Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:48 {Does Scripture Promote Evil Things?} I’ve been challenged with the accusation that the Bible “promotes killing, rape, and slavery,” quoting Numbers 31: 15-18. I don’t want to simply prove them wrong; that doesn’t address this person’s heart. Would you please help?
2. 18:36 {About the Death Penalty} As a follow up to your teaching on the death penalty, this question is from my skeptic brother: "Isn't it better to rehabilitate offenders in hopes that they may come to repentance and give their lives to God?"
3. 22:32 {About the Apostles & Judas’ Position} I’ve heard it taught that the Apostles were being presumptuous when filling Judas’ empty position. Why did they choose to apply Psalm 69: 25 and Psalm 109:8 to the situation?
4. 30:38 {Can we See God’s Face & Still Live?} Exodus 33: 20 says "no one can see my face and live.” How do we reconcile this with Exodus 33: 11 which says, "the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as to a friend"?
5. 36:02 {About the 70th Week & Seven Seals} Is there any biblical evidence that the beginning of Daniel's 70th week and Jesus opening the first of the seven seals in Revelation will occur roughly at the same time?
6. 37:44 {Why Didn’t God Rewrite Difficult Passages?} Can you explain the Holy Spirit Inspiration Doctrine? I struggle with understanding why God did not rewrite controversial Bible passages. I know I am only a man, and I seek to understand.
7. 41:35 {Advice for an Unequally Yoked Marriage} My wife is an unbeliever. The more I attend church, the more strain it puts on our marriage. Is it right to continue going to church, or should I stop? (1 Corinthians 7: 14) I pray for her every day.
8. 44:40 {About the Book of Numbers} What is the best way to read the book of Numbers? What’s some really cool stuff about it and how it ties to JESUS?
9. 47:36 {Is “Deliverance” / Demon Casting Biblical?} I'm wondering about your thoughts on deliverance. Would you consider calling and identifying demons biblical, or is it not?
10. 50:43 {Reconciling 2 Important Verses/Worldly Christians?} Can you explain Matthew 7: 21 vs. Romans 10: 13? Also, how do you spot worldly Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1) from those who are unsaved but have good works (Matthew 7: 22-23)? Shouldn't we have grace for sanctification?
11. 55:15 {Advice for Christian College Students} What advice do you have for Christians in college?
12. 59:12 {Is there Hope After Death for the Unsaved?} Can the Gospel be preached to the dead? According to 1 Peter 4:6, is there any hope for people after they die? Also, in 1 Peter 3:19-20, what does “preached unto the spirits in prison” mean?
13. 1:03:43 {About Assurance of Salvation} How can I be sure that I am going to Heaven when I die?
14. 1:06:35 {How is Satan the World’s Ruler?} Can you explain how Satan became the ruler of this world?
15. 1:09:48 {About Salvation by Grace vs. Our Efforts} If we don't have to do works to get saved, why does Jesus tell us to "make every effort to enter through the narrow door" in Luke 13: 24?
16. 1:13:07 {Help for Anxiety over Unsaved Loved Ones} How do I combat anxiety about my newborn daughter’s salvation? It’s a difficult topic for me due to my younger brother walking away from the faith as a teenager.
17. 1:16:10 {About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction} Since God can’t contradict Himself, does that mean that His power is limited in a way? I know God is all powerful, but what is the logical reason behind Him being powerful and non-contradictory?
18. 1:20:06 {About Vaccines & Aborted Fetal Tissue} What are your thought on vaccines using aborted fetal cell lines for development? I’m about to lose my job at big MN clinic if

If Pastor Salvatore represents "Progressive Christianity" then we need to start realizing that this isn't just another stream of Christian thought, it is a false gospel trying to replace the true one. Jesus is merely being highjacked by some who want to utilize His fame for their unchristian cause.

The full video I'm responding to can be found here: https://youtu.be/9Fbxc1WD0J4

This is my video explaining the real symbolism of the bronze serpent (hint: it's not about elevating your awareness):
https://youtu.be/dcMnbvB0YMY

I create free content meant to help you learn to think biblically about everything.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org has hundreds of free, searchable videos for you.

Time Stamps:
1. 0:17 {Can Megachurches be Effective?} From a biblical and practical standpoint, is there a maximum number of people that can or should make up a local church? Assuming their doctrine is biblical, can a megachurch with multiple satellite sites or campuses be an effective church?
2. 13:52 {Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?} If Mary was aware of the immaculate conception (visited by an angel, etc.), why in Mark 3: 21 does it seem she’s surprised about Jesus being the Messiah? Scripture says His "family" that goes to "take charge of Him" for being out of His mind are His mother & brothers. Why would Mary think He is out of His mind if she had been visited by an angel?
3. 19:40 {About the Apostles’ Martyrdom} A big defense for Christianity is that the Apostles died & were tortured, never recanting Jesus. How are the Heavens Gate & Jonestown 1978 incidents any different? They all willingly died for a lie, too.
4. 24:33 {Who are the Called & Chosen in Matt.?} Who are the called & chosen ones in Matthew 22: 14? Is it God who does both the calling & the choosing?
5. 30:32 {Does Jesus Mean “Hail Zeus”?} What do you say to people who claim that the name Jesus really means “hail Zeus”? They say one is unknowingly doing witchcraft by using the name Jesus. Why didn’t His name just continue as Yeshua?
6. 35:17 {Is John 15 Works-Based?} Is John 15 works-based? v.10 says, “IF you keep my commandments, THEN you will abide in my love.” That sounds like obedience earns God's love, contrary to the Gospel. What does a life of "abiding" look like daily?
7. 42:25 {Ways to Grow in Christ} I've recently found a renewed desire to get closer with God and was just wondering if you have any advice about how to do so.
8. 44:05 {Did God Ordain Animal Sacrifices?} Does Jeremiah 7: 22 & Matthew 9: 13 indicate God never ordained animal sacrifices? To me it seems God has gradually moved mankind away from sacrifices & idol worship and into His ideal form of religion.
9. 54:05 {About Angels} I know that we are made in the image and likeness of God and are called God’s children, but what are angels to God? Are they made in the image and likeness of God? Are they God’s children?
10. 57:22 {Is there a Contradiction?} In Matthew 2: 19-22, was Joseph’s second dream (vs. 22) from God? God says all who mean to kill you are dead, but God warns him again. Some translations of vs. 22 leave out “God.” Is this a contradiction?
11. 1:00:40 {How Many People are in Heaven?} It's estimated that 60% of natural conceptions fail to implant in the uterus and that at least 50 billion people lived until now. Does that mean there are around 75 billion people in Heaven?
12. 1:05:32 {How to Recognize the Spirit vs. Enemy} How do we know when we feel the Holy Spirit that it isn't a trick from Satan making us think that it’s God? And how do you know Jesus’s resurrection wasn’t a false miracle/wonder by Satan?
13. 1:09:26 {How to Glorify God as an Artist} I like to draw and write fiction in my spare time, and I want to glorify God as best I can doing this. Is there anything I should do or avoid doing as a Christian artist?
14. 1:11:19 {Does Forgiveness Challenge Responsibility?} My grandma rejects Christianity because she claims relying on the forgiveness of a savior teaches us that we don’t have to be responsible for our own actions. How can I help her untangle that belief?
15. 1:14:35 {About the “Day of the Lord”} What must come first, per 2 Thessalonians 2:3? Does “apostasia” mean a spiritual falling away/rebellion, or a physical departure, as in the rapture?
16. 1:19:03 {What does “Cowardly” Mean in Revelation?} Can you shed some light on what Revelation 21:8 really means by the cowardly or the fearful hav

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:28 {How the Jewish Bible is Different} Why aren't there Bibles with the Hebrew order of the Old Testament? Some say the Hebrew order helps to show additional context and beauty of the Prophets and writings within Israel’s history. Any reason to stick to the English order? If either is fine, why aren’t there options?
2. 14:15 {Advice - Tough Marriage/Divorce Situation} Regarding divorce, you mentioned that verbal/emotional abuse is only a valid justification when it is extreme. How do we think biblically about what God would consider to be extreme? I'm finding it hard not to doubt my own perceptions, but my husband is in complete denial. Also, where the husband has essentially separated from the wife within the marriage, is it still not permissible to remarry?
3. 19:43 {About the “Faithful & Discreet Slave”} Can you explain how we should properly interpret Matthew 24: 45-47? I know Jehovah’s Witnesses think it’s referring to their governing body, but I’d like your opinion.
4. 25:46 {Can Sin be Subjective At Times?} Sin is objective, but isn't it sometimes subjective? For example, you may be convicted of a certain activity and won't do it, but I do, or vice versa…and how modesty is different around the world.
5. 30:21 {Are there Really “Accidents”?} Are there really accidents? For example, a freak car accident? How do we square God’s will with what might seem like a totally random event or “accident”?
6. 33:26 {How to Quickly Defend Christianity} Please teach us to talk about why Christianity is true (3-5 points in 2-3 minutes).
7. 41:44 {Can we Write Jesus into Games or Stories?} I'm a hobbyist/game developer and have started making Bible themed games. I want to include Jesus in one of my projects, but I feel uncomfortable writing words for Him. Any advice? Can I even do this?
8. 45:10 {About the Natural Condition of Man} I've heard you say that you don't agree with any of the points in TULIP. What do you believe about the natural condition of man?
9. 49:18 {Can There Be Differing Interpretations of Scripture?} If the word “clear” is used to describe a teaching in the Bible by two Christians with opposing views on the same teaching, wouldn’t that void the effectiveness of using the word in that way?
10. 50:58 {Trusting God in Very Difficult Times} Do you have any advice for dealing with a miscarriage? It’s the first time in my life where I’ve been angry at God. I know He’s sovereign, but it’s difficult to accept right now.
11. 54:56 {Does James Teach Guaranteed Healing?} Does James 5: 14-15 say that a sick person should ask elders to pray for him and he will be always healed? The text seems to be quite straight forward on this.
12. 1:01:48 {Can we Give to Non-Christian Causes?} Thoughts on charitable giving to organizations that I'm passionate about but aren't overtly Christian? Even if it's above my normal tithe, is this "taking money away" from Kingdom advancement?
13. 1:03:37 {Is There a Contradiction?} The Synoptics seem to indicate that the Feeding of 5,000 took place on the Sea of Galilee's West side (Mark 6:30-56), but it seems to take place on the East side in John 6. How do we resolve this?
14. 1:04:58 {Is Worrying a Sin?} Is worrying (stress/anxiety) a sin? If so, could you provide some thoughts on the reasons you think it is?
15. 1:10:51 {Is it Wrong to Visit an Unbiblical Church?} Is it wrong to attend a “prosperity gospel” church with our in-laws when we visit them?
16. 1:11:59 {Protecting Children from Bad Teaching} My Hubby was raised Mormon. He still believes it all but isn't active. His family takes my son to church if he stays with them & they've started teaching him LDS doctrine. I want to not let him go anymore

Was it God or Satan who incited David to take the census?
How many troops were counted? 2 Sam. and 1 Chron. have different numbers.
The book of James says God doesn't tempt anyone, so how can that be reconciled with him inciting David?
Why are Israel and Judah talked about as different groups before the kingdom split into those groups?

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos, so keep an eye out for the rest in the set. Here's a playlist where I will add them as they come out: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtc_kN13cgTRV1l3bl3wZiD

My website https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

1. 0:10 {How to Support a Recovering Spouse} My husband is a recovering alcoholic, now beginning to attend AA meetings. As a wife, what are the most practical ways I can support him while encouraging him to begin leading our home in a biblical way without overwhelming him?
2. 7:00 {Where did Lazarus Temporarily Go?} Where were people who died and later got resurrected located in that period? Do they go to Heaven or Hell and get snatched back to Earth after they’re resurrected (e.g., Lazarus, Dorcas, Eutychus etc.)?
3. 10:50 {Our Own Thoughts vs. the Holy Spirit} In something like pursuing a relationship, or even in general, how do you tell the difference between the Holy Spirit and your own anxiety telling you not to do something?
4. 18:42 {How to Biblically Grieve Painful Loss} My only son died from an overdose last year. I was angry at God and walked away from Him for a bit. I told Him “If I am to serve you, I want the real God.” Isaiah 43: 18-19 says to get over it. How do I get over it?
5. 23:28 {Can Horror Movies & Secular Music Invite Demons?} What are your thoughts about Christians having to be careful so that they don’t invite demons into their lives through watching horror movies or listening to secular music? Is this biblical?
6. 27:50 {About Evidence & Belief} Imagine if someone asked you, “Would you be willing to disbelieve in God if the evidence led there?” What would your response be? Are we obligated to say yes? Does that dishonor God?
7. 34:07 {About the “Golden Rule”} Is the Golden Rule objective or subjective? For example, I tease my friend and he teases me back because we think it's funny, but I won't do it to others because they don't think it's funny.
8. 35:58 {Are All of God’s Actions Infallible?} How do I approach a conversation with someone who doesn't believe God is infallible? He believes in the God of the Bible, but he doesn't think all of God's actions are "good," like in the book of Job.
9. 43:44 {Identifying & Rejecting False Teaching} What's up with all the bad hermeneutics out there? How can those of us without formal training avoid bad interpretation/application of Scripture by ourselves and be able to spot them in sermons, etc.?
10. 46:21 {Does God Hate Satan?} Does God hate Satan and the demons?
11. 48:01 {What Did Jesus Mean by “Be Perfect”?} What did Jesus mean when He said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" in Matthew 5: 48? Wouldn't that mean we're all condemned since we sin every day/week?
12. 54:39 {About Jacob & Esau} Why didn't God punish Jacob and his mother for stealing Esau's birthright and blessing (Genesis 27)? In fact, why does He love Jacob and hate Esau (Malachi 1)?
13. 57:53 {About “Unknown”/ Tongues in 1 Cor.} What do you make of the added word “unknown” in 1 Corinthians 14:2-3, which is not in the original Greek? Could it mean that it is not a different sort of tongues, rather, that no one understands them?
14. 1:00:27 {A Difficult Passage – Ezekiel 45} Is Jesus offering sin sacrifices in Ezekiel 45?
15. 1:03:23 {Should we Worship Using Instruments?} Should we use instruments in congregational church worship? Why or why not? The early church did not use instruments.
16. 1:07:54 {What to Do When a Church Member is Out of Line} What should I do if a member of my fellowship with some mental issues has been making several false prophecies every day, saying literally "hear me for the lord speaks”?
17. 1:09:27 {Book Recommendations?} What are some good books for important topics like systematic theology, hermeneutics, complementarianism, etc.?
18. 1:11:50 {About the Subordination of the Son} How do you explain the subordination of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:3; 15: 28) to the Father within Trinitarian t

I have a bumper sticker on my car that occasionally causes pro-choice people to want to interact with me. In this case, someone left a note on my windshield explaining why she thinks I wasn't aborted and thinks it's not only allowable to kill babies in the womb but that it is morally required! I'm going to walk through the logic of this note and try to show why I think it demonstrates the same thinking in pro-choice people that was present in almost every genocide in history. Yes, it's that bad. And until we all see it as being that bad, we will be likely to fall into the continual moral compromise of our worldly culture.

