves my Grandchildren. I will pray for you
Praise God for your courage and boldness, brother Mike!
Hey Mike! My 9 month old baby loves listening to these with me! He always crawls toward my phone when he hears your voice. Thanks for helping me motivate him to crawl!
This episode blessed me. I have not been praying enough after I had kids. Thank you Mike for giving me this reminder. 🙏
You have NO idea how much bibl8cal understanding to so many issues has greatly helped my christian walk...I listen with my earpod in at work and also go in and listen to your older teachings. You are biblically on point teaching in a way that even I can understand..God Bless you for all you do and thank you..THANK YOU
Mike, thanks for the reminder to be more intentional about prayer, and choosing to put down distractions to spend time in prayer. It’s so easy to put off!
I totally agree that repetition in a worship song (Q9) isn't inherently a bad thing! And I'm so glad you added that to that answer, Mike. There have been times in my life, especially when things were tough, when it was at the 15th repetition that it finally. sunk. in. that God is, in fact, SO good. Or that He does, in fact, love ME. Or that He is, truly, WORTHY of all my praise. Those times, I needed that repetition. And I would have been glad for it to continue, because those things are worth saying and meaning more than once! I love that the Psalms show us that repetition. Indeed, His mercy endures forever. 🙌
My leaning is towards annihilation rather than eternal conscious torment, and would choose Malachi 4:1-3 as a better proof text than the closing verses of Isaiah. Having said that, being right with God is infinitely preferable to finding out the hard way which of the multitude of opinions is closest to the truth.
I agree. Most visual metaphors we have in the bible seems to scream... death- not conscious torment. Being burned up, turned to ash, being eaten by a worm... dying. What do those things sound like? Can a person be eaten by a worm forever, can they burn forever, can they be made ash and still conscious? I know it can seem like annihilationists jump thru hoops to prove their views for convenient reasons, but to me it seems like you'd have to jump thru more hoops to prove the traditional view of hell based on these descriptions. The "knashing of teeth" passages align with annihilationism as well, since the view includes judgement and regret, with death coming eventually. Could be wrong though, just my thoughts. Praise Jesus
I lean toward annihilation too. I’ve been studying this topic for nearly a year. I’m only comfortable considering it as possibly true because it doesn’t change the Gospel regardless which is true but it does deeply impact theology, specifically, God’s character. I think people just look at His Just and Holiness natures and neglect the reality of how merciful, gracious and compassionate He is.
If God forgives us in this life simply by believing in Jesus and gifts us eternal life for that, if we are not immortal in our being until after the resurrection and glorification of our bodies, why would we have eternal spiritual life that is full of torment just for not believing in Jesus during a temporal life, which starts out with us being deceived…?
And Judaism doesn’t really have a hell, they just believe everyone not made right with God will forever burn in His presence because He is holy and an all consuming fire.
And also, Jesus talked about hell a lot but he compared it to a garbage constantly burning with flames off the cliff of Jerusalem… if it was a place to suffer forever consciously- why didn’t Jesus compare it to a prison or something?
But I’m still exploring. I just want the truth.
I would say this is one of those issues that the Bible really doesn't make clear. And it's ok to disagree. We will only find out after the judgement.
Thank you Mike for your words of wisdom and encouragement in this 10 Questions session! Of course, I really enjoy your answers each week but today was especially thoughtful and well stated. I know that as Christians, Brothers & Sisters in the Family of God, we will not always agree but I absolutely agree that arguing and fighting will never solve any issues. We should be able to have discussions with differing opinions without harsh words or anger. Thanks again for your words of calm, wisdom and love!
Thank you Mike for your great insight. However in # 10 loving people and treating people equally is greater good for me.
Never thought of cussing as something that makes me manly or empowers me. My guess would be it is how its like for you. Sadly, I still cuss, when I'm alone. But not because I think to myself "finally I'm alone, let the cussing begin!". It just happens automatically, without plan or thought. I just stop cussing when I'm with someone and start when talking to myself. Don't know how or why, but I did notice to "sometimes" catch myself cussing, while before it didn't even registered in my brain. I guess any bit helps...
This video was stuck in my recommended no matter how often I refreshed. God did not want me to procrastinate on this one. Thank you for the reminder and your diligent work as always
God bless Mike and his ministry!
Be open to any and all directions at all times. . "Ask and you shall receive." We either ask the world or we ask God.
Jesus told his disciples to live without any money to depend on God. I did this for a year in a foreign country. It attuned me to listening when I was in need that gave me the habit for the last 35 years.
Thank you, Mike, for what you said about the upcoming election. I now have an answer to give my sister as to why she should vote. I so appreciate you ministry that you have followed God's leading.
