Is Ash Wednesday Biblical? 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 46)

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:51 {Is Ash Wednesday Biblical?} Could you share your thoughts on Ash Wednesday and how Christians should understand and approach the day? Is it exclusively a Catholic observance, or is there a way for non-Catholics to participate? Should we participate at all?
2. 22:01 {Bethlehem vs. Nazareth?} Why is Jesus in Bethlehem when the wise men come in Matthew 2:7-11? Luke 2: 22 and 2: 39 say they returned to Nazareth after the 40 day purification rites. Did Matthew make up their hometown as Bethlehem?
3. 29:16 {1,000 Year Reign: On Earth?} Is there biblical evidence that the 1,000 year reign of Christ as described in Revelation is on Earth? I hear a lot about the 1,000 year reign specifically being on Earth, but I fail to see the word “Earth” anywhere.
4. 34:22 {Ways our Worship Could Improve} What do you think about what the Bible teaches about principles of worship? How can our worship improve in the American Protestant churches?
5. 41:27 {Does Calvinism Challenge God’s Justice?} I watched your video on Calvinism and it was amazing! But the question I still have is, does Calvinism go against God’s justice? God is just, and that’s a fact. Would that alone disprove Calvinism?
6. 49:24 {Do God’s Children Deserve God’s Love?} We always say we don't "deserve anything" from God, but how biblical is this? Don't children deserve a degree of love from their parents?
7. 54:43 {Passover vs. Yom Kippur} Why was Jesus' atoning sacrifice on Passover instead of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement)? I've looked everywhere but can't find an answer.
8. 58:27 {The Calling of a Pastor} I’m 17 and have a huge desire to go into pastoral ministry. I feel called and equipped for this, but hear a lot of people say God has to speak to you directly to do this. Is my burden for this enough?
9. 1:06:38 {Andrew’s vs. Peter’s Calling} Matthew 4: 18-22 and John 1: 35-42 seem to have two very different accounts of how Andrew and Peter were called to follow Christ. Can you please explain this?
10. 1:11:24 {How to be a “Fisher of Men”} What does it mean to be “fishers of men”? A leader at my seeker church said it meant to use bait to get them in. Not sure if this is what Jesus meant.

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[sarahfaith]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Intro
1. 0:51 {Is Ash Wednesday Biblical?} Could you share your thoughts on Ash Wednesday and how Christians should understand and approach the day? Is it exclusively a Catholic observance, or is there a way for non-Catholics to participate? Should we participate at all?
2. 22:01 {Bethlehem vs. Nazareth?} Why is Jesus in Bethlehem when the wise men come in Matthew 2:7-11? Luke 2: 22 and 2: 39 say they returned to Nazareth after the 40 day purification rites. Did Matthew make up their hometown as Bethlehem?
3. 29:16 {1, 000 Year Reign: On Earth?} Is there biblical evidence that the 1, 000 year reign of Christ as described in Revelation is on Earth? I hear a lot about the 1, 000 year reign specifically being on Earth, but I fail to see the word “Earth” anywhere.
4. 34:22 {Ways our Worship Could Improve} What do you think about what the Bible teaches about principles of worship? How can our worship improve in the American Protestant churches?
5. 41:27 {Does Calvinism Challenge God’s Justice?} I watched your video on Calvinism and it was amazing! But the question I still have is, does Calvinism go against God’s justice? God is just, and that’s a fact. Would that alone disprove Calvinism?
6. 49:24 {Do God’s Children Deserve God’s Love?} We always say we don't "deserve anything" from God, but how biblical is this? Don't children deserve a degree of love from their parents?
7. 54:43 {Passover vs. Yom Kippur} Why was Jesus' atoning sacrifice on Passover instead of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement)? I've looked everywhere but can't find an answer.
8. 58:27 {The Calling of a Pastor} I’m 17 and have a huge desire to go into pastoral ministry. I feel called and equipped for this, but hear a lot of people say God has to speak to you directly to do this. Is my burden for this enough?
9. 1:06:38 {Andrew’s vs. Peter’s Calling} Matthew 4: 18-22 and John 1: 35-42 seem to have two very different accounts of how Andrew and Peter were called to follow Christ. Can you please explain this?
10. 1:11:24 {How to be a “Fisher of Men”} What does it mean to be “fishers of men”? A leader at my seeker church said it meant to use bait to get them in. Not sure if this is what Jesus meant.

