I'm a woman that's proud of being a woman, I love being a female, and I have to say that I have never once had an issue with understanding that woman and men have different roles. There is nothing oppressive or tyrannical or negative in any way to me about how the Bible explains it (when you understand it correctly.) God created men and woman differently: biologically, mentally, I think even spiritually (God created a lot of pictures when he created the world, pictures that represent things we probably won't fully understand until we get to Heaven.) Does different mean one is better than the other? No. Does different mean that one is more important than the other? No. Does different mean one is more valuable than the other? No. One thing that woman for some reason get offended by is that men tend to been physically stronger. Biologically speaking they really are, that's how their muscles were built vs woman's muscles. Is that an insult to woman? Not to me it isn't. Does it mean woman aren't strong at all? Of course not. We have our own ways of being strong and even stronger than men sometimes. We each have our own strength and our own weakness as individual people and as different genders (male vs female, there are only two.) And personally? I find it BEAUTIFUL. Legitimately beautiful when you really honestly look at the difference and how those differences support and uplift each other. Therefore it actually makes me truly upset and angry when woman or men try to bring down the other - basically try to turn one into the other by taking away those differences (in the fight to stop "male dominance" I think we've done soooo much harm to men, honestly, so I see why that fight started and things about it I think are legitimate cause many men have definitely abused their power over woman *but* we've got it going the other way like crazy now, woman abusing men, and that's just as bad!!) To me you are destroying one of the most beautifully intricate things that God created. i.e. the differences between men and woman and how they, in those differences, fit together like puzzle pieces made for each other. Really, honestly, truly, it's beautiful. Understand that. Stop trying to change it. It fact: bring the pride of it back! Let us be different in the way God made us to be different because that's what makes all of us strong.
The problem is when people make those differences into Doctrines that are not supported by the whole council of God's Word. We are equal as individuals, and formed into 1 in marriage. Women have been in every position in the Bible, with the exceptions of Old Testament priest and The Messiah.
@@toddcote4904 Ezer Kenegdo means help (partner) that opposes/the opposite of. Ezer is used to describe God's military help. Men and women were created to partner together to rule and subdue the earth and to be fruitful and multiply together. Partners. Equals. Woman was not created as an assistant. What can women do that men can't (besides bearing children, because not all women can and they're not less valuable or purposeless because of that)? If God didn't create woman, could man still rule and subdue the earth? (We know he can't be fruitful and multiply without her). What does that look like practically in the world and in the church? And how does hierarchy NOT imply that women are inferior to men?
NLT is the only one who speaks to me. My maternal language is French. The other translations I look for surety. The NLT is the one that feeds me. I'm not smart nor intelligent BUT I love my Lord Jesus, the Christ!!! Thank you Pastors!
I cut my teeth on King James Version and use that mostly as a base for Bible study but look at different translations. However when I’m tired and want to read my Bible for just the pleasure and joy it brings I love the NLT. So easy and fluid for a “night cap”. 😁🌈🕊
In minute 9:41 talking about an atheist. I was an atheist till I heard the Gospel for the first time in a church I was invited to. God made Himself very well known to me that He is real, by revealing how real the enemy is. What grabbed me hearing the Gospel was how good Jesus is. I couldn't understand why someone so good and honest could of been crucified. I couldn't get that concept out of my head for a full year! Never underestimate the power of the simplicity of the Gospel. And as a side note, everyone in church thought I was already saved, when I wasn't. When I was saved a year later everyone thought I wasn't saved because I lost everything for following Jesus. If Jesus can rescue a prideful little atheist like me, He can do anything! Many blessings to you. I enjoy listening.
Hey Mike, just wanted to comment and let you know how encouraged I was by your answer on losing salvation. To hear someone with your experience with the Bible say you were still uncertain on the issue was refreshing. I’m usually in a lot of reformed/conservative circles where you have to have a strong conviction on nearly every position your humility encourages me.
When I come up on this topic, I love wording it like this: Fast forward to heaven. You have 100% of the people there that are meant to be. Then you rewind to now. 100% of the people who are elect are eternally destined to be saved. Whether some people "had" salvation and lost it.... doesn't actually matter since everyone who will end up there ends up there. So just be respectful to God, honor Him, live for Him and bow to Christ and stop worrying about if you'll lose your salvation. It's not yours to earn. Follow the king
I think Mike has a great principle when it comes to his Q&As which is: Don't pretend to know anything you don't know and don't pretend to be sure about something you're not sure about.
You are being deceived. Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED! "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."- Matthew chapter 7 verses 28 to 29. "So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."- John chapter 7 verses 43 to 46. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."- John chapter 5 verse 24.
I just feel with this particular issue it’s just leading to people to fear that somehow if their not believing enough then they’ll fall away. God sent forth the Spirit of adoption into our hearts crying abba Father. He’s eternally saved you and adopted you and taken on the personally responsibility for you eternal care. The Lords work on the cross is not so weak that he can’t keep what he has saved. As Christians we should have Holy fear of God but also remember he’s our Loving father who won’t cast us out. We need to stop acting like God is on the mountain we can’t touch and if we don’t do things right he’s going to leave us to ourselves because that’s what this sounds like. There’s just no virtue in being unsure about this issue and does more harm than good. Please consider I’m just want to also be helpful no ill will intended at all. God bless
@@Izthefaithful yes I understand brother and I don’t take what you’re saying with any ill will. Having said that I do understand what you’re saying and Have studied the passages that you reference in your encouragement however as Mike referenced there are other passages that are difficult to wrestle with that have to be handled with integrity and honestly and I think most people explain them away because their position forces them to. I don’t think anybody feels “virtuous” for being uncertain with certain doctrines, just appreciate the fact it allows people to be okay with understanding the conclusions on both sides without taking a dogmatic stance. I understand why you hold the position you do but also understand that there have been many godly brothers and theologians throughout the history of the church who have biblical backing for why they hold a different position.
I used to be obsessed with politics and would listen to news, podcasts, etc all day while working. But since I found Mike Winger I've been listening to him instead and I can tell you that has made me happier, less stressed and more hopeful
I get stressful reading Mike Winger's comments a lot of the time. That being said, I've been enjoying listening to Mike and others. I also still listen to news podcasts sometimes, too.
Indeed. God's Kingdom is not of this world and it took me a while to emancipate myself from the left/right thing and all that politics entails. I much prefer to ignore it altogether and instead seek to immerse myself in the simplicity that is to be found in Christ. People need to hear the Gospel. Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
I really like how respectful you are to other teachers like with Dr. Heiser. You never put anyone down and if you disagree then you disagree. As long as we are all on the same page with the fundamental, core values of the faith then it’s ok and even healthy to disagree on some other parts of scripture that can be open for interpretation.
I’m a female pastor, so my belief on women in leadership is evident. But I adore Pastor Mikes teachings. We disagree in this area, but it’s not enough to make me not learn from & value what he says in this area & others. Thank you for all you’re freely giving to the body of Christ! This was an incredible interview. I appreciate your humble, thoughtful & researched responses!
Agreed! I’ve been baptized, but I was always afraid of how that implied I was saved. But then I continued reading in my early adult life now and found out that it is not what saves me.😄
Really loved this. I discovered your channel maybe 6 months ago, but only subscribed recently. I don't agree with all of your theological ideas, but it's great to hear someone who tackles issues on the basis of scripture. Appreciate you!
Good morning Mike! Today is a good media day for me. Thank you for providing me with some media! I like to take these type questions to my men's group and chew on them a bit. I appreciate your insight and time. May God bless your day!
I haven't been drawn to listen to other on-line pastors since God led me to your discussions. I know in my being you are led by Him, don't ever be discouraged. Christians out here need what you put forth. I learned some things today- keep on edifying brother
Was really glad to hear this interview and answers. Mike has one of the most generous hearts in trying to honor other people’s opinions and interpretations but also has that strong conviction mixed with humility to stay true to God’s plumb line. You can tell he loves God and His Word. He is definitely one of my go to people for “in the counsel of many is wisdom”. But just a side note…. Your wife must be awesome to have the patience for all the hours you give over to studying and feeding God’s people. … and I bet you she helps keep you humble. 😁 I also liked the two guys doing the interview. I really appreciated their input and humble hearts as well. Never heard of them but good to know people like them are out there serving the body of Christ that care about truth. Thank you for doing this interview with Mike Winger. 🕊🕊🕊
Hi pastor Mike! I am currently enrolled in Calvary Chapel University. I'm in Calvary Chapel Distinctives and they still teach the same thing about baptism in the Spirit (that it's a separate event after salvation). I am in your camp on this one. Thanks for the videos. I go to Calvary Chapel in Alabama and was delighted when I found out you were a CC guy.
King James for the daring and adventurous. Love the language. "Get thee hence" is a lot cooler than "Get behind me." It is like the difference between a command from a general and attendant at a theme park. But it's your choice. Love this video.