I really, really enjoyed the first question. I have been to at least a dozen churches and no pastor has broken down praying without ceasing like you did in this video. Excellent!! I have listened to the first question a few times. Thank you!
Love you Mike ❤ Jesus Christ loves me so much he died for a brutal sinner like me 😢❤❤❤
Yes God convicted me when I turned to depression, in depression I hated everything and was unhappy with everything, God convicted my heart and told me to start thanking Him. After I forced myself to thank God for what I do have my perspective started changing and the ball started rolling. I fell into a trap of the devil and that’s what got me out . Also Philippians 4:5,6,7, if you’re also anxious through depression to cast all your cares on him and with thankfulness, let your prayers be known to God and he’ll give you peace that surpasses all understanding”
Mike Wingeeeer, Mike Wingeeeer. Mike Winger the type of guy to say "oh bloop" when he stubs his toe
😅❤
I applaud your courage in speaking truth
As an Eastern Orthodox concert, I now understand the simplicity of the Jesus Prayer. It allows us at any point to direct prayer to God and clear our mind. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
PLEASE pray for my six adult children - David, Sarah, Leah, Joshua, Grace, Paul.....God Bless 🇦🇺
Thanks Pastor Mike!
Pushback on Q9: while half of Psalm 136 is repetition, the other half is a building up of eternal truths and historical recounts of God's love. The structure actively works against "empty" or "meaningless" repetition by bringing each new statement back to the common theme. The repetition used in many p&w song tracks is closer to brainwashing technique than to Psalm 136, IMO.
@mike winger I watched one of your old videos the other day from like a decade ago, how have you not aged, what’s your secret? 😂
I’ve come to think of praying without ceasing is a reflection of our relationship with Christ. As with any close earthly relationship, the closest of my friends know they can call me anytime, day or night. Prayer is conversation with God, and conversation is a two way street. Many times we are so focused on on tell God this and that, that we forgot to listen. God wants to not just hear our voice, but for us to hear Him. Picture if we have a live open phone connection with God. Whether we take a few moments to speak to God, or whether we are alert at other times to listen for what God wants to say to us, both actions of speaking and listening are what praying without ceasing is. At least that is how I have come to understand praying without ceasing. Is there potential for scripture references that could point to this being a logical understanding of this?
The problem with question #10 is that an opinion on abortion and/or trans laws doesn't automatically make one better than the other. Those are not issues that God places above all other ways that either side is immoral, unloving to their neighbors, etc. This is a big issue that so many Christians have. They place certain issues and sins above others that are equally important.
That answer to the last question really helped me out in my thinking, thank you Mike
I’m new to being a Christian only about a year. I’ve been praying every day more than once. My problem is that when I watch videos and people basically say pray with your whole heart. Sometimes you can’t. And I think isn’t it better to pray even if your heart isn’t in it. Because if you only pray when you feel your heart is in it then you’ll stop praying all together. It’s better to be in the habit of praying even when you don’t feel it. What do you think?
yes
I agree. A discipline is something you do even when you don't feel like doing it because you know that action will have long term benefits.
We have to do things based on knowledge, not feelings, because feelings are very fleeting.
Jesus wouldn't have gone to the cross if he succumbed to his feelings.
You are so right. Don't depend on emotions. As you say, just pray.
scripture says, the prayer of a righteous man availed much, if your in Christ your righteous there fore your prayer will availed much, it does not say a prayer of a full heart availed much. so keep praying dont trust feelings. trust Gods word.
Heavenly Father I pray with all of my heart and every fiber of my being that You will please come through for me...
Mike btw I was at the church sermon on Wednesday at grace when you preached it was awesome!
Do you know if that’s available somewhere online to listen to? Can you please let me know where to look?
@@sheresejames oh no I don’t think it is he was just a special guest that was invited to preach last Wednesday night. It’s for youth group (middle school and high school) it was about Jesus being a mediator for us. In hebrews 4 14-16? I think
@@Itsss_natnat that’s awesome! I wish it was recorded!
I think the lesson with the pigs is that demons leave one of two ways:
1. They are cast out,
2. They kill the vessel.
History tells us that... Every Great Nation’s Days Are Numbered. Sir John Bagot Glubb wrote this in the 1950’s. He was an Army General and historian. He studied eleven empires starting with the Assyrians in 859 B.C. and ending with the British in 1950. Sir John determined that each empire followed a remarkably similar pattern from birth to demise. Spanning a period of about 250 years, each went through the following 7 stages before their collapse:
1..The Age of Pioneers. 2. The Age of Conquests. 3. The Age of Commerce. 4. The Age of Affluence. 5. The Age of Intellect. 6. The Age of Decadence. 7. The Age of Decline & Collapse.
