Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:04 {Ethical & Happy Non-Christians?} Can unsaved people “do good works”? Why do unsaved people often appear to be happy and live seemingly ethical lives? 2. 24:11 {Calling Out False Teachers} Who is supposed to call out false teachings and false teachers? How should it be done? I'm struggling to find Scripture. 3. 31:22 {The Destruction of Jerusalem} Do you believe that in Luke 21: 20 Jesus is talking about the destruction of Jerusalem for today's time? 4. 39:49 {How to Pray for our Enemies} How can we pray for our enemies biblically? Especially those actively trying to kill those you love. 5. 43:07 {Church Coffee Shops - Sinful?} A church in town opened a coffee shop in the foyer. Some say it's akin to a marketplace in the Temple, and others say since it's run at cost (or even below cost) that it's fine. What are your thoughts? 6. 48:55 {Paul & the Female Slave} Why was Paul annoyed with the possessed female slave in Acts 16: 16 when she was actually telling the truth? What about Philippians 1: 18? 7. 54:47 {Does God Grant Our Belief?} What does Philippians 1: 29 mean when it says that God "grants" us belief in Him? Is this deterministic? 8. 1:00:29 {Anger at God’s Word?} Do you have any specific advice on how to deal with emotions while reading the Bible? Recently, I can’t even get through a few verses without feeling overwhelmed with anger or frustration! 9. 1:04:30 {Exodus: Conjugal Rights vs. Adultery?} Exodus 21: 10 says a man married to multiple women shouldn't deny them conjugal rights. Isn't each instance of intimacy in that situation adultery against one wife? 10. 1:12:22 {The Purpose of The Church} What is the biblical purpose of the church, and do you believe modern Christianity is fulfilling that purpose today? 11. 1:22:46 Bonus: More commentary on question #6 above!
In most churches I know the coffee and donuts,cookies or whatever are provided by volunteers to promote fellowship. Some share a meal after every service. Those who can just bring something.
@@NewCreationInChrist896hello! I’m #8. There are most definitely some pretty bad unresolved sin issues in my life, and without a doubt that’s a large part of my frustration. Im only 18, but I’ve been struggling with attraction to the same sex for years now, as well as a p*rnography addiction that my messed of attentions kind of stemmed from, and I just feel so defeated! Like I can never get any better, only ever worse. So I have many frustrations with myself for being the way that I am, but to put it bluntly, I feel a little bit frustrated with God as well, even though I know by nature it isn’t justified. But even despite that, when it comes specifically when I’m reading scripture, I’ve never really felt this sense of paralysis from my frustration until just recently, and it’s agonizing! I just don’t know what to do, because I don’t really have any spiritual roll model in my life. I mean, my parents are Christians, but we haven’t been to church in like 10 years, and I don’t really feel comfortable sharing stuff with them anyway (and let’s just say that’s me, because I have a hard time being emotionally vulnerable with anyone). I just don’t know. I always feel hopeless.
My thoughts on the demon possessed female is that the demon was focusing their attention on Paul and his ministry more than Jesus Himself. AND while the demon was "helpful" to the masters of this demon possessed girl... she was only helpful while they were able to "profit" from her "ability" to predict future events for monetary gain. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil seems to be the reason why Paul cast the demon out of her. She was set free from demon posession...was her life important to her "masters" apparently only as much as she was able to make them money.
About calling out false teachings: I got called out by a six year old! We were talking about baby Moses and I said, “Before he ( speaking of Moses) was even born, God had a plan for Moses’ life.” A little girl stood right up and held her hand up the halt gesture. “Wait just a minute! What are you saying? God wasn’t born. He just always is! What are you trying to say?” I explained that she was absolutely right and that the word, “he” in my sentence was talking about Moses not God. She gave me an assessing stare for a few more seconds before sitting down and saying, “Good. We can finish the lesson.” I love that boldness!
That little princess is already a warrior for the Lord . God Bless & keep you Safe Beth , and God Bless that young Warrior ... In Christ , your brother Jeff
Such boldness and clarity from someone so young! She’s going to have trouble if she goes to a secular school especially in science class. I pity her educators; they’re going to need humility and accountability to nurture and discipline lovingly this child and not break her.
I have watched probably every question and answer video you’ve ever made, Mike. I can say without doubt that your explanation on question #1 is your best ever. Masterfully explained! That’s how we should explain the topic when we are asked this question by nonbelievers we have as family and friends. Great work!
Love everything you do brother. Stay the course you’re changing lives. I pastor at an addiction recovery ministry in Selma Alabama called - Adult and teen challenge and I use your videos as reference daily in discipling young men to be bible thinkers!!! Thank you for your faithfulness!!!.
God bless you, Mike Winger. I am 64 years old (living in Canada) and I don't know what I'd do without your youtube ministry. I look forward to each and everyone of your videos. I find them so edifying and instructive and encouraging! I think you were spot on about Elijah. The world around us is becoming more and more like that of Elijah's. I don't have a bible teaching church to go to, but (through youtube) I can see that there are still faithful Christians scattered out there.
I hope you find a true church in your area. I struggle with the same. The best, most Bible believing church I found so far in the area - I can't understand what they are saying because it's in Chinese. Churches seem to work so hard to include everyone and anything they forgot to stick to the truth. And so it is very encouraging to see all the people online who care about what the Bible says.
It is not easy to find a good church. Just keep studying online. I learn a lot this way. If God shows me a good church, I'll be glad to attend. Meanwhile, I am learning online. It's kind of hard to deal with what is going on in the world, including our churches. I am also tired of the frase "there is no such a thing as a perfect church". I beg to differ, we brought the world to the church and think that is okay, it's not!
#5 Years ago at the local mega church, a dude got up DURING the sermon, disrupted his entire row to leave, came back 10 minutes later with a giant coffee and disrupted the entire row again. I wondered if he thought he was at a concert and then had to admit that the church service WAS a concert. I never went back. Now that church is in bed with the NAR and Bill Johnson speaks there regularly. This is the same church that hosted the male stripper/pole dancer at their men’s conference last year that most will have heard of if they follow church news at all. I am not saying the sale of coffee was the culprit, but when the goal is to entertain and create a super relaxed environment, reverence goes right out the window and all manner of mockery takes its place.
Wait...was this male stripper sharing his salvation story? I'm honestly confused....I don't think it's possible he actually performed a dance? It feels strange even asking this question lol
@@Amy-un6xg Yeah stripper woman gets saved, says: 'Now I'm going to be a stripper for Jesus '! Seems to me that salvation ought to be life changing, though an event, therafterwards a process as we have the goal of attaining the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4)
@@Amy-un6xg the guy wasn't a stripper. He had an acrobatic routine of some kind and he took his shirt off as part of it. This was at a men's conference and the organisers said they booked him because (paraphrasing here) it was supposed to be a display of strength and ability, and then Mark Driscoll (not exactly a reliable or discerning man imo) got up and started comparing this guy's performance to asherah poles and stuff because he climbed up a pole as part of it. Personally it's astonishing to me that so many people were (and apparently still are) up in arms about it - it was definitely a bit of an odd choice of entertainment, but the idea that a church hosting a men's conference would hire a male stripper to do a stripping performance at said conference is pretty out there and not accurate to what happened. I saw clips of it at the time and while I wouldn't have booked that entertainment at that event, it's clearly not supposed to be a sexual show, so calling the guy a stripper is pretty disingenuous I think.
@@RowanAldridge Thanks for the clarity. And I agree with both your sentiments - that it is an odd choice to host him at the conference but I also wouldn't liken him to a stripper. I also went to a mega church briefly in the past and they had an acrobat in leotards on Christmas perform an act showcasing her flexibility and I was taken aback by the choice of entertainment. I think once you become a mega church instead of it being about bringing people to the faith and coming alongside them in their walk it becomes more about money and because of it the need for entertainment. It's all very sad 😢
@@Amy-un6xg - Yes. When you run something that big, the expenses can become overbearing. You simply have to keep income flowing, and that becomes the focus. It just has to. People's jobs depend on it. Mortgages and other bills require it. Plus, the people expect more new growth and ministries and such, or the leadership has those ambitions. So you need more and more attendance and income. It's a trap to "run a church" on a business model.
I have so much respect for you...your wisdom, your humbleness, your genuine goodness, your humor, your kindness.......your channel is one of the best and has been such a blessing to me.
Hey Mike you may never see this but I just wanted to say I sometimes feel alone within our modern church landscape and one day I felt the Lord say that there are a lot more Christians than you think and there are also a lot less than non believers think. This helped me a lot to know that God has more of us ready to go and I should not worry myself about numbers of Christians or real churches but just do my best and let God handle the rest.
God told Elijah that there were 7,000 people in Israel that hadn't bowed to Baal, when he claimed he was the only one left. Jesus said that "narrow is the gate and there are few who find it." There are way less real believers than anyone thinks, but God only needs a few willing to do wonders. 🙏🏽
Really loved this one and worth upsetting a few to help people see we all need Jesus Christ daily,thank God that he doesn't ask us to come to him clean but that he is clean🙏💗💗💗🇬🇧
Regarding question 1, here's another thing Jesus said in Luke 6:32-33: “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."
