Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:29 What are your upcoming plans and/or announcements for this coming year? 2. 12:04 You seemed to imply in a previous video that the dead can be aware of what happens on Earth. How do you reconcile that with Ecclesiastes 9:5, which says "the dead know nothing"? 3. 16:00 In Genesis 4, what is your take on why God was not pleased with Cain’s sacrifice? The text says he was a worker of the ground, and Abel was a cattle owner, so wouldn’t it make sense that Cain would give grain and Abel would give meat, since those were just their individual professions? 4. 21:02 If soul sleep isn't a thing, people who have been resurrected are essentially being snatched out of Paradise or Hell and put back into a body. Why would that be? 5. 23:34 Scripture is clear that we are sinful, but do Christians sin every second, minute, and hour? ~(Bonus Q) 26:51 I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and baptized as a kid, but not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How do I know what church to choose now, and who should baptize me? I’m afraid of being misled. 6. 30:57 In your video on Mark 11: 22-25 you talked about how important the Temple was for the Jews in regard to prayer. But didn't God hear the prayers of believers like Daniel without a temple? 7. 33:35 The other day my friend/future roommate, a Christian, told me he has pursued a gay lifestyle since March. Any advice on points to hit when he and I are able to talk again? 8. 37:28 Is it sinful to not want to marry? How do I know if I'm called to stay single? 9. 39:22 A lot of people like "happy church" where everything is "positive.” Thus, positivity and negativity become moral categories. What are the dangers of this approach? 10. 43:20 Who was the most notable old testament leader in your mind, and why? I am doing a study on biblical leadership and would love your response. 11. 44:10 Do you have any suggestions for someone who procrastinates on deeply studying the scriptures in fear of messing up? I want to study theological topics like eschatology, but fear I'll do it wrong. 12. 46:15 I have 100 Qs, but could you pray for me? I'm anxious about my salvation and fear often that I've blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Also, how can we be praying for you and your wife? 13. 49:15 If we can’t “lean on our own understanding” or trust in man or a group and there are many ways to interpret the Bible, how do we know whether we are following our heart or conscience? 14. 56:05 Does God actually love us unconditionally? Does He still love the people whose conscience He intentionally hardens, those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, and those who go to Hell? 15. 59:05 Ehrman says the word for “born again” in Aramaic doesn’t have the double meaning it has in Greek, thus the conversation couldn't have gone the way it is referred to in John 3. What is the solution? 16. 1:03:12 What practices in a party/wedding should be different for Christians vs. non-believers? Or what should one not practice as a Christian…drinking? Dancing? 17. 1:05:56 Do you think the apostles taught the doctrine of imminence? Could it have been possible for someone like Peter who knew he was going to die according to Jesus’ words? Can we believe it today? 18. 1:08:23 1 Corinthians 11: 10 states that the husband has authority over his wife, and Ephesians 5: 23 states the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church. Since Christ disciplines the Church, is there biblical grounds for wife discipline, and to what extend can a husband enforce his authority? 19. 1:13:20 How literally should we take what is said about Hell? Is it a literal place of fire, gnashing of teeth, etc., or is it metaphor? Is either interpretation wrong? 20. 1:14:37 My kids (2 & 4) received children's books on evolution from a family member for Christmas. How would you approach the situation of receiving the books and introducing children to other worldviews? My wife and I want to teach our children about worldviews other than Christianity and allow them to think about and respond to them. They will inevitably be introduced to evolution, etc. 1:16:23 Closing announcements and a bonus!
@@NewCreationInChrist896 Jeannette Parry 1 second ago @Lisa Love Ministries Do you mean what is often called "Contemplative prayer", including such practices as Lectio divina? These techniques originally came from the "Desert fathers" who learned them from Hindu, Buddhist and Sufi mystics, and is far from being Christian but more like New Age mysticism disguised as Christian prayer.. VERY dangerous.
I can't get enough of saying Thank you to pastor Mike and the whole Bible Thinker team. I've been a Christian for many years but, ever since i'm watching your channel (probably 6-7 months?!), Im realizing how ignorant I was on the beauty of Christianity. I am seeing serious changes in my life and a gain of trust in the Lord ever since I am following your teachings. Your humility and the way that you explain things with such clarity are gifts from God and I am inspired to see a man of God like you, rising up and using God's gifts with such efficiency! Happy new year!!!!
YES!! Please do that women's study. It is desperately needed and wanted. We want to know what God expects of us so we can please Him and bring Him glory!
Very excited to see more work on women's roles in the church! Normally when I hear someone teach on the issue, they're coming from a place of already having their mind made up. I think there's a lot to learn, and on both sides I've seen people use verses to suit their own opinions instead of learning from the scripture itself
I'm so looking forward to your planned teaching on women, expecting that It will be on a par with the thorough and thoroughly outstanding work you did on marriage. Go Mike!
Yep, I'd be 100% into focused, exhaustive, topical Biblical studies. Thank you for your great stewardship of the donations you've received. Your integrity, honesty and wisdom really stand out, Mike. Thank you for your ministry. Looking forward to your 2021 content! -Northern BC, Canada
Mike, I appreciate your wisdom, humility, and passion to get God’s truth into the hearts and minds of your listeners. The world needs more good and faithful servants like you.
The positive/negative stuff is also bad because it puts people under condemnation, I was told that all the problems and sickness in my family were caused by my negative thoughts, so it was also my fault. BUT I found that all the bad teaching I had when I was a new Christian was really positive! I had a sense in my spirit that something was wrong and it sent me to the Bible to study and check it out.
Me too! I’ve thought about this a lot, as a woman who has the gift of teaching. I want to be an apologist and I don’t think God would want me to hide my gift. I am just wondering where the line is between teaching and going too far into the role of a pastor.
@@kddd8234 If I have the opportunity to share the Gospel with a man, I don’t think God wants me to say, “So sorry! I can’t tell you because I’m a woman.” I’m commanded to preach the Gospel. Clearly I can’t be the pastor, but where is the line?