Make your own bumper sticker here (I haven't used this service and am not sponsored by them but their reviews look good): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014JQ43RQ/

Samaritan's Purse effort to help the Democratic Republic of Congo:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/drc-relief/

Thank you to Liveaction.org for giving me permission to use their invaluable videos.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

Lyrics:

VERSE:
GOD DEMONSTRATED HIS OWN LOVE
THAT WHILE WE WERE SINNERS HE SENT HIS SON
HE LOVED US FIRST, BORE OUR SINS
AND CALLED US TO FOLLOW, TO LOVE LIKE HIM

CHORUS:
FIRST AND MORE YOU LOVED ME LORD
FIRST AND MORE YOU LOVED ME LORD
SO I WILL LOVE OTHERS FIRST AND MORE

VERSE:
YOU MEASURED LOVE IN SACRIFICE
POURED OUR YOUR BLOOD GAVE YOUR LIFE
MY LOVE’S A MERE SHADOW COMPARED TO LIGHT
I WANT TO LOVE OTHERS, MORE LIKE CHRIST

BRIDGE:
LOVE THOSE WHO HATE YOU
BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SPITEFULLY USE YOU
FORGIVE THOSE WHO WOUND YOU
AS GOD FORGAVE YOU
AND YOU WILL BE CHILDREN OF GOD
YOU WILL BE CHILDREN OF GOD

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"
Revelation 22:20

Lyrics:

Verse:
JESUS YOU HAVE PROMISED TO COME
FATHER OUR HOPE IS IN THE SON

Chorus:
THE DAY OF THE DAWN IS COMING IN QUICKLY
AND ALL MEN WILL SEE A GREAT LIGHT
WE WILL ABIDE (John 15) AND TRUST YOU COMPLETELY
FOR OUR LIVES ARE HIDDEN IN CHRIST (Col 3:1-3)

Bridge:
WAITING, WATCHING, HOPING ON
OH WE’RE SAVING, CALLING FOR ALL TO COME
COME AND KISS THE SON (Ps 2:10-12)

Inspired by the poetic beauty of the book of Psalms
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10a

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER
YOU’RE STILL THE SAME
DEEPER THAN THE OCEANS HIGHER THAN THE HEAVENS
YOUR LOVE REMAINS

Verse 2:
WHITER THAN THE WHITEST SNOW
BRIGHTER THAN THE MORNING
YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
MORE FAITHFUL THAN THE SEASONS
OR THE WORLDS TURNING
YOUR FAITHFULNESS

Chorus:
AND WE BOW TO YOU (4X)

Bridge:
HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS
ARE YOUR JUDGMENTS GOD
WE FEAR YOU WE LOVE YOU
YOU ALONE ARE GOD

"…and after the fire a still small voice."
1 Kings 19:12b

Lyrics:
YOU ARE MY JOY

Verse 1:
WHEN THE WORLD RETREATS
NO DISTRACTIONS HERE
THEN YOUR SPIRIT SPEAKS
WHISPERS IN MY EAR
SAYING “I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU,
I LOVE YOU… EVEN NOW”

Verse 2:
EVERY WORD THAT’S SPOKEN
CARRIES ON TO YOU
EVERY PROMISE BROKEN
LORD YOU KNOW THE TRUTH
I NEED YOU, I NEED YOU
I NEED YOU EVEN NOW

Chorus:
YOU ARE MY JOY
YOU ARE MY PEACE
YOU ARE MY HOPE
AND I FIND REST AT YOUR FEET
YOU ARE MY JOY

Verse 3:
I CAN HEAR YOU SPEAKING
REVEALING ALL MY SINS
TELLING OF FORGIVENESS
AND CLEANSING DEEP WITHIN
I HEAR YOU, I HEAR YOU
I HEAR YOU, EVEN NOW

"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me... For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10b (NKJV)

Lyrics:

Verse:
I DO NOT HAVE THE WORDS TO SAY
BUT IT’S ENOUGH TO KNOW YOU’RE LISTENING
I CAN NOT SEE BEYOND TODAY
BUT IT’S ENOUGH TO KNOW YOU’RE GUIDING ME
I DO NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH IT TAKES
BUT IT’S ENOUGH TO KNOW YOU’LL CARRY ME
FOR WHEN I AM HUMBLED AND ABASED
THAT IS WHEN YOU’RE FREE TO USE ME, USE ME

Chorus:
I CAST ALL MY CARES DOWN BEFORE YOU
I LOSE ALL MY FEARS HERE BEFORE YOU
LIVING EACH DAY BY YOUR GRACE
WALKING EVERMORE BY FAITH

I'd like to take a moment to explain one of the lyrics on this song. "Who am I to gain such worth, that my Lord would share my birth, when you created the heavens"
God shared our birth in that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This increased our worth in that He bought us not with silver or gold (which perishes) but with the precious blood of the Christ. The amazing honor He has bestowed upon us by coming in the flesh, as a man.... wow. The maker of the heavens and the earth, the Eternal God humbled Himself so that He could lift us up.
"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?"
Psalm 8:3-4

Lyrics:

Verse:
YOUR KINDNESS OH LORD IS ALL THAT I NEED
YOU FILL ME WITH LOVE YOUR GRACE AND YOUR PEACE
YOU’VE RECONCILED MY LIFE TO YOUR OWN
THROUGH JESUS THE SON OF GOD
YOU MADE YOURSELF KNOWN

Chorus:
YOU CREATED THE HEAVENS
YOU LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH
YOU DWELL IN GLORY
WHO AM I TO GAIN SUCH WORTH
THAT MY LORD WOULD SHARE MY BIRTH
WHEN YOU CREATED THE HEAVENS

This song was intended to be easily usable as a communion song. It is filled to the BRIM with scripture. I have connected most of the scripture references with the lyrics and encourage you to look them up.

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
I BELIEVE THE FATHER SENT THE SON (John 3:16)
WHO SENT THE SPIRIT TO HIS CHILDREN (John 16:7)
IN EARNEST OF THE COMING LIFE (Eph 1:13-14)
A PROMISE TO THE BRIDE OF CHRIST (Acts 14:4-5)

Verse 2:
I BELIEVE THAT ALL CREATION SINGS
A SONG OF WORSHIP TO THE KING OF KINGS (Ps 19:1-4)
REVEALING UNSEEN ATTRIBUTES
MAN NOW LEFT WITH NO EXCUSE (Rom 1:20)

Chorus:
I BELIEVE (echo) I BELIEVE (echo) I BELIEVE (echo)
I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE

Verse 3:
I BELIEVE IN ALL THE PROPHETS SAID (Luke 24:25-27)
THAT YOU’D DIE AND THAT YOU’D RISE AGAIN (Ps 22; Is 53)
I BELIEVE THE DARKNESS HATES THE LIGHT (John 3:17-19)
MANS ONLY HOPE MAN CRUCIFIED (1 Cor 2:8)

Verse 4:
I BELIEVE THEY DRAGGED YOU THROUGH THE TOWN (Luke 23:1, 7, 11; John 19:16-17)
MADE YOU WEAR THE CURSED CROWN (Gen 3:17-18)
DROVE THE NAILS INTO YOUR HANDS AND FEET (Ps 22:16)
THE STRIPES YOU BORE WERE MEANT FOR ME
THE SHAME AND ALL THE MISERY
YOU BORE THE CHASTISEMENT OF MY PEACE (Is 53:4-5)

Bridge:
AND AS I EAT THE BROKEN BREAD I’LL REMEMBER WHAT YOU DID (1 Cor 11:24)
GOD PREPARED HIMSELF AN OFFERING (Gen 22:8)
AS I DRINK THE CRIMSON CUP I WON’T FORGET WHAT YOU GAVE UP (1 Cor 11:25)
YOU STAINED YOURSELF SO THAT I COULD BE CLEAN (2 Cor 5:21)

"We love Him because He first loved us."
1 John 4:19

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND
THAT SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME
I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW I’M FOUND
WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE

Verse 2:
T’WAS GRACE THAT TAUGHT MY HEART TO FEAR
AND GRACE MY FEARS RELIEVED
HOW PRECIOUS DID THAT GRACE APPEAR
THE HOUR I FIRST BELIEVED

Chorus:
I, I’VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH YOU (3x)

Verse 3:
WHEN WE’VE BEEN THERE TEN THOUSAND YEARS
BRIGHT SHINING AS THE SUN
WE’VE NO LESS DAYS TO SING GODS PRAISE
THAN WHEN WE FIRST BEGUN

Bridge:
HOW COULD I EVER GIVE GLORY TO ANYONE BUT YOU
THE FATHER SENT THE SON FOR ME
AS THE WATCHMAN AWAITS THE COMING SUN
SO I WAIT FOR YOU
TO COME AND RESCUE ME (Ps 130:6)

WE WILL PRAISE

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15

Verse
THANK YOU LORD FOR THE GOODNESS THAT YOU’VE SHOWN
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR LOVE
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR MERCIES EVER NEW (Lam 3:22-23)
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR SON

Chorus
WE WILL PRAISE YOUR NAME
WE WILL SING THAT JESUS REIGNS
WE WILL GLORIFY OUR GOD AND KING
FOREVER AND EVER

Bridge
WHILE I WAS DEAD YOU SOUGHT ME OUT
AND GAVE YOUR LIFE TO ME (Rom 5:8)
THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN THIS
TO DO WHAT YOU DID FOR ME (John 15:13)

"He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things."
Psalm 103:4-5a (NLT)

Lyrics:

Verse:
YOU SURROUND ME WITH YOUR LOVING KINDNESS
AND MY DAYS WITH GOOD THINGS
OH MY MORNINGS WITH YOUR NEW MERCIES
YOU’RE SO GOOD TO ME

Chorus:
AND I PRAISE, AND I PRAISE, AND I PRAISE
YOUR HOLY NAME

Bridge:
FOR ONLY YOU ARE WORTHY ONLY YOU COULD SAVE ME
ONLY YOU COULD TAKE MY SIN AND SHAME
LORD YOU ARE MY GLORY A SHIELD ABOUT ME (Ps 3:3)
AND I LIFT MY LIFE UNTO YOUR PRAISE

Meditation is good and meditation is bad. It really depends on what you mean by "meditation." Here's a biblical perspective on it.

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos, so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.
Here's a playlist where I will add them as they come out:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtc_kN13cgTRV1l3bl3wZiD

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

Our first question today is about the 7 tenets of Satanism. I think most people don't really understand what they are about. Let's get into it a bit.

Here's that video giving a biblical evaluation of suicide: https://youtu.be/T6nlUhWJe00

To get your own questions answered, please show up at the start of the stream and type a question beginning with "Q" (or ANQ to ask anonymously), but don't send it before you see me on screen. I can only get to 20 each week, so please forgive me for not being able to answer all that come in.

BibleThinker is a ministry committed to helping you learn to think biblically about everything.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:29 {About the Satanic Temple’s 7 Tenets} The Satanic Temple has been gaining popularity online due to their “7 tenets” they believe people should live by. Many people see these tenets as positive and morally good, and are being drawn into their organization as a result. What are your thoughts about this?
2. 13:31 {Does Isaiah Disprove the Trinity?} Does Isaiah 9:6 disprove the Trinity since it calls Jesus the Father? many Oneness/Unitarians use this verse to support Oneness/modalism.
3. 18:19 {About our Souls/Spirits} What exactly is a soul or a spirit?
4. 20:14 {Biblical Dating Advice} What things should a high school student consider while deciding if or how to date a godly woman?
5. 23:17 {Should we Always Say “God Willing”?} What does James 4: 13 mean? Should we always say “God willing” when making or talking about our plans?
6. 27:03 {About the “Doctrines of Demons”} Can you give more examples about the “doctrines of demons” mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1?
7. 32:27 {About Becoming a Disciple} How do you become a disciple in light of Matthew 28: 19? Can you be unsaved yet still a disciple? I haven’t found the Greek word (μαθητευω) elsewhere. Seems to normally be μαθητης (ex. Acts 11: 29; 19: 30; 21:4, 16).
8. 35:12 {When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness} How do we know when to speak up about the truth of Christ vs. when not to? I am grieved by what I see being claimed as “truth” today, but I don’t want to just sit back and say “I’m not supposed to judge.”
9. 40:11 {About the Fear of God and Dinosaurs} Does the "fear" of the Lord mean "scared"? If not, why is "fear” still used in today’s Bibles? Translation problem? Confused here! And were dinosaur bones/fossils created by the devil to cast doubt?
10. 44:42 {About Denominations} Do you think denominations are a “concession” from God in that He knew we would disagree on doctrine, or is it more like differing members of the body reaching different people in different ways?
11. 48:58 {Responding to Mormon Arguments} What is your best answer to a Mormon responding to "There is only ONE God" by saying "Yes, only one God for US. Only one God we are to worship & that’s OUR Heavenly Father but there are others elsewhere"?
12. 55:29 {What is the Mark of the Beast?} What is the mark of the beast as described in Revelation 13? I’ve heard and read so many things, and I’m not sure how to make sense of it.
13. 1:03:47 {Is it Biblical? Jesus in our Hearts} Do we have "Jesus in our hearts" as believers? What about worship songs about Jesus in the room? John 16:5-10, Acts 1:9-11 and basically all of Revelation seems to say Jesus is in Heaven for now.
14. 1:08:43 {Why did God Allow our Sin Nature?} Frank Turek said (paraphrasing) that in Heaven we will have free will, but we won't sin because we won't have a sin nature. If that's the case, why didn't God just make us like that on Earth?
15. 1:13:49 {How to Comf

"Typology" is a fancy word for how God put intricate details about Jesus throughout the stories of the Old Testament. I'm not talking about prophecy here, although there is a relationship between typology and prophecy. I'm saying that Jesus is the main topic of the Bible so much that God shaped history and people's lives so that the Bible would become a beautiful literary tapestry that shows Jesus throughout its pages. From the story of Joseph going from slavery and presumed death to the right hand of Pharaoh as a savior of many, to the feasts of Israel demonstrating the very nature and mission of Jesus to die for our sins.

In today's interview I will explain what "typology" is, give a number of examples of it, and answer objections to it.

Thanks to Micah Gunn for having me on his podcast, Truth Be Told, to do this interview.

Micah’s YT Channel – Truth Be Told
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn-rlo-ORHtatIPjGmtZm-w

Micah’s Podcast on Spotify – Truth Be Told
https://open.spotify.com/show/5GRTgVGiqOOzz6DnJe1pfL?si=Qkjjj-yhQRqwIOcsbwIFsA&nd=1

THIS is my 27 part series on Jesus In The Old Testament, the most rewarding and exciting topic I have ever had the pleasure of teaching! 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWlpQauXiTU&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsHyvMtfgOgSPU6zEnCvxUO&t=0s

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

Omnism, in the sense that we just pretend all religions are true, is a really nice (in the old sense of the word) religion. It has high hopes and seems to help everyone to "get along," but it depends entirely on utter irrationality and dishonest evaluations of the really important issues that religions are disagreeing on. If you have fallen for Omnism, then I hope you'll consider this a kindness and a wake-up call to consider the evidence for Jesus and the importance of the truth about God and us.

