20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 64)

0:00 - Intro
1. 0:33 {About “Binding and Loosing”} In Matthew 16: 19, what does the Bible mean in terms of "binding" and "loosing," and how do we rightly understand and apply that concept today?
2. 25:28 {Giving to Different Ministries} If I don't feel edified by the watered-down milk preaching at my local church, it is wrong to give less money to the local church and more money to online ministries that I spend hours listening to?
3. 28:50 {Should we “Cut Someone Off” in Life?} How do I know if I am doing the right thing by cutting off a very toxic family member?
4. 31:32 {Defending the Trinity} What are your thoughts on the argument against the Trinity that points out the lack of a Trinitarian controversy (like that of Nicaea) in the time of Acts and the writing of the New Testament?
5. 33:36 {About False Prophets} How should we interpret Deuteronomy 13:6-9? Part of chapter is often used on Mormons for Joseph Smith being a false prophet...but if rejecting a false prophet is required, would it follow that this is required, too? This chapter - all or nothing?
6. 38:38 {“Being the Light” in Difficult Situations} As a new believer, I feel I won’t be able to go to my sister-in-law’s house again because they smoke weed at every gathering. How do I find balance between being the light & not being in certain situations?
7. 41:19 {Leading with Confidence, Not Cockiness} I just came into a lead role in a local ministry where many of the other adults are older than I. I want to be confident, but not cocky; Firm, but able to learn. Any tips?
8. 44:52 {About Cult Shunning/Shaming} How can we differentiate the instructions given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5: 11 & by Jesus in Matthew 18: 15-17 with the shunning/shaming practices of certain cults like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc.?
9. 49:01 {About Jesus’ Suffering} Did Jesus need to have suffered the most pain ever for Him to be worthy to save us? How should we answer the objection that some people have supposedly suffered worse pain, i.e. from torture or the Holocaust?
10. 52:29 {Praying for and Trusting in God’s Will} How should I pray? I prayed for my husband's health, and shortly thereafter, he died suddenly & unexpectedly. Oftentimes, I feel that my will is out of sync with Yahweh's. It hurts.
11. 55:36 {Do Modern Translations Hide Mythology?} Why do modern translations hide so much mythology? Leviathan and Behemoth are animals. Isaiah 34: 14, Lillith is an owl. Psalm 96: 5, Gods are idols and not demons. I fear this leads to materialism.
12. 59:46 {Witnessing Well at Work} I've had some really good conversations with friends at work about being a Christian. What are some good tips for me to continue talking to them without it seeming like I'm pushing it on them?
13. 1:02:26 {Who are the Nicolaitans?} Who are the Nicolaitans that are mentioned in Revelation 2:6?
14. 1:04:43 {Who Recorded Job 1:6?} Job 1:6 states that angels and Satan present themselves before the Lord and they proceed to have a conversation about Job in the ensuing verses. Who was there to witness and record the conversation?
15. 1:08:08 {About Noah’s Ark & Animals} How did the animals get onto Noah's ark?
16. 1:11:03 {The Correct Way to Pray} When I pray, sometimes it feels like I’m so deep in God’s love, but other times it feels like I’m talking to a wall. How can I be sure that I’m praying correctly and not just blabbering mindlessly?
17. 1:13:47 {Women Unclean Twice as Long?} In Leviticus 12, women are unclean and excluded from worship in the temple after giving birth. The time is doubled if the baby is a girl, and that has troubled my wife. Do you know the reason for this?
18. 1:17:22 {About telling “White Lies”} Is there such a thing as telling a "white lie" for the benefit of something?
19. 1:21:18 {Can We Focus Too Much on End Times?} As Christians, what should our attitude and mindset be toward end times stuff? I personally know many strong Christians who seem to be almost too focused or too concerned about end times.
20. 1:23:54 {Can we Roll Dice to Hear from God?} In Proverbs 16: 33, the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Does this mean we can roll dice to get answers from God?

Bonus Q! 1:31:18 Who do you think will win the Super Bowl on Sunday?

