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Review of TPT Song of Songs by Tremper Longman Dec 07, 2020

Show notes

Dr. Tremper Longman tells you what's up with The Passion Translation. My name is Mike Winger and this is my "Passion Project". A project where I've hired a number of scholars to do reviews of different books Brian Simmons' seriously flawed Bible version. Scroll down for the links you are looking for! 0:00 The glorious intro 1:50 The reviewer’s credentials 3:30 Is it honest to call TPT a “translation”? 5:45 Dr. Longman’s BIGGEST issue with TPT’s Song of Songs? 8:19 How big of a deal is this really? 10:01 Simmons is wrong about church history. 16:25 Simmons blames DEMONS for people not agreeing with him. 18:57 How much alteration is taking place in TPT’s Song of Songs? 20:01 Is Dr. Longman bothered by translations that aren’t word for word? 20:51 Does Brian Simmons mislead people about The Passion Translation? 22:20 How Brian Simmons uses the etymological fallacy to translate. 25:00 An example of Simmons adding words to the text. 26:52 Simmons’ use of homonyms is unjustified and misleading. 29:34 How you CAN see Christ in the Song of Songs without altering the text. 30:25 How Simmons misuses the Greek Septuagint and Aramaic. 33:36 Footnotes in TPT may mislead people about scholars. 35:31 Should we trust Simmons’ wild claims? 38:47 Factual error #1 – En Gedi means goat, not lamb. 41:15 Factual error #2 – Sharon does not mean “his song”. 44:32 Factual error #3 – Seal does not mean “prison cell”. 46:50 Where does Dr. Longman think Simmons is getting this stuff from? 48:01 How the way TPT was made is different than how most translations are made. 50:52 What degree qualifications does Brian Simmons have? 51:43 Are people opposed to TPT just spiritually dead religious scholars? 52:55 Are most translations bad? 53:56 Should TPT be in churches, bookstores and Bible apps? 55:21 Do you have anything NICE to say about Song of Songs in TPT? 55:44 A deceptive quote from Simmons’ web site. 56:21 Bill Johnson’s endorsement of The Passion Translation 56:54 A misleading quote from the 2020 edition of TPT 57:28 What Dr. Longman would say to a Christian who loves The Passion Translation 58:19 My FAVORITE part of Dr. Longman’s review! 58:55 What you can expect from my Passion Project. 59:22 Special “cameo” from Brian Simmons You can download Dr. Longman's paper as a Microsoft Word document for free right here. https://biblethinker.org/images/Notes/FINAL_Longman_TPT_-_Song_of_Songs.docx If you want to read it on my website instead of downloading it, this link will work. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/our-media/message/review-of-tpt-song-of-songs-by-tremper-longman/read This is the playlist where I will eventually upload all the interviews as they become available. There should be 5 coming over the next couple months and I hope to eventually add more as I'm able to get more scholars involved in the project. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuv-ISp_iIw1WL8zaEm86L8 I want to give thanks to those who have donated to this ministry to not only enable me to continue teaching regularly online but to go above and beyond by doing this special project and to make everything I do totally free.

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 13) Dec 04, 2020

Show notes

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:09 One of my pastors used TPT on Sunday. What should I do? I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt that he just doesn’t know much about it, but I’m not happy at all that this “thing” (can’t even call it a translation) was used in my church. WWJD? 2. 5:14 Have you any solid information on Nicky Gumbel, Alpha, and The Message Bible (which he recommends)? Couldn't find it in a search here, and some friends think he's OK! 3. 10:29 What is the best way for me to prepare to one day be a pastor? I am 20 years old and attending college and then seminary. Any suggestions for the years of preparation ahead of me? 4. 13:30 How do I organize my prayer life and find ways to serve the Lord in quarantine? 5. 15:58 How would you respond to an abusive father who pushes the narrative to “honor your parents” (when he really means submit/worship) and disregards the Scripture to “leave and cleave”? 6. 19:20 How do you go about finding scholarly articles for the studies you are doing? I have begun doing my own study going through Matthew, and some scholarly work would be really helpful! 7. 21:26 What does the bible say about “listening prayer”? Should we spend time in silence listening for God's voice? 8. 24:09 Why did God not desire for the people to “return and be healed” in Isaiah 6? 9. 29:23 What did Jesus mean by turn the other cheek, give away your tunic, and go an extra mile in Mathew 5: 38-42? What about self-defense, or when being taken advantage of? 10. 37:02 Is accepting Jesus in our life the only way to Heaven? For someone who has never heard the Gospel or has seen harmful representations of it (i.e. JWs), will they also be given grace? 11. 41:00 How do I help my mother in law she says she has been ordained as an elder in the church and she is excited about it? thanks. 12. 42:47 How do I find God? Praying and reading the Bible got me nowhere in 5 months. And church is not available at the moment. New Age gave me comfort while searching, but Christ only gave me confusion. 13. 47:10 How do we study the Bible properly? 14. 48:06 Is there any evidence on the inspiration of the canonization of the Bible? or is the canonization something that was helpful but not inspired and thus inspired texts beyond the Bible could exist? 15. 52:28 Why did god create the tree of the knowledge of good and evil if His foreknowledge knew they would sin? 16. 54:46 In Mark 8:5-9, why does Jesus ask for bread in vs. 5, and why do they bring the fish to Him in vs. 7? Does it mean Jesus cannot create food "out of thin air,” but He needs something to start with? 17. 57:36 Do you view the early chapters of genesis as mythology or as history? I know it’s not a key issue, but would love your opinion! 18. 59:46 If I have turned away from the Lord after being close to him is there any chance of coming back to him? I basically lived like the world for a year and a half and don’t know if God is done with me. 19. 1:01:05 Any tips on how to start believing? I've been atheistic all my life. 20. 1:03:08 Our church believes you have the Holy Spirit once saved but can receive a prayer language through a separate experience called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Is this scriptural? Bonus Q: 21. 1:05:08 Should a Christian take the Covid vaccine? My most recent video on The Passion Translation. https://youtu.be/2EtXBxAuZ3g But interviews with scholars are coming very soon! Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks!