"For even sinners do the same." No doubt. But is that an excuse to NOT love those who love me? I think not. In fact, the usual born-again Christian does not believe "works" are necessary. So, maybe you love someone, maybe not; makes no difference if you are "saved".
@thomasmaughan4798 But it does make a difference. The truly saved person demonstrates their change of heart and fruit of their salvation. This includes the desire to honor the Lord by obeying His commands. He commanded us to "love one another." Works are not required to receive salvation, but they do validate that one did receive it.
@@Spinsterwife "The truly saved person demonstrates their change of heart and fruit of their salvation." Why is this demonstration necessary? Or do you suppose it doesn't really matter but flows anyway?
Thank you so much Mike! The Elijah remarks really encouraged me and the prayers for our enemies. I live in Washington State. We love your ministry! 🙏🙏🙏
Regarding Q1, Heb 11:6 also helps on this "And without faith it is impossible to please God.". It is not the action that is important, it is our relationship with God through his son Jesus.
If you had Godlike powers and we're looking down on your creation, what would please you more? The behavior of your creation or if they figured out the correct faith?
Applying the trust (faith) we’ve been given is very important. Trust is the result of the relationship God has made possible…it’s an action (acknowledging/turning to Him, praying, obedience). Otherwise, relationship w/o trust is apathetic.
@ryanrevland4333 We are not God and God is not like us so asking the question based upon whether we had powers just doesn't work. If God is God then would God have the right to choose what pleased Him and what did not? The answer is yes. God would be free to choose whether outward actions pleased Him or faith in His Son pleased Him and the actions thereof. But if you have an objection then I would like to hear it but you have a tough challenge ahead of you. If you say that God would not be free to choose then what is stopping Him from being free to choose? What has binded God in this way? I understand emotionally this upsets us, that God is not like us, but what else would we expect from the Divine? God is divine and we are of the flesh. We are in all things directly contrary to God by nature therefore our thinking will be contrary to how God thinks, our cares will be contrary to what God cares about, our will is contrary to the will of God. This is why we must be born again and sumbit to God. And through His grace we will be saved. I hope you think about these things and really consider your argument. Does this objection really stand if God is God? Furthermore will any argument stand if God is God? I will pray for you that He may bless you with eyes to see and ears to hear. God bless you.
@bonestobunnies3444 I agree with you. If we are not careful, we will find something to doubt God's love and sovereignty. I am having thoughts right now about that. The answers are in the Bible. My feelings are as good as nothing. IMHO. It is sad that many people will only see God as a fellow neighbor. I am so glad we can get this kind of study online. I come to the conclusion, even though I know God will never do that to me, that if he decided to change everything last minute, He is God. Of course I trust his word that says we can trust him. But the enemy of my soul tries to make me doubt his word. I can't trust my own understanding, not against His word. Please excuse my English.
@@ryanrevland4333your faith informs your actions. If you have the wrong faith, you will do the wrong actions. The right faith doesn’t guarantee right actions always, only actions that are more right or right more frequently, but wrong faith guarantees wrong actions.
Was going to say you the button up looks great! Then you had to make it clear it wasn’t for us 😂 kidding seriously appreciate this session, especially your answer to #1!
Whitney: Ghandi was judged/evaluated by many, not all humans, as good. Mother Theresa was judged in a similar manner. The RCC made her a saint. Ask Indians what they think of her, and it's not positive. Reputations are not necessarily true.
You're the bomb Mike. Thank you for your ministry, it takes a special person to do this online and keep it biblical, informative, and entertaining. Neva eva stop man
Thank you for your commentary on the local church situation, especially your reference to Elijah. That was a great reminder! Our family went through a similar situation, and I almost had to see/experience the contrast to know what a healthy church "looks like". For me, the genuine joy of the LORD and love for His people was the initial factor, and of course a closer look at outreach, teaching, discipleship... But this was after much prayer and petition. I don't think we realize just how much of a gift it is, when the LORD leads to such a like- minded, vibrant and committed church. Sometimes we have to wander a bit to truly appreciate that "perfect" fit. Thank you, Mike!
53:25 Ugh ive been feeling so alone in noticing these things until now. Glad i found your channel. I avoid most youtube channels but I got to hear a bit from you through that Costi Hinn video.
Bravo, the answer to the first question is detailed, thorough, and easy to understand. I’m probably going to listen to it multiple times and take notes so it really sinks in. It’s something I’ve struggled with before and it’s always hard to fully explain this to skeptics.
Question 1: Thank-you! This answer is very helpful. I need to stop trying to be good enough for God, but I just keep thinking about how much I fall short. Your insights are truly a blessing to us.
It’s always nice to be reminded we’ll be made whole when Jesus returns. There’s so many people out there like me who are so sick that our bodies are attacking themselves. I’ve lost a lot of hair recently, so it struck a chord with me. There will be a day when that will never be a problem. Great hair days for eternity sounds good.
I love how clearly you are able to present this topic. Yes, the ability to present our utter bankruptcy before a holy God is such an important tool in witnessing. Before picking at the splinter in your brothers eye, deal with the log in your own. Amen.
To the person who is angry reading scripture… be careful which brother or sister you chose to walk along side you with this. Many believers cannot handle that you feel anger toward God. They will just get angry and frustrated with you and make you feel a lot of shame. Many believers are unfortunately not equipped to handle the harder and deeper stuff. I had this and went to sisters in Christ and almost lost my faith because of them. Just be careful. I prayed for you.
The aside about Elijah and how he felt was really powerful to me. He was one of the major prophets and was still wrestling with the fact that so many had rejected God.
Thank you for your ministry, and for your prayer for hope and courage, both of which I sorely need. It's so difficult to always see beams of Light in such a dark place. My purpose is to be used by God to make my album and take care of my elderly mom for as long as it takes, with or without the obvious instant positive results my heart desperately craves. If my work in Him takes 200 years to generate inspiration, pointing the way to Christ, so be it. That shouldn't be my concern. I only need to focus on my obedience. Many blessings to you. ❤
This is why people many times are shocked when they learn a neighbor or someone they may have known have committed some hideous crime . Or when a married couple is in disbelief when their partner cheats on them . They are good until they are bad !
For the polygamy, I fear for those weak in the faith to increase his popularity. It would be beneficial for those who get drawn in for a short video that only highlighted the common lies/deceit he preaches. My two cents. May God give you wisdom!
For the person asking about anger while reading the scriptures, what I did was pray before I read asking for peace and clarity and understanding of what was triggering those feelings. And while I read when I felt those feelings bubbling up, I'd stop and pray again, and then I would write down the thoughts that came to me after I prayed and quieted my mind. When I felt calm, I would start again. I did this, starting with 5 minutes slowly increasing the time as I felt I could. After my time limit was over, I would pray and write the thoughts that came to me. The next time I read, I would read the promptings I had received the last time I read after I did my first prayer. When it got really bad, I would ask a friend or family member to read with me and help me talk through what I was feeling. After a while, I noticed it got easier, and I didn't need to pray for peace as often and I didn't need a co-reader as often, and eventually, I stopped having those hard feelings when I read. I did notice that when I took a break from praying and reading due to "not having time," those feelings would come back, and I'd have to start the process over again. Because of this, I think Mike is right. Satan is trying to keep you from God he is putting walls in your way. Keep pushing on he does not have the power to hold you back ❤
Mike has the "MINE!" coffee mug! I don't know why this made me so happy to see him with one of my own personal favorite mugs, but it did. Thanks for the work you are doing and the challenges you present me as a minister through your study of God's Word.
Thank you for knowing yourself enough to not counsel. That is huge. Regardless of abilities and availability, some folks can do more damage. When I hand out tracts, I keep it short and sweet. Besides not having confidence, I know I don't have the complete biblical knowledge to answer questions. As you stated, taking people to church and testifying the mercy and blessings granted to me is the best way for me to witness. Thank you for all you do for the Lord.
Was going to say the button up looks great! Then you had to make it clear it wasn’t for us 😂 kidding seriously appreciate this session, especially your answer to #1!
two years ago I hada dream of the Rapture, in it I saw my sin nature as it truly is. Isaiah is underplaying it. If only I could see all my actions as God does every day.
We (humans) assume that false teachers and wrong practices happen because those individuals DO NOT understand. Yes, true for some, but for others they do understand, perfectly. They are unwilling to change teaching and practices, because they WANT it. There will be NO argument or evidence that will change the minds of false teachers. So we need to recognize the difference between a lack of understanding, and unwillingness to change.
I am having trouble with Andy Stanley, I want it to love the man, but sometimes I think he is doing on purpose. But I think he was deceived a long time ago, maybe while he was under his father's church. God is the only one who can stop him, I pray people who attend his church do read the Bible. The Holy Spirit can open our eyes to his truth. I was deceived before and God helped me.
You can explain it this way. Everyone has a moral compass or the capacity to do good and righeous things, but not all of them are loyal to Jesus and accept him as who, and what he is, the incarnate Messiah or are imagers of Him. He is our Creator and wants us to love him and each other.
I had a pastor who was rock solid about us not putting him on a pedestal. He wouldn't even stand behind a pedestal and he would come stand with us while he spoke his sermon. He is the most humble man I've ever known. When he left to go to a new church, i was smacked in the face by what he said all along bc i was completely heartbroken when he and his family left. It took me over a year to grieve that loss. It's hard not to put that kind of person on a pedestal and it's definitely a human tendency
Well, there is "worshipping" someone and then there is genuine love and respect. Him changing churches would leave a huge void almost like a death. Only you know which you actually felt/did. But if you never researched or questioned anything he taught or glossed over something that should have been looked into, than you probably did have him on a pedestal. If he was rock solid than no wonder you grieved. There are so few!