[TonyRJr]

For those of us who have been w/ Mike since the days of like 50k subscribers, I can't wait to smile on the day when he reaches 1 million! Super blessed that new people are getting exposed to solid bible teaching and thinking through everything more biblically!

[ricsteash]

Thank you, Mike. You are the biggest reason I’ve turned to Christ and your teachings have pushed me more and more to align with God’s will. Stay strong brother.

[marciogoncalves]

Mike Winger, thank you for being a kind, gracious and solid teacher of the bible. Keep up the excellent work, and be blessed in all you do. As a Catholic, i appreciate your approach always, and you truly have given me food for thought many times. 🙏✝️

[mlovee]

Hi Mike, thanks for your kind commentary, even if we don't fully agree. As a Catholic, I enjoy listening to you because of that kindness and it helps me know more fully what I believe and why, and find common ground with my Christian brothers and sisters. However, respectfully, I wanted to clarify that the Church doesn't make receiving ashes obligatory or even to attend Mass that day; many do and it is a good spiritual practice in my opinion as an outward sign of inner repentance and renewal, but that part isn't obligatory. The fasting and abstaining from meat is as a way to encourage people to "deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus." That is the purpose behind it as well as to encourage people to enter into the spiritual practice of fasting and prayer in a deeper way during the 40 days of Lent.

I also wanted to gently ask you to consider another point of view on keeping the ashes on your forehead throughout the day. To me, and many Catholics, Lutherans, and other Christians who take part in this, it's a way to plant a seed, evangelize, and spread the Gospel (same as if we wore a cross around our neck or a Christian/Bible T-shirt, bracelet, hat, etc.) in a simple way. To me it also implies the very opposite of spiritual pride: the ashes say "I'm a sinner, I need to repent, and I need Jesus." That is to me a legitimate reason to not wash them off immediately after Mass and another point of view. I have some great conversations over the years on Ash Wednesdays; seeing the cross on my forehead has given people the courage (and permission) to ask me about my faith in Jesus and to me the chance to share the Gospel with them that may not have happened otherwise. Thank you for all that you do as a fellow follower of Christ.

[mattbankert]

I grew up Lutheran and always did Ash Wednesday because its just what we did, I appreciate the biblical perspective Mike! I personally still like to follow Lent, for my own spiritual growth its been good to set aside 40 days to fast and reflect/spend time with the Lord more, I almost forgot I haven't said what in giving up! This year I'm giving up telling people what I'm giving up 😁

[Godsfavoritehoneybee]

Yeah.... I'll be sticking around Brother. I have been continuously blessed by your work and dedication to truth for the past 7 years. God bless you Mike. And God speed ❤❤❤

[emmamitchell]

Thank you Mike for sharing your knowledge with us. I’m happy you are exposing these false teachers. I’m not going anywhere. God Bless you 🙏🏻

[Gillyadventures]

We have recently come out of a hyper charismatic/WofF environment to a Lutheran church. Our church does Ash Wednesday service in the evening. Which I like so I don’t have ashes on my head all day. 😂 It is very much a service of repentance and self reflection of our sinful nature and our death. Our pastor does not encourage the fasting part but rather taking 40 days to reflect on our sinful nature. It’s rather beautiful. Not that it’s required but it is good to always remember we were born as sinners and that “from dust you came, and to dust you shall return” it’s nice to not forget that. Thank you for this insight!

[maryvalentine]

This is beautiful. I’m grateful for Mike Winger. Brother you’ve helped me a lot. I love you very much, and I pray that God pour his blessings out over you and your ministry!

[tesslouis]

Thanks, Mike! Well said! Ash Wednesday is a great reminder to reflect and seek God. "May the meditation of my mouth and the words of my heart be pleasing to You, Lord God! Psalm 19:14.

[lindajohnson]

I am praying for you and I thank you. I am grateful that you are working on the upcoming videos where you will be sharing the Biblical knowledge of exposing the wolves among the sheep. You were a fantastic help with the Benny Hinn videos. Thank you, Mike. I am so grateful that you follow God's leading. God bless you, Brother.