He also added these traits to the decline. Defensiveness, pessimism, materialism, frivolity, an influx of foreigners, the Welfare State, and a weakening of religion. To what did he attribute this decadence? Too long a period of wealth and power, selfishness, love of money, and the loss of a sense of duty. Again, please remember, this was written in the 1950’s.
USA…247 yrs of great power...Hummmmmm.......Looks like we are next…Jesus is returning very soon…
Several years back in the late 1940’s, Paul-Henry Spaak the first President of the United Nations General Assembly said “We do not want another committee, we have too many already. What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all people, and to lift us out of the economic morass (confusion) into which we are sinking. Send us such a man and be he God or devil, we will receive him.”-Paul Henri Spaak, the first president of the UN General Assembly, first president of the European Parliament, and onetime secretary general of NATO. God predicted this in His precious Bible almost two thousand years ago. Please read Revelation, chapter 13, especially verses 16 through 18. May the True and Living God of the Bible bless you. Amen and amen
Homosexuality. Pretty hard to deny. We’re going down.
I visited the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France yesterday. One body over way too many people (450 million diverse people) from 27 nations…. And way too much power.
A Short prayer to God all during the day is doable. How hard is it to say Jesus I thank you. Help me today. Praise you Lord. Thank you for this day. Protect my family today.Etc. It's easy to say short prayers all day and night.
This is awesome! I’ve been tossing the idea of becoming Catholic and hearing your videos help shed light on some questions I have!! Thank you! 🙏🏽
I'm curious as to what would make people think of becoming Catholic. Not condemning, just wondering.
@@master_miller Appreciate your shock & awe, it was for me to read that, as no way anything here would encourage that! Mike has great programs of TRUTH on Roman Catholic Church!! Maybe MARILYN meant CHRISTIAN??? Not catholic???
@@master_millerI think there are a couple of reasons someone might be considering it (as a protestant).
Alleged historicity, apparent unity, the brilliance of catholic theologians, seeming spirituality especially with the liturgies, the claimed authority of the pope (which can be attractive in a day when authority is barely respected or upheld in society and otherwise) and the fact that you don't have to put too much effort into studying to know what you believe (because you can just listen to the pope and your priest and you're fine).
These are just some reasons I can think of off the top of my head.
The truth is, for some people, it is very attractive. I can certainly understand the attractiveness.
Hope this helps.
You should do a whole episode on praying without ceasing
Thank you for your answer to Q10. (I linked to it in my recent blog post about politics/this election; I'm so grateful to have resources like this to point people to.) And thank you for being forthright and speaking truth. May we all be so bold, so tied to biblical truth, and so full of the grace of Christ toward others. It shouldn't be rare, but it is.
By comparing Mikes old videos to now, I’m convinced he’s a wizard on par with Gandalf and Mike does not age.
his beard is starting to get a little grey on the bottom of it
My 93 year old mother was watching this with me and found you very likable until the last question! Doh! We almost had her Mike. 😂
So you're saying she agrees w a woman who murders babies? No disrespect, trying to understand your comment. God Bless.
Pray without ceasing, its foolish to say it to do during sleep.
However you can do it without stopping as you have infact enlightened me to it just by saying it.
Not giving up on prayer even after 5 years. Fantastic analogy! It makes sense, Because God tells us our prayers will be answered, As you pray think it is already being done.
(Smile with your Heart) To smile with your heart think of someone you love and imagine them with a happy face a happy sense. and you will feel your heart change, that is smiling with your heart, This can also heal certain things but enough with that.
And obviously prayers wont come immediately for most, for a rare few perhaps yea, but remember the things you are praying for will be given in Gods house.
Thank you! That word on prayer really convicted me. I spend a shameful amount of time on my phone, and I hate that I do. I'm going to pray before reaching today!
If you vote, you will always be voting for the lessor of two evils, or if you prefer, the greater good. Man is fallen. Until Jesus comes back we, will be ruled by sinful "man".
Question #6 concerning Matthew 24:14 seems to coincide with Revelation 14:6 "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue and people--"
Just wanted to say thank you for doing this. It’s great to listen to while working. ❤
Great reminder on Prayer, I really appreciated that!