@@potapotapotapotapotapota If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth liberally to all men but let him ask in faith nothing wavering. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED!
@@MichaelAChristian1 That's not what the verse is talking about. Wisdom is not the same thing as knowledge - the kind of knowledge you need to learn and understand Old English. On the contrary, wisdom would say that it's worth learning something if it is worth your time. But since no one speaks Old English anymore, it isn't worth it. If you want a word-for-word accurate translation that can actually be understood, go read the NASB. The KJV is good to read for poetry but not for studying the Bible.
@@potapotapotapotapotapota disagree. I study from the KJV and I have no problem with it so to say it's not for studying is false. With that being said, if you find the NASB as better for studying, by all means, study it :)
God bless you guys and your families. I'm only part way through, but Mike that info. on which books to go to for Anxious, Proud, Broken etc, is wonderful thank you. May the peace of our Lord and saviour be with us.
Interesting first question. I'm actually a student of Dr. Heiser in his School of Theology. Currently in Old Testament apologetics. One verse in particular comes to mind from my own digging. One that Hebrews uses. Psalm 8:5 KJV For thou hast made him (man) a little lower than the angels... The word malakh is usually translated as angel. It means messenger. However, the translator of the KJV uses angel when in fact the Hebrew word is elohim in this passage. "Man was made a little lower than the elohim (gods)." The Septuagint uses the Greek word for angel because the Greek didn't have very many words for the supernatural realm so they used "angelos" as a blanket statement like we do today. We tend to think Cherubim and Seraphim as angels, but they are not. They are all supernatural beings, but they all serve a different function. So when one reads Psalm 82, the elohim definitely are spiritual beings. Especially compared with passages like Psalm 89 and 1 Kings 22 where it mentions heavenly hosts and a divine courtroom.
I recently came across The Bible Project and they had a video titled spiritual beings, which is how I came across this subject of distinction. IIRC I think Dr. Heiser actually had a part of the video. As I think a lot of Christians have, I always believed it's just God and angels and never really thought to question if it got more specific, so the knowledge that there are different areas of spiritual beings is fascinating to know. There is a lot of kooky supernatural stuff that goes on in The Bible so hearing that someone who's credentialed in the matter and loves focusing on it has me thinking I'll look at one of Dr. Heiser's books and see just how far into the rabbit hole I can go lol. Do you have a suggestion for a good beginner book?
Thank you, Mike, for your channel. I have learned that I am to write a book about my Christian journey. Your videos have helped me to recall events and beliefs that are important to my story. They have also given me insight into how my choices were made by the direction God and his influence through others showed me. You are one of the sources he has placed in my path.
For better focus and keeping to time and giving enough time for strength and stamina to be available for each question is far better than one single exhausting session.
Was very interested to hear Mike's discussion of Dr. Heiser's views. Heiser articulates so well, and is so convincing, (with incredible credentials), and I find his work intriguing to say the least. While listening to his podcast, I've also heard Heiser mention Mike Winger, so apprently the stock I place in Mike isn't misplaced.
The Lord has greatly blessed you, Mike, with a truly exceptional gift for insightful teaching and discernment! You are in a class of your own! I am ex muslim who was saved 6 years ago and I want to grow up to be just like you! You have been such a great blessing to me! Thank you for your faithfulness and passion for Christ... and for being the coolest Bible "nerd" I know (said with love and admiration)! 🤓🙏🏼🕊✝️🤍👌🏼👍🏼
@@InfinitEternaLove I don’t really watch Mike, but somebody sent me this video to check out where he talks about how he leans towards that you can lose salvation. Very interesting.
@@abideintheWord Your "Berean-like" meticulous approach to understanding and teaching scripture (with clarity) is the similarity that struck me most while listening to your teachings and what I appreciate about you both. Apart from Mike, I haven't really found such consistently penetrating teaching (for my brain/ears) until finding your channel, it's has been a double blessing for me! I'm curious if you've listened to and/or read Michael Heiser's works (author of The Unseen Realm; Naked Bible podcast). He's a great resource as well for understanding scripture in the original languages. You might find it interesting as well. 😊
I used to attend a Pentecostal church with my grandparents, I still attend this church but it's now under different leadership and now without my grandparents. I remember as a little girl I asked my grandmother what we were because I was starting to learn about the different denominations. She simply told me that we were born again. I think about that memory often and what that simple statement means.
This was such a good one! 😃👍🏼 Really helped with some issues…and can‘t be too long (the videos 😉). I‘ll have to listen to it again - so much good stuff in there. Loved the short part about bringing different religions to the point (charma, buddha,…) Thank you from Switzerland. 😊
Thank you gentlemen, great questions everybody who asked. Wing Man is one of the greatest teachers in the body of Christ hands down, praise the Lord!! Also if I may say, when comparing to 20 questions , where Mike still has biblical and balanced answers on the fly, the pre prepared study and answer to every single question is another level. But make no mistake, no matter how it’s done, when our affections are on Christ, and the highest priority is the what the Bible says, it’s an gonna be a good time. Thank you Jesus
Thank you this video guys, extremely helpful in tackling the difficult questions that we can sometimes face as Chrisians. Feel more equipped now in my Apologetics. God bless! 🙏🏾
About the once saved always saved issue... The reason I say people probably weren't a Christian when they leave the faith is because I know what it was like to be a "Christian" who thinks they know everything about Jesus, and then suddenly having that turn around moment where you get salvation and i was like "I wasn't a Christian all this time". I don't think it's calling someone's sincerity into question, I BELIEVED i was saved before i became saved, in that sense I was sincere... Just not truly a Christian.
I think that what you describe is quite common amongst those who are brought up in a Christian home - at least in my experience over a 20 year span of time. They had shared in all manner of blessings such as prayer, the corporate spirit of worship, sound teaching, witnessing the move of the Holy Spirit through different testimonies. One can experience the Holy Spirit and certainly experience a move of God in their lives, yet remain dead in their sins. That was me over a four and a half year period and though I didn't ever think I was a Christian, I can understand how others could if they were regular church goers and loved being there. I did hear a testimony of a woman here on RUclips who served in her fellowship for years and assumed she was saved because she loved (the idea of) Jesus. Then one day God made it clear to her that she wasn't and had been trusting in her own righteousness all along. I do believe that your comment is an important one.
@@godsstruggler8783 I agree. I was raised Christian, actually what saved me was my brother just... In random conversation saying "you don't need to ask Jesus every time you sin to be forgiven" Not that you shouldn't but it's not like you aren't saved when you don't... I had grew up, not that my parents taught me it or anything, but I had assumed if you didn't ask for forgiveness one time and just got in an accident, boom, you go to hell lol. It was understanding this is not true that gave me a whole different picture of God's love and gift for us... I remember that feeling, like I had just been born again right in that very moment of hearing that. I had started reading the Bible at 12 years old, and this moment happened when I was 14. So yes, I was even reading the Word of God, going to youth group and seeking God, but I don't believe I was saved yet, until that moment 2 years later.
As someone with 7 sisters, some of whom are very outspoken and I'd never want to enforce them into a place of submission I've always been very wary of that passage. My current pastor is a woman. The more I dig into it it was a time and a place thing but also can hold true today if people really want to read it that way. But even if you are there are always, always exceptions to the rule, i.e Deborah as a judge.
A person has to be willfully ignorent to not acknowledge that women have been in every position in the Bible, with the exceptions of Old Testament priest and The Messiah. We are equal as individuals, and formed into 1 in marriage (submitting even our bodies to each other).
@@padillas4357 Well, I'm not wilfully ignorant. But every position? Are we counting Athalia as a king? Or even mundane ones, like soldier? We are equal, but not the same. And the duties in marriage are not 100% symmetric. As a husband, you have extra responsibility , extra duties, and the extra liberty that comes with those. It's only because people think of leadership like Gentiles instead of like Christians (leadership = servanthood) that they're desperate for women to be leaders.
@@SeanusAurelius Let's not be ridiculous, a woman would be a Queen, which can be on the same authority level as a King. Reading through the Bible, I see that females have been Prophets, Judges, Disciples, Ministers, Teachers, and Apostles. Yes I function differently in roles then my wife, but we are equal as individuals, and made 1in marriage. If she is more educated in some issue, or simply more informed, it would be foolish for me to insist on being the final word or authority on the matter. If it is God's will for a woman to never be in a leadership position, why was that not part of the Jerusalem Decision? Why did the Holy Spirit not have that told to the gentile believers in the book of Galatians? The Celtic cultures have a well documented history of female warriors and Queens. They have even waged war with the Romans. So why didn't the Apostles add this to what it means to be a Christian? Why would there be a command to stay in the position you are saved in, if you are in a position that is out of the will of God? We are told to repent of sins, and not to continue in them, but a woman in leadership is not part of those lists. More importantly, why would God inspire a new rule that contradicts what He has previously allowed and ordained?