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions, and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos, so keep an eye out for the rest in the set. Here's a playlist where I will add them as they come out:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtc_kN13cgTRV1l3bl3wZiD

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:23 {Will Psychopaths be Judged the Same?} It has recently been scientifically proven that many psychopaths have a physical brain alteration that doesn't allow their synapses to receive the neuron chemicals for emotions such as sympathy. Oftentimes, they become violent criminals or even murderers. Will they be judged by God the same as any other person, even though they have something physiologically wrong with them?
2. 8:03 {What do Miracles/Healing Depend On?} If one were to pray over someone for a miracle or for healing, what would the chances of it working depend on? Jesus said that it depends on faith. Does it also depend on being a relatively righteous person?
3. 15:07 {About Glorified Bodies/Resurrection} If our bodies are glorified at the rapture, what happens to those people who are saved post-rapture? Is there a second resurrection?
4. 17:19 {About the Moral Argument} My brother has a very biblical worldview despite being an agnostic (in terms of homosexuality and celibacy, etc.) based on science. How do I prove that morality comes from God?
5. 26:41 {Is Everyone Claiming to be Saved Really Saved?} Paul Washer said that Matthew 7: 13-14 is not about Christians and non-Christians, but rather, real Christians and Christians who think they’re saved. He says many who think they are saved aren’t really saved. Thoughts?
6. 32:26 {About Giving Everything for the Lord} If salvation is a free gift and not by works, then why does Jesus say those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples? How do we know when we have given up everything?
7. 38:53 {Honesty vs. Kindness?} Where do you draw the line between honest communication about things that bother you about something someone does, and “dying to self” if the person is a very close friend/loved one/spouse?
8. 44:09 {About Demons and The Nephilim} Are demons the spirits of dead Nephilim? Genesis 6 explains that the Nephilim are the offspring of women and angels. Demons never materialize, but we know angels can. Luke 22:3 is not convincing to me.
9. 48:04 {Can We Love Truth More than God?} Can I be a truth-seeker and a good Christian? Is it possible to love the truth more than God, considering that Jesus is the truth?
10. 55:35 {About the Sun Standing Still – Josh. 10} What do you think really happened during "the long day" in Joshua 10 during the battle between Israel and the armies of the 5 kings when "the sun stood still, and the moon stopped"?
11. 58:20 {About the OT Law & Sacrifices vs. Faith} Why was the old covenant law set up to require animal sacrifice, since we see Abraham was atoned for by his faith in the promise to come of what was Jesus (dimly perceived)?
12. 1:03:22 {Bethel Worship Music?} Can I keep listening to Bethel’s music, given the intent (as far as I understand) to invoke emotional responses? I want to avoid the idol of “emotional highs,” but I still see value in their music.
13. 1:07:03 {About the 153 Fish in John} In John 21, it is written that Peter caught 153 "large fish" and that "although there were so many, the net was not torn." Is there a message or theme John was conveying here?
14. 1:12:01 {Leaving a Church the Biblical Way} How do I go about leaving my church? Do I talk to my leaders? Do I have to explain why? What do I need to do to make sure that I do it the right way?
15. 1:16:28 {About the Dead Jesus Raised} Where did all the people that Jesus and the disciples raised from the dead go while they were dead? I would hate to think they were in Paradise somewhere, then had to come back.
16. 1:19:05 {About Asking for Forgiveness/Mark of the Beast} A popular internet ministry says Jesus never said we need to ask for forgiveness and the Bible doesn’t mention it. Is that true? They also say it’s impossi

I'm not exaggerating when I say that some skeptics, and even some Christians, and some scholars in both categories, will teach that if Mark ends his Gospel at 16:8 then it destroys Christianity as we know it. I think this is silly. But I also think it needs a response. After going through those over the top claims we will deal with the more subtle and thoughtful claims of those who say that there are internal and external reasons for thinking that Mark could not have meant for 16:8 to be the ending of his Gospel originally. All told I will walk through 7 specific claims against the shorter ending of Mark and give a case for how this seemingly strange ending is actually quite powerful and meant to cause us to sit with the massive implications of the death and resurrection of the Messiah, until we are stirred to action.

This is the last video in the Mark Series. I have SO enjoyed doing this with you and appreciate your prayers for me to have wisdom as I seek to launch into future series and videos. Next up is a thorough study of women in ministry (that will probably take months to prep, sorry for the wait) and then I'll do a verse-by-verse teaching through the book of Hebrews, with the same sort of methods you've seen in the study of Mark.

This is part 70 of the Mark Series - a thorough verse-by-verse study through the Gospel of Mark paying special attention to theology, apologetics, and historical context.
See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Here's Kelley Iverson's article, "A Further Word on Final Gar": http://www.jstor.org/stable/43725642

The notes for many of my studies are also available for free on my website (as is all the content on my website).
https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:29 {Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?} Hello, I am a Christian, and it's been important to me to understand why the Lord Jesus didn't mention to the apostles or anyone that Paul would be coming to enlighten the Way for His Church. This question hasn't been addressed in any of the studies I've researched, nor by any of the pastors I listen to. But isn't this question a most serious matter, since Paul wrote the majority of our New Testament?
2. 6:45 {Is God Male?} Is God a male?
3. 10:08 {About the Woman of Tekoa & Banishing} How can someone be banished, and yet not cast out from God? I’m referring to what the woman of Tekoa said in 2 Samuel 14: 14. Is it only within that context, or can it be applied transcendently?
4. 17:34 {About OCD, Vows, & Fear} I’ve been struggling with OCD vows recently (such as, if I don’t say this in prayer, I’m not saved). Many places online say to let it go, and that you can’t make a vow out of fear. How can I look at this biblically?
5. 22:39 {Are Souls Eternal?} Is the soul as an eternal entity more of a Greek philosophical idea, or confirmed in Scripture? Do you have any biblical references for an eternal soul?
6. 25:20 {Did Anyone in “The Flood” Go to Heaven?} Do you think any of the people that died in the flood (above the age of accountability) may have been saved or will not go to Hell?
7. 29:01 {About Natural Revelation & Salvation} You've said people who've never heard of Jesus need to respond to natural revelation to be saved. Can you give an example of how a woman growing up in Saudi Arabia would respond to natural revelation?
8. 33:55 {About the “Mysteries of God” in Ephesians} Please explain what is meant by the mysteries of God in Ephesians 3:5.
9. 38:09 {About the Beginning of the New Covenant} Did the New Covenant start when the Temple, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, was destroyed?
10. 44:07 {About Miracles & False Religions} You've said miracles in other religions are false signs from Satan. Why would other religions have reason to think these signs are from Satan? Couldn't a Muslim say the same thing to a Christian?
11. 48:47 {Do We Have to Attend Church?} Is it OK to not attend church at all? I live in Russia and Christianity here is very unbiblical. I’ve tried a lot of churches and I don’t feel comfortable there.
12. 50:53 {Is it a Sin to Depict God?} I’m a new believer. I watched a Christian cartoon with my son, and it depicted God as a Santa-looking man. My son asked if we were breaking the 2nd commandment. Is it a sin to depict God in any way? (Exodus 20:4)
13. 56:07 {Do those who Seek God Really Find Him?} The Bible says that those who diligently seek God will find Him. What about the Muslims, Hindus, and all the people who are diligently seeking God but never find Jesus and stay in their religion?
14. 1:02:31 {Does God Forgive Repeated Sin?} If you struggle with sin and there is true contrition but you still keep repeating the same sin and asking for forgiveness, will God still forgive you?
15. 1:05:59 {Advice for the Timing of Baptism} I recently converted to Christianity. Our church does baptisms once a year, but my husband has Covid and can't attend. I want him to be there, but I also want to get baptized ASAP. What should I do?
16. 1:07:12 {About a “Gap” in Scripture} Can you explain the gap between the early churches in the New Testament and the first Protestants like Martin Luther?
17. 1:11:32 {Men of Valor Living in Sin?} Why does the Lord call Gideon a mighty man of Valor when he had many wives? Was this always a sin? I'm confused about this, honestly.
18. 1:16:59 {Where Does Sin Nature Come From?} If God knits us in our mothers’ wombs, where do we get our sin nature?
19. 1:19:

Today's the day. I've spent weeks trying to dig deep on the debate of whether the last 12 verses of the Gospel of Mark are actually part of the Gospel of Mark. We will look at manuscript evidence, translations, church fathers, lectionaries, internal evidence from vocabulary and style, and consider the question of how all this weighs in on the fact that most Christians throughout time have had these 12 verses as their ending to Mark. I want to warn you of one issue that I slowly noticed in my research. Proponents of the vs. 8 ending (the short ending) have a habit of overstating their case and making some mistakes in accuracy while proponents of the longer ending have the same tendency, perhaps worse than the former. Yeah, this was hard to muddle through but I'll share with you my own confusion and eventual clarity on the issue. I hope that you find it clear, thorough, and edifying.

I'm hoping today's video will not only answer your questions but serve as a good launching point for those who want to do more research on the topic. For that reason, I'm including several links here for you to consider looking into:

This is a book where 4 scholars each build a case for their different views on the ending of Mark. It’s a good introduction into the issues of the debate even if no one scholar has the space to fully flesh out their case.
“Perspectives on the Ending of Mark: Four Views”:
https://www.amazon.com/Perspectives-Ending-Mark-Daniel-Wallace-ebook/dp/B004OR17WK/

Nicholas Lunn recently wrote a book offering a very detailed case that the longer ending was always part of Mark’s Gospel. At first, I found Lunn’s book to be really helpful in challenging the scholarly majority. But after spending a lot of time with it, I’ve come to think that his work causes more confusion than clarity on the topic. Uneven standards in how evidence is handled make his work difficult to read without leading to important misimpressions.
“The Original Ending of Mark: A New Case for the Authenticity of Mark 16:9-20”
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Ending-Mark-Case-Authenticity-ebook/dp/B00OU6OB78/

Larry Hurtado offered three short reviews of Lunn’s book, all three at this link:
http://evangelicaltextualcriticism.blogspot.com/search/label/Nicholas%20P.%20Lunn

James Snapp’s theory is that Mark wrote the longer ending but it was originally not part of the Gospel of Mark. It was taken from some other work from Mark and then added on to the end of the Gospel of Mark. He offers 5 different theories for why it is missing from some manuscripts. I respect Snapp’s tenacity, but I think his logic has regular logical problems. I mean no insult by this, I just want you to be prepared to think very carefully about what he says. His book, “Authentic: The Case for Mark 16:9-20,” is free here:
https://www.academia.edu/12545835/Authentic_The_Case_for_Mark_16_9_20

The most helpful resource I found for dealing with the internal evidence in the longer ending of Mark is this article from Travis Williams:
https://www.academia.edu/1444542/Bringing_Method_to_the_Madness_Examining_the_Style_of_the_Longer_Ending_of_Mark

For those wanting to hear my verse-by-verse study of the longer ending of Mark, it’s here. It’s long, methodical, and shows that the passage doesn’t pose theological problems, even if it wasn’t written by Mark:
https://youtu.be/zA6s9O4o5Uo

For the 12th century Greek Codex 304, which is Byzantine in nature and ends Mark at 16:8, see the two links following; and you’ll need them because Snapp and Lunn have bad info on this and this is a really interesting piece of evidence showing not only a lack of the LE, but apparent debate on it from different owners of the codex! The text is viewable here:

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:37 {Conscience before the New Covenant?} Based on Jeremiah 31: 33-34, did people before the New Covenant not have a conscience (innate knowledge of God and the ability to know right from wrong as we do now)? Based on the radical changes that Jesus and the Church brought to the world, and God seemingly needing to give people constant special revelation in the OT, could there be a case for this? Could the need for the cycle of sin-judgement-repentance/cry for help-deliverance be connected to this?
2. 8:16 {Help for Maintaining a Godly Attitude} The Lord has blessed me tremendously in life. I love Him & want to please Him! But for some reason (& I have no excuse) I find it really hard to have a calm, grateful, God-honoring attitude. I'm easily irritated & find myself complaining about little things constantly, especially when I don't get my way or experience a minor inconvenience. I'm ashamed of this & don't want my attitude to be this way but I can't seem to change.
3. 12:31 {Covenant vs. Dispensational Theology} What's your thought on the reformed perspective of Covenant Theology vs. the dispensational view?
4. 15:46 {Jesus – “Forgive them, for they know not…”} Why did Jesus say “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” if Jesus knew they had to do it to save us at the cross?
5. 17:59 {About the Vanishing & Glass Seas – Revelation} In Revelation 21:1, it describes the "sea vanishing." Is this sea the same as the "sea of glass" in Revelation 4:6 where some have suggested it symbolizes the barrier that separated God from man?
6. 20:51 {Discussing Theology Without Focusing on Death} My 14 y.o. does not like the subject of death (her father/my husband died suddenly 4 years ago). How can I talk about salvation and other biblical things in a way that doesn’t make her anxious?
7. 23:37 {About the Paraclete} John 16:7 says Paraclete is the Holy Spirit, and 1 John 2:1 says it is Jesus Christ. I cannot believe this is a mistranslation, so what is 1 John 2:1 talking about?
8. 28:16 {Did Moses Write the Pentateuch?} Do we have evidence that Moses wrote the first 5 books of the Bible? My atheist friend is questioning this.
9. 31:14 {Does the Man Sin when an Abortion is Done?} Is it a sin for the man if a woman decides to get an abortion? With or without his consent (does that make a difference?)
10. 34:00 {Are We Obligated to Obey God’s Standards?} My friend asked me: If we didn't choose to exist or come into existence, why do we have to follow what God says or His "standards"? Why does He have standards anyways? How do I respond?
11. 37:45 {About the Covid Vaccine} How should Christians respond to the push to get the Covid vaccine (especially here in LA)? Is it our Christian duty to put others above ourselves, even if it betrays our own conscience?
12. 40:41 {About the Doctrine of Preservation} Does Matthew 5: 18 teach the doctrine of preservation? What are your thoughts on this doctrine?
13. 46:37 {About the Trinity & God’s Attributes} How can the three persons of the Trinity be distinct if they all have the same attributes (Omni-s) and their wills are the same?
14. 50:22 {Is Depression Ever a Sin Issue?} Is there ever a point where depression can be a sin issue? How should I view it in light of what Scripture says about worrying, while being charitable toward those who are struggling?
15. 54:23 {How to Evangelize at Work} What’s the best way to share the Gospel in the workplace? Is there a guide to sharing the Gospel that you keep to?
16. 56:56 {About Exodus 4 & Zipporah} Please explain Exodus 4: 20-26, especially Zipporah's part in it.
17. 1:02:46 {When Married Couples Disagree on Theology} What is your view of a husband and wife having differing opinions on eschatology or

Is Leviticus just offering advice about medical health? Is it identifying homosexual acts as sinful, or just potentially unhealthy? Can we calmly and carefully try to understand the passage in context? I hope so.

I think that the overall context of the passage makes its application pretty clear, and even though our current culture tends to misunderstand this as condemning certain kinds of people instead of certain kinds of behavior, we simply cannot be biblically faithful without standing our ground on this topic.

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.
Here's a playlist where I will add them as they come out:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtc_kN13cgTRV1l3bl3wZiD

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

This passage is probably most well known because of its abuse by snake handling preachers in the United States. I will address that issue but it's far from the only important thing to talk about in these verses! Though the snake comments in the passage get a lot of attention from normal people, scholars are mostly interested in the question of whether the passage belongs in the Gospel of Mark at all. But, today I'm not answering the question of whether the last 12 verses of Mark are authentic or not. I'm just answering the question of how I would interpret the passage as it stands. Next week I'll deal with the complex issues related to whether the passage belongs in Mark in the first place.

This is part 68 of the Mark Series, going verse-by-verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in Mark 16:9-20.

See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

I have live videos Mondays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A.

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

Here’s the video on dealing with depression, which I mentioned during the stream:
https://youtu.be/KspwQ2wyuUU

Taking live questions from the YT live chat! Every Friday at 1 p.m. Pacific time. While I don't pretend to know all the answers, I hope to offer some thoughts that will help you in the direction of thinking biblically about things.