Answering Hitchens' Impossible Question Nov 27, 2020

Show notes

This is a clip from one of the most important videos I've made, here's the full video - https://youtu.be/VIgVAlI8T2c Christopher Hitchens is an icon to many atheists. He was an entertaining mix of brilliant, snarky, irreverent and British. One thing he is well-known for is debating theists and making fools of them, at least from the perspective of some people. I was always struck by this particular challenge that he threw out regularly in debates. Hitchens was so proud of it that I once heard him encouraging crowds of atheists to use this challenge as well. He felt that it really proved something, and I dare say many atheists agreed. What's really odd to me is that none of his debate partners (to my knowledge) ever offered a good response to his challenge. This is odd because the primary moral of loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength answers this atheist dilemma quite well. It not only answers the question it gets right to the heart of what an atheist has lost when they have sadly embraced a false worldview which rejects God's existence. To any atheists that have read this far I'd like to say that this isn't meant to be a smackdown or a slap in the face. Rather, this is meant to open a door to the possibility that the most important thing in life is being robbed from you, and your atheism is the robber. After I uploaded this video a friend sent me a clip of William Lane Craig answering this challenge 10 years ago! I was surprised to see how similar his answer was and now I’m wondering how much my own answer may have been influenced by Craig’s but without me remembering it. Obviously we are both influenced by the teaching of Jesus, but still, It seems likely that I heard this somewhere along the way and forgot. Anyhow, here is Craig’s answer (he is always brilliant). https://youtu.be/qqt3Ie8l-fo

THIS is why you need to CHUCK The Passion Translation Nov 25, 2020

Show notes

This was my favorite interview so far on The Passion Translation. I'm really hoping that those who are open to hearing the evidence will consider ditching Brian Simmons' Passion Translation. The evidence is mounting up more and more that this is not a good or faithful Bible translation. As scholars weigh in on this work it's only becoming more and more evident that my early concerns about it were well-founded. I'm hoping that my brothers and sisters in the charismatic movement will have ears to hear this and that organizations like YouVersion, Bible Gateway and various Christian bookstores would stop carrying this problematic and misleading "translation". Stay tuned because I will start posting interviews with scholars VERY soon which will help to drive the final nail in the coffin of The Passion Translation. I love the word of God way too much to just stand by and tolerate such alterations being made to what God has said.

Exactly What's Wrong With Everyone's Morality: The Mark Series pt 49 (12:28-34) Nov 23, 2020

Show notes

Jesus, save us from modern morals! Actually, that's pretty much what He does when a scribe asks Him to tell us the most important command in the Law. Jesus brilliantly and simply sums up not only the Law of Moses but the moral duty of mankind with two simple statements. Love God with all and above all and love others as yourself. Our job is to let this truth invade all our moral reasoning and to make sure we don't turn it into a cliché and rob it of it's beauty and life changing results. The way this truth saves us from modern morality is by installing love of God above love of self or others. Yeah, that's the part everyone gets wrong. But Jesus sets us right. To me, one of the most remarkable things about all this is that love and relationship is at the heart of the moral purpose of mankind. We exist for love. We literally have love as our highest and constant moral duty toward God and others. Wow. I'm literally blown away by this but how could it be any different? After all, God IS love. Let that sink in. Man, I LOVE this study through Mark! This is part 49, see the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Kenneth Copeland Cures Your Baldness and Ruins Your Faith Nov 22, 2020