@@gigahorse1475 I don't know where the line is, but I thought that as a woman we could preach to other women and Bible study with other women. Pray with other women. But more than that the Bible says something different. But I do believe that we learn from each other. And should listen to other points of view. So that we can be shown the right path though Bible teaching.this may not sit well with some but the man is the head and the woman the neck . We do have to read the Bible it is God breathed and to go against the bits we don't like seems wrong.
Can’t wait to hear on the Women’s teaching! This is so needed and an area that I personally struggle to understand biblically. Thanks Mike for your ministry. It’s been so edifying for me.
Thank you for your answers about how fear of being wrong should not prevent, but motivate us to study scripture and to not despair about the seemingly endless ways to interpret some passages of the Bible. It reminded me of an interview with Liz Jackson on Capturing Christianity where she describes how there are two epistemic goals (1) to avoid falsehood (2) to attain truth. We must not sacrifice the goal of attaining truth for fear of being wrong because it is ultimately truth that sets us free. Thank you for continuing to drive this point home for me.
I came out of a spiritually abusive church and I thought you Mike were weak but I was compelled to listen to you still. It took time, and I ended up in another abusive church (this one was a hyper grace style church and the abuse was different so I didn't realize until last year) but I don't see you as weak any more 🤩 and that shows me I'm experiencing change, freedom, healing and victory. Thanks for all that you do!
HNY Pastor Mike and to Sarah and your team. Really enjoyed your Q&A to start 2021 (Jan 2nd in Australia). Looking forward to all you have to share in this exciting new year. Blessings ✝️🙏💟
Just want to thank you for your ministry. It has been a great blessing when I was faced with trials, doubt and temptation. May He who began a good work in you complete it.
It is funny that you read out that question from last week. I was born into JW family but I wasn't baptized. Today I decided that my goal for the year is to get baptized at some other church (I wondered which one! 😂)
@patisha1 First I want to say it wasn’t a coincidence we’re both here, because last week when Mike read that question I wondered if I should reach out to Tina. Then before I saw your comment, I felt like I really should watch this video- (even after a 12 hr work day) and then saw this question repeated lol. I’m thinking maybe God wanted us to connect. As for my denomination, I haven’t chosen one, and I’m not is the short answer 😊 I’m going to let God direct me to the church/place He believes I can grow or be grounded in. I got saved at the end of August 2020. It’s been less than 5 months and since then I’ve attended 5 churches. The first one is where I got baptized. The pastor is the first person God used to sit down with me and answer all my questions after I left JWs and before I was saved. It was an IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) church. The first 3 churches I attended all were. Now I wouldn’t recommend them bc they can be legalistic (only read KJV, only sing hymns, alcohol is an abomination, we are still under the tithing law (not principle) but Old Testament law, and a lot are cessationists, believing the gifts of the Spirit were only for when the Bible still was being written and not for today.) So the JW culture actually was just Knorr copying the Baptist’s. This could be why God led me there first because He knew I wouldn’t trust a more balanced church right out. But he has, personally, led me away from there. I visited one Calvary Chapel, which tend to be more moderate and the pastor and his wife were also so welcoming and sat with me as well to find out my story and just pray over me. The teaching was strong and I would say that I would try another Cavalry Chapel again, because similar to Mike Winger’s style, it was thorough teaching. I didn’t stay only because I felt led to the church I’m attending now. This is a large church, which I never thought I would attend. But I found a small group that also teaches well. You’ll find in bigger churches the small groups function more like the book study groups JWs used to have and this is where you’re fellowship is mostly. Some small groups are more about fellowship than teaching so you just have to discern where you need to be. All this is to say, God has taught me that unlike being a JW, you do not have to agree with everything that comes from the pulpit for it to be a sound church. That being said you don’t want to here things that are heretical, but the goal of church isn’t finding a leader to follow. The Holy “Spirit teaches you everything you need to know.” -1 John 2:27 NLT I have found that when some of my church friends gave me advice, and I listened (not bad advice) it worked better for me only after asking God if he agrees, and then taking action. Sometimes Pastor’s have told me things that weren’t bad, but just their perspective/opinion/tradition/or theological leaning, and God would reveal something different He wanted me to focus on/consider or just not want me to follow their advice in that area. Sometimes I’m in church and I’m not sure if what the Pastor said is right and I just silently ask God in my heart, “is this true?” So I do the same thing with churches (or buildings where the church, we the believers, attend ☺️) I always pray for direction first. I just say, “Father, I’m thinking of going here because of this and this, but I’m wary of that and that. Do you think this is a good place for me to attend for now?” I say for now, because I know God can lead me somewhere else so I don’t want my heart to get settled, unless he tells me to. So just being in the word, praying, and seeing what God shows you is how I would choose. If I have a preference, I tell Him and see what he thinks. The church I go to now, I felt like God was saying you’ll be encouraged here. Other churches he was saying, you can serve here. So God really does bless churches who disagree about secondary issues. The churches he has personally steered me clear of was a church with yoga, and one with too much political activism, as in making the Gospel about activism. Even though all the churches talked about politics. I would pay attention to where He gives you a clear no, of course. That being said, he has given me a lot of options. Going to church is an expression of your walk with God and your relationship with him. I look for churches that don’t take away from the full expression of who God is and allow me an opportunity to serve. Find out what is important to you and how you hear God calling as an individual to live out your walk with Him. This meant for me, as God is putting teaching on my heart, I know I need to get grounded in a place that has a ministry that would support this, or create it. Some churches are for a season, some are for a longer commitment. Don’t be in a rush, because I sure felt pressure to settle in one quick at first! Just let God lead you to a church home in his own timing. He will. This was a long answer, but I hope it was helpful.
