BibleThinker

Latest Episodes:

There were no Wise Men at Jesus' birth. 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 38) Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
1. 0:02 {Learning to Pay Attention!} Were there really “Wise Men” at Jesus’ birth?
2. 12:05 {No PSA = OK?} Is it possible to not believe in Penal Substitutionary Atonement without being a Progressive?
3. 16:19 {Does God Know His Own Future?} Does God perfectly and exhaustively know His own future? If He does, is He able to change His future, or is He only able to do what He already knows He is going to do?
4. 23:04 {By Grace, Through Faith, No Works} As a former strict, legalistic Orthodox, will I ever be able to grasp that salvation truly is by faith and NOT works? I STRUGGLE!
5. 27:28 {The Temple – Continued Sacrifices?} What do we make of the Temple at the end of Ezekiel? It says God will dwell there, and sacrifices will be continued by Levites (Ch. 43:7; 19). Verse 27 indicates this will continue happening.
6. 32:27 {Is “Bodybuilding” Biblical?} My friends and I love natural bodybuilding. Is it biblical to work on your body to one day showcase it in minimal clothing on a bodybuilding stage or on social media in a non-sexual way?
7. 39:56 {True Peace in the Midst of Storms} Can you give us some thoughts on how to have peace and joy in Christ in this season, despite being stuck in some really messed up circumstances?
8. 44:33 {Choosing Sides?} A friend of a friend asked why he has to “choose sides” (God or the Devil). Why can't he just remain neutral? He claims it's not really free will when there's only one “right side.”
9. 48:35 {Purity in the Marriage Bed} Are married Christian couples allowed to engage in things like kink, costumes, and roleplay in the bedroom? Hebrews 13:4 states that the marriage bed must remain pure. But what is in and out of bounds?
10. 53:40 {David’s Salvation – Murderer?} If according to John, no murderer has eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15), how do we explain David’s salvation, since he had Uriah killed?
58:24 Bonus Q! Since Christmas is next Wednesday, what’s your favorite Christmas tradition? And what Christmas traditions would you recommend avoiding/refusing to participate in?

I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join.
To ask a question in a future session, you'll need to follow these instructions:
1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera.
2. Post questions as comments in the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream.
3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment for the chat.
4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment.
5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.

Click here for The Hebrews Series playlist
My six-part series defending Penal Substitutionary Atonement is here
The hidden beliefs of top "Progressive Christian" influencers: Click here
Foreknowledge and predestination: Click here
How Acts handles Christians participating in Jewish Law: Click here
My website is searchable, and all the video and audio content is free:
https://BibleThinker.org

"How can I know my 3-year-old is in heaven?" 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 37) Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

Today's Time Stamps:

1. 0:13 {A Child’s Stage of Accountability} My three-year-old passed away in a tragic accident. I’ve heard that infants are welcomed into God’s presence when they die, but what about a slightly older child? Is my daughter in Heaven?
2. 21:06 {Author Unknown = Still Inspired?} Can we be confident that a book of the Bible is truly inspired and belongs in the canon if the author is unknown (like Hebrews)? If we don’t know who wrote it, how can we trust what it contains? How can we know it wasn’t just the written version of a sermon? A pastor may be educated, but they aren’t inerrant.
3. 27:40 {The Kingdom – “Suffered Violence”?} Can you help me to contextually understand Matthew 11:12? Teachings I’ve heard have made no sense, and I have tried to understand it myself, but I’m not sure if I’m understanding what Jesus was saying here.
4. 35:09 {50/50 Churches?} My LDS husband wants me and our kids to go to his ward & my church, split 50/50 every other week. Should I submit to him and do this, or should I get out completely from doing this? See 2 Kings 5:17-19 and Psalm 1:1.
5. 42:01 {Grain Offering = More Holy?} In Leviticus 2:9-10, the part of the grain offering for the priests is "a most holy part." Why is the part that the priests eat more holy than the memorial portion that is burned on the altar?
6. 44:24 {Avoiding Anger while Guiding Others} I see a lot of New Age-ish things (energy, manifesting, vibes) creeping into Christ followers’ lives around me. I’ve gotten blow-back trying to correct people in love. Do you have any advice about how to continue the conversation without angering them?
7. 47:48 {Malachi 4, Elijah & The End Times} Does the last verse of Malachi 4 suggest that Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in Revelation?
8. 51:37 {Dying to Sexual Addictions} I’m only 18, but I’ve been addicted to pornography for 5 years now, which slowly turned homosexual over time. Can you please explain the past tense of “died” in Romans 6:2? Am I dead to sin, or do I die?
9. 1:01:49 {How to Biblically Confront an Elder} How should a church member confront an elder biblically? Is Matthew 18 still applicable, or is there another text that applies since they are an elder?
10. 1:05:09 {Baptized in the Name of Jesus Only?} Why were people baptized in Jesus’ name in the book of Acts? I was challenged by this question and can’t figure it out.
BONUS Q! 1:07:59 We'll probably never find every artifact or an original manuscript. But what is on your list of top biblical artifacts you hope are discovered? Israel in Egypt is one of mine.

