10 Questions with Mike Winger (Episode 5)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มิ.ย. 2024
- Welcome to the new weekly stream! 10 questions every Friday at 1pm Pacific time.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 1:32 {Did Jesus Leave the 99 in Danger?} Regarding Matthew 18: 12, does Jesus know the 99 are safe when He leaves to find the 1? I’m trying to understand how this is responsible. Should we not do things for the greater good, but for the 1?
2. 14:53 {Are We Living in Satan’s Deception?} Have you heard of the theory that we're already living in Satan's short season of deception from Revelation 20:3-8? Some of the ideas are intriguing, but most also claim extra conspiracy baggage, e.g., the "mud flood" and much more.
3. 24:45 {Markan Sandwich in James?} Could James 1: 13-18, 1: 19-27 & 2:1-13 be similar to a Markan sandwich? If so, would it be correct that the focused interpretation of the 2 breads should be “Do not accuse God” of: 1. Tempting us to sin, 2. Not creating people equally? Can you explain the meat relative to the bread?
4. 35:53 {Does Satan Know his End?} Does Satan know he is going to lose? People say, “Satan just wants to take as many people down with him as he can.” Does he/can he know Scripture?
5. 43:29 {Strategic Evangelism to Strangers} How do you initiate sharing the Gospel with a stranger? Is it best to be direct (e.g., “Can I share the Gospel with you?”), or would you recommend a more gradual approach?
6. 47:30 {Different Views on Communion} Have you considered differing views on communion? I’ve just recently learned there are more than just the typical Baptist, Lutheran, and Catholic views. Some believe in Real Presence in spirit, not corporeal.
7. 50:30 {Does Acts 13 Prove Calvinism?} I'd like to hear your thoughts about Acts 13: 48. It seems to contradict the idea that God wants everyone to be saved and that everyone has the same opportunity/free will to believe in Him.
8. 58:15 {Is the Father “Higher Up” than Jesus?} Many Scriptures sound as if the Father and Jesus have different authority. Does the Father have a higher authority than Jesus (John 14: 28, 1 Corinthians 11:3, Matthew 28: 18, Mathew 10: 40, Matthew 20: 23)?
9. 1:05:25 {Living Productively & Overcoming Bad Habits} My apartment is a mess, I wake up late, I eat junk food, I'm too lazy to read the Bible and I feel like I know a lot about God, but I don't feel like His daughter. How can I turn my life around?
10. 1:11:55 {Mark vs. Matthew - Contradiction?} Can you explain what some say is contradictory between Mark 9: 38-41 (not against us = for us) & Matthew 12: 30 (not with me = against me) & how that applies to NAR/false teachers who profess Jesus?
Links and resources:
-Flat Earth video th-cam.com/users/liveqePiXK_8...
-5 Christian Views of the End Times th-cam.com/users/livexmw0uVLu...
-Mark series • The Gospel of Mark Ser...
-livingwaters.com for gospel tracts
-6 hour video on the head covering passage in 1 Cor 11. • All The Head Covering ...
I’m Mike Winger and my goal is to help people think Biblically about everything. My website BibleThinker.org
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 1:32 {Did Jesus Leave the 99 in Danger?} Regarding Matthew 18: 12, does Jesus know the 99 are safe when He leaves to find the 1? I’m trying to understand how this is responsible. Should we not do things for the greater good, but for the 1?
2. 14:53 {Are We Living in Satan’s Deception?} Have you heard of the theory that we're already living in Satan's short season of deception from Revelation 20:3-8? Some of the ideas are intriguing, but most also claim extra conspiracy baggage, e.g., the "mud flood" and much more.
3. 24:45 {Markan Sandwich in James?} Could James 1: 13-18, 1: 19-27 & 2:1-13 be similar to a Markan sandwich? If so, would it be correct that the focused interpretation of the 2 breads should be “Do not accuse God” of: 1. Tempting us to sin, 2. Not creating people equally? Can you explain the meat relative to the bread?
4. 35:53 {Does Satan Know his End?} Does Satan know he is going to lose? People say, “Satan just wants to take as many people down with him as he can.” Does he/can he know Scripture?
5. 43:29 {Strategic Evangelism to Strangers} How do you initiate sharing the Gospel with a stranger? Is it best to be direct (e.g., “Can I share the Gospel with you?”), or would you recommend a more gradual approach?
6. 47:30 {Different Views on Communion} Have you considered differing views on communion? I’ve just recently learned there are more than just the typical Baptist, Lutheran, and Catholic views. Some believe in Real Presence in spirit, not corporeal.
7. 50:30 {Does Acts 13 Prove Calvinism?} I'd like to hear your thoughts about Acts 13: 48. It seems to contradict the idea that God wants everyone to be saved and that everyone has the same opportunity/free will to believe in Him.
8. 58:15 Many Scriptures sound as if the Father and Jesus have different authority. Does the Father have a higher authority than Jesus (John 14: 28, 1 Corinthians 11:3, Matthew 28: 18, Mathew 10: 40, Matthew 20: 23)?