The BibleThinker mugs can be found here. I don't make any profit from these -  they are made by a third party and $5 per mug will go to support different ministries I choose.
https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/new-bible-thinker-mug

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

1. 0:31 {Were Jesus’ Disciples Married?} Were Christ’s disciples married / did they have families? I believe there is a reference to Peter’s in-law, but I find it to be an interesting question. What would it be like for them? How would that fit with what the Lord tells us about the role of a husband/father? The love for God trumps all, so did that override their responsibilities as a husband/father?
2. 9:55 {Should We Give to Beggars?} I've had multiple encounters where people directly approach me and my wife on the street or at a gas station asking for money, food, or a ride. I know most people would say don't give anything because you're feeding their bad habit, and I know there is also the risk that if you do help/give, they may try to push for even more favors. But it's obvious that Jesus was compassionate toward beggars. What are some biblical principles for this in today's age?
3. 15:37 {What is a Miracle?} What is a miracle? If it can be explained, is it still a miracle?
4. 20:54 {Should we be Worried about Gov’t Control?} Should Christians be worried about government control? I have friends not getting the Covid vaccine because "it's a way to be controlled by the government.” I want to think biblically about this.
5. 26:09 {About Walking by the Spirit} Does living in the Spirit mean fighting the flesh? How do you fight something that is already dead?
6. 32:04 {About “Perfect Love Casting Out Fear”} What did John mean in 1 John by “perfect love casts out fear, and that whoever fears has not been made perfect…”?
7. 34:43 {About Paul and a Time Gap in Scripture} Why didn’t Luke mention the time gap that took place during Acts 9: 20-26, that Paul mentioned in Galatians 1: 17-18?
8. 40:20 {Prayer to Help with Deep Depression} Can you pray for me? I’ve battled depression my whole life, and the past 2 weeks I’ve gotten so low I need some prayer if you have the time.
9. 43:13 {Why did Jesus need to be Led by the Spirit?} Why did Jesus (God) need to be filled, led, or anointed by the Spirit? Troubled by some saying that Jesus did everything as a man through the Spirit, so we should be able to do everything Jesus did.
10. 48:10 {Forming a Healthy Work/Rest Balance} Since life is finite and Heaven is infinite, how do we justify spending any time not working to influence eternity? Where is the balance between relaxation & work? (Ephesians 5: 15-16 vs. 1 Thessalonians 4: 11)
11. 53:10 {Refuting Catholic “Queenship” of Mary} How would you answer a Catholic who uses Revelation 12 to argue Mary's queenship?
12. 59:06 {Can we be Confident in God’s Existence?} How can one ever be sure that the arguments for God’s existence are truly sound? Is it because all current objections fail? Maybe there is an Achilles heel that has not come up yet.
13. 1:02:44 {What is Prevenient Grace?} I just heard about prevenient grace. I have looked it up and it just don't understand it. Can you explain it?
14. 1:05:48 {Finding Hope in Difficult Situations} How do you interpret the hopelessness of Psalm 88? How can you comfort someone who feels what Psalm 88:18b (NIV) implies?
15.

Taking live questions from the YT live chat! Every Friday at 1 p.m. Pacific time. While I don't pretend to know all the answers, I hope to offer some thoughts that will help you in the direction of thinking biblically about things.

The BibleThinker mugs can be found here. $5 per mug will go toward supporting different ministries I choose. For the time being, it's supporting refugees driven from their homes by ISIS.
https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/new-bible-thinker-mug

Here is Restoring Faith, the ministry helping refugees in the name of Christ: https://www.restoringfaithinc.org/

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

1. 0:17 {Did Jesus Consider the OT to be Scripture?} You said in a past Q&A session that Jude references Enoch, and your best explanation is that it's just to make a point, not to say that Enoch is canon or inerrant. But that's also my conclusion about when Jesus refers to the Old Testament. Isn’t it the same for when Jesus refers to the Old Testament?
2. 5:18 {If I Don’t Read Scripture, am I Still Accountable?} Romans 1:8-2: 16…Responsibility? I'm afraid to read/not read the Scriptures. So I read/don't read, sometimes feeling physically ill/deeply anxious/even empty. Is it normal to feel like this?
3. 10:16 {Discussing a Confusing Verse} What are your thoughts about Matthew 26: 13? You taught earlier that this specific action is not even recorded in all the Gospels, so what does Jesus mean?
4. 13:42 {How did OT Punishments Display God’s Love?} What was the point of capital punishment in OT, which was way too harsh to the point that it was not strictly followed back then? How does it display God's love when people are killed for not obeying?
5. 22:19 {Reconciling Two Verses} How does Ecclesiastes 9:4-6 reconcile with Paul’s statement that “to live is Christ and to die is gain”? Am I misreading it?
6. 27:01 {Overcoming Condemnation/Embracing God’s Grace} I have a good understanding of God’s Love and forgiveness in my head, but I have trouble living as though I believe it in my heart, and I still feel condemned at times (1 John 4: 16-18). Any advice?
7. 32:36 {About Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh} What is your opinion on Paul's thorn in the flesh? I heard it was his eyes, maybe from his encounter on the road to Damascus? 1) He had Luke, a doctor, with him during his travels 2) He had others write his letters.
8. 40:00 {How to “Walk in the Spirit”} From Galatians 5, what is does it mean to “walk in the Spirit”? And do you have any pastoral advice for a new disciple on this subject?
9. 47:46 {Difference: Doubt vs. Unbelief} What is the difference biblically between doubt & unbelief? Are either of them a sin?
10. 52:48 {How is the Holy Spirit Received?} How does receiving the Holy Spirit work? In Acts, there are two times the HS is poured out: Jews (Ch. 2) and then Gentiles (Ch. 10), but every other time is passed by laying on of hands (Acts 8: 14-18, 19:6, etc.).
11. 56:27 {Advice for a Difficult College Situation} I have to read “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” for school, but Oprah did a movie on it. Since she denied that Jesus is the only way, I don’t know if I should drop the class. Thoughts?
12. 58:24 {About the Timing of our Death} Are our deaths appointed to us in both time and manner? If a person dies being hit by a car on the corner of Times Square, was it always going to end that way?
13. 1:02:20 {How to Handle Online-Only Congregants} How should churches handle their local online only congregants? This is a big dilemma in my church's leadership right now. (Let's assume that it is safe to return to in-person church.)
14. 1:04:13 {About the “Day of the Lord”} What is the day of the Lord?
15. 1:06:16 {Was Jesus Created? Answerin

I know you have questions about this. I hope this helps answer them.
But if my short answer isn't enough (and it's probably not) THIS is the link to my FULL teaching on the issue, where I go through many specific verses of the Bible which give us help working out the answer to this very concerning issue. I hope you will give some thought to it. https://youtu.be/IiyxpE5UBz4

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos, so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.
Here's a playlist where I will add them as they come out. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtc_kN13cgTRV1l3bl3wZiD

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

They tell me that the internet is where religion goes to die, but they also tell me the internet is full of poor research and unreasonable arguments.

We are going to get pretty technical today. Lots of different threads of evidence will be explained and drawn together to support the factuality of the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea. This may seem like it's not a big deal if you haven't recognized the evidential value of the burial and empty tomb for the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. I'll be drawing from the work of a number of different scholars (Craig Evans is particularly helpful) and responding to the work of Dr. Bart Ehrman, who has influenced countless people to reject the resurrection of Christ.

This is part 67 of the Mark Series, going verse-by-verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in Mark 15:42-46.

See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Here are resources I'll mention in the video:

How Jesus Became God, by Bart Ehrman - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DB39V2Q/

How God Became Jesus, a response to Ehrman by 5 scholars:
https://www.amazon.com/How-God-Became-Jesus-Nature-ebook/dp/B00I2P2OVS/

Article on chemical analysis of nails from Caiaphas' ossuary - "Petrochemistry of Sediment and Organic Materials Sampled from Ossuaries and Two Nails from the Tomb of the Family of the High Priest Caiaphas, Jerusalem":
https://doi.org/10.4236/ad.2020.83015

Jody Magness' article on why the archaeological data supports the historicity of the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea. "Ossuaries and the Burials of Jesus and James":
https://ancient-world-project.nes.lsa.umich.edu/tltc/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DEATH_OSSUARIES_Magness-2003_Ossuaries-and-the-Burials-of-Jesus-and-James.pdf

I have live videos Mondays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A.

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

1. 0:19 {Church Leader Living in Sin? Letter vs. Spirit} I am a young adult, still living in my parents' home. My father is the pastor of our small church. One of my siblings has leadership roles, but is living in sin (cohabitation). My father has talked with him, but hasn't taken any biblical action to remove him from leadership or from church. The elders don't see a need to do anything either. What should I do? (I'm the youngest and a daughter.) I was told I was taking the letter of the law instead of the spirit of the law.
2. 10:33 {About John the Baptist being Jesus’ Cousin} Is it a big deal that John the Baptist was Jesus' cousin? I haven't heard this talked about much; wouldn't that mean that they knew each other when they were kids/before their ministries?
3. 16:30 {About the Early Church & Socialism} Should Christians be living like the early Church in a sort of voluntary Socialism as found in Acts 2: 42-47 and Acts 4: 32-37?
4. 27:03 {MW’s Personal Experience Witnessing} Could you share your most memorable experience in leading someone to the Lord?
5. 30:08 {About Recent “Deconstruction” Stories} I find myself sympathizing with some who have deconstructed and walked away from the faith (though I don't agree with their decision). How can I keep from deconstructing myself?
6. 41:08 {Is Yahweh Only the Father’s Name?} Some people I know say Yahweh is the name of the whole Trinity combined. I thought Yahweh was only the name of the Father (like how Jesus is the name of the Son). What are your thoughts?
7. 47:13 {About Artaxerxes in Ezra} Are there two Artaxerxes in Ezra, or could it be that there is an interlude in Ezra 4:5-23? Artaxerxes stopped the building, but later seems to endorse it.
8. 48:10 {Are the Church and Israel the Same?} Are the church and Israel the same or different? Is the church the continuation of Israel and heirs of the promises of God to OT Israel?
9. 50:53 {Can Christians Attend JW Weddings?} Is it ok to attend a wedding of a Jehovah’s Witness? My colleague is a JW and she is getting married in 3 weeks. I was wondering if it’s ok for me to attend because of the belief system.
10. 52:35 {How to Have Godly Sorrow Over Sin} How do you have a godly sorrow over sin (2 Corinthians 7: 10)? When I sin, I repent, feel really bad, and ask for forgiveness, but eventually fall for the same sin again. Do you just pray for God to give godly sorrow?
11. 59:44 {About Approving of/Watching Inappropriate Shows} How do you respond to another Christian who thinks that watching movies or shows with nudity/sexual content is a liberty they have in Christ because they do not struggle with lust?
12. 1:06:35 {Interpreting a Difficult Verse} I’ve read two different views on 1 John 3: 20. 1: If our heart condemns us, how much more will God since He is greater than our heart? 2: Even though we feel guilty, God knows our heart. Thoughts?
13. 1:11:04 {What does Ecumenical Mean?} I'd rather not identify myself with any particular denomination. What does it mean to be an ecumenical Christian?
14. 1:13:46 {Some Great Wisdom for Us} What’s the greatest lesson of wisdom you’ve learned as you’ve matured in your faith?
15. 1:16:06 {About Believer/Non-Believer Relationships} What should a new Christian do if he or she has been in a relationship for 7+ years with a non-Christian (not married), and the non-Christian doesn't slow down the spiritual growth of the Christian?
16. 1:19:36 {Is it Fair that Some People are Born in Unbelieving Areas?} How is it just that because a person is born in a specific region in the world, that they are more likely to follow the traditions and religion they are raised in and end up going to hell?
17. 1:24:17 {Is the Fire Mentioned in 2 Peter Literal?} In 2 Peter 3: 10 it says that on the "Day of the Lord" God will destroy the world and "its elements" with

This matters. These lies are being absorbed by youth in our culture and they are breaking their ability to think rationally and biblically faithfully.

I HIGHLY recommend that parents check out Elizabeth's foundation worldview curriculum. It's a really good tool to train your kids (and yourself while you are at it) in how to think biblically about things. Since your kids are being exposed to worldly and unbiblical thinking all the time they are very likely to simply absorb it and assimilate it if they aren't given the tools to reason through the issues well. This is where Elizabeth's project comes in. You can have your kids do these classes once a week from home whenever it's convenient for you. I'm not making ANYTHING for telling you this. I think this is just a really needful program for Christian families in modern times. I know life is crazy busy for parents but I think this is one of those things that's worth your time and is really underpriced for the benefit it brings.

Here is where you can learn more and sign up: https://foundationworldview.com/

My website, with the NEW search features that help you find exactly what you're looking for: https://BibleThinker.org

This is the second part of today's stream. My internet dropped and then came back and I had to make a second video to finish things.

Link to my 3 videos explaining textual variants and stuff related to why I don't think the story of the woman caught in adultery is originally part of John:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuzJhPtmrgqpVoXhjvqiIjW

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Re-Introduction
3. 0:50 {If our Sins are Forgiven, Why Ask for Forgiveness?} If Jesus paid for all of our sins once and for all, why are we still called throughout Scripture to continually ask for forgiveness (ex: The Lord's Prayer)?
4. 2:59 {About the Enneagram} What is your view on the Enneagram? I recently had a lot of problems within my church about this.
5. 5:24 {About "Sin Leading/Not Leading to Death”} Can you shed some light on 1 John 5: 16-17?
6. 8:36 {About Freedom from the Law} When Paul says we're saved by grace apart from the works of the law, is he referring only to the Law of Moses, or the moral law, as well?
7. 13:44 {About Gematria & Numerology} In light of today’s first question, how do you account for more subtle/compelling examples of Gematria such as JESUS (IESOUS in Greek) calculating to "888"? Contrast with "666.” 8=new life, etc.
8. 15:28 {About “The Passion of the Christ”} As a Christian, is The Passion of The Christ film OK to watch, and is it biblical?
9. 19:27 {About Ezekiel & OT Prophecies} What does Ezekiel 40-48 mean for us? What about OT prophecies about future sacrifices?
10. 22:28 {About the Doxology in Scripture} How should we make sense of the Doxology at the end of The Lord's Prayer in some English Bibles when it doesn't occur in earlier manuscripts? Should we not use it?
11. 25:01 {What does it Mean that God has a Plan?} I always hear "God has a plan for your life." What does this mean? Is this about salvation, gifting/calling, or about God's overall will for believers? Is this specific or general?
12. 29:55 {About Graven Images & Biblical Actors} Could you explain Exodus 20:4? Is God stating we shouldn’t have any images at all, like the images we see of Jesus in churches? And what about the people who portray Jesus in biblical movies?
13. 34:25 {How to Respond to Unbiblical Statements} I was wondering of a kind way to correct people who just say "God just wants me to be happy.”
14. 37:00 {Can Disobedience Thwart God’s Promises?} If God gives us a promise, could His promise be dependent on our obedience, and could we veto a promise either by our actions or by our unwillingness to receive? Please elaborate on Romans 4:13-15.
15. 40:00 {About the Perpetual Virginity of Mary} What are your thoughts on the Protoevangelium of James? Does it support the perpetual virginity of Mary?
16. 43:39 {About the phrase “Son of Perdition”} What is the Greek meaning of “Son of Perdition”? Is it a specific person, or a general statement?
17. 47:04 {Should Atheist Arguments Concern Us?} Should we be concerned about counterarguments that atheists and skeptics present to our faith?
18. 49:30 {Is “Praying the Gay Away” Biblical?} Is “praying the gay away” wrong? It seems biblical to me.
19. 53:45 {Am I Rightly or Wrongly Judging?} How do I know if I have a judgmental attitude toward someone or an honest concern about their sin?
20. 54:56 {About the Woman Caught in Adultery Passage} It's said that the story from John 7: 53 to 8: 11 isn't found in the earlier manuscripts. It's one of my favorite pictures of God's grace. What do you think about how we should deal with this?

My website https://BibleThinker.org

The rest of today's stream can be found here. Sorry, I had internet issues: https://youtu.be/r8biDmivVco

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:40 {Is Biblical Numerology Really Biblical?} What are your thoughts about “biblical numerology”? Are certain numbers in Scripture intended by God to carry hidden theological significance for us to find, or is this a man-made and potentially dangerous thing to look for while studying?
2. 14:48 {About our Future Glorified Bodies} Will we still have scars and such in our new bodies? Like when Jesus was resurrected, He still had His crucifixion marks. Was that just for God’s purposes (Thomas) or is it a sneak-peek of what our new bodies will be like?

If you want a question answered live it must be submitted in the live chat after the stream starts (not before) and know that we always receive many more than I can answer so please give me grace if your question is not selected. You may try your question on the search feature on BibleThinker.org as well, since it's possible I have already answered it in another Q&A video.

The NEW BibleThinker mugs can be found here. Made by a third party, I'm not making any money here, BUT $5 per mug will go toward to support different ministries I choose. This July it's supporting refugees driven from their homes by ISIS. https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/new-bible-thinker-mug

Here is Restoring Faith, the ministry helping refugees in the name of Christ. https://www.restoringfaithinc.org/

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

If someone says this, you can know for sure that they are not hearing from the Holy Spirit. This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.

