Articles by BibleThinker

I plan to post a very edited version of the Joel Osteen review video in about 3 months. It will only use a small portion of his original video and it will be uploaded after my copyright strike has faded off my record with YouTube. The edited down version will just consist of every time that Joel quoted the Bible. Unfortunately, he distorted the meaning of the Bible every time, except once, in the “Let it Go” sermon.
My website:https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 – Intro1. 0:09 {Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?} Following a tragedy, people will often say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected,” which is often followed by angry or mocking non-believer comments such as, “Your prayers clearly aren’t working. Do something that will actually help like changing the laws.” What are some proper, biblical ways to respond to that sort of position?2. 10:02 {How Creative Can Worship Be in Church?} I would like your views on flag waving (as the Lord is my banner), dancing, and body painting as part of “creative worship” in church. When I questioned these things, Zechariah 1: 20-21 was quoted to me. Since creativity is inspired by God, am I being overly cautious and resisting change which is from God?3. 18:02 {Can Legalism be Spiritually Abusive?} Our pastor and denomination as a whole requires that any women serving (even volunteers) must only wear skirts, and that only the KJV is God’s Word (every other version is a “perversion”) and requires tithing. Are these things spiritual abuse?4. 25:25 {Does Scripture talk about Sex Slaves?} What’s your advice on how to approach numbers 31:15-18 (the passage about sex slaves)?5. 32:58 {Discerning God’s Will and Calling} How do I know if I’m called to preach? My family depends on my income, and I don’t want to unwisely step into anything against God’s will, but I feel I must evangelize much more than I can now.6. 38:15 {Why is Deborah not Mentioned in Hebrews 11?} I’ve appreciated your Women in Ministry series so much. Regarding Deborah, why do you suppose her name is not mentioned with the other 4 Judges in Hebrews 11: 32, but Barak is mentioned?7. 40:25 {How to Biblically Choose Who to Date?} How should mental health issues affect dating for Christians (both one’s own issues and a spouse candidate’s potential issues)? Overall, what things should be considered when choosing to start dating?8. 43:41 {What are the “Best Spiritual Gifts”?} What do you think Paul is referring to in 1 Corinthians 12: 31 when he says to desire “the best gifts”?9. 48:23 {Are Anti-Abortion Laws Biblical?} Is it biblical to make abortion unavailable to others by law? Or is it better to support organizations like Mom’s House who help single moms with having a baby?10. 52:02 {Did Adam & Eve’s Offspring Commit Incest?} Does Genesis lead us to believe that if every person came from Adam, then there was incest between Adam and Eve’s offspring to create mankind?11. 56:26 {Can we Only Have Belief through the Spirit?} “Only by the Spirit can one believe” … Can this be considered gaslighting unbelievers and a way of compensating for a lack of enough evidence? Please help my pain, I’m struggling.12. 1:00:58 {Tips for Ministering to Youth at Camp} Youth camp is in two weeks. Suggestions for ministering to teenagers?13. 1:04:01 {Why does Satan Tempt Believers?} Why does the devil bother to tempt people to sin if they are already saved? What’s the gain for him?14. 1:05:48 {What do we Make “Our Own” In Phil. 3?} In Philippians 3: 12, what is Paul referring to when he says “…I press on to make it my own”? Make what his own? Help me. I am really confused.15. 1:10:04 {Rapture vs. Second Coming?} Do you think the rapture and the second coming could be different events? I have heard some Christians suggest this, explaining how the rapture will come before the tribulation.16. 1:14:44 {Should We Close Our Eyes & Bow While Praying?} I was wondering, is it biblical to close your eyes and bow your head while you pray, or is that a tradition that has been made up over time?17. 1:18:27 {Does Infant Salvation Conflict w/Original Sin?} How can we believe in the doctr

After years of being a bit confused about the topic of women in ministry, I set out to spend months researching the topic in great detail to produce this exhaustive teaching series on the topic. In today’s teaching we will cover several topics that, to be honest, I didn’t really think much about as a complementarian. These egalitarian arguments really do challenge some complementarians ideas in a good way. Though I can’t agree with them all the way through.

1) Was Jesus training women to be rabbis/teachers?2) Does the fact that women were persecuted imply that they were in leadership?3) What about the egalitarian argument that men and women both can have the gifts of teaching or leadership? If women are gifted in those areas, can’t they express those gifts in the biblical role of elder?4) The Bible clearly indicates that all believers are priests. Does this mean that women, who are also priests in Christ, can be elders? And does this challenge the idea that a man is the priest of his home?5) If women in the NT times freely prophesied at church gatherings, to mixed sex audiences, why can’t they teach in that same context? Doesn’t prophecy involve an element of teaching?