@@padillas4357 If you want women to be leaders as your worldview, that's how you're going to interpret what you read. But that's NOT the clear teaching from scripture. Start by answering this question, "When and how and to whom did God establish authority?"
Being born of the Spirit is, by definition, salvation. And if we are born of the Spirit, regenerated, then we have the guarantee of salvation. I don’t believe anyone can or will fall away from this faith because they are bound to the Spirit of God through the working of the Holy Spirit within them. However, in today’s world of loosey-goosey Christianity, and preaching that is so far away from the truth of the Word, people are deceived - from the outside - that they are saved when they are not. If we believe a gospel that is not a gospel at all, but another gospel altogether, then we are NOT saved at all, and clearly it is very easy to speak the same terms, yet mean an entirely different thing, deceiving ourselves and others while being deceived. That salvation is not real Salvation, and it is easy to turn away from when it doesn’t do for us what we have been told, or think in ourselves, it ought to do. Which is why Paul told us to make sure we are “in the faith” and to “work out our own salvation”, for it is God in us (his Spirit) that gives the true life that empowers us to “will and to do of his good pleasure”. The Spirit of God dwelling in us is true salvation. Anything else is a deception and should be tossed away.
I agree! Cause it doesn't make sense to be made into a "new creation" and then go back into the old self. The bible tells us that we die from our old self and become new born. What you said makes so much more sense.
I just feel with this particular issue it’s just leading to people to fear that somehow if their not believing enough then they’ll fall away. God sent forth the Spirit of adoption into our hearts crying abba Father. He’s eternally saved you and adopted you and taken on the personally responsibility for you eternal care. The Lords work on the cross is not so weak that he can’t keep what he has saved. As Christians we should have Holy fear of God but also remember he’s our Loving father who won’t cast us out. We need to stop acting like God is on the mountain we can’t touch and if we don’t do things right he’s going to leave us to ourselves because that’s what this sounds like. There’s just no virtue in being unsure about this issue and does more harm than good. Please consider I’m just want to also be helpful no ill will intended at all. God bless
We weren't involved in any way in our first, natural, birth. Nobody asked me for permission to bring me into an existence where there would be suffering, pain, sin, and death. So what makes us think that when Jesus tells Nicodemus "You must be born again" that we have any influence over the second birth? Jesus is always very exacting with His language, using words to communicate layers of truth. If He says it is a second birth, then that is exactly what it is.
I’m so thrilled that Mike is not opposed to listening to Dr. MH, because his teaching has helped me understand the spiritual elements that are lacking in many teachings. To me, the Bible being taught without the spiritual worldview of the Israelites in the Old Testament and New. Having this knowledge helps me reconcile a lot of issues That always made me go,”huh?” But as with MW, I don’t take everything anyone says until I can work it out in the Bible. And I agree with MW on what a Biblical open mind is, I want to be corrected anything my views are proven wrong or not on point with scripture. I love all of you for working so hard to get to the truth of scripture.
At 16:43, speaking to disagreement about secondary issues: Coming from the rural South, where the Pentecostal and Apostolic churches are prevalent and popular: both churches do deny the Trinity, holding to "Oneness," which is a form of modalism. They also often (though not always) depersonalize the Holy Spirit. Something to think about when considering whether or not to fellowship with them.
Hey Mike Question 21 re Catholic Communion. I was raised Protestant, married Catholic and converted pre marriage but would say I have a Protestant heart lol and struggle with some things. I’m not sure if I’m just biased or led by the Spirit but I sometimes feel I’m trying to disprove Catholicism and I agree with most of this answer but, did the disciples NOT put up a fight? To me it’s easily a metaphor until He doubles and triples down in John 6:52 and onward. Some walked away and He let them. Verse 61 the disciples are grumbling and He says “Does this offend you?” The twelve didn’t leave as Peter explained why but they did question it out loud. Please help me through this, I appreciate your videos!
Mike Heiser has a lot of material on this subject which makes a lot of sense You must believe and keep believing perseverance of belief rather than perseverance of works.
One thing I have wondered about with women in church that I have never heard emphasized. It may be out there somewhere but I have never heard this as a discussion on women. Jesus said "the greatest among you will be your servant" and "the last shall be first." If what Jesus said is true, it could put women who do submit to Jesus's and Paul's teaching in a higher position in God's eyes. We think that getting to be the boss or looking more "important" to people makes you more important to God and that ain't necessarily so.
Predestination based on foreknowledge. The Lord knows who will be saved, stay saved and has eternal life. So going by that, once you are truly saved you must always be saved. If you lose your faith then you were never saved to begin with and God only knows who is who.
Mike - I don't mean to Proverbs 29:5 you, but wow the next US president should consider conscripting you as a foreign diplomat. You are amazingly tactful. I'm writing this right after you finished responding to the question on Dr. Michael Heiser. The Lord gives his servants various talents: it's clear to see that diplomacy is one of yours.
The causality question was pretty interesting. if we consider Gideon's victory aganst the medians, i think it was both strategic and miraculous. From the men and the things to do and the miraculous things like signs and dreams. i just never thought of the passages like that before.
Mike Winger, if you made more videos of less than twenty minutes, I'd watch you more often. You are a great guy, but you perhaps need to consider Proverbs 10:19 God bless you brother ❤️✝️🙏
There is a place for both longer videos and shorter videos depending on the subject matter. In this case, many questions were discussed and I don't think any of the answers were particularly long-winded. When face to face with strangers it is generally wise to speak only a few words over bombarding somebody with an hour long monologue.
@@godsstruggler8783 Yes , that proverb 10:19 was the first scripture God gave me, I had a tendency to talk too much and not listen enough. Still do to some degree
On the question of causality - I have a hard time believing in God's hand in any outcome since He gave us free will. We either have free will or we don't. I think it makes more sense that God wants a certain outcome, but that a battle may be won due to God's willing it so just contradicts free will. I think this issue on this aspect is one way or the other. I get all the blessings being due to originally God, but also -- the choice to hone skills was a choice.
I am very shocked to hear a Calvary Chapel minister say that baptism of the spirit is the indwelling of Christ. GOOD FOR YOU on bucking the establishment! I will say, that when you said of the Lord's Supper, "Lord, are you sure?!?", that the direct argument to this is very plainly in John 6:60 where many of his disciples turned away because of this exact hard teaching.
ESV Study Bible was great for me as a baby. Made it easy and I started with John which helped me understand Christ and then I prayed and asked the Lord what's next and flipped right open to proverbs then ephesians. So great to help you.
Could possibly be Hebrews chapters 6 and 10. When in a period of wilfully sinning and not repenting, these scared the life out of me and repentance quickly followed. Hebrews Ch 6 4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 Hebrews Ch 10 26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
I was baptized as an infant and at the age of ten because I was scared of going to hell. When I was in college I had my friends bring me to a church in a nearby city. I didn’t want to know what church it was and we entered in a side door and I couldn’t tell you anything about that church. That baptism was just my obedience to God.
I'd like you to address as to why so many apologists address cs lewis almost as biblical authority as Paul the apostle. C.s. lewis believed in purgatory and that concerns me.
The Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is a sore topic in my family. My brother is a member of a Pentecostal church which believes that you are not saved if you have not been baptized with the Holy Spirit. The proof is speaking in tongues. There is nowhere in the Bible that even hints at this unless you misinterpret Acts chapter two. Paul speaks directly to the gifts of the Spirit. Speaking tongues is a gift but not everyone receives every gift. Paul said that there were better gifts because this one requires that there needs to be an interpreter when it is spoken in public. Why do people think that they have to have physical proof of salvation when only God knows what is written on a person’s heart? Everything else can be faked. And I have seen and heard people faking speaking in tongues.
…. Didn’t mean to hit send on my unfinished comment above… …. I do believe there is a prayer language in tongues Paul speaks also about in Corinthians that’s between the believer and God but I do not see nor have I ever believed you have to speak in tongues to be saved or to be used in the other 9 gifts of the Spirit as stated in Corinthians, nor that anyone is more “spiritually” mature if they do. God bless🕊
@@JESUStheARK It broke my heart when my brother doubted his salvation because of this. It is a prayer language. I have heard his ex wife use it when she prayed for their daughter in the hospital. She asked my permission first. I know that she is a Christian and sincere. I attended a Bible study when I was in college. They placed a recording device in the center of the circle. During the “study,” the leader talked about knowing Christians by the Cadillacs they drive. Then they started speaking in “tongues.” As far as I could tell, they were saying the same syllables over and over again. I felt the same then as I felt when I watched the video Mike showed of the “Progressive Christian Pastor,” PURE EVIL. I immediately asked the guy who brought me to the study to leave. A few months later, the same group tried to pray my friend’s physical ailments away. Telling him that he didn’t need glasses or diabetic medication. He eventually understood that they weren’t who he believed they were. They were just so insistent on getting their way. He was afraid to go against him. The leader later opened his mega church in a nearby city. This was 45 years ago. Things have not changed as much as gotten more well known. I am not linking “speaking in tongues” with not being a Christian or with Progressive Christianity. I know that Paul said that there has to be an interpreter if this is done in public otherwise it is self aggrandizement. Not worship. He said do it at home or somewhere private. It’s like the Chief Priests and Pharisees adding embellishments to their robes to be seen. We are to glorify God, not ourselves.
I’m Pentecostal and I do not believe that you need to speak in tongues in order to get saved. I’m honestly confused where this comes from. I hope that people read the Bible for themselves and find the truth.
@@beth9277 There are always people who push to be exclusive or give absolutes when God is the only one who knows the answer. Perversion or misquotes of Scripture is a tool Satan uses to lead believers astray. Just a little wiggle room. I have seen a lot of people push a certain interpretation to support their own beliefs rather than the Gospel. My brother’s ex wife tried to convince him otherwise, but he would only listen to the teachings of this particular church.
Jesus loves you! Simply the best advice to start and to end with 😊 Thank you Pastor Mike and guests, God bless all of you and may the Holy Spirit guide all of us in this tribulation we are wading thru.
Thanks for the clear answer on baptism. It is important because it is commanded by Jesus. I like to use Peter's appeal without getting into the Why? "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ...PERIOD. 🙂 I appreciate Mike's view on Collossians 1:15. It makes sense with verse 18, as well, because Jesus was resurrected from the dead, not born from the dead. I have struggled with this scripture for years. Thanks Mike!
My family and I believe a little differently about a few theological things and we just agree to not talk about it or we know we discuss without personal attack. It was hard at first though.
1:44:42 "Make it Christian, which is a dangerous practice" Yes! Sadly this has been done *a lot* in Roman Catholicism, and we are still "suffering" from that. Saints (imported pagan gods), Easter (Ashtera) eggs (not Passover!), Halloween, candle burning, meyters, rosaries, and probably so many more things that simply have no root in Christianity itself.
Hey Mike, When you say that the diciples didn't put up a fight regarding the lord's supper being literal, what about John 6 where many left because of when Jesus said to eat his flesh? Catholics use this to say that many left because they didn't want to be cannibals.
This isn't that hard. Jesus is speaking metaphorically here because He interprets what He means later in the same chapter. Jesus is connecting His flesh with what He speaks. Jhn 6:63 - “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. And Peter confirms this, that Jesus life is believing the words He spoke, not eating His flesh. Jhn 6:68 - But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Elsewhere, we see Jesus speaking the same thing in Matthew. Mat 4:4 - But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' ” Was Jesus eating Himself? No, of course not. The Word of God is life, not what was created (bread). Jhn 1:4 - In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. Who is the "Him"? The "Word". Jn 1:1-3
Really appreciate you reaching so thoroughly through the word! Wanted to ask about the end of James. James 5: 19-20 specifically. If "once saved, always saved" and "only Jesus can save souls", than what exactly is James saying here at the end of his letter to the Jewish believers of The Way outside of Israel?
In terms of forgiving yourself for things you've done in the past, the book of Levitacus is very freeing. If one reads the book of Leviticus, they will find that whatever they've done that they feel is unforgivable listed between other sins that they feel assured are forgivable.
🤔 my church which is Assembly of God teaches that tounges is THE SIGN of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is separate from being baptized. I always thought it more literal because we get baptized and then baptism of the Holy Spirit is separate but now I think that when your saved you have the Holy Spirit already in you. The Assembly of God view just makes you seek for signs and they act like your missing out if your not baptized in the Holy Spirit and if you don’t speak in tongues.
That is the only 1 of the 16 Tennents of Faith that I disagree with. I believe it is more appropriate to say that it's A SIGN, not THE SIGN. I know people who have manifested other Gifts, but have never spoken in toungs. Baptism in The Holy Spirit is usually, but not always, separate from Salvation and Water Baptism. Also, the Gifts are not controlled by the Christian, it is The Holy Spirit who decides the who, what, where, and when. The why is for God's glory.
Losing salvation boggles my mind! When I think of this question, it feels like we can never be secure in Jesus. If we can lose salvation, does that mean Christ could not keep us. It says we’re sealed by the Holy Spirit
I don't see any evidence that contradicts what is stated in scripture that it is 1)God's grace that saves us 2)It is by faith alone, which is not even our faith, but is God's faith 3) It is God who wills and works in us for good works 4) Nothing can be undone what God has established. I am aware of the scary verses. I don't know how they fit yet, just as I don't know how election vs free will fit together. But bible is clear it is God's doing we come to Him and are saved.
We are definitely secure in Christ, the way I see it :) To ‘lose’ salvation I think is possible, but only by a voluntary rejection by the believer. In the same way that someone might decide to follow Christ, there are many who will turn back and decide to stop. I don’t personally believe you can lose salvation if your heart and actions continue in devotion to God. But how could those who decide to leave the kingdom remain in it? This has never caused confusion for me personally 🤔 How did you find the answer in the video?
You are being deceived. Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED! "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."- Matthew chapter 7 verses 28 to 29. "So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."- John chapter 7 verses 43 to 46. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."- John chapter 5 verse 24.
@@redsquare4835 if you are truly born again, you can't kill what is born of God, or commit spiritual abortion... 1 John 2:19 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
If you can lose your salvation how do you get it back. What do you have to do to earn it back and what causes you to lose your salvation. I mean does that mean it becomes based on works on what you do to get saved.
Regarding Bible translations, I've benefited from KJV and NKJV study Bibles. For the last few years, though, I've been reading the NET Bible (with notes). I've gained an appreciation for the details. You might even say that I've learned to not fear the details. If you have an itch to argue, the NET should scratch that for you as they quote sources and interpretations, often sharing the competing views before stating what they settled on and why.
I'm a woman that's proud of being a woman, I love being a female, and I have to say that I have never once had an issue with understanding that woman and men have different roles. There is nothing oppressive or tyrannical or negative in any way to me about how the Bible explains it (when you understand it correctly.) God created men and woman differently: biologically, mentally, I think even spiritually (God created a lot of pictures when he created the world, pictures that represent things we probably won't fully understand until we get to Heaven.) Does different mean one is better than the other? No. Does different mean that one is more important than the other? No. Does different mean one is more valuable than the other? No. One thing that woman for some reason get offended by is that men tend to been physically stronger. Biologically speaking they really are, that's how their muscles were built vs woman's muscles. Is that an insult to woman? Not to me it isn't. Does it mean woman aren't strong at all? Of course not. We have our own ways of being strong and even stronger than men sometimes. We each have our own strength and our own weakness as individual people and as different genders (male vs female, there are only two.) And personally? I find it BEAUTIFUL. Legitimately beautiful when you really honestly look at the difference and how those differences support and uplift each other. Therefore it actually makes me truly upset and angry when woman or men try to bring down the other - basically try to turn one into the other by taking away those differences (in the fight to stop "male dominance" I think we've done soooo much harm to men, honestly, so I see why that fight started and things about it I think are legitimate cause many men have definitely abused their power over woman *but* we've got it going the other way like crazy now, woman abusing men, and that's just as bad!!) To me you are destroying one of the most beautifully intricate things that God created. i.e. the differences between men and woman and how they, in those differences, fit together like puzzle pieces made for each other. Really, honestly, truly, it's beautiful. Understand that. Stop trying to change it. It fact: bring the pride of it back! Let us be different in the way God made us to be different because that's what makes all of us strong.
The problem is when people make those differences into Doctrines that are not supported by the whole council of God's Word. We are equal as individuals, and formed into 1 in marriage. Women have been in every position in the Bible, with the exceptions of Old Testament priest and The Messiah.
And why does gender difference necessitate hierarchy?
@@nicoleparsons7630
Because God established it from the beginning in Gen 1 and 2.
This is carried into the NT.
@@toddcote4904 Ezer Kenegdo means help (partner) that opposes/the opposite of. Ezer is used to describe God's military help. Men and women were created to partner together to rule and subdue the earth and to be fruitful and multiply together. Partners. Equals. Woman was not created as an assistant. What can women do that men can't (besides bearing children, because not all women can and they're not less valuable or purposeless because of that)? If God didn't create woman, could man still rule and subdue the earth? (We know he can't be fruitful and multiply without her). What does that look like practically in the world and in the church? And how does hierarchy NOT imply that women are inferior to men?
Truer words were never written!
NLT is the only one who speaks to me. My maternal language is French. The other translations I look for surety. The NLT is the one that feeds me. I'm not smart nor intelligent BUT I love my Lord Jesus, the Christ!!! Thank you Pastors!
You're intelligent and wise for following the Lord 🤍🙏
If you’re more fluent in French than you can get a Bible written in French, my husband has a French/English Bible.
@@brandiouedraogo9770 I have a French translation as well but my NLT is my favourite 😊
i love the NLT too!