My website: https://BibleThinker.org

It will be helpful for us to look at the account of the women finding the tomb of Jesus empty with fresh eyes. When we consider how embarrassing it was in 1st century culture to rely upon female witnesses, how important the idea of Jesus being physically raised was, and how impactful the claim of the empty tomb was, we find that what we have here is remarkable evidence for the trustworthiness of the Gospel accounts of women finding the tomb of Jesus empty after He was buried there. Add this to the rest of the evidence for the resurrection of Christ, and the case is quite powerful. What was considered and embarrassing fact of history back then is a wonderful piece of evidence from a modern historiographical perspective. In other words, it's true.

This is part 66 of the Mark Series, going verse-by-verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in Mark 15:40-16:8.

I have live videos Mondays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A.

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

My website https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:36 {Should Repetitive Bible Passages Concern Us?} I'm very confused about why Psalms 14 & 53 are almost identical. Is this an error in Scripture? Are any other pairs of psalms also duplicate? This is causing me to worry about the reliability of Scripture. Please help me understand this!
2. 11:07 {How to Connect Deeply with God} I struggle deeply with feeling the presence of a relationship with God. I believe I am saved, but I had wandered far and often during my youth. To this day, I try to "imagine" my relationship with God, but I still feel estranged (mostly I think because of sinfulness). I am desperate for that deep, living connection to the Father. What can I do to get connected in relationship with Him?
3. 15:34 {More Miracles than Jesus?} Often, John 14:12-14 is used by “word of faith” preachers that I used to listen to. Their claim is that we are to do the same and more of the miracles that Jesus did. How should I see these verses?
4. 22:28 {Is Common Sense an Argument for God?} Some weeks ago you said you believed common sense is the best argument for God. Can you elaborate?
5. 26:27 {About Jupiter in the Bible} In Acts 19:35 where it says “the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter,” is this referring to the planet Jupiter, and did they know of other planets in that period of time?
6. 29:15 {Are the Son & Spirit Extensions of the Father?} What would you say to people who say that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are mere extensions of the one God, the Father?
7. 33:29 {What is a Biblical Perspective on Anointing

I am by no means certain about my answer here but it does seem to be right based on my understanding of the passage in question. Initially when I was challenged to look at this passage more carefully I started to doubt that I had properly understood it in the past. But when I really examined it carefully I came to feel even more firmly about this interpretation. If any of you disagree then I hope you are right! Please feel free to share your reasons in the comments. This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set. Here's a playlist where I will add them as they come out.

Bart Ehrman has convinced more people to reject the Christian faith than almost anyone alive today. But he has done so largely through being very misleading. I'm going to provide some solid examples of this as it relates to the crucifixion of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark because I think there is a lot of benefit in dealing with misleading claims about the Bible. I'm doing a lot of apologetics related stuff here at the end of this series on the Gospel of Mark and I hope you find it faith building and inspiring! Here's my teaching on Psalm 22 as an amazing passage that gives us good evidence that Jesus was prophesied ahead of time. https://youtu.be/eq8oaOix3rs This is part 65 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 14:53-72. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... The video clip I used from Bart Ehrman is from this debate he had with Craig Evans https://youtu.be/ZakwU4m9IJg I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A. Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

I am totally open to changing my mind on this passage but I do currently think this is the right way to understand it and I didn't come to this opinion rashly. My research project on the topic of women in ministry and related issues is going to start once I'm done teaching through the Gospel of Mark (probably less than two months from now) and I hope I can offer real clarity on all this stuff. I know how important the issue is and how important it is that we strip away confusion and truly follow what God is telling us.

There's a passage in the Bible that, according to some, shows necromancy working in the real world. Here are my thoughts on what we can learn about the legitimacy of necromancy from this text. Anti-supernaturalists would deny it and sensationalists might want to use it to say too much. But I will offer my own theory as to what was going on when the witch at Endor was used to try to access Samuel after he died and Samuel actually showed up! This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:39 {Do you Know of any Biblical Marriage Songs?} I write lyrics for songs and I'm wondering if there are any marriage songs based on biblical theology. I spent years writing one to my wife and it still doesn't work. Looking for examples to follow.
2. 6:00 {About Jude Quoting Enoch} How do you explain Jude’s apparent quote of the book of Enoch in verses 14-15?
3. 9:14 {Was Jesus Dead for Three Days?} According to Matthew 12: 40, Jesus predicted He would be dead for 3 days. But according to Mathew 28:1 and Mark 16:9, it seems this wasn’t the case. Thoughts?
4. 14:50 {About Confession of Sins to Others} Is apologizing to people we’ve sinned against (e.g. lust) always necessary, and if so, to what extent? We must if they know about it, but what if they don't (or are indifferent/hard to contact)?
5. 17:28 {How to Combat Intrusive Thoughts} As a new Christian, I’m constantly bombarded with intrusive thoughts, including blasphemous ones. I feel guilty sometimes and I wonder if it's me thinking these things. How can I combat this?
6. 20:59 {About Apologetics being Used in Fiction} How effective do you believe apologetics can be done in works of fiction (like Narnia) rather than just straight arguments? Should there be more of it?
7. 23:27 {About the 24 Elders} Who are the 24 elders? They are not mentioned in the creation account. Are they a collection of people such as Enoch, Moses, etc.?
8. 28:54 {Understanding a Difficult Verse} Can you please explain Matthew 10:34-39 where Jesus says a man’s household will be his enemy?
9. 34:10 {Can we Only Attend Smaller Groups?} I’m an introvert and have never felt comfortable at large Bible studies with people I don’t know. Do I have to enjoy large group studies? Is it OK to stick to small studies with one or two others?
10. 36:34 {About Evangelism & Guilt/Responsibility} If we don’t share the Gospel with our friends and family, is their blood on our hands?
11. 40:18 {About Imputed Righteousness} Is imputed righteousness synonymous with forgiveness of sins? Or does God require more than just sinlessness (that is to say: a positive ascribed righteousness)?
12. 44:00 {About Jesus Making Himself Eq. w/God} The Pharisees were wrong in much of what they did, so wouldn’t that mean they were also incorrect in thinking Jesus was trying to make Himself equal with God?
13. 48:36 {About Jesus Descending to Hell” If someone believes Jesus had to suffer in Hell for three days after the crucifixion, could they truly be saved? Don't we need to believe it was all accomplished on the cross?
14. 50:23 {Biblical Wisdom for a Tough Family Situation} My mother-in-law is in a gay marriage. My wife has shared the Gospel with her, but she rejects it. Lord willing, we'd like to have kids. Should there be boundaries between the kid/grandma relationship?
15. 52:46 {About Aquinas’ Summa Theologica} Have you ever read or studied the work by St. Thomas Aquinas called "Summa Theologica," and if so, what are your thoughts?
16. 53:44 {About being “In Christ” in Paul’s Letters} In Paul’s prison letters, he uses the phrases “in him, in Christ, and in whom.” He seems to use these a lot in Ephesians 1, but also uses them in Philippians and Colossians. What does it mean?
17. 58:13 {About Jesus being Truly Man} If Jesus was fully man and subject to time and space, how is John 21: 25 possible? Or is it hyperbole?
18. 1:01:30 {How Can We Pray Constantly?} What are some practical ways to practice 1 Thessalonians 5:7? Trying to pray constantly can be draining & discouraging because it feels like there are only so many things I can pray over.
19. 1:07:25 {About the Year of Jesus’ Birth} What year do you believe Jesus was born, and how do you reconcile it w

If you encounter a cult that denies the deity of Christ, they WILL quote this verse. Here's a quick analysis of why Jesus is called "firstborn" in Colossians 1:15. This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.

Time Stamp Map
0:00 - Introduction
1. 1:11 About BibleThinker
2. 2:46 What is baptism, what does it do, and what does it declare?
3. 5:23 Is baptism purely a symbol, or is there something spiritual that happens when a person is baptized? Does baptism affect salvation?
4. 6:35 When a person makes a profession of faith, should they be baptized right away, or should there be a waiting period for their leaders to observe their conduct before allowing them to be baptized?
5. 8:02 Is pedo-baptism (infant baptism) biblical? And is it biblical to draw a parallel between circumcision and baptism?
6. 13:51 When studying Scripture, what is the difference between a descriptive text and a prescriptive text?
7. 14:55 Time stamp #5 continued (circumcision vs. baptism)
8. 16:09 What does the New Testament say is the parallel we should draw from the Old Testament practice of circumcision?
9. 18:14 What passages of Scripture do pedo-baptists refer to in support of their belief?
10. 24:22 What is the difference between infant baptism and infant dedication?
11. 26:00 Even though baptism isn't salvific, is there any harm in baptizing infants just as a blessing? And do some people believe infants can, in fact, have saving faith already? How can we respond to that claim?
12. 30:53 What happens to infants when they die? Are baptized infants more likely to go to Heaven?
13. 32:11 Refuting the most powerful argument commonly used to defend infant baptism
14. 44:59 Should believers now who were baptized as an infant be re-baptized after truly coming to saving faith in Christ?
15. 49:10 Is it correct to baptize "in the name of Jesus," or "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit"? And should a person be re-baptized if a different formula was used during their baptism?
16. 53:56 Who can baptize people?
17. 59:00 Closing thoughts

I did this interview 3 years ago on The Remnant Radio program. Here's a link to their channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC31RZ-b3D1w452JLuzLVl4Q

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:43 {Why does John and Other Passages Not Mention Repentance?} If repentance is required to be saved, why is it not mentioned in the Gospel of John and other evangelical texts like Acts 16: 31 and Romans 10? Can repentance be somewhat synonymous with belief?
2. 10:41 {About Orthodox Beliefs} What do Orthodox Christians believe vs. Protestants? Is their doctrine as problematic as Catholic doctrine? (I heard Hank Hanegraaf converted to it.)
3. 15:43 {About the Greek in Bible Translations} Pastors often say, "what the Greek REALLY says is…" Why don't translators use the Greek that pastors cite in sermons then? (Like how Peter is akin to pebble but is translated as rock.)
4. 19:41 {Explanation of Ezekiel 14 – Prophets} In Ezekiel 14:9 it says if a prophet is deceived, it’s the Lord who deceived him. Could you offer some explanation to this verse, as it seems out of character for God?
5. 25:38 {About Saving Faith in the OT} Romans 4 tells us that Abraham was saved because of his faith. He believed in God. How can we say that just because he was saved that way, everyone else in the OT was saved that way? Also, if they were saved that way, why did they have to sacrifice lambs? And if people were always saved by just believing in God, why was it necessary for Christ to come?
6. 31:15 {Fruit of the Spirit – Longsuffering} Could you please explain what longsuffering means, in regard to the fruit of the Spirit?
7. 32:40 {Is All of Scripture Inspired?} When Paul says, "I say, not the Lord but I..." in 1 Corinthians 7: 12, does that mean that portion of Scripture was not inspired?
8. 36:12 {Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation} Does God really love me, and am I really saved? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but I am still sinful and I struggle with sin. However, it seems that God answers my prayers. Am I really saved?
9. 39:47 {Has Mankind always only had One Spirit?} What are your views that God only created one spirit and gave it to Adam which was then passed through generations? This explains how God doesn’t create an impure spirit at birth, or generational curse.
10. 42:44 {About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ} My husband isn’t open to hearing me speak truth, so I have stopped correcting him. Is this a sin?? If he dies, he will go to hell.
11. 45:00 {Promises vs. Prophecies} Is there a difference between a promise and a prophecy? Are all God's promises prophecies? Am I responsible if a prophecy told about me doesn't come to pass? A church leader told me these things.
12. 47:54 {How to Be Kind when it’s Difficult} What specific actions can one who has no empathy do to be kind? (Thinking 1 Corinthians 13 "kind.")
13. 50:27 {Help with Marital Conflict} I feel led by God to homeschool my teens. My husband disagrees. He doesn't want them to be sheltered. I want to submit, but I’m conflicted. Thoughts?
14. 53:13 {“Free Grace” Theology, Faith, & Works} Free grace theology says that "save" in James 2: 14 means from physical death or harm. All uses of the word “save” in James 2: 14 are in the context of physical harm, so why is this different for you in 2: 14?
15. 57:31 {When is Kissing Sinful?} Is all kinds of romantic kissing outside of marriage a sin? Could a Christian actor/actress do a kissing scene?
16. 1:00:28 {Do Jew. & Gent. Christians Worship Together?} I’m an ethnically Jewish Christian and have seen that some believe that Jewish & Gentile Christians worship together, but with different lifestyle callings. This has been stressful. Input?
17. 1:03:25 {Did God Promote Adultery in Genesis?} In Genesis 38:7-10, Someone was commanded to lay with his brother’s wife and impregnate her. He didn’t impregnate her, and the Lord struck him down. Is G

After this interview I was thinking about the possibility of other examples where Jesus uses a present physical object in a purely symbolic sense and I think we do have some. When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well He told her that she should ask Him for water, and while there was physical water present the real point Jesus is making is that she needs non-physical water which is representative of new life in the Holy Spirit. Jesus also manifested bread for the crowd but told them that this was food that perishes and they need food that gives everlasting life. He goes on to show that this food is belief in Jesus. Even in the favorite passage for those who promote transubstantiation (John 6) Jesus adds the clarity/commentary that the flesh profits nothing and the Spirit gives life. This is not merely saying the word "spirit" means "symbolism"; rather it is saying that "spirit" is not "flesh" and cannot be interpreted to mean "my physical body being eaten by you". A whole lot more can and should be said about all this but I hope that the above answer will be seen as offering strong support simply for the fact that the Jewish context of the Last Supper is such that we should conclude symbolic meaning in the act and not transubstantiation.

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.

I'm Mike Winger and my goal is to help you learn to think biblically about everything!

 

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:11 {About the “5-Fold Ministry”} Have you heard of the "5-Fold Ministry" way of thinking about apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exercising those gifts today? And if so, what are your thoughts about it?
2. 12:40 {When does Competition become Unbiblical?} The Bible stresses the importance of unity within the body of Christ. When does competition among believers (even seemingly friendly competition - games, sports, etc.) become unhealthy?
3. 16:21 {What is “Fundamental Christianity”?} Can you define "Fundamental Christianity" for me? Recently I've been seeing it referred to as a negative thing. Is it?
4. 20:48 {Why do Animals Die or Become Extinct?} If “the wages of sin is death,” why do animals die? (My question also involves the extinction of the dinosaurs - why would God create them to be exterminated?)
5. 26:51 {Using the Morality Argument} If using the morality argument, how would you respond to an unbeliever that uses the objection that morality is subjective and there is no real objective right or wrong?
6. 32:30 {About Feeling Angry toward God} When someone is angry at God, are they able to bring that to God, or do they wait until they are not angry and then go to God? Do we have to be 100% before talking with God, as to not disrespect Him?
7. 38:55 {About John 15 – Bearing Fruit} What do you think of the view that states that in John 15, Jesus actually said in Greek that those who don't bear fruit are lifted up instead of cut off? Is this us practicing bad Greek?
8. 42:45 {About Gratitude in the Midst of Hardship} When I was an atheist, I got depressed and actually planned to end my life to escape all its struggles. I now know God exists, but I can’t be grateful for being created. How do I repent from that?
9. 47:23 {Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?} About prayer, I’ve heard many people say that praying to God should be more of a dialogue than a monologue. Isn’t the Lord’s Prayer spoken by Jesus a monologue? How should we pray then?
10. 50:19 {About Leaving a Church} Is it necessary to ask your church to remove your name from its records if you are leaving due to false teaching/beliefs? I wonder if that’s what God means when He says “come out of her.”
11. 53:24 {About 1 Kings 13} In 1 Kings 13, what are we supposed to learn from this passage? It seems as though the prophet lied to the man of God, tricking him so that he wouldn’t stay the course. Why lead him into this trap?
12. 1:02:44 {About the 1st Resurrection – Revelation} Will all believers partake of the first resurrection, or only those who have been beheaded in the name of Christ? Revelation 20:4
13. 1:04:59 {About Matthew 27 – Holy People Raised} Can you please explain Matthew 27: 51-53? Hoping to get some clarity about the holy people raised to life. Where did they go? Did they die again?
14. 1:09:19 {About “Divine Simplicity”} Do you believe in divine simplicity? If so, how do you reconcile it with the Trinity?
15. 1:11:40 {Did the Covid Mandates Involve a Spiritual Battle?} A lot of believers seemed to believe the Church was being persecuted by being required to wear masks, meet in smaller groups, etc. Was a spiritual battle being waged in the Covid mandates?
16. 1:13:51 {About being Used by God in our Lives} I see others being used by God, and I want to be used too. Because of this, I often struggle with envy, jealousy, & comparison. How would you encourage & help me grow past this sin?
17. 1:18:27 {About the Death of our Pets} My cat died this week. Where did he go?
18. 1:22:03 {How Should we Study Other Religions?} Do you have any recommendations for studying other religions and how to approach others with the intention to evangelize?

