20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 107)

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:55 {Greater Works than Jesus?} In John 14: 12, Jesus said we would do even greater things than Him. That’s a tough pill to swallow since He died for our sins and created everything. How do I process Jesus’ statement?
2. 23:42 {Did God Endorse Polygamy in the OT?} In 2 Samuel 12:8, God says that He gave David his wives (multiple), and if he had asked for more, God would’ve given him more. This sounds to be directly saying that God would be endorsing polygamy. How should we as Christians feel about one man having multiple wives according to the Bible, specifically this passage?
3. 30:21 {Is Only OT Scripture “God-Breathed?”} In 2 Timothy 3: 16, was Paul speaking of ONLY OT Scriptures, since that’s all they had at the time? What about the inspiration of the NT?
4. 37:13 {Relearning Proper Theology} One of your videos gave my fiancé a change of heart. He is a former Jehovah’s Witness and feels like he has to start over and unlearn then relearn everything. Where do you suggest we start studying?
5. 43:57 {Is the Hypostatic Union Illogical?} How can Christ truly be God and man at the same time, infringing upon the laws of logic? If it’s true, I know I can't understand it fully, but I do expect to be able to demonstrate how it isn't illogical.
6. 48:54 {Is it Wrong to Teach Kids About Santa?} What do you tell your kids about Santa? Is there a chance that kids who find out Santa isn't real might think the same about Jesus? Would you spoil Santa for children that aren't yours?
7. 57:18 {Should We Avoid Semi-Pelagianism?} I'm a Calvinist, and recently I have been noticing Semi-Pelagian theology in Arminian churches. Can you distinguish between the two and explain why we should avoid Semi-Pelagianism?
8. 1:06:19 {Can We Give God Too Much Credit?} Is it OK to give credit to God for something He might not have done (like a salary raise, new job, or other material or worldly things)?
9. 1:09:52 {New Command or Old Command?} Why does 1 John 2:7 say that he is not writing a new command, but in the next verse (1 John 2:8) he says that he is writing a new command? What's going on here?
10. 1:14:10 {Hasn’t Jesus Always Been Lord?} Peter said in Acts 2: 36 that God has "made Jesus both Lord and Christ." He was already Lord and Christ, so what does this mean? Same with Jesus being “given all authority” in Matthew 28: 18.
11. 1:24:33 {Were Christ’s Sufferings Lacking Something?} In Colossians 1: 24, what is lacking in Christ’s sufferings, and how is Paul contributing to them?
12. 1:30:12 {Is God Constantly Speaking to Us?} My friend doesn't want to have too small of a view of God, so he sees every small event in his life as God speaking to him, even trivial things. Am I being too stingy, or is he "over-spiritualizing"?
13. 1:36:08 {Examples of Serving God Daily} I’m wondering what discipling others, sharing the Gospel, and service to God looks like in your life day-to-day? Anything you’ve learned over the years?
14. 1:39:38 {How Do We Find Joy in Our Trials?} In James 1, how do we count our trials as joy?
15. 1:45:24 {Does the Devil Persecute Believers?} Is God giving the Devil permission to persecute the lives of certain Christians today, like in the book of Job?
16. 1:47:02 {Does Praising Jesus Exclude the Father & Spirit?} I've been struggling with phrases or lyrics such as "All glory be to Christ" and "All Heaven sings to Christ alone.” Do these incorrectly exclude the Father and Holy Spirit?
17. 1:49:28 {Exploring the Different Words for God’s Law} Every verse in Psalm 119 refers to God's Law, and ten different words are used, including: commandments, precepts, law, testimonies, ways, etc. Why? Does each word have a different meaning?
18. 1:51:58 {How to Prepare Large Study Projects} How do you go about a project like the Women in Ministry series? I want to do something similar with Genesis 1-2 but I don't even know where to begin or what tools to use (other than Logos, of course).
19. 1:54:38 {Remembering the Unsaved in Heaven?} I would like to know, when we are in Heaven, will we just forget about those we loved on Earth that weren't saved? I can't imagine how there could be no sorrow if we remember them.
20. 2:01:18 {What Was Paul’s Goal?} Can you explain to me what goal Paul hopes to achieve in Philippians 3: 11-12? What does he have to do?

Every other Friday I do these Q&As, trying to help people learn to think biblically about everything. To ask a question just show up during the beginning of the live stream, wait for it to actually start, and post your question in the live chat.