9. 1:05:25 {Living Productively & Overcoming Bad Habits} My apartment is a mess, I wake up late, I eat junk food, I'm too lazy to read the Bible and I feel like I know a lot about God, but I don't feel like His daughter. How can I turn my life around?
10. 1:11:55 {Mark vs. Matthew - Contradiction?} Can you explain what some say is contradictory between Mark 9: 38-41 (not against us = for us) & Matthew 12: 30 (not with me = against me) & how that applies to NAR/false teachers who profess Jesus?
4) He’s the master of deception and is just as deceived as he is deceiving, it’s why he went against God. He is currently building an army to try to take down God.
1 John 5:19
Revelation 12:9
I like the 10 questions every week. Gives me something to look forward to on fridays after work haha
Same
Agreed! It makes Mike a part of my weekly routine, instead of trying to remember if it's an off week or an on week. It also makes the length of the videos much easier to digest, in addition to what Mike has mentioned about his ability to adequately address all the questions. Lastly and also very importantly, it helps the TH-cam algorithm for Mike to go live at the exact same time weekly instead of biweekly.
Yep
I also prefer this format. I hope it works better for you, Mike, and that it also meets the requirements for the algorithm to continue supporting your ministry
I think it’s a great idea to do 10 questions instead of 20 , where getting more thorough answers 😊
My good friends, a Godly Christian couple, just lost their pregnancy today. I transcribed your opening reminder and sent it to them as soon as I heard it. Nothing erases the grief, but we can still look forward to that day together. God bless you, Mike.
So sorry to hear about your friends loss. Many years ago, my wife miscarried, and it was tragic. My heart goes out to them. I'm praying God grants them strength, comfort, and hope during this time.
@@frenne_dilley I agree. My wife and I suffered 9 miscarriages prior to having our daughter. No matter my love for Jesus Christ, it's really never a good time, but certainly not soon after.
So if they weren’t a Christian couple they don’t deserve prayer?? What does they’re Christian status have to do with it?
Please don't be offended by me saying this, they did not lose a PREGNANCY. they lost their BABY. Please please please do NOT use the term list their pregnancy in front of them. Do not dehumanize their child like that. I know you didn't mean it that way, but our abortion culture DOES and it hurts especially deep coming from another believer
Deficient in vitamins and maybe iodine. The baby will not survive without iodine. In fact it will improve IQ. Sorry for their loss.
Your intro was very timely. An ultrasound showed me today that my shoulder has also fallen victim to the arthritis wracking my body. I’ve had multiple surgeries for joint degeneration, and it’s the hope of a new body that helps me cope. Thanks for the timely reminder!🥰
I’m sorry to hear about your troubles but happy to hear about your hope. :)
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ for your shoulder to be healed and free all of arthritis! God bless you and have a great weekend!
Many times arthritis is triggered by inflammation. Doing a low carb diet.and intermittent fasting has helped many find relief. Do some research. There are reputable studies done you can find on pub med. Blessings
I'm praying for you. May God grant you strength & healing.
@@bobruffut thank you so much!
Such a good, kind answer to the person struggling with life habits. Sometimes looking at the whole list of “shoulds” is overwhelming and shame keeps us paralyzed. Baby steps, like setting a timer for 10 minutes to clean, or read your Bible. Find an accountability partner. Most important, decide you are not a victim and you can make changes. The enemy loves to beat us down into hopelessness. I pray this person finds strength to move forward.
I hope you have peace about staying at 10 questions brother
This is great! You seem more comfortable, un-rushed and focused; able to give more thoughtful and careful answers
Thank you, Pastor Mike Winger. Your online ministry helps me through my walk back to Jesus. Now I'm ex-SDA and a Biblical Christian. (I live in Indonesia)... please pray for me so I can find the courage and trust to go to the church again... God bless you and your ministry (and all staff, amen)
Dear Pr Mike, I find your answers very helpful, and nearly always agree! But PLEASE for deaf folk like me, add subtitles!
Hi there! Thank you for your encouragement! We always have subtitles enabled, but please know that TH-cam takes a bit of time after live streams to finish "processing" the stream behind the scenes before the subtitles and the live chat replay are ready. So they will almost always pop up shortly if you give it a few hours after the stream. I hope this helps! ~BibleThinker Staff
Deaf/HoH here also. Do you have Live Caption? I enable it on my phone (Android) so that I can tune into the livestream and not have to wait for TH-cam to add CC since it can sometimes take a while.
@@lilitalia777 I believe it is enabled since I saw the subtitles pop up live at the beginning of today’s stream.
Also nearly deaf. If you're listening on a modern Android phone, you can go to the system settings -> Accessibility and the third option will be "Live Caption," which will be off by default. With it on, it will auto generate captions when you're watching videos on any app, listening to music, or on a phone call.