@@mosart7025 I completely agree. I think it might have been a little of both bc I love his wife and daughter almost as much as by I loved him. But you're correct, it was not worship by any means
I just want to take a moment to thank you Mike for what you are doing in your ministry. You have helped me so much to get back to following Christ. I have learned so mich from you. Personally, i struggle witnessing to people and even in my faith sometimes. But you help to encourage me a lot. I look up to you in a way because I would love to do something similar to you in posting biblical teachings on social media partially because I am typucally a very socially anxious and nervouse person and I know Jesus commamds us to witness to people. I feel like I'm one of those people who call Jesus saviour but not Lord. I want to change that but I feel like my faith is often so weak or I can't fluently express the gospel to people fluently so I don't do it. Which I know is stupid because it's people's salvation on the line. Anyways, I also want to encourage you to keep doing what you do because it really does help people.
prayin for you i recommend taking them to a church show them the love of Christ or read the bible at home and start praying over the dinner before you eat youd be surprised to see they notice the change in you first then they start asking questions and thats your chance to plant the good seeds of the lord not sure how old your kids are but curiosity is the first step to acceptance, conversion and salvation so dont be afraid to speak up and preach your value on your kids and family your voice is just as important recognize that take the initiative.. we pray then act on it God bless and stay strong regardless of the result never give up🙏🏻
The point of the gospel is not to be content and ethical and good. Those are side issues. The point of the gospel first and for most is that you are reconciled with the one true God. Other faiths can imitate the gospels benefits in every aspect except for the one that matters. No other faith reconciles you with the one true God.
"The point of the gospel is not to be content and ethical and good." Provided you are obeying the two Great Commandments, which are being ethical and good with God and your neighbor.
@@Crikey420 "How can you love God and not your neighbour?" The same way you love some people but hate others. Also, it tends not to be a choice but instinctive. "How can you reconcile with God without being ethical and good?" That is probably impossible.
@@thomasmaughan4798 - To be fair to the original poster, the two great commandments are the law, and the law is not the gospel. But the gospel brings about a desire to do what is in the law. Then again, sanctification isn't instant.
I am in the UK and it is very much progressive in church in general, however me and my family have found a good and healthy church in Dudley - Dudley baptist church, if anyone here is around this area in England, I would point you to this church.
Please do another video on polygamy! This movement is getting bigger and we need to address it before it gets worse. These teachers are leading people astray, not only by giving the green light on polygamy, but also in how they teach others to interpret Scripture.
Damn bible having polygamy all over the place. Thanks God for screwing up! We're trying our best to clean up after you but you did such a shitty job that it's a full time job!!!
Something interesting that I found out about Gandhi is that he decided that Christianity was a very wonderful belief and when he approached a Christian pastor to learn more about the faith he was told that he was from another religion and that he needed to return to it. Not an exact quote but this is something I learned about Gandhi’s experience.
Love you Mike. We would disagree on a few doctrinal points (I’m one of those calvinists) but I’m always edified by your teaching. Thank you for your work!
@@jay1871 it’s always the Holy Spirit that regenerates. The father must draw for any man to come. John 6:44, John 6:65, acts 13:48. I’m not much of a comment section debater. Was just trying to say something nice to Mike lol
@@justinholt2247 the father does not draw anyone after Christs death in the New Testament. Acts 13:48 uses a unique word for appoint (Tasso) that’s more easily understood as “arrange”. The plainest reading of the passage and context is that everyone who heard came to Christ. It’s descriptive and not operative you might say. In the New Testament the Son does the drawing. See John 12:32.
Yes please do a video on the polygamy stuff. It’s surprising to me how little the people I asked at my church knew about it. It’s a niche topic but as you were saying I think it will grow over time, so we should be prepared with out swords sharpened!
@@amyqb117 he did but he didn’t really address any of the groups arguments that involve scripture, like the different Greek words for “own” and “own” in 1 cor. 7. And some of their other points they make on why they believe it’s not forbidden anywhere in the Bible.
We have a free coffee and breakfast snack and tea every Sunday. People can just linger longer at no cost. Kids really appreciate snacks and beverages! Kids often are rushed off to church with no breakfast.
No offense but Mike can't shepherd you because he doesn't know you; it's important to have a church in person with someone called to shepherd in your life personally! I'm grateful for Mike's ministry, too, just a suggestion. Praying God will lead you if there might be a local fellowship you can join
@@peachfountain Here in Norway there are secular humanist churches for the most, and a few Orthodox churches, a few Methodist churches. But the good ones are far apart.. it is not possible for me to go to a church more than a few times a year.
Hi there. Christians are CHRIST’s sheep, according to Scripture, and HE is the Good Shepherd. He has called pastors to shepherd HIS flock. We are not the sheep of our pastors, please. No one is Mike Winger’s sheep. Besides, he cannot shepherd you via RUclips.
@@eurovisionwtf I understand, thanks for informing me. Praise God like you said you have this online ministry 🩷 praying God will gather real believers near you so you can worship in person, too!
Along with the coffee sales I’ve seen churches selling tickets for Vacation Bible School. What about families that have a lot of kids? Why did churches never have to charge for this before in the past. If your church is blessed it should be able to provide VBS to children through the tithes and offerings of its members. These kinds of things are becoming more and more prevalent and I think it is disappointing to many to see this happening.
Pastor Mike, Thank you for your RUclips channel. I believe you are sincere, well-studied and do diligence with fact checking. FYI I have come from a "free-will" background, and after being exposed to Drs. John MacArthur and RC Sproul, I have switched to a "soveriegnty" view, but would not consider myself a Calvinist...At the end of the day, we are called to live biblically and witness explaining that God has promised salvation to all who ask (John 3:16) and also that no one will be granted salvation by God the Father unless they submit to the Son (only one way)...regardless of which view we hold to. If you have a teaching about this subject, please send along. Cross References Ephesians 1:4-5
For me, with #1, it's a loaded question. It's the same as asking, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Nobody is good, and nobody has a good life. As Pastor Mike said, "We've all fallen short." If someone who is living in sin and you perceive them as living a "happy life," I would ask you to question your perception than. "Why does my heart perceive evil for good?" God has also allowed MANY fallen people to harden their hearts and believe a lie because He knows they have rejected Him. It's sad, and it shouldn't make us complain or become jealous of their good works or their "happy life" but shutter at the thought that they may be heading to Hell.
Q4. Thank you for the thoughtful and encouraging answer about Elijah. It wasn’t quite 10,000 they hadn’t bent knee. 1 Kings 19:18 ”Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
My mother's church also has the same. The coffee is free, but the food you buy goes to missions. I didn't like that before, until they started showing the results of that little place. It is amazing the wonders they can make it with so little. Missionaries many time lack so much. I do know that the pastor isn't buying a private airplane with the money, lol.
When comparing the "best" of human "goodness" to God's on a scale, we are more closely relatable to someone like a Hitler than to a perfectly Holy, Sovereign, and Righteous God.
The way I like to think about it is that we are all born innocent in the image of God (Jesus kind of confirms this through his comments about childhood) And we gradually start sinning and even if we have an inbuilt conscience that can convict us „without“ the Holy Spirit (which who can say if that’s not him anyways) we typically slowly grow accustomed to certain sins and gratification of the flesh which simply leads to physical and spiritual death…
coffee is a great ice breaker for starting conversations with people you're not familiar with yet at church. taste's good too. I cannot imagine it distracting fellowship. from my perspective.
My church has a coffee station people visit before church, and bring their coffee to the pews. It feels cozy and communal, but it does cause problems when people set their coffee on the floor and kick it, or on the pew and sit on it, or spill it some other way. I missed half a sermon when my neighbor's coffee spilled on the pew and everyone got wet butts. Then we were all standing up, going for paper towels, visiting the restroom to rinse out... So coffee is good, but in its place, I say!
@@KRoy-lx4xgmy mother's church has a coffee place, but there is not such a thing as taking coffee to inside the temple. No water either. There is no way you cannot sit for a while without a coffee or water to listen to the word of God. The pastor has his glass of water, because he is talking and he might sip some, but that's it. If you keep hydrated before the worship time, you are not going to die. I think some churches will get Starbucks soon, there is no reason why not, their churches are not for God anyway.
Replying to question 8 I have been through that. I would feel confused, angry and agitated whenever I read the scriptures. There were a lot of lies I was believing, true, and through help of my church and channels like this I was able to work through things. But before I could do that God needed to break something off of me, which I perceive to be an evil spirit. I had to get to the place where I let the Bible speak for itself and not hold judgement over it. There are some tricky parts, but the Bible is true and God is good. If you're like me: then with trust in God, perseverance and careful learning you can get to a place of peace when reading God's word. I pray that the word of God comes alive for you and that you are able to delight in it and feel the love of God as you read with fresh eyes🕊️ 1:06:45 1:06:45 1:06:45
Paul did want to die, but he recognized that being there was God’s will for his life and it would be better for his spiritual children (churches). You’d be more correct in saying that Paul wasn’t suicidal or trying to get killed, but he was perfectly fine with being away from the body to be with the Lord. As we all should. It is healthy to live each day we are given by loving the Lord and loving others while looking forward to the sweet release of our fleshly bondage. That’s why a promise is good, it’s a hope for a future benefit and action. We look forward to the future when there’s no more pain or sorrow and we are made perfect freed from sin. It would be unhealthy to suppress that desire. To die is gain, to live is Christ.
