Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:23 {Is God Ignoring Your Prayers?} If prayer is effective, why do so many prayers seem to go unanswered, especially in desperate situations? 2. 32:12 {Children/Procreation on the New Earth?} How are there children in the Eternal Kingdom on Earth (Isaiah 11:6-9)? Any child resurrected would mature during the Millennium, right? Does this mean there could be procreation on the New Earth? 3. 39:44 {Having our Roots Deep in Christ} I recently read Mark 4 (the Parable of the Sower) and was convicted about not having my roots deep enough in Christ. What are some practical ways of achieving this? 4. 47:05 {Jesus’ Deity in Scripture} Where does the Bible teach that the deity of Jesus is a salvation/damnation issue? For example, in Athens (Acts 17), it seems weird that Paul didn't explicitly teach this. John 8, perhaps? 5. 57:52 {When Parents Oppose Church Attendance} My parents are Mormon. I'm an 18 year-old Christian. They don't want me to go to a Christian church. How do I confront them or ask them if I can go back? Any advice would be great. 6. 1:02:49 {“God Bless You” to Non-Believers?} Is it appropriate to say to a non-believer, “May God bless you,” e.g., in a greeting card or in a new endeavor? It could be perceived as “May God give you good stuff.” 7. 1:06:28 {Unequally Yoked Wedding Attendance?} Considering 2 Corinthians 6: 14-16, is it OK to go to a wedding when you know the couple is unequally yoked? 8. 1:14:54 {Disciples Knew they Had the Spirit?} In Acts 19:2, Paul asks the disciples if they have received the Holy Spirt. How would they KNOW they received the Holy Spirit? Was there a type of evidence then that we don’t necessarily see today? 9. 1:22:05 {Evangelism for the Ineloquent} Everyone seems to have their way of sharing the Gospel: street-preaching, pastoring, etc. How do I know how God has called me to share the Gospel? I'm not good socially, but I want to reach people. 10. 1:27:03 {Secular Songs During Worship?} What are your thoughts on Churches playing a secular song before worship? They’ve defended this practice with 1 Corinthians 9.
I find that believers strike out with threats, when informed of reasoned denial, of the existence of a God outside of fiction. Atheist literature goes back to 500 BC. I suspect educated men have always known Deity as a tool of fiction, a tool of state. What greater audacity can there be than a claim to some relationship with a Deity? Believers begin their crimes like Moses, becoming history's worst navigator, as if travel were best done with one foot in fantasyland. Believers fail to comprehend the saying of Jesus Christ which has lasted to this day. Believers are found among a gathering crowd, when Jesus Christ is alarmed by a wicked generation, those who seek the signs of resurrection. "The only sign given is Jonah" - who was a believer. He was outnumbered & murdered by other believers. Jesus Christ "hangeth on a tree" to celebrate the War of the Jews. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13 "Render to Caesar"
I find that believers strike out with threats, when informed of reasoned denial, of the existence of a God outside of fiction. Atheist literature goes back to 500 BC. I suspect educated men have always known Deity as a tool of fiction, a tool of state. What greater audacity can there be than a claim to some relationship with a Deity? Believers begin their crimes like Moses, becoming history's worst navigator, as if travel were best done with one foot in fantasyland. Believers fail to comprehend the saying of Jesus Christ which has lasted to this day. Believers are found among a gathering crowd, when Jesus Christ is alarmed by a wicked generation, those who seek the signs of resurrection. "The only sign given is Jonah" - who was a believer. He was outnumbered & murdered by other believers. Jesus Christ "hangeth on a tree" to celebrate the War of the Jews. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13 "Render to Caesar"
If you pray for this world, it will never happen. It is useless for a cancer patient to pray for healing. Even if the gods come to earth, they cannot cure cancer. You must pray to be saved from hell on the afterlife, because on that day, none other than two gods can save you from hell.
Last December we lost our baby, my wife was 20 weeks pregnant. There were issues the last six weeks of the pregnancy and i prayed and prayed that our daughter would live. But we lost her. It hurt and still hurts because we loved her even though she was not yet born. In that moment i chose to trust the Lord, it was hard and it hurt but i just kept thinking about revelation 21:4-8 when he will wipe every tear and there will be no more death. My wife is now 25 weeks pregnant with a son who will be born in November or December Lord willing. All we can do is trust in Jesus that he is sovereign and he hears us and cares. He is faithful and in him we can rest even in our mourning and hurt. He is good
One passage that I think is very encouraging for those situations is when David's first son of Bathsheba dies and how he handles it, specifically the last verse: 2 Samuel 12:21-23 LSB [21] Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” [22] Then he said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, Yahweh may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ [23] But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” Solomon Is Born
@@Christos_Kurios that was another passage that helped to get through this days. that exact passage and revelation 21 are what helped to get through those first few weeks.
@@patriciamayhue5519 thank you so much sister! We are excited for this baby and I just trust our Lord and God that he is faithful in all things. We are naming our son Elijah "my God is Yahweh". I'm excited to get to meet him
Thank you. We lost our oldest child in December 2021. The pain and confusion is too much. I thought God would protect my children. Knowing that His plan includes my child dying has shaken my entire world. I will listen to this episode over and over. My husband refuses to listen to anything, but I was able to get him to listen to this. Thank you.
This is the most painful thing any parent can experience. My heart ache and breaks for you and your husband. I don't have any good answers for you, but may you find solace and comfort to gain strength.
I just prayed on Monday that God would help my heart not to feel disappointed with Him because of an unanswered prayer. Every day this week God has highlighted Scripture in my regular reading that has brought such comfort to my soul. Although my heart is still heavy, how could I be disappointed in God Who has been interacting with me, reminding me of His goodness and faithful character! And then the first question today on this stream!
Could you elaborate on this if you don't mind? It sounds like the prayers are still not answered and I just want to understand how you conclude the following "reminding me of His goodness and faithful character". I struggle to understand that, because, in my view, there is no point in praying (asking). It sounds like we should just express gratefulness and leave it at that, because "trusting" in anything more seems to be more of a coping mechanism. I am not questioning you, I would just like you to dive a bit deeper if you don't mind.
@@henkv9323 I hope you don't mind my chiming in. I'd really like to be helpful if I can. Before I try to answer, though, I'd like to understand your question better. You said, ""trusting" in anything more seems to be more of a coping mechanism." Would you elaborate on that statement? What exactly is being trusted in, in your view, if we pray/ask God for things instead of just expressing gratefulness?
@@Carole_ Sure, I will try, but this medium is limited compared to face to face. Thank you for asking to clarify instead of just popping off like some on this forum seems to do 🙂. Hardships are universal and come to all people regardless if they are persons of faith or not. It appears, from just observing and talking to people of faith and those who do not profess any faith, that the mechanism of coping with hardship is very similar. People find "something" like believing in a personal God, believing that the next life (e.g. heaven or reincarnation) will be better, or a personal drive to survive for the sake of their loved ones and all these things stirs and create "hope" which enables them with courage to cope, endure and persevere with the hardship. The act of asking God for something seems to be more of a coping mechanism mentioned earlier, not a God who really answers prayer per se (I don't mean this in a hostile way, so please don't be offended ). The act of asking and believing that God will answer a prayer is the "hope" mechanism that enables one to cope with the hardship without receiving an answer to prayer. The lack of answers to prayer, will then trigger the next "something" cope mechanism (e.g. God can do whatever God wants, God know best, his ways are higher , you have sin in your life , God punishes me...etc.) believing that there is some reason that the prayer is not answered (these reasons vary widely between people of faith in particular). The main point, for me, is that it does not matter if God answers or never answers, but the person of faith will always find the next coping mechanism that produces hope and enable them to cope. On this forum, it is the Christian God, other forums it might be something else. My aim in life is to at least understand why people say the things they say or do the things they do (or not do what they say 😉). This topic, for me at least, leads to many other questions relating to "believing the scriptures" like the assurance of salvation, but not the assurance of answered prayer. How can we believe the scripture is true for one thing, but everything related to the promises of prayers we excuse away (we find the next "something" reason to enable us to cope) ? Anyway, this format is limited in what one can express without sitting around a table and discuss the scriptures about prayer in particular. 🙂 It's that internal conflict I have with this topic. If the scripture is true describing salvation, but then believers accept the lack of answered prayer even though the scriptures have a lot to say about prayer and more specifically the lack of answered prayer (e.g. book of James).
@@henkv9323 I have been praying about a family situation and it has not gone the way that I would have hoped. I regularly read the Bible and there were verses each day, in my regular reading, that reminded me of God's character and goodness. (Psalm 73:25,28, Romans 8:28, Psalm 27:13-14, Proverbs 20:22, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 84:10). Even though my prayer wasn't answered the way I hoped, God has given me peace and encouragement to trust and wait on Him. He obviously knows more than I do, and He will always make the best decisions. I may not always understand, but I do know He can be trusted. It's hard to explain this in this forum, but I know me and I know my tendencies, and God has certainly given me a peace in the middle of this situation that is beyond me. Those verses spoke to the very things I needed to hear. I believe God was interacting with me, personally, through His Word. To think that God is that personal, that caring to minister to me in that way, gives me peace and hope. I don't see the first question on this stream about prayer as coincidence. I believe God wanted me to hear it. I have had many years in relationship with God and I have come to find Him trustworthy. I appreciate your question.