My full video on the biblical case for infant salvation is HERE.

My full review of Joel Osteen’s “Mary” movie is HERE.

I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join.
To ask a question in an upcoming session, you'll need to follow these instructions:

1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera.
2. Post questions as comments in the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream.
3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment for the chat.
4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment.
5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.

"Mary" is bad. My review of Netflix's rewrite of the virgin Mary. Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

I watched it so you don't have to.

Here’s my read through and commentary on the Protoevangelium of James: Click Here

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

FAKE 2nd Century Gospel: It Changed Catholic and Orthodox Theology Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

I'm reading every single word of this forgery today. You'll see the clear agenda of the author, as well as how it changes the biblical story to promote the exaltation of Mary.

Condemned by Pope Innocent I. Rejected in the Gelasian decree. Highly influential in the historical development of new beliefs about Mary.

Read it for yourself HERE.

Here's a video where I cover some of the evidence and arguments that show us Jesus really had brothers from his mother Mary: Click Here

My goal is to help you learn to think biblically about everything. My website: https://BibleThinker.org

Netflix made a movie about Mary. I’m concerned. Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

I hope I'm wrong about this. Let's wait and see.

I'm Mike Winger and my goal is to help you learn to think biblically about everything.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

17 hard questions about Christian marriage (for my church) Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Intro
1. 1:27 {Leading When You Don’t Feel Worthy} How do you lead as a husband when you’ve betrayed and dishonored your wife and are not “worthy” of the respect of your wife’s submission?
2. 6:15 {Submitting to Overbearing Leadership} How does submission work with an overbearing husband? Is it ever OK to say, “You’re overstepping your role”?
3. 22:24 {Earning Your Wife’s Trust/Respect} How does a husband win his wife’s trust and respect? Are there any virtues or goals that might be helpful in earning her trust?
4. 28:03 {Spiritual Intimacy in Marriage} What does the Bible say about pursuing spiritual intimacy in a marriage, and how might a husband initiate and a wife respond to that pursuit?
5. 32:03 {Can a Wife Pursue a Career?} Is it God’s ideal design that the wife is a housewife or stay at home mom rather than having a full-time career? What if it isn’t part of God’s will for them to have children?
6. 43:32 {Wife Provides = Husband Neglects?} Does a husband submit to his wife by being a provider? Is a married couple living in sin if their roles are reversed?
7. 43:56 {Submission & Initiative in Harmony} How do submission and taking initiative fit together?
8. 47:35 {Servant Leadership in Marriage} How does servant leadership look in your marriage? And can you elaborate on “according to her gifts”?
9. 51:20 {Meaning of “Weaker Vessel”} What does “weaker vessel” mean?
10. 53:59 {Headship & The Fall} Is Adam ruling over his wife in Genesis 3:16 a godly ruling or a domineering ruling over his wife? What does this mean for husbands and wives today?
11. 57:49 {Finding a Good Counselor} What are the necessary considerations for finding a trustworthy and appropriate marriage counselor(s)?
12. 1:00:12 {When a Wife Refuses to Submit} If a husband wants to exercise headship and his wife struggles with this, what should the husband do?
13. 1:03:31 {Marital Dynamics} We are very much best friends but how can we learn the husband/wife part?
14. 1:06:37 {Following Jesus’ Lead} How does Jesus lead the Church, and what can earthly husbands take away from His example?
15. 1:12:29 {Why the Church Struggles} Why does this topic within the American church hold such a minority position?
16. 1:16:51 {More BibleThinker Content!} Where do we find brother Winger’s talks/videos?
17. 1:17:09 {Comp. vs. Egal. Divorce Rates} Are divorce rates substantially different between Christian complementarian couples and Christian egalitarian couples? Does anyone know the research?

LINKS you may want...

My full, 33 hour video series on Women in Ministry (each video in this playlist has timestamps for your convenience):
Click Here

Three more videos related to the topic of a woman working outside the home, or a man staying at home:
• Video 1
• Video 2
• Video 3

My FULL examination of whether male headship is a result of the fall or set up by God prior to the fall:
Click Here

For marriage counseling, my church recommends Turning Point Counseling.