The question is never whether unsaved people are able to do things relatively good. The issue is reconciliation with God thru Christ. So no matter how much good someone does if they don't have Jesus they don't have reconciliation with the father... like your answer but this really came to mind. Shalom aleichem
Calvinistic beliefs do cause harm even if we can agree with them on most other things. One of my daughters has the idea that it's all written in a book and if your name is not in it you're lost, i.e. it's all settled and there's nothing anyone can do about it. She was rejected by her father and deeply wounded by others in her life who are Christians, and I think she just can't believe that The Father hasn't rejected her too. Words mean nothing, she's heard them all, I pray that He will reveal Himself to her.
It is all written in a book (the Book of Life), and if your name is not in it you are lost. The Bible is clear on this. If Calvinistic beliefs cause harm, Biblical doctrine causes harm.
I've been reading a biography on the life of Paul by John Pollock, so I've been keying in on sermons and lessons about Paul. Your answer to the question about the demon-possessed woman in Acts 16 was spot on! Thank you for your insights, Mike!
It's a pity Mike completely ignored Romans 6 (and 8 and 7:5) and outright contradicted it. John 8:34-36 too. He's utterly wrong in saying that "everyone" is a "slave to sin". My God. He flat-out contradicts Scripture 😢
1:00:17 I have conflicted feelings about the Calvinism debate. You’ve changed my mind on it a lot, but RC Sproul was one of my introductory preachers I learned from as I learned the faith so definitely had this one regularly drilled in. One thing I haven’t heard you respond to is a point RC has made on the “efficacy” of the cross. Essentially he argues that God guarantees the cross will grant salvation to at least some. If it didn’t guarantee it, then there’s a hypothetical situation where Jesus goes to the cross but nobody actually comes to faith. The question essentially is: does God/HS “ensure” some people believe? Is there evidence for that biblically?
Yes non believers can be saved. God gave me an understanding of evil. I had been praying fervently to understand evil.(but only for seconds my mind could not retain all the understanding and I was left with some surface knowledge) I was shown that rarely some people resist evil overwhelming them for their whole lives and protect the goodness God gave them at birth (moral code written on their heart). My understanding is that it is very difficult and they are saved. (But I believe that rejecting Jesus goes against the moral code written on man's heart) This would be people who never know Jesus. But believers are sealed in the spirit and there is no evil in them at all. Surprising for me because I am aware I am a sinner but evil can not touch a believer's spirit. God is good.
Regarding question one: your answer is profound and excellent. As always, it is well supported by Scripture. My only caveat or addendum would be to encourage you to add a brief synopsis of sanctification. You elaborated pretty clearly om justification, which is imputed righteousness, bring judicially declared good. But as Christians we are also given sanctification, or imparted righteousness, being made actually righteous in our thoughts and deeds. Sanctification is, of course, a process, and no one is ever perfectly sanctified this side of Heaven. But true Christians ought to be becoming better people as we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. On another note, when you mentioned people's hidden sins sometimes not becoming known until after they've died, I immediately thought of Ravi Zacharias and the horrific double life he led. 😭
4) praying for your enemies in extreme cases has 2 hindrances; the first being your own carnality, and urges for revenge. Because of this, fasting and prayer is essential. The second hindrance regards what Mr. Winger mentioned, not to pray for your enemy to prevail in their evil endeavor, but rather pray for what is best for your enemy; salvation, for God to show them the error of their ways, pray that you can have the strength to forgive your enemies, just as Christ forgave you of your sins, these types of prayers
Mike, I was so very disheartened to run across a podcast by Jordan Riley, “Top 5 Reasons Mike Winger Should be Avoided” listed along with your content today. The presentation was full of falsity, and the comments were outright lies (e.g., that you’re ecumenical with the Roman Catholic Church and support Kenneth Copeland!). I found myself writing refutations like crazy, but the site wouldn’t allow debates or defenses of you-only agreement with him! I was sickened. It sounds like you’re used to this stuff, but it was my first time experiencing such nastiness, and it left me shaken. I pray for you continually and recommend your content to everybody I know like a broken record; you have been one of the major blessings in my whole life, especially during these four and a half years since my husband of 40 years passed. Because of you, I became far more active in my church and have been teaching the ladies’ Wednesday morning Bible class for over a year. I owe you so much. Blessings on you, dear friend. Kathy Alba.
I saw that thumbnail but couldn't bring myself to watch it. I would have been yelling at them! Wow... supporting RCC AND Copeland, in spite of many videos that Mike has made calling them both out?! So if they are ignoring that evidence they certainly are not open to us defending Mike.
@@mosart7025 Maybe they’re just trolls. I don’t know; it left me very shaken. I’m making a commitment to avoiding negativity like that altogether. There’s no point to it. Hateful, hateful world.
It's so interesting to me that people always reference Gandhi...he was a notorious racist who beat his wife (and was also a p3do), so definitely part of that “None is righteous, no, not one;" Romans 3 club. I also wanted to thank you for speaking on Exodus 21:10-11 and how denying the rights of the marital bed is considered abandonment by an unbeliever. THANK 👏YOU! 👏God bless, BT team! ✝🙌
Please make a video about the outright lies in the polygyny crowd. This is a serious thing. Fornication /sexual sin is one of the most important topics we could speak on.
To you point, I visited a consumer driven church that offered a free cup of coffee if you visited the church. During the service, I noticed the preacher skipped a portion regarding the wrath of God. And of course they had a huge set of disco lights. It was a combination of 'everything' that was consumer friendly. I wrote about it on my blog. I would never go back.
Disco lights are weird. But free coffee for coming to the service or having a church dinner after service and inviting people to come for that is not wrong. That’s the bread and fishes, and the preaching is the word. Also skipping the wrath of God in a service is nothing wrong if that’s not what the sermon is about.
Please, oh please do a long form exegetical study on polygamy! I’ve been struggling with that so much in the Bible - I would really like to have some clarity on the issue. It just bothers me that I can’t pinpoint exactly how or if it’s a sin exactly, biblically, even though I know according to Jesus it isn’t God’s ideal.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:04 {Ethical & Happy Non-Christians?} Can unsaved people “do good works”? Why do unsaved people often appear to be happy and live seemingly ethical lives?
2. 24:11 {Calling Out False Teachers} Who is supposed to call out false teachings and false teachers? How should it be done? I'm struggling to find Scripture.
3. 31:22 {The Destruction of Jerusalem} Do you believe that in Luke 21: 20 Jesus is talking about the destruction of Jerusalem for today's time?
4. 39:49 {How to Pray for our Enemies} How can we pray for our enemies biblically? Especially those actively trying to kill those you love.
5. 43:07 {Church Coffee Shops - Sinful?} A church in town opened a coffee shop in the foyer. Some say it's akin to a marketplace in the Temple, and others say since it's run at cost (or even below cost) that it's fine. What are your thoughts?
6. 48:55 {Paul & the Female Slave} Why was Paul annoyed with the possessed female slave in Acts 16: 16 when she was actually telling the truth? What about Philippians 1: 18?
7. 54:47 {Does God Grant Our Belief?} What does Philippians 1: 29 mean when it says that God "grants" us belief in Him? Is this deterministic?
8. 1:00:29 {Anger at God’s Word?} Do you have any specific advice on how to deal with emotions while reading the Bible? Recently, I can’t even get through a few verses without feeling overwhelmed with anger or frustration!
9. 1:04:30 {Exodus: Conjugal Rights vs. Adultery?} Exodus 21: 10 says a man married to multiple women shouldn't deny them conjugal rights. Isn't each instance of intimacy in that situation adultery against one wife?
10. 1:12:22 {The Purpose of The Church} What is the biblical purpose of the church, and do you believe modern Christianity is fulfilling that purpose today?
11. 1:22:46 Bonus: More commentary on question #6 above!
One God, One People, One World.
Coexist or cease to exist
Literally have you been paying attention to what's going on in the world. Wake up people.
8) After you've examined yourself like the Pastor suggested, see if there is unconfess sin, repent and ask God for forgiveness.
In most churches I know the coffee and donuts,cookies or whatever are provided by volunteers to promote fellowship. Some share a meal after every service. Those who can just bring something.
@@NewCreationInChrist896hello! I’m #8. There are most definitely some pretty bad unresolved sin issues in my life, and without a doubt that’s a large part of my frustration. Im only 18, but I’ve been struggling with attraction to the same sex for years now, as well as a p*rnography addiction that my messed of attentions kind of stemmed from, and I just feel so defeated! Like I can never get any better, only ever worse. So I have many frustrations with myself for being the way that I am, but to put it bluntly, I feel a little bit frustrated with God as well, even though I know by nature it isn’t justified. But even despite that, when it comes specifically when I’m reading scripture, I’ve never really felt this sense of paralysis from my frustration until just recently, and it’s agonizing! I just don’t know what to do, because I don’t really have any spiritual roll model in my life. I mean, my parents are Christians, but we haven’t been to church in like 10 years, and I don’t really feel comfortable sharing stuff with them anyway (and let’s just say that’s me, because I have a hard time being emotionally vulnerable with anyone). I just don’t know. I always feel hopeless.