U probably saved my life w/question #1. No joke. I was in the thick of it, on The Throne, punching 😢at God & telling him how to God & giving ultimatums & truly spinning out. Scripture is so right to warn against that mindset. It's terrifying to live thru. Thank u for some much needed "u need to sit all the way down & give careful thought to your ways" perspective, Mike. 💔🙏
9 years ago and 19 years as a born again believer, I prayed believing that God would allow Austin Stephanos and Perry Cohen to be found when they went missing in a boat off the coast of Florida. They were never found. It truly did rock my faith. I believed with all my heart and soul that they would be found and prayed so fervently that at one point I 🤮 It took me quite awhile to recover from that whole scenario. I know two of the family members of one of the boys. From then on, I prayed for His will to be done. And I trust Him for the outcome always. It kind of takes the pressure off to not expect a preconceived outcome but to trust His plan. ❤
@@Plisken65 I had to accept that He does answer. Just not yes all the time. I would love to know what the ripple effect was so that I could see for myself why He said no. I know there is an awesome answer to this.
God added 15 years to Hezekiah's life. I enjoy your teachings very much. Just keep digging deeper always. Jesus is so wonderful and worthy of our obedience.
I was wondering why I was thinking it was 15 years that God extended Hezekiah's life. I remembered someone I knew, some years ago, who also prayed as Hezekiah did and God granted this person 15 more years.
I'm standing in the gap, praying daily for my family's salvation, healing, and reconciliation. God Loves my family even more than I do. He is The Great Physician, and they're in the best Hands. My biggest duty is to draw nearer to Him, and trust Him more.
Love the reminders from question #1, my mom has autoimmune and chronic pain issues, and starting in July has had unexplained abdominal pain that even after several tests we still don't know what is causing it. It's been a very long two months and I have honestly asked God why He doesn't heal her, but I still praise Him every day for what He has done will continue to do.
Just a thought. Histamine intolerance? I started having tummy issues every day and endiscopies by gastroenterologist and skin prick test by doctor who is a specialist in allergies did not bring results. Then I was made aware of histamine intolerance by my mum and started treatment and it worked. Complete game changer but not on the minds of the doctors that had examined me. This is in the UK. My mum is in Germany. Blessings!
@chriscross5188 Thank you so much for responding! She has actually tried a non-histamine diet with no results, but I'm so glad that it helped you and your mom! It's been a long road of knowing what it's not, but not knowing what it is. She's getting a gall bladder function test done tomorrow and had a pill cam done earlier this week, so praying one of these two tests show something, otherwise we may be going to Mayo
The thing is how many things we just don't give our own children when they ask, sometimes they are ridiculous, or untimely, or they just don't understand how the real world works! It's not unfair to say we know so little compared to God! We just have to trust!! Through our tears He will help us see a rainbow when we look at the light of his face. ❤❤
I definitely feel like Jesus saved me and my husband through the fire. I grew up Christian but I never knew Christ until now. Thanks Mike Winger for your channel. It helps me so much. I told my doctor about you! I hope he checks you out because he seemed interested.
Mike, I appreciate that you encourage for people to seek out answers for themselves and thinking critically to approach this topic instead of being the go-to for answers. Sign of a great teacher… one who really wants people to be equipped to think and seek God in the process.
@TurinTuramber not blind faith. Faith isn't reliant on answered prayers. There's numerous other reasons and evidence for our faith. I encourage you to look into the arguments for God's existence and the historical evidence for Christ. William Lane Craig lays out a lot of these in easy to understand way. Personally, I was seeking truth no matter what that truth was. I was willing to be wrong and have my world changed. God revealed himself to me in many ways and continues to do so. It would be impossible to break it down perfectly in a comment, but try to have a truly open heart. I pray that you seek God honestly and openly and are willing to recieve his revelation.
The comment doesn't provide any assurance God is responding to an individual’s personal requests, supplications, or petitions. God's continuing to work is not being debated or denied. Jesus confirmed that God continues to work close to 2000 years ago. But the work He is doing doesn't mean He is responding to your specific prayers. John 5:17
Praise God he brought me through a very painful physical pain in my body that at one point I could not function in a normal way, and I prayed for complete healing, which did not happen, but what did happen is I learned that the Lord was there in all of my suffering and made me realize I need to rely on him for everything, because he is there as Mike said while we are going through it.
Thank you for your beautiful explanation, Mike! When I was praying for my dad to be healed from ALS I had full faith that God could heal him, but my dad died and someone told me that God gave him the ultimate healing. God did answer my prayer, just not the way I wanted him to. I’m glad he’s pain free in heaven.
@@ChristinewithaC Same. My children and I had full faith God would heal my husband of ALS, praying over him multiple times a day, strengthening his faith when he was weak. There was so much spiritual growth in our family during that time, and when others would ask but what if, I’d just say then it would be the ultimate healing. It’s harder for me to say that now and mean it. Today’s message was helpful.
It seems to me a bit of a conundrum when it comes to praying for people with an incurable disease since no one has ever been healed from any such disease (by definition). How could anyone muster faith for such a healing unless they somehow expect to be the first in human history to get an answer to that kind of prayer?
@insulate43 I don’t need to muster faith in a healing because my faith is in God. He has given forgiveness of my sins and eternal life, if He never gives me one other thing that is enough. But He has answered my prayers and I have seen miracles in my life. Does that mean every prayer has been answered in the way I would have wanted Him to, no. We see through a dim mirror and at best only part of the story. I trust that He answers for the best, and to be honest I don’t always celebrate that fact. As far as no one recovering from ALS well apparently 1% do.
I lost a child and felt so held the whole time. I could tangibly feel God in it all. And while I didn’t understand why this would happen, I trusted my Father, who knows best. I felt like such an instrument through it all. Finding out, being induced, birthing a baby who had already passed, having infection, having a violent reaction to the antibiotics and being covered in hives, my milk coming in without a baby to feed, burying him…. There was no pressure to handle it perfectly, but I knew I was being used to be a witness to people. That people were watching and it was in turn building their faith. In the midst of the pain and suffering, I was a willing instrument in His Symphony! ❤️🔥
I thank God that, for the most part, I've reached a point in my fellowship with Christ that in all things that I ask for in prayer, I ask only if it's His will. God has blessed me so much and answered prayers that would seem unbelievable to most people! I'm not perfect by any means and I struggle with so many things, but He has ALWAYS been there with me and I know it.
Thank you once again and always. Your Q&A (and all other) series brings a lot of encouragement, wisdom (I pray) and joy into my life (in ever darkening Ukraine). May the Lord continue to bless and keep you and your family, and the crew serving with you. 🌞
This was a very timely and helpful video. I'm going through the very things in Q1 right now, and all you said helped me and was great advice and insight. I think this may be at least a way God answered, at least partially my prayers, and I'm thankful for that. Thank you Mike for the ministry and the depth explanation and all you do. God bless you !
Hey Mike. I have been watching you for at least 2yrs. At first you were way over my head. Now im able to follow and understand so much more. You are a blessing to alot of people. So i want to say Thankyou. I have noticed you being sick several times. And i wonder if you get outside much. With all the research and studying that you do makes me think you are inside alot. So i would suggest you getting outside and feeling the sun. Go barefoot in the grass. It does alot for the body and soul. Boost the immune system. ❤
Brother mike, I pray that one day our Lord will greatly reward you for the vlory you have brought to Him and the great help you have brought to people like me. I wish you knew how much help you really are.
Mike. As usual, a very good “10 Questions”. You answer and explanation to question #10 is spot on! There is so much “compromise” in the Church, especially the western church. Hold firm to the gospel, live with strength and fidelity, TO our God, in all things!
My current understanding of God is that He is Lord and owes me nothing. His understanding and ways are utterly beyond me. I am the creation, He is the creator and He does not need to prove Himself to me. The scriptures communicate some reasons why prayers aren't answered. Many times we will never know. He knows things that we don't and can't understand.
It’s so true how we don’t realize at all how the little things all the way to big that we take for granted.. going to jail for a month through opiate withdrawal just dying , you get home and a pillow or being able to have a Dr Pepper is such a luxury it’s crazy. I can’t imagine how we take out limbs and eyesight for granted unless we lost it . Thank you Lord for everything you give us ☦️✝️
I was watching some TH-cam videos and fell asleep for a nap. Evidently you came on next and ended up in my dream. I dreamed my husband and I were visiting you and your family. You were a pastor and got a call from someone asking you questions and you were answering them as you sat at a kitchen table. I was so interested that I was eavesdropping from the living room. I woke up and there you were on TV. That was funny. Thank you for your ministry (even in my dream, lol).
This question truly makes me think about the Apostles who all faced torture and murder at believing and professing Christ. The only thing I can see is that their deaths and/or tortures were necessary to bring about why we should all trust God. ESPECIALLY, after they saw the Resurrected Christ just three days after denying Him, doubting Him, and fleeing to escape His fate, themselves. They died for what they believed they saw, three days later. I'm SURE they prayed.
Prayer for me usually goes like this: - God please give me X - But if Y is your will, I’ll accept it - But I think I really want X - I have no clue! I’m giving it over to you. I trust you Jesus. - God, thy will be done. I love you, thanks.
1st be anxious for nothing; 2nd know that The Father knows what you need before you ask; 3rd don’t ask amiss; 4th have a pure heart and your prayers will be heard and manifest upon the will of The Father for it to manifest it.