[sarahfaith]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Intro
1. 0:33 {About “Binding and Loosing”} In Matthew 16: 19, what does the Bible mean in terms of "binding" and "loosing, " and how do we rightly understand and apply that concept today?
2. 25:28 {Giving to Different Ministries} If I don't feel edified by the watered-down milk preaching at my local church, it is wrong to give less money to the local church and more money to online ministries that I spend hours listening to?
3. 28:50 {Should we “Cut Someone Off” in Life?} How do I know if I am doing the right thing by cutting off a very toxic family member? I still pray for him, but I think he is dangerous and unbalanced and he refuses to get help.
4. 31:32 {Defending the Trinity} What are your thoughts on the argument against the Trinity that points out the lack of a Trinitarian controversy (like that of Nicaea) in the time of Acts and the writing of the New Testament?
5. 33:36 {About False Prophets} How should we interpret Deuteronomy 13:6-9? Part of chapter is often used on Mormons for Joseph Smith being a false prophet...but if rejecting a false prophet is required, would it follow that this is required, too? This chapter - all or nothing?
6. 38:38 {“Being the Light” in Difficult Situations} As a new believer, I feel I won’t be able to go to my sister-in-law’s house again because they smoke weed at every gathering. How do I find balance between being the light & not being in certain situations?
7. 41:19 {Leading with Confidence, Not Cockiness} I just came into a lead role in a local ministry where many of the other adults are older than I. I want to be confident, but not cocky; Firm, but able to learn. Any tips?
8. 44:52 {About Cult Shunning/Shaming} How can we differentiate the instructions given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5: 11 & by Jesus in Matthew 18: 15-17 with the shunning/shaming practices of certain cults like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc.?
9. 49:01 {About Jesus’ Suffering} Did Jesus need to have suffered the most pain ever for Him to be worthy to save us? How should we answer the objection that some people have supposedly suffered worse pain, i.e. from torture or the Holocaust?
10. 52:29 {Praying for and Trusting in God’s Will} How should I pray? I prayed for my husband's health, and shortly thereafter, he died suddenly & unexpectedly. Oftentimes, I feel that my will is out of sync with Yahweh's. It hurts.
11. 55:36 {Do Modern Translations Hide Mythology?} Why do modern translations hide so much mythology? Leviathan and Behemoth are animals. Isaiah 34: 14, Lillith is an owl. Psalm 96: 5, Gods are idols and not demons. I fear this leads to materialism.
12. 59:46 {Witnessing Well at Work} I've had some really good conversations with friends at work about being a Christian. What are some good tips for me to continue talking to them without it seeming like I'm pushing it on them?
13. 1:02:26 {Who are the Nicolaitans?} Who are the Nicolaitans that are mentioned in Revelation 2:6?
14. 1:04:43 {Who Recorded Job 1:6?} Job 1:6 states that angels and Satan present themselves before the Lord and they proceed to have a conversation about Job in the ensuing verses. Who was there to witness and record the conversation?
15. 1:08:08 {About Noah’s Ark & Animals} How did the animals get onto Noah's ark?
16. 1:11:03 {The Correct Way to Pray} When I pray, sometimes it feels like I’m so deep in God’s love, but other times it feels like I’m talking to a wall. How can I be sure that I’m praying correctly and not just blabbering mindlessly?
17. 1:13:47 {Women Unclean Twice as Long?} In Leviticus 12, women are unclean and excluded from worship in the temple after giving birth. The time is doubled if the baby is a girl, and that has troubled my wife. Do you know the reason for this?
18. 1:17:22 {About telling “White Lies”} Is there such a thing as telling a "white lie" for the benefit of something?
19. 1:21:18 {Can We Focus Too Much on End Times?} As Christians, what should our attitude and mindset be toward end times stuff? I personally know many strong Christians who seem to be almost too focused or too concerned about end times.
20. 1:23:54 {Can we Roll Dice to Hear from God?} In Proverbs 16: 33, the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Does this mean we can roll dice to get answers from God?

Bonus Q! 1:31:18 Who do you think will win the Super Bowl on Sunday?

[amybee]

On the "women unclean twice as long" question -- as one somewhat trained in natural childbirth, let me contribute this -- there are hormonal differences in giving birth to a boy or a girl, that can lengthen the recovery time for a girl birth. By recovery, I mean how long it can take to stop the bleeding that continues to occur after a woman gives birth, as the inner lining of the uterus heals from separating from the placenta that nourished the baby in the womb through many connecting blood vessels. For some women, this is a big problem for many weeks, for others shorter, but generally more with a girl than a boy baby. It is not only unsanitary (even with modern conveniences it is no picnic), but also very tiring for the new mom. She does not want to trek to the tabernacle until she is over it, trust me!

[Cori]

I recently discovered Mike Winger and I really like him, but the fact that he doesn't even know who was playing in the superbowl and couldn't care less means he now has a special place in my heart. Lol

[aprilanderson]

My parents are both narcissist and I'm still dealing with my life as a narcissistic abuse victim ( I'm 64). I currently live with my parents and are their primary caregiver. It has been very difficult to reconcile my past trauma with where I am now. But GOD gave me this thought ".. do everything as unto the LORD". I repeat this multiple times during the day to remind myself that GOD put me here at this time and I need to care for my parents as if I was caring for HIM. It has really helped A LOT. I have seen all the videos that say "get out of this situation immediately " but I can't, I truly believe GOD is doing a good work in me and, more than any other time in my life, I am learning and growing everyday. GOD continues to bless me through this effort to care for my parents.

[Nick-fimc]

"how did the animals get on to the ark?"
Well, they walked."- Pastor mike..
Lol 😂 man, Mike makes me laugh sometimes... He is a solid biblical preacher and I am glad I found his content

[nccrchurchunusual]

2022 In general, Ppl care more about their own convenience than attending regular church services or committing to vounteer church work. I pray for workers who love the local church bc the harvest is great, workers are few. Those few are worn out.