On Question 2, I did a project on Hell recently. See below for the verses dealing with the topic of hell summarized into categories by the descriptive words they use. (I did not include the references simply to sheol or 'the grave' that do not clearly speak of the afterlife)
Fire (Ezekiel 28:18, Isaiah 50:11, Isaiah 66:24,Matthew 5:29-30 Matthew 13:49-50, Matthew 18:8-9, Matthew 25:41, Mark 9:43-48, Luke 16:24, 2 Thess 1:8, James 3:6, Rev 14:10-11, Rev 19:3, Rev 19:20, Rev 20:10-15, Rev 21:8)
Eternal (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:26, 2 Thess 1:9, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3, Rev 20:10)
Torment / Affliction (Isaiah 50:11, Luke 16:23-24, Luke 16:28, 2 Thess 1:6, Rev 2:11, Rev 14:11, Rev 20:10)
Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:49-50, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 24:51, Matthew 25:30, Luke 13:28)
Destruction (Psalm 92:7, Ezekiel 28:18-19, Matthew 10:28, 2 Thess 1:9)
Second Death (Rev 2:11, Rev 20:6, Rev 20:14, Rev 21:8)
Punishment (Nahum 1:2-3, Isaiah 24:21-22, Matthew 25:46)
Outer Darkness (Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 25:30)
Worm does not die (Isaiah 66:24, Mark 9:43-48)
Wrath (Romans 2:5, Eph 5:5-6)
Judgment (Matthew 11:22, Romans 2:5)
Note, the most common descriptor is Fire, followed by eternal, torment, affliction, etc.
As for Annihilationism I was more open to this view prior to doing my analysis. See below for my thoughts after having parsed through all this.
Some hold to a view of Hell known as Annihilationism or conditional immortality, wherein those who are unsaved are ultimately removed from existence rather than suffering eternally. While this seems much more emotionally palatable, the Biblical evidence for this is sketchy at best. The primary references used for this view are those of Destruction (See above), however, note that the most common descriptors of Hell are those of Fire, Torment, Eternality, and Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth. The argument for annihilationism would view the eternality as referencing Destruction (being eternally erased from existence), but all the other descriptors as being only temporary; that there is some form of temporal torment which will upon a certain period of time eventually lead to ultimate destruction. While this may be tenable, it certainly seems to be stretching the text. We know all people will be resurrected to face judgment, which certainly strikes against an extreme form of conditional immortality wherein only the righteous have existence beyond death:
"having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." Acts 24:15
I believe that the best individual pushback to Annihilationism comes from the following passage:
"Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”" Rev 14:9-11
Note that this speaks of people, not angels, and their torment goes up forever and ever. In order to rescue annihilationism one would have to appeal to a pre-millennial eschatology and a different general rule of eternal punishment for those who worship the beast vs those who simply die in unbelief, which is going way too far in trying to force an interpretation onto the text vs taking it at face value.
A counterargument may come from the following:
"just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire." Jude 7
The story here is the cities being destroyed by fire, yet Jude references it as punishment of eternal fire. An annihilationist may use this to try to explain how fire and eternality and punishment all fit under the umbrella of destruction, but it seems to rather be referencing that the eternal fate of those cities mirrors their temporal fate.
I just think the traditional view of hell is so widespread that it's etched into our psyche and we read it into scripture. What I do know is that in the Bible, the term forever in many cases does not really mean forever. That alone made me consider looking into the annihilation view. I actually believe the annihilation view has a much stronger case than eternal conscious torment.
Don't fear him who can destroy the body, but fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell. I also don't think it makes sense that the angels will be watching the burning of people simultaneously while experiencing eternity. I think when the Bible mentions that heaven and earth will melt with a fervent heat, all evil will be banished from the new world. The righteous who have taken on immortality will live in joy and peace knowing that their unsaved loved ones are not burning forever while they are having a great time. I think one should actually look into the term " weeping and gnashing " of teeth from an old Jewish perspective and they'll discover that it's not how we typically see it. And as far as I've studied, the concept of eternal conscious torment was not spoken about in the old testament and not known to anyone during that time. Its actually a new concept many centuries after the early church. After I watched a couple annihilists skillfully rebut Alan Parr's video on hell, I saw how Alan Parr was simply regurgitating talking points of the traditionalist with a very surface level of understanding of the various texts that he took out of context. It's definitely understandable though, especially when you're not going through great lengths to examine the text from from an ancient context.
@@andrewmontague1339 The term forever when contrasting heaven and hell I think is disingenuous to say is forever when talking about heaven but not when talking about hell. “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:45-46.
I'm always weary of when the straightforward reading of a passage is supposedly completely different than the 'historical' or 'jewish' way of reading it. That's not to say your research is wrong, I haven't looked into that, but I also have seen plenty of folks use that sort of appeal to try and get around various Biblical concepts by appealing to critical literature, so I always take it with a grain of salt. You might be right, just saying that's a possible concern.
As far as Allen Parr he does generally use the surface level understanding of things, so I'm not surprised if there were some holes that could be shot at in his summary.