I have some hearing and prefer the "Adapt Sound" settings, personally. If you've got headphones on, you can use it to take a quick hearing test, and it will boost frequencies to "normalize" your phone's audio output. This lets you bypass the stupid European Union's stupid volume limits that their stupid politicians thought were helpful. It also gives you the excuse that you have headphones in and aren't intentionally ignoring the people in your life who can't be bothered to remember that you're half deaf even though they gave birth to you, raised you for eighteen years, paid for your hearing aids for all that time, and have known you for all 35 years you've been on this earth.
I was just about to put off doing laundry when I heard your answer to #9. I’m off to the laundromat!
I was having a very hard day and your opening words today were a balm to my soul.
❤❤❤ Hugs
Same Texasdonna ❤️
@@taracarlson9498 ❤️🙏🏻
Question #9, my suggestions if it can help at all: Start with small simple things you can do every day, such as
1) Before climbing into bed every night, pray. Something simple "God, thank you for another wonderful day, thank you for being patient with me as I continue to make mistakes. Please lord give me the strength to improve, help me get better. Thank you for loving me no matter how much I continue to fail."
2) Try reading the bible while eating lunch instead of surfing the internet on you phone. This works great for me, but mostly because I've got no friends and eat alone all the time, so might not work for you at all.
Not sure if those ideas are helpful to you, but I've found them helpful to me so thought I'd share just in case. Best of luck. God knows you better than you know yourself, and he loves you completely. I know sometimes it seems inadequate, but it's still nice to know that God loves you even when it seems no one else does.
Re question 9. You are spot on. We have the Spirit of God in us. We are capable of so much more than we think. Love the reference to Cain. Just do the right thing regardless of how you feel. Build small habits that will make the tasks easier over time. Stop listening to people who say it's ok to not do what you know you should be doing. Yeah, turn off the tv and Netflix and read a chapter of Proverbs everyday and your life will be transformed.
I'm a big metal head, always have been. I actively go to heavy metal concerts and leave Bible tracks around the bathroom and other places when I'm there, I also predominantly rep bands that are Christian like Impending Doom, Abated Mass of Flesh, etc
10 questions videos are much better than the 20 easier to consume they are both great but I definitely prefer this version
1:05:25 I think you missed the most signifigant part of this question: "I don't feel like his daughter."
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Heb 11:1
Jesus gives all who believe in him the right to become children of God. If you believe him that his promise is trustworthy, then you are a child of God. If you have no assurance of that promise then you're not believing him. From the intellectual place of believing that God is trustworthy to fulfill his promises (and that his promises apply to you if you believe him), by that assurance you can then drag your emotions back into alignment when you don't "feel it".
I think you miss a HUGE point. He did it for ALL people. Not just those who believe.
@@user-fc2zb9po8t The bible is clear that Jesus was given for all people. It's also clear that those who believe him are the ones that gain adoption and eternal life. That's the stipulation, that you believe.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:16-18)
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, (John 1:11-12)
I like the 10 question format, because it’s easier to find the time to watch. Also, the mind can absorb only so much information and inspiration.
To the anonymous question 9, check out the podcast A Slob Comes Clean, which is a cleaning/decluttering philosophy for those of us to whom being tidy is not natural. I have been in the process of fighting against laziness and lack of discipline for most of my life. One thing that is a place to start is to stop when you feel bad about how you live and realize that the only cure to that feeling is to do something different. It is a process, but so is every area of sanctification. Try to think about what your priorities are and what your actions say about what your true priorities are. Mike's advice is very good as well. You are not alone, but take heart, when you notice and want to change, that is better than just continuing in your lack of discipline. ❤
When I was a teen, Christian metal, punk, and hard rock were pivotal to my walk with Christ. One of the first things my youth leader did when he found out about my musical tastes was give me a list of good Christian bands that matched it. Not everyone has to like metal, but man, it has moved my heart ever closer to the Lord, and I've been blessed by it beyond measure.
THIS.
Agree. God works in different ways with different individuals. What will be effective with ME, will not be effective with someone else.
It's our thinking that is too narrow on the means God uses.
Have you heard Demon Hunter?
The 99 sheep one is something I've struggled with in youth ministry and this was very helpful. We have a van ministry and pre-covid when my husband and i started volunteering we had more community kids than church kids. And every meeting felt like more time disciplining than teaching. These kids needed Jesus...they became the one, but the 99 were still there and being neglected. The demographic seemed to change after covid and we've been able to do some amazing apologetics studies and gone through several books of the Bible and the kids are learning how to read the Bible. We still have community kids, but they are coming into an environment of discipleship and see the expectations we have and are (hopefully) learning alongside the kids who have been in church their whole lives. I don't want to be what you said....getting the numbers, but no further spiritual growth. I love how you explained that. Thank you!
Mike, your opening message was so good. Unexpected. Nice surprise. Thanks for the encouragement.
Homie winger, Jesus bless you
Mike, I hope you know how much we appreciate your sound Bible based teaching. You're a brother who is very easy to love with how much effort you pour into your ministry to build the body of the church 🕊️
I found myself reading theology lately and enjoying my newfound ability to assess things for myself. You're a great teacher.