[kathymichael]

I was freed from panic/ anxiety attacks by binding and loosing. I was a baby Christian at the time. I guess I won't go into detail, just that I was freed, and if I felt an attack coming on, I would pray it be replaced by the peace of God. Then I would discount what my flesh was saying, and trust in the promise of peace that passes understanding. That was about 15 years ago, and I left those attacks in the dust.

[hismercysavessallysue]

I'm just now starting to watch, and was so excited to see "binding and loosing", because I was radically saved from death in Oct 2016, and led into repentance/eternal salvation through Christ. I quickly fell into a false word of faith/charasmatic church that binded and lossed everything...lol Thankfully the Lord put a strong desire in my heart to purchase my first ever bible and to read it as much as possible daily, so within 6 months of being at the false church, I recognized they weren't doctrinally sound, but I still haven't quite figured out what binding and loosing is...lol THANK YOU Mike! Love your videos! You've definitely helped direct my path!

[rocketsurgeon]

To the one that lost her husband, I understand because I lost my wife 21 months ago today. It really bothered me that it could've been because I didn't pray hard enough or trust enough or have enough faith. It got me in the Word of God and I went through the 20+ healing's that Jesus did in the gospels. I don't recall one of them saying "you will heal them". They all said "if you will they will be healed." They were all saying He could, not saying He would. Look to the good, because it could have been far worse. God bless you

[michelemcintyre]

Mike, I know I'll see you in Heaven, but I want to say THANK YOU now, while we're still here. You have helped me TREMENDOUSLY in my Christian growth. 🙏❤

[UNUmusic]

Hey Mike. I love your videos man. You're the most thorough teacher I've ever seen and this is exactly the way I want to worship God; with sound thought.

I was raised LDS, but this past month I officially left the church and told everybody in my family I did not believe Joseph Smith was a true prophet nor was LDS doctrine true.

Two missionaries and the President of the church showed up to my front door and proceeded to (kindly, but with irritation) argue with me about doctrine.

I shared with them my main two issues: I do not believe that we are saved due to works, and I do not believe God was once a man who became exhalted.

They used James to back up salvation by works, and I don't think they really had a Biblical answer for the exhaltation of God.

I saw you have some videos on Mormonism and they are great. They've helped me a lot.

I was hoping you could make a new video where you speak from the perspective of a Mormon missionary/elder who is trying to inform a Christian of LDS Doctrine, and then in a simple fashion, counter the missionary with correct Christian doctrine.

The reason this would be helpful is because missionaries still come to my door and their intention is to convince me that the LDS church is true and I have just strayed away. So I only have a 5-15 minute window to counter their arguments while they're on the doorstep.

I'm trying to not only defend my position intelligently, but I'm trying to plant seeds in their minds and hearts that their religion might actually be false.

I've done my own research and have tried to counter them biblically but I know that you will be able to help me out.

Thanks Mike.

[Disciple-ofChrist]

The majority of pastors would never talk about the poor being able to give less. (I hear so many telling you to give your last dime, then count on God to provide.) It seems like in every video, you say something that makes me like you more! 😀

[janettegilbert]

I look forward to this question session every week, I watch it on a Saturday morning as I am in Scotland. You and your team do a great job, keep it up Mike.

[suzym]

37:57 "For Mormonism, the growth of the movement is more important than the theology itself"
That is such a good way to sum it up, Mike. There are so many where I live and their growth just seems to continually explode. It hurts my heart that Mormons don't know the True Jesus of the gospel.

[ruth]

Thank you for covering the binding and loosing!!!! So many are deceived in this, I once was and God set me free. But it grieves my spirit when I hear many churches and believers who continuously “bind and loose” every time they pray for example. There is always a “demon or spirit” they need to bind and loose. I hope may become set free from this after watching. Thank

[roofking]

I just freaking love this guy! He makes normal boring bible study, somehow come alive for me and keeps it interesting...💪🙏

[alexescobar]

Bind or loosed. Either your save or not. He gave them the ability to share the Word and save people.

[marionsvoboda]

#18 Rahab hid the spies not Hagar
But do love your ministry and am listening to all your work! Thank YOU

[lionoffireministries]

Binding and loosing has nothing to do with casting out demons!
I find “deliverance ministries” twist a lot of Scripture!
A Christian cannot be demon possessed (controlled), but can only be oppressed (influenced) by demons.

[MPoweredChristianMinistries]

On binding and loosing section.. well done! And that is from someone who does deliverance ministry and uses this phrase on demons. I wrote a book about how to live the empowered Christian life and in ch. 6 in a section on “who/what is the church” and “who has the keys/what are keys” I go through many of these same findings and include what is binding/loosing. On a separate note, in Chapters 2 and 3 I give Mike Winger and BibleThinker a shout out. :)