[augsburgbiblechannel]

The beauty of Lent is that it is part of a yearly rhythm that takes you thru the life of Christ - Advent (Jesus is coming), Christmas (Jesus is born), epiphany (Jesus shows His glory), Lent and Holy Week (Jesus suffers for sinners), Easter (Jesus is risen)

[martiparsons]

Stand firm in the word! I'm standing in agreement! God bless you! 🙏

[raisinbread]

I really appreciate Pastor Mike's teachings. I learn a lot from his video contents. I am an ex-Muslim Christian and I have a lot more to learn about the Bible. I try my best to be a good Christian. Following the commandments of Jesus is what I do as much as possible for me.

Because I was raised in a false religion, it seems absurd to me when people try to justify unbiblical or extra-biblical practices of Catholicism. I also noticed when I mention words like "Jesus Christ" or "Bible", there are some Catholics who either would get uncomfortable or some who would act like I'm talking of another religion. If Catholics consider themselves "good Christians", why would they get uncomfortable hearing Jesus's name or the word 'Bible'?

[aerinfirehair]

What a calling Pastor Winger! I will be praying for your discernment, wisdom and ability to be heard by those who need this support.

[sandramullen]

Mike having been a Catholic for 34 years before I came to know Jesus, repent and believe in Him. Most Catholics have no idea what Ash Wednesday means. They know it’s the beginning of lent but that’s it. Many people I’ve known give up a tv show or a dessert and they have no idea why they’re doing it.

[kristynascholzova]

I agree with the catholics here, about the ashes bringing attention to our sin and need for repentance, I always feel humbled, not proud wearing it…and I would also like to add, that giving up chocolate doesn’t necessarily mean someone chose that to get skinnier… this could be a pitfall to any kind of fasting, not just catholic lent.. A person who gives up chocolate for lent isn’t always fat or in need of lifestyle change.. they simply want to give up something they love for Christ..and everytime they think of enjoying some chocolate, they are reminded of what Jesus underwent for them. They’re denying themselves what they love and it brings their attention to the cross everytime..

[susantaylor]

Thank you Mike for your ministry. You have helped me to think more Biblically about everything. I'm struggling as a Grandma whose son( non-believer) does not want me to "indoctrinate"(his terminology) my grandchildren. Pray for wisdom for me in how I relate with him.

[hirakisk]

Just thought I would add in a little bit more about Lent/Ash Wednesday.

1) Putting ashes on oneself was often done publicly in the OT as a sign of repentance/penance. Where does the idea of the sign of the cross come from? Ezekiel 9:4 "And the Lord said to him (an angel), “Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark (tau) upon the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” What was the letter "tau" in Hebrew? It was a cross.

2) Where does 40 days come from? In the OT, a person could take a Nazarite vow for a period of time where they would give up certain things and dedicate themselves to God. The number "40" was always used to represent a time of trial and testing. For example, Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the Torah. Jesus fasted for 40 days before starting his public ministry. This is a period of time where we are dedicating ourselves more to God. As Mike pointed out, we shouldn't be using it as an excuse to cut out junk food to get healthy. We should be cutting something out that takes us away from time with God and using that time to get closer to God. Some people will also do other things like not buying coffee each day or going out to eat and saving that money to give to charity.

3) Abuse/Misuse of a practice doesn't negate the practice. There are many things that are good for a Christian (any act of service or praise) that we have probably seen someone do and then let everyone know to get attention. People who truly practice Lent, will agree that it should just be between you and God or a small group of close friends/family to help you with accountability.

4) Christian fasting, Jesus and the Apostles DID teach about how/when to fast. We can go to the Didache (teaching of the 12) which was written before 70 AD, that all Christians fasted on Wednesday and Friday (the day that Judas agreed to betray Jesus and the day Jesus was crucified). To claim that it wasn't taught doesn't have any evidence since we know that the Bible does not contain specific "how to's" in regard to personal spiritual practices. For example, Jesus taught a corporate prayer to his disciples when they asked him to teach them to pray like John the Baptist's followers do. No where does it elaborate about the praying the hours that Jews and Christians did. We only see references of the practice in the NT.