For anyone who finds this video too short... here's my much longer video on the topic of suicide. https://youtu.be/T6nlUhWJe00

Please share your thoughts (hopefully in a gracious manner) in the comments below. These are tough topics. Do you think I'm right about seeing suicide and euthanasia as fundamentally different situations from having a DNR or pulling the plug on life support under certain dire conditions?

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.

 

On one side we have skeptics who want to easily dismiss much of the biblical account of Jesus' crucifixion. On the other side we have "progressive Christian" teachers who want to take away essential theological truths about the meaning of the cross of Christ. I'm tackling all of that today. I find it genuinely intimidating to be speaking on the topic of the death of our Lord, since I don't know how any man could do true justice to the glory and horror of the cross, but I pray that God uses this to bless you and draw you closer to Him.

This is part 64 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 14:53-72.

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:10 {Regrets about Not Sharing the Gospel} My father recently died, and I don’t think he was a true Christian. I’ve been a Christian for 7 months and I didn’t share the Gospel with him. Would things have gone differently if I did?
2. 7:03 {Witnessing to Mormon Family Members} I'm a Christian who is married to a non-practicing Mormon who still bases his beliefs on LDS doctrine. I think I want to go into apologetics (largely inspired by you), but I don't think my husband will approve. I also feel called to evangelize my Mormon in-laws, but I struggle to get past their feelings-based testimony and their beliefs about who Jesus is and salvation. Any advice on my apologetic aspirations in my specific circumstances, and on the best way to surmount these LDS hurdles?
3. 12:45 {How do we Meditate on Scripture?} I was wondering: how do you remember Scripture? I will read in the morning, and by the time night/the next day comes, I forget what I read. I know we’re to meditate on it, but how do we do this?
4. 15:26 {How to Pray for our Leaders} I find it very difficult to pray for the current administration. I know they need it desperately. How do I overcome this struggle?
5. 19:06 {Is “Deliverance” for Today?} Is deliverance for today? Should we be praying for each other to be set free from demonic bondage in our lives, along with seeking medical assistance and counseling where needed?
6. 25:51 {About Pastor/Elder Qualifications} How literally should we follow the "qualifications" for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy and Titus?
7. 31:10 {Can a Christian Marry a Non-Christian?} Is it OK for a Christian to marry a non-Christian like a Buddhist, atheist, or Muslim? And what if they already have children? How would you counsel the Christian?
8. 35:07 {About Married Couples in Heaven} Does Luke 20: 27-36 teach that people who are married on Earth won't be married anymore in Heaven? I feel sad that my husband and I might not be together still in Heaven.
9. 39:20 {About the Lord’s Supper during Covid} In my church, holy communion is postponed because of the measures surrounding Covid. Drinking from one cup is not possible. To justify this, they use Joshua 5:1-8. Is this biblical reasoning?
10. 45:06 {Will God Understand if I Hide my Faith?} I’m an ex-Muslim who became a Christian in 2020 and I have secretly been Christian but I still have to do Muslim practices. Will God understand that I have to keep it a secret?
11. 50:49 {Can we Truly Feel God’s Presence?} Todd Friel (Wretched Radio) said “The Bible doesn’t teach that we can feel God’s presence” and the “warm fuzzies” are only an emotional response when our minds receive biblical truth. Is this true?
12. 57:28 {Can we Compare Jesus & the Tree of Life?} What's your view on the comparison between Jesus and the Tree of Life? It came to me in a dream, and I googled it and found that it was exclusively an Orthodox belief.
13. 59:50 {What did Paul Do before his Missionary Work?} 11 years went by from the time Paul was saved ‘til his first missionary journey - I always thought it was only a few months. What did Paul do during those 11 years other than fasting and praying?
14. 1:00:34 {Are a Person’s Days Determined?} Job 14:5 says a person's days are determined, yet in Isaiah 38, God extends Hezekiah’s life. It almost seems that with enough prayer & faith, we can persuade God to change His mind. Thoughts?
15. 1:04:32 {Will we receive Glorified Bodies AND Minds?} We know that we will eventually gain glorified bodies, but what about glorified minds? Will someone who suffers from a mental disorder (like Down’s Syndrome) be “healed”?
16. 1:07:00 {Encouragement when we feel Empty} I struggle with emotional emptiness, abandonment issues, & having low self-

This clip is taken from my weekly Q&A video, which happens live at 1pm pacific time on Fridays.

Several people reached out to tell me this particular answer was helpful to them so I decided to cut it out and make it into it's own video in the hopes that it would bless you.

You may be interested in my 3 part video series on what the original manuscripts of the Bible really say and how reliable our modern translations are. You can watch it here for only $29.99! Just kidding, all my stuff is free. Here it is! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WclIZwBFhq0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuzJhPtmrgqpVoXhjvqiIjW

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.

Can you believe in Christ and NOT Be a Christian? Join Mike Winger and I as we break down 6 MAJOR religious groups that ALL claim to believe in Jesus and compare them to Biblical Christianity.

These six major groups, if not careful, can make you think that what they believe is the same as what you believe. Mike Winger and I will break down some of the similarities and differences of these six groups as we compare them against Biblical Christianity.

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Opening remarks
06:34 - Opening prayer
07:40 - Group #1 - The Mormon Church
22:18 - Group #2 - Jehovah's Witnesses
41:03 - Group #3 - Hebrew Israelites
1:01:38 - Group #4 - Roman Catholicism
1:26:43 - Group #5 - Seventh-Day Adventism
1:49:32 - Group #6 - "Pop" Christianity
2:07:54 - Final Remarks

0:00 - Introduction
1. 1:13 {Adam Buried Beneath where Jesus Crucified?} I heard on a program by the National Geographic that there’s a belief out there that Adam was buried beneath where Jesus was crucified. They say when Jesus died, His blood flowed down into the ground and through some cracks inside a tomb where Adam was buried, and Adam was resurrected from that. I am trying to find out where this belief even started, why it was started, and if there is any Biblical or Historical evidence to suggest that this ever happened. Have you ever heard of this, and do you know of any resources on this subject that might help me?
2. 6:04 {About Bribery in the book of Proverbs} Can you please help me and my friend understand Proverbs 21: 14 about bribery? We read the references below the verse but still find it hard to understand.
3. 10:15 {Should I Attend a Calvinist Church?} The church that I currently attend is in search of a new pastor, and the one that will be voted in is a Calvinist. I don't agree with Calvinism and question if I can submit to his authority/teaching. What do I do? Stay? Go? I don't want to be divisive but want to stand on God's truth in love.
4. 14:09 {Faith vs. Works Contradiction?} I’m confused on two verses, Romans 4:3 and James 2: 21. I don’t believe the Bible has any contradictions, can you please clear up my confusion on this?
5. 22:51 {Is God Faithful when We’re Faithless?} Is 2 Timothy 2: 13 saying God is faithful to us, or to Himself? I hear people thanking God that when we are faithless, He is faithful to us, but it seems to read the opposite.
6. 25:26 {About God’s Will in our Lives} How do I know if I am living in the will of God for my life? Do wrong choices mean we have messed up Gods plan and we’re now living plan B?
7. 29:32 {About the Age of Accountability} Does Numbers 14: 29 give us any biblical reason to believe the age of accountability to be 20? In Numbers 14: 18-19 Moses pleads with God, and God pardons the sins of the children 19 and younger.
8. 34:40 {About the Wedding Feast/Garments} The man who was at the wedding feast without a wedding garment in Matthew 22: 11, is he like what would called a nominal Christian?
9. 41:48 {About Cohabitation Before Marriage} What Scripture shows that 2 heterosexual Christians who love each other and intend to marry can’t cohabitate if they are celibate?
10. 46:18 {How to Honor an Abusive Parent} My father was physically and mentally abusive when I was a child. Can I stop talking to him and still be honoring him?
11. 49:19 {About Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia} What are your thoughts about assisted suicide and euthanasia?
12. 52:55 {Is the Holy Spirit Jesus’ Father?} Might be a dumb question but if the Holy Spirit came upon Mary so that Jesus could be born, wouldn't that make the Holy Spirit Jesus' father?
13. 54:59 {About “Pascal’s Wager”} What is Pascal’s Wager, and do you believe that it has been refuted?
14. 59:10 {About Revelation – New Names/White Stones} What is the "new name" in Revelation 2: 17? Is it the individual's new name that receives the white stone, or is it Jesus' new name?
15. 1:01:28 {Should Pro-Life = Immigration Support?} Do you think that being pro-life means that I should also support immigration/refugee resettlement due to the pro-life belief that children should be taken care of regardless of circumstances?
16. 1:04:40 {Can a False Teacher Cast Out Demons?} What is the deeper meaning of Matthew 12:22-28? I’m a little confused. Can a false teacher cast out demons? If so, wouldn't that be a kingdom that is divided against itself?
17. 1:09:20 {Defense of the Trinity} Hi Mike! I fully believe in the Trinity due to ALL of Scripture. But 1 Corinthians 8:6 is a bit problematic and seems Unitarian. What do you make of it?
18. 1:13:20 {Should our Shortcomings Disco

These are my tips on Bible versions as well as where to read depending on what's going on in your life. Please share your recommendations in the comments as well!

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could.
I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set. I'm Mike Winger and my goal is to help you learn to think biblically about everything!

Can we prove the Holy Spirit is a person and not just an "active force" as the Jehovah's Witnesses claim?
Can we prove that the Holy Spirit is actually God and not just Gabriel the angel as the Muslims claim?
Today we'll do that and more as we look at a ton of verses that teach us about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. I think you'll find that the most often ignored person of the Trinity is not only clearly taught about in the Bible, He is a blessing to know about.

Here's my study on what the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is. https://youtu.be/KmCHX8-2Smo

I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A.

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction

1. 0:52 {Offering Counsel in Difficult Situations} I’m in a master's program with Liberty University for clinical mental health counseling. During our training, we were asked how we would handle certain difficult situations, such as if a LGBTQ couple would request help strengthening their relationship, or request help advocating for adoption rights, or advocating for trans. people. Can you please give me some biblical principles to follow, to help me counsel these people in a caring way without condoning unbiblical behavior?
2. 11:14 {Advice for a Difficult Marriage} Any advice on how to help a brother in Christ (who's also a preacher) not leave his marriage because he's miserable and he claims "God doesn't want him miserable"?
3. 19:19 {Refuting JW Theology} A Jehovah’s Witness said that all the letters in the NT addressed to saints are for the 144,000 (example: Romans 1:7). How do I show that a saint is a believer, and that the NT should be applied to everyone?
4. 26:00 {Does Modalism Jeopardize Salvation?} Does modalism lead to other fallacies? If someone believes in Christ except they don’t believe that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each distinct, could their salvation be in jeopardy?
5. 30:00 {Witnessing to Abuse Victims} A friend was sexually abused by her family including her mother, foster family, the school priests, and her first husband. Understandably, she refuses to believe in any God. How can I witness to her?
6. 33:22 {Are man-made Covenants Biblical?} Are man-made covenants for pastoral ordination biblical (specifically, covenants binding oneself to denominational doctrines and principles)? The Salvation Army requires this for their pastors.
7. 37:19 {Should Believers Expect to Hear/Feel God?} I have never "felt"/"heard" from the Holy Spirit/God. I believe in and follow Jesus, but I feel like I am missing something. Should a Christian be literally hearing/feeling something from God?
8. 45:23 {About the Overcomers in Rev.} What are your thoughts on the overcomers mentioned by Jesus in Revelation 3:5-12? Would you consider these to be believers in general, a specific group of believers, or some other group?
9. 50:47 {Do Angels Sing?} Do angels sing? Or is worshipping via singing something unique to humanity? Thank you so much for your ministry. It really is encouraging for me and my wife. How can we be praying for you and your family?
10. 54:22 {Can we find Proof of Jesus’ Existence?} I heard there are more proofs that Jesus is a real person than there are for people like King Tut, etc. is this true? If so, is there somewhere I can go to find those proofs?
11. 1:01:02 {Is Satan an Actual “being”?} What would you say to the brethren that suggest that Satan is not actually a being? People argue that the OT doesn’t describe him as a singular being but something of the human mind.
12. 1:03:44 {Same Spirit but Different Opinions?} Discerning the Spirit: I’m having a hard time understanding how Christians are all supposed to have the same Holy Spirit but we are so divided on so many issues.
13. 1:06:30 {Bible Contradiction?} Can you explain the what appears to be contradiction in 1 Kings 7: 26 and 2 Chronicles 4:5, due to the different numbers?
14. 1:12:59 {Jesus’ Genealogy/Lineage} How historically plausible is it that the Jesus‘ genealogies in Matthew and Luke authentically trace back to the Exile, Kind David, Abraham, and so on?
15. 1:16:02 {About Same-Sex Attraction} As a Side B/Celibate same-sex attracted Christian, do you believe God can change my attraction to eventually desire to marry a woman?
16. 1:21:21 {Encouragement through Chronic Illness} I’m newly diagnosed with a very debilitating chronic illness. How do I continue to serve the Lord in my role as a wife and mother and serve the body o

The Bible turns out to use this term to mean something very different than what I was originally taught. The "baptism of the Spirit" is not a secondary experience that Christians have after salvation, it is something that happens to everyone who is saved, when they believe.

This is just one question from a long interview I did for the moderators of the r/Bible subreddit. They asked their subreddit to send me a bunch of questions and I spent a lot of time preparing so that I would be able to offer the best answers I could. I'll be posting these answers as individual videos so keep an eye out for the rest in the set.

I'm Mike Winger and my goal is to help you learn to think biblically about everything!

I go live every Monday and Friday at 1pm. Monday is usually a vs by vs teaching and Friday is a live Q&A where I take questions from the live chat on YT.

How Proverbs 30:1-4 is a prophecy about Jesus.

Here's my whole playlist on How to Find Jesus in the Old Testament. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWlpQauXiTU&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsHyvMtfgOgSPU6zEnCvxUO

I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A.

Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

0:00 Why this matters
3:44 Meet Alex Hewitson and Dr. Brad Bitner
6:16 Alex’s approach to reviewing Col in TPT
7:39 Brian Simmons’ wild claims about TPT
10:21 What are the different kinds of translations?
11:45 TPT is not a real translation
13:38 Are we being too critical of translations?
15:52 Broad Street publishing misleading people
18:20 Simmons badly wrong about “Aramaic”
32:24 Simmons makes stuff up about “tetelestai”
37:04 Testing Simmons’ claims about “love language”
41:04 Why is TPT longer than other Bibles?
44:02 Simmons translates the same Greek phrase in many different ways
46:58 Adding and subtracting from the Bible
50:19 TPT radically expands the Bible
54:21 Seeing the agenda behind TPT
59:30 What concerns me about the people who endorse TPT?
1:01:41 TPT using joint verse numbers
1:04:08 Divine titles are weird in TPT
1:13:52 How TPT softens hard teachings from the Bible
1:17:22 Translators should be invisible. Simmons is not.
1:19:13 Failure to quote scholars
1:20:35 Simmons uses outdated resources
1:23:48 Is Simmons a scholar or not?
1:28:08 Testing the “secrets” Brian says are coming from God
1:32:32 Brian Simmons homonyms are deeply concerning
1:38:30 God’s wrath is changed
1:40:40 Changing the meaning of Col 1 vs 9
1:43:38 Italics in TPT are problematic
1:45:18 TPT wrong on slaves and masters
1:48:24 TPT wrong on husbands and wives
1:54:17 TPT wrong on children and parents
1:56:15 Adds “prophetic songs” to Colossians
2:01:36 “Buzz words” in TPT don’t belong
2:04:52 Basic grammar errors show Simmons shouldn’t be translating
2:09:19 Simmons’ style replaces the biblical authors style
2:12:35 What they really think of TPT
2:14:43 Should TPT be sold in Christian bookstores?
2:15:47 Can someone get saved reading TPT?
2:18:10 How will TPT impact you if you use it?

Dr. Brad Bitner's academia profile https://wscal.academia.edu/BradBitner

Here's every video and paper in The Passion Project (including Alex's paper) https://biblethinker.org/index.php/the-passion-translation

Mark is one of the favorite books of skeptics of Christianity. They will sometimes say that it has "low Christology" (a low view of who Jesus was) and suggest that this is evidence that belief in the deity of Christ came not from Jesus and the apostles teachings but from other people "developing" Christianity afterward. Others will claim that orthodox Christian teaching about how Jesus died on the cross to suffer the just punishment of our sins so that we could be forgiven, as an atoning sacrifice, is an invention of Christians coming centuries after the time of Christ and the apostles. One of the reasons I love the book of Mark is because a careful study of it shows that all of those claims are false. In today's study we will look at Jesus on trial before the high priest and we'll see that there are two major lessons that Jesus wants to teach everyone about the nature of the Messiah. The Messiah is divine and the Messiah must suffer and die for the sins of others. Not only do these two teachings refute how some have distorted the Gospel of Mark, these teachings are actually central to the whole Gospel. They come at the climax of Mark's message and they reveal that the divine nature and the atoning work of the Messiah are absolutely essential in the Gospel of Mark.

I love this stuff!

This is part 62 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 14:53-72.

See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference 0:00 - Introduction 1. 1:04 {The Gospel of Thomas} Do you have any thoughts about the "Gospel of Thomas"? 2. 9:55 {Can Denominations Substitute Baptism?} Is it within biblical "freedom" for a denomination like the Salvation Army to replace water baptisms with wearing a uniform instead, and to not practice communion regularly, as well? 3. 12:29 {Is God Truly Impartial?} How is God impartial when He makes some people with disabilities and some normal, when some people are born into abject poverty while some are born into riches, and gives some people a relatively easy life and others a miserable life? 4. 18:10 {How Should we Define “Fruit”?} How do we practically use Matthew 7: 15-20 to discern? People often define fruit as whatever they’d like. Some call being “drunk in the Spirit” good fruit, some say telling people to repent is judgey and bad fruit. 5. 25:55 {About being Born Again & Indwelling} Jesus said unless you are born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God." Does Luke 13: 28 imply that “born again” doesn't mean “indwelt by the Spirit” since that wasn't possible until Jesus came? 6. 30:20 {Psalm 51 – Were Sacrifices Optional?} In Psalm 51: 16-17, it talks about God not wanting sacrifices/burnt offerings. Does this mean those were optional, or is it just talking about the person’s heart in giving? 7. 36:56 {Bible Contradiction about Demon Possession?} In Luke 9:1, Jesus gives the twelve "power and authority over all the demons." And in Luke 9: 40, a man tells Jesus the disciples could not cast out the demon possessing his son. Is this a contradiction? 8. 40:17 {About the Book of Ezekiel} What are your thoughts and opinions on Ezekiel 38- 39, as well as what it may mean for us? 9. 44:26 {Overcoming Alcoholism Biblically} How do you help a fellow Christian (including your spouse) deal and overcome alcoholism biblically? 10. 50:48 {Why are Bystanders Sometimes Killed in Scripture?} Why were the families of people who broke the law like Achan killed with their families? Why were they not killed alone? 11. 52:45 {Why Wasn’t Daniel w/Shad./Mesh./&Abed.?} Where was Daniel when the 3 Hebrew young men were thrown into the fire? 12. 55:06 {How to Think Biblically about Exorcisms} I was wondering about how a modern Christian would deal with demonic activity. You only see in movies priests doing exorcisms, but what would a pastor do if this was happening today? 13. 57:04 AND 1:20:59 {About William Webb’s Hermeneutics} What do you think of William Webb's "Redemptive Movement" model for hermeneutics? My pastor is embracing it, but it seems almost heretical to me. 14. 57:42 {About Intercessory Prayer} Is intercessory prayer a spiritual gift, possibly within the spiritual gift of faith that Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 12:9)? Any knowledge you have on intercessory prayer is appreciated! 15. 1:01:23 {About Church Membership Classes} What are your thoughts on churches that require classes and interviews before becoming a member? I think we should be actively involved in a church, but it seems like steps that aren’t biblical. 16. 1:04:33 {Witnessing to LDS Members} What's the best way to respond to LDS friends who say "in the beginning" means only the beginning of "OUR world," and say then it's possible that Jesus was created before He created all things "here"? 17. 1:08:41 {Overcoming Pornography / Accountability} I’m getting married in 2 weeks and am hit with doubts and worries that my struggle with porn will lead into my marriage. My fiancé knows about it. Do you have any advice? 18. 1:12:10 {Would Jesus have Died of Old Age?} Since Jesus never sinned, would he NOT have died of old age eventually (if he hadn’t been crucified), or would he have? 19. 1:14:34 {About the Mosaic Law} How would you explain 1 John 3:4 (sin is transgression of the law) to someone trying to convin

Who are they and what do they believe? How do you reach them with the gospel of Christ? What is going on with the Black Hebrew Israelites and their sudden rise in power. I invited Vocab Malone to talk to us about this group because he has spent countless hours not only researching the BHI but also interacting with them and helping deliver people from the false teachings they have fallen under. This is Vocab Malone's YT channel https://www.youtube.com/user/vocabmalone Here's my series on the Hebrew Roots movement. It gives a ton of info for the issue of Torah observant teachings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR7xTYhXEbo&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuOD_BytSxbejzCnGPOcgFw I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A. Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 0:56 {Sharing the Gospel/Unsaved Loved Ones} How do you share the Gospel to people with unsaved loved ones who have already passed? (Accepting it to be true would mean accepting that their loved ones are in hell.) 2. 6:31 {What does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean?} In the Bible, it says to “turn the other cheek.” Does that mean no one is supposed to be punished, except by God? (Meaning we shouldn't have prisons or protect ourselves and loved ones.) 3. 14:07 {About Adam’s Sin Nature/Original Sin} Does Psalm 51:5 teach that we inherit the guilt of Adam's sin, not just his sin nature? 4. 23:49 {Unity When We Disagree Politically} There is a lot of contempt within the body of Christ across the political aisle. How can there be genuine unity with those who differ so greatly in thinking when it comes to things like abortion or BLM? 5. 29:36 {How can I Better Support my Pastor?} Aside from tithing and prayer, what are good ways to support my pastor? Would it be weird to send an email each week thanking him for the sermon? I have a social disorder, so I’m always unsure. 6. 34:10 {Bible Study Resource Recommendations?} Do you know of any good Bible Study resources for a group with no teacher, only facilitators? 7. 35:40 {When to “Shake the Dust from our Feet”} At what point are we to "shake off the dust from our feet" as mentioned in Matthew 10: 14 when trying to witness to friends, strangers, loved ones, etc.? 8. 42:53 {God of the Living AND the Dead?} In Mark 12: 27, Jesus says God is the God of the living, not the dead; yet in Roman 14:9, Paul says He is the God of the living and the dead. How do I reconcile this? 9. 48:06 {Should we Ask Qs while Reading Scripture?} Does God want us to ask Him questions and look for the answers in Scripture, even if the Bible does not specifically deal with the question? 10. 50:06 {Historical Evidence for God’s Judgments?} Is there any historical evidence for any of the prophets of the old testament or for any judgments God pronounced on people? 11. 52:26 {Is the Parable of the Talents Works Based?} How do you separate the Parable of the Talents from a works-based Salvation? 12. 59:06 {About Jewish Interpretation} What's your take on Jewish interpretive methods for Scripture such as Gematria (Matthew 1: 17, Revelation 13: 18) or the Hebrew alphabet and pictographic symbolism? (Psalm 119: 73 for example) "Yod" = Hand, etc. 13. 1:06:17 {About the 10 Plagues of Egypt} How long did the 10 plagues of Egypt last? Were these consecutive events? 14. 1:06:52 {Women are the “Glory” of Man?} I'm studying 1 Corinthians 11, and I'm really struggling with verse 7. It says the woman is the “glory” of the man. What’s your opinion what this glory means? 15. 1:09:28 {Why Didn’t the Father Send Jesus Earlier?} Why didn’t God simply use the “new” covenant right away (meaning, why didn’t He just send Jesus much earlier in the world’s history)? 16. 1:14:00 {Contradicting Genealogies?} Why are the genealogies of Jesus different in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke? 17. 1:15:42 {What is the Purpose of the Christian Life?} If a non-Christian asked you “What is the purpose of life as a Christian?” what would you say, and what Scriptures would you use as a reference? 18. 1:19:16 {Does God Make Mistakes?} How can I help my Christian friend trust God? He reads the OT and thinks God keeps making mistakes and tries to fix them (snake in garden, Noah's flood). He doesn't trust Heaven will be better. 19. 1:23:04 {How to Overcome Nervousness in Prayer} Why do I feel nervous to pray? I want to but it feels unnatural to me. 20. 1:25:21 {The Deity of the Holy Spirit} I was wondering if the Bible mentions that the Holy Spirit was in the beginning with God the Father and the Son, and where is the Holy Spirit said to be God? The NEW BibleThinker mugs can be found here. These are made by a third party and I'm not making any money off of them BUT $5 per mug will go toward to supp

I'm not exaggerating when I say that this passage of the Gospel of Mark records Jesus' most intense, emotional low point, full of agony, and absolute dread. Theological liberals will sometimes distort the agony of Christ in this passage while conservatives have sometimes minimized it. In fact, I would say that it has been radically minimized in history, to the point of us missing the main thrust of what is happening here. In addition to the horror and beauty of the moment where Jesus stands alone, the only faithful one, going to die for the world at great personal cost and pain, we have a lot of absolutely WONDERFUL theological insights from the Psalms, Jonah and parallels with the Garden of Eden that give me chills! I can't wait to share it all with you! This is part 61 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 14:32-52. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF Here's the 6 video series I mentioned offering a theological, historical, philosophical and rhetorical defense of Penal Substitutionary Atonement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4bTHScjdEo&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp This is the article about the very recent discovery of a ritual bath from Jesus' time that works well with the idea that olive production was happening in the Garden of Gethsemane during the 1st century. https://www.timesofisrael.com/ancient-ritual-bath-may-mark-first-new-testament-era-find-at-jesus-gethsemane/ I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A. Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

Here’s my video on “the priesthood of all believers” https://youtu.be/fi0a94fbAoc Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 1:08 [What does Paul Mean by “The Faith”?] In Ephesians 4:7-16, what exactly does Paul mean by “the faith”? How does the Church attain to this unity, why is the Church so apparently lacking in unity, and why are so few believers participating? 2. 10:31 [About Stephen, Terah, & Abraham] Why does Stephen mention that Abraham's father Terah died before Abraham left his home (in Haran) in Acts 7:4? That seems to contradict Genesis 11: 26 and 11: 32 which say that Terah became the father of Abraham (then called Abram) by the time he was 70 and Terah died in Haran at the age of 205. This means that Stephen is saying Abraham was 135 when he left Haran, but Genesis 12:4 says he was (only) 75 when he set out from Haran. 3. 12:43 [Do You Have any Favorite Teachers?] What is your opinion of the written works of Emanuel Swedenborg, Watchman Nee, and Charles Spurgeon? Please share your favorite teachers. 4. 14:28 [Is Dancing a Sin?] Why do people think that dancing is a sin? Is there a biblical basis to this, or is this legalistic/unnecessary? 5. 19:38 [Should We Ask for Signs from God?] When we pray for direction from God, should we ask for specific signs to guide us or confirm God's will (similar to Gideon and the fleece) when the answer isn't clear to us? 6. 27:24 [Overcoming Laziness] PLEASE give me tips on how to overcome laziness! I work very hard at work but get literally nothing done around the house when I get home. Feel free 2 be harsh. I need it. Thanks! 7. 29:45 [Why did Jesus call Judas “Friend”?] In Matthew 26: 50, Jesus calls Judas "friend" as He is betrayed. Was Jesus being sarcastic at such a dire moment? The Greek word ἑταῖρος (hetairos) is used only by Matthew (11:16; 20:13; 22:12; 26:50). 8. 32:47 [Why Doesn’t God Fully Reveal Himself?] Why does God not appear physically and audibly speak to everyone? I know some people that He does this with, but what makes them so special? Would it not get rid of all unbelief if He did? 9. 39:14 [About Jewish Forgiveness/Atonement] How do Jews today obtain forgiveness for sin without the temple and sacrificial system in place? 10. 43:46 [About Psalm 82] Who are the “gods” in Psalm 82? 11. 50:10 [About the Big Bang Theory] Should Christians believe in the Big Bang? My brother says it isn’t biblical because the Big Bang Theory includes light, and God created light after the creation of the Earth. 12. 57:06 [About Modalism / Discussing the Trinity] How do I lovingly witness to my husband raised Oneness Pentecostal? Discussing the Trinity, he gets angry. Tongues, falling out, etc…he says I just don't get it because I haven't experienced it. 13. 1:00:18 [How to Summarize the Gospel] How do you summarize the Gospel when you are sharing it in conversation (e.g. with a stranger on the street or with someone from a different religion)? 14. 1:02:53 [How does the HS Speak?] How does the Holy Spirit speaks to me personally? I've left a hyper-charismatic church and am confused. 15. 1:06:24 [Why did God Choose to Die?] Why did God choose to die to redeem our sin? Does the Bible mention His motives for this method? Is this to show His power over death, or is there another reason? 16. 1:08:23 [Did Jesus get Tricked by Demons?] In the account of the demoniac at Gerasene, did Jesus make the swine run down the steep embankment and into the sea, therefore tricking the demons? Or did the demons somehow trick Jesus? 17. 1:15:05 [About Marriage Documentation] Due to the Coronavirus, me and my fiancé haven't had a chance to get documentally (or even in church) married (he's in another country right now). We behave as if we were, almost in everything. Is it justified? 18. 1:17:23 [How to Overcome Gluttony] How do I avoid gluttony? Should I stay within a strict calorie limit, or is that too legalistic? 19. 1:21:57 [About the “Priesthood of Believers”] I'm a Lat

Peter said He would rather die with Jesus than deny Him. Then he denied Him. What about you? What about me? This passage of Scripture has many lessons for us in theology and apologetics but what stands out to me the most is the lesson of how suffering and confusion test out faith in such a dramatic way. This is a link to the entire Mark series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark looking for theological, historical, apologetic and practical insights. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF I go live every Monday and Friday at 1pm pacific time, if my internet is working! haha