Even though God knows what we need before we pray for it, He says, "they have not," because they "ASK not". Asking in faith glorifies God, which we are to do.
I pray for you and your ministry. You comforted me with your sincere desire to bring the Gospel to everyone. I have been surfing the internet and find the rude and erroneous comments made by others. It makes me sad. You were given an extraordinary gift by GOD to minister His word. Please do not let anyone stop you.🙏
My dad was pronounced brain dead this June after a sudden accident - I have been struggling with prayer and why our prayers weren’t answered for his healing.. I was struggling again today and prayed that God would give me counsel on this issue - I really needed to hear this today Mike - thank you for your sound teaching on this and thank you God for bringing this video. And praise God my father believed Jesus was his Lord and Savior and he is home.
Mike. I am glad for Hezekiahs prayer. It was after thet prayer when his son was concieved. Now go read Mat chapter 1. So, no prayer by Hezekiah, no life extended, no Manaseh, ... no Mary and Joseph. Thank the Lord for his answered prayer
Really enjoying your teaching and Q&A session. Thanks for the answer on question 7 - I have debated with my friends recently without conclusion, but your answer shed light on this question! Love it !
God always answers our prayers, it's not in the way we want but what is best and the answer maybe a No or a wait because he knows everyone's story beginning to end and what is best for us, no matter what the circumstances are.
@@kt.7257 Amen. And to add to that, we each have a ‘center of the universe’ complex, so sometimes it’s good to also remember that the No from God might be for someone else’s situational betterment, which then means it’s for our spiritual betterment.
@@theeternalsbeliever1779 true that an unbeliever or strayed person may not have their prayers answered. But for those in God’s will, I don’t see any scriptural evidence for God not always answering our prayers.
I've gone through a lot of stuff in my life. God does not always give me what I want when I pray. So I try to humble myself, because maybe God has something else in store for me that's better than what I could imagine. It is very difficult sometimes. But even through the difficult times, God is good. He has shown himself to me in my personal life, and even if he doesn't answer all of my prayers, I know he is there. I don't have to understand everything he does, to know that he is good.❤
I've always heard it as God gives over if 3 answers to prayer : Yes, No, & Not Now. It's not that God says no to everything, but often it's a 'Not Now' or 'Not Exactly'. We rarely know what's best for ourselves in the long run. If God gave us everything we asked, how much worse would we be? How much character development would we lack?
Re question 1, when I feel God hasn't answered my prayer in the way I think, I always go back to scripture reevaluate my prayer according to scripture. Is it in line with God's will, it may be good, but God is sovereign and there is a bigger plan, am I asking with wrong motives, because it will make my life easier..we are not guaranteed an easy life, but one where we will have suffering. God's ultimate purpose is to mold us and shape us into the image of Jesus. He is preparing a bride for His Son, that is His will..so my prayer may not align with that purpose and I may not see it. Ultimately I have to trust God as a good and heavenly Father and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength to help get to get through whatever I am going through and make sure that I'm yielding to His will and being made holy and sanctified daily. not easy but there is such a peace just trusting in God to do as He wills, cause He is good, just, righteous, full of compassion..after almost 40 years walking with the Lord and having this mindset I rarely get discouraged or anxious. I just remind myself of the scriptures that show God's true character.
@@mable552 isn’t it so true? that we get to experience that peace that surpasses all understanding from knowing and trusting in the fullness of God’s good nature! It safeguards us in any circumstance. Amen ❤️
My first wife was adulterous but the betrayal, and pain of divorce, brought me to Christ. I then began to pray for her salvation and reconciliation of our marriage. I didn't happen. After more than a decade i married a "Christian" woman, who decided to leave our marriage due to "unhappiness." Again I prayed for a reconciliation...that hasn't come to pass. My faith in God, and my eternal place in the Kingdom, hasn't been shaken. But I very much question God's "goodness" in this current life.
I fell off the balance beam in HS. @the time i was born again & indeed my Faith was strong. I ended up w epilepsy & told i would never work Or go to school in my adult life... I asked for prayer via Kenneth Copeland Ministries: He stated "if you're not healed you have sin in your life!"
The biggest thing ive prayed for for 4 years in family reconciliation. I haven't seen or spoken to my grandchildren in all that time. And they live less than 10 miles away. At the beginning i begged God to take me home. The pain was unbearable. Now im scared. I don't feel joy or happiness and even worse i don't feel God.
I’m in the same situation. Put your family in the hands ofJesus..have faith that they are better with him than the sadness u carry in your heart. There is a a book called the power of praying for adult children, by Stormie?. This book gets me thru. God bless u
He knows. So many of our brothers and sisters around the world go through similar fiery trials, being ostracized and imprisoned. "Voice of the Martyrs" radio comes to mind. You may draw some strength from hearing the life stories of our brethren. 🕊️
Embrace His holy Word. Seek Him, He says "knock and the door will be opened." What good are you doing yourself by distancing from God? That surely won't get your family back! Hit your knees and accept his will.
Erik Thoennes is one of my favorite speakers and you are one of my favorite teachers and I had no idea you go to the same church what are the odds!? For sure going to this conference! Praying for the Lord to do great work through this.
Hey Mike, I've been listening to you for years now and you still surprise me at some of the relevant scripture that comes to your mind to answer a question. You're very gifted and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and care in not giving quick answers. Now a bit of hopefully corrective feedback: I wish you would use the same careful method of interpreting scripture when you read 2 Corinthians 6:14 as you do elsewhere, reading before and after. Hardly anyone does so because they already "know" what it means. I suggest that if you read Paul's full thought you will have a very different interpretation than the usual takeaway of relationship advice. I suggest the thought starts in 6:1 concluding with 7:1, the concern being not "yoking yourself with unbelievers" in the sense that you should not be participating in the same works that they are and working toward the same harvest. If you look up other passages where Paul uses the metaphor of a yoke the message is consistent. It doesn't have to do with avoiding relationships with people. The topic of marriage is addressed at length in 1 Corinthians. It is not mentioned once in 2 Corinthians. That should give a little bit of pause for how easily we apply the passage to that topic, whether or not the message of "don't marry unbelievers" can be proven true from other passages.
This first question is good. My question is why can’t God ever even answer the simple prayers? Sometimes I understand why the big ones go unanswered. It’s the little daily ones going constantly unanswered that I struggle with.
I don't want to doubt the Lord Jesus He must know what he is doing He made all things! I prayed to see my daughter and her mother (after I walked away) and 2 years later no answer For believers to work in our department So we can witness YET an employee who hates this idea influences the supervisor to hire otherwise. And same employee drinks on the job and brings other workers to join in. I pray that God will remove him! Again no answer to any of these prayers."That's the pillar in my life I'm going to focus on" Well thank you Mike for that perspective.
Dear Mike, thank you for your thoughtful and timely answer to q #1. A couple months ago, one of my best friends gave birth to a baby boy with a congenital heart defect that was undiscovered during the pregnancy. He is still alive, after several surgeries and procedures but could potentially still need a heart transplant. I’ve tried to walk along side her in her grief and questions as to why this happened to them and the question of if she had just prayed more during her pregnancy, would he have been born healthy? And we don’t know the answer to that question but we have to trust and believe that God is good, sovereign and is strengthening them through this trial. Secondly, a family we grew up with, recently lost a son/grandson, 5 years old with no good medical explanation as to why. Thank the Lord they are devoted Christians who have leaned on God through their immense grief, but again the question of “did someone not pray enough or believe enough” came up. Your answer gives me hope that God has a plan all along and He simply wants us to trust Him even when it’s incredibly hard.
I have been experiencing this even though I have been saved for 21 yrs. Getting through so much that I was just tired. I thought God hates me bc no matter how I pray, there was no answer. Then I have to encourage myself and question my beliefs. Do I love God bc of what he does or for who HE IS? And God let me to the book of Job, ohhh I have never understood that book like at this time. Nothing have changed, the hard things are there but, Im changing, and now Mike just address this very thing. God always speaks, but are we listening?
Yes, I agree. It is a very tough situation when we realize and know the scripture, that when we witness, it will not only get the people saved but also condemn them into judgment. We will fase a rage somtime. Eventually, we are witnessing but we need to stand bold and solid for, His Kingdom Come His Will Be Done. And whoever person will be for us, we know from Scripture that no one gets saved from another human's faith. Trust In Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Be bold and humble enough to carry His Will on us. Staying close to Him in prayer, and scripture, watching bible study videos, listening to our brothers and sisters singing to our Lord. Trying to really, love the people surrounding us. But sometimes we get wasted and get forthless for good deeds, because of our wrong actions and choices, but In His Will and for His Glory, everything is possible and good. Because at the end of the day, everything good in us Is From Him and For Him. Him = Jesus Christ Our Lord and Saviour.