I would add that I do think there's room in terms of what exactly the torment is, is the fire metaphorical or literal, etc. And there are also a multitude of passages that speak of people being judged according to their deeds
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." - 2 Cor 5:10 see also, 1 peter 1:15-17, rev 20:11-12, romans 2:9-16, jeremiah 17:10, etc
So a pushback to the traditional view I would have to your point is that not everyone experiences exactly the same punishment. Now is that merely more or less hot fire or is it something else? I don't know and I trust God as a perfect judge to figure all that out. Point is, I think looking statistically at the most common descriptors by how many times they appear, we reach something akin to the eternal conscious torment view, but can leave particulars as either metaphorical for some form of suffering or literal (which I would lean towards). Also I think there may be a level of truth to C.S.Lewis's perspective in The Problem of Pain & The Great Divorce:
“I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful, rebels to the end; that the doors of hell are locked on the inside. I do not mean that the ghosts may not wish to come out of hell, in the vague fashion wherein an envious man “wishes” to be happy: but they certainly do not will even the first preliminary stages of that self abandonment through which alone the soul can reach any good. They enjoy forever the horrible freedom they have demanded, and are therefore self enslaved: just as the blessed, forever submitting to obedience, become through all eternity more and more free. In the long run the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of hell, is itself a question: “What are you asking God to do?” To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help? But He has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them? They will not be forgiven. To leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what He does.” C.S.Lewis - The Problem of Pain (P.130)
Some pushback #2:
*You said:*
Eternal (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:26, 2 Thess 1:9, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3, Rev 20:10)
*My response:*
'I don't see "eternal" in Isaiah 66:24 (corpses on earth) or Luke 16:26.
As for your other verses, a lot is riding on this: Whenever hell, the lake of fire or destruction is said to be "eternal," "everlasting" or "forever," it's based on the Greek word _aionios._ A google search of "aionios" will reveal many opinions about its meaning. There are excellent reasons to believe it should be translated "of an age." The adjective _aionios_ is derived from the noun _aion,_ which means "eon" or "age." Eons and ages are long but *finite* periods of time. The very literal Rotherham's Emphasized Bible version translates _aionios_ as "age-abiding." Young's Literal Translation says "age-during," which means during an age.
Also, the phrase "forever and ever" is nonsensical, since nothing can be added to "forever." This is a serious red flag -- not about biblical authority but about this common translation from the Greek.
Young's Literal Translation translates Rev. 14:10: "and they shall be tormented day and night--to the ages of the ages." This makes perfect sense, especially since both _aionas_ and _aionon_ are plural nouns.
Highly regarded evangelical Bible expositor G. Campbell Morgan wrote:
"Let me say to Bible students that we must be very careful how we use the word 'eternity.' We have fallen into great error in our constant use of that word. There is no word in the whole Book of God corresponding with our 'eternal,' which, as commonly used among us, means absolutely without end. The strongest Scripture word used with reference to the existence of God, is--'Unto the ages of the ages,' which does not literally mean eternally."
_--God's Methods with Man_
More to come if time permits.
More pushback (#2):
*You said:*
Eternal (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:26, 2 Thess 1:9, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3, Rev 20:10)
*My response:*
'I don't see "eternal" in Isaiah 66:24 (an earthly scene) or Luke 16:26.
As for your other verses, a lot is riding on this: Whenever hell, the lake of fire or destruction is said to be "eternal," "everlasting" or "forever," it's based on the Greek word _aionios._ A google search of "aionios" will reveal many opinions about its meaning. There are excellent reasons to believe it should be translated "of an age." The adjective _aionios_ is derived from the noun _aion,_ which means "eon" or "age." Eons and ages are long but *finite* periods of time. The very literal Rotherham's Emphasized Bible version translates _aionios_ as "age-abiding." Young's Literal Translation says "age-during," which means during an age.
Also, the phrase "forever and ever" is nonsensical, since nothing can be added to "forever." This is a serious red flag -- not about biblical authority but about this common translation from the Greek. Young's Literal Translation translates Rev. 14:10: "and they shall be tormented day and night--to the ages of the ages." This makes perfect sense, especially since both _aionas_ and _aionon are plural nouns.
Highly regarded evangelical Bible expositor G. Campbell Morgan wrote:
"Let me say to Bible students that we must be very careful how we use the word 'eternity.' We have fallen into great error in our constant use of that word. There is no word in the whole Book of God corresponding with our 'eternal,' which, as commonly used among us, means absolutely without end. The strongest Scripture word used with reference to the existence of God, is--'Unto the ages of the ages,' which does not literally mean eternally."
_--God's Methods with Man_
More to come if time permits.
More pushback (#3):
*You said:*
Eternal (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Luke 16:26, 2 Thess 1:9, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3, Rev 20:10)
*My response:*
I don't see "eternal" in Isaiah 66:24 (an earthly scene) or Luke 16:26.