My thoughts on the demon possessed female is that the demon was focusing their attention on Paul and his ministry more than Jesus Himself. AND while the demon was "helpful" to the masters of this demon possessed girl... she was only helpful while they were able to "profit" from her "ability" to predict future events for monetary gain.
The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil seems to be the reason why Paul cast the demon out of her. She was set free from demon posession...was her life important to her "masters" apparently only as much as she was able to make them money.
About calling out false teachings: I got called out by a six year old! We were talking about baby Moses and I said, “Before he ( speaking of Moses) was even born, God had a plan for Moses’ life.”
A little girl stood right up and held her hand up the halt gesture. “Wait just a minute! What are you saying? God wasn’t born. He just always is! What are you trying to say?”
I explained that she was absolutely right and that the word, “he” in my sentence was talking about Moses not God. She gave me an assessing stare for a few more seconds before sitting down and saying, “Good. We can finish the lesson.”
I love that boldness!
That little princess is already a warrior for the Lord . God Bless & keep you Safe Beth , and God Bless that young Warrior ... In Christ , your brother Jeff
That's both adorable and inspiring.
That brought a smile upon my face... A baby Soldier of JAH'/GOD! Praise JAH! 🍃🙏🏾🍃
Such boldness and clarity from someone so young! She’s going to have trouble if she goes to a secular school especially in science class. I pity her educators; they’re going to need humility and accountability to nurture and discipline lovingly this child and not break her.
God Bless her!!!! And God Bless you!!!!!! ❤️✝️
I have watched probably every question and answer video you’ve ever made, Mike. I can say without doubt that your explanation on question #1 is your best ever. Masterfully explained! That’s how we should explain the topic when we are asked this question by nonbelievers we have as family and friends. Great work!
I hope he clips it
It’s like drinking cool water when you’re thirsty.
Forgiveness of sins.
Love everything you do brother. Stay the course you’re changing lives. I pastor at an addiction recovery ministry in Selma Alabama called -
Adult and teen challenge and I use your videos as reference daily in discipling young men to be bible thinkers!!! Thank you for your faithfulness!!!.
Thanks to you, too, for letting God work through you to change the lives of the people who come to your center for help and transformation 🙏🏼
God bless you, Mike Winger. I am 64 years old (living in Canada) and I don't know what I'd do without your youtube ministry. I look forward to each and everyone of your videos. I find them so edifying and instructive and encouraging! I think you were spot on about Elijah. The world around us is becoming more and more like that of Elijah's. I don't have a bible teaching church to go to, but (through youtube) I can see that there are still faithful Christians scattered out there.
I hope you find a true church in your area. I struggle with the same. The best, most Bible believing church I found so far in the area - I can't understand what they are saying because it's in Chinese. Churches seem to work so hard to include everyone and anything they forgot to stick to the truth. And so it is very encouraging to see all the people online who care about what the Bible says.
It is not easy to find a good church. Just keep studying online. I learn a lot this way. If God shows me a good church, I'll be glad to attend. Meanwhile, I am learning online. It's kind of hard to deal with what is going on in the world, including our churches. I am also tired of the frase "there is no such a thing as a perfect church". I beg to differ, we brought the world to the church and think that is okay, it's not!
@@laurenmay2098 💯
#5 Years ago at the local mega church, a dude got up DURING the sermon, disrupted his entire row to leave, came back 10 minutes later with a giant coffee and disrupted the entire row again. I wondered if he thought he was at a concert and then had to admit that the church service WAS a concert. I never went back. Now that church is in bed with the NAR and Bill Johnson speaks there regularly. This is the same church that hosted the male stripper/pole dancer at their men’s conference last year that most will have heard of if they follow church news at all. I am not saying the sale of coffee was the culprit, but when the goal is to entertain and create a super relaxed environment, reverence goes right out the window and all manner of mockery takes its place.
Wait...was this male stripper sharing his salvation story? I'm honestly confused....I don't think it's possible he actually performed a dance? It feels strange even asking this question lol
@@Amy-un6xg Yeah stripper woman gets saved, says: 'Now I'm going to be a stripper for Jesus '!
Seems to me that salvation ought to be life changing, though an event, therafterwards a
process as we have the goal of attaining the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
(Ephesians 4)
@@Amy-un6xg the guy wasn't a stripper. He had an acrobatic routine of some kind and he took his shirt off as part of it. This was at a men's conference and the organisers said they booked him because (paraphrasing here) it was supposed to be a display of strength and ability, and then Mark Driscoll (not exactly a reliable or discerning man imo) got up and started comparing this guy's performance to asherah poles and stuff because he climbed up a pole as part of it.
Personally it's astonishing to me that so many people were (and apparently still are) up in arms about it - it was definitely a bit of an odd choice of entertainment, but the idea that a church hosting a men's conference would hire a male stripper to do a stripping performance at said conference is pretty out there and not accurate to what happened. I saw clips of it at the time and while I wouldn't have booked that entertainment at that event, it's clearly not supposed to be a sexual show, so calling the guy a stripper is pretty disingenuous I think.
@@RowanAldridge Thanks for the clarity. And I agree with both your sentiments - that it is an odd choice to host him at the conference but I also wouldn't liken him to a stripper.
I also went to a mega church briefly in the past and they had an acrobat in leotards on Christmas perform an act showcasing her flexibility and I was taken aback by the choice of entertainment. I think once you become a mega church instead of it being about bringing people to the faith and coming alongside them in their walk it becomes more about money and because of it the need for entertainment. It's all very sad 😢
@@Amy-un6xg - Yes. When you run something that big, the expenses can become overbearing. You simply have to keep income flowing, and that becomes the focus. It just has to. People's jobs depend on it. Mortgages and other bills require it. Plus, the people expect more new growth and ministries and such, or the leadership has those ambitions. So you need more and more attendance and income. It's a trap to "run a church" on a business model.
I have so much respect for you...your wisdom, your humbleness, your genuine goodness, your humor, your kindness.......your channel is one of the best and has been such a blessing to me.
I would clone him so that I could debate him all day. Then we would become like the sharpest of minds.
Hey Mike you may never see this but I just wanted to say I sometimes feel alone within our modern church landscape and one day I felt the Lord say that there are a lot more Christians than you think and there are also a lot less than non believers think. This helped me a lot to know that God has more of us ready to go and I should not worry myself about numbers of Christians or real churches but just do my best and let God handle the rest.
God told Elijah that there were 7,000 people in Israel that hadn't bowed to Baal, when he claimed he was the only one left. Jesus said that "narrow is the gate and there are few who find it." There are way less real believers than anyone thinks, but God only needs a few willing to do wonders. 🙏🏽
I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL -- Thank You for the Content --- GOD BLESS YOU. 🥰 ❤ 🙏 🌹
Really loved this one and worth upsetting a few to help people see we all need Jesus Christ daily,thank God that he doesn't ask us to come to him clean but that he is clean🙏💗💗💗🇬🇧
Regarding question 1, here's another thing Jesus said in Luke 6:32-33:
“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."
@@eclipsesonic solid reference
"For even sinners do the same."
No doubt. But is that an excuse to NOT love those who love me? I think not. In fact, the usual born-again Christian does not believe "works" are necessary. So, maybe you love someone, maybe not; makes no difference if you are "saved".
@thomasmaughan4798 But it does make a difference. The truly saved person demonstrates their change of heart and fruit of their salvation. This includes the desire to honor the Lord by obeying His commands. He commanded us to "love one another." Works are not required to receive salvation, but they do validate that one did receive it.
@@Spinsterwife "The truly saved person demonstrates their change of heart and fruit of their salvation."
Why is this demonstration necessary? Or do you suppose it doesn't really matter but flows anyway?
@@Spinsterwife "He commanded us to "love one another.""
So what happens if you don't?
I appreciate the honesty and humility...
Thank you so much Mike! The Elijah remarks really encouraged me and the prayers for our enemies. I live in Washington State. We love your ministry! 🙏🙏🙏
Regarding Q1, Heb 11:6 also helps on this "And without faith it is impossible to please God.". It is not the action that is important, it is our relationship with God through his son Jesus.
If you had Godlike powers and we're looking down on your creation, what would please you more? The behavior of your creation or if they figured out the correct faith?
Applying the trust (faith) we’ve been given is very important. Trust is the result of the relationship God has made possible…it’s an action (acknowledging/turning to Him, praying, obedience). Otherwise, relationship w/o trust is apathetic.
@ryanrevland4333 We are not God and God is not like us so asking the question based upon whether we had powers just doesn't work. If God is God then would God have the right to choose what pleased Him and what did not? The answer is yes. God would be free to choose whether outward actions pleased Him or faith in His Son pleased Him and the actions thereof. But if you have an objection then I would like to hear it but you have a tough challenge ahead of you. If you say that God would not be free to choose then what is stopping Him from being free to choose? What has binded God in this way? I understand emotionally this upsets us, that God is not like us, but what else would we expect from the Divine? God is divine and we are of the flesh. We are in all things directly contrary to God by nature therefore our thinking will be contrary to how God thinks, our cares will be contrary to what God cares about, our will is contrary to the will of God. This is why we must be born again and sumbit to God. And through His grace we will be saved. I hope you think about these things and really consider your argument. Does this objection really stand if God is God? Furthermore will any argument stand if God is God? I will pray for you that He may bless you with eyes to see and ears to hear. God bless you.