CLICK HERE for the playlist of ALL the videos in this series (more will be added as I make them).
CLICK HERE for John MacArthur’s paper, which I referenced in today’s video.
You can also find more videos freely available on my website:https://BibleThinker.org

Time Stamp Guide:

0:00 – Intro

7:12 Persecuted women = women leaders
17:50 Jesus trained women to be rabbis
28:23 If NT women are priests, they can be elders, too
59:35 Women prophets = women elders
1:33:38 Spiritual gifts in women means they can teach and lead2:08:53 Today’s conclusion and summary

0:00 – Intro

0:49 {Conviction vs. Condemnation} Can you help me process the difference between “conviction” and “condemnation”? I know it’s right to feel sorry when I sin, but where’s the fine line between that feeling and allowing my guilt to cripple me and make me feel like a failure who is unclean before God?
14:09 {Thoughts about IVF} What are your thoughts about IVF? I’ve been battling infertility for a few years, but I’m concerned about whether IVF is biblically acceptable, especially about discarding the extra embryos. Is it equal to abortion to discard the embryos even if we can’t guarantee they will grow if planted in the womb?
18:32 {Did the Father Turn His Face Away?} Did the Father really turn His face away from Jesus on the cross?
24:27 {About the Witness in John 8} In John 8:13-19, Jesus testifies that the Father is His witness. Given the emphasis on 2 witnesses in the Law, why did He not mention the Holy Spirit in this point? The absence is conspicuous.
31:06 {Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?} What does the Bible say about ministries that raise money using raffles, lotteries, or giveaways? Would you give money to them? They appeal to my (and presumably others’) carnality. Is this sinful?
37:01 {The Trinity: Can We Ever be 100% Certain?} I’ve been fighting doubts and “what ifs” about the Trinity lately, and though I’m confident in the answers I’ve gotten, I fear I’ll never be certain about it again. Any advice?
45:02 {Help Understanding Gossip} I’ve been confused about what type of talk is considered “gossip.” I don’t want to be doing it, but sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if it’s gossip or not. How do I tell what is and isn’t gossip?
49:32 {Are there Differing Accounts of Who Saw Jesus?} How should we explain the differing accounts of people who saw Jesus after He rose? Some verses say women saw Him first, and others say men.
52:04 {Is it Biblical to Spank Children?} Is it biblical for parents to spank their children? Does it model Christian character? Any advice for parents on how to biblically discipline their children, especially young children (around 2 years old)?
57:47 {About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13} Is Matthew 13:44-46 about us finding salvation in Jesus, OR is it about Jesus giving all for us? Is the treasure/pearl our salvation in Jesus? Or is it our value to Him?
1:02:38 {Wisdom in Applying for Ministry Jobs} I’m pursuing a degree in religion, and considering looking for ministry jobs. Is it right of me to apply for ministry jobs I might not be qualified for and trust the church to make a good decision?
1:04:13 {Clarifying a Confusing Verse} What’s your opinion on Genesis 3:16? ESV says “contrary to” and other translations say “for.” It can’t be both, can it? I’m so confused by it.
1:09:39 {Did God Command Balaam & then Become Upset?} Why does God get angry with Balaam in Numbers 22:20-22 for going when it seems He just told him to go in verse 20?
1:16:01 {About Repentance & Rebuke} Can you talk about Luke 17:3? Should you rebuke someone after they repent?
1:19:23 {Does God Only Speak through Scripture?} Does God still speak to us? I have heard it said that if you want to hear God speak, read your Bible; and if you want to hear Him speak audibly, read the Bible out loud. I believe God does still speak, but I’m conflicted.
1:25:43 {Why is Transgender Surgery Wrong?} If Christian work is restorative: healing the sick, clothing the naked, etc. to create “foretastes” of Heaven, then why is transgender surgery wrong? Isn’t that also restorative/fixing disorder?
1:31:53 {About Prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel} A Muslim asked: “Why did the

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:0:00 – Intro1. 0:25 {Do we Need Religion to have Morals?} How would you respond to this statement?: “You don’t need religion to have morals. If you can’t determine right from wrong, then you lack empathy, not religion.” 2. 6:19 {Can we be Sure of the Resurrection?} In Acts 25: 20, if Festus and Agrippa can’t be sure of the resurrection claim, how can we be sure now?3. 12:23 {Comments on Reincarnation/Simpsons’ Prophecies?} Do you have any suggestions to help a believer of reincarnation? Ex: Ryan Hammons has 55 verified statements about having a past life. Also, Bible prophecies mean nothing since The Simpsons have predicted the future many times.4. 16:38 {Was I Really Saved in the Past?} Was I ever really saved and had a relationship with Christ if I left heterosexuality and embraced my same sex attraction and married my wife?5. 20:46 {Resolving a “Contradiction”} Does Ezekiel 18: 20 contradict the stoning of Achan and his family in Joshua 7: 24-26 (the idea of original sin passed down through Adam) and 2 Samuel 12: 13-15?6. 29:59 {Do we “Just Believe” to be Saved?} To be saved, all we need to do is believe? Like how I believed that Santa was real when I was younger? Or is there more to this belief?7. 33:19 {How are Miracles Proof if Satan Can Also Do Them?} One of the proofs you’ve put forward that the Bible is from God is miracles and prophecy. If we see that Satan is also able to do miracles, like Pharaoh’s magicians, then why are those things proof it’s from God?8. 36:53 {Can an Infinite God relate to Finite Creation?} How can an infinite God relate to a finite creation? Compared to infinity, our world’s age is nothing, be it 10,000 years or billions. Same with the size of universe.9. 39:44 {Could God Exist but Not be Perfectly Good?} Atheist here. What stops a supernatural but not perfectly good being from being the author of the miracles in the Bible, especially when you already accept the existence of supernatural beings?10. 43:57 {Does Creating Time Require Time?} An atheist posited this question: If God created time, doesn’t that require time, to create time?11. 46:09 {Is a Belief in God an Attempt to Personalize the Impersonal?} An atheist claims: “Belief in God is what happens when social brains try to explain an impersonal universe. Personal explanations for impersonal events fail to deal with logic of uncertainty.” Any help?12. 51:38 {How can Jesus be Sinless if “Unclean” at Times?} My professor brought up this question and I need to know your opinion. According to Hebrew Scripture, anything not of God’s perfect eschatological view is sin (human excretion, etc.). So how can we say Jesus is sinless?13. 54:46 {Should Mormons Celebrate Christmas and Easter?} As a Mormon, since you’d consider us non-Christian, should we be allowed to celebrate Christmas or Easter?14. 57:29 {Why Christianity vs. Other Religions?} Why should a person be Christian over another monotheistic religion which claims to be the truth, such as Islam?15. 1:01:55 {Why does God Allow Children to have Cancer?} Why does God allow children to get cancer and other terminal illnesses?16. 1:08:07 {Why Didn’t God Show Sodom Miracles?} In Matthew 11: 23-24, Jesus says that Sodom would have been saved if they had seen His miracles. Why, then, didn’t God perform miracles so that they would believe? Doesn’t He want everyone to be saved?17. 1:14:43 {If God Doesn’t Change, Why do His Rules?} From a non-Christian friend: If God doesn’t change over time, how come He commands Jews not to eat certain foods in the Old Testament, but deems them OK in the New Testament?18. 1:17:46 {Can God Give Commands when He Forced us to Exist?} Is it fair for God to demand our everything when we are f

I spent months researching the topic of women in ministry so that I could present you with this exhaustive analysis of everything the Bible says about it.

Was Mary Magdalene “an apostle to the apostles” as NT Wright claims?Was Junia an apostle, as a consensus of NT scholars believe?If so, what kind of apostle was she and does that mean that women can be elders, too?

The basic view of the egalitarians (who see no role differences for men and women regarding leadership in the church) is that women were in the highest possible realm of leadership in the NT since some of them were apostles. They conclude that this means women can be in any leadership role, including pastor or elder.

The basic view of the complementarians (who say that the role of elder is preserved for men) is that women were either not apostles at all or that they only were in the sense of being missionaries. Some say this means that in a period of church planting a woman can have a transitory role of authority and teaching over men but that the permanent role of elder is reserved for men. Others say that even though they were missionaries it is reasonable to think that they had different roles than male missionaries in their work.

As always, we will be going deep.
Here are my notes from this study. If you’re looking to check my references, here’s where you will find them:https://biblethinker.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/5-Women-apostles-2.docx
CLICK HERE for Burer and Wallace’s paper from 2001 on why Junia is not an apostle.

Richard Bauckham’s response is on pages 192-200 (Kindle edition) of Gospel Women: Studies of Named Women in the Gospels.

CLICK HERE for Burer’s response to critics. He gives a ton more evidence for his position that Junia was well known to the apostles but not one of them. I really hope more scholars will interact with this paper.

