BibleThinker

Mike Winger

Learn to think biblically about everything! Teaching theology, apologetics, and verse-by-verse Bible studies. Mike Winger teaches with clarity, doesn't shy away from controversial topics, and always seeks to teach the Bible accurately. This podcast will equip you to know and defend the Christian faith and understand the Bible in a deeper way.

  • 1 hour 37 minutes
    Is Marvin Winans Unbiblical? 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 66)

    Taking your questions from the live chat in this Q&A, helping you to learn to think biblically about EVERYTHING.

    Today's Time Stamps:

    0:00 - Intro
    1. 0:14 {Biblical Thoughts on Giving} Analyzing Pastor Marvin Winans’ giving service.
    2. 33:10 {Israel: Right to the Holy Land?} Hi Mike, in your view, does ethnic Israel have a divine right to the Holy Land today, according to Scripture?
    3. 51:37 {How to Serve the Lord} How do we serve the Lord, biblically? Sometimes I feel like I don't know how to serve the Lord.
    4. 53:55 {Finding Our Identity?} Can you explain the trend about finding our true identity? Jamie Winship and others talk about knowing your true identity. Is it more specific than who we are in Christ (i.e., that we’re redeemed, etc.)?
    5. 59:30 {The Minimum to Be Saved?} What's the minimum one must believe to be saved? Romans 10:9? But anything else? What about polytheists who believe it? Or if someone said, "Yes, Lord Jesus died and rose, but His death wasn't for our sin"?
    6. 1:03:49 {Impassability – Does God Have Emotions?} Could you help me understand impassability? I’ve heard that God doesn’t have emotions, meaning we can’t move God to “feel.” What about Deuteronomy 32:21 which sounds like we can move God to feel things?
    7. 1:09:47 {Discouraged by Free Will} My son is bothered by free will because it causes so much pain and suffering and that God foreknew we would sin. How can I encourage him?
    8. 1:14:41 {Developing Belief as an Analytical Person} How do I develop a belief in Christianity? It feels very difficult as an analytical person. I’ve been looking into apologetics but still can't develop faith and I strongly want to live righteously.
    9. 1:20:35 {Trusting God While Questions Linger} I keep thinking I’ll trust God easier if I get more questions about God answered. But I’m sad about things like unmet godly desires. Remembering God’s promises doesn’t help. How do I fix this?
    10.1:25:45 {No Sin After Salvation?} I have difficulty knowing what the Bible means when it says that someone who sins after being saved was never saved. I know that’s a very simplistic version, but it has always caused me anxiety.

    The full Marvin Winans Giving Day service is viewable here

    My website: https://BibleThinker.org

    12 December 2025, 11:19 pm
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    It's actually getting WORSE! We need to do something.

    There is an information war going on about Nigeria right now. While persecution has intensified, we are flooded with lies about how there simply is no Christian persecution by Muslims in Nigeria. Completely deceptive propagandists are appearing all over, including one platformed by Tucker Carlson recently, who denied the truth about Christian persecution.

    Yet, just this last week we've seen 300 kids kidnapped, one church assaulted during a live stream of their services, and another incident of 50 kids being kidnapped, all due to Muslim violence and terror squads.

    Support Judd Saul's work at https://EquippingThePersecuted.org

    Got to https://Congress.gov to message your representatives

    My website: https://BibleThinker.org

    24 November 2025, 8:46 pm
  • 1 hour 7 minutes
    Do I see God right away when I die? 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 65)

    Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

    0:00 - Intro
    1. 0:16 {God’s Presence Upon Death?} Will we see God right away when we die?
    2. 12:33 {Churches Promoting Events w/Drinking?} Should churches publicly promote local events involving alcohol? It seems unwise and inconsiderate toward those with weaker consciences. Some say we shouldn't legalistically refuse to advertise these opportunities for fellowship since drinking in moderation isn't sinful. Thoughts?
    3. 25:34 {Hating vs. Loving Evildoers} Psalm 139:21-22 and Psalm 5:5 seem to imply it is good to hate evil people who oppose God, but Matthew 5:43-48 seems to encourage the opposite. Where is the proper balance between these things? Thanks!
    4. 34:29 {Sin Struggles = Double Minded?} What's the difference between being a double-minded man (James 1:8) and being a sincere Christian struggling with sin and the flesh's love for sinful things (Romans 7:14-25)? Can you draw a distinction?
    5. 42:02 {Wrath: An Attribute of God?} Do you think "wrathfulness" is an attribute of God, or that wrath is just a practical outworking of His attributes of justice and holiness?
    6. 45:29 {New Christian Channel: Am I Ready?} How much planning should a person do before starting a Christian channel? How do you know when you’re ready and it’s time to post your first video?
    7. 49:05 {Adam’s 930 Years} Could Genesis 5:5 mean Adam’s 930 years began after the Fall, so he and Eve lived much longer in the Garden? Romans 5:12 says death came through sin; did Adam start dying then?
    8. 51:09 {Family Member Teaching Falsely: Help!} How do we deal with a family member (brother) who is actively teaching a false gospel (Hebrew Roots but Jesus is not God)? He has started his own group in person and is also sharing online.
    9. 56:06 {Specific Prayers: Controlling God?} When we pray, should we be specific? Or is that trying to control God?
    10. 59:06 {How to Stop Scrolling So Much!} In a generation that grew up scrolling, how can we overcome it? It’s not inherently sinful, but it sucks up so much of our time today. Biblical advice on this?

    Taking your questions from the live chat in this weekly Q&A, helping you to learn to think biblically about EVERYTHING.

    https://BibleThinker.org

    14 November 2025, 10:49 pm
  • 1 hour 9 minutes
    Jihad in Nigeria: This Is an EMERGENCY

    The government is aiding in the massacre of Christians in Nigeria, coordinating with news orgs to cover it up, and we can help stop it.

    Find proof, updates, and support the cause at https://EquippingThePersecuted.org

    How to advocate through the U.S. government...
    Go to https://Congress.gov
    Scroll down and enter your state.
    Send a letter like this to each of your representatives:

    Letter to Congress and senate:

    Subject: Please Support H. Res. 220 and S. 2747 to Defend Persecuted Christians in Nigeria

    Dear [Congressman/Senator] [Last Name],

    I am writing to urge you to take immediate action on behalf of persecuted Christians in Nigeria, who are enduring one of the worst humanitarian and religious freedom crises in the world today.

    Thousands of Christians have been slaughtered, kidnapped, raped, and displaced by radical Islamist terrorists. Entire villages are being wiped out while the Nigerian government turns a blind eye—or, in some cases, is complicit in these atrocities. The United States must not remain silent in the face of such evil.

    I strongly urge you to:

    Support and co-sponsor H. Res. 220, introduced by Congressman Chris Smith, which calls on the U.S. Department of State to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for its severe violations of religious freedom.

    Support and co-sponsor S. 2747, Senator Ted Cruz’s Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which would impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian government officials who enable or ignore persecution and human rights abuses.

    Designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and enforcing targeted sanctions are critical first steps in holding the Nigerian government accountable and protecting vulnerable Christian communities. These measures will help ensure that U.S. foreign policy truly reflects our nation’s commitment to religious liberty, justice, and human dignity.

    Please stand with the persecuted, and let your voice be one of moral leadership and courage in defense of the innocent.