Here's a little gift to you Mike on behalf of the entire Wingalings family: Verse 1) Mike Winger’s got his Bible and his cat on cam, Says he’ll keep it short, we know it’s a sham. Three hours later, we’re still here to stay, 'Cause learning from Mike is our favorite way to play. He throws in a joke, and we hear crickets sing, But he laughs anyway, it’s his favorite thing. “I find it funnier that no one’s amused,” He’s laughing out loud while we’re all confused. (Pre-Chorus) And he says, “I’ll make this one quick,” we know that’s not true, Next thing we know, it’s hour number two. With a smile on his face, he’s saying, “Don’t just trust me,” We’re flipping through pages, to make sure that we see. (Chorus) Oh, Mike Winger, you make our faith feel light, With your cat cam dreams and your Jesus insight. You drop those dad jokes, and we roll our eyes, But we love you, Mike, you make us so wise. (Verse 2) He’s a guitar-playing pastor, but hey, here’s the thing, When you’re buried in books, there’s no time for a string. Star Trek references, LOTR on loop, He’s got that nerd charm that makes our hearts swoop. With gummy bears on the desk, and a Bible in hand, He’s our favorite guide through this spiritual land. From La La Land dreams to the truth that he shows, Mike’s keeping it real, from our heads to our toes. (Bridge) He’s got books on books, stacked up to the sky, Teaching us to question, always asking why. He says, “Don't just listen, dig deep and see,” 'Cause following blindly, that’s not how we should be. (Chorus) Oh, Mike Winger, you’re our best friend online, Your faith and your jokes, man, they’re both so fine. We’re Wingalings for life, in your wisdom we trust, With your laugh and your lessons, it’s a joy for us. (Outro) So here's to you, Mike, with your cat by your side, From gummy bears to Gandalf, you’re our faithful guide. We’re your Wingalings, with love and delight, Learning and laughing, you make everything right. Learning and laughing, you make everything right.
@MikeWinger I’ll throw another complicated wedding into the mix: The wedding of a couple that resulted from an adulterous affair that caused divorce(s) from their previous spouses.
@@aerogers4117That’s a doozie. There are many Qs that would need to be answered to give me my answer on whether or not I would go to this wedding. Did the previous (presumably innocent) spouses each pursue divorce bc of the adultery or did the adulterers each pursue the divorces? If the adulterers pursued the divorces, then are the innocent parties already remarried? Is this all fresh news or did these marriages end years ago? I’d be more open to attending the wedding if A- the innocent parties both were the ones that pursued the divorces and/ or the innocent parties were both already remarried B- the adulterous parties have been in a long lasting relationship post previous marriages. If the couple is going to stay in the relationship then it would be better for them be married. I would pray and use wise judgement regarding all the details of the situation to decide whether or not I’d attend this wedding.
8 yes, as Mike stated, understanding of the gospel of Jesus is necessary to receiving the Holy Spirit. Also, it is important to note that in verse 6 that Paul found it necessary to lay hands on them so as to receive the Holy Spirit. Not only right doctrine, but apparently also the laying on of hands from one who has also already received the Holy Spirit are the steps to take in receiving the Holy Spirit, with various evidences to confirm of what you received; such as the speaking of tongues, prophecy, the fruit of the Spirit, and others
I think that is a good answer about secular music in the church. I think part of the problem is conflating our corporate worship with evangelism. We come to worship God, and putting secular music in that communicates something that I think we don't really want to communicate. Like you said, it is good for us to he different. People are looking for different these days And I know the Eastern Orthodox churches gave a prayer service (Orthros or Matins) leading up to the Divine Liturgy.
I just always want to feel his presence, sometimes, God doesn't have a speech impediment, I have a hearing problem to be truthful, learning to be still is where I'm at.
I love the Lord, I completely believe he lived, died, and resurrected, I was baptized in water, professing my faith in 2017, in the word daily, but this past few months with the world in chaos and expecting the pre-tribulation rapture anytime because of the converging of the signs all at once, anyone else experiencing increase in spiritual attacks?
What kind of attacks? Like other people persecuting you or bad things happening (like maybe your car breaking down, or your house getting flooded)? I don't usually feel like I'm being spiritually attacked because that's not how I think about it. I might be wrong, though. I ask about the type of attacks you refer to because when bad or negative things happen to me, I can look at it and realize I'm usually the culprit. I have had asthma and coughing problems lately. I have also been tired, and feel lethargic. But I have traced the reasons for those things to over-eating. I can control my asthma and coughing if I eat less, and avoid certain foods. (For me, coughing and acid reflux are related, which leads to asthma symptoms). Does satan make me eat too much, or am I the one that's sinning when I eat in a gluttonous way? The other thing is, I want to find a better place to live but rents are not affordable without another income. My husband is currently unemployed and he's not doing much about it and it gets on my nerves. Plus, he still has a drinking problem. In fact,, that really is at the heart of the matter. I get angry about this. But is part of it my fault? I would be living in my own condo now, with the mortgage paid off next year, if I hadn't been too busy drinking and drugging and gone into foreclosure in 2007. So it often comes down to me and what I did to get myself where I am. (for me it usually comes down to my alcohol and drug problem prior to 2010). This probably has nothing to do with your comment, but it made me think about this.
@Cheri1994 I’m a believer, I believe in the rapture, I know the world is in chaos and these things shall pass, God is still on the throne and he is in control. I feel anytime I’m really seeking God, I’m attacked per family chaos, ect. I at times giving into the feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger with my personal situation than trying to seek refuge with God. I have a son that is 24 and still lives with us, and I don’t agree with some of his decisions and actions ect…. It places a heavy burden on my heart, and I’m praying for him, and rebuking Satan…. I know we are living in prophetic times, and I just want to keep the faith hope and trust in Jesus Christ without being disappointed and discouraged with unanswered prayer. Listening to Mikes explanations today really gave me more insight into what I must do…. I hope any of whatever I’ve said helps and makes sense! God bless🙏🙏🙏
Q1: The last few chapters of Job (38 and following) add some perspective to this. Job is reprimanded for judging God for not answering his prayers. If we think that God is somehow deficient for not answering our prayers the way we want then we have our perspective wrong. The way God answers or prayers if perfect because He is perfect.
I left my old church over the secular music issue. At first, I didn't mind it, but as I matured in the faith, I began to realize that it shouldn't be happening. What struck the final nail in the coffin was when they had a dance team come on stage and start dancing to High School Musicals' We're All In This Together. I started looking for a new church after that service.
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Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:23 {Is God Ignoring Your Prayers?} If prayer is effective, why do so many prayers seem to go unanswered, especially in desperate situations?
2. 32:12 {Children/Procreation on the New Earth?} How are there children in the Eternal Kingdom on Earth (Isaiah 11:6-9)? Any child resurrected would mature during the Millennium, right? Does this mean there could be procreation on the New Earth?
3. 39:44 {Having our Roots Deep in Christ} I recently read Mark 4 (the Parable of the Sower) and was convicted about not having my roots deep enough in Christ. What are some practical ways of achieving this?
4. 47:05 {Jesus’ Deity in Scripture} Where does the Bible teach that the deity of Jesus is a salvation/damnation issue? For example, in Athens (Acts 17), it seems weird that Paul didn't explicitly teach this. John 8, perhaps?
5. 57:52 {When Parents Oppose Church Attendance} My parents are Mormon. I'm an 18 year-old Christian. They don't want me to go to a Christian church. How do I confront them or ask them if I can go back? Any advice would be great.
6. 1:02:49 {“God Bless You” to Non-Believers?} Is it appropriate to say to a non-believer, “May God bless you,” e.g., in a greeting card or in a new endeavor? It could be perceived as “May God give you good stuff.”
7. 1:06:28 {Unequally Yoked Wedding Attendance?} Considering 2 Corinthians 6: 14-16, is it OK to go to a wedding when you know the couple is unequally yoked?
8. 1:14:54 {Disciples Knew they Had the Spirit?} In Acts 19:2, Paul asks the disciples if they have received the Holy Spirt. How would they KNOW they received the Holy Spirit? Was there a type of evidence then that we don’t necessarily see today?
9. 1:22:05 {Evangelism for the Ineloquent} Everyone seems to have their way of sharing the Gospel: street-preaching, pastoring, etc. How do I know how God has called me to share the Gospel? I'm not good socially, but I want to reach people.
10. 1:27:03 {Secular Songs During Worship?} What are your thoughts on Churches playing a secular song before worship? They’ve defended this practice with 1 Corinthians 9.
thanks dude! God Bless!!!😁
I find that believers strike out with threats, when informed of reasoned denial, of the existence of a God outside of fiction.
Atheist literature goes back to 500 BC. I suspect educated men have always known Deity as a tool of fiction, a tool of state. What greater audacity can there be than a claim to some relationship with a Deity?
Believers begin their crimes like Moses, becoming history's worst navigator, as if travel were best done with one foot in fantasyland.
Believers fail to comprehend the saying of Jesus Christ which has lasted to this day. Believers are found among a gathering crowd, when Jesus Christ is alarmed by a wicked generation, those who seek the signs of resurrection. "The only sign given is Jonah" - who was a believer. He was outnumbered & murdered by other believers. Jesus Christ "hangeth on a tree" to celebrate the War of the Jews.
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13
"Render to Caesar"
I find that believers strike out with threats, when informed of reasoned denial, of the existence of a God outside of fiction.
Atheist literature goes back to 500 BC. I suspect educated men have always known Deity as a tool of fiction, a tool of state. What greater audacity can there be than a claim to some relationship with a Deity?
Believers begin their crimes like Moses, becoming history's worst navigator, as if travel were best done with one foot in fantasyland.
Believers fail to comprehend the saying of Jesus Christ which has lasted to this day. Believers are found among a gathering crowd, when Jesus Christ is alarmed by a wicked generation, those who seek the signs of resurrection. "The only sign given is Jonah" - who was a believer. He was outnumbered & murdered by other believers. Jesus Christ "hangeth on a tree" to celebrate the War of the Jews.
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13
"Render to Caesar"
If you pray for this world, it will never happen. It is useless for a cancer patient to pray for healing. Even if the gods come to earth, they cannot cure cancer. You must pray to be saved from hell on the afterlife, because on that day, none other than two gods can save you from hell.
Re: Question 1: Also...no is an answer.
Last December we lost our baby, my wife was 20 weeks pregnant. There were issues the last six weeks of the pregnancy and i prayed and prayed that our daughter would live. But we lost her. It hurt and still hurts because we loved her even though she was not yet born. In that moment i chose to trust the Lord, it was hard and it hurt but i just kept thinking about revelation 21:4-8 when he will wipe every tear and there will be no more death. My wife is now 25 weeks pregnant with a son who will be born in November or December Lord willing. All we can do is trust in Jesus that he is sovereign and he hears us and cares. He is faithful and in him we can rest even in our mourning and hurt. He is good
Your comment brought me to tears. Your faith and testimony of God's faithfulness is beautiful. God bless you and your coming child.
One passage that I think is very encouraging for those situations is when David's first son of Bathsheba dies and how he handles it, specifically the last verse:
2 Samuel 12:21-23 LSB
[21] Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” [22] Then he said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, Yahweh may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ [23] But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” Solomon Is Born
@@Christos_Kurios that was another passage that helped to get through this days. that exact passage and revelation 21 are what helped to get through those first few weeks.
@@patriciamayhue5519 thank you so much sister! We are excited for this baby and I just trust our Lord and God that he is faithful in all things. We are naming our son Elijah "my God is Yahweh". I'm excited to get to meet him
I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm so glad you didn't lose faith in God.
Prayers for your wife and baby! That is exciting. ❤
Thank you. We lost our oldest child in December 2021. The pain and confusion is too much. I thought God would protect my children. Knowing that His plan includes my child dying has shaken my entire world. I will listen to this episode over and over. My husband refuses to listen to anything, but I was able to get him to listen to this. Thank you.
@@farmingmama praying for you and your family 🙏🙌
This is the most painful thing any parent can experience. My heart ache and breaks for you and your husband. I don't have any good answers for you, but may you find solace and comfort to gain strength.
I’ll pray for you both.
My heart breaks for you both.
I still trust in God, but life can be so difficult.
@@MikeWinger prayer= God's will not yours luke 22:42
read psalms 91:9-15
read John 15:7-8
3:04 “Your faith should not hang on your prayers. Your prayers should hang on your faith”
Meh. "You can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish".
I just prayed on Monday that God would help my heart not to feel disappointed with Him because of an unanswered prayer. Every day this week God has highlighted Scripture in my regular reading that has brought such comfort to my soul. Although my heart is still heavy, how could I be disappointed in God Who has been interacting with me, reminding me of His goodness and faithful character! And then the first question today on this stream!
Amen, thank you for that encouraging testimony.
Could you elaborate on this if you don't mind? It sounds like the prayers are still not answered and I just want to understand how you conclude the following "reminding me of His goodness and faithful character". I struggle to understand that, because, in my view, there is no point in praying (asking). It sounds like we should just express gratefulness and leave it at that, because "trusting" in anything more seems to be more of a coping mechanism. I am not questioning you, I would just like you to dive a bit deeper if you don't mind.
@@henkv9323 I hope you don't mind my chiming in. I'd really like to be helpful if I can. Before I try to answer, though, I'd like to understand your question better. You said, ""trusting" in anything more seems to be more of a coping mechanism." Would you elaborate on that statement? What exactly is being trusted in, in your view, if we pray/ask God for things instead of just expressing gratefulness?
@@Carole_ Sure, I will try, but this medium is limited compared to face to face.
Thank you for asking to clarify instead of just popping off like some on this forum seems to do 🙂.
Hardships are universal and come to all people regardless if they are persons of faith or not.
It appears, from just observing and talking to people of faith and those who do not profess any faith, that the mechanism of coping with hardship is very similar.
People find "something" like believing in a personal God, believing that the next life (e.g. heaven or reincarnation) will be better, or a personal drive to survive for the sake of their loved ones and all these things stirs and create "hope" which enables them with courage to cope, endure and persevere with the hardship.
The act of asking God for something seems to be more of a coping mechanism mentioned earlier, not a God who really answers prayer per se (I don't mean this in a hostile way, so please don't be offended ).
The act of asking and believing that God will answer a prayer is the "hope" mechanism that enables one to cope with the hardship without receiving an answer to prayer. The lack of answers to prayer, will then trigger the next "something" cope mechanism (e.g. God can do whatever God wants, God know best, his ways are higher , you have sin in your life , God punishes me...etc.) believing that there is some reason that the prayer is not answered (these reasons vary widely between people of faith in particular).
The main point, for me, is that it does not matter if God answers or never answers, but the person of faith will always find the next coping mechanism that produces hope and enable them to cope. On this forum, it is the Christian God, other forums it might be something else. My aim in life is to at least understand why people say the things they say or do the things they do (or not do what they say 😉).
This topic, for me at least, leads to many other questions relating to "believing the scriptures" like the assurance of salvation, but not the assurance of answered prayer. How can we believe the scripture is true for one thing, but everything related to the promises of prayers we excuse away (we find the next "something" reason to enable us to cope) ? Anyway, this format is limited in what one can express without sitting around a table and discuss the scriptures about prayer in particular. 🙂
It's that internal conflict I have with this topic.
If the scripture is true describing salvation, but then believers accept the lack of answered prayer even though the scriptures have a lot to say about prayer and more specifically the lack of answered prayer (e.g. book of James).
@@henkv9323 I have been praying about a family situation and it has not gone the way that I would have hoped. I regularly read the Bible and there were verses each day, in my regular reading, that reminded me of God's character and goodness. (Psalm 73:25,28, Romans 8:28, Psalm 27:13-14, Proverbs 20:22, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 84:10). Even though my prayer wasn't answered the way I hoped, God has given me peace and encouragement to trust and wait on Him. He obviously knows more than I do, and He will always make the best decisions. I may not always understand, but I do know He can be trusted. It's hard to explain this in this forum, but I know me and I know my tendencies, and God has certainly given me a peace in the middle of this situation that is beyond me. Those verses spoke to the very things I needed to hear. I believe God was interacting with me, personally, through His Word. To think that God is that personal, that caring to minister to me in that way, gives me peace and hope. I don't see the first question on this stream about prayer as coincidence. I believe God wanted me to hear it. I have had many years in relationship with God and I have come to find Him trustworthy. I appreciate your question.
U probably saved my life w/question #1. No joke. I was in the thick of it, on The Throne, punching 😢at God & telling him how to God & giving ultimatums & truly spinning out. Scripture is so right to warn against that mindset. It's terrifying to live thru. Thank u for some much needed "u need to sit all the way down & give careful thought to your ways" perspective, Mike. 💔🙏
9 years ago and 19 years as a born again believer, I prayed believing that God would allow Austin Stephanos and Perry Cohen to be found when they went missing in a boat off the coast of Florida. They were never found. It truly did rock my faith. I believed with all my heart and soul that they would be found and prayed so fervently that at one point I 🤮
It took me quite awhile to recover from that whole scenario. I know two of the family members of one of the boys.
From then on, I prayed for His will to be done. And I trust Him for the outcome always. It kind of takes the pressure off to not expect a preconceived outcome but to trust His plan. ❤
Yep. Best to give God an out so when He doesn't answer, you don't lose all faith. I do the same thing.
@@Plisken65 I had to accept that He does answer. Just not yes all the time. I would love to know what the ripple effect was so that I could see for myself why He said no. I know there is an awesome answer to this.
“I can’t snap my self out of it, so I’ll position myself out of it” 😩😩❤️ that’s beautiful
@@mambamentality9886 that’s is good!
God added 15 years to Hezekiah's life. I enjoy your teachings very much. Just keep digging deeper always. Jesus is so wonderful and worthy of our obedience.
Thanks for confirming, I was thinking my memory didn't serve me well😉
@@nikao7751 haha me as well was just reading it and I’m like what no it was 15 thanks for confirming that …..✝️✝️✝️🇨🇦
I was wondering why I was thinking it was 15 years that God extended Hezekiah's life. I remembered someone I knew, some years ago, who also prayed as Hezekiah did and God granted this person 15 more years.
I'm standing in the gap, praying daily for my family's salvation, healing, and reconciliation. God Loves my family even more than I do. He is The Great Physician, and they're in the best Hands. My biggest duty is to draw nearer to Him, and trust Him more.
I'm doing the same, but not expecting much, based on a lifetime of unanswered prayer.
Do you believe God gives you instruction to answer your prayers?
Thank you Mike for reminding me that God does hear me. Praying with gratitude is important even in times of crisis and silence.
God has answered more prayers than not in my life. Even in the midst of heartbreak God has been faithful.
he never leaves you never gives up on you he is so good
I don't want to be that guy but it's heartbreak.
@@samuelllakaj5439 LOL. Yes I know. Thanks though. I appreciate it.
