BibleThinker

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How many wives can I have in heaven? Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

My hope for any LDS person watching this video is that you would discover the unadulterated truth of Jesus Christ without the distortions of Joseph Smith.

I do anticipate some Mormons claiming that they do not believe that people can become gods, in spite of much evidence to the contrary. Consider looking at the following scholarly paper which not only shows that they do teach such a thing but exposes some PR attempts to hide the fact:
CLICK HERE

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 106) Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

Today's Timestamps:

0:12 {ARRGH! The Pirate Bible!} Have you heard of The Pirate Bible? Apparently, it has been translated from the KJV into "pirate vernacular" using AI. It seems like a joke to me, but what are your thoughts?
14:28 {Does Video Auto-Play Lead to Sin?} Is it a sin to use a social media service that often displays ungodly messages and music? Short-form video services such as TikTok display videos directly on your feed rather than suggesting them to you. I will still often see ungodly videos even though I don't want to.
19:01 {Is Jesus Presently King?} Is Jesus presently on the throne or at the right hand of the throne? Is He King today? In what sense is He King? Proof text? How does the answer impact premillennial eschatology?
23:23 {Uncontacted Tribes & Judgment} I was wondering, what will happen to the uncontacted tribes during the time of Jacob’s trouble, and without the ability to hear the Gospel, what does judgment look like for them?
29:31 {Are Violent Video Games Permissible?} What are your thoughts on Christians playing violent video games like Call of Duty or Doom? At what point does it become a question of conscience vs. it just being wrong?
38:39 {Have a Pure Mind – Battling Lust} I came to Christ around 9 months ago, but I’ve been really struggling with getting closer God. I’m 15 and I have problems with lust. How can I stop always falling back into sin through lusting?
45:19 {Does Catholicism Save?} If at the end of days, the Protestant belief is proven true, would Catholics be saved? Conversely, if Catholicism turns out to be the truth, would Protestants be saved?
53:53 {Is Long Life a Blessing?} Proverbs 16:31 says that long life is the reward of the righteous. But in Philippians 1:23, Paul says he longs to go and be with Christ, which would be far better. So how is long life a blessing?
59:00 {About the 2nd Temple’s Construction} Given that Ezekiel's temple prophecy with its strict measurements was written before the second temple was built, why didn't the second temple get built to those specifications?
1:01:38 {Do Christians Still Sin?} How should I understand 1 John 3 when it talks about those who abide in Christ no longer sinning, even as someone who continues to sin?
1:10:31 {Leviticus – Burnt Offerings} In Leviticus 1:9, why were only the legs and entrails washed before burning? Cultural?
1:15:24 {Are Crop-Tops Appropriate?} Most of the older girls and young women at our church are wearing crop tops to church. I find this obviously inappropriate for church and in general, but I don't want to be legalistic. Thoughts?
1:21:10 {Are All Medications Tied to Witchcraft?} Galatians 5:20 uses “witchcraft.” The word is only used 2 times in the Bible, with the origin word being where we get pharmacy/medicine. Can you clarify? I grew up learning this was literal and still applies.
1:26:20 {Honoring God through Singleness} How can I enjoy my singleness? I'm a young adult woman and I want to be in a relationship one day, but I want to be content where I am now. How can I grow closer to God during this time?
1:30:14 {Forgiving Others} Jesus said forgive others so that God will forgive us, but Paul says we forgive BECAUSE God has forgiven us. How do you reconcile those statements?
1:34:45 {Deliverance & the “Spirit of Jezebel”} How do we lovingly correct someone who believes the deliverance ministry doctrine (people saying they have a “spirit of Jezebel” that needs to be prayed away)?
1:36:50 {About the Filioque} Can you flesh out the Filioque and its implications for the Western church?
1:38:56 {Attending Catholic Ceremonies?} Can Christians go to Catholic weddings, funerals, and baptisms?
1:44:36 {How to Safely Study Demonic Works} I've been reading occult books to understand the worldview of a friend in the occult (books like Kybalion, Hermeticism, mediumship, etc.). Do you have any advice for reading these books without getting contaminated?
1:49:35 {Does God Use Verses Out of Context?} Does God still communicate through verses taken out of context? Some say “yes” due to His unique ways, but I'm unsure.

