BibleThinker

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"I find it difficult to pray for the President even though the Bible tells me to.” Aug 22, 2022

Show notes

Yes, we want to pray for their salvation! But I think that some people have a hard time praying for those who they see as causing large scale harm or problems for others when they mistakenly think we are supposed to ask God to prosper them in their efforts. Instead, we can pray for God to bring good out of their leadership and for other blessings which don't involve supporting ungodly commitments or commitments that we see as ungodly. Unfortunately, this is pretty much the way I have found myself praying for every president I've known.

Original Q&A video is HERE.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 83) Aug 20, 2022

Show notes

My goal is to help you on the road to thinking biblically about everything.

Here’s my video analyzing how Roman Catholic apologists abuse typology to teach Mariology.

THIS is the entire “How to Find Jesus in the Old Testament” series. The most personally rewarding and thrilling series I’ve ever done.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:54 {The Purpose of our Lives} As Christians, what is the purpose of our lives?
16:53 {About Kenosis Theology} Is Bethel style Kenosis theology from Philippians 2:5-11 heretical (where Christ is said to have lost His divinity to live instead as a human)? Or is that a secondary issue like sacraments and eschatology?
25:39 {When People Justify Bad Behavior w/Scripture} When strong Christians suddenly start to justify sinful treatment of others (rage, control, insults, blaming) through Scripture twisting, could this be due to a shipwrecked faith or mental illness?
28:09 {Should we Pray in Public Before Meals?} I grew up praying before every meal, even in restaurants. I want to know how often I should do this, since I don’t want to be like the Pharisees praying publicly to be seen by others.
32:45 {Can Satan Heal People?} In view of the magicians in Exodus potentially getting their power from Satan, can Satan and demons heal, and are these potentially healings that don't last?
37:58 {How to Reach Catholic Family Members} I’m a new believer, and my wife is a Catholic. Married 5 years. We have 2 very young baby daughters. How do I win my wife to Christ if she grew up rigidly Catholic? I can't break past her typological beliefs.
43:35 {Empathizing with Victims of Tragic Events} How should I view the pain I feel for victims of the Holocaust, Nanking Massacre, etc. when these groups were mostly un-elect vessels of wrath who will receive no comfort?
49:06 {Is Psychology Satanic?} I’ve heard some people say that psychology belongs to Satan and that Christians should stray from studying it. What is your opinion on that, and is there any biblical basis for avoiding it?
57:58 {How Might Fathers Exasperate their Children?} What does “Fathers, do not exasperate your children” in Colossians 3:21 mean? Is this meant to be a general guidance to raising children, or discipling them?
1:03:06 {How to Distinguish Core Doctrines} How do I know what things are a “salvation issue” that I have to be right about, and what things are more open to interpretation that if I am wrong about my salvation will not be affected?
1:06:27 {Why is the Resurrection so Important?} Why are Jesus' claims and resurrection the one true root of our faith? Asking to help explain it to unbelievers who believe all religions lead to God.
1:11:22 {Must We Look Forward to our Glorified Bodies?} As a disabled person, some claim I’m missing out because I’m not looking forward to a new body. I’m content. Thoughts?
1:13:22 {Why was Tamar a “Disgraced Woman”?} Why was Tamar in 2 Samuel considered “a disgraced woman” after being raped by her half-brother, Amnon?
1:22:04 {Should we Insert Names into Scripture?} A friend likes to substitute names in place of "you" in Scripture. Is that biblical? Romans 15:13 for example.
1:25:15 {Why does Jesus need to Pray in Heaven?} Why does Jesus pray for us in Heaven when He could just directly ask God, since He is seated at the right hand of God?
1:29:50 {How to get Others Excited about Apologetics} What is the best way to get a fellow believer to realize the importance of apologetics? I meet way too many Christians who are just like, "I just read the Bible and that's all that's important."
1:33:38 {Why 6 Commandments Rather Than 10?} In Matthew 19:18-19, why doesn’t Jesus tell the man to follow all 10 commandments instead of the 6 he listed when the man questioned him about having eternal life?
1:40:54 {Was Early Church Worship the Same?} Do we know if the early Church worshiped in a similar way to how we have corporate worship today?
1:43:48 {How to Draw Near to God when we Feel Far} I’m far from the Lord in this moment and not very genuine. What could I do to improve my relationship with God and to be as honest as I can, be obedient to Him, and listen to His word?
1:46:59 {Are we “Worthy” and “Enough”?} What do you think of popular statements such as “You are Worthy” and “You are enough”? To me, neither sound biblical. We are unworthy and not enough, and neither do we have to be, because Jesus is.