@bonestobunnies3444 I agree with you. If we are not careful, we will find something to doubt God's love and sovereignty. I am having thoughts right now about that. The answers are in the Bible. My feelings are as good as nothing. IMHO. It is sad that many people will only see God as a fellow neighbor. I am so glad we can get this kind of study online. I come to the conclusion, even though I know God will never do that to me, that if he decided to change everything last minute, He is God. Of course I trust his word that says we can trust him. But the enemy of my soul tries to make me doubt his word. I can't trust my own understanding, not against His word. Please excuse my English.
@@ryanrevland4333your faith informs your actions. If you have the wrong faith, you will do the wrong actions. The right faith doesn’t guarantee right actions always, only actions that are more right or right more frequently, but wrong faith guarantees wrong actions.
Most people don’t know just how bad Gandhi was, even by human standards.
@@whitneyojukwu120 💯💯💯
Most people don’t know just how bad [fill-in-the-blank] was, even by human standards.
Was going to say you the button up looks great! Then you had to make it clear it wasn’t for us 😂 kidding seriously appreciate this session, especially your answer to #1!
Whitney: Ghandi was judged/evaluated by many, not all humans, as good.
Mother Theresa was judged in a similar manner. The RCC made her a saint.
Ask Indians what they think of her, and it's not positive.
Reputations are not necessarily true.
@@SheilaSmith-z8g "Ghandi was judged/evaluated by many, not all humans, as good."
Some of the judges were not human? Interesting!
You're the bomb Mike. Thank you for your ministry, it takes a special person to do this online and keep it biblical, informative, and entertaining. Neva eva stop man
God has such great people on his side Glorifying him. Mike you are one of them!! Such amazing info! Mamy thanks for your work time and efforts ! 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you for your commentary on the local church situation, especially your reference to Elijah. That was a great reminder!
Our family went through a similar situation, and I almost had to see/experience the contrast to know what a healthy church "looks like". For me, the genuine joy of the LORD and love for His people was the initial factor, and of course a closer look at outreach, teaching, discipleship... But this was after much prayer and petition. I don't think we realize just how much of a gift it is, when the LORD leads to such a like- minded, vibrant and committed church.
Sometimes we have to wander a bit to truly appreciate that "perfect" fit. Thank you, Mike!
I am wandering around for quite some time. I hope to find the "perfect" fit, I really do!
53:25 Ugh ive been feeling so alone in noticing these things until now. Glad i found your channel. I avoid most youtube channels but I got to hear a bit from you through that Costi Hinn video.
You’re so encouraging, Mike! Thanks for all your help and support! I appreciate you in so many ways! Great Q&A!
Bravo, the answer to the first question is detailed, thorough, and easy to understand. I’m probably going to listen to it multiple times and take notes so it really sinks in. It’s something I’ve struggled with before and it’s always hard to fully explain this to skeptics.
Question 1: Thank-you! This answer is very helpful. I need to stop trying to be good enough for God, but I just keep thinking about how much I fall short. Your insights are truly a blessing to us.
Wingalingers unite!
Have a beautiful weekend brothers and sisters!
tysm Mike Winger for this wonderful helpful message it's an answer to my prayers. ❤😊❤😊
It’s always nice to be reminded we’ll be made whole when Jesus returns. There’s so many people out there like me who are so sick that our bodies are attacking themselves. I’ve lost a lot of hair recently, so it struck a chord with me. There will be a day when that will never be a problem. Great hair days for eternity sounds good.
I look forward to being pain free. Suffering from severe chronic pain is tough. Thank God we will all have new bodies when Christ comes back for us!
Thank you Mike for these videos and helping me gain understanding
I love how clearly you are able to present this topic. Yes, the ability to present our utter bankruptcy before a holy God is such an important tool in witnessing. Before picking at the splinter in your brothers eye, deal with the log in your own. Amen.
To the person who is angry reading scripture… be careful which brother or sister you chose to walk along side you with this. Many believers cannot handle that you feel anger toward God. They will just get angry and frustrated with you and make you feel a lot of shame. Many believers are unfortunately not equipped to handle the harder and deeper stuff. I had this and went to sisters in Christ and almost lost my faith because of them. Just be careful. I prayed for you.
I love what you're doing.Keep up the sound teaching Brother!
“They are there, you just don’t see them.” Thank you. Needed this today.
The aside about Elijah and how he felt was really powerful to me. He was one of the major prophets and was still wrestling with the fact that so many had rejected God.
As always I love the way you approach topics. You are always filled with grace and truth! 😀
Thank you for your ministry, and for your prayer for hope and courage, both of which I sorely need. It's so difficult to always see beams of Light in such a dark place. My purpose is to be used by God to make my album and take care of my elderly mom for as long as it takes, with or without the obvious instant positive results my heart desperately craves. If my work in Him takes 200 years to generate inspiration, pointing the way to Christ, so be it. That shouldn't be my concern. I only need to focus on my obedience. Many blessings to you. ❤
That's a really good insight. The obedience thing. Thanks!
So glad you did this question, I struggle with this reality.
Reality is often a problem for Christianity
Great job with this podcast session!! Thank you! ✝️❤️🙏
Thank you so much Brother Mike
May God bless you!
This is why people many times are shocked when they learn a neighbor or someone they may have known have committed some hideous crime . Or when a married couple is in disbelief when their partner cheats on them . They are good until they are bad !
Good point!
That's right, we see them with our own lenses.
But Christians would never do that because they were made new creatures and have God living inside them. oh wait...
@@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr - It seems like you have something you want to say.
@@Curly_Maple Reality speaks for itself if you let it.
Its not about ethics and happiness. Its about falling short of God's standard
For the polygamy, I fear for those weak in the faith to increase his popularity. It would be beneficial for those who get drawn in for a short video that only highlighted the common lies/deceit he preaches. My two cents. May God give you wisdom!
?
For the person asking about anger while reading the scriptures, what I did was pray before I read asking for peace and clarity and understanding of what was triggering those feelings. And while I read when I felt those feelings bubbling up, I'd stop and pray again, and then I would write down the thoughts that came to me after I prayed and quieted my mind. When I felt calm, I would start again. I did this, starting with 5 minutes slowly increasing the time as I felt I could. After my time limit was over, I would pray and write the thoughts that came to me. The next time I read, I would read the promptings I had received the last time I read after I did my first prayer.
When it got really bad, I would ask a friend or family member to read with me and help me talk through what I was feeling.
After a while, I noticed it got easier, and I didn't need to pray for peace as often and I didn't need a co-reader as often, and eventually, I stopped having those hard feelings when I read.
I did notice that when I took a break from praying and reading due to "not having time," those feelings would come back, and I'd have to start the process over again.
Because of this, I think Mike is right. Satan is trying to keep you from God he is putting walls in your way. Keep pushing on he does not have the power to hold you back ❤
Put your hope, trust, and faith in Jesus Christ!
Amen 🙏
Amen.
HALLELUJAH, & AMEN!!!
@@SpiritFilledDisciple Amen!!
Mike has the "MINE!" coffee mug! I don't know why this made me so happy to see him with one of my own personal favorite mugs, but it did. Thanks for the work you are doing and the challenges you present me as a minister through your study of God's Word.
Yes, Mike, you nailed it.
Thank you for knowing yourself enough to not counsel. That is huge. Regardless of abilities and availability, some folks can do more damage. When I hand out tracts, I keep it short and sweet. Besides not having confidence, I know I don't have the complete biblical knowledge to answer questions. As you stated, taking people to church and testifying the mercy and blessings granted to me is the best way for me to witness. Thank you for all you do for the Lord.
Do you think the Holy Spirit would answer through you? I think he would! Just something for you to think about it.
Was going to say the button up looks great! Then you had to make it clear it wasn’t for us 😂 kidding seriously appreciate this session, especially your answer to #1!
John 3:16 forever and always
two years ago I hada dream of the Rapture, in it I saw my sin nature as it truly is. Isaiah is underplaying it. If only I could see all my actions as God does every day.
We (humans) assume that false teachers and wrong practices happen because those individuals DO NOT understand. Yes, true for some, but for others they do understand, perfectly.
They are unwilling to change teaching and practices, because they WANT it.
There will be NO argument or evidence that will change the minds of false teachers.
So we need to recognize the difference between a lack of understanding, and unwillingness to change.
I am having trouble with Andy Stanley, I want it to love the man, but sometimes I think he is doing on purpose. But I think he was deceived a long time ago, maybe while he was under his father's church. God is the only one who can stop him, I pray people who attend his church do read the Bible. The Holy Spirit can open our eyes to his truth. I was deceived before and God helped me.
You can explain it this way. Everyone has a moral compass or the capacity to do good and righeous things, but not all of them are loyal to Jesus and accept him as who, and what he is, the incarnate Messiah or are imagers of Him. He is our Creator and wants us to love him and each other.