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

You can also find more videos freely available on my website:www.biblethinker.org

1. 1:33 {How to Respectfully Correct our Husbands} As a Christian wife, what are some principles I can apply in order to respectfully and lovingly offer my husband correction when needed? 2. 10:27 {Can we Trust what Moses Wrote?} Besides simply “the Bible says so” and biblical figures certifying them, how do we trust revelations that what Moses wrote of others’ lives and/or words (all of Genesis) are things those people actually said/happened?3. 17:23 {Should I Get Re-Baptized?} If I was baptized as a teen and “messed up” a bunch, even not going to church as I should, should I get re-baptized after “coming to my senses” and trying to live for God again?4. 21:41 {Responding to Others about Divorce} How do you handle Christians who don’t believe that your divorce was biblical? He was a narcissist/sociopath who convinced them before he died that I was the problem, and my children won’t speak to me.5. 24:33 {Wisdom for Young Marrieds} Do you have any advice or mistakes to avoid for a young marriage?6. 31:14 {Struggling with Repeated Sin} There are sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6 that seem to send people to Hell. I struggle often with gluttony and anger. I repent, but I fall back into it often. What’s the difference?7. 38:41 {How to Interpret Proverbs} Verses in Proverbs often seem like unrelated thoughts. Their vague quality makes it hard to know how to interpret them correctly. How do you determine the context of these verses?8. 46:10 {Can Christians Work for Secular Businesses?} Should Christians work for businesses that include agendas promoting sin (like Disney)? It has a diverse product but sinful ideas are included. How do we make sure we’re not being unequally yoked in non-marital situations?9. 50:57 {Should we Command People to be Healed?} Should we command for someone to be healed, or ask God for someone to be healed (Acts 3:6)? Do we have the very same authority of the Apostles to perform miracles (Mark 16: 17-18)?10. 59:04 {Are the Beatitudes Eschatological?} Can it be said that the Beatitudes are eschatological? I’ve heard that the word “blessed” can be better translated as “blissful” in them.11. 1:03:05 {Speaking the Truth in Love – Abortion} How do we discuss abortion in a way that doesn’t push people away from the Gospel? Despite being very careful to speak up with gentleness, I’m still getting accused of being hateful, and blocked.12. 1:05:41 {Bearing with One Another’s Conscience} The Bible says to bear with brethren of weaker faith. If instrumental music is a liberty, shouldn’t we bear with those who believe a cappella is the right way and not use instruments?13. 1:08:13 {About Pastors Purchasing Sermons} What are your thoughts about pastors purchasing sermons and not acknowledging the original author, basically plagiarizing another pastor? It has been a huge problem at our former church.14. 1:12:46 {Who Were the Spirits in Prison?} Who are the spirits in prison Jesus preached to in 1 Peter 3: 19?15. 1:17:26 {Is it Sometimes Biblical to Pray for Death?} Is there ever a biblical case to pray for someone to die? Didn’t Paul pray for the destruction of some peoples’ flesh for the spirit to be saved in the day of judgment?16. 1:22:32 {About Medical Marijuana Use} I have an incurable sleep disorder that my Doctor has authorized the use of Marijuana for as it is one of the few things that helps. Should I pray for healing or keep taking this drug that I hate?17. 1:26:13 {God’s Voice or My Own Thoughts?} How do I differentiate between God’s voice and my own intrusive thoughts?18. 1:32:35 {True Believer but No Life Change?} Is it possible to believe in Jesus yet never have a change of life? My father has cheated and lived with his mistress. he said he believed in Jesus, yet he never came back home to live with his family.19.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:1. 0:34 {Why Did Jesus’ Body Still Have Marks?} Why did Jesus’ resurrected body still bear the scars and injuries which brought about His death? It is my understanding that our own resurrected bodies will be perfect in every way, not merely those we had just prior to death. I, for one, want all my absent teeth and hair back! Why wasn’t Jesus’ body also perfect, as ours will be?2. 10:28 {Typology in Noah’s Story?} Do you think Noah could be a “type” of Christ? Why or why not?3. 13:18 {Learning to Desire our Study Time} How do I develop a craving for solid biblical teaching? I really enjoy your content, but I become bored easily. It’s easy for me to get distracted in my free time.4. 16:25 {Is Evolution Contrary to Belief in God?} I’ve noticed many people don’t believe in God because of evolution. Is evolution contrary to God? Could God really have created the earth in 6 literal days? Can God “speed up” the creation process?5. 25:26 {Was Adam the First Man?} It seems in Genesis 1, that God creates humanity and blesses them, but then later in Genesis 2, God creates Adam as a representative in Eden. Doesn’t Scripture teach Adam was the first man?6. 31:09 {Are Angels Made in the Image of God?} In a previous episode, you stated that angels are not made in the image of God. Is that really something that we can state definitively?7. 34:32 {God/Satan in our Dreams?} Does God and/or Satan visit us in dreams?8. 39:12 {Was Simon Magus Repentant?} In Acts 8:9, Do you think Simon Magus was aware that he wasn’t right with God before Peter rebuked him? Some commentaries assume that he was never truly repentant, but some say he was genuine.9. 43:56 {Can We “Over-Study” the Bible?} Is it possible to over-study Scripture & theology? I feel like I constantly burn myself out on God’s Word, but I also feel terrible if I go too long (like a day or two) without studying it.10. 46:33 {Where Did Satan’s Rebellion Come From?} Since God is not the author of evil and didn’t create a kingdom with temptation or evil beings, how did Lucifer’s pride and rebellion come about?11. 50:27 {How Intimate Before Marriage is Appropriate?} I think sexual intimacy prior to marriage (i.e., clothed sexual touching/rubbing) is sinful, but my fiancée disagrees. What do I do, as a soon to be husband, when we disagree on what is sinful?12. 58:15 {Resolving a “Contradiction”} About generational sin: Exodus 34:7 vs Ezekiel 18:20…can you please explain how we should understand this apparent contradiction?13. 1:03:51 {Is a Continuous Drunkard Saved?} Are you still saved if you can’t stop drinking?14. 1:07:48 {Does God Control our Free Will?} In Proverbs 21:1 it says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rivers of water He turns it wherever He wishes.” Does that mean God controls the king’s free will?15. 1:09:53 {How was Solomon Wise since he Turned Away?} How was Solomon considered to be the wisest man on Earth and yet he, too, turns away from God in his old age? He also doesn’t seem to recognize his sinful ways. He doesn’t even ask God to relent.16. 1:12:01 {Witnessing Opportunity vs. Spiritual Trap!} I met some Muslims who were evangelizing, and I went up to them to challenge their beliefs. They invited me to a Ramadan dinner at a mosque. Should I go, or would that be a spiritual trap?17. 1:13:28 {Are Court Weddings Recognized by God?} I watched the whole marriage series and didn’t find anything about this: my wife and I have been married for 8 years (through the court) and she claims God doesn’t acknowledge it. Thoughts?18. 1:16:13 {About Jesus’ 40 Days in the Desert} I saw a video where you said “3 days and nights” was a Jewish idiom. Is 40 days in the desert the same