CLICK HERE for my playlist of videos intended to help people on the issue of Mormonism
CLICK HERE for my video on what happens to people who die without hearing the Gospel
CLICK HERE for my video on how Leviticus points to Christ
CLICK HERE for all my videos related to Catholicism
CLICK HERE for my series on everything the Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage
CLICK HERE for my videos on the "Mother God Cult"

To ask a question in a future session, all you need to do is wait till after the stream starts (which means waiting until I'm actually on screen talking), post a question in the live chat with a Q at the opening of it, and be as clear as you can. Thanks!

Why I say Mormon isn't Christian, though I wish it was. Aug 23, 2023

Show notes

I wish I could say that Mormonism was a genuine branch of Christianity. Sadly, it is not. And to affirm that it is would be cruel to people and disrespectful to God.

Here's the playlist of videos I have that go over Latter-Day Saint (Mormon) content in a lot of detail, including addressing the false claims of Joseph Smith:

• Pastor Mike Winger - Mormonism Playlist

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 105) Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:43 {Faith = Just a Family Tradition?} My husband believes that faith comes about by family tradition, and that someone's faith is just an expression of what their family has taught them rather than actual faith in God. What does the bible say about this?
2. 20:34 {Wealth & Poverty in Heaven} If we all get different wealth in Heaven based on our deeds on Earth, won’t that create a situation where some people are poor and some are rich? And what happens once we spend it all?
3. 25:28 {Was Paul Married? Widowed?} Acts 26:9-10: "...cast my vote" has implications that Paul was in the Sanhedrin (also residing over Stephen's trial in 8:1), which would have required him to be married (even though that requirement wasn't recorded until later; I'm guessing it was still implemented). Could Paul have been married? Perhaps widowed?
4. 30:04 {Did Saul Know who David Was?} Why at the end of 1 Samuel 16 did the author emphasize David's service to and recognition by Saul, but in 1 Samuel 17, Saul didn't seem to even know who David was (no one seemed to know him for that matter)?
5. 35:40 {Is Doubting OK?} I love Mark 9:24 - “I believe, help my unbelief.” But how do we understand that along with James 1:6-8 which says to ask in faith with no doubting, as the one who doubts will not receive anything from the Lord?
6. 41:10 {Should We Pray to Mary?} How can I respond with Scripture to a Catholic friend who says, “Mary is the mother of Jesus, so why wouldn’t you seek help from her? Jesus wouldn’t like you disrespecting His mom in any way”?
7. 48:25 {Are Our Souls Truly Immortal?} I was raised in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and they say that the belief in an immortal/immaterial soul is Pagan in origin and has no basis in the Bible. Is this true?
8. 52:30 {The Fruit of False Prophets} In Matthew 7:15-20, what are the fruits of the false prophets? The teaching? The followers? The acts? Or something else?
9. 57:36 {Leading with Proper Wisdom} In light of 1 Corinthians 3:18, how can I lead others spiritually with wisdom without considering myself to be wise?
10. 1:01:35 {Will God Give Up on Repetitive Sinners?} I suffer from same-sex attraction. I fight it, but sometimes I give in. Will God give up on me at some point if I give in?
11. 1:07:35 {Premarital Cohabitation Without Sex?} Is it OK for me and my long-distance girlfriend to stay in an Air BnB for a couple of months if we do not fall into sexual sin, but are not married?
12. 1:10:31 {Must Christians Attend Church?} Do you have to attend church to be a Christian?
13. 1:14:18 {When Other Faiths Pray for Us} When people of other religions pray for us and we see these prayers answered, how do we reconcile that with Christianity? Does that mean all faiths are good?
14. 1:18:32 {Why did Jesus Die if Humans Still Die?} If the payment for sin is death, and both believers and non-believers will die anyways, then why did Jesus have to die for us? Was it for a chance at us entering Heaven?
15. 1:21:53 {Did Augustine Consider the Apocrypha Canon?} How would you respond to those who point out that Augustine considered the Apocrypha as canon?
16. 1:24:40 {Satan’s Fall in Luke 10} Could you shed some light on what Jesus meant in Luke 10:18? Is Jesus talking about Satan's initial fall here, and what purpose does it serve in the passage?
17. 1:28:58 {OCD-Like Prayers} Any thoughts on struggles with OCD-like prayers? Ex: feeling the need to pray for protection over family members every day in fear that something bad will happen to them if I don’t.
18. 1:33:55 {God Didn’t Reveal Himself?} What do you tell an atheist who says he looked for God and God didn't reveal Himself to him? And in general, what do you make of the argument of nonresistant non-believers?
19. 1:40:16 {How to Hear God’s Voice} What does it mean to hear God's voice? Many teachings say to listen to your thoughts and discern God's voice. Is this even Biblical, or is it a cliche? Reminds me of imagination (visions/prophecy).
20. 1:45:13 {Why did God Change OT Names?} Why does God change the name of Abram to Abraham, Saul to Paul, and Sarai to Sarah? Is there a meaning behind this?

To ask a question during our next session, all you need to do is wait till after the stream starts (which means waiting until I'm actually on screen talking), post a question in the live chat with a Q at the opening of it, and be as clear as you can. Thanks!

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 104) Jul 22, 2023

Show notes

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:38 {Avoiding the Appearance of Evil?} You recently said, "Scripture says: avoid the appearance of evil." I was wondering, if 1 Thessalonians 5:22 is the verse you were thinking of, isn't that Scripture referring to staying away from partaking in evil, not abstaining from things that look like you're partaking in evil to others?
17:49 {About Jesus’ DNA} What was Jesus' DNA? Was Jesus' DNA 100% from God, or did He have Mary's human DNA? Perhaps it's the same DNA as Adam, since Jesus is the 2nd Adam?
23:25 {Angels Ascending & Descending?} What did Jesus mean in John 1:51? Was it a specific word for Nathanael, or does it apply to everyone? Would really love some clarity.
30:58 {Brotherly Support vs. Enabling Legalism} How do we balance being careful not to stumble a fellow believer, while also not catering to someone's legalism?
37:24 {Polygamy in Scripture?} Polygamy? Exodus 21:10–11 says if he takes to himself another woman, he may not reduce her food, her clothing, or her conjugal rights. Clearly, God is speaking of multiple wives. Your thoughts?
44:11 {Negative Words = Neg. Consequences?} In WOF (Word of Faith) circles, 2 Kings 4:8-37 is an example of why you shouldn’t speak or pray negatively about your situation. What is the actual idea of this passage?
53:41 {Envy vs. Jealousy?} Is there a difference between envy and jealousy? Can you describe what the difference is biblically?
56:09 {Did Joseph Fail to “Test the Spirits”?} 1 John 4 says to “test the spirits.” But Mary's husband, Joseph, didn't appear to do this when he had the dream to flee to Egypt. How should we understand or interpret this?
1:00:20 {Must we “Wait for God” before Salvation?} Can you get saved whenever? My church teaches that God must first “knock on your heart” before you can respond and accept salvation. This leads to some people wanting to be saved, but waiting.
1:05:51 {Clarifying a Difficult Passage} A local UMC pastor preached on Matthew 18:21-35. She said scholars say that Matthew added verses 34-35 and that the master does not represent God. I've never heard this take and it sounds concerning. Any insight?
1:09:12 {Why Didn’t Jesus Baptize?} Why didn’t Jesus water baptize anyone Himself (John 4:2)?
1:13:20 {Do Not Evangelize to Some People?} Are there situations or groups of people for whom we shouldn't share the Gospel? Acts 16:6-7 seems to say so, but I'd love to hear your insight on the topic and your interpretation of this passage.
1:17:21 {Godly Headship Carried Out} What does a husband being the head of the wife actually mean he does? I don't find any actionable steps or clear examples in the Bible. Does he boss her around or just be a good man?
1:22:20 {Do We Each Have a “Calling”?} How do we know how we (individually) are meant to serve the Lord?
1:25:32 {Thoughts on Genesis 1/Creation} I've recently seen Inspiring Philosophy's video on Genesis 1. He says that it's most likely mirroring the near East tradition of assigning purpose rather than actual creation. Thoughts?
1:34:09 {Song of Solomon = Christ & Church?} I am currently studying Song of Solomon, and I was wondering, do you believe that it represents Christ and the Church? I have an issue with that, as the book describes a sexual relationship.
1:37:30 {Can Same-Sex Attractions Change?} I'm a Christian, converted this year. I've felt the Holy Spirit inspire me to live a better life in many ways. But I still struggle with one thing. I'm gay and I struggle to see how my attraction could change.
1:40:35 {DND, Harry Potter, etc.} The Bible is clear about its stance on sorcery and witchcraft. My husband and I play DND and some people were having an issue with this and potentially also with books containing magic. What are your thoughts?
1:45:39 {Godly Dating Practices} What is the best way to date for marriage as a Christian? Is there a good way to sift through people to find someone equally yoked?
1:49:05 {Loving the Lord with Everything} I’ve been wondering about the great commandment Jesus gives in Matthew 22:36. Seems like a Deuteronomy 6 quote, but why does Jesus change the last quality from “might” to “mind”?

Bonus Q! 1:52:02 Were they really taking the Hobbits to Isengard?

Here's Christopher Yuan's book, Holy Sexuality: https://amzn.to/3O6tr1g (affiliate link)

To ask a question, all you need to do is wait till after the stream starts (which means waiting until I'm actually on screen talking), post a question in the live chat with a Q at the opening of it, and be as clear as you can. Thanks!

Today's stream is going to start off with a verse that I only recently realized I had used wrongly for years. It's not clickbait, this is a bit embarrassing but a good lesson for me to share with others.

Confronting the pastor who uses The Passion Translation. Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

If you want to know more about The Passion Translation, you can find it in these links:

CLICK HERE for an overview of issues for those who want the "big picture."

CLICK HERE for my full playlist of interviews with top scholars that I hired to do reviews of The Passion Translation. These guys are all experienced in working on major Bible translations. They reviewed TPT and helped us take a look "under the hood."

I'm Mike Winger and it's my goal to help people learn to think biblically about everything.
My website: https://BibleThinker.org

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 103) Jul 08, 2023

Show notes

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:53 {The Sin of Sodom} What Was the Sin of Sodom & Gomorrah?
30:37 {Proper Posture for Prayer} Does God really care about our physical position while we pray or praise and worship? Does He care whether we are standing, sitting, bowing, etc.?
33:31 {Why isn’t Dan Listed?} In Revelation 7, 12 x 1200 are listed from 11 of the 12 tribes. Dan isn't listed. What's up with that?
39:11 {How to View Mythical “gods”} How should we view mythical gods? Were they real? They had to come from somewhere to get the idea, right?
41:44 {Casting Out = Abolishing?} How do you reconcile Galatians 4:28-31 with Jesus saying He didn’t come to abolish the Law? Casting them out kind of seems like abolishing.
45:11 {How to Explain Perceived Miracles} How can I respond with Scripture to my Catholic friend who says, “I’ve seen Mary & saints do miracles when my dad was in the ICU. That’s why it’s hard to leave the catholic religion: I’ve seen It”?
47:22 {Created More Obedient?} If God knew humans would rebel in the garden, and that humanity is so prone to rebellion, why didn't He create us more suitable to be obedient to Him? Was His plan to always to perfect us in Christ?
53:23 {Is a Lack of Structure & Liturgy Problematic?} What do you think about tradition and church liturgy? Is it not a problem that contemporary churches lack beauty and tradition in their doctrine?
58:32 {Will the Gospel Reach All Nations Soon?} It seems that Jesus, in Matthew 24:14, indicates that His return will come once the Gospel is preached to all nations. Can we assume this will happen sooner rather than much later?
1:02:29 {Jesus = Michael the Archangel?} Is Michael the Archangel Jesus? I once heard a pastor give praises and prayers to Michael on the pulpit, and when I asked him about it, he referenced a few Scriptures but I’m just not fully convinced.
1:06:41 {About Behemoth & Leviathan} Can you shed some clarity on what exactly is behemoth and leviathan in the Old Testament?
1:08:24 {Jesus Indwelt by the Spirit?} Was Jesus indwelt by the Holy Spirit, or was it His own divine nature that sustained Him while on Earth in His human form?
1:11:45 {Healing: By Faith or By God?} In Luke 8:43-48, Jesus says, “Your faith has made you well.” He didn’t say God did it, but her faith. How is this different than the Law of Attraction as told by New Agers?
1:17:25 {Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching} What are your thoughts on the "Hellfire and Brimstone" style of preaching? Is there any truth in it?
1:22:19 {Is Debt Inherently Sinful?} I have a question on debt. Do you see debt as sinful, or is it something that can become sinful if abused, like alcohol consumption? Any clear biblical lines on the issue?
1:25:39 {When Believers Disagree} Can you give me any advice on living in unity with other brothers and sisters in Christ? I always try to keep secondary issues secondary, but I’ve heard “Well, your secondary issues are someone else’s primary issues.”
1:29:53 {Using “Preferred Pronouns”?} I am a manager for a large retailer, and I have recently had two employees request that I address them by their non-binary pronouns. Do you have any thoughts on how I should proceed?
1:34:36 {The Doctrine of Inspiration} What evidence and encouragement can you offer a believer who is struggling to trust the doctrine of inspiration? I know that it’s true, but I struggle with doubt.
1:38:03 {Teaching PSA to Our Youth} My ex is Muslim. He taught our kids that God’s forgiveness is enough and there is no need for God to die for our sins. Do you have any ideas on how to discuss Penal Substitution with a 9 yr. old?
1:41:14 {Are David & Solomon in Hell?} I’ve always wondered why David and Solomon get a pass. David had 7 wives and 70 concubines. Solomon had 70 wives and 700 concubines. If "no fornicators will enter," are David and Solomon in Hell?

BibleThinker mugs can be found HERE (note: I don't make a penny off these, but $5 per mug will be donated to missions work.)
Evidence for the Bible series: click HERE
Jesus in the Old Testament series: click HERE
Polygamy video I mentioned: click HERE

Do We Need to “Go to Synagogue”? Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

As I am uploading this video, I realize there's a confusion that could easily arise. I'll try to clear it up here:

The NT does not teach all believers to actually attend literal synagogues. Nor do we have any examples I know of where Gentile converts to Christianity ever attended, or were told to attend synagogues literally. I am speaking here of the common practice of evangelism where we seek out public opportunities and locations to tell people about Jesus and the Gospel. This is an area where Christians in general could use a lot more boldness and intentionality. Go for it!

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 102) Jun 24, 2023

Show notes

Today's first question is about 4 passages in the Bible that supposedly show God lying.

Time Stamps:

0:01 {God Lied 4 Times??} I’ve recently had someone use Jeremiah 20:7, Matthew 16:28, the lack of immediate death in Genesis 3, and Cain’s exile in Genesis 4 as “evidence” that God is a liar. How would you respond?
38:46 {Animal Death Before the Fall?} If animal death occurred prior to the fall, wouldn’t that mean God called animal death/suffering “very good?” If we later see a wolf dwelling with a lamb, wouldn’t that indicate that prior to the fall, that was what we had enjoyed?
45:12 {Avoid the Appearance of Evil?} You recently said, "Scripture says: avoid the appearance of evil." I was wondering, if 1 Thessalonians 5:22 is the verse you were thinking of, isn't that verse referring to staying away from partaking in evil, not abstaining from things that look like you're partaking in evil to others?
48:19 {Human Souls vs. Animal Souls} Does Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 teach that there is no difference between the spirits of humans and those of animals? I’ve heard this claim from those who reject an immortal soul.
55:07 {Has Jesus Always Had a Physical Body?} What form did Jesus exist in before He was conceived in Mary’s womb? Did He have a physical body before that?
57:27 {Evangelism Required for Salvation?} Is our salvation based not only on being saved and accepting Jesus into our life and believing in Him, but also on a need to be spreading the Word of God (the Bible)?
1:01:37 {Is Repentance a Change of Mind?} If repentance (metanoia) literally means “change of mind,” then why do we say repentance means changing our mind/attitude about sin? Why isn't it changing our minds from unbelief to belief?
1:04:16 {Theocracy & Theonomy} Could Christ's commission to disciple the nations in Matthew 28:19 mean the Christianization of countries and nation-states, or does it apply only to individual people?
1:11:18 {Will We Judge Angels?} 1 Corinthians 6:3 states that we will judge angels. What do you think Paul means by this, and is there any other reference about us judging angels?
1:14:18 {Cursing & Blessing in the OT} When prophets such as Elisha cursed or blessed people, was it God who put it in their minds to do that, or did they have a Spirit-given ability to do such things without having to consult Him?
1:18:00 {Does the HS Help Us or Take Over?} Does the Holy Spirit enhance who we are, as in assisting us in Godly behavior? Or does He, at times, take over completely so that we behave, see, and feel things opposite of our ungodly flesh?
1:24:20 {The Purpose of Scripture in Eternity} Matthew 5:18 seems to say some Scripture will pass away at the end times, but Matthew 24:35 appears to contradict this. What use might we have for Scripture in the next life where there is no temptation to sin?
1:27:55 {Are We to Administer Revenge Ourselves?} Someone said it was okay to exact revenge on pedophiles, and they used Matthew 18:6 to justify it. Is that what this Scripture really means or allows for?
1:32:14 {Death on the New Earth?} Why is there a reference to death and a lifespan (albeit a long one) in Isaiah 65:20 when speaking of the New Earth?
1:34:37 {Will We Remember our Lives in Heaven?} Do you think we will remember our earthly lives in Heaven, given that there is nothing negative in Heaven and this world is so full of negative things and memories?
1:40:24 {The Serious Sin of Blasphemy} Why do so many Christians take the Lord’s name in vain? I know several Christians (even two pastors) who do this often. Should we tell them they’re in sin?
1:43:25 {What did Jesus Mean?} What do you think Jesus meant when He said "The first shall be last and the last shall be first" in Matthew 20:16?
1:46:53 {Can our Conscience make Sex a Sin?} My question is about stronger vs. weaker consciences. Is it possible to make sex into a sin, and if so, how should the "strong" treat the "weak"?
1:53:30 {The Law of Agency} How do you respond to non-trinitarians who use the "Law of Agency" to dismiss the scriptural evidence for the Trinity in regard to Jesus, etc. claiming He is not God, but simply God's agent?
1:57:21 {The Book of James vs. Jacob} I was looking at the Greek in James' epistle (1:1) and his name in the Greek is Iakobos. Why do we call it "the Book of James" if the Greek more closely resembles Jacob (Iakobos)?

Links I mentioned:

Different Christian views of the End Times: CLICK HERE
Jesus as the Angel of the LORD: CLICK HERE
My discussion about Theonomy with Joel Webbon: CLICK HERE
A biblical case for the death penalty: CLICK HERE

Stealing Jesus for LGBT ideology. Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

This is not a video primarily about LGBT stuff. It's about Jesus. It's about not letting interest groups tell a fake story about a fake Jesus and thereby highjack the Lord of all creation to teach some ideology that He would never have supported. Historically, theologically, and logically, it's just not right to say such things.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

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