I had a pastor who was rock solid about us not putting him on a pedestal. He wouldn't even stand behind a pedestal and he would come stand with us while he spoke his sermon. He is the most humble man I've ever known. When he left to go to a new church, i was smacked in the face by what he said all along bc i was completely heartbroken when he and his family left. It took me over a year to grieve that loss. It's hard not to put that kind of person on a pedestal and it's definitely a human tendency
Well, there is "worshipping" someone and then there is genuine love and respect. Him changing churches would leave a huge void almost like a death. Only you know which you actually felt/did. But if you never researched or questioned anything he taught or glossed over something that should have been looked into, than you probably did have him on a pedestal. If he was rock solid than no wonder you grieved. There are so few!
@@mosart7025 I completely agree. I think it might have been a little of both bc I love his wife and daughter almost as much as by I loved him. But you're correct, it was not worship by any means
Thank you Mike.
Thank you Mike. Love your content - from South Africa.
I just want to take a moment to thank you Mike for what you are doing in your ministry. You have helped me so much to get back to following Christ. I have learned so mich from you. Personally, i struggle witnessing to people and even in my faith sometimes. But you help to encourage me a lot. I look up to you in a way because I would love to do something similar to you in posting biblical teachings on social media partially because I am typucally a very socially anxious and nervouse person and I know Jesus commamds us to witness to people. I feel like I'm one of those people who call Jesus saviour but not Lord. I want to change that but I feel like my faith is often so weak or I can't fluently express the gospel to people fluently so I don't do it. Which I know is stupid because it's people's salvation on the line. Anyways, I also want to encourage you to keep doing what you do because it really does help people.
🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️🕊️❤️please pray for salvation for, My husband Pete, and two sons, Chris and Nick.
prayin for you i recommend taking them to a church show them the love of Christ or read the bible at home and start praying over the dinner before you eat youd be surprised to see they notice the change in you first then they start asking questions and thats your chance to plant the good seeds of the lord not sure how old your kids are but curiosity is the first step to acceptance, conversion and salvation so dont be afraid to speak up and preach your value on your kids and family your voice is just as important recognize that take the initiative.. we pray then act on it God bless and stay strong regardless of the result never give up🙏🏻
praying!
@@Bibledeepdives. Thank you❤. I’ve been doing that🌺
@@ajosep-zb8qf. Thank you 🕊️🕊️🕊️
why are you praising a being that plans on torturing your husband and sons? Maybe that's the problem.
The point of the gospel is not to be content and ethical and good. Those are side issues. The point of the gospel first and for most is that you are reconciled with the one true God. Other faiths can imitate the gospels benefits in every aspect except for the one that matters. No other faith reconciles you with the one true God.
"The point of the gospel is not to be content and ethical and good."
Provided you are obeying the two Great Commandments, which are being ethical and good with God and your neighbor.
Im so confused. How can you love God and not your neighbour? How can you reconcile with God without being ethical and good?
@@Crikey420 "How can you love God and not your neighbour?"
The same way you love some people but hate others. Also, it tends not to be a choice but instinctive.
"How can you reconcile with God without being ethical and good?"
That is probably impossible.
@@thomasmaughan4798 - To be fair to the original poster, the two great commandments are the law, and the law is not the gospel. But the gospel brings about a desire to do what is in the law. Then again, sanctification isn't instant.
I am in the UK and it is very much progressive in church in general, however me and my family have found a good and healthy church in Dudley - Dudley baptist church, if anyone here is around this area in England, I would point you to this church.
I find myself staring at his globe for long stints while listening to him teach. I may need to get one of those.
Thank you for the video! 👍
You're explanation of Paul and the fortune teller was an Ah-Ha moment for me!
Please do another video on polygamy! This movement is getting bigger and we need to address it before it gets worse. These teachers are leading people astray, not only by giving the green light on polygamy, but also in how they teach others to interpret Scripture.
Damn bible having polygamy all over the place. Thanks God for screwing up! We're trying our best to clean up after you but you did such a shitty job that it's a full time job!!!
Something interesting that I found out about Gandhi is that he decided that Christianity was a very wonderful belief and when he approached a Christian pastor to learn more about the faith he was told that he was from another religion and that he needed to return to it. Not an exact quote but this is something I learned about Gandhi’s experience.
Love you Mike. We would disagree on a few doctrinal points (I’m one of those calvinists) but I’m always edified by your teaching. Thank you for your work!
I made another comment then saw yours. Can you show me one instance where the Holy Spirit is drawing anyone to salvation in the New Testament?
@@jay1871 it’s always the Holy Spirit that regenerates. The father must draw for any man to come. John 6:44, John 6:65, acts 13:48. I’m not much of a comment section debater. Was just trying to say something nice to Mike lol
@@justinholt2247 the father does not draw anyone after Christs death in the New Testament.
Acts 13:48 uses a unique word for appoint (Tasso) that’s more easily understood as “arrange”. The plainest reading of the passage and context is that everyone who heard came to Christ. It’s descriptive and not operative you might say.
In the New Testament the Son does the drawing. See John 12:32.
Same! Praying that he comes over to our camp but even if he doesn't God has a plan for him! God bless.
@@jay1871it actually says from Yeshua no one comes to me unless my Father draw Him
Yes please do a video on the polygamy stuff. It’s surprising to me how little the people I asked at my church knew about it. It’s a niche topic but as you were saying I think it will grow over time, so we should be prepared with out swords sharpened!
I think he already did this video. Check his channel
@@amyqb117 he did but he didn’t really address any of the groups arguments that involve scripture, like the different Greek words for “own” and “own” in 1 cor. 7. And some of their other points they make on why they believe it’s not forbidden anywhere in the Bible.
We have a free coffee and breakfast snack and tea every Sunday. People can just linger longer at no cost. Kids really appreciate snacks and beverages! Kids often are rushed off to church with no breakfast.
Mike Winger is my teacher.. i am one of his many, many sheep on RUclips..
No offense but Mike can't shepherd you because he doesn't know you; it's important to have a church in person with someone called to shepherd in your life personally! I'm grateful for Mike's ministry, too, just a suggestion. Praying God will lead you if there might be a local fellowship you can join
@@peachfountain Here in Norway there are secular humanist churches for the most, and a few Orthodox churches, a few Methodist churches. But the good ones are far apart.. it is not possible for me to go to a church more than a few times a year.
Hi there. Christians are CHRIST’s sheep, according to Scripture, and HE is the Good Shepherd. He has called pastors to shepherd HIS flock. We are not the sheep of our pastors, please. No one is Mike Winger’s sheep. Besides, he cannot shepherd you via RUclips.
@@eurovisionwtf I understand, thanks for informing me. Praise God like you said you have this online ministry 🩷 praying God will gather real believers near you so you can worship in person, too!
@@whitneyojukwu120 I know, forgive me.
Along with the coffee sales I’ve seen churches selling tickets for Vacation Bible School. What about families that have a lot of kids? Why did churches never have to charge for this before in the past. If your church is blessed it should be able to provide VBS to children through the tithes and offerings of its members. These kinds of things are becoming more and more prevalent and I think it is disappointing to many to see this happening.
Pastor Mike,
Thank you for your RUclips channel. I believe you are sincere, well-studied and do diligence with fact checking. FYI I have come from a "free-will" background, and after being exposed to Drs. John MacArthur and RC Sproul, I have switched to a "soveriegnty" view, but would not consider myself a Calvinist...At the end of the day, we are called to live biblically and witness explaining that God has promised salvation to all who ask (John 3:16) and also that no one will be granted salvation by God the Father unless they submit to the Son (only one way)...regardless of which view we hold to. If you have a teaching about this subject, please send along.
Cross References
Ephesians 1:4-5
For me, with #1, it's a loaded question. It's the same as asking, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Nobody is good, and nobody has a good life. As Pastor Mike said, "We've all fallen short."
If someone who is living in sin and you perceive them as living a "happy life," I would ask you to question your perception than. "Why does my heart perceive evil for good?"
God has also allowed MANY fallen people to harden their hearts and believe a lie because He knows they have rejected Him. It's sad, and it shouldn't make us complain or become jealous of their good works or their "happy life" but shutter at the thought that they may be heading to Hell.
Q4. Thank you for the thoughtful and encouraging answer about Elijah. It wasn’t quite 10,000 they hadn’t bent knee. 1 Kings 19:18 ”Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
Our church has a cafe and a bookstore. The profits of both go to support the overseas and local missions groups affiliated with the church.
My mother's church also has the same. The coffee is free, but the food you buy goes to missions. I didn't like that before, until they started showing the results of that little place. It is amazing the wonders they can make it with so little. Missionaries many time lack so much. I do know that the pastor isn't buying a private airplane with the money, lol.
When comparing the "best" of human "goodness" to God's on a scale, we are more closely relatable to someone like a Hitler than to a perfectly Holy, Sovereign, and Righteous God.
Thank you Mike...🍃☕🙏🏾☕🍃
Blessings ♥️🙏 Thank you
So great!
Pray that the Lord would cause enemies to cry out to Him.
Thanks for this!