    Thank you for your time, compassion, and commitment to defending freedom and human rights.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Full Name]
    [City, State]
    [Email Address or Phone Number (optional)]

    29 October 2025, 12:58 am
  • 1 hour 24 minutes
    Is Diwali Demonic? 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 64)

    Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
    0:00 - Intro
    1. 0:03 {Is Diwali Demonic?} Can you tell us a bit about Diwali? And is it OK to wish others a “Happy Diwali”? How should Christians view the holiday?
    2. 13:31 {Words of Comfort vs. Prophecy?} Is there a distinction between God speaking words of comfort to someone and the gift of prophecy? I’ve understood that anytime God speaks, it is by definition, prophecy and subject to testing.
    3. 19:01 {OT Food Laws vs. Homosexuality?} If we aren't required to keep the Old Covenant food laws, then why are the unclean animals described in Deuteronomy 14:3 with the same Hebrew word for homosexuality in Leviticus 18?
    4. 23:50 {When Christians Devalue Scripture} I’ve heard believers say things like, “The Bible isn’t the fourth member of the Trinity.” Phrases like this can feel dismissive of the Bible. How should we take this from well-meaning Christians?
    5. 29:07 {Demonic Fear & Sexual Temptation} This may sound like a silly question, but do you have any advice for someone scared of demonic or evil forces when going to sleep? It doesn't help that I often fall sexually at night, too.
    6. 34:12 {Contradicting Passages?} In the plague after the incident at Peor, 24,000 people died. But, in 1 Corinthians 10:8, Paul says 23,000. How can I hold to inerrancy?
    7. 47:48 {Spiritually Guiding our Loved Ones} My mom is a baby Christian (2 years), but she feels most comfortable in an Orthodox church. She seems to be growing in her faith there. Should I intervene or just let her go where she feels led?
    8. 54:56 {More Important: Faith or Love?} 1 Corinthians 13:13 says love is greater than faith. So then why do we treat faith as more important for grand things like salvation?
    9. 1:00:54 {Witnessing to Muslims} My Muslim friend is willing to go through the Bible with me. Which books should I start with?
    10. 1:03:31 {Ladies: Is Makeup Sinful?} Is it sinful for a Christian woman to wear makeup? Nothing too much, but makeup nonetheless. How about nail polish? I don’t personally feel a conviction on this, but I heard a Christian say she “saw people in Hell for it.”

    Taking your questions from the live chat in this weekly Q&A helping you to learn to think biblically about EVERYTHING

    https://BibleThinker.org

    24 October 2025, 10:07 pm
  • 37 minutes 51 seconds
    Our hostile culture.

    I plan to continue engaging more in not only discussing these issues but in intentionally mobilizing believers to take action in the public square to preach the Gospel (above all), to change minds, rescue our countries, change laws, transform institutions, and become activists. Why? Because that's what it means to think biblically about loving your neighbor and seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

    19 October 2025, 2:44 am
  • 1 hour 20 seconds
    Watching Rapture Predictor Videos ON The Day Of The Rapture

    Since today is the third rapture prediction we've had so far this year (from the same people each time) I thought we could look at some of the videos they have been posting that are spreading a harmful delusion.

    17 October 2025, 3:49 am
  • 1 hour 24 minutes
    Breaking news on the Rapture Cult: 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 63)

    Joshua Mhlakela went public again after his second failed rapture prediction. It's real bad.

    Today's Timestamps:

    0:00 - Intro
    Bonus Update: 0:24 {Breaking News!} Covering a “Rapture Cult Update” from the recent false prophets.
    1. 12:53 {Is Christianity a Cult?} In light of Mhlakela's serious error, how can Christians be assured that we aren't also blind members of a cult? Scholars are quick to explain t:hat "near" means quickly, unexpectedly, or suddenly. Then why don't they translate "tychikos" (soon) as such? 2 Peter 3:8-9 is also frequently used as an excuse.
    2. 18:11 {Is Repeated Repentance a Deception?} I have heard you say we should keep repenting. But, if we are continually repenting for the same sin or sins, has it lost its value? Is our repentance real or are we deceiving ourselves?
    3. 23:54 {Politics in The Pulpit?} To what extent is it appropriate or necessary for pastors to address current events & politics from the pulpit? How should church members respond if these topics aren’t addressed thoroughly or at all?
    4. 37:22 {Mark of the Beast: Always Wrong?} If a man takes the Mark of the Beast to provide for his family, how will God judge him?
    5. 43:40 {The Church’s Voice = God’s Voice?} My dad said, “The church asked me to be a deacon, so it must be God.” Is it wise to treat the church’s voice as God’s voice?
    6. 48:38 {About Clear Truth Media} I think you’ve written for Clear Truth Media and they are platforming Mark Driscoll. With your stance on unqualified pastors, how do you respond?
    7. 55:44 {Dietary Laws: Fulfilled?} How did Jesus fulfill the dietary laws? I’m considering Jesus grafting in Gentiles into the faith to be the fulfillment of that (Matthew 5:17, Acts 10:9-15).
    8. 1:01:22 {Overcoming Anxiety: Death & Illnesses} My wife often deals with anxiety. She is a firm believer, but struggles with the fear of death/illnesses. Not for her own sake, but because of the people she would leave behind.
    9. 1:09:17 {Gentle Guidance for a Friend in Error} How can I share the Gospel with a friend who lost his mom and believes she’s watching over him? I know it’s necromancy, but he’s hurting and I fear sounding harsh.
    10. 1:11:51 {500 Witnesses: Verifiable?} I’ve got a question regarding the reliability of the 500 Witnesses source. Atheists say that we have no way to verify that the number Paul gives is accurate. How would you answer this?

    Links:

    My website: https://BibleThinker.org

    10 October 2025, 11:01 pm
  • 2 hours 3 minutes
    10 Qs with Mike Winger: Skeptics, New Believers, and Zachary Levi (Ep 62)

    TODAY I want questions that represent skeptics, new believers, and doubters in general. I welcome the hard questions and will try to answer them well. The first question is to simply examine an X post from Zachary Levi where he says a bunch of stuff about the Bible that I thought would be of interest to skeptics, doubters, and new believers, as well. I'm not roasting the man, just walking through his thoughtful post and providing some insights.

    0:00 - Intro
    1. 1:38 {Responding to Zachary Levi} A respectful analysis of Zachary Levi’s beliefs on the Bible.
    2. 32:56 {The Witness of the Spirit} If I know I believe the Gospel is true but I don’t feel any “witness of the Spirit,” what does that mean? I’m trying to trust with my whole heart.
    3. 40:13 {Has God Abandoned the World?} My dad is an unbeliever but acknowledges God’s existence through creation. He believes that God created the world and then abandoned it. How can I help show him that God is still with us to this day?
    4. 43:30 {Should I Worship a God I Don’t Like?} A common objection I hear is, "Why should I worship a God I don't like?"
    5. 45:58 {Is My Sin Even My Fault?} Why am I accountable to God for my sins when I was born with a sin nature? Shouldn't a loving God provide the basic remedy for creation when they had no choice in being created and no choice regarding their nature?
    6. 53:57 {Was YHWH Beaten in Battle?} How can I defend 2 Kings 3 when skeptics use it as an example of Yahweh being beaten in battle by another entity in driving the Israelites out, despite them being prophesied to win?
    7. 1:05:46 {Learning to Evangelize Better} I converted just over a year ago and had some success evangelizing to my community (libertarians). I've read the New Testament and I’m working on reading it twice now. What can I do to evangelize better, especially to libertarians?
    8. 1:07:20 {How Can God Have a God?} I heard this question in my group: God is considered the Most High; thus Jesus (who is God) is the Most High. Therefore, why does Jesus claim that He has a God above Him in Revelation 3:12?
    9. 1:12:26 {Does Doubt = Incomplete Faith?} I’m a new believer who used to be a Jehovah’s Witness. I gave my life to Christ a few years ago, but sometimes I wrestle with doubt. Does that make my faith incomplete?
    10. 1:18:40 {Acceptance Only of a “Higher Power”} My daughter (13) believes that there may be a higher power, but doesn’t believe in Jesus. I’m trying to figure out how to reach her in an effective manner. What advice can you offer?
    11. 1:21:59 {The Sadness of Animal Suffering} Why is there such a great amount of suffering that animals need to go through? Wouldn’t a good God create it to where the animals didn’t have to suffer and still feed us?
    12. 1:34:19 {Answered Prayer or Coincidence?} How can I tell if God actually answered my prayers or if the outcome was just a coincidence? Many Christians say God has spoken to or guided them without evidence. How can such claims be tested objectively?
    13. 1:37:23 {Does God Send Us to Hell?} How can I convince my brother that God does not condemn us to Hell and that it’s our own free will that puts us there? He has stopped talking to us due to that belief he has.
    14. 1:41:33 {Explaining the Trinity to Muslims} I have a Muslim friend who is struggling to understand the Trinity and asked, “how can God be 3 things all at once, and how can He be crucified?” Can you explain it in a way that a Muslim will understand?
    16. 1:45:51 {Street Healings: Are They Real?} Are street healings real? Christians pray for strangers who report relief from pain and various illnesses. But atheist Derren Brown has produced similar results. Are these miracles or psychological effects?
    17. 1:51:07 {Is Mental Illness a Fallacy?} I'm in a faith crisis. I shared my mental health struggle with my discipler, and at the next study, they called mental illness a fallacy. I walked away and struggle if it's all real.
    18. 1:54:36 {Why is David in Heaven?} Can you explain how David would be in Heaven when he knew 1 wife was God’s design but was living in continuous sin (1 John 3:4-9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Hebrews 10:26, Ephesians 5:3-7)?
    19. 1:56:23 {Rejecting Certain Parts of Scripture?} Can you have blind faith and not believe certain parts of the Bible? And can you have different views than people who know way more about the Bible?
    20. 1:57:56 {Higher Healing Statistics?} Christians tend to pray for the healing of their loved ones when they are physically unwell, enough so that there should be a statistically measurable difference in health levels among Christians vs. non-Christians. Do we see it?