I hope you feel encouraged from all the positive feedback you receive!
Hi Pastor Mike, thank you for these videos. We (my husband and I) no longer attend church since Covid. ( our church closed) my in-laws give us a study every Sunday at their home but I cannot wait until we can attend a church. Your videos help me study the word of God and is what is feeding my soul right now. You are a great to us since my husband and I always have conversations about these questions. Please pray for us. So that we may be guided by the Holy Spirit in our walk with Christ.
Thank you, Pastor Mike. I look forward to your teachings every week
Brilliant analysis Mike. I'm an older Christian who had little discipling.
I love the 10 question format. Thank you for your ministry!
You are spot on on your observations regarding the church. WE are to do the evangelizing and bring new Christians into our fold for discipling.
I enjoy the new format.
To whomever asked question #9. I struggle with the same type of things, and now my spiritual and physical life is stagnant. I'm praying for you! Don't give up!
I have been in my walk with Jesus for about three years now. And I have to thank you. I started with TH-cam meditations that lead to prayers, from Grace For God etc. that lead to you and so on.
I now only listen to God worship music. I love Zach Williams and Anne Wilson and more.
May God bless your work ❤
One thing that might help the person who asked question 9 or anyone struggling with the same issue is to take things one step at a time. As someone who struggles with depression I've been where they're at. Just try to do one small thing each day, get up a little earlier, clean one thing, read a little bit of the bible, etc. It seems too small at first but it's almost like lifting weights, starting with a lighter weight and then working your way up. Believe me I started that way and I am completely different than I was, all glory to God, without Him I would never have taken that first step.
Question 9’s answer is 🔥 I have had these issues myself in the past. It wasn’t until I was willing to change & grow until I saw results.
Thanks, Mike. I love this format. It allows for what might be regarded to allow for what could be called a 'deep dive' into each question. God's blessings to you and your ministry. Love from Norway.
-Gabriel Bouvier.
I like the 10 questions each week. ❤
I wish I could speak with the anonymous who asked question 9. I have been there but am working trough it. I have someone by my side helping me. Sometimes we feel so different from others (isolated). So we become hopeless. I want to encourage others in that situation
Mike, you’re so in line with my thinking on so many subjects-it’s very encouraging to hear you articulate my views and points!
Amen! I echo that feeling
There is zero leeway in Gods commands, it's in our power to be obedient, this is encouraging, take heart brothers and sisters.
Just to let her know she's not alone, I identify strongly with the lady with the messy apartment. I was just born with a brain that struggles to initiate a task and gets easily overwhelmed when contemplating come tasks. It makes doing even basic things very difficult sometimes. I've found that keeping small notebook with a to do list helps me get past the getting started problem and using that notebook to break down complex tasks into smaller ones helps with some of the bigger ones. It's only maybe a 30% solution but some is better than none. I suspect there's probably some counselors that could offer other options, but the idea of going to look for one shuts me down.
I love my Friday nights with Mike Winger. Thanks for your ministry, Mike. It has enriched my walk with Christ so much.
That intro was aMAZing! Thank you so much for the encouragement, Pastor M. It puts everything into perspective.
RE QUESTION 7:
One of the problems non-Calvinists face with passages such as Acts 13:48, Romans 8:29, etc. is translation bias. Bible translation committees are dominated by Calvinist and Reformed theologians whose tendency is to translate Scripture in a way that conforms to the theological presuppositions they bring to the text. Other Calvinist and Reformed Christians then use those biased translations to support their doctrine.
The keys to a correct understanding of Acts 13:48 lie in the context provided by Acts 13:16 & 26 and in the Greek verb τάσσω (tassó), meaning to draw up in order, arrange. In Acts 14:48. Acts 13:16 tells us that Paul spoke to:
_Men of Israel, and you that fear God_
See also Acts 23:26, where the point is reiterated:
_sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God_
The _"men of Israel"_ and _"sons of the family of Abraham"_were Jews, whether natural-born or proselytes who had converted to Judaism (cf. Acts 2:10, 22). The _"you that fear God",_ on the other hand, were gentiles who had not converted to Judaism but who were, like Cornelius, God-fearers (Acts 10:22). Indeed, translations such as the NIV and NET replace 'you' with words along the lines of "gentiles who" at this point. In the broader context of Acts 13:46-48, the Middle Participle form of the verb τάσσω (tassó) in Acts 13:48 indicates that the converts to Christianity were _devoting themselves_ to eternal life. The Middle Participle and Perfect Passive forms of τάσσω (tassó) are the same, but Calvinist and Reformed theologians admit only the latter understanding, ignoring the context provided by Acts 13:16 & 26, which tell us that the gentiles attracted to the Gospel were already predisposed to believe in the God of the Bible through their exposure to Judaism.
Didn’t this used to be 20 questions? It’s like the scene in the Mel Brooks movie history of the world, where Moses comes down with three tablets from Mount Sinai. He first says” I now present the 15”and then he drops one of the tablets, “10, ten Commandments!”