The way I like to think about it is that we are all born innocent in the image of God (Jesus kind of confirms this through his comments about childhood)
And we gradually start sinning and even if we have an inbuilt conscience that can convict us „without“ the Holy Spirit (which who can say if that’s not him anyways) we typically slowly grow accustomed to certain sins and gratification of the flesh which simply leads to physical and spiritual death…
coffee is a great ice breaker for starting conversations with people you're not familiar with yet at church. taste's good too. I cannot imagine it distracting fellowship. from my perspective.
My church has a coffee station people visit before church, and bring their coffee to the pews. It feels cozy and communal, but it does cause problems when people set their coffee on the floor and kick it, or on the pew and sit on it, or spill it some other way. I missed half a sermon when my neighbor's coffee spilled on the pew and everyone got wet butts. Then we were all standing up, going for paper towels, visiting the restroom to rinse out...
So coffee is good, but in its place, I say!
@@KRoy-lx4xgmy mother's church has a coffee place, but there is not such a thing as taking coffee to inside the temple. No water either. There is no way you cannot sit for a while without a coffee or water to listen to the word of God. The pastor has his glass of water, because he is talking and he might sip some, but that's it. If you keep hydrated before the worship time, you are not going to die. I think some churches will get Starbucks soon, there is no reason why not, their churches are not for God anyway.
Replying to question 8
I have been through that. I would feel confused, angry and agitated whenever I read the scriptures. There were a lot of lies I was believing, true, and through help of my church and channels like this I was able to work through things. But before I could do that God needed to break something off of me, which I perceive to be an evil spirit. I had to get to the place where I let the Bible speak for itself and not hold judgement over it. There are some tricky parts, but the Bible is true and God is good. If you're like me: then with trust in God, perseverance and careful learning you can get to a place of peace when reading God's word.
I pray that the word of God comes alive for you and that you are able to delight in it and feel the love of God as you read with fresh eyes🕊️ 1:06:45 1:06:45 1:06:45
Paul did want to die, but he recognized that being there was God’s will for his life and it would be better for his spiritual children (churches). You’d be more correct in saying that Paul wasn’t suicidal or trying to get killed, but he was perfectly fine with being away from the body to be with the Lord. As we all should. It is healthy to live each day we are given by loving the Lord and loving others while looking forward to the sweet release of our fleshly bondage. That’s why a promise is good, it’s a hope for a future benefit and action. We look forward to the future when there’s no more pain or sorrow and we are made perfect freed from sin. It would be unhealthy to suppress that desire. To die is gain, to live is Christ.
The question is never whether unsaved people are able to do things relatively good. The issue is reconciliation with God thru Christ. So no matter how much good someone does if they don't have Jesus they don't have reconciliation with the father... like your answer but this really came to mind. Shalom aleichem
yeah because goodness and God have absolutely nothing to do with each other like they claim
Calvinistic beliefs do cause harm even if we can agree with them on most other things. One of my daughters has the idea that it's all written in a book and if your name is not in it you're lost, i.e. it's all settled and there's nothing anyone can do about it. She was rejected by her father and deeply wounded by others in her life who are Christians, and I think she just can't believe that The Father hasn't rejected her too. Words mean nothing, she's heard them all, I pray that He will reveal Himself to her.
That girl is me too
@@Aplenglowbookshelf Then I pray the same for you sweetheart.
I will remember her and pray God reveals himself and his truth. ❤I am so very sad to hear these kinds of stories.
@@rootlori8117 God bless you. x
It is all written in a book (the Book of Life), and if your name is not in it you are lost. The Bible is clear on this.
If Calvinistic beliefs cause harm, Biblical doctrine causes harm.
My Pastor used to say that Christian aren’t better just better off…
I've been reading a biography on the life of Paul by John Pollock, so I've been keying in on sermons and lessons about Paul. Your answer to the question about the demon-possessed woman in Acts 16 was spot on! Thank you for your insights, Mike!
It's a pity Mike completely ignored Romans 6 (and 8 and 7:5) and outright contradicted it.
John 8:34-36 too.
He's utterly wrong in saying that "everyone" is a "slave to sin".
My God. He flat-out contradicts Scripture 😢
God bless.
Jesus lives! ♥️ and is Yahweh God 🙏🏻 Christ ✝️ and King 👑
1:00:17 I have conflicted feelings about the Calvinism debate. You’ve changed my mind on it a lot, but RC Sproul was one of my introductory preachers I learned from as I learned the faith so definitely had this one regularly drilled in.
One thing I haven’t heard you respond to is a point RC has made on the “efficacy” of the cross. Essentially he argues that God guarantees the cross will grant salvation to at least some. If it didn’t guarantee it, then there’s a hypothetical situation where Jesus goes to the cross but nobody actually comes to faith.
The question essentially is: does God/HS “ensure” some people believe? Is there evidence for that biblically?
Congratulations on moving quickly! Kept it under an hour and a half. 😁
Thank you!
this was great
Yes non believers can be saved.
God gave me an understanding of evil. I had been praying fervently to understand evil.(but only for seconds my mind could not retain all the understanding and I was left with some surface knowledge)
I was shown that rarely some people resist evil overwhelming them for their whole lives and protect the goodness God gave them at birth (moral code written on their heart). My understanding is that it is very difficult and they are saved.
(But I believe that rejecting Jesus goes against the moral code written on man's heart) This would be people who never know Jesus.
But believers are sealed in the spirit and there is no evil in them at all.
Surprising for me because I am aware I am a sinner but evil can not touch a believer's spirit.
God is good.
Yes Jesus can do what he wants. But he plainly lays out the path of salvation and not believing isn’t on there.
Regarding question one: your answer is profound and excellent. As always, it is well supported by Scripture.
My only caveat or addendum would be to encourage you to add a brief synopsis of sanctification.
You elaborated pretty clearly om justification, which is imputed righteousness, bring judicially declared good. But as Christians we are also given sanctification, or imparted righteousness, being made actually righteous in our thoughts and deeds. Sanctification is, of course, a process, and no one is ever perfectly sanctified this side of Heaven. But true Christians ought to be becoming better people as we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On another note, when you mentioned people's hidden sins sometimes not becoming known until after they've died, I immediately thought of Ravi Zacharias and the horrific double life he led. 😭
4) praying for your enemies in extreme cases has 2 hindrances; the first being your own carnality, and urges for revenge. Because of this, fasting and prayer is essential. The second hindrance regards what Mr. Winger mentioned, not to pray for your enemy to prevail in their evil endeavor, but rather pray for what is best for your enemy; salvation, for God to show them the error of their ways, pray that you can have the strength to forgive your enemies, just as Christ forgave you of your sins, these types of prayers
We are there!
Mike, I was so very disheartened to run across a podcast by Jordan Riley, “Top 5 Reasons Mike Winger Should be Avoided” listed along with your content today. The presentation was full of falsity, and the comments were outright lies (e.g., that you’re ecumenical with the Roman Catholic Church and support Kenneth Copeland!). I found myself writing refutations like crazy, but the site wouldn’t allow debates or defenses of you-only agreement with him! I was sickened. It sounds like you’re used to this stuff, but it was my first time experiencing such nastiness, and it left me shaken. I pray for you continually and recommend your content to everybody I know like a broken record; you have been one of the major blessings in my whole life, especially during these four and a half years since my husband of 40 years passed. Because of you, I became far more active in my church and have been teaching the ladies’ Wednesday morning Bible class for over a year. I owe you so much. Blessings on you, dear friend. Kathy Alba.
Thank you Kathy! I appreciate the encouragement and support.
I saw that thumbnail but couldn't bring myself to watch it. I would have been yelling at them! Wow... supporting RCC AND Copeland, in spite of many videos that Mike has made calling them both out?! So if they are ignoring that evidence they certainly are not open to us defending Mike.
@@mosart7025 Maybe they’re just trolls. I don’t know; it left me very shaken. I’m making a commitment to avoiding negativity like that altogether. There’s no point to it. Hateful, hateful world.
@@MikeWingerHi. What are you a pre trib rapture advocate?
It's so interesting to me that people always reference Gandhi...he was a notorious racist who beat his wife (and was also a p3do), so definitely part of that “None is righteous, no, not one;" Romans 3 club. I also wanted to thank you for speaking on Exodus 21:10-11 and how denying the rights of the marital bed is considered abandonment by an unbeliever. THANK 👏YOU! 👏God bless, BT team! ✝🙌
Yikes, how old are you?
Prevenient grace. Look it up. 🙂
Please make a video about the outright lies in the polygyny crowd. This is a serious thing. Fornication /sexual sin is one of the most important topics we could speak on.
Compare to God, no person is good. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
To you point, I visited a consumer driven church that offered a free cup of coffee if you visited the church. During the service, I noticed the preacher skipped a portion regarding the wrath of God. And of course they had a huge set of disco lights. It was a combination of 'everything' that was consumer friendly. I wrote about it on my blog. I would never go back.
Disco lights are weird. But free coffee for coming to the service or having a church dinner after service and inviting people to come for that is not wrong. That’s the bread and fishes, and the preaching is the word. Also skipping the wrath of God in a service is nothing wrong if that’s not what the sermon is about.
Please, oh please do a long form exegetical study on polygamy! I’ve been struggling with that so much in the Bible - I would really like to have some clarity on the issue. It just bothers me that I can’t pinpoint exactly how or if it’s a sin exactly, biblically, even though I know according to Jesus it isn’t God’s ideal.