I cut my teeth on King James Version and use that mostly as a base for Bible study but look at different translations. However when I’m tired and want to read my Bible for just the pleasure and joy it brings I love the NLT. So easy and fluid for a “night cap”. 😁🌈🕊
In minute 9:41 talking about an atheist. I was an atheist till I heard the Gospel for the first time in a church I was invited to. God made Himself very well known to me that He is real, by revealing how real the enemy is. What grabbed me hearing the Gospel was how good Jesus is. I couldn't understand why someone so good and honest could of been crucified. I couldn't get that concept out of my head for a full year! Never underestimate the power of the simplicity of the Gospel. And as a side note, everyone in church thought I was already saved, when I wasn't. When I was saved a year later everyone thought I wasn't saved because I lost everything for following Jesus. If Jesus can rescue a prideful little atheist like me, He can do anything! Many blessings to you. I enjoy listening.
I claimed to be an atheist as well. God opened my eyes. Wow was i so wrong convinced I was wise. Grace is Amazing huh. God bless brother
Hey Mike, just wanted to comment and let you know how encouraged I was by your answer on losing salvation. To hear someone with your experience with the Bible say you were still uncertain on the issue was refreshing. I’m usually in a lot of reformed/conservative circles where you have to have a strong conviction on nearly every position your humility encourages me.
When I come up on this topic, I love wording it like this:
Fast forward to heaven. You have 100% of the people there that are meant to be. Then you rewind to now. 100% of the people who are elect are eternally destined to be saved. Whether some people "had" salvation and lost it.... doesn't actually matter since everyone who will end up there ends up there. So just be respectful to God, honor Him, live for Him and bow to Christ and stop worrying about if you'll lose your salvation. It's not yours to earn. Follow the king
I think Mike has a great principle when it comes to his Q&As which is: Don't pretend to know anything you don't know and don't pretend to be sure about something you're not sure about.
You are being deceived. Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED!
"And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."- Matthew chapter 7 verses 28 to 29.
"So there was a division among the people because of him.
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."- John chapter 7 verses 43 to 46.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."- John chapter 5 verse 24.
I just feel with this particular issue it’s just leading to people to fear that somehow if their not believing enough then they’ll fall away. God sent forth the Spirit of adoption into our hearts crying abba Father. He’s eternally saved you and adopted you and taken on the personally responsibility for you eternal care. The Lords work on the cross is not so weak that he can’t keep what he has saved.
As Christians we should have Holy fear of God but also remember he’s our Loving father who won’t cast us out.
We need to stop acting like God is on the mountain we can’t touch and if we don’t do things right he’s going to leave us to ourselves because that’s what this sounds like.
There’s just no virtue in being unsure about this issue and does more harm than good.
Please consider I’m just want to also be helpful no ill will intended at all. God bless
@@Izthefaithful yes I understand brother and I don’t take what you’re saying with any ill will. Having said that I do understand what you’re saying and Have studied the passages that you reference in your encouragement however as Mike referenced there are other passages that are difficult to wrestle with that have to be handled with integrity and honestly and I think most people explain them away because their position forces them to. I don’t think anybody feels “virtuous” for being uncertain with certain doctrines, just appreciate the fact it allows people to be okay with understanding the conclusions on both sides without taking a dogmatic stance. I understand why you hold the position you do but also understand that there have been many godly brothers and theologians throughout the history of the church who have biblical backing for why they hold a different position.
I used to be obsessed with politics and would listen to news, podcasts, etc all day while working. But since I found Mike Winger I've been listening to him instead and I can tell you that has made me happier, less stressed and more hopeful
I hear that
I get stressful reading Mike Winger's comments a lot of the time. That being said, I've been enjoying listening to Mike and others. I also still listen to news podcasts sometimes, too.
Indeed. God's Kingdom is not of this world and it took me a while to emancipate myself from the left/right thing and all that politics entails. I much prefer to ignore it altogether and instead seek to immerse myself in the simplicity that is to be found in Christ. People need to hear the Gospel.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
exactly!!! i find myself looking away from politics and shocking political discourse and more Biblically.
I’m a huge fan of Heiser but I agree. You’ll never find a theologian you agree 100% with
I too enjoy both the Mikes content.......
Me too!
I really find Heiser’s work interesting. It makes me think and it doesn’t take away from the true gospel. I’ve got several of his books
@@livefromtexas9371 He has had a big impact on me studying the Old testament. At first it was challenging but now is comfortable.
I'm with Mike, I agree halfway with Dr. Heiser too but In some parts I'm like eh... I'm not too sure on that
I really like how respectful you are to other teachers like with Dr. Heiser. You never put anyone down and if you disagree then you disagree. As long as we are all on the same page with the fundamental, core values of the faith then it’s ok and even healthy to disagree on some other parts of scripture that can be open for interpretation.
Finally, the full interview! We’ve found it!
The reason why Mike is someone I will at least listen to anything he says... Is his humility.
Thank you for Timestamps
This included so many things I've wondered about. Really glad you did this interview!
I’m a female pastor, so my belief on women in leadership is evident. But I adore Pastor Mikes teachings. We disagree in this area, but it’s not enough to make me not learn from & value what he says in this area & others. Thank you for all you’re freely giving to the body of Christ! This was an incredible interview. I appreciate your humble, thoughtful & researched responses!
So you're a husband of one wife?
@@toddcote4904 YUP! Nailed it
Whoever had the "how important is baptism?" question, thank you! I've been in a similar situation for a while now
I think it boils down to opportunity. The thief on the cross didn't have that. The Ethiopian eunuch did. They were both saved.
Agreed! I’ve been baptized, but I was always afraid of how that implied I was saved. But then I continued reading in my early adult life now and found out that it is not what saves me.😄
baptism is NOT necessary for salvation. I believe that in the church age, baptism is entry/membership in a local church AFTER you get saved.
@@beereaucrat3233 yes that is true
@@OneEyedJack1970 Jesus had the power on earth to forgive sins.
I wish this was longer. Thank you guys!!!
That was a jam packed session of questions!
Thanks to all of you, for sitting down and doing this whole video.
Thank you for your hard work and effort you put into this Mr. Winger! Can't wait to get into this💪
Totally in school right now, but so excited for when I can go home and watch this
👏👍
I hope your grades are at the top .
Really loved this. I discovered your channel maybe 6 months ago, but only subscribed recently. I don't agree with all of your theological ideas, but it's great to hear someone who tackles issues on the basis of scripture. Appreciate you!
Good morning Mike! Today is a good media day for me. Thank you for providing me with some media! I like to take these type questions to my men's group and chew on them a bit. I appreciate your insight and time. May God bless your day!
This took me three days to finish but it was worth it. Wow, lots of interesting questions. Thanks for a great session of Q&A.
So happy to see the question on Mike’s thoughts on Dr. Michael Heiser!
Around what time was this ?
@@matthewjames9209 3:36
Mike and Heiser are currently my favorite theologians.
Mike you are slowly changing my life. Your work is brilliant and it’s never boring
I haven't been drawn to listen to other on-line pastors since God led me to your discussions.
I know in my being you are led by Him, don't ever be discouraged. Christians out here need what you put forth. I learned some things today- keep on edifying brother
Was really glad to hear this interview and answers. Mike has one of the most generous hearts in trying to honor other people’s opinions and interpretations but also has that strong conviction mixed with humility to stay true to God’s plumb line. You can tell he loves God and His Word. He is definitely one of my go to people for “in the counsel of many is wisdom”. But just a side note…. Your wife must be awesome to have the patience for all the hours you give over to studying and feeding God’s people. … and I bet you she helps keep you humble. 😁
I also liked the two guys doing the interview. I really appreciated their input and humble hearts as well. Never heard of them but good to know people like them are out there serving the body of Christ that care about truth. Thank you for doing this interview with Mike Winger. 🕊🕊🕊
Hi pastor Mike! I am currently enrolled in Calvary Chapel University. I'm in Calvary Chapel Distinctives and they still teach the same thing about baptism in the Spirit (that it's a separate event after salvation). I am in your camp on this one. Thanks for the videos. I go to Calvary Chapel in Alabama and was delighted when I found out you were a CC guy.
King James for the daring and adventurous. Love the language. "Get thee hence" is a lot cooler than "Get behind me." It is like the difference between a command from a general and attendant at a theme park. But it's your choice. Love this video.
yes it's my choice NOT to read the King James because I would have had no idea what "get thee hence" meant if it wasn't explained to me
🤣😂
@@potapotapotapotapotapota If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth liberally to all men but let him ask in faith nothing wavering. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED!
@@MichaelAChristian1 That's not what the verse is talking about. Wisdom is not the same thing as knowledge - the kind of knowledge you need to learn and understand Old English. On the contrary, wisdom would say that it's worth learning something if it is worth your time. But since no one speaks Old English anymore, it isn't worth it.
If you want a word-for-word accurate translation that can actually be understood, go read the NASB. The KJV is good to read for poetry but not for studying the Bible.