https://BibleThinker.org

I endorse husband-leaders, but there is a danger in it. Aug 18, 2022

Show notes

It seems to me that a balanced, biblical view will affirm both the role of the husband as having higher authority in the household and his responsibility to utilize that authority for self-sacrificial service. Any teaching that doesn't emphasize both of these aspects seems to be unbiblical.

CLICK HERE for my video on "How to Be a Husband"

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

Pt. 9: Have We Misunderstood "Wives Submit"? - Women in Ministry Series Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

Many (not all) egalitarians say that the fundamental way that marriage works, in relationship to authority, has been widely misunderstood by Christians throughout history. They say that wives are not called to submit in any greater fashion than their husbands are. They say that the real biblical teaching is for "mutual submission."

Today we will cover the main passages that seem to teach an authority imbalance in the marriage relationship, examine the context of each from a traditional, complementarian perspective, and then we'll spend the majority of our time going over egalitarian claims that would offer linguistic, contextual and historical reasons for why that's not what it means. They will generally say that a passage simply does not say that there is an authority imbalance in marriage, or that it does say that but it was only for a particular culture and a particular time.

After years of being a bit confused about the topic of women in ministry, I set out to spend months researching the topic in great detail to produce this exhaustive teaching series on the topic. This is part 9.

CLICK HERE for the playlist of ALL the videos in this series (more will be added as I make them).

You can also find more videos freely available here on my website.

I have other references and data in my notes from this series, which you can freely access through this website.

Time Stamps:

10:36 Mike’s teaching through 1 Peter 3:1-7
30:19 Mike’s teaching through Col. 3: 18-19
35:04 Mike’s teaching through Titus 2:5
35:52 Mike’s teaching through Eph. 5: 21-33
49:23 Mike’s teaching on 1 Cor. 7:3-5
55:14 Egalitarian view of 1 Pet. 3:1-7
1:21:55 Egalitarian view of Col. 3: 18-19
1:30:45 Egalitarian view of Eph. 5: 21-36
2:40:47 The slavery objection
3:05:07 Conclusion

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 82) Aug 12, 2022

Show notes

My goal is to help you on the road to thinking biblically about everything.

LINKS I MENTIONED:

Help for Jehovah's Witnesses playlist
Penal Substitution Series
What the Bible teaches about Alcohol
Here's the link for my next video in the Women in Ministry series. This is part 9 and we will be covering the claim that many egalitarians make that there is no authority imbalance in marriage and the idea of "wives submit" has been misunderstood throughout time; it should really be understood, they say, as "mutual submission." This issue is massively important since it impacts every Christian marriage!

https://BibleThinker.org

0:00 - Intro

0:30 {Are Retirement Savings Sinful?} Based off of the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) and the story in Matthew 19:21, do you think it is sinful to save up for retirement?
14:59 {Communion Elements/Did Jesus Drink Wine?} My family and I attend a church that is in fellowship with an organization that uses water during communion instead of wine or grape juice. They attempt to use John 19:34 to justify this, and they also believe Jesus never consumed wine. Is this biblical?
21:10 {Does Jesus Live in Us?} Would it be accurate after reading 1 Corinthians 6:19 & 2 Corinthians 13:5 to state that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus live in the believer?
26:40 {Are “God-Given Rights” Biblical?} Does the Bible say anything about "God Given Rights,” at least the way many Americans use the phrase?
33:20 {When & How to Evangelize} I want everyone to be saved & I feel guilty if I don't share the Gospel with every person I see. How do I know when I should share the Gospel & how do I start the conversation?
38:08 {Is the Curse of the Ground Still Active?} In what way did Noah bring relief from the curse of the ground (Genesis 5:28-29)? Am I mistaken in thinking the curse still seems active today (Genesis 3:17-19; 8:21)?
43:47 {What is a False Teacher?} What do you think is the biblical definition of a false teacher? People's interpretations of this vary widely. I’d just like to have a fresh pair of eyes on it.
47:58 {About Fantasy Entertainment} What is your stance on fantasy entertainment which utilizes pagan/made up religions such as GoT, Lotr, Zelda, Hercules, or Valheim? Isn’t it promoting Idolatry?
52:05 {Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing} I have felt God call me to minister to the JWs, and He has opened doors for me to do so. What should I do to make sure my faith is not endangered when I am doing ministry? I meet with them tonight.
56:21 {How does Our Will Intertwine with God’s?} In Genesis 20:4-6, Abimelech seems to think he didn’t touch Sarah out of his own will, but God says HE didn’t allow it. Any insight on the intersection between our will and God’s hand making stuff happen?
1:01:29 {How did Jesus Pay in Advance for our Sin?} I'm not sure about penal substitution. How can it be that my sins, which were not yet committed at the time of the crucifixion, could have been imputed to Christ on the cross?
1:06:43 {Discerning God’s Calling from Our Feelings?} How can I tell the difference between when God is truly calling me to something or if I am just searching for signs?
1:11:44 {Is Being Baptized in a Special Location More “Spiritual”?} Is it wrong to think being baptized in the Jordan River could be special?
1:14:23 {What does it Look Like to “Renounce All” for God?} How should we live out Luke 14:33?
1:20:26 {Should False Teachers be Shown Less Grace?} I've been told that when witnessing to groups such as the LDS (Mormons), a rebuke is better than a conversation because of Acts 13:8-10. Should false teachers be shown less grace than non-believers?
1:23:56 {Will Sin Send Some Believers to Hell?} Is Matthew 5:30 referring to believers? How do we reconcile this with "There is no condemnation in Christ"?
1:25:18 {Are the Ceremonial Laws Gone?} Where do we see in Scripture that the old ceremonial laws are gone?
1:26:50 {How Important are Legal Marriage Papers?} Help, Mike. I need a Bible verse to help a Christian couple who are cohabitating and have 4 kids, but don’t want to marry. They say faithfulness is more important than marriage papers.
1:29:07 {Should we Pray for those who Pass Away?} I just lost a friend to an overdose. I don't think she was a believer. Should I pray for her mercy or is there no point after death?
1:30:56 {Does God Tempt?} God tests/tempts Israel and Abraham. But James says God doesn't test/tempt. How can we make sense of this?
1:33:45 {Health/Prayer Update} Pastor Mike, can you give us an update on your personal health and sleep troubles?

"Abuser" at Home - "Respected Christian Man" at Church. Aug 10, 2022

Show notes

I don't pretend my advice here is going to "fix" things for everyone suffering from an abusive spouse. I'm just trying to give the best answers I can, which I believe are biblical, to offer some measure of help. Please seek godly counsel from multiple people if you're in an abusive situation. It's ok for you to get help.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

I Found These Atheist Memes Online. Here’s What’s Wrong with Them. Aug 08, 2022

Show notes

I hope that this video doesn't just trigger people (though I'm sure that's unavoidable) but that it stirs serious thought and consideration.

Timestamps!
0:00 - Intro
Meme 1: 0:43
Meme 2: 4:51
Meme 3: 11:28
Meme 4: 21:39
Meme 5: 31:37
Meme 6: 35:57
Meme 7: 39:49

https://BibleThinker.org

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 81) Aug 05, 2022

Show notes

My goal is to help you on the road to thinking biblically about everything.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro

0:13 {Overcoming Negativity & Responding to “Church People” Behaving Badly} How can I overcome bitterness & negativity? I have been disappointed in friends, family, and "church people" a lot and I found out it has a big impact in my life.
15:36 {Could Satan Repent?} Would God forgive Satan if he repented?
19:33 {One Death or Two in Scripture?} How do we reconcile Hebrews 9:27 with there also being a “second death” (as in: Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6,14, & Revelation 21:8)? Is there one death or two?
22:56 {Is it Wrong to Honor a DNR?} What do you think about DNR (do not resuscitate) orders? If I can’t perform CPR on a patient when it could save their life because the order forbids it, am I committing murder by honoring it?
27:10 {Does Breath Determine Life?} I've heard people quote Genesis 2:7 (usually from the KJV) to show that a soul can't live or exist without both body and breath. Is this an accurate understanding, and if not, why?
34:27 {Why Did God Call a “Chosen People”?} Why did God decide to have a “chosen people”? Was this due to His will to have a “people” that His Son would come from?
38:09 {Are We All Lying on the Internet?} Is it a sin to tick a box that says "I have read and accepted the terms and conditions…" without having read them first (e.g. when installing software)? Key word being "read.” That would be lying, yes?
41:37 {Are Pictures of God in Movies or School Biblical?} Is Christian entertainment like The Chosen a violation of the 2nd Commandment? Are things like Sunday school lessons hurting our theology by using pictures of things or people?
46:45 {About the Doctrine of Election} How do you interpret 2 Thessalonians 2:13 in light of the debate on the doctrine of election?
49:51 {Is Jesus in Human Form in Heaven?} My question is about the incarnation of Christ. Since He was bodily raised from the dead, does that mean He is still the incarnation in Heaven?
54:17 {Who did God Purchase Us From?} 1Corinthians 6:19 says "You are not your own, you were bought with a price.” Are the buyer and the seller the same person (e.g., Is God buying the people from Himself)?
57:19 {Are Altar Calls Biblical?} Are altar calls biblical? Hard to find much of this in the New Testament. Hard to think this through without preconceived notions.
1:05:01 {Overcoming Nervousness in Evangelism} I’m starting high school soon, and I feel very nervous to share the Gospel in person. Is it wrong for me to just stick to sharing it online where I don’t feel nervous at all?
1:07:07 {Can we Trust Paul’s Writings?} I was wondering how you combat the claims against the Apostle Paul if you have heard of the claims against him, such as preaching a different Gospel than Jesus and the 12.
1:10:24 {About Egypt’s Sacrifices in Isaiah} Isaiah 19:21 speaks of Egypt repenting and offering Jewish sacrifices. How can this be, since we no longer have those sacrifices?
1:12:41 {Solidifying our Identities} How do I know if I am solidified in my own identity? And do you think it is biblically important for people who walk with you in the faith to understand your identity and who you are as a person?
1:16:31 {Should we be Baptized while Having Doubts?} People encourage me to get baptized ASAP (Acts 22:16), but I struggle with serious psychological doubts. Should I disregard my doubts and get baptized? Can I take more time?
1:20:04 {Why did Jesus call the Father His God?} I've been wrestling with this passage for a couple of months, and I haven't found a solid answer yet. It's in John 20:17. I can't seem to understand why Jesus calls the Father His God.
1:24:33 {Evaluating our Spiritual Traditions} I'm an ex-Muslim follower of Christ from Afghanistan. Some Islamic traditions felt really spiritual and comforting such as praying on an Islamic rug, etc. Is it okay if I keep some of those traditions?
1:28:31 {Distinguishing Obedience from Legalism} How can we walk in obedience to Christ without falling into a “works-based salvation” frame of mind?

CLICK HERE for my video series on Penal Substitutionary Atonement. I also get into the Ransom Theory of the atonement a bit in this.

https://BibleThinker.org

Contradicting your husband in public. Aug 03, 2022

Show notes

Sometimes you should and sometimes you shouldn't. It seems to me that, if we are honest with ourselves about our motives and paying careful attention to the situation, we will be able to tell easily if it's worth correcting our spouse in public. Generally, it's probably best to err on the side of not saying anything or waiting for a private moment to share.

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 80) Jul 29, 2022

Show notes

CLICK HERE for my video about 6 different views of the end times.

What Romans 14 says about convictions and conscience: CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for 3 videos that explain translations and manuscript issues related to the Bible.