Mike - great answer to my Q at 39:22. My brother is an associate pastor at a mega church following a Hillsong style (they even brought an ex-Hillsong member on staff) and my whole family is involved there. I used to go there many years ago but moved away for school before the church really took off. I’m really concerned by what I see in the church today (in general) but hearing from you and seeing that you at least “get it” gives me some hope. Keep up the good work!
Happy New Year to Mike, Sarah, and everyone else here. I am looking forward to growing and learning. 2020 was hard for so many reasons. But from my perspective it also provided a lot of reasons to have hope. At least for me. Regardless of what 2021 brings God is sovereign always.
Going back on these older Q&A sessions...they're great thanks Pastor....learning along the way Grace and peace to you ...yours and the Christian family. Gilly wife of Mark in Norfolk UK
Thanks for starting 2021 off right for us, Pastor Mike! You are such a blessing to so many - myself included! Praying for your ministry this year and for health for you and your wife as you serve the Lord together.
I love the idea of interviews involving disagreements!! I think the body of Christ (including myself) needs to improve in learning how to disagree in a respectful and loving way that doesn't compromise on truth.
You did an excellent job with the divorce study. I've already shared it many times and will continue. Praying for extraordinary Godly wisdom on your study of women in ministry. This is an incredibly important topic requiring careful, meticulous review. Counting on you and Holy Spirit guidance.
I'm a leaning calvanist and I am very ok with having my viewpoint challenged by Mike's teachings primarily because I'm convinced Mike longs for me (and others) to be compelled by scripture opposed to simply a biased view. He's a great teacher!
I was born into JW family, spend last few years looking for the truth in the New Age and now I am back to square one, trying to figure out what the Bible really says.
@@datchet11 I have been praying for true understanding for the last couple of months. I use NKJV and NLT mainly (and few other translations as additional resources). It's a journey but I am grateful the Lord reached out for me and pulled me out deception. JW aside, New Age is a huge problem and very pervasive nowdays (even among Christians).
@@patisha1 Best thing you can do is read your Bible for yourself and ask God every time to reveal Himself to you. Remember to put the Word into practice. I also suggest reading the Bible out loud whenever possible since faith come by hearing God’s Word. I trust David Pawson as a faithful Bible teacher. You can find his sermons on CZcams. Listen to his series on “The Normal Christian Birth” since you’re thinking of being baptized. It’s a great study - God bless you :)
Happy New Year Mike and Sarah!! Love the plans for 2021/22!! Love the way the Lord uses you to spread the good news, help us understand His word, educate us in so many ways and even offer free material/content!! Looking forward to your content on Women's role in ministry as I pray to fulfill my God-given role and draw nearer to the Lord this year. God bless you and your ministry!❤🙏🏼
Thanks Mike. Very informative and helpful. Your answers are insightful and I believe authentic. You say you don’t know it all and you may be wrong, which I think is an honest, truthful and balanced approach. I’ll look forward to your future shows and studies on important topics. Blessings to you and this ministry.
I’m praying for you that God will protect you and this ministry bcoz I think it’s the best thing we can do with modern technology. May he bless you for your good work.
Happy New Year, Mike! I just want to say that I very much appreciate all the work you do in getting into the truth of the Word and well as your positive spirit. Your channel is a breath of fresh air and I’m proud to be a supporter. God bless you and your family! ❤️
SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT IN DEPTH STUDYYYYY!!! This is something I've had a LOT of conversations with other ladies about, because I just don't know the answers. So so looking forward to this. And my birthday is in April 😉 happy birthday to me!
No Christian is right on everything all the time. Yes, we do need to show each other grace. If the basic tenets of the Faith are sound, we can call each other Brother and Sister. Love one another in 2021! Yahoo!
You’re right about learning to think biblically and have our own answers, that’s how this has helped me. As a result I don’t watch the QnA’s much. Still awesome though
On question number 16 about wedding practices, neither the garter nor bouquet tosses are necessary for the Christian. The practices started in order to avoid specific situations: the garter is supposed to represent the consummation of the marriage, thus preventing family and friends from following the newlyweds to their bedroom in order to wait/listen and ensure that the marriage was consummated; with the bouquet, it's representative of good luck, and throwing it is supposed to keep people from grabbing at her dress or flowers in order to obtain that "luck."
I think advertising on social media platforms is a GREAT way to do outreach!!! I don't think that's a waste of money at all!! I do this for our church and for another ministry and I believe it's one of the best ways to expand your reach and hopefully bless more people without taking any time or energy from you!
Mike, I just discovered your CZcams channel. I’ve been looking for more doctrinally sound teaching. It’s very easy to get caught up with only one or two teachers. What a joy and refreshing experience. I look forward to following you on your videos.
@Mike Winger Thank you Pastor Mike for your work and labour for the Kingdom of our God! So very appreciated. I have a question regarding James 5 and some of the Translation/interpretation of the end of it. I'm going to try to write in short sentences to shorten the question/point. Also, I believe in biblical healing and praying for the sick. It’s great. James 5:7-20 Appears to be an exhortation focused on the spiritual status of various believers. Verses 14-15 appear to shift a little to physical well being. Looking at the greek for the word used for “sick”, it is often used (by Paul) to describe a spiritual status - weak. Anointing with oil is often used to describe “refreshing” or cleansing. Also it says the Lord - WILL- “raise him up”. Seems to be an absolute. Also it says SINS will be forgiven him. When his sickness (if physical??) is “healed”. Also verse 16 seems to describe a “spiritual” healing - the confession of faults. Mainly this, if you read James 5: 14-15 with the idea sick means “Spiritually weak” it appears to fit the whole context really well. Could you tell me how they (translators) determine that the greek is speaking to the physical ailment of the body? I have no education in how translating works or languages. Just wondering what determines the usage of the word when it could appear to fit another meaning really well? Just want to understand. If anyone else knows the answer to this, I welcome any input. Bless you all -Matt.
I absolutely did not do that garter thing at my wedding and my husband was totally in agreement. I didn't even wear a garter and my husband was the one who brought up these awful "sexy" things and the fact that he absolutely did not want anything to do with it. His bachelor "party" was drinks with his father and some friends, a chat in a pub and my hen "party" was dinner in a restaurant with my mother, sisters and two female friends 🤷♀️
Wish you a very Happy New Year sir in Jesus. Looots of Love from India ❤️❤️❤️ I Just Love your Videos soooo much. Thank you for all. Waiting for ur next Lives nd Videos.
I had several blessings in 2020 I had cancer through the power God by pray in name of Jesus brought about brought by modern medicine by wonderful doctors!!!My family and friends if they were touched by Covid were healed be Jesus my state is Red state so economy is open so I praise the The Heavenly Father for that ! 🛐✝️✝️❤🇺🇲❤🇮🇱
The question on Cains offering. Remember God cursed the ground because as Adam's punishment. It's possible his offering was cursed as well because of this.
Happy New Year, brother! So sorry I missed this! Loved you singing at the end LOL Seriously though you are a really good singer/song writer I have heard your music before and am honestly surprised you never pursued that further. All glory to God though, because what you do now is far more edifying for the body. But, a song once in a while would still be awesome! God Bless you, Winger! :)
Hey, Mike, just wondering, do you have to get some exra sleep after those Q&A's? If I feel exhausted, I can only imagine what it's like for you. I really appreciate you,man.
SOOOO looking forward to your study on women. I REALLY hope you can spend some of it on 1 Corinthians 11 about head coverings...verse 10 is what gets me...because of the angels. I really would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this. Your teachings have really saved me from confusing and false teachings. Thanks you, God bless you and keep up the good work :)
Oh Mike, bless you. You didn't have to say much about your childhood for me to understand. And I'm sorry. I remember sitting in church even through my 20s and I'd see families sitting together, mum, dad, 2 kids. They'd be sitting all quiet and still and my instinctual reaction would be, those kids are scared to move, that man is pretending. He's a monster at home but he has his mask on for church. They are expert at it. It took me years to unthink that. It's still there a little bit. The sad thing is, it destroys their perception of God as a loving, trustworthy heavenly Father. Sometimes forever.
Men who have to assert their own headship over the household all the time and in public generally do not have it. What a miserable and insecure way to live if you feel the need to “discipline” your wife.
As to the question of Cain and Abel, can't you also infer from Genesis that Abel offered firstfruits vs. Cain offering just any grain he chose? (A foreshadowing of the Law to come)
I always looked at it as being a combo of blood sacrifice as directed by God (obviously He had to direct them in this somehow) and Cain saying his own works/sweat of his brow should be good enough for God.
Concerning the Caine and Abel story. It said that Abel gave his best lamb which means he gave his most prized possession knowing that God was going to provide for him the next day even more. That is faith. Caine sacrificed just his leftover grains. He hoarded and took the best for himself because he did not trust God and his provision and took himself as the one who needed to provide for him.
#2 It says Abel offers the best portion(fat), while Cain just brings some fruit not specifically the best or the worst. That seems to be the difference Abel in faith gives the best he has where Cain just gives.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 Introduction
1. 0:29 What are your upcoming plans and/or announcements for this coming year?
2. 12:04 You seemed to imply in a previous video that the dead can be aware of what happens on Earth. How do you reconcile that with Ecclesiastes 9:5, which says "the dead know nothing"?
3. 16:00 In Genesis 4, what is your take on why God was not pleased with Cain’s sacrifice? The text says he was a worker of the ground, and Abel was a cattle owner, so wouldn’t it make sense that Cain would give grain and Abel would give meat, since those were just their individual professions?
4. 21:02 If soul sleep isn't a thing, people who have been resurrected are essentially being snatched out of Paradise or Hell and put back into a body. Why would that be?
5. 23:34 Scripture is clear that we are sinful, but do Christians sin every second, minute, and hour?
~(Bonus Q) 26:51 I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and baptized as a kid, but not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How do I know what church to choose now, and who should baptize me? I’m afraid of being misled.
6. 30:57 In your video on Mark 11: 22-25 you talked about how important the Temple was for the Jews in regard to prayer. But didn't God hear the prayers of believers like Daniel without a temple?
7. 33:35 The other day my friend/future roommate, a Christian, told me he has pursued a gay lifestyle since March. Any advice on points to hit when he and I are able to talk again?
8. 37:28 Is it sinful to not want to marry? How do I know if I'm called to stay single?
9. 39:22 A lot of people like "happy church" where everything is "positive.” Thus, positivity and negativity become moral categories. What are the dangers of this approach?
10. 43:20 Who was the most notable old testament leader in your mind, and why? I am doing a study on biblical leadership and would love your response.
11. 44:10 Do you have any suggestions for someone who procrastinates on deeply studying the scriptures in fear of messing up? I want to study theological topics like eschatology, but fear I'll do it wrong.
12. 46:15 I have 100 Qs, but could you pray for me? I'm anxious about my salvation and fear often that I've blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Also, how can we be praying for you and your wife?
13. 49:15 If we can’t “lean on our own understanding” or trust in man or a group and there are many ways to interpret the Bible, how do we know whether we are following our heart or conscience?
14. 56:05 Does God actually love us unconditionally? Does He still love the people whose conscience He intentionally hardens, those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, and those who go to Hell?
15. 59:05 Ehrman says the word for “born again” in Aramaic doesn’t have the double meaning it has in Greek, thus the conversation couldn't have gone the way it is referred to in John 3. What is the solution?
16. 1:03:12 What practices in a party/wedding should be different for Christians vs. non-believers? Or what should one not practice as a Christian…drinking? Dancing?
17. 1:05:56 Do you think the apostles taught the doctrine of imminence? Could it have been possible for someone like Peter who knew he was going to die according to Jesus’ words? Can we believe it today?
18. 1:08:23 1 Corinthians 11: 10 states that the husband has authority over his wife, and Ephesians 5: 23 states the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church. Since Christ disciplines the Church, is there biblical grounds for wife discipline, and to what extend can a husband enforce his authority?
19. 1:13:20 How literally should we take what is said about Hell? Is it a literal place of fire, gnashing of teeth, etc., or is it metaphor? Is either interpretation wrong?
20. 1:14:37 My kids (2 & 4) received children's books on evolution from a family member for Christmas. How would you approach the situation of receiving the books and introducing children to other worldviews? My wife and I want to teach our children about worldviews other than Christianity and allow them to think about and respond to them. They will inevitably be introduced to evolution, etc.
1:16:23 Closing announcements and a bonus!
Nice job, Sarah!
@@kathleens.laroche754 Thanks! 💖
@@NewCreationInChrist896
Jeannette Parry
1 second ago
@Lisa Love Ministries Do you mean what is often called "Contemplative prayer", including such practices as Lectio divina? These techniques originally came from the "Desert fathers" who learned them from Hindu, Buddhist and Sufi mystics, and is far from being Christian but more like New Age mysticism disguised as Christian prayer.. VERY dangerous.
K
5) Develop a personal fellowship with Christ daily through spiritual disciplines to fellow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13 🕊Romans 6:11🛡
I can't get enough of saying Thank you to pastor Mike and the whole Bible Thinker team. I've been a Christian for many years but, ever since i'm watching your channel (probably 6-7 months?!), Im realizing how ignorant I was on the beauty of Christianity. I am seeing serious changes in my life and a gain of trust in the Lord ever since I am following your teachings. Your humility and the way that you explain things with such clarity are gifts from God and I am inspired to see a man of God like you, rising up and using God's gifts with such efficiency! Happy new year!!!!
Praise God!! That's so wonderful to hear, Krys. We're very glad to have you learning alongside of us! God bless you! ~BibleThinker Team
YES!! Please do that women's study. It is desperately needed and wanted. We want to know what God expects of us so we can please Him and bring Him glory!
Agree!
Did you manage to watch the whole series? He just finished it recently
To delay a project due to you recognizing your emotions is so very wise and shows true spiritual awareness and maturity
Very excited to see more work on women's roles in the church! Normally when I hear someone teach on the issue, they're coming from a place of already having their mind made up. I think there's a lot to learn, and on both sides I've seen people use verses to suit their own opinions instead of learning from the scripture itself
I'm so looking forward to your planned teaching on women, expecting that It will be on a par with the thorough and thoroughly outstanding work you did on marriage. Go Mike!
Yep, I'd be 100% into focused, exhaustive, topical Biblical studies. Thank you for your great stewardship of the donations you've received. Your integrity, honesty and wisdom really stand out, Mike. Thank you for your ministry. Looking forward to your 2021 content! -Northern BC, Canada
Mike, I appreciate your wisdom, humility, and passion to get God’s truth into the hearts and minds of your listeners. The world needs more good and faithful servants like you.
The positive/negative stuff is also bad because it puts people under condemnation, I was told that all the problems and sickness in my family were caused by my negative thoughts, so it was also my fault. BUT I found that all the bad teaching I had when I was a new Christian was really positive! I had a sense in my spirit that something was wrong and it sent me to the Bible to study and check it out.
Looking forward to the women in ministry topic!
Me too! I’ve thought about this a lot, as a woman who has the gift of teaching. I want to be an apologist and I don’t think God would want me to hide my gift. I am just wondering where the line is between teaching and going too far into the role of a pastor.
Women can teach other women just not men.. I am a woman.
@@kddd8234 If I have the opportunity to share the Gospel with a man, I don’t think God wants me to say, “So sorry! I can’t tell you because I’m a woman.” I’m commanded to preach the Gospel. Clearly I can’t be the pastor, but where is the line?
@@gigahorse1475 I don't know where the line is, but I thought that as a woman we could preach to other women and Bible study with other women. Pray with other women. But more than that the Bible says something different. But I do believe that we learn from each other. And should listen to other points of view. So that we can be shown the right path though Bible teaching.this may not sit well with some but the man is the head and the woman the neck . We do have to read the Bible it is God breathed and to go against the bits we don't like seems wrong.
@@gigahorse1475 also I meant preaching to the church not just evangelising.and you should be in pairs if you are out sharing the gospel.
Your sorry over your bitterness rising hit me hard. I’m so glad you made the wise decision. Thank you for your ministry.
Thank you pastor Mike for taking our questions!🛐✝️❤🇺🇲❤🇮🇱
That was the most beautiful husband/wife answer I think I’ve ever heard in 50 years of church! I wish every young couple could know this! Thank you!
I love the q and a’s!!! Keep them coming please!
Mike, I really resonate with your intentions and heart! May the Lord increase your influence and may the heart you have reach so many more people.
Yes! On the role of women. So needed and I have so many questions as a new believer
🤗 Welcome to the family 🎉
I’m excited for this, too!
YES, women in ministry .... great topic! Please do it!
Thank you for all you do pastor Mike - you have ministered greatly to my husband and I. Much love from Miami 🌴
“Maybe somebody needed this”
Listening on the cusp of 2023… “bonus question” 😂… needed this!! Found helpful ~ 26:51 to 30:40 spiritual leadership
mistrust of, humility, authenticity etc
Yes really looking forward to women in ministry! I would love more teaching on women and head covering! Love your channel!🙂❤️
Mike I’m so thankful for your ministry and for your complete authenticity!
Can’t wait to hear on the Women’s teaching! This is so needed and an area that I personally struggle to understand biblically. Thanks Mike for your ministry. It’s been so edifying for me.
Thank you for your answers about how fear of being wrong should not prevent, but motivate us to study scripture and to not despair about the seemingly endless ways to interpret some passages of the Bible. It reminded me of an interview with Liz Jackson on Capturing Christianity where she describes how there are two epistemic goals (1) to avoid falsehood (2) to attain truth. We must not sacrifice the goal of attaining truth for fear of being wrong because it is ultimately truth that sets us free. Thank you for continuing to drive this point home for me.
These were such good questions and thank you for answering them🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I came out of a spiritually abusive church and I thought you Mike were weak but I was compelled to listen to you still.
It took time, and I ended up in another abusive church (this one was a hyper grace style church and the abuse was different so I didn't realize until last year) but I don't see you as weak any more 🤩 and that shows me I'm experiencing change, freedom, healing and victory.
Thanks for all that you do!
What's the abuse like in a hyper grace church? Genuinely curious
HNY Pastor Mike and to Sarah and your team. Really enjoyed your Q&A to start 2021 (Jan 2nd in Australia). Looking forward to all you have to share in this exciting new year. Blessings ✝️🙏💟
Happy New Year, sister! 💖
Just want to thank you for your ministry. It has been a great blessing when I was faced with trials, doubt and temptation. May He who began a good work in you complete it.
It is funny that you read out that question from last week. I was born into JW family but I wasn't baptized. Today I decided that my goal for the year is to get baptized at some other church (I wondered which one! 😂)
@patisha1 I’m an ExJW. I just got baptized in September. Welcome to the real truth! ☺️
@@martine5480 what denomination/church did you go for?
@patisha1 First I want to say it wasn’t a coincidence we’re both here, because last week when Mike read that question I wondered if I should reach out to Tina. Then before I saw your comment, I felt like I really should watch this video- (even after a 12 hr work day) and then saw this question repeated lol. I’m thinking maybe God wanted us to connect.
As for my denomination, I haven’t chosen one, and I’m not is the short answer 😊 I’m going to let God direct me to the church/place He believes I can grow or be grounded in. I got saved at the end of August 2020. It’s been less than 5 months and since then I’ve attended 5 churches.
The first one is where I got baptized. The pastor is the first person God used to sit down with me and answer all my questions after I left JWs and before I was saved. It was an IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) church. The first 3 churches I attended all were. Now I wouldn’t recommend them bc they can be legalistic (only read KJV, only sing hymns, alcohol is an abomination, we are still under the tithing law (not principle) but Old Testament law, and a lot are cessationists, believing the gifts of the Spirit were only for when the Bible still was being written and not for today.) So the JW culture actually was just Knorr copying the Baptist’s. This could be why God led me there first because He knew I wouldn’t trust a more balanced church right out. But he has, personally, led me away from there.
I visited one Calvary Chapel, which tend to be more moderate and the pastor and his wife were also so welcoming and sat with me as well to find out my story and just pray over me. The teaching was strong and I would say that I would try another Cavalry Chapel again, because similar to Mike Winger’s style, it was thorough teaching. I didn’t stay only because I felt led to the church I’m attending now.
This is a large church, which I never thought I would attend. But I found a small group that also teaches well. You’ll find in bigger churches the small groups function more like the book study groups JWs used to have and this is where you’re fellowship is mostly. Some small groups are more about fellowship than teaching so you just have to discern where you need to be.
All this is to say, God has taught me that unlike being a JW, you do not have to agree with everything that comes from the pulpit for it to be a sound church. That being said you don’t want to here things that are heretical, but the goal of church isn’t finding a leader to follow. The Holy “Spirit teaches you everything you need to know.” -1 John 2:27 NLT
I have found that when some of my church friends gave me advice, and I listened (not bad advice) it worked better for me only after asking God if he agrees, and then taking action. Sometimes Pastor’s have told me things that weren’t bad, but just their perspective/opinion/tradition/or theological leaning, and God would reveal something different He wanted me to focus on/consider or just not want me to follow their advice in that area. Sometimes I’m in church and I’m not sure if what the Pastor said is right and I just silently ask God in my heart, “is this true?”
So I do the same thing with churches (or buildings where the church, we the believers, attend ☺️) I always pray for direction first. I just say, “Father, I’m thinking of going here because of this and this, but I’m wary of that and that. Do you think this is a good place for me to attend for now?” I say for now, because I know God can lead me somewhere else so I don’t want my heart to get settled, unless he tells me to.
So just being in the word, praying, and seeing what God shows you is how I would choose. If I have a preference, I tell Him and see what he thinks. The church I go to now, I felt like God was saying you’ll be encouraged here. Other churches he was saying, you can serve here. So God really does bless churches who disagree about secondary issues.
The churches he has personally steered me clear of was a church with yoga, and one with too much political activism, as in making the Gospel about activism. Even though all the churches talked about politics. I would pay attention to where He gives you a clear no, of course. That being said, he has given me a lot of options. Going to church is an expression of your walk with God and your relationship with him. I look for churches that don’t take away from the full expression of who God is and allow me an opportunity to serve.
Find out what is important to you and how you hear God calling as an individual to live out your walk with Him. This meant for me, as God is putting teaching on my heart, I know I need to get grounded in a place that has a ministry that would support this, or create it.
Some churches are for a season, some are for a longer commitment. Don’t be in a rush, because I sure felt pressure to settle in one quick at first! Just let God lead you to a church home in his own timing. He will. This was a long answer, but I hope it was helpful.
Mike - great answer to my Q at 39:22. My brother is an associate pastor at a mega church following a Hillsong style (they even brought an ex-Hillsong member on staff) and my whole family is involved there. I used to go there many years ago but moved away for school before the church really took off. I’m really concerned by what I see in the church today (in general) but hearing from you and seeing that you at least “get it” gives me some hope. Keep up the good work!
I can’t wait for the new content!
That mess up... thank you. I needed those words 2 years later. Thank you Mike.
Nice jam session at the end lol 😂
I know! More jam sessions please, @Mike Winger.
Happy New Year to Mike, Sarah, and everyone else here. I am looking forward to growing and learning. 2020 was hard for so many reasons. But from my perspective it also provided a lot of reasons to have hope. At least for me. Regardless of what 2021 brings God is sovereign always.
I just wanted to thank you so much for your videos Mike. Humility and wisdom are always in your videos.
Thanks again
Going back on these older Q&A sessions...they're great thanks Pastor....learning along the way Grace and peace to you ...yours and the Christian family.
Gilly wife of Mark in Norfolk UK
Non teacher Mike at the end is awesome!
tbh i really really want to keep getting your teaching regularly!! it has helped so much!!!
“Not studying doesn’t protect you” great answer!
Thanks for starting 2021 off right for us, Pastor Mike! You are such a blessing to so many - myself included! Praying for your ministry this year and for health for you and your wife as you serve the Lord together.
This is so exciting. This ministry has equipped and helped me so much since I discovered it. I'm so glad to hear you're expanding in 2021!
Thanks brother Mike, God bless you man. 🌹🕊☺️🙏🏼
I love the idea of interviews involving disagreements!! I think the body of Christ (including myself) needs to improve in learning how to disagree in a respectful and loving way that doesn't compromise on truth.
Nice to see in 2021 Pst Mike, God bless!@
I hardly ever listen to Talks that are over an hour! This was great! Thanks💕
Wow that Stater Brothers line was so nostalgic for me. Used to sing that all the time with my little sister to make ourselves laugh 🤣
Love you brother... thanks for all you do for Gods Church. Happy New Year.
One door is closing. A new adventure opening to see what the Good Lord has for all of us.
You did an excellent job with the divorce study. I've already shared it many times and will continue. Praying for extraordinary Godly wisdom on your study of women in ministry. This is an incredibly important topic requiring careful, meticulous review. Counting on you and Holy Spirit guidance.
Thank you and God bless you! More guitar please:)
Happy New Year. I just found this channel, sounds very promising amongst what's available out there. I like your measured style.
@@datchet11 Amén to that!
I'm a leaning calvanist and I am very ok with having my viewpoint challenged by Mike's teachings primarily because I'm convinced Mike longs for me (and others) to be compelled by scripture opposed to simply a biased view. He's a great teacher!
I was born into JW family, spend last few years looking for the truth in the New Age and now I am back to square one, trying to figure out what the Bible really says.
@@datchet11 I have been praying for true understanding for the last couple of months. I use NKJV and NLT mainly (and few other translations as additional resources). It's a journey but I am grateful the Lord reached out for me and pulled me out deception. JW aside, New Age is a huge problem and very pervasive nowdays (even among Christians).
@@patisha1 Best thing you can do is read your Bible for yourself and ask God every time to reveal Himself to you. Remember to put the Word into practice. I also suggest reading the Bible out loud whenever possible since faith come by hearing God’s Word.
I trust David Pawson as a faithful Bible teacher. You can find his sermons on CZcams. Listen to his series on “The Normal Christian Birth” since you’re thinking of being baptized. It’s a great study - God bless you :)
I truly believe your content on instagram would be a great idea and absolutely necessary! Thank you for your ministry
Happy New Year Mike and Sarah!! Love the plans for 2021/22!! Love the way the Lord uses you to spread the good news, help us understand His word, educate us in so many ways and even offer free material/content!! Looking forward to your content on Women's role in ministry as I pray to fulfill my God-given role and draw nearer to the Lord this year. God bless you and your ministry!❤🙏🏼
Thanks Mike. Very informative and helpful. Your answers are insightful and I believe authentic. You say you don’t know it all and you may be wrong, which I think is an honest, truthful and balanced approach. I’ll look forward to your future shows and studies on important topics. Blessings to you and this ministry.
Women and their roles...YES! So looking forward to that.
@Phelebas hey! Thanks for catching that🙂
Would love to see a conversation between you and Tim Mackie.
me too hey, that would be awesome. I love Tim too.
Or Matt Dillahunty.
Yes please.
@@Rambling-Thomas He did a debate with Matt
@@JB-ti7bl Mad Dillsauce
Even the most Biblically astute among sometimes can not see the forest for the trees .
I’m praying for you that God will protect you and this ministry bcoz I think it’s the best thing we can do with modern technology. May he bless you for your good work.
Happy New Year, Mike! I just want to say that I very much appreciate all the work you do in getting into the truth of the Word and well as your positive spirit. Your channel is a breath of fresh air and I’m proud to be a supporter. God bless you and your family! ❤️
SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT IN DEPTH STUDYYYYY!!! This is something I've had a LOT of conversations with other ladies about, because I just don't know the answers. So so looking forward to this. And my birthday is in April 😉 happy birthday to me!
❤️ I love your approach. You are an awesome light for the Lord
Dude i love your Q&A stuff man. You've helped me out a lot. Lol I'm just hard headed and don't apply sometimes but thank God for you guys.
No Christian is right on everything all the time. Yes, we do need to show each other grace. If the basic tenets of the Faith are sound, we can call each other Brother and Sister. Love one another in 2021! Yahoo!
Yes, please do an episode about whether Jesus and disciples spoke Greek.
You’re right about learning to think biblically and have our own answers, that’s how this has helped me. As a result I don’t watch the QnA’s much. Still awesome though
On question number 16 about wedding practices, neither the garter nor bouquet tosses are necessary for the Christian. The practices started in order to avoid specific situations: the garter is supposed to represent the consummation of the marriage, thus preventing family and friends from following the newlyweds to their bedroom in order to wait/listen and ensure that the marriage was consummated; with the bouquet, it's representative of good luck, and throwing it is supposed to keep people from grabbing at her dress or flowers in order to obtain that "luck."
Seek God’s will daily.
Mark 16:15
Romans 10:14-15📣
God bless your 2021. I’m looking forward to your search engine. I’ve got so many questions.
Excited for the women’s roles in the church study!!!
Mike you should make a video of all the the things youve changed your mind on along the way of apologetics.
AHHH I am SO excited for the women one! Been so confused about this topic😅
I've always wondered what, if anything, was on your guitar! I've thought it was just a light reflection!