As for your other verses, a lot is riding on this: Whenever hell, the lake of fire or destruction is said to be "eternal," "everlasting" or "forever," it's based on the Greek word _aionios._ A google search of "aionios" will reveal many opinions about its meaning. There are excellent reasons to believe it should be translated "of an age." The adjective _aionios_ is derived from the noun _aion,_ which means "eon" or "age." Eons and ages are long but *finite* periods of time. The very literal Rotherham's Emphasized Bible version translates _aionios_ as "age-abiding." Young's Literal Translation says "age-during," which means during an age.
Also, the phrase "forever and ever" is nonsensical, since nothing can be added to "forever." This is a serious red flag -- not about biblical authority but about this common translation from the Greek.
Young's Literal Translation translates Rev. 14:10: "and they shall be tormented day and night--to the ages of the ages." This makes perfect sense, especially since both _aionas_ and _aionon_ are plural nouns.
Highly regarded evangelical Bible expositor G. Campbell Morgan wrote:
"Let me say to Bible students that we must be very careful how we use the word 'eternity.' We have fallen into great error in our constant use of that word. There is no word in the whole Book of God corresponding with our 'eternal,' which, as commonly used among us, means absolutely without end. The strongest Scripture word used with reference to the existence of God, is--'Unto the ages of the ages,' which does not literally mean eternally."
-- _God's Methods with Man_
More to come if time permits.
I would submit that "rejoicing" differs from thanksgiving. They can be done at the same time, but they're different. We remember that the English word rejoice or joy is chosen for chairos (the Greek word there) because it communicates the experience of pleasure especially after hoping for it for a long time. This is captured quite well in "we count it all joy when we enter diverse temptations" in others words, we find pleasure/we're delighted/we're pleased when we enter persecution. I submit he's giving three commands here, not bookending one with two of the same commands. We're to delight (presumably in the Lord) always, pray regularly, and give thanks in all things.
Fervent Praying Supplication Giving Thanksgiving GOD
@faithandreason #5
I understand the question as, if forgiveness is allowed, your friend won't be able to stop sinning. As the people who think Christians use God's forgiveness as an excuse to remain sinful since we are forgiven.
Sounds like a lack of understanding, a deep Mike Winger type understanding of what forgiveness actually is. A forgiveness that deserves a debt of gratitude, and that gratitude, as spoken about in Q#1, is the one that makes us holier and less sinful.
Your friend is leaning on their own understanding, counting on their own flesh to become holy. They will find it so much easier to really truly give it to God. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom!
The Lord is teaching me this RIGHT NOW- the last 5 weeks. 🥰
RE: How do I pray without ceasing?
It’s praying in The Spirit (in tongues)! And you can pray in The Spirit WHILE having a conversation with someone. ….and it changes EVERYthing.
It doesn’t have to be in tongues. Paul says that it’s a gift, therefore not everyone has it.
Well, how many really have the *genuine* gift of tongues?
- And what about all those who don't?
@@Chipsomedip Indeed. Tongues is a spiritual Gift.
And we are exhorted to desire & earnestly seek the spiritual Gifts. (They are for building one another up in The Body.)
Also, Paul desired that all would speak in tongues. (For good reason.)
Here is wisdom:
Anything that is not Faith is sin.
Without Faith it is impossible to please God.
Don’t allow the world & the kingdom of darkness deceive you out of Faith in any matter.
@@ingela_injeela Just shared these 2 Scriptures:
We are exhorted to desire & earnestly seek the spiritual Gifts- tongues is on that list. (They are for building one another up in The Body.)
Also, Paul desired that all would speak in tongues.
The Lord has taught me this:
Every good thing is a gift. (Truly understanding this is the beginning of humility…which is essential for truly walking in The Love of Christ for those around us. ❤)
So then, if you find that you lack/need any good thing…. simply ask your Father, in Faith *in* Him- WHO He is (What father would give a snake or scorpion to his child?…).
If you do not receive, it is because of 1 of 3 things:
1- You didn’t ask
2- You asked with corrupt motives (selfish gain)
3- You didn’t ask in Faith (Faith = utterly convinced by God that He is exactly Who He says He is and His Heart, Character, Nature & Ways are exactly as He has proclaimed & demonstrated them to be.)
James 1 explains that the one who asks without Faith:
1- Will be tossed about like the waves of the sea (wavering back & forth between opinions; What God has said -vs- thoughts which set themselves up against the knowledge of God)
2- *Cannot* receive (that word for “receive” is literally “actively, aggressively lay hold of something that is available”) anything from God.
So, it’s not that God withhold any good thing from the one who doesn’t have Faith…. It’s that unbelief hinders the person from LAYING HOLD OF what God has given.
So then…
Anyone who earnestly desires the spiritual gift of tongues should simply ask The Father for this gift and receive it. 💕
Hope that’s a blessing to you.