@@potapotapotapotapotapota disagree. I study from the KJV and I have no problem with it so to say it's not for studying is false. With that being said, if you find the NASB as better for studying, by all means, study it :)
Mike Winger...excellent as usual. I loved your communion response. Thank you
Another great video Pastor Mike.
I’ve been watching and listening for about two months, the content you present is so edifying.
God bless!
This was one of the best Q&A I’ve ever heard!
God bless you guys and your families. I'm only part way through, but Mike that info. on which books to go to for Anxious, Proud, Broken etc, is wonderful thank you.
May the peace of our Lord and saviour be with us.
Interesting first question. I'm actually a student of Dr. Heiser in his School of Theology. Currently in Old Testament apologetics. One verse in particular comes to mind from my own digging. One that Hebrews uses.
Psalm 8:5 KJV
For thou hast made him (man) a little lower than the angels...
The word malakh is usually translated as angel. It means messenger. However, the translator of the KJV uses angel when in fact the Hebrew word is elohim in this passage.
"Man was made a little lower than the elohim (gods)."
The Septuagint uses the Greek word for angel because the Greek didn't have very many words for the supernatural realm so they used "angelos" as a blanket statement like we do today. We tend to think Cherubim and Seraphim as angels, but they are not. They are all supernatural beings, but they all serve a different function.
So when one reads Psalm 82, the elohim definitely are spiritual beings. Especially compared with passages like Psalm 89 and 1 Kings 22 where it mentions heavenly hosts and a divine courtroom.
I recently came across The Bible Project and they had a video titled spiritual beings, which is how I came across this subject of distinction. IIRC I think Dr. Heiser actually had a part of the video. As I think a lot of Christians have, I always believed it's just God and angels and never really thought to question if it got more specific, so the knowledge that there are different areas of spiritual beings is fascinating to know. There is a lot of kooky supernatural stuff that goes on in The Bible so hearing that someone who's credentialed in the matter and loves focusing on it has me thinking I'll look at one of Dr. Heiser's books and see just how far into the rabbit hole I can go lol. Do you have a suggestion for a good beginner book?
Thank you, Mike, for your channel. I have learned that I am to write a book about my Christian journey. Your videos have helped me to recall events and beliefs that are important to my story. They have also given me insight into how my choices were made by the direction God and his influence through others showed me. You are one of the sources he has placed in my path.
For better focus and keeping to time and giving enough time for strength and stamina to be available for each question is far better than one single exhausting session.
this interview gives me peace and joy
Was very interested to hear Mike's discussion of Dr. Heiser's views. Heiser articulates so well, and is so convincing, (with incredible credentials), and I find his work intriguing to say the least. While listening to his podcast, I've also heard Heiser mention Mike Winger, so apprently the stock I place in Mike isn't misplaced.
The Lord has greatly blessed you, Mike, with a truly exceptional gift for insightful teaching and discernment! You are in a class of your own! I am ex muslim who was saved 6 years ago and I want to grow up to be just like you! You have been such a great blessing to me! Thank you for your faithfulness and passion for Christ... and for being the coolest Bible "nerd" I know (said with love and admiration)! 🤓🙏🏼🕊✝️🤍👌🏼👍🏼
Ha I just so happen to be scrolling through the comments really quick and found you here! How about that. Be blessed!
@@abideintheWord L O L! Apparently I am watching all the right channels! Many blessings to you!
@@InfinitEternaLove I don’t really watch Mike, but somebody sent me this video to check out where he talks about how he leans towards that you can lose salvation. Very interesting.
@@abideintheWord Your "Berean-like" meticulous approach to understanding and teaching scripture (with clarity) is the similarity that struck me most while listening to your teachings and what I appreciate about you both. Apart from Mike, I haven't really found such consistently penetrating teaching (for my brain/ears) until finding your channel, it's has been a double blessing for me! I'm curious if you've listened to and/or read Michael Heiser's works (author of The Unseen Realm; Naked Bible podcast). He's a great resource as well for understanding scripture in the original languages. You might find it interesting as well. 😊
I used to attend a Pentecostal church with my grandparents, I still attend this church but it's now under different leadership and now without my grandparents. I remember as a little girl I asked my grandmother what we were because I was starting to learn about the different denominations. She simply told me that we were born again. I think about that memory often and what that simple statement means.
Just thank you so much for reaffirming Christian humility
This was such a good one! 😃👍🏼
Really helped with some issues…and can‘t be too long (the videos 😉).
I‘ll have to listen to it again - so much good stuff in there.
Loved the short part about bringing different religions to the point (charma, buddha,…)
Thank you from Switzerland. 😊
Thank you gentlemen, great questions everybody who asked. Wing Man is one of the greatest teachers in the body of Christ hands down, praise the Lord!! Also if I may say, when comparing to 20 questions , where Mike still has biblical and balanced answers on the fly, the pre prepared study and answer to every single question is another level. But make no mistake, no matter how it’s done, when our affections are on Christ, and the highest priority is the what the Bible says, it’s an gonna be a good time.
Thank you Jesus
I appreciate Mike’s humbleness in answering question about Heiser.
Yeah, almost 2 hours is nothing when you’re speaking. So many nuggets of wisdom. This is a great conversation by all. Thanks.
Thank you this video guys, extremely helpful in tackling the difficult questions that we can sometimes face as Chrisians. Feel more equipped now in my Apologetics. God bless! 🙏🏾
About the once saved always saved issue... The reason I say people probably weren't a Christian when they leave the faith is because I know what it was like to be a "Christian" who thinks they know everything about Jesus, and then suddenly having that turn around moment where you get salvation and i was like "I wasn't a Christian all this time". I don't think it's calling someone's sincerity into question, I BELIEVED i was saved before i became saved, in that sense I was sincere... Just not truly a Christian.
I think that what you describe is quite common amongst those who are brought up in a Christian home - at least in my experience over a 20 year span of time. They had shared in all manner of blessings such as prayer, the corporate spirit of worship, sound teaching, witnessing the move of the Holy Spirit through different testimonies. One can experience the Holy Spirit and certainly experience a move of God in their lives, yet remain dead in their sins. That was me over a four and a half year period and though I didn't ever think I was a Christian, I can understand how others could if they were regular church goers and loved being there. I did hear a testimony of a woman here on RUclips who served in her fellowship for years and assumed she was saved because she loved (the idea of) Jesus. Then one day God made it clear to her that she wasn't and had been trusting in her own righteousness all along. I do believe that your comment is an important one.
@@godsstruggler8783 I agree. I was raised Christian, actually what saved me was my brother just... In random conversation saying "you don't need to ask Jesus every time you sin to be forgiven" Not that you shouldn't but it's not like you aren't saved when you don't... I had grew up, not that my parents taught me it or anything, but I had assumed if you didn't ask for forgiveness one time and just got in an accident, boom, you go to hell lol. It was understanding this is not true that gave me a whole different picture of God's love and gift for us...
I remember that feeling, like I had just been born again right in that very moment of hearing that. I had started reading the Bible at 12 years old, and this moment happened when I was 14. So yes, I was even reading the Word of God, going to youth group and seeking God, but I don't believe I was saved yet, until that moment 2 years later.
As someone with 7 sisters, some of whom are very outspoken and I'd never want to enforce them into a place of submission I've always been very wary of that passage. My current pastor is a woman. The more I dig into it it was a time and a place thing but also can hold true today if people really want to read it that way. But even if you are there are always, always exceptions to the rule, i.e Deborah as a judge.
A person has to be willfully ignorent to not acknowledge that women have been in every position in the Bible, with the exceptions of Old Testament priest and The Messiah. We are equal as individuals, and formed into 1 in marriage (submitting even our bodies to each other).
@@padillas4357 Well, I'm not wilfully ignorant. But every position? Are we counting Athalia as a king? Or even mundane ones, like soldier? We are equal, but not the same. And the duties in marriage are not 100% symmetric. As a husband, you have extra responsibility , extra duties, and the extra liberty that comes with those. It's only because people think of leadership like Gentiles instead of like Christians (leadership = servanthood) that they're desperate for women to be leaders.
@@SeanusAurelius Let's not be ridiculous, a woman would be a Queen, which can be on the same authority level as a King. Reading through the Bible, I see that females have been Prophets, Judges, Disciples, Ministers, Teachers, and Apostles. Yes I function differently in roles then my wife, but we are equal as individuals, and made 1in marriage. If she is more educated in some issue, or simply more informed, it would be foolish for me to insist on being the final word or authority on the matter.
If it is God's will for a woman to never be in a leadership position, why was that not part of the Jerusalem Decision? Why did the Holy Spirit not have that told to the gentile believers in the book of Galatians? The Celtic cultures have a well documented history of female warriors and Queens. They have even waged war with the Romans. So why didn't the Apostles add this to what it means to be a Christian? Why would there be a command to stay in the position you are saved in, if you are in a position that is out of the will of God? We are told to repent of sins, and not to continue in them, but a woman in leadership is not part of those lists. More importantly, why would God inspire a new rule that contradicts what He has previously allowed and ordained?