I spent months researching the topic of women in ministry so that I could present you with this exhaustive analysis of everything the Bible says about it. Today we are surveying the New Testament to look for examples of women in positions of leadership. We will examine claims that there were women apostles, women elders, women deacons, and various other hints that some say offer us evidence of women in very significant leadership positions in the New Testament. We will also get into 1 Timothy and Titus and the requirements that Paul gives for elders and deacons.CLICK HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HQSlQLYQsE&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuBtpJlwi7F5JYw3N5pKyLC&t=0s) for the playlist of ALL the videos in this series (more will be added as I make them).
Marriage Conference – https://womensbiblestudy.com/marriage-questions-conference/
You can also find more videos freely available on my website:https://BibleThinker.org
VIDEO MAP:
0:00 – Intro & Overview1. 3:00 What egalitarians claims about women leaders2. 7:18 Was Nympha an overseer?3. 13:47 Were homeowners overseers?4. 26:22 Were Euodia and Syntyche leaders?5. 33:20 What about Priscilla?6. 59:03 What is an overseer, elder, bishop or pastor?7. 1:00:58 Were women “elders”?8. 1:15:16 Were letter carriers approved teachers?9. 1:23:36 Col. 3:16 and women teaching10. 1:26:24 Paranoid masculinity11. 1:29:24 What exactly is a deacon?12. 1:36:04 Was Phoebe a deacon?13. 1:41:04 Egalitarian overreach on deacons.14. 1:53:16 1 Tim. 3, deacons’ wives or deaconesses?

Allow me to say three things to those who would want to push back against my views here:1) This is a somewhat rushed summary of my teaching on the topic which can be found here with great detail. These videos represent a long, careful case for each point I have made: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j
2) If you disagree, then please consider responding not only with your own arguments but with a fair handling of my arguments. Very often I see responses which simply ignore all I’ve said, and the evidence, and Scripture which I have used to establish my case.
3) Let’s remember what it means to be part of the body of Christ. We will one day be worshiping God, in glory, with full joy and fellowship together.
Juli Slattery’s content and podcast can be found here:https://www.authenticintimacy.com/
My website: https://BibleThinker.org