How to be a husband: Click Here
How to be a wife: Click Here

Nancy Pearcey’s book, The Toxic War on Masculinity. I do recommend it: Click Here

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

Can Fallen Pastors Be Restored? 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 36) Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

Today's Time Stamps:

1. 0:10 {Can Fallen Leaders Be Restored?} Can fallen pastors who have engaged in egregious sin be restored back to ministry?
2. 52:33 {Jesus’ Ministry – Which Nature?} Do you believe Jesus did His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing out of His divinity, or out of His humanity empowered by the Holy Spirit, in light of Matthew 3:16-17, etc.? What about us?
3. 58:06 {Being Zealous for God’s Glory} In light of God's zeal for His own glory in all the Earth (see Ezekiel 36:22-23; Psalm 46:10; 2 Chronicles 6:32-33), how can Christians be zealous for His glory among the nations, especially those who cannot go?
4. 1:00:52 {“The River” = Heaven?} Is there a biblical basis for songs about “crossing the river” into Heaven, or is that just Greek mythology? Is the Jordan River a legitimate biblical metaphor for dying and going to the Promised Land/Heaven?
5. 1:05:55 {Thinking Biblically about All Creation} Since all is God’s creation, will God hold us blameworthy for killing insects and other critters like cockroaches, mosquitoes, bees, spiders, mice, etc.?
6. 1:09:46 {Can the Unsaved Seek God?} Can people not yet saved seek after God? Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7 to “…seek and knock and it will be opened,” but in Romans 3:10 it says “There is no one who understands; There is no one who seeks God.”
7. 1:12:31 {Lazarus’ Resurrection – Missing?} I find the fact that the resurrection of Lazarus is missing from the Synoptics and the epistles to be unsettling. Do you have any insights on why such a massive claim is not in the earliest texts?
8. 1:16:52 {“By Faith” vs. “Through Faith”} What is the difference between “by faith” and “through faith” in Romans 3: 30?
9. 1:19:49 {Investing in Rental Properties – Sin?} I would like to start investing in rental homes. Is this flat out a sin and should I be just giving my excess to the needy people, or is it OK to invest to earn more, and just give then?
10. 1:21:35 {Are My Dreams from God?} My pastor says you can tell if a dream is from God by whether or not it aligns with Gods Word, but also if it’s very bright, warm, and vivid. He says if you’re afraid in the dream, then it’s not from God. Is that true?

Are Christmas trees idols? A study of Jeremiah 10: Click Here
The Romans Series (verse-by-verse through the book): Click Here
The Hebrews Series (verse-by-verse through the book): Click Here

I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join.
To ask a question in an upcoming session, you'll need to follow these instructions:
1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera.
2. Post questions as comments in the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream.
3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment in the chat.
4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment.
5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.

What the Bible Says about Immigration: 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 35) Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

Today's Time Stamps:

1. 0:18 {A Biblical View of Immigration} What are some biblical thoughts surrounding the political issue of immigration?
2. 49:40 {Confessing Your Faith when Difficult} I'm a 30 y/o woman in SoCal, financially dependent on my Muslim parents. I've studied for years and I’m now feeling called to Christ. I fear being kicked out. Any advice on how to tell them I'm Christian?
3. 52:03 {Eternal Begottenness?} Should we hold to eternal begottenness of the Son which seems to suggest that the Son was caused? It seems orthodox, but wrong to say of God.
4. 56:13 {When Discipline turns to Drudgery} William Booth says, “We ought not consult feelings but do our duty.” How does that not then become drudgery? How do we be disciplined like Daniel, yet not mechanical?
5. 58:11 {Hosting Sinners in our Homes} Is 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 only for corporate gatherings or also for private gatherings such as family meals, etc.? Should Christians host professing Christian family members who are living in unrepentant sin?
6. 1:03:00 {Overcoming Difficult Addictions} I’ve tried SO many times trying to quit vaping. I’m starting to feel like a bad Christian. Any advice?
7. 1:04:51 {Contemplative Prayer} I'm curious about contemplative and listening prayer practices promoted in my church. Are they rooted in or influenced by Eastern mysticism or New Age ideologies?
8. 1:08:01 {Why Didn’t God Forbid Polygamy?} If verses like Exodus 21:10 aren't supporting polygamy but protecting women in a bad situation, why didn't God just outlaw polygamy outright? I agree with you, but don't know how to counter this argument.
9. 1:13:10 {Obeying our Conscience} Is Romans 14:23 about emotional doubt or intellectual doubt? For example, I'm mentally convinced that ham is OK to eat but I still doubt it emotionally. Which is my conscience to obey?
10. 1:17:21 {What is a Heart of Flesh?} What does giving us a heart of flesh mean, when flesh is usually negative?

If you want more info on this issue of immigration and the Bible, I recommend reading this very short book. It's also free. I am not saying I agree with everything in it but I think it's generally useful: Click Here

Analyzing Rob the Polygamy guy: Click Here

Showing how four polygamy proponents twist Scripture: Click Here

My video on why the death penalty is biblical and all nations should have one: Click Here

I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join.
To ask a question you'll need to follow these instructions:
1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera.
2. Post questions as comments in the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream.
3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment in the chat.
4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment.
5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.

When the NT quotes the Catholic Apocrypha: The Hebrews Series pt 3 (1:2-4) Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

You can't do this stuff on a Sunday morning, but I can do it here! Going deep on the Christology of Hebrews 1:2-4, the Catholic Apocryphal book The Wisdom of Solomon, and seeing the absolute glory of Jesus.

Links you may want: