Articles by BibleThinker

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:0:00 – Introduction1. 0:45 {Theology Books for Teens/College Age} My 17 yr. old son is into theology. Do you have any theology books you’d recommend for teens/college students that aren’t weighty reads, but offer good, biblical answers to Christian questions? Something that will interest a teenager without getting lost into a huge textbook. 2. 4:24 {Does God Bless in Material Ways?} Does God still bless us in material ways, or was that just for the old covenant and now He solely blesses us in spiritual ways?3. 9:05 {How Does God Speak to Us?} How does God communicate to us outside of the Bible? Does He speak through mediums like words, numbers, coincidences, etc.?4. 12:38 {About Separation from Bishops} How is separation from all bishops okay when all “early church fathers” (especially Cyprian & Ignatius) taught that separation from your bishop can call into question your salvation (Cyprian Epistle 26, Ignatius Phil.)?5. 18:39 {About Revelation/Great Tribulation} Do you have any idea why Revelation 7:14 in the NLT says these are the ones who died, but other translations say they came out of the Great Tribulation?6. 21:40 {How to Initiate Gospel Conversations} How do I start conversations about Jesus with strangers/acquaintances?7. 23:25 {About the Extent of the Atonement} Do the two different stances on the extent of the atonement (unlimited and definite) ultimately represent two different gospels? This is a fear of mine.8. 27:09 {Does Prayer Have a Required Formula?} I talk to God in my head and pray during the day, but my thoughts drift and sometimes I realize I never said “amen.” I know that He’s listening, but if it’s not formatted like a prayer, does it still count?9. 29:00 {How to Find Counsel in Scripture} How do I go about searching the Scriptures to help me find a solution or to come to a decision in an area of my life?10. 32:16 {About being Born of God/of the Spirit} Prior to Pentecost, was anyone “born of God/Spirit” as the Spirit hadn’t been given yet (John 1:13; 3:1-7; 7:39)? Can this discredit regeneration preceding faith/total inability?11. 34:22 {Was Historical Proof of Biblical Events Just Made Up?} I heard that the historians’ consensus for the Patriarchs, the Exodus, and the Conquest of Canaan was that they didn’t happen but were made up later. Any input on this?12. 36:42 {If we Confess our Doubts, Are We Still Saved?} I was having doubts about the atonement, and I was questioning if I really believed it. I had thoughts about me not believing. Am I still saved if confessed those and do believe now?13. 43:08 {Was Jesus Rich? & How to Challenge False Claims} Someone told me “Jesus was rich and that was how He was able to feed the 5,000 and their families.” I know that’s wrong, but where do they find these theories and how do I help them see that’s not true?14. 46:33 {How to Share a Summary of the Gospel} Do you have a simple way to share the Gospel? How can we know what to say to be obedient and share the Gospel effectively without missing any of the essentials?15. 48:42 {Thinking Biblically about Covid Restrictions} My province has new Covid mandates that my pastor is implementing. Reduced attendance, vaccine passport checks, and masks even while singing. I think this is unbiblical. What can I do?16. 52:53 {Advice for Finding a Godly Spouse / Our Desires} I’m 23 yrs. old. 6 yrs. ago, my attraction to women just disappeared. This messed with my head a lot, and also, because of physical problems, I can’t approach girls in order to find a wife. Please, can you advise me?17. 54:29 {Was David’s Son Punished for David’s Sin?} In a past video, it sounded like Mike said David’s child dying was “collateral damage.” How is th

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:0:00 – Introduction1. 0:10 {Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?} What does the Bible say about hypnosis as a form of medical treatment? I struggle with food addiction and have heard that it can help by reaching the subconscious. However, I want to be super careful not to dip into the supernatural demonic realm that can sometimes happen during yoga sessions when “channeling your inner-self” and “connecting with the universe.”2. 9:26 {Was the Temple Ever Cleaned?} Blood was sprinkled around the altar in the Tabernacle and Temple. Did the priests ever clean up all the blood splatter? Or just let it accumulate? I cannot find the answer in Scripture.3. 11:51 {About the Evidence of the Spirit} In Acts 8, how did they know when the Samaritans had and had not received the Holy Spirit? Pentecostals teach that it must have been tongues. Is there another explanation?4. 18:36 {What is the Light in Gen. 1?} What is the light in Genesis 1:3? Some say the light is a spiritual force, Jesus, stars, the Big Bang, etc. I know it’s not Jesus, but I’m getting a lot of feedback in a group without any real solid answers.5. 24:46 {Should We Apologize for Every Past Sin?} Should Christians apologize to everyone from their past? I had so much anxiety, messaging people from high school about every lie or mean comment I could think of, even some things people didn’t remember.6. 30:11 {About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins} How would you respond to a pastor who says “I don’t need to teach that a particular practice is a sin”? What dangers do you think are there if someone doesn’t recognize certain sins?7. 33:46 {Are Works Required? (Sheep & Goats)} Does John 5: 29 or the Parable of Sheep and Goats mean that Jesus taught we need works to be saved? It seems to align with the mid-acts dispensational view.8. 37:46 {What is a Relationship with God?} What does a relationship with God look like practically?9. 42:10 {About Limited Atonement} If the extent of Jesus’ death was for all, but the application of His death was only for His sheep, why does Jesus say that He lays down His life for His sheep in John 10: 15 (v. 16 clarifies extent, right?)?10. 45:56 {About Demons Confessing Jesus’ Identity} Why did demons always announce Jesus’ true identity when they were in His presence? Wouldn’t they rather lie and claim He was a false prophet or something to deceive others? (Ex: Luke 4: 33-34)11. 48:04 {Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?} I’ve heard several teachings about prayer and I’m a bit confused. Are we to pray once, believe we have it, and walk in faith? Or should we pray repeatedly until God gives us an answer?12. 52:16 {About Boundaries w/Unsaved Friends} I turned away from God 14 yrs. ago, but got saved this summer. My “best friend” has since made many bad remarks about me AND God. I only hear from him if HE needs something. Do I cut him off, or show him love?13. 54:55 {Should we Use the Word “Christian”?} The original definers of the word “Christian” were the enemies of Jesus’ followers. What authorizes us today to define who is/isn’t a Christian? Especially if we don’t know what their OG criteria was?14. 58:08 {About Ephraim / Israel} Often when I see Ephraim mentioned, it looks to me like God is referring to all of Israel. Have I misunderstood something? Why does He use this tribe? My reading today: Jeremiah 31:6 (?), 18, & 20.15. 1:01:01 {About YT Ads} As a fellow YouTuber, do you get concerned about the ads your viewers see on your videos?16. 1:03:37 {About Lifting Hands in Worship & Others Watching Us} I have trouble lifting my hands during worship songs, though commanded in Psalms. I can’t get over the mental block that I’m trying to look good to people around me. Do I have a weak conscience,

This concerns me deeply.
All my content is free and it’s meant to help you go DEEP into the word of God and strengthen your relationship with Christ.
This is the last clip from my video collaboration with Allen Parr and I hope that you’ve benefitted from it.
My website. Tons of free, searchable content helping you learn to think biblically about everything: https://BibleThinker.org

This is one of several clips I will be uploading from a big video I did with Allen Parr evaluating a few different religious groups in light of biblical Christianity. Subscribe to my channel to get notified when the other videos in this series go up.
Here is Allen Parr’s channel. I recommend you check it out: https://youtube.com/user/thebeatagp
Allen’s videos on SDA…Allen’s deep dive on the SDA:https://youtu.be/VvXlQKBgSS0His video on responding to SDA teaching on the sabbath:https://youtu.be/UCmpQSta1Ck
My website. Tons of free, searchable content helping you learn to think biblically about everything:https://BibleThinker.org

Trent Horn has over 8 hours of video content “refuting” me. Today, I’m going to respond to some of that content. Because there is FAR too much to do a thorough response to, I will be reacting to one of his recent videos point by point. Here’s Trent’s video:https://youtu.be/4OTf-rR6O_o
This can be a bit awkward for me, to be honest, because I don’t want to spend time “defending myself” but I don’t intend for this to be that. The issues we are discussing here are really important and I think that Trent Horn’s videos are doing more to sow confusion than they are to offer any kind of proper refutation to the things I have said (and still hold) regarding Roman Catholic claims. I hope you will consider this response thoughtfully and, if you are a Roman Catholic, know that I do not do this with any personal animus toward you at all! What I think we should all agree on is that if the pope is who the Roman Catholic church says he is, then we all need to submit to him – but if he is not, then an open opposition to such claims is only an expression of loyalty to God. If Roman Catholicism is true in its claims to have authority over all believers, then we need to all submit. If it is false, and if it is propagating various doctrines of man, then it is only a kindness to tell others about it. This issue is worth discussing, for love of God and love of man.
My teaching on James 2 and a Catholic vs. a Protestant view: https://youtu.be/eDNPHuCsEms
My long debate on baptism and whether it saves (with time stamps): https://youtu.be/x2TfBVNuuY8
Depending on the response to this video, I may make another dealing with the rest of Trent Horn’s “rebuttal” because there are some very serious problems with what he has said. But because this video is already going to be really long, I have chosen to focus on the first half of his video which deals primarily with justification.
I’m Mike Winger and my website, with all free content, is: https://BibleThinker.org

ANNOUNCEMENT! The podcast you’re listening to was offered a refutation by Roman Catholic apologist Trent Horn. I’m going to be giving a response to that refutation on this coming Monday, November 22 at 1 p.m. Pacific time. Here’s the link to that response:https://youtu.be/hIAVbck93pc
This is one of several clips I will be uploading from a big video I did with Allen Parr evaluating a few different religious groups in light of biblical Christianity. Subscribe to my channel to get notified when the other videos in this series go up.
Here is Allen Parr’s channel. I recommend you check it out: https://youtube.com/user/thebeatagp
More videos of mine related to Catholicism below…
Why I can’t be a Roman Catholic (2 hour, detailed video): https://youtu.be/7ZVHHmCOjOg
The “justified by works” passage in James 2 explained from a Protestant perspective:https://youtu.be/eDNPHuCsEms
In this video, I deal with Roman Catholic apologists and Scripture they use to try to say that purgatory is in the Bible:https://youtu.be/UzVzn8h7jnM
Explaining and defending Sola Scriptura:https://youtu.be/tJxjKAcn78I
My website. Tons of free, searchable content helping you learn to think biblically about everything:https://BibleThinker.org

This is one of several clips I will be uploading from a collaboration I did with Allen Parr evaluating a few different religious groups in light of biblical Christianity. Subscribe to my channel to get notified when the other videos in this series go up.
If you enjoyed this, you will probably enjoy a lot of the content that Allen Parr has. Here is his channel, I recommend you check it out: https://youtube.com/user/thebeatagp
This is Allen Parr’s much longer video on this topic, if you want to get a lot more info:https://youtu.be/TsXBNwo2pNw
My website. Tons of free, searchable content helping you learn to think biblically about everything:https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 – Introduction1. 0:16 {Was the Flood Overkill?} In Genesis, God destroys the world saying that the world has become unholy, but He saves Noah. Why couldn’t He just do something bad to the people instead of doing all of the work to start over after the flood?2. 5:46 {Will Unbelievers Bow?} Does “every knee shall bow” refer to each person when they die and stand before God, or mankind collectively at the return of Jesus? If it’s the latter, does this mean unbelievers will be forced to do this?3. 10:35 {Is it Sin, or Am I Legalistic?} A pastor told me it was a sin to watch Star Wars & Dragon Ball Z & listen to rock music because they’re Pagan. I’m willing to give these up if they are, but how do I know if it’s a sin or legalism?4. 16:35 {About Pastor Nathan Finochio} What do you know about Nathan Finochio? My daughter was invited to a youth event where he is the main preacher, but I’m not sure if I should let her attend.5. 17:44 {About Judgment, Sinners, & New Jerusalem} After the Great White Throne judgment and the Second Death (Revelation 21: 10), where do the sinners come from that are kept outside the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22: 15)?6. 21:53 {Taking Communion Unworthily} In 1 Corinthians 11: 30 when Paul says you can get weak, sick, or die if taking the last supper in an unworthy manner, what specific sins are punishable by death?7. 28:42 {About Tongues & God’s Will} If the Holy Spirit gives tongues, how is it that anyone uses it against the will of God, if the Spirit only does what the Father wills? (For example, misusing it in church services.)8. 30:50 {Anxiety about Repenting of Every Sin} How can I deal with the urge to ask for forgiveness for nearly every intrusive thought, feeling, and temptation? If I’m asking out of anxiety, am I asking in vain? I don’t want to treat sin lightly.9. 33:33 {When a Spouse is Unrepentant} How should we approach a situation where one spouse is doing something potentially harmful to the health of the family, yet won’t quit? Ex: vaping inside of the home.10. 37:17 {Do Paul & God Keep Secrets?} Regarding Paul’s vision of Heaven in 2 Corinthians 12, Why can’t Paul tell us what he saw? Did he see something bad? Why do Paul and God have to be secretive and hide things?11. 43:09 {Does Scripture Value Children?} In the book of Job, his children were killed as part of his trials. At the end, he was blessed with more children. This has always bothered me. Why does it appear that children are disposable like that?12. 45:57 {Is “Accepting Jesus” Man-Centered Soteriology?} Is it man-centered thinking to say that “Jesus died for everyone but it is only applied to you if/when you accept it”? Are we the ones who give the cross its power? I’d Like to hear your thoughts on this.13. 48:23 {Coming Back to the Lord after Doubting} I wanted to ask if you have any biblical guidance on coming back to your Christ-like identity when you’ve fallen into doubt.14. 53:25 {Can People be Tricked into Hell?} Can people be tricked into Hell, such as people born into false religions or North Korea? If so, how is that fair?15. 56:33 {About Praying for the Sick} How should James 5: 13-16 be interpreted in the light of praying for the sick to be healed, especially in church? I’ve seen people praying for others expecting them to be healed immediately.16. 1:00:25 {About the Trinity / Divine Simplicity} Isn’t it problematic to affirm the Trinity while rejecting the metaphysical hermeneutic that was used to articulate/defend the doctrine (e.g., divine simplicity) in the early centuries?17. 1:02:40 {Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?} What is the Christian’s role in bringing up non-believers’ specific sins? Should we, at all? I hear people reference John 16:8. How should we bes

This is not a hit piece. I just think that it can be really helpful to evaluate Joel Osteen’s extremely popular teaching through the eyes of a teacher who cares an awful lot about representing the Bible properly. We often hear of problems with teachers when someone gathers just the most offensive, problematic, or otherwise inflammatory parts of their teachings and evaluates them. I am not doing that today. I’m grabbing a recent, random Joel Osteen sermon to have a “typical” example of his teaching. We will look at how he uses the Bible, what his general teaching style is, and how a Christian can evaluate and discern what to accept and reject.
In the video, I will be referencing my series, How to Find Jesus in the Old Testament, and I highly recommend you check it out. It’s been the most spiritually rewarding Bible series I’ve ever done:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsHyvMtfgOgSPU6zEnCvxUO
I’m Mike Winger and my website, with all free content, is:https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:0:00 – Introduction1. 0:45 {About Church Discipline} Can you please explain what the Bible says about local churches having a process of “church discipline” and how that should be carried out? Should it be rare, or a regular part of church life? Where should leaders draw the line when deciding if someone made a minor mistake vs. someone needing discipline?2. 13:02 {Is Baptism Required?} Why does the Bible sound like baptism is required for salvation in some places (eg. Mark 16: 16)? Does Acts 1:5 answer what KIND of baptism IS required (Holy Spirit baptism)? And what did Jesus mean by “to fulfill righteousness”?3. 18:31 {About Tithing & “Prosperity” Teachings} My church says a declaration before tithing. Part of it is: “I am believing Him for advancements, God-ideas, blessings & increases, financial freedom, & breakthroughs.” Is this a prosperity church red flag?4. 22:00 {Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?} I watched your video on Halloween, and I’m wondering what your thoughts are on murder mystery dinner parties (and for that matter, murder mysteries in general). Is it wrong to be entertained by them?5. 25:17 {Why does Pastor Mike Love Jesus?} I would love to know, why do you love Jesus?6. 26:52 {About Doubt, Truth, & Bias} My friend is doubting his faith and reality because he claims there’s no way to discern truth objectively without some sort of bias. How would you answer him?7. 31:06 {Can Sons be Punished for Parents’ Sins?} Don’t questions like 2 Kings 5: 27, 2 Kings 9:8, and Exodus 12: 29 contradict Ezekiel 18: 20 which says that sons cannot be punished for the sins of their fathers?8. 34:44 {Should We Ever Hate People?} Should we hate the evil doer (e.g., those who promote or perform abortion) or should we just keep their salvation in mind? Or can we do both at the same time?9. 38:19 {Can the Deceased Send us Signs?} How do you explain to someone that their dead loved one is not sending signs to them, no matter how convincing those signs are?10. 40:43 {About Questionable Worship Lyrics} I play guitar at my church. I don’t always agree with the theology couched in some songs. I don’t sing lines I don’t agree with, but I am still on stage. Would love to hear your general thoughts on this!11. 43:02 {How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It} How do I repent unto salvation (repent and be saved) when I do not want to? I am asking from the current place of being unsaved.12. 45:04 {About the Fear of Eternity} A student recently shared a fear of hers: the idea of eternity, even if in Heaven. I have to admit I struggle with this, as well. Any advice for me, for how I can comfort her from the Bible?13. 49:45 {About our Music Choices} Is it OK to listen to old music from former Christians, like Kevin Max or Ray Boltz? Is their music prior to them leaving Christ OK to listen to?14. 52:36 {About Adam & Eve / Sin Nature} Were Adam and Eve created WITH a sin nature at their creation? If not, why then did they choose to sin in the first place, all the while God having called His creation good?15. 54:44 {About God being our Loving Father} I’ve been a believer for a very long time, but still struggle with the concept of God as loving Father. Mainly due to my upbringing. How do I overcome this? The doubt is overwhelming.16. 57:50 {Clashing Translations?} In 1 Corinthians 7, whom do verses 36-38 address? Some versions add “daughter,” implying fathers, but ESV, in using “his betrothed” and “his passions” seem to indicate a groom.17. 1:01:44 {How to Witness to an Angry Person} My friend has left Christianity. His family is a bit extreme and aggressive with their faith, and he says they are what pushed him away from his. If I try to talk with him, he gets angry. What ca