I can count on 1 hand the answered prayers in 20 years. Answered prayer is likely statistical odds.
@@Plisken65 I'm sorry that has been your experience. Hopefully it's not too late to still have some of them answered.
Love the reminders from question #1, my mom has autoimmune and chronic pain issues, and starting in July has had unexplained abdominal pain that even after several tests we still don't know what is causing it. It's been a very long two months and I have honestly asked God why He doesn't heal her, but I still praise Him every day for what He has done will continue to do.
Just a thought. Histamine intolerance? I started having tummy issues every day and endiscopies by gastroenterologist and skin prick test by doctor who is a specialist in allergies did not bring results. Then I was made aware of histamine intolerance by my mum and started treatment and it worked. Complete game changer but not on the minds of the doctors that had examined me. This is in the UK. My mum is in Germany. Blessings!
@chriscross5188 Thank you so much for responding! She has actually tried a non-histamine diet with no results, but I'm so glad that it helped you and your mom! It's been a long road of knowing what it's not, but not knowing what it is. She's getting a gall bladder function test done tomorrow and had a pill cam done earlier this week, so praying one of these two tests show something, otherwise we may be going to Mayo
@@towibabe3959 I will pray
The thing is how many things we just don't give our own children when they ask, sometimes they are ridiculous, or untimely, or they just don't understand how the real world works! It's not unfair to say we know so little compared to God! We just have to trust!! Through our tears He will help us see a rainbow when we look at the light of his face. ❤❤
@@claudiaperfetti7694 Amen! 🎯
Such a beautiful line at the end of your comment 🥰🥲
I definitely feel like Jesus saved me and my husband through the fire. I grew up Christian but I never knew Christ until now. Thanks Mike Winger for your channel. It helps me so much. I told my doctor about you! I hope he checks you out because he seemed interested.
Mike, I appreciate that you encourage for people to seek out answers for themselves and thinking critically to approach this topic instead of being the go-to for answers. Sign of a great teacher… one who really wants people to be equipped to think and seek God in the process.
Just because we haven't seen some of our prayers answered doesn't mean God isn't working. We live by faith not by sight. Pray without ceasing!
Aka blind faith. Thank you for admitting this.
@@TurinTuramber that’s not what she said.
@TurinTuramber not blind faith. Faith isn't reliant on answered prayers. There's numerous other reasons and evidence for our faith. I encourage you to look into the arguments for God's existence and the historical evidence for Christ. William Lane Craig lays out a lot of these in easy to understand way.
Personally, I was seeking truth no matter what that truth was. I was willing to be wrong and have my world changed. God revealed himself to me in many ways and continues to do so. It would be impossible to break it down perfectly in a comment, but try to have a truly open heart. I pray that you seek God honestly and openly and are willing to recieve his revelation.
@@TurinTuramberWhat is it with sceptics and their strawman fallacies?
The comment doesn't provide any assurance God is responding to an individual’s personal requests, supplications, or petitions.
God's continuing to work is not being debated or denied. Jesus confirmed that God continues to work close to 2000 years ago. But the work He is doing doesn't mean He is responding to your specific prayers.
John 5:17
Praise God he brought me through a very painful physical pain in my body that at one point I could not function in a normal way, and I prayed for complete healing, which did not happen, but what did happen is I learned that the Lord was there in all of my suffering and made me realize I need to rely on him for everything, because he is there as Mike said while we are going through it.
Sometimes it's just not His will. And sometimes He does answer, but in unexpected ways.
Oh God, thy kingdom come, thy will be done 🙏🏻
8:10-blew my mind! I have failed to take the time to step back and gain this perspective. Thank you Mike!
Thank you for your beautiful explanation, Mike! When I was praying for my dad to be healed from ALS I had full faith that God could heal him, but my dad died and someone told me that God gave him the ultimate healing. God did answer my prayer, just not the way I wanted him to. I’m glad he’s pain free in heaven.
Find health tips from Dr. Ken Berry and Dr. david Brownstein salt, meat iodine and no seed oils 5hat make us sick,
@@ChristinewithaC Same. My children and I had full faith God would heal my husband of ALS, praying over him multiple times a day, strengthening his faith when he was weak. There was so much spiritual growth in our family during that time, and when others would ask but what if, I’d just say then it would be the ultimate healing. It’s harder for me to say that now and mean it. Today’s message was helpful.
It seems to me a bit of a conundrum when it comes to praying for people with an incurable disease since no one has ever been healed from any such disease (by definition). How could anyone muster faith for such a healing unless they somehow expect to be the first in human history to get an answer to that kind of prayer?
@@insulate43How do you know it’s never happened before?
@insulate43 I don’t need to muster faith in a healing because my faith is in God. He has given forgiveness of my sins and eternal life, if He never gives me one other thing that is enough. But He has answered my prayers and I have seen miracles in my life. Does that mean every prayer has been answered in the way I would have wanted Him to, no. We see through a dim mirror and at best only part of the story. I trust that He answers for the best, and to be honest I don’t always celebrate that fact. As far as no one recovering from ALS well apparently 1% do.
I lost a child and felt so held the whole time. I could tangibly feel God in it all. And while I didn’t understand why this would happen, I trusted my Father, who knows best. I felt like such an instrument through it all. Finding out, being induced, birthing a baby who had already passed, having infection, having a violent reaction to the antibiotics and being covered in hives, my milk coming in without a baby to feed, burying him…. There was no pressure to handle it perfectly, but I knew I was being used to be a witness to people. That people were watching and it was in turn building their faith. In the midst of the pain and suffering, I was a willing instrument in His Symphony! ❤️🔥
Thanks Mike and to all those who apart of this ministry.
Mike's face when somebody asks him about his parents not wanting him to be a Christian. You can almost hear him praying for wisdom!
So many questions and so little time!! Really appreciate your ministry Mike 🙏
I thank God that, for the most part, I've reached a point in my fellowship with Christ that in all things that I ask for in prayer, I ask only if it's His will. God has blessed me so much and answered prayers that would seem unbelievable to most people! I'm not perfect by any means and I struggle with so many things, but He has ALWAYS been there with me and I know it.
This is SSOOOOOOO GOOD! Your faithfulness cannot hang on your prayers.
Thank you once again and always. Your Q&A (and all other) series brings a lot of encouragement, wisdom (I pray) and joy into my life (in ever darkening Ukraine). May the Lord continue to bless and keep you and your family, and the crew serving with you. 🌞
Remarkable breakdown. Praise God.
This was a very timely and helpful video. I'm going through the very things in Q1 right now, and all you said helped me and was great advice and insight. I think this may be at least a way God answered, at least partially my prayers, and I'm thankful for that. Thank you Mike for the ministry and the depth explanation and all you do. God bless you !
and his love for us does not change. Amen
This came at the right time.
I appreciate your ministry and your messages!! Thank you For being so real!
I think you are such a blessing Mike, so glad you have a huge heart for Jesus and to teach truth. It’s so rare now. ❤️🙏🏻
God hears our prayers, but He is much wiser than us, so it's not like what we ask for is the best for us every time!
Exactly 🎯
@@midimusicforever exactly god knows best
As always, Mike, thanks for the amazing and divinely inspired wisdom. Praise the Lord!
Hey Mike. I have been watching you for at least 2yrs. At first you were way over my head. Now im able to follow and understand so much more. You are a blessing to alot of people. So i want to say Thankyou. I have noticed you being sick several times. And i wonder if you get outside much. With all the research and studying that you do makes me think you are inside alot. So i would suggest you getting outside and feeling the sun. Go barefoot in the grass. It does alot for the body and soul. Boost the immune system. ❤
Three generations of my family are being blessed by this channel. My mom, my son and myself all watch individually.
Your new lighting and office set up look INCREDIBLE. Especially the quality of the light, video, and sound.
Brother mike, I pray that one day our Lord will greatly reward you for the vlory you have brought to Him and the great help you have brought to people like me. I wish you knew how much help you really are.
Mike. As usual, a very good “10 Questions”. You answer and explanation to question #10 is spot on! There is so much “compromise” in the Church, especially the western church. Hold firm to the gospel, live with strength and fidelity, TO our God, in all things!
It's really cool to see very many positive comments.
I'm used to seeing too many negativity on yt. This is cool
Thank you for your faithful dedication to teaching the Word of God. Your teachings are a blessing to me. God bless you always. 🙏
My current understanding of God is that He is Lord and owes me nothing. His understanding and ways are utterly beyond me. I am the creation, He is the creator and He does not need to prove Himself to me. The scriptures communicate some reasons why prayers aren't answered. Many times we will never know. He knows things that we don't and can't understand.
It’s so true how we don’t realize at all how the little things all the way to big that we take for granted.. going to jail for a month through opiate withdrawal just dying , you get home and a pillow or being able to have a Dr Pepper is such a luxury it’s crazy. I can’t imagine how we take out limbs and eyesight for granted unless we lost it .
Thank you Lord for everything you give us ☦️✝️
I was watching some TH-cam videos and fell asleep for a nap. Evidently you came on next and ended up in my dream. I dreamed my husband and I were visiting you and your family. You were a pastor and got a call from someone asking you questions and you were answering them as you sat at a kitchen table. I was so interested that I was eavesdropping from the living room. I woke up and there you were on TV. That was funny. Thank you for your ministry (even in my dream, lol).
I love this. Lol.