Show notes

Oh my. Kenneth Copeland will "cure your baldness" and ruin your faith. This is a serious response to the sad, dangerous and demonstrably false teachings of Kenneth Copeland. Perhaps the most valuable thing I have to offer here is why people actually follow this guy. Here's my hope to change as many of his followers as possible! I’ve seen people asking for the full video of the blood thing (and FYI, he didn’t really cut himself, he was pretending) https://youtu.be/GNnSh-X1s5I

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 12) Nov 20, 2020

Show notes

My video on why I think the death penalty is biblical. Please hear me out and if you disagree share why in the comments. https://youtu.be/gf259Qv2qv4 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:04 Is there a conflict between being pro-life and pro-death penalty at the same time? 2. 3:54 Can you address what John means when he says that certain sins lead to death and some do not (1 John 5: 16-17)? Is there evidence in this passage that suggests you can lose your salvation? 3. 7:37 When, in the research process, do you (1) know you have read enough secondary literature to comment on the topic and (2) become confident enough to share your conclusion with thousands of people? 4. 12:40 Are there any verses in the Bible where it clearly states or implies that rights (life, liberty, and property) are inalienable and inherently possessed, as opposed to being dependent on self-ownership? 5. 19:03 God answered Hagar directly. Both her and many others before and after Christ. Do you think God sometimes uses the still small voice today, or only directly through the Scriptures? (Hebrews 1:2) 6. 24:53 Do you think that macro evolution is consistent with Scripture, since evolution works by death? As sin entered the world through Adam and through sin entered death (Rom 5: 12, Rom 8: 21-22). 7. 29:06 In 1 Corinthians 14: 22, Paul says tongues are a sign for non-believers and prophecy is a sign for believers. The next verses seem to flip it though. I can't make sense of it but I wondered your take on it. 8. 32:50 My parents think religion is stupid and I don't want to evangelize to them because they'll judge me and say that I'm stupid. Is that ok, or should I try anyway? If so, how? 9. 35:47 How would you understand the numbers in Revelation 7: 4? What does it mean by "144,000 were sealed"? Does it mean only 144,000 are faithful Christians? 10. 41:11 In 2 Peter 2:6, is the example of Sodom & Gomorrah literal? Does it mean that on the final day of judgment the ungodly will literally be condemned to extinction like they were? 11. 43:58 Is the Athanasian Creed biblical (specifically the first part which seems to imply that one cannot be saved without believing the doctrine of the Trinity)? 12. 45:53 Is it biblical to say that all temptation comes from Satan and the demonic? Or can temptation also come from your sinful self? 13. 50:23 Is there biblical support for having monarchies today? What attitude should we have toward monarchy, specifically? 14. 52:48 What is your view on the Creation account given in Genesis? Some people hold to a young earth, but with modern science, that seems unlikely. Questions then arise such as: did Adam and Eve exist? 15. 59:22 Were Old Testament believers born-again? Could they be called (during their lives) "children of God" as Christians can be called nowadays? 16. 1:02:06 Are nerdy hobbies (comics, movies, games, etc.) reconcilable with Christianity? Or should we discard them and use our time in other ways? 17. 1:04:21 My pastor teaches that we are "little Gods" from the word of faith movement. I have disagreed with him in private conversation about this and he is firm in his belief. How important is this issue to salvation? 18. 1:05:43 How does Israel in the Bible correlate to the present day political state of Israel? Are the promises for Israel meant for Israel today? 19. 1:07:39 Is there a difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven? If yes, can you explain it for me? 20. 1:09:04 What do you think of “dual covenant theology” (the belief that Jews can be saved without believing in Jesus due to their special covenant with God)? Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks!

I've Seen More Christians Fall From This Than Anything Else Nov 18, 2020

Show notes

It's a bigger issue now than ever before in my lifetime. We live in an upside down and rebellious culture and this is seen nowhere more clearly than our attitudes toward sex, marriage, dating, gender and purity. Dr. Sean McDowell has just written a book that is meant to give people a biblical vision for loving God and loving others in these areas. And if that seems like a cliche to you then it's because you too have become victim to upside down thinking on these issues. As a youth pastor I discovered that the most common reason people have for serious moral failure in their lives is a lack of godliness in relationships, particularly romantic ones. I'm happy to host Sean as we talk about this issue. Maybe you should get this book, for yourself or for someone else who can be saved a lot of pain and rebellion by getting their heads and hearts right on loving God in sexual purity. Sean's book, available December 1st or for preorder now. "Chasing Love" https://amzn.to/3f81xQM (affiliate link) Sean's video on Transgender Identities (really good content here) Https://bit.ly/36EGrWo