[sarahfaith]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Intro
1. 0:55 {Greater Works than Jesus?} In John 14: 12, Jesus said we would do even greater things than Him. That’s a tough pill to swallow since He died for our sins and created everything. How do I process Jesus’ statement?
2. 23:42 {Did God Endorse Polygamy in the OT?} In 2 Samuel 12:8, God says that He gave David his wives (multiple), and if he had asked for more, God would’ve given him more. This sounds to be directly saying that God would be endorsing polygamy. How should we as Christians feel about one man having multiple wives according to the Bible, specifically this passage?
3. 30:21 {Is Only OT Scripture “God-Breathed?”} In 2 Timothy 3: 16, was Paul speaking of ONLY OT Scriptures, since that’s all they had at the time? What about the inspiration of the NT?
4. 37:13 {Relearning Proper Theology} One of your videos gave my fiancé a change of heart. He is a former Jehovah’s Witness and feels like he has to start over and unlearn then relearn everything. Where do you suggest we start studying?
5. 43:57 {Is the Hypostatic Union Illogical?} How can Christ truly be God and man at the same time, infringing upon the laws of logic? If it’s true, I know I can't understand it fully, but I do expect to be able to demonstrate how it isn't illogical.
6. 48:54 {Is it Wrong to Teach Kids About Santa?} What do you tell your kids about Santa? Is there a chance that kids who find out Santa isn't real might think the same about Jesus? Would you spoil Santa for children that aren't yours?
7. 57:18 {Should We Avoid Semi-Pelagianism?} I'm a Calvinist, and recently I have been noticing Semi-Pelagian theology in Arminian churches. Can you distinguish between the two and explain why we should avoid Semi-Pelagianism?
8. 1:06:19 {Can We Give God Too Much Credit?} Is it OK to give credit to God for something He might not have done (like a salary raise, new job, or other material or worldly things)?
9. 1:09:52 {New Command or Old Command?} Why does 1 John 2:7 say that he is not writing a new command, but in the next verse (1 John 2:8) he says that he is writing a new command? What's going on here?
10. 1:14:10 {Hasn’t Jesus Always Been Lord?} Peter said in Acts 2: 36 that God has "made Jesus both Lord and Christ." He was already Lord and Christ, so what does this mean? Same with Jesus being “given all authority” in Matthew 28: 18.
11. 1:24:33 {Were Christ’s Sufferings Lacking Something?} In Colossians 1: 24, what is lacking in Christ’s sufferings, and how is Paul contributing to them?
12. 1:30:12 {Is God Constantly Speaking to Us?} My friend doesn't want to have too small of a view of God, so he sees every small event in his life as God speaking to him, even trivial things. Am I being too stingy, or is he "over-spiritualizing"?
13. 1:36:08 {Examples of Serving God Daily} I’m wondering what discipling others, sharing the Gospel, and service to God looks like in your life day-to-day? Anything you’ve learned over the years?
14. 1:39:38 {How Do We Find Joy in Our Trials?} In James 1, how do we count our trials as joy?
15. 1:45:24 {Does the Devil Persecute Believers?} Is God giving the Devil permission to persecute the lives of certain Christians today, like in the book of Job?
16. 1:47:02 {Does Praising Jesus Exclude the Father & Spirit?} I've been struggling with phrases or lyrics such as "All glory be to Christ" and "All Heaven sings to Christ alone.” Do these incorrectly exclude the Father and Holy Spirit?
17. 1:49:28 {Exploring the Different Words for God’s Law} Every verse in Psalm 119 refers to God's Law, and ten different words are used, including: commandments, precepts, law, testimonies, ways, etc. Why? Does each word have a different meaning?
18. 1:51:58 {How to Prepare Large Study Projects} How do you go about a project like the Women in Ministry series? I want to do something similar with Genesis 1-2 but I don't even know where to begin or what tools to use (other than Logos, of course).
19. 1:54:38 {Remembering the Unsaved in Heaven?} I would like to know, when we are in Heaven, will we just forget about those we loved on Earth that weren't saved? I can't imagine how there could be no sorrow if we remember them.
20. 2:01:18 {What Was Paul’s Goal?} Can you explain to me what goal Paul hopes to achieve in Philippians 3: 11-12? What does he have to do?

[Chipsomedip]

I became reborn in January 2022 and you were a big part of that. I often find my self thinking biblically about everything. Thank you for your ministry.

[deewitt]

As a female senior, am grateful for your clear and devoted teaching. 🎉

[theheadteam]

Shout out to Sarah for keeping things running smooth and organized! You are a blessing, too!
Pastor Mike- I now you're not doing any of this for "followers" but to help grow followers of Christ. However, I've been watching your followers grow so fast. It's like I refresh the screen and there's 1, 000 more. THIS changes so many people's lives.

I feel like I'm discipled here. Like I gain tools to go out. Like this Book is the most exciting book. Thank you.

[dgbbgd]

Q6 - I believe that you are spot on. I grew up, the son of a Christian pastor, but in a Sabbath and Holy day observing Church. We never participated In Christmas or Easter observances, and we were taught that the holidays of this world were blasphemous. So, I was taught, from my earliest days, that if I partook of these worldly holidays, then I would be excommunicated and I’d go to hell. When I was in my 40’s, I watched the Church (over one million members) split and fall apart. Then I began to truly study Gods Word for myself, while listening to teachers like Dr. Chuck Missler, and God led me to a better understanding of His Holy Word and His Eternal Plan for His Saints. Yes, God re-educated me and gave me a new understanding of what He did for me, on the cross, and a more positive HOPE, for His Redemption, His Purification and His Gift of Eternal Life, with our Lord and Savior. Hallelujah! Come Quickly Lord Jesus. Amen.