This question truly makes me think about the Apostles who all faced torture and murder at believing and professing Christ. The only thing I can see is that their deaths and/or tortures were necessary to bring about why we should all trust God. ESPECIALLY, after they saw the Resurrected Christ just three days after denying Him, doubting Him, and fleeing to escape His fate, themselves. They died for what they believed they saw, three days later. I'm SURE they prayed.
Your answer to #1 was so good. I came back again today and took notes. Keep up the good work Mike!
Prayer for me usually goes like this:
- God please give me X
- But if Y is your will, I’ll accept it
- But I think I really want X
- I have no clue! I’m giving it over to you. I trust you Jesus.
- God, thy will be done. I love you, thanks.
Same here.
Lord, I would love for you to do ___, but you know the whole picture, and I don't. So let Your will be done. I trust in You.
1st be anxious for nothing; 2nd know that The Father knows what you need before you ask; 3rd don’t ask amiss; 4th have a pure heart and your prayers will be heard and manifest upon the will of The Father for it to manifest it.
Even though God knows what we need before we pray for it, He says, "they have not," because they "ASK not". Asking in faith glorifies God, which we are to do.
I pray for you and your ministry. You comforted me with your sincere desire to bring the Gospel to everyone. I have been surfing the internet and find the rude and erroneous comments made by others. It makes me sad. You were given an extraordinary gift by GOD to minister His word. Please do not let anyone stop you.🙏
I always remember that Paul cried out for healing and God said, my grace is sufficient
My dad was pronounced brain dead this June after a sudden accident - I have been struggling with prayer and why our prayers weren’t answered for his healing.. I was struggling again today and prayed that God would give me counsel on this issue - I really needed to hear this today Mike - thank you for your sound teaching on this and thank you God for bringing this video. And praise God my father believed Jesus was his Lord and Savior and he is home.
Mike. I am glad for Hezekiahs prayer. It was after thet prayer when his son was concieved. Now go read Mat chapter 1. So, no prayer by Hezekiah, no life extended, no Manaseh, ... no Mary and Joseph. Thank the Lord for his answered prayer
Thank you ❤ God’s timing is blessed.
I watch Mike because he has some of the coolest shirts, inspiring 😉
Really enjoying your teaching and Q&A session. Thanks for the answer on question 7 - I have debated with my friends recently without conclusion, but your answer shed light on this question! Love it !
4, 7, 8, and 10 were so hugely helpful. Thank you!
We must remember that sometimes a " NO " is an answer too.
And sometimes it's an excuse because God doesn't answer prayer anymore.
@@Plisken65 He certainly does. You are looking at the face of a cancer survivor 🌷🙏💟
Same! When I say "God bless you" to an unbeliever, it is always for them to know and love God.
God always answers our prayers, it's not in the way we want but what is best and the answer maybe a No or a wait because he knows everyone's story beginning to end and what is best for us, no matter what the circumstances are.
@@kt.7257 Amen. And to add to that, we each have a ‘center of the universe’ complex, so sometimes it’s good to also remember that the No from God might be for someone else’s situational betterment, which then means it’s for our spiritual betterment.
God doesn't always answers prayers, especially if the person praying is out of alignment with His laws.
@@theeternalsbeliever1779 true that an unbeliever or strayed person may not have their prayers answered. But for those in God’s will, I don’t see any scriptural evidence for God not always answering our prayers.
"It's his best life now" 😂 I see what you did there, Mike. I love your humor.
Well said, Pastor . And received. Thanks.
So much wisdom in this. Thank you!
About your Men’s conference/ “especially us California men😂😂” You have such a good sense of humor!!😄 Thank you!!
I've gone through a lot of stuff in my life. God does not always give me what I want when I pray. So I try to humble myself, because maybe God has something else in store for me that's better than what I could imagine. It is very difficult sometimes. But even through the difficult times, God is good. He has shown himself to me in my personal life, and even if he doesn't answer all of my prayers, I know he is there. I don't have to understand everything he does, to know that he is good.❤
I've always heard it as God gives over if 3 answers to prayer : Yes, No, & Not Now. It's not that God says no to everything, but often it's a 'Not Now' or 'Not Exactly'. We rarely know what's best for ourselves in the long run. If God gave us everything we asked, how much worse would we be? How much character development would we lack?
Wow, thank you so much! This is a wonderful.epidode😊
Re question 1, when I feel God hasn't answered my prayer in the way I think, I always go back to scripture reevaluate my prayer according to scripture. Is it in line with God's will, it may be good, but God is sovereign and there is a bigger plan, am I asking with wrong motives, because it will make my life easier..we are not guaranteed an easy life, but one where we will have suffering. God's ultimate purpose is to mold us and shape us into the image of Jesus. He is preparing a bride for His Son, that is His will..so my prayer may not align with that purpose and I may not see it. Ultimately I have to trust God as a good and heavenly Father and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength to help get to get through whatever I am going through and make sure that I'm yielding to His will and being made holy and sanctified daily. not easy but there is such a peace just trusting in God to do as He wills, cause He is good, just, righteous, full of compassion..after almost 40 years walking with the Lord and having this mindset I rarely get discouraged or anxious. I just remind myself of the scriptures that show God's true character.
@@mable552 THIS was the post I needed❤️thank you.
@@Cheri94 God bless you!
Amen
@@mable552 isn’t it so true? that we get to experience that peace that surpasses all understanding from knowing and trusting in the fullness of God’s good nature! It safeguards us in any circumstance. Amen ❤️
@@seaglass.jen86 Amen!
My first wife was adulterous but the betrayal, and pain of divorce, brought me to Christ. I then began to pray for her salvation and reconciliation of our marriage. I didn't happen. After more than a decade i married a "Christian" woman, who decided to leave our marriage due to "unhappiness." Again I prayed for a reconciliation...that hasn't come to pass. My faith in God, and my eternal place in the Kingdom, hasn't been shaken. But I very much question God's "goodness" in this current life.
Thank you, Mike.
I fell off the balance beam in HS. @the time i was born again & indeed my Faith was strong. I ended up w epilepsy & told i would never work Or go to school in my adult life...
I asked for prayer via Kenneth Copeland Ministries: He stated "if you're not healed you have sin in your life!"
The biggest thing ive prayed for for 4 years in family reconciliation. I haven't seen or spoken to my grandchildren in all that time. And they live less than 10 miles away. At the beginning i begged God to take me home. The pain was unbearable. Now im scared. I don't feel joy or happiness and even worse i don't feel God.
I’m in the same situation. Put your family in the hands ofJesus..have faith that they are better with him than the sadness u carry in your heart. There is a a book called the power of praying for adult children, by Stormie?. This book gets me thru.
God bless u
@@lanettezunica7314 thank u. I have that book but never have opened it. I'll open it today.
He knows. So many of our brothers and sisters around the world go through similar fiery trials, being ostracized and imprisoned.
"Voice of the Martyrs" radio comes to mind.
You may draw some strength from hearing the life stories of our brethren. 🕊️
Embrace His holy Word. Seek Him, He says "knock and the door will be opened." What good are you doing yourself by distancing from God? That surely won't get your family back! Hit your knees and accept his will.
These vids get my brain thinking! Thinking about the Bible. So mentally satisfying to think about the Bible.
Erik Thoennes is one of my favorite speakers and you are one of my favorite teachers and I had no idea you go to the same church what are the odds!? For sure going to this conference! Praying for the Lord to do great work through this.
Hey Mike, I've been listening to you for years now and you still surprise me at some of the relevant scripture that comes to your mind to answer a question. You're very gifted and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and care in not giving quick answers.
Now a bit of hopefully corrective feedback: I wish you would use the same careful method of interpreting scripture when you read 2 Corinthians 6:14 as you do elsewhere, reading before and after. Hardly anyone does so because they already "know" what it means. I suggest that if you read Paul's full thought you will have a very different interpretation than the usual takeaway of relationship advice. I suggest the thought starts in 6:1 concluding with 7:1, the concern being not "yoking yourself with unbelievers" in the sense that you should not be participating in the same works that they are and working toward the same harvest. If you look up other passages where Paul uses the metaphor of a yoke the message is consistent. It doesn't have to do with avoiding relationships with people. The topic of marriage is addressed at length in 1 Corinthians. It is not mentioned once in 2 Corinthians. That should give a little bit of pause for how easily we apply the passage to that topic, whether or not the message of "don't marry unbelievers" can be proven true from other passages.
This first question is good. My question is why can’t God ever even answer the simple prayers? Sometimes I understand why the big ones go unanswered. It’s the little daily ones going constantly unanswered that I struggle with.
Psalm 43 is beautiful.
God not answering our prayers might teach us something, patience, forebearance, self-control...
Yes. And to pray "not my will, but yours". It's the principle of the grain of wheat falling to the ground, and dying, to bear fruit.
God gives you what you need, not what you want.
I don't want to doubt the Lord Jesus He must know what he is doing He made all things! I prayed to see my daughter and her mother (after I walked away) and 2 years later no answer For believers to work in our department So we can witness YET an employee who hates this idea influences the supervisor to hire otherwise. And same employee drinks on the job and brings other workers to join in. I pray that God will remove him! Again no answer to any of these prayers."That's the pillar in my life I'm going to focus on" Well thank you Mike for that perspective.