Progressive Christians Are The Modern Sadducees: The Mark Series pt 48 (12:18-27) Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

I'm amazed at the similarities that exist between modern progressive Christians and the Sadducees in the gospels. I'm even more amazed at how Jesus' roasting of the bad theology of the Sadducees applies to modern liberal theologians and progressives in general. Disclaimer: I am talking about religious progressives or liberal theology, not politics. It's true that those who have liberal theology tend to have liberal politics but they aren't the same thing. In this continuing series through the Gospel of Mark we will see how Jesus brilliantly refutes the Sadducees (and progressives and even Mormons) and we'll learn how we can better identify and not fall victim to the tactics that liberal teachers often use to get us to abandon biblical truth. Man, I love this series and love how applicable it is in our lives today! This is part 48 of a verse by verse study through the Gospel of Mark. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF HERE is me dealing with a popular progressive/liberal Christian teacher named Brian Zahnd. This may be my BEST example of how to notice and combat the common tactics of progressives who sadly twist the heart of Christianity and do so in the name of Christ. https://youtu.be/QUNdh1u6774

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 11) Nov 06, 2020

Show notes

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:44 Is it right or wrong to refute other pastors who publicly teach false teachings? 2. 7:24 I was wondering if you could talk about and help me understand Mark 16: 17-18 (specifically verse 18). I haven’t seen those two signs played out...perhaps it could be metaphorical? 3. 13:58 How should we interpret 2 Corinthians 12:2? Are there “levels” in Heaven? And does it have anything at all to do with the phrase “seventh heaven”? 4. 17:55 Are Christians who believe that Genesis 1-11 is allegorical (unintentionally or not) denying the divinity and validity of Christ, considering what Jesus said in John 5: 44-47? 5. 23:33 What are the biblical principles, if any, about keeping our bodies physically healthy, and to what extent? (Think smoking, piercings, or eating/exercise habits) 6. 28:29 How do you respond to Matthew 16: 28? 7. 32:09 Do Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 speak about Satan? 8. 33:46 Can you explain what Lordship Salvation is, please? 9. 35:54 How would you react if someone said that all truth is subjective and that there is no concept of truth, except what "works for you"? 10. 37:50 When you first accept Jesus into your life, is that when you become "born again" and baptized with the Holy Spirit? Or are they two different things? 11. 40:24 My bible teacher said my family is saved because I believe in Jesus, citing Acts 16: 31. I think she misused scripture. If so, how do I address the issue? Does forgiving mean trusting her again? 12. 45:33 Is it a salvation issue if someone rejects the idea of Jesus being one and the same with God? 13. 46:56 Are unbelievers forgiven to some degree? I'm looking at Luke 23: 34 14. 50:40 My daughter was baptized in 2018, and came out as bisexual in 2019. Any thoughts on how to talk to her about this? I’ve tried! 15. 53:08 What do you think about the Noahide Laws? I’ve been told that if they’re enacted, Christians would be found guilty of “idolatry” and executed. Should we be worried? 16. 54:26 I've seen your Mormonism series and have met with Mormons quite often, and I am wondering, what might be a good approach to addressing their belief in "sons and daughters of God" and pre-mortal existence? 17. 55:30 What are the "seven spirits of God"? 18. 56:38 My in-laws are WOF leaders and church owners, and it’s a constant "name it and claim it" around them. Should we have a doctrine "sit down," or just ignore? Its tough. 19. 59:02 Should Christians drink alcoholic wine at the commemoration of the Lord's Supper? And must we use unleavened bread? 20. 1:00:57 If I live in habitual sin from addiction, and I really want to overcome it but I keep backsliding, am I still saved, or am I using it as a license to sin? If I don’t stop before I die, what happens? My NEW YouTube channel "YouTube Tactics with Mike Winger" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPjFC53u7nIMUoNFZeAxhjg Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks! My video on "Was Jesus a Failed Prophet" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eExtYuAgB8 Satan: according to the Bible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6xRA2jwYGM My video analyzing the YouTube miracles of Todd White (and a few others) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je20XTohCNo My video on Bethel and Bill Johnson's teachings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3tEv26OMTU My videos on The Passion Translation of Brian Simmons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvlIDpjVyCs&list=PLi-tJmIiOS7MD3M1DdOiGrxUXbR9FHIRh My video on Brian Zahnd and his false version of Jesus and dangerous way of interpreting the Bible. https://youtu.be/QUNdh1u6774

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