@@padillas4357
If you want women to be leaders as your worldview, that's how you're going to interpret what you read. But that's NOT the clear teaching from scripture.
Start by answering this question, "When and how and to whom did God establish authority?"
Being born of the Spirit is, by definition, salvation. And if we are born of the Spirit, regenerated, then we have the guarantee of salvation. I don’t believe anyone can or will fall away from this faith because they are bound to the Spirit of God through the working of the Holy Spirit within them. However, in today’s world of loosey-goosey Christianity, and preaching that is so far away from the truth of the Word, people are deceived - from the outside - that they are saved when they are not. If we believe a gospel that is not a gospel at all, but another gospel altogether, then we are NOT saved at all, and clearly it is very easy to speak the same terms, yet mean an entirely different thing, deceiving ourselves and others while being deceived. That salvation is not real Salvation, and it is easy to turn away from when it doesn’t do for us what we have been told, or think in ourselves, it ought to do. Which is why Paul told us to make sure we are “in the faith” and to “work out our own salvation”, for it is God in us (his Spirit) that gives the true life that empowers us to “will and to do of his good pleasure”. The Spirit of God dwelling in us is true salvation. Anything else is a deception and should be tossed away.
AMEN!!!!!
I agree! Cause it doesn't make sense to be made into a "new creation" and then go back into the old self. The bible tells us that we die from our old self and become new born.
What you said makes so much more sense.
Well stated.
I just feel with this particular issue it’s just leading to people to fear that somehow if their not believing enough then they’ll fall away. God sent forth the Spirit of adoption into our hearts crying abba Father. He’s eternally saved you and adopted you and taken on the personally responsibility for you eternal care. The Lords work on the cross is not so weak that he can’t keep what he has saved.
As Christians we should have Holy fear of God but also remember he’s our Loving father who won’t cast us out.
We need to stop acting like God is on the mountain we can’t touch and if we don’t do things right he’s going to leave us to ourselves because that’s what this sounds like.
There’s just no virtue in being unsure about this issue and does more harm than good.
Please consider I’m just want to also be helpful no ill will intended at all. God bless
We weren't involved in any way in our first, natural, birth. Nobody asked me for permission to bring me into an existence where there would be suffering, pain, sin, and death. So what makes us think that when Jesus tells Nicodemus "You must be born again" that we have any influence over the second birth? Jesus is always very exacting with His language, using words to communicate layers of truth. If He says it is a second birth, then that is exactly what it is.
I’m so thrilled that Mike is not opposed to listening to Dr. MH, because his teaching has helped me understand the spiritual elements that are lacking in many teachings. To me, the Bible being taught without the spiritual worldview of the Israelites in the Old Testament and New. Having this knowledge helps me reconcile a lot of issues
That always made me go,”huh?” But as with MW, I don’t take everything anyone says until I can work it out in the Bible. And I agree with MW on what a Biblical open mind is, I want to be corrected anything my views are proven wrong or not on point with scripture. I love all of you for working so hard to get to the truth of scripture.
Yooo! Big yes to getting more teaching on gluttony.
Love this. Thank you. Wasn’t too long for me!
At 16:43, speaking to disagreement about secondary issues:
Coming from the rural South, where the Pentecostal and Apostolic churches are prevalent and popular: both churches do deny the Trinity, holding to "Oneness," which is a form of modalism. They also often (though not always) depersonalize the Holy Spirit. Something to think about when considering whether or not to fellowship with them.
I’m a long video lover I’m so happy!
What haven't you done a video about? (It's probably a shorter list)
Hey Mike Question 21 re Catholic Communion. I was raised Protestant, married Catholic and converted pre marriage but would say I have a Protestant heart lol and struggle with some things. I’m not sure if I’m just biased or led by the Spirit but I sometimes feel I’m trying to disprove Catholicism and I agree with most of this answer but, did the disciples NOT put up a fight? To me it’s easily a metaphor until He doubles and triples down in John 6:52 and onward. Some walked away and He let them. Verse 61 the disciples are grumbling and He says “Does this offend you?” The twelve didn’t leave as Peter explained why but they did question it out loud. Please help me through this, I appreciate your videos!
Mike Heiser has a lot of material on this subject which makes a lot of sense You must believe and keep believing perseverance of belief rather than perseverance of works.
Hello Mike, please can you include their subreddit in the description? God bless you
Will do. Here it is as well. www.reddit.com/r/Bible/
@@MikeWinger awesome.. hours of learning and answers. Ty soooo much all. I could go 4 hours.. then tea with biscuit... then another hour! Blessings 🇬🇧
Listened December 2021 . . . great job Mike!!!
One thing I have wondered about with women in church that I have never heard emphasized. It may be out there somewhere but I have never heard this as a discussion on women. Jesus said "the greatest among you will be your servant" and "the last shall be first." If what Jesus said is true, it could put women who do submit to Jesus's and Paul's teaching in a higher position in God's eyes. We think that getting to be the boss or looking more "important" to people makes you more important to God and that ain't necessarily so.
Great stuff! Will you do another q&a from this subreddit again in the future or was this just a one-time thing?
Predestination based on foreknowledge.
The Lord knows who will be saved, stay saved and has eternal life. So going by that, once you are truly saved you must always be saved. If you lose your faith then you were never saved to begin with and God only knows who is who.
I agree with mikes view on salvation
Gosh nothing better then working and learning the Bible THANK YOU 🙏
Finally the whole video 😊
I cant tell you how important Old Testament is its literally reading why God/Jesus had to come for us
Mike - I don't mean to Proverbs 29:5 you, but wow the next US president should consider conscripting you as a foreign diplomat. You are amazingly tactful. I'm writing this right after you finished responding to the question on Dr. Michael Heiser. The Lord gives his servants various talents: it's clear to see that diplomacy is one of yours.
The causality question was pretty interesting. if we consider Gideon's victory aganst the medians, i think it was both strategic and miraculous. From the men and the things to do and the miraculous things like signs and dreams. i just never thought of the passages like that before.
Mike Winger, if you made more videos of less than twenty minutes, I'd watch you more often.
You are a great guy, but you perhaps need to consider Proverbs 10:19
God bless you brother
❤️✝️🙏
Umm, yeah, no.
See Acts 20:9.
@@toddcote4904
Fair enough, maybe I need to have a nap before I watch Mike Winger video
😃
@@JontheBerean
😴😴 😄
There is a place for both longer videos and shorter videos depending on the subject matter. In this case, many questions were discussed and I don't think any of the answers were particularly long-winded. When face to face with strangers it is generally wise to speak only a few words over bombarding somebody with an hour long monologue.
@@godsstruggler8783
Yes , that proverb 10:19 was the first scripture God gave me, I had a tendency to talk too much and not listen enough. Still do to some degree
On the question of causality - I have a hard time believing in God's hand in any outcome since He gave us free will. We either have free will or we don't. I think it makes more sense that God wants a certain outcome, but that a battle may be won due to God's willing it so just contradicts free will. I think this issue on this aspect is one way or the other. I get all the blessings being due to originally God, but also -- the choice to hone skills was a choice.
I am very shocked to hear a Calvary Chapel minister say that baptism of the spirit is the indwelling of Christ. GOOD FOR YOU on bucking the establishment! I will say, that when you said of the Lord's Supper, "Lord, are you sure?!?", that the direct argument to this is very plainly in John 6:60 where many of his disciples turned away because of this exact hard teaching.
ESV Study Bible was great for me as a baby. Made it easy and I started with John which helped me understand Christ and then I prayed and asked the Lord what's next and flipped right open to proverbs then ephesians. So great to help you.
Maybe mike will give the verses he struggled with or where he thinks u can lose ur salvation
Could possibly be Hebrews chapters 6 and 10. When in a period of wilfully sinning and not repenting, these scared the life out of me and repentance quickly followed.
Hebrews Ch 6
4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7
Hebrews Ch 10
26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Haha I love how just now you have gotten to the Hebrews series.
I was baptized as an infant and at the age of ten because I was scared of going to hell. When I was in college I had my friends bring me to a church in a nearby city. I didn’t want to know what church it was and we entered in a side door and I couldn’t tell you anything about that church. That baptism was just my obedience to God.
I love your honesty.your explanation of the baptism of the Holy Spirit! Was wonderful.
I'd like you to address as to why so many apologists address cs lewis almost as biblical authority as Paul the apostle. C.s. lewis believed in purgatory and that concerns me.
The Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is a sore topic in my family. My brother is a member of a Pentecostal church which believes that you are not saved if you have not been baptized with the Holy Spirit. The proof is speaking in tongues. There is nowhere in the Bible that even hints at this unless you misinterpret Acts chapter two. Paul speaks directly to the gifts of the Spirit. Speaking tongues is a gift but not everyone receives every gift. Paul said that there were better gifts because this one requires that there needs to be an interpreter when it is spoken in public. Why do people think that they have to have physical proof of salvation when only God knows what is written on a person’s heart? Everything else can be faked. And I have seen and heard people faking speaking in tongues.
I do believe there is a separate tongues as a prayer language that Paul talks about in Corinthians but I’ve
…. Didn’t mean to hit send on my unfinished comment above…
…. I do believe there is a prayer language in tongues Paul speaks also about in Corinthians that’s between the believer and God but I do not see nor have I ever believed you have to speak in tongues to be saved or to be used in the other 9 gifts of the Spirit as stated in Corinthians, nor that anyone is more “spiritually” mature if they do. God bless🕊
@@JESUStheARK It broke my heart when my brother doubted his salvation because of this. It is a prayer language. I have heard his ex wife use it when she prayed for their daughter in the hospital. She asked my permission first. I know that she is a Christian and sincere. I attended a Bible study when I was in college. They placed a recording device in the center of the circle. During the “study,” the leader talked about knowing Christians by the Cadillacs they drive. Then they started speaking in “tongues.” As far as I could tell, they were saying the same syllables over and over again. I felt the same then as I felt when I watched the video Mike showed of the “Progressive Christian Pastor,” PURE EVIL. I immediately asked the guy who brought me to the study to leave. A few months later, the same group tried to pray my friend’s physical ailments away. Telling him that he didn’t need glasses or diabetic medication. He eventually understood that they weren’t who he believed they were. They were just so insistent on getting their way. He was afraid to go against him. The leader later opened his mega church in a nearby city. This was 45 years ago. Things have not changed as much as gotten more well known. I am not linking “speaking in tongues” with not being a Christian or with Progressive Christianity. I know that Paul said that there has to be an interpreter if this is done in public otherwise it is self aggrandizement. Not worship. He said do it at home or somewhere private. It’s like the Chief Priests and Pharisees adding embellishments to their robes to be seen. We are to glorify God, not ourselves.
I’m Pentecostal and I do not believe that you need to speak in tongues in order to get saved. I’m honestly confused where this comes from. I hope that people read the Bible for themselves and find the truth.
@@beth9277 There are always people who push to be exclusive or give absolutes when God is the only one who knows the answer. Perversion or misquotes of Scripture is a tool Satan uses to lead believers astray. Just a little wiggle room. I have seen a lot of people push a certain interpretation to support their own beliefs rather than the Gospel. My brother’s ex wife tried to convince him otherwise, but he would only listen to the teachings of this particular church.
Jesus loves you!
Simply the best advice to start and to end with 😊
Thank you Pastor Mike and guests, God bless all of you and may the Holy Spirit guide all of us in this tribulation we are wading thru.
Jesus loves who?
At 1:43:19 Mike hits a point on meditation that I never even thought of.
That's fantastic.
I knew I didn't like meditation for a reason.
Thanks for the clear answer on baptism. It is important because it is commanded by Jesus. I like to use Peter's appeal without getting into the Why? "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ...PERIOD. 🙂
I appreciate Mike's view on Collossians 1:15. It makes sense with verse 18, as well, because Jesus was resurrected from the dead, not born from the dead. I have struggled with this scripture for years. Thanks Mike!
My family and I believe a little differently about a few theological things and we just agree to not talk about it or we know we discuss without personal attack. It was hard at first though.
"Lizard Man!" 🤣 That got me.
1:44:42 "Make it Christian, which is a dangerous practice" Yes! Sadly this has been done *a lot* in Roman Catholicism, and we are still "suffering" from that. Saints (imported pagan gods), Easter (Ashtera) eggs (not Passover!), Halloween, candle burning, meyters, rosaries, and probably so many more things that simply have no root in Christianity itself.
I really appreciate your recommendation of the James White book. Thank you.
Hey Mike,
When you say that the diciples didn't put up a fight regarding the lord's supper being literal, what about John 6 where many left because of when Jesus said to eat his flesh? Catholics use this to say that many left because they didn't want to be cannibals.
This isn't that hard. Jesus is speaking metaphorically here because He interprets what He means later in the same chapter.
Jesus is connecting His flesh with what He speaks.
Jhn 6:63 - “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
And Peter confirms this, that Jesus life is believing the words He spoke, not eating His flesh.
Jhn 6:68 - But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Elsewhere, we see Jesus speaking the same thing in Matthew.
Mat 4:4 - But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' ”
Was Jesus eating Himself?
No, of course not. The Word of God is life, not what was created (bread).
Jhn 1:4 - In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
Who is the "Him"?
The "Word". Jn 1:1-3
Really appreciate you reaching so thoroughly through the word!
Wanted to ask about the end of James. James 5: 19-20 specifically. If "once saved, always saved" and "only Jesus can save souls", than what exactly is James saying here at the end of his letter to the Jewish believers of The Way outside of Israel?
In terms of forgiving yourself for things you've done in the past, the book of Levitacus is very freeing. If one reads the book of Leviticus, they will find that whatever they've done that they feel is unforgivable listed between other sins that they feel assured are forgivable.
Good answer on #9. As the seeming discrepancies were in the texts, so we're the answers in the same texts! ✌️
I love the breakdowns of what we need
I’d love to know why you think dr Heiser gets it wrong with the Devine council and with his interpretations of psalms that you mentioned
Q 20:00 When will we get those answers and when will it be important to have those answers about the divisions that we presently have?
My husband and I were going to a church and because I was Baptised in 4 square church I need to Baptisted again ? We left the church
🤔 my church which is Assembly of God teaches that tounges is THE SIGN of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is separate from being baptized. I always thought it more literal because we get baptized and then baptism of the Holy Spirit is separate but now I think that when your saved you have the Holy Spirit already in you.
The Assembly of God view just makes you seek for signs and they act like your missing out if your not baptized in the Holy Spirit and if you don’t speak in tongues.
That is the only 1 of the 16 Tennents of Faith that I disagree with. I believe it is more appropriate to say that it's A SIGN, not THE SIGN. I know people who have manifested other Gifts, but have never spoken in toungs. Baptism in The Holy Spirit is usually, but not always, separate from Salvation and Water Baptism. Also, the Gifts are not controlled by the Christian, it is The Holy Spirit who decides the who, what, where, and when. The why is for God's glory.
Losing salvation boggles my mind! When I think of this question, it feels like we can never be secure in Jesus. If we can lose salvation, does that mean Christ could not keep us. It says we’re sealed by the Holy Spirit
I don't see any evidence that contradicts what is stated in scripture that it is
1)God's grace that saves us
2)It is by faith alone, which is not even our faith, but is God's faith
3) It is God who wills and works in us for good works
4) Nothing can be undone what God has established.
I am aware of the scary verses. I don't know how they fit yet, just as I don't know how election vs free will fit together. But bible is clear it is God's doing we come to Him and are saved.
We are definitely secure in Christ, the way I see it :) To ‘lose’ salvation I think is possible, but only by a voluntary rejection by the believer. In the same way that someone might decide to follow Christ, there are many who will turn back and decide to stop. I don’t personally believe you can lose salvation if your heart and actions continue in devotion to God. But how could those who decide to leave the kingdom remain in it? This has never caused confusion for me personally 🤔 How did you find the answer in the video?
@@redsquare4835 Well the biggest question is who does our faith belong to and stem from? God or man?
You are being deceived. Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED!
"And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."- Matthew chapter 7 verses 28 to 29.
"So there was a division among the people because of him.
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
The officers answered, Never man spake like this man."- John chapter 7 verses 43 to 46.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."- John chapter 5 verse 24.
@@redsquare4835 if you are truly born again, you can't kill what is born of God, or commit spiritual abortion...
1 John 2:19
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Great answer on Baptism.
NASB is my favorite but the ESV is great as well. If I feel depressed I usually go to Romans Ch 8.
Same here: prefer NASB, then ESV, then other translations
Very good stuff here!
(Personally speaking, I'm more in the Heiser camp than not. lol)
If you can lose your salvation how do you get it back. What do you have to do to earn it back and what causes you to lose your salvation. I mean does that mean it becomes based on works on what you do to get saved.
2:39:45 Which video are you referencing, it doesn't appear to be in the description. The one about Appalonius
Here it is. ruclips.net/video/smAERl96c9E/видео.html
@@MikeWinger Thank you Mike. I appreciate your ministry!
Ok, but its not too HARD for God to bring back my exact same dog. So, what could it hurt to ask? (kinda like a kid asking Dad for a puppy)
Regarding Bible translations, I've benefited from KJV and NKJV study Bibles. For the last few years, though, I've been reading the NET Bible (with notes). I've gained an appreciation for the details. You might even say that I've learned to not fear the details. If you have an itch to argue, the NET should scratch that for you as they quote sources and interpretations, often sharing the competing views before stating what they settled on and why.