I did, too 😅
I think advertising on social media platforms is a GREAT way to do outreach!!! I don't think that's a waste of money at all!! I do this for our church and for another ministry and I believe it's one of the best ways to expand your reach and hopefully bless more people without taking any time or energy from you!
I think we have learned that your ideas are dynamic, Mike. You respond to what is needed and that is good
So looking forward to the woman’s study 😊
Mike, I just discovered your CZcams channel. I’ve been looking for more doctrinally sound teaching. It’s very easy to get caught up with only one or two teachers. What a joy and refreshing experience. I look forward to following you on your videos.
Love you MW your the best❤
@Mike Winger
Thank you Pastor Mike for your work and labour for the Kingdom of our God! So very appreciated.
I have a question regarding James 5 and some of the Translation/interpretation of the end of it. I'm going to try to write in short sentences to shorten the question/point.
Also, I believe in biblical healing and praying for the sick. It’s great.
James 5:7-20 Appears to be an exhortation focused on the spiritual status of various believers.
Verses 14-15 appear to shift a little to physical well being.
Looking at the greek for the word used for “sick”, it is often used (by Paul) to describe a spiritual status - weak.
Anointing with oil is often used to describe “refreshing” or cleansing.
Also it says the Lord - WILL- “raise him up”. Seems to be an absolute.
Also it says SINS will be forgiven him. When his sickness (if physical??) is “healed”.
Also verse 16 seems to describe a “spiritual” healing - the confession of faults.
Mainly this, if you read James 5: 14-15 with the idea sick means “Spiritually weak” it appears to fit the whole context really well.
Could you tell me how they (translators) determine that the greek is speaking to the physical ailment of the body?
I have no education in how translating works or languages. Just wondering what determines the usage of the word when it could appear to fit another meaning really well?
Just want to understand. If anyone else knows the answer to this, I welcome any input.
Bless you all -Matt.
Awesome show Ps Mike. Love your show.
Thank you for all that you do! I just subscribed to your channel today! Love your preaching and interviews!
if there is no sorrow in heaven, then looking back to earth that is full of sorrow ,wouldn't that bring sorrow to heaven
I absolutely did not do that garter thing at my wedding and my husband was totally in agreement. I didn't even wear a garter and my husband was the one who brought up these awful "sexy" things and the fact that he absolutely did not want anything to do with it. His bachelor "party" was drinks with his father and some friends, a chat in a pub and my hen "party" was dinner in a restaurant with my mother, sisters and two female friends 🤷♀️
Yes please on women teaching and roles!
Wish you a very Happy New Year sir in Jesus. Looots of Love from India ❤️❤️❤️
I Just Love your Videos soooo much. Thank you for all. Waiting for ur next Lives nd Videos.
I had several blessings in 2020 I had cancer through the power God by pray in name of Jesus brought about brought by modern medicine by wonderful doctors!!!My family and friends if they were touched by Covid were healed be Jesus my state is Red state so economy is open so I praise the The Heavenly Father for that ! 🛐✝️✝️❤🇺🇲❤🇮🇱
I appreciate these videos so much. They have helped me so much recently. Thank you 🙏
The question on Cains offering. Remember God cursed the ground because as Adam's punishment. It's possible his offering was cursed as well because of this.
Happy new year pastor Mike!
May God bless you and your ministry in it ✊🙏👆
Happy Year 2021!!!
Mike like theme: 'Women in Ministry topic.'
Happy New Year, brother! So sorry I missed this! Loved you singing at the end LOL Seriously though you are a really good singer/song writer I have heard your music before and am honestly surprised you never pursued that further. All glory to God though, because what you do now is far more edifying for the body. But, a song once in a while would still be awesome! God Bless you, Winger! :)
Hey, Mike, just wondering, do you have to get some exra sleep after those Q&A's? If I feel exhausted, I can only imagine what it's like for you. I really appreciate you,man.
Thanks Mike loved it as always!
SOOOO looking forward to your study on women. I REALLY hope you can spend some of it on 1 Corinthians 11 about head coverings...verse 10 is what gets me...because of the angels. I really would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this. Your teachings have really saved me from confusing and false teachings. Thanks you, God bless you and keep up the good work :)
Good stuff Mike. Truly enjoyed it!
Oh Mike, bless you. You didn't have to say much about your childhood for me to understand. And I'm sorry. I remember sitting in church even through my 20s and I'd see families sitting together, mum, dad, 2 kids. They'd be sitting all quiet and still and my instinctual reaction would be, those kids are scared to move, that man is pretending. He's a monster at home but he has his mask on for church. They are expert at it. It took me years to unthink that. It's still there a little bit.
The sad thing is, it destroys their perception of God as a loving, trustworthy heavenly Father. Sometimes forever.
Men who have to assert their own headship over the household all the time and in public generally do not have it. What a miserable and insecure way to live if you feel the need to “discipline” your wife.
Some men: You’re telling me that I need to not discipline my wife? Sissy.
Mike: Fight me *slaps them with Bible*
Question on submission: Amen! Spot on!....
As to the question of Cain and Abel, can't you also infer from Genesis that Abel offered firstfruits vs. Cain offering just any grain he chose? (A foreshadowing of the Law to come)
Thats what I was thinking.
I always looked at it as being a combo of blood sacrifice as directed by God (obviously He had to direct them in this somehow) and Cain saying his own works/sweat of his brow should be good enough for God.
That's what I've always thought, Janet.
Concerning the Caine and Abel story. It said that Abel gave his best lamb which means he gave his most prized possession knowing that God was going to provide for him the next day even more. That is faith. Caine sacrificed just his leftover grains. He hoarded and took the best for himself because he did not trust God and his provision and took himself as the one who needed to provide for him.
#2 It says Abel offers the best portion(fat), while Cain just brings some fruit not specifically the best or the worst. That seems to be the difference Abel in faith gives the best he has where Cain just gives.