Haha
Thank you. I really got an out loud gut laugh out of this. Great reference. 😂 Pastor Mike, thanks for your service in this ministry.
williambutler: YES! A fomon mistake in those wanting to change a behavior is selecting a solution that is too much for a first step: the person then fails, and loses hope.
The second mistake is measuring how close we are to our goal relative to where we started. INSTEAD, measure or judge where you are today, compared to yesterday. This assessment will build the confidence to keep going.
Accurate and helpful comment!
When you were talking about how Satan knows he is going to lose and that he is likened to a domestic abusers becoming more violent when they are going to lose control, it reminded me that that is exactly what it talks about in Revelation 12.
Anonymous question #9: I want to add to what Pastor Mike offered. I caught some important things in your question. He explained some of the HOW and I want to offer you the WHY this is occurring with you and MANY others.
1. You referred to yourself as lazy. When we label ourselves, our brain follows that label which is why we continue the behavior.
2. You said “I don't FEEL like a child of God”.
Please remember this: our feelings don't get to rule, but they will always try. God’s Word does, however.
Rather than focusing on the behaviors you don't like and can't seem to change, align your thoughts first with the Lord’s truth by stating “I AM a child of God”, then watch how your feelings follow with “confident, secure, courageous, motivated,
encouraged, and capable”- then. . . Your behaviors will follow those thoughts rather than the unfair label of laziness that continues to cycle.
“That wasn't my best decision today, but thankfully my feelings aren't in charge and I can start my day over at ANY time”. Try that, hope this helps you and other viewers. 🙏🏻💜
Pastor Mike, I really like the 10 questions format. It's shorter and I can really concentrate better on fewer questions.
Question 9 is 🔥 and needs its own clip. Spiritual disciplines are huge and something overlooked by so many.
I just love your passion and knowledge, Mike! Listening to you tonight and seeing your enthusiastic responses after reading some of the questions, I had a vision of what you must have been like in school. Here we have elementary English class and the teacher hands out paper and pencil and says to the children that their test is to write a two page essay on their subject of choice. I saw and heard the entire fourth grade class moan and sweat - except for Mikey - who exclaims out loud in his jubilant excitement, “Yay! I finally get to explain and contrast my views on Biblical predestination in comparison to R.C. Sproul, and if time allows, I’ll connect that with the Eternal existence of the Second Person of the Trinity! Can I start already”?! lol. I thank God for using you to bring HIS wonderful WORD to light for us each week! You are truly a blessing to me! God keep you always close in Christ!
Mike, thank you for opening with the powerful truth on this video that you did. Man I know I needed to hear that so I am sure others did. It really touched me. Even though I knew it. I needed reminded. Thank you brother.
Grateful for the brothers that realize that the punk genre is also in need of the gospel and not just those who are in rap and hip hop 🫶🏽
Thanks guys - it was lovely to see you both! I bet you’re relieved to have your hubby back safely! See you both next Wednesday!❤
12:20 Facts! This is my frustration with church these days.
The big idea is that God values every single one of us
Your answer to question 1 is amazing. I have read comments from parents tearing down Christian artists like Lecrae and Skillet because they took their children to concerts at festivals that AREN'T Christian and were furious that these artists "exposed" their children to non-Christian people and music. Hello? Those festivals aren't for you and your children, they are to reach unbelievers who tolerate Jesus because they enjoy the music those bands perform, it's outreach in a specific mission field. Both artists also perform at Christian events for their Christian fans.
thank you for the encouragement in #9. I am struggling with similar things.
God bless you Mike Winger. Every time I listen to you it blesses me and brings me closer to God. The 9th question describes me to a T. Except for the fact that I am a man. Your words bless my heart and life. I pray I will do whatever God has before me to do in His strength. God bless you and your ministry.
Mike's advice for #9 is so wise and practical! Great job.
This was fantastic! So much to say in response, I’ll just say I needed to hear all of this today! Thank you! 🙌🏼❤️🔥🙌🏼
The two essentials for communion. 1)Take it. 2)Remember what Jesus did for you on the cross. That's it.
Thank you Pastor for the encouragement 😊
Mike I am on the cusp of finally fulfilling the calling for vocational ministry. I praise God for this. I would love it if you would unpack the ratio or ‘split’ as how you see ministry efforts as far as evangelistic vs discipleship. This is sometimes referred to as “attendance vs. attendants” preaching (attendance being reaching the lost w/ the gospel). I believe it is very possible to do both to a high degree and that it is not an either-or. I’d like to hear your approach because you always spur me to think through things and point me to new angles of thought.
Another great evangelism ministry is Greg Stier and Dare 2 Share. Several of their evangelism books are free. I appreciate Ray Comfort's boldness and passion for evangelism, but I'm turned off by his theology around repentance which (in my fallible opinion) borders on sinless perfectionism for salvation.
So glad to hear you plug Living Waters! You, Living Waters (Ray, EZ, Oscar and Mark), and Skip Heitzig are the core group of teachers I look to for understanding of the scriptures. It feels slightly validating to see a crossover. Thank you for teaching me to think biblically, Mike. Your ministry is a real blessing!
Thank you for just that opening, Mike! This has been a hard week 🙏💕
10 questions seems to be better because it’s easier to watch through the whole video in one day.
RE QUESTION 2:
The "mud flood" is part of a conspiracy theory concerning the mythical Tartarian Empire that was supposedly wiped out by a flood of mud, which is claimed to explain why some old buildings have windows and doors below ground level.
That’s all new to me. Interesting and odd.
Funny enough, I just stumbled upon that rabbit hole 2 or 3 days ago...
From what I read (although I'm sure different proponents' views will differ), the idea seems to be that Jesus returned within the lifetime of some of his original followers (they point to Matt. 16:28 here), and ruled for a thousand years. Then, somewhere in what we call the 18th or 19th century(?), Satan was released and the Satanists/freemasons/idk started a campaign to completely rewrite world history and destroy the evidence of the great, global civilization that grew during Christ's reign. They say the old cathedrals, world's fair buildings, and other classical architecture we see today are the remnants of that, and places like Rome where the ground level has risen and covered old first floors is evidence of intentional, manmade mud floods. Similarly, the great fires in cities like London, Chicago, etc. were part of this campaign, but were given fake histories later to cover it up.
And then supposedly Tartaria was made up as a kind of counter-conspiracy to cover up or discredit the people who _really_ know the truth, making them look like crazy conspiracy theorists.
It's an interesting idea, I'll admit, but the particular individual I saw making these claims also seemed to think the earth was flat, and the entire modern understanding of the cosmos is just another aspect of the wholesale deception. Between that and the idea that _all of history_ from 70 AD to 1800 is completely made up, he makes some huge claims that I feel bear too great a burden of proof. So basically if he's right, the Freemasons did a _really_ good job. (And that, I suppose, is exactly the idea.)
I’m so thankful I have channels like this to follow
Me too. The pickins are slim. It freaks me out to think about not having anybody I trust to preach God’s word to me. So few are gifted this way. We are losing them all one by one. Only the worldly ones will be left. That’s my fear.
Please keep these 10 questions every Friday coming!!!!!
Thank you for the reminder, brother. God bless you!
Regardless of the 10/20 question format, I just love your off the cuff wisdom and discernment while being so approachable!
Thank you Mike. Your answers to questions 8 and 9 really helped me.
Question 8. Alot of people have depression and anxiety. We know what we need to do. But we feel so overwhelmed. We didnt get to this hopeless point over night. Again we know what we need to do. I learned to just ASSESS my situation and just do one little thingto improve my situation. What is the next thing you can do to improve your situation? Just focus on that next thing. That one little thing may not seem like alot, but it will keep you from staying stuck. You've done something to move forward. I have a short attention span so I write my prayers. When I start the day this way, then I just did ONE thing to move forward. Also, I think depressed people isolate and often spiral. All of us do better with support. Satan wants to divide us. This is just me talking about my own experiences.
Thank you Pastor Mike. ❤ 🇦🇺
Wow Mike, your explanation of Q4 was great, thanks heaps.
I like the 10 personally. Thank you for all you do!
Bro I thoroughly appreciated especially your explanation of question one.. especially as you got on the local church corruption. Agreed..
Thanks for this!
Wonderful intro, reminds us of the eternal perspective
Amen mike amen...
Thank you for your words on evangelism focus versus shepherding focus. I know of two churches that went through troubles because of the unbalanced emphasis on evangelism at the cost of good shepherding. And I'm grateful that my pastor teaches the " dig deep" group evangelism methods for us to personally use, via Wednesday night studies. We're currently doing a survey of historical revivals, which also balances the two topics.
Just to let you know, you were talking about the 99.
I am a Christian free range goats herder.
He left them on the "mountains".
Goat and sheep are VERY safe in mountains and cliffs
When we need to secure our goats we will put them on cliffs or mountains, they are safe there and wait for our return.
Wolves and coyotes are no match for sheep and goats on a cliff
Another thought-provoking and healing message; thank you. I continue to pray for your health and grieving. You are one of the biggest blessings in my life.
The ladies’ Bible study I teach will be listening to your Romans 12:1 episode this week, and we’ll be working on listing all the qualities that we’re called to possess-as you suggest at the end of the lesson. I made a bunch of bracelets each with a jingle bell attached for the ladies to wear as a reminder to focus on and actually do the behavior they’re working on (e.g., holding their tongue when an argument seems about to arise with their spouse). I think this could be life-changing if we all pay attention to the list you suggested. Have a glorious week, dear Mike! Kathy Alba.
I agree with the answer to question 1. My understanding is similar Pastor Mike
On Acts 13:48 it is helpful to look at how the word is used in other places. So compare to 1 Cor. 16:15 there people “ordain” themselves to ministry. The word means commit and organize it actually doesn’t have a deep theological meaning that Calvinist try to impose.
For the person that says they are lazy in question 9, baby steps. Do some very small to start toward the change. Then add another thing. Take as long as you need but you will eventually become better and stronger at things.
What gets me about "real presence" is that Jesus, Himself said that whenever two or three of us are gathered in His name, He IS there among us, spiritually. Jesus actually told us that; you can't get any more *real* than that.
I suspect that it might be possible (hey, I know it is) that He would sometimes make His presence known in our hearts. So many deny that nowadays; it seems unbelievable that they would deny that we have any experience of God. I think there are times when He does make Himself known, when we are gathered together online, even when we weren't expecting to be gathered, but suddenly we are.
Q7 excellent question/response very insightful!
Thank you so much for the Q & As that you do! Today especially for the answers to #1 and #4. I have often wondered whether Satan knows he will be defeated. I always learn so much from you and really appreciate all that you do. I hope you and your wife (and Sarah and the moderators) have a great weekend. ✝ 🐈⬛
A bit of different pushback on Q1 regarding what the "Sunday Service" should be: I would say Christianity's greatest failing is that "this do in remembrance of Me" has been nearly replaced by things that are about us, including both evangelism AND discipleship. Acts shows the first Christians were so eager to remember the Lord, they were doing it daily from house to house! It almost seems they had to be restrained to doing it on the first day of week. Everything else took place after the Lord had received His first place. Today, it's often about the "us" and the remembrance is reduced or removed.
I like the new format
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
I have met more Godly people at metal concerts than at any other music festival. It is like most of the people use it for their violence outlet rather than being violent people. Could just be where I went to, but it always felt like the most open and honest and good groups.
I love you, Brother! God bless you, Mike! You channel has been a huge blessing to my children and me. I often point those to whom I am sharing the Gospel to your web page and tell them that you are solid in your theology.
I agree that our eschatological views (with few exceptions) should not be a divisive issue. I attend a Bible study where the person leading it is premillennial, and I am amillennial. I love him and accept him as a brother in Christ.
Question 2:
This is how an amillennialist sees this:
Look at what Revelation 20 says:
The binding of Satan is to keep him from deceiving the nations...TO GATHER THEM FOR BATTLE.
In the Greek it actually says "The War" or "The Battle". The whole point here is that the binding of Satan is to prevent him from bringing about the rebellion prematurely, NOT that he has no influence. Satan is still roaming about like a lion looking for those whom he may devour.
The Book of Revelation is highly symbolic. Reading it woodenly or literally or linearly will leave you with contradictions: "...and every mountain and island was removed from its place." Then later, "...hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us...' "
Also, there are three places in Revelation where it talks about "The War." There are not three different wars called "The War." It is all taking about the same final battle.
There are a lot of very smart, well-read people (like you, Mike--much more knowledgeable and well-read than I am) who hold the premillennial view. One thing I can't get them to reconcile satisfactorily is 1 Cor 15:23-26,50-55. It seems very clear that the second coming of Christ is at the last trumpet, and that is when death is defeated. How can death continue for a thousand years after death has been defeated? How can there still be choices made to come to Christ after the second coming?
There are several other points to be made, but I feel this is already getting a little long.
God bless you, your family, and your ministry, Mike!
The weekly 10 question format is a change for the better!
Hey, Pastor Mike! I really appreciate your ministry and thanks for answering my question!
I might push back on your first answer however. I agree with you that in the parable the sheep in pasture were safe. The one was the only one in danger.
However, the sheep represent how the Pharisees saw themselves. They were 99 “who needed no repentance.” Jesus was saying, “If you’re morally pure, why does it bother you that I’m going after the lost sheep. Isn’t that what a good shepherd does?” This is in response to them questioning why he spends time with sinners rather than them.
That bit of context doesnt necessarily change the idea that outreach is important. If the sheep were supposed to represent the Pharisees, then wouldnt they be lost without realizing it in the parable?
@@plzifan3773
Thank you for engaging with my comment. They 99 represented how the Pharisees viewed themselves (already righteous and in need of no repentance). Most parables have only one point. The point of this parable is “Why is it unexpected that I would seek the lost? That’s what a good shepherd does.”
@@levifox2818 Correct, which is why I dont think Jesus used the flock to refer to the Pharisees.
The parables are always a story thats completely ridiculous and unrealistic from a Worldly perspective in order to illustrate the nature of Christ and The Kingdom. Under the Sun, no shepherd would risk leaving his entire flock alone by themselves to risk his own life to save a single sheep, and yet that is the nature of God.
In the Gospels, Jesus spends a lot of time attempting to show Pharisees that they too are sinners in need of repentance, the lost sheep. Men trying to earn their way to heaven by their works.
I guess all that is to say that I just dont think that the parables should be only interpreted as a direct metaphor, just because of the immediate audience Jesus had when he gave the parable.
@@plzifan3773
It’s true that many parables are there to shift people’s mindset from the expected. But this isn’t one of them.
Jesus says, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine…?”
The Greek construction “ou” for “not” means the expected answer of the rhetorical question is that everyone would-that’s what a good shepherd does. This is historically (and in modern times) how shepherds cared for their sheep.
Just like Jesus was like a doctor, who is expected to meet with the sick, he’s also like a good shepherd, who is expected to seek the lost. That was the point of Jesus’s parable and why the ninety nine are the Pharisees. They didn’t believe they were lost, so Jesus is asking, “Why do you think I should be focusing on you?”
It is true that Jesus seeks the Pharisees as well, but that’s because he knows they are lost and sick. But in this case, he was addressing them based on their view of themselves.
"the sheep represent how the Pharisees saw themselves"
Does it though? Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd for those who are SAVED. That doesn't include the Pharisees who didn't repent and believe.
Regarding Question 7 - at 50:30
Acts 13:48
"And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad,
and glorified the word of the Lord:
and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."
Follow-up Questions:
1. WHO was Paul's audience?
2. WHAT did they believe?
3. AND To what END did they believe?
Here is my understanding of these questions based on the surrounding context (especially vv. 38-49):
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1. The audience was almost the whole city (v. 44), especially those gentiles (v. 42) that believed what Paul had said the week before, asking him to preach again the following week, and gathered almost the whole city to hear that following week.
"38) Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,
that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39) And by him all that believe are justified from all things,
from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
40) Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
41) Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish:
for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe,
though a man declare it unto you.
42) And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue,
the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
43) Now when the congregation was broken up,
many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas:
who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44) And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God."
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2. The believing gentiles that had already believed the week before, and were ordained to eternal life believed what Paul said this week, that: "we turn to the Gentiles" and "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth."
That salvation was not only for the Jews but that the scriptures were for them as well, to the ends of the earth.
"45) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy,
and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
46) Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said,
It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you:
but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life,
lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
47) For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying,
I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles,
that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth."
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3. Having believed the gospel the week before, they now believed what Paul said this week to the end that they published the word throughout the whole region, as described in the very next verse (v. 49)...
"48) And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord:
and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
49) And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region."
The "THIS" that they heard, was that the Word was for them as well, so they "glorified the word of the Lord" and believed what Paul said that the word was for them as well, and "the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region."
So verse 48 does not say "Those that were already ordained to be saved believed unto salvation".
But rather it says: "those that had already believed unto salvation believed that the word was meant for them as well, it was not only for the Jews." And so they published the word throughout the whole region.
One of the problems non-Calvinists face with passages such as Acts 13:48, Romans 8:29, etc. is translation bias. Bible translation committees are dominated by Calvinist and Reformed theologians whose tendency is to translate Scripture in a way that conforms to the theological presuppositions they bring to the text. Other Calvinist and Reformed Christians then use those biased translations to support their doctrine.
The keys to a correct understanding of Acts 13:48 lie in the context provided by Acts 13:16 & 26 and in the Greek verb τάσσω (tassó), meaning to draw up in order, arrange. In Acts 14:48. Acts 13:16 tells us that Paul spoke to:
_Men of Israel, and you that fear God_
See also Acts 23:26, where the point is reiterated:
_sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God_
The _"men of Israel"_ and _"sons of the family of Abraham"_were Jews, whether natural-born or proselytes who had converted to Judaism (cf. Acts 2:10, 22). The _"you that fear God",_ on the other hand, were gentiles who had not converted to Judaism but who were, like Cornelius, God-fearers (Acts 10:22). Indeed, translations such as the NIV and NET replace 'you' with words along the lines of "gentiles who" at this point. In the broader context of Acts 13:46-48, the Middle Participle form of the verb τάσσω (tassó) in Acts 13:48 indicates that the converts to Christianity were _devoting themselves_ to eternal life. The Middle Participle and Perfect Passive forms of τάσσω (tassó) are the same, but Calvinist and Reformed theologians admit only the latter understanding, ignoring the context provided by Acts 13:16 & 26, which tell us that the gentiles attracted to the Gospel were already predisposed to believe in the God of the Bible through their exposure to Judaism.
As you reflect the graciousness of your LORD,answering in gentle curiousity as you probe the questions with open respect ,clearly holding to the infallibility and eternal purity of the Word, Living and Active.
Sarans wiles are mimicry. He has no omniscience and has inly as much leash as the Omnipotence of God allows.
I totally got when Mike spoke about DA, my father got worse and worse but when Mum decided to leave, we went to a DA facility ( This was early 70’s and the place was eloquently called ‘Home for battered wives ) any once we’d got out Dad got worse and worse in his anger, he wrote small books to my Mum, reading them as an adult now you can see the writings were clearly because he was losing control, his anger turned inward and as he had threatened many times he took his own life when I was 7. I can totally see how when a being is that enraged and in that dark insanity, they don’t care if they lose, they are engulfed in rage and anger so there is no sense to be made. That sounds like Satan.
My Dad was an alcoholic and I just wish they had the help, understanding and resources they do now.
Love your videos, they provide so much clarity and help with understanding, God Bless you.
for question 9 it does grlp if you build a community of belivers around you for support. multiple times in the bible it says we shouldnt be alone.