CLICK HERE for my 4 hour debate on whether baptism is required for salvation.

What happens to those who never hear the Gospel? CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for my 4 part teaching on homosexuality and the Bible.

What we got wrong about end times: CLICK HERE

What is the abomination of desolation? CLICK HERE

What the second coming will look like? CLICK HERE

https://BibleThinker.org

0:00 - Intro

0:06 {What Will We Do With our Time in Heaven?} I've been feeling a little anxious about Heaven. What will we do with our time for eternity? Will we have actual bodies, or just be spirits?
21:44 {About Prophecy & Marriage in Heaven} How will Isaiah 54:1 be fulfilled if there is no marriage in heaven?
24:17 {About Following our Conscience} I Grew up in a KJVO (King James Version Only) Independent Fundamental Baptist church. I have thought about reading the NKJV, but my conscience feels like this is wrong. Does Romans 14 mean I must defer to my conscience in this situation?
33:38 {When did the New Cov. Begin?} Did the New Covenant officially begin at Jesus’ last supper, death, burial, and resurrection…or at His ascension (alluded to in John 20:17)?
40:42 {Does God Get Angry When We Sin?} Does God ever get angry with believers when we sin? If not, why did God get so angry with the Israelites when they sinned?
47:18 {Why are Tongues Only Prevalent in Some Denominations?} Why is speaking in tongues so common in specific church denominations, but virtually never happens in others? What does this say about other spiritual gifts?
52:07 {Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?} Does Ephesians 2:15 contradict Matthew 5:17? In Matthew, Jesus says that He did not come to abolish the law, but it looks like Paul in Ephesians says the opposite.
56:29 {About Gun Laws, Usage, & Violence} Which bible passages do you think should shape how we think about gun laws, gun violence, gun usage etc? Are there any passages that are misused in this debate?
1:05:50 {Did People Evangelize in the OT?} Why wasn’t evangelism a focus in the Old Covenant? How were Gentiles far away from Israel supposed to learn about Yahweh, and what opportunities for salvation did they have?
1:09:45 {Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?} Is “inner healing prayer” as a form of trauma relief biblical? This practice involves a prayer leader asking the patient to picture vivid images and hear direct statements from Jesus.
1:13:22 {Are Only Jesus’ Words Authoritative?} Can we only use Jesus' words and not the rest of the Bible? Does Jesus teach against homosexuality? My friend claims that he isn't against it and she doesn't consider Paul's letters authoritative.
1:18:52 {Can I Trust that my Faith is Sincere?} I sincerely believe Jesus is my Savior, but if my sincerity can’t be trusted (just like the rich young ruler’s), how can I truly 100% know that I actually do have a saving faith in Jesus Christ?
1:22:20 {About Eschatology/The Second Coming} In Matthew 24:42 Jesus warns believers to be ready for a second coming. Does this point to a partial rapture of only those actively practicing their faith, with others having to endure tribulation?
1:25:41 {Is it Wrong to Handle Ungodly Items?} I work in a warehouse handling every item imaginable. How should I handle satanic/"magic" items? Should I refuse to handle such things?
1:29:32 {About “Preferred Pronouns”} My niece wants to be male, but she was born female. She gets upset when she's not referred to her as male. I've been just avoiding any conversation at all with her, so as not to compromise. Any advice?
1:34:20 {About Spiritual Death} Can you explain spiritual death as referenced in passages such as Colossians 2:13, Ephesians 2 and 5:18, and what part it plays in the process of salvation?
1:37:02 {About Fossils, Evolution, & the Gap Theory} What are your thoughts regarding humanoid fossils which scientists claim are part our human evolution? Are they people from Noah’s time, offspring of angels, or part of the Gap Theory?
1:45:11 {What is the True Mission of the Church?} What is the mission of the Church? I have recently been told that it is worship and not evangelism. Therefore, we cannot worship fully without a diverse local church. I'm a bit confused!
1:50:21 {Examples of Faith-Driven Works} What counts as “works”? Since faith without works is dead, what are some examples of works that a woman can do? Please help!
1:52:27 {What Should Godly Dating Look Like?}

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