    LINKS I MENTIONED:

    • Three videos explaining why you can trust that the Bible you have today is the same as it once was: Click Here
    • Evidence for the Bible playlist: Click Here
    • Three videos answering a bunch of specific "Bible contradictions": Click Here
    • James 2 (Catholic vs. Protestant view): Click Here
    • Book title: "Seeking Allah Finding Jesus" by Nabeel Qureshi. Great resource and can be found used, as well.
    • My old video showing how street healing videos are faked (Todd White): Click Here
    • Mental health and Philippians 4: Click Here
    • If a polygamist gets saved...Click Here

    My website is searchable and all the video and audio content is free: https://BibleThinker.org

    I'm taking questions from the live chat... here are the rules:

    I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join.
    To ask a question, you'll need to follow these instructions:
    1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera.
    2. Post questions as comments in the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream.
    3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question for me and not just a comment in the chat.
    4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment.
    5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.
    6. Only one question submitted per subscriber, per stream, please. Submitting the same question into the chat a few times is OK.
    7. Please understand that we don't strictly take the first 10 questions submitted. Our team takes several factors into consideration.
    8. You can also check the "Clip Search" on BibleThinker.org in advance to see if your topic of interest has already been covered in a past session. I try not to answer the same questions over and over, so you may find what you need there.

    3 October 2025, 11:03 pm
  • 1 hour 35 minutes
    This saved my Christian faith and it can save yours

    Get some help through https://talkaboutdoubts.com/

    My website is searchable and all the video and audio content is free:
    https://BibleThinker.org

    1 October 2025, 10:28 pm
  • 7 minutes 14 seconds
    I’m being slandered SO bad right now

    We have to do this because of the network of leaders covering for each other or at least failing to protect their own people.

    THIS is the new video exposing what’s happening right this second. Please watch it: Click Here

    Torben Sondergaard made his own video showing that he was behind the scenes, with Koko, and saw the cover-up with his own eyes: Click Here

    My full video on Steve Koko with tons of evidence and witness testimony: Click Here

    If we expose Koko we can expose Cover-Up Culture as a WHOLE and make a real difference in a lot of ministries.

    1 October 2025, 7:29 pm
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