[TomandKathyLathen]

About Santa: when I was rebelling as a 12 year old, my thought was, "God is probably just like Santa, something parents tell children to get them to behave." It was a stumbling block for me. You're right, Mike, lying to kids is bad, no matter what.

[christinacox]

Thank you so much. Years ago, I felt bad because I wasn't doing the "greater works" that preachers were talking about. It made me feel like I either wasn't a Christian or a 2nd class Christian. What a wonderfully wild concept: Behaving like Christ/taking on the mind of Christ, living by the Word of God, and preaching the Gospel being that greater work. That is I may never meet you here on Earth, but when we get to heaven I have a smile and a big hug for you. Thank you for answering God's call on your life, bro. God bless you.

[anomalyannie]

Second grade, I listened to convo with older students about Santa. Came home with confidence that my older brother would tell me the truth. "There is no Santa, and btw you're not really my sister. Mom and Dad aren't really you're Mom and Dad." I was adopted and I no longer cared about Santa. Funny how that moment pops up in my head now and then. God bless you, Sir.

[SqueekyJac]

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

War & Peace written by Leo Tolstoy.

It was a good quote, and very relevant to the crazy time we live. So keep up the good work 👍
Blessings from 🇬🇧 UK

[TheElizabethashby]

THE GREATER WORK TO ME IS GETTING THE GOSPEL OUT TO ALL PEOPLE SO THEY MIGHT BE SAVED

[mikedunlock]

I got 1 min into this and all I can think is: Up Up Down Down Left right Left Right B A Start.
Love you Pastor Mike!

[DarkEden]

Your empathy for JW and others that are confused was refreshing and inspiring
That is what Christ wants for us. Not to judge but to have emathy and want to help those not following God's word. Thank you for these videos 💫

[markhaszoe-life]

Hey Brother Mike, it's after 10pm California time. I might say this allot, but you & your ministry has taught me to Think Biblically. using context turned on the light bulb💡 in my brain. it's made a world of difference to help me understand the bible. it's improved my relationship with Jesus so much. Thank you Mike, Sarah & team for all your hard work. praying for you. 20 Questions is Awesome.

[Blessed_by_Yeshua]

Your videos are my church. I heard that an anonymous poll said 70% of pastors watch porň. I grew up thinking church (Baptist) was a social function. Very dry. Donuts and coffee. Nearly every church I’ve been to has triggered my instincts in a way that has caused my discernment gift to be on full alert.

So, thank you. You have such a gift. I’m sitting here in my car listening to this with my mother. I know that where two or more are gathered together, the Lord is in their midst. God bless you!

You’ve led me to tears of joy, tears of happiness that the Lord has such love and mercy for us. Overwhelmed with tears that God is orchestrating this world to his design. He orders my steps. Amen.

[TsunamiFlipFlop]

As a non-cessationist, I still found this idea of charismania as a 'movement' to be very insightful. You handled this question really well.

[gracefulhorse]

That last question’s answer almost had me in tears. That has been me, moving away from my relationship with Jesus. This and some other podcasts that I have listened to recently have really been a gut punch. I have been lacking in all my relationships and Christ has been calling me back to himself. It’s time to listen.

[JaynieCollins]

I am 67 years old and my daughters are now 42 and 40. When my firstborn was 4, in the months leading up to the Christmas season, I asked her, "What if Santa isn't real?" Her response, "What if Jesus isn't real?" 😯 So from then on, the "main" gifts on Christmas morning were from Jesus, to celebrate His Birthday. Deception gone!

[annem]

My son was told as soon as he could understand(he was about 3 or 4) about the santa ruse. I told him that he could NOT tell other kids though or their parents would freak out. Later, my son thanked me for not lying to him about it(or anything else) because he knew he could believe me when I told him about Jesus!

[cecilspurlockjr.]

You got it right about the greater works issue brother Mike. There's no way we can do more quality works than CHRIST ( GOD HIMSELF ) did or will do . The amout of souls the body of CHRIST brings salvation to in THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST is the greater works .
GOD bless you brother Mike.

[dgbbgd]

Blessings Pastor Winger. I’m a broken Believer in The Lord Jesus Christ. He is my Savior, my King of Kings, my Lord of Lords, my Good Shepherd. I’ve reluctantly walked with Him for most of my life…while being a double-minded prodigal. I sin less, today, I believe, but I am no where near pure. I’m of the opinion that I cannot be pure until Jesus takes me to be with Him, and purges all iniquity from my soul, at the Bema Seat Judgement. I know how badly I desire to be free of sin, I pray and ask God to Create in me a clean heart and to renew a right Spirit within me. Help me better understand, if I’m wrong. Blessings and thanks for your Blessed content.