Always solid brother Mike! 💪🏾
Dear Mike, thank you for your thoughtful and timely answer to q #1. A couple months ago, one of my best friends gave birth to a baby boy with a congenital heart defect that was undiscovered during the pregnancy. He is still alive, after several surgeries and procedures but could potentially still need a heart transplant. I’ve tried to walk along side her in her grief and questions as to why this happened to them and the question of if she had just prayed more during her pregnancy, would he have been born healthy? And we don’t know the answer to that question but we have to trust and believe that God is good, sovereign and is strengthening them through this trial. Secondly, a family we grew up with, recently lost a son/grandson, 5 years old with no good medical explanation as to why. Thank the Lord they are devoted Christians who have leaned on God through their immense grief, but again the question of “did someone not pray enough or believe enough” came up. Your answer gives me hope that God has a plan all along and He simply wants us to trust Him even when it’s incredibly hard.
I have been experiencing this even though I have been saved for 21 yrs. Getting through so much that I was just tired. I thought God hates me bc no matter how I pray, there was no answer. Then I have to encourage myself and question my beliefs. Do I love God bc of what he does or for who HE IS? And God let me to the book of Job, ohhh I have never understood that book like at this time. Nothing have changed, the hard things are there but, Im changing, and now Mike just address this very thing. God always speaks, but are we listening?
Yes, I agree. It is a very tough situation when we realize and know the scripture, that when we witness, it will not only get the people saved but also condemn them into judgment. We will fase a rage somtime. Eventually, we are witnessing but we need to stand bold and solid for, His Kingdom Come His Will Be Done. And whoever person will be for us, we know from Scripture that no one gets saved from another human's faith. Trust In Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Be bold and humble enough to carry His Will on us. Staying close to Him in prayer, and scripture, watching bible study videos, listening to our brothers and sisters singing to our Lord. Trying to really, love the people surrounding us. But sometimes we get wasted and get forthless for good deeds, because of our wrong actions and choices, but In His Will and for His Glory, everything is possible and good. Because at the end of the day, everything good in us Is From Him and For Him.
Him = Jesus Christ Our Lord and Saviour.
So glad you mentioned the conference
Here's a little gift to you Mike on behalf of the entire Wingalings family:
Verse 1)
Mike Winger’s got his Bible and his cat on cam,
Says he’ll keep it short, we know it’s a sham.
Three hours later, we’re still here to stay,
'Cause learning from Mike is our favorite way to play.
He throws in a joke, and we hear crickets sing,
But he laughs anyway, it’s his favorite thing.
“I find it funnier that no one’s amused,”
He’s laughing out loud while we’re all confused.
(Pre-Chorus)
And he says, “I’ll make this one quick,” we know that’s not true,
Next thing we know, it’s hour number two.
With a smile on his face, he’s saying, “Don’t just trust me,”
We’re flipping through pages, to make sure that we see.
(Chorus)
Oh, Mike Winger, you make our faith feel light,
With your cat cam dreams and your Jesus insight.
You drop those dad jokes, and we roll our eyes,
But we love you, Mike, you make us so wise.
(Verse 2)
He’s a guitar-playing pastor, but hey, here’s the thing,
When you’re buried in books, there’s no time for a string.
Star Trek references, LOTR on loop,
He’s got that nerd charm that makes our hearts swoop.
With gummy bears on the desk, and a Bible in hand,
He’s our favorite guide through this spiritual land.
From La La Land dreams to the truth that he shows,
Mike’s keeping it real, from our heads to our toes.
(Bridge)
He’s got books on books, stacked up to the sky,
Teaching us to question, always asking why.
He says, “Don't just listen, dig deep and see,”
'Cause following blindly, that’s not how we should be.
(Chorus)
Oh, Mike Winger, you’re our best friend online,
Your faith and your jokes, man, they’re both so fine.
We’re Wingalings for life, in your wisdom we trust,
With your laugh and your lessons, it’s a joy for us.
(Outro)
So here's to you, Mike, with your cat by your side,
From gummy bears to Gandalf, you’re our faithful guide.
We’re your Wingalings, with love and delight,
Learning and laughing, you make everything right.
Learning and laughing, you make everything right.
Amazing! And so true! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@MikeWinger
I’ll throw another complicated wedding into the mix: The wedding of a couple that resulted from an adulterous affair that caused divorce(s) from their previous spouses.
@@aerogers4117That’s a doozie. There are many Qs that would need to be answered to give me my answer on whether or not I would go to this wedding. Did the previous (presumably innocent) spouses each pursue divorce bc of the adultery or did the adulterers each pursue the divorces? If the adulterers pursued the divorces, then are the innocent parties already remarried? Is this all fresh news or did these marriages end years ago? I’d be more open to attending the wedding if A- the innocent parties both were the ones that pursued the divorces and/ or the innocent parties were both already remarried B- the adulterous parties have been in a long lasting relationship post previous marriages. If the couple is going to stay in the relationship then it would be better for them be married. I would pray and use wise judgement regarding all the details of the situation to decide whether or not I’d attend this wedding.
Ugh I did take the time to reply, but my initial comment isn’t showing up now. YT…
8 yes, as Mike stated, understanding of the gospel of Jesus is necessary to receiving the Holy Spirit. Also, it is important to note that in verse 6 that Paul found it necessary to lay hands on them so as to receive the Holy Spirit. Not only right doctrine, but apparently also the laying on of hands from one who has also already received the Holy Spirit are the steps to take in receiving the Holy Spirit, with various evidences to confirm of what you received; such as the speaking of tongues, prophecy, the fruit of the Spirit, and others
This is sooo good! ❤❤I have to watch it a second time. The conviction! Ouch hurts so good haha
Much help thank you so much
I think that is a good answer about secular music in the church. I think part of the problem is conflating our corporate worship with evangelism.
We come to worship God, and putting secular music in that communicates something that I think we don't really want to communicate. Like you said, it is good for us to he different. People are looking for different these days
And I know the Eastern Orthodox churches gave a prayer service (Orthros or Matins) leading up to the Divine Liturgy.
Brother in Christ from England here 👍🏻🙏
We pronounce it ‘neesh’
I am from the "deep south" in the USA and even I know this! The only proper and correct pronunciation, as you said, is "neesh"
I appreciate you, Mike. And your mods!
I just always want to feel his presence, sometimes, God doesn't have a speech impediment, I have a hearing problem to be truthful, learning to be still is where I'm at.
I love the Lord, I completely believe he lived, died, and resurrected, I was baptized in water, professing my faith in 2017, in the word daily, but this past few months with the world in chaos and expecting the pre-tribulation rapture anytime because of the converging of the signs all at once, anyone else experiencing increase in spiritual attacks?
What kind of attacks? Like other people persecuting you or bad things happening (like maybe your car breaking down, or your house getting flooded)? I don't usually feel like I'm being spiritually attacked because that's not how I think about it. I might be wrong, though. I ask about the type of attacks you refer to because when bad or negative things happen to me, I can look at it and realize I'm usually the culprit. I have had asthma and coughing problems lately. I have also been tired, and feel lethargic. But I have traced the reasons for those things to over-eating. I can control my asthma and coughing if I eat less, and avoid certain foods. (For me, coughing and acid reflux are related, which leads to asthma symptoms). Does satan make me eat too much, or am I the one that's sinning when I eat in a gluttonous way? The other thing is, I want to find a better place to live but rents are not affordable without another income. My husband is currently unemployed and he's not doing much about it and it gets on my nerves. Plus, he still has a drinking problem. In fact,, that really is at the heart of the matter. I get angry about this. But is part of it my fault? I would be living in my own condo now, with the mortgage paid off next year, if I hadn't been too busy drinking and drugging and gone into foreclosure in 2007. So it often comes down to me and what I did to get myself where I am. (for me it usually comes down to my alcohol and drug problem prior to 2010). This probably has nothing to do with your comment, but it made me think about this.
@Cheri1994 I’m a believer, I believe in the rapture, I know the world is in chaos and these things shall pass, God is still on the throne and he is in control. I feel anytime I’m really seeking God, I’m attacked per family chaos, ect. I at times giving into the feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger with my personal situation than trying to seek refuge with God. I have a son that is 24 and still lives with us, and I don’t agree with some of his decisions and actions ect…. It places a heavy burden on my heart, and I’m praying for him, and rebuking Satan…. I know we are living in prophetic times, and I just want to keep the faith hope and trust in Jesus Christ without being disappointed and discouraged with unanswered prayer. Listening to Mikes explanations today really gave me more insight into what I must do…. I hope any of whatever I’ve said helps and makes sense! God bless🙏🙏🙏
Q1: The last few chapters of Job (38 and following) add some perspective to this. Job is reprimanded for judging God for not answering his prayers. If we think that God is somehow deficient for not answering our prayers the way we want then we have our perspective wrong. The way God answers or prayers if perfect because He is perfect.
5:12 I call these “anchors” my Joshua stones. I can look back and be reminded who God is and what He has done in my life.
Jesus gives us the reason we get the life we get. We reap as we have sown. Change your mind and you will change your life. Metanoia. Forgiveness.
I left my old church over the secular music issue. At first, I didn't mind it, but as I matured in the faith, I began to realize that it shouldn't be happening. What struck the final nail in the coffin was when they had a dance team come on stage and start dancing to High School Musicals' We're All In This Together. I started looking for a new church after that service.