PS: Here’s another fun one He taught me in this “everything is a gift” lesson….
If you lack Faith…
This too is a gift. ❤
So… all you have to do is ask your Father to please increase your Faith. 💕 He will. 🥰
@@kingjesusreigns @kingjesusreigns Paul desired all to speak in tongues but not all do. Just like God’s will is for all to be saved but not all are.
Its the way you insinuate that all must pray in tongues that is the issue, its along the lines of the denominations that claim that only those who speak in tongues are saved. Those are very foolish things to say.
Thanks Mike again for your answers. Regarding the marriage question I would stress the public aspect of marriage more. At the first marriage in scripture (between Adam and Eve) the biblical author gives commentary by saying: Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife (Gn.2:24). I find it very interesting that the author stresses this point of leaving your father and mother first before joining to your wife (as Adam and Eve didn't have parents of course). So to me this clearly teaches the public nature of marriage. From this moment you are no longer part of your father and mother (in a certain sense) but form a new cell in society. So it is at least known to your parents (generally speaking) but by implication also to the rest of your community. The people surrounding you know that you are no longer available but belong to eachother. So marriage isn't decided between a man and a woman (in the bedroom) just before God (for the excuse that they can now sleep together) but is made known to the family/community/tribe etc. first (however this is filled in culturally speaking).
Thank you for not being afraid or concerned about speaking your opinion on political topics
Question #5 your answer was deep!
Thank you for that Mike
The Bible is history that includes the Word of God. It took place in certain regions and is primarily about redeeming the Israelites who were divided into two kingdoms. The term world oftentimes refer to the people.
Thanks for answering the "lesser of two evils" question. That was helpful to me.
Mike this is great. Thanks so much .. a lot of great wisdom and ideas. Thank you . 👍👊⭐
Regarding question 4, the Gospel of Luke explains why they wanted to go into the swine, once the legion were cast out:
Luke 8:30-32 - "Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them."
As Luke confirms, the reason why they wanted to go into swine was so that they wouldn't be cast into the abyss or the bottomless pit after being exorcised out of the man, the same place that Satan will be bound in for a thousand years in Revelation 20.
I like that Mike said the most good option. That helps 😊❤
One of the best sets of questions in a while! Great video.
For question #3, I'm firmly on the side personally not to curse, but I can understand the side of others who disagree about the words but affirm the importance of being careful of how we speak or not actually "cursing" people by using words in a negative way against someone. The issue I get to is that humans get to decide in a very non-authoritative way which words are obscene or cussing. I feel there should be something more objective than that. I don't imagine God having a list, and if he does, it's not the same as ours. Thoughts?
I start with praise and after thanks and last ask
Such a good episode!!!
I don’t like profanity. I used to have a foul tongue. Christ has changed me a lot over the last few years. The Bible is clear. Be exact in your speech keep profane talk from your lips.
It's by my spirit says the Lord, Just think upon the things of God, draw close to him and respond to what he places on your heart. and remember his burden is light and his yoke is easy.
Mike, thanks for Friday Questions. I always learn. I have a question. When God knit me together in my mother's womb, didn't He create my personality, my physical attributes, and my emotions? There's a new worship thought that we aren't supposed to be emotional during worship or have an emotional experience (tears). Why? Some worship songs bring me to tears because I feel my own sin deeply and I am so thankful for God's love and forgiveness. Why is this wrong?
People are scared that our whole relationship with God is based on a feeling. Extreme caution.
There really isnt anything wrong if certain songs touch your heart just as a pastor can give a sermon that convicts you. Which is a good thing it makes us look inside ourselves and our flaws realistically. That makes us closer to Jesus and we can improve our thoughts and behavior.
@@TruthIsAsOldAsGod I get that. I'm 70. I understand the BEH effect. But it seems like we just sing songs now because we're supposed to. Our songs are mostly fast and loud with heavy keyboard and drums...it's almost like we're not supposed to 'feel' anything. My prayer...come Thou fount of every blessing, "tune" my heart to sing Thy praise. ❤
1:20:00 that’s why Ecclesiastes chapter 3 is so important to remember. I’m honestly surprised how many Christians aren’t aware of it or forget about it.
Thank you
#5... Forgiveness does not equal no consequences.
If you cheat on your spouse, they can forgive you. But that doesn't mean you won't have to build back trust, go to counseling, establish accountability partners, delete any private social media and share with your spouse, and any other problematic issues that led to your indiscretion. Life doesn't just go back to the way it was. There are consequences.
Forgiveness is acknowledging that we all sin and fall short of God's glory. We shouldn't be surprised that we sometimes hurt each other. But, say a crime is involved. Forgiveness doesn't mean you won't be facing legal action. It's a recognition of our tendency to sin, but you still may face jail time.
On question 6 pastor Mike I disagree. Why? Well in most situations with ppl who study end times, including me. It makes us get up off our butt and push the gospel, to tell ppl about Jesus and start ministries like I'm trying to do because we see that time is so short that we have work to do as his return approaches. I see many who don't talk end times, many many churches that never speak on revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel etc because they're afraid to "scare off" there congregations. When in actually they would be doing 2 things..1 equipping the church for these days and 2 getting them to understand its not fearing but but getting excited for his return in such a way you get up and spread the message that much more. Prophecy is nearly 30 percent of the bible and its way under used for God's glory to excite the church and get them working harder than ever. We who study end times and the rapture are ao misunderstood. I wish you'd do a interview with pastor Tom Hughes of hope for our time on this subject, he watches you sometimes he said....on question 10, it's like this, which candidate will leave me in best situation to spread the gospel. Clue, it's not kamala. God bless, I hope you respond. Yeah I disagree on question 6 but I still love you brother Mike and your ministry!!!
about the first question: what is also important is that *prayer* is not the same Greek word as *ask* (like 1 John uses it) so prayer is distinct from asking God (however, it may encompass it).
#3 ty brother Mike.
Moses had to hold his hands up while the Israelites fought the Amalekites, and when he didn't the Israelites started to lose the battle. Sometimes prayer is just an act of obedience to build up endurance and perseverance which leads to character and ultimately hope!
Let's open a can of worms: sex can exist apart from marriage, but marriage cannot exist without sex. It has always been the case in the Jewish and Christian culture that a marriage has to be consummated in order to be a marriage. You cannot become "one flesh" without sex. I think everyone knows where I am going with this.
Fun fact: Matthew 1:25 pretty clearly states that Joseph and Mary consummated their marriage.
Another fun fact: the idea of the perpetual virginity of Mary, didn't appear until halfway through the second century with the so-called infancy gospels of James and Thomas. Both of these books were rejected by the Catholic church as forgeries and fictional. And yet, for some reason, they adopted beliefs about Mary that existed solely in those books.
yup this is precisely the case
of course marriage is more than just sex, nobody is saying it isn't, but without having sex you're not married
@@junk3996 Catholics will argue that Mary and Joseph always intended to have a sexless marriage, even before Jesus was announced to them. First of all, there is no evidence that any such marriage arrangement ever existed in Jewish culture. Second, it is literally a requirement in the Catholic church to be intending to have children to get married. Why don't they allow the type of marriage that they claim the "perfect" mother of Jesus had?
@@junk3996 Marriages can END legally by ANULLMENT?
@@rosemary6907 nobody cares what our legal system deems. it only matters what it is and what matters to God
legally you just go pay for a piece of paper and sign it, boom you're married. but that doesnt make you one flesh
Marriage *can* absolutely exist without sex. Due to illness, aging, and other reasons, sex may not be possible. But marriage is so much more than sex.
Also on #5 even if you've been forgiven He disciplines us if we need to learn.
😂 and then of course Mike got that too 😊
Rev 6 is the sign of his coming, which is the day of the lord!
"oh bloop" this cracked me up 🤣🤣🤣
I think the ppl in the pig transfer wanted the Lord to leave bc they lost alot of money with the death of the pigs. They chose wealth over Salvation.
How are we able to trust the commitment to any given candidate has to Biblical standards while in office given how prolific the lying is as a standard practice for professional politicians?
I believe it is incumbent on more Christians to prayerfully consider running for all levels of government office as a limited service as God directs us.
Bonus concept: government is not the solution to the problems our sin has caused, only God can fix this broken Creation and our job is to share The Good News in anticipation. Therefore, The Church (universal not any denomination) is to work on a person by person basis to change the world rather than rely on governmental agencies to ‘fix’ sin situations.
❤ Purgatory is Prison ❤. 1 Peter 3 verse 19 It was in the spirit also that he went to preach to the spirits in prison. 20 They had disobeyed as long ago as Noah's day, etc etc. Chapter 4 verse 6. The reason the gospel was preached even to the dead was that, although condemned in the flesh in the eyes of men, they might live in the spirit in the eyes of God. ❤
1:14:00 the verse actually goes like this: "I can do all things through a verse taken out of context"
26:58 wouldn’t Philippians 3:8 be a general use of that term, and not literally meaning dung? From my understanding that would be the equivalent of our modern S word used in that same context.
It is used more as colorful language than an expletive. But it seems pretty relevant and shouldn’t be swept under the rug without mention.
Jesus says “Be perfect” (an unreachable, impossible to reach Goal) maybe pray without ceasing means… Aim to pray as much as possible, apply your mind & get creative in ways to adhere to this command (and privilege) to pray without ceasing 😉