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 0:23 [Movies/Shows Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain] There is so much debate going on among me, my family, and friends regarding watching movies or TV shows that use the Lord’s name in vain. Like saying “Oh my G…” or when they get angry and say “J..C...” Could you shed some light on this, please? Is there anything in the bible that tells us if it’s wrong or right to watch these movies even if we ourselves don’t use the Lord’s name in vain? 2. 8:30 [Are We Free from the Enemy’s Power?] In one of your videos, you said some things have been provided on the cross but not fully finished. One of them was being free from the Enemy’s power. Isn't that finished? (Colossians 1: 13, Acts 26: 18) 3. 14:55 [Question about Priesthoods] Could you please explain the difference between the Aaronic, Levitical, and Melchizedekian priesthoods? 4. 21:09 [Understanding OT Commands for Death] How does one justify God's directive to kill all the Amalekites, specifically the children, and even infants in 1 Samuel 15:3? 5. 27:24 [Should good teachers teach w/false teachers?] What would be your opinion on pastors with sound doctrine who share stages with false prophets? Will they be considered guilty by association? 6. 30:08 [About God’s Discipline/Correction] Hebrews 12:5-6 quotes Proverbs 3: 11-12. Why does the end of v. 6 say “scourge,” not “correct”? I get the first part, but to say God brutally whips EVERY believer “sounds” like a misquote. What does it imply? 8. 36:36 [About Sin and Death] James 1:15 ends with "…and sin, when full-grown, brings forth death." If we are in Christ, what does he mean by “death”? Is he speaking about unbelievers? Any insight to this verse would be helpful! 9. 41:54 [Growing Closer to the Holy Spirit] I'm struggling with trusting and wanting Christ. How do you stop keeping the Holy Spirit at an arm's length distance, spiritually? 10. 44:48 [Does Luke teach “Purgatory”?] Does Luke 12: 44-48 teach Purgatory? There are 4 servants: The faithful, the one sent to unbelievers, and then two others that only receive punishment, not casting out. 11. 52:00 [Is Nudity in Art o.k. for Christians?] A lot of classical art has nudity in it, like the statue of David. How should Christians approach this art? Is it o.k. to like it, or to make art similar to it? 12. 54:38 [About OT Law & Morality] I am having trouble understanding the morality of Deuteronomy 22: 28-29. Some say it is consensual, but this contradicts 2 Samuel 13: 14-16. How do you interpret and justify the morality of this law? 13. 1:01:56 [A Biblical View of Self-Worth] We are talking about self-worth in a young ladies group and I wanted to ask, “What is the biblical view of self-worth?” 14. 1:06:10 [Overcoming the Sin of Pride] How do you deal with pride? I find it paradoxical; I often get proud of how humble I am when I notice my pride, thus leading to more pride. It just goes into an infinite regress of layers of pride. 15. 1:08:08 [Loving our Neighbor During Quarantine Times] In what ways can we love our neighbor and live lives that honor God in times like these, when many of us can't congregate and instead spend a lot of time at home? 16. 1:10:04 [About “Jesus Ben Ananias”] What do you think about the claim that Jesus Christ was based off of Jesus Ben Ananias in Josephus’ Jewish War? 17. 1:15:25 [Drawing Close to God when it Feels Difficult] I have felt cut off from the Lord. When I pray, I wonder if I am talking to myself and if everything I hold dear is wishful thinking. Why won't God help me when I am crying out to Him? 18. 1:21:17 [About Military Service / Self-Defense] Is a will to fight for this country in opposition to a faith in Jesus? Furthermore, is there provision in Scripture for self-preservation from things such as home invasion, foreign threats, etc.? 19. 1:23:15 [Did Jesus Lie?] Why does it seem like Jesus lied to His brothers in John 7:8-10? 20. 1:26:12 [Christian vs. Non-Christian

0:00 - Introduction 1. 5:55 What are your thoughts on divorce and remarriage for Christians? Is it biblical? 2. 15:33 What are your thoughts about the Covid vaccine, and about following other government mandates or laws? 3. 22:52 What do you think of women in positions of Christian leadership? 4. 24:39 Is it o.k. for Christians to live in prosperity? How prosperous is too prosperous for a Christian, when it comes to possessions? Should Christians sell all that they have? 5. 29:05 How can we share the gospel to gay friends? Do you believe there is such a thing as a "gay Christian" that continues to act on their temptations? If someone is currently in a gay marriage, should they divorce, or stay committed to the marriage? 6. 44:01 What does Pastor Mike think about Nate and Sutton’s channel? 7. 45:47 Why do we worship on Sundays when the 10 Commandments talk about the Sabbath and even Jesus kept the Sabbath? 8. 49:49 What is your perspective on the practice of speaking in tongues? Is that gift for today? And what do you think about people who say if you don't speak in tongues, you don't have the Holy Spirit? 9. 54:57 When it comes to our giving, is there a specific percentage Christians are supposed to tithe or give? 10. 1:02:37 How did Satan have the ability to sin before the fall, and how did sin come to exist? 11. 1:05:21 Why should we pray for unbelievers to be saved when God already has His “Elect” chosen? Here's Nate and Sutton's channel. I had a great time with them but also think that they have valuable content that is helping people know and follow Christ. Check them out! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdY3Sgxm_ay3bu_lk70zL0w This is my exhaustive video on divorce and remarriage. If you really want help on this I recommend you patiently watch it all and prayerfully consider it. https://youtu.be/N2pC6ZikbYo

The best selling book "A Rhythm of Prayer" has a number of prayers, including one that asks God to help you hate white people. Let's analyze this prayer because it's not only wrong on the surface, it's a rather clever way to get us to embrace the very unbiblical views of Critical Race Theory, racial guilt and to replace a biblical value of impartiality and oneness in Christ with one of sectarian power dynamics. We will look at the prayer as well as the justification that the author offers for it. It might surprise you to find out that there is a real worldview behind it. It probably won't surprise you to find out that it's not consistent with Jesus. Here's my video on Critical Race Theory with Neil Shenvi. Please watch it in full before judging it. We are serious about these issues and want to be biblical in how we handle them. Here's a link to the prayer in full https://drchanequa.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/prayer-weary-black-woman.pdf - Please note that Dr. Chanequa, the author of the prayer, is the one who made it freely available online. This is why I feel it's ok to share the whole thing with you. Dr. Chanequa's defense of her prayer is here. If you reach out to her, do so with the love of Christ seasoning your words. https://drchanequa.wordpress.com/2021/04/08/prayer-of-a-weary-black-woman/ The book, Rhythm of Prayer, is here. https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Prayer-Collection-Meditations-Renewal/dp/0593137213 I have live videos every Monday and Friday at 1pm Pacific Time. Monday is a Bible study and Friday is a Q&A. Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

I remember the first time I read through this passage. I definitely missed out on MOST of the wonderful stuff that is in here for us to enjoy. But even after years of studying the Bible I think it's easy to miss out on some of the subtle and powerful truths hidden in the text. Jesus' last supper is something "everyone knows" and, I would like to suggest that assumption of knowledge is causing many of us to miss out on the beauty and brilliance of this famous event. This is part 59 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 14:12-26. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF Here's my video on how Jesus fulfilled Passover... it's pretty amazing how intricately God laid out the symbolism! https://youtu.be/tbwylmj26SU Here's a teaching on Jesus fulfilling Isaiah 53, which He alludes to in Mark 14 as well. https://youtu.be/Ng0HMOs7ky0 This is my favorite series ever! How to find Jesus in the Old Testament. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsHyvMtfgOgSPU6zEnCvxUO Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 0:20 {Should We Obey the Sabbath?} What exactly does Jesus mean in Matthew 12:1-8 when He says we must obey His commands? Do we receive special rewards for obeying the sabbath, and are we jeopardized for not obeying the sabbath? 2. 7:09 {Are Unwanted Bad Thoughts from the Enemy?} I struggle a lot with bad thoughts popping into my head out of nowhere. I'm kind of horrified and I don't agree with them! Is it possible that they can come from the Enemy? 3. 12:19 {About the Local Church} What is a local church and how should one be started? Many teach that it should be a plant under the authority of an existing church, but is that a biblical mandate? 4. 16:09 {How to Rest in God’s Presence} How should we as Christians rest in the presence of the Lord? Is there anything you do to be connected to Him throughout the day? 5. 20:35 {How Could Judas Betray Jesus} Does Hebrews 6:4-6 apply to Judas Iscariot? How else could Judas betray Jesus even after he had "been enlightened" and "tasted of the heavenly gift" and had "partaken of the Holy Spirit"? 6. 28:00 {Refuting “Universal Salvation} How do you square Romans 5: 18 and 1 Corinthians 15: 22 (among others) with 2 Thessalonians 1:9 and Matthew 25: 46 (among others) regarding the issue of universal salvation? 7. 32:10 {Do Online Church Services Violate Hebrews 10?} How absolute is the instruction in Hebrews 10: 25 about "meeting together"? Are churches who go online-only due to COVID and/or government rules failing to live up to it? 8. 37:41 {Why did Command Killing Instead of Moving People?} In the Old Testament, I struggle with why God has Israel kill thousands of people to take the promised land, rather than just driving them out or trying to convert them. 9. 45:12 {Why was Zacharias Disciplined but Not Mary?] In Luke 1: 18 & 34, both Zacharias & Mary questioned Gabriel when he told them of their future offspring. So why was Zacharias disciplined for his question, but not Mary? 10. 49:16 {Does God Ever Stop Forgiving?} Can we anger God to the point where He never forgives? 11. 51:26 {Advice for Agnostics Seeking God} I am agnostic, trying to believe. How would you recommend someone should approach this? I am reading though the Bible – I started with John as some recommend, but my heart hasn't changed yet. Any advice? 12. 55:28 {About “Total Depravity”} How do you read 1 Peter 1:3 in light of your rejection of the doctrine of Total Depravity? 13. 58:15 {About Justification, Sanctification, & sin} Can someone be justified without being sanctified? In other words, can someone live a lifestyle of habitual sin and still be saved? 14. 1:03:30 {About the “Mandela Effect”} This is purely hypothetical, but: How would you respond to the suggestion that the disciples’ confidence in the resurrection was produced by the Mandela Effect? 15. 1:06:08 {Do Non-Believers get Physical Bodies Back?} Do the non-believers who have died or will die get their physical bodies back at the final judgment? I know we will, but does Scripture mention this about those who reject Christ? 16. 1:09:55 {About Peter & Satan – Was Satan Divided?} Jesus says to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!" when Peter tries to rebuke Him from dying in Jerusalem, but "Satan entered into [Judas]" leading him to betray Jesus. Was Satan "divided against himself"? 17. 1:11:44 {About Fear of Kids Rejecting Christ} A friend is afraid to have kids because she’s afraid they’ll reject Jesus. She would feel guilty for having them if they went to Hell and doesn’t want to take that chance. How should I respond? 18. 1:13:44 {About Old Testament Scholarship} What is your take on scholarship that attempts to alter our common understanding of the Old Testament by questioning the translations or our understanding of the culture? 19. 1:17:06 {Does Jesus Directly Say He is “Son of Man”?} In the Gospel of Mark, since Jesus talked about the Son of Man in the third person, that me

Since Brandan Robertson has accused me of editing his clips to take him out of context here is a link to the full teaching on “Truth” that I got the clips from. The teaching portion begins at about 37 minutes in. You can see for yourself that I haven’t done that. https://vimeo.com/257414376 Here’s the video where Brandan makes this rather odd and baseless claim. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeaj3R3H/ He also said that I don’t want people to ask questions. Which is a great time to remind you of my weekly Friday Q&A! See you there! Sometimes it's helpful to examine a theological car accident. Brandan, or any of those who share his views, I have no bitterness toward you and hope that one day we can look at the Bible together and see the same Jesus. Most of the other video content I used can be found on Brandan Robertson's web site. Just match the background of the video to find whichever one you are looking for. http://www.brandanrobertson.com/audio-video-1

I know, I said this was going to be a shorter video but after having looked at hours of misleading teaching from Brandan Robertson I decided to dig a bit deeper. Here are some links that may interest you. My original teaching on the passage in Mark where Jesus says "dogs" https://youtu.be/DJZ7zmL2eyc My video on Critical Race Theory (I think this one is pretty important) https://youtu.be/yHvJx-rBYKo Reverend Brandan Robertson's original TikTok video saying Jesus repented of racism. https://www.tiktok.com/@revbrandanrobertson/video/6936268413010464005?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v3&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6940438139509196294 Dr. Miguel De La Torre's original teaching video where he offers his Latinx version of Jesus https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1131187867072318&ref=watch_permalink This next link is a tough one, it has Brandan and Miguel in conversation, trying to defend their views. I considered covering it all in detail but it is so chock full of misinformation (I really mean it, almost everything Miguel claims is not true and many of their answers are ignoring the real issues at hand) that I decided not to address all of it. You are welcome to watch it but please know that he is wrong on history, wrong on 1st century culture, wrong on Greek, wrong on Anselm and how the early Christians viewed Jesus, wrong on the nature of sin and complicity and almost never right at all. You all know me, I never use such strong words, I'm really not exaggerating here. https://youtu.be/s3DHktBCt1E Why do I share links with such terrible content? Because I want to equip you to think biblically about things and not to try to control what you can and can't listen to. You should be able to see that I have not misrepresented these guys but have honestly dealt with misinformation and spiritually dangerous teachings.

I have often heard this passage used in ways that I don't think it was ever intended to be. In this study we are going through the anointing of Jesus by Mary, but unlike last time where we handled a rather complex set of questions about how this passage supposedly shows irreconcilable contradiction in the Gospels we are now looking at this passage to learn what we can from it in the way of answering a few questions. Why did Jesus say we would always have the poor with us? Does that mean we don't need to give money to the poor? What about those who say that taking care of the poor is the job of the Church and not the government (a phrase I have heard on the lips of pastors many times)? Why was Jesus anointed with oil for burial? What symbolic meaning is in this (spoiler, it's beautiful)? Why did Judas fall the way he did? Can we learn something from it to keep ourselves from slip sliding away like he did? This is part 58 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 14:1-11. Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 1:29 [Is Salvation Applied to All Mankind?] Since Jesus died to save all of mankind, won't everyone be saved regardless of whether or not they place their faith in Christ, just like how gravity still works on everyone whether they believe in it or not? 2. 6:47 [About Energy & the Kalam] Why couldn’t energy be infinite, considering that we (as Christians) believe in an infinite God? The reason I’m asking is because the biggest Atheist objection I get to the Kalam while evangelizing is that 1. Energy can create a universe (quantum fluctuations) and 2. Energy may be constant (infinite). Can you object to these claims thoughtfully? 3. 10:18 [How can Jesus “become” sin?] The Bible says that Jesus “became sin who knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21). You also mentioned it at times in your videos. How can Jesus become sin? 4. 15:08 [About Jerome, Latin Vulgate, Changes] Around 400 A.D., what were the biggest changes in doctrine that Jerome introduced in his first Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible, and how did they differ from the original Gospel? 5. 18:55 [What does “impure” mean in Ephesians?] What does Paul mean, specifically, by "impure" in Ephesians 5:5? I can't find anything at all that clearly defines this. I would love to know what Paul, as a Jew, meant exactly by this term. 6. 25:23 [Advice while “Waiting on the Lord”] I'm currently in a season of "waiting on the Lord" to know what He wants me to do with my life. Any advice for someone in this season? 7. 28:20 [Can Christians Serve in Government Roles?] Can a Christian be called to be a governing authority talked about in Romans 13:1 with all that such a role would demand? Does it conflict or contradict with Romans 12:17 onwards? 8. 32:07 [What does Idolatry Look Like Today?] What would you say is modern day idolatry? I spend way more time on Christian YouTube channels and my phone than I do reading the Bible or praying. Do you get concerned that people may idolize you? 9. 38:37 [About Unclean Food/Items] In Mark 7: 14-19, why does Jesus seem appalled that the Jews believe that touching or eating certain things could make them unclean, given Leviticus 5:2-6 and Leviticus 11? This concept came from God. 10. 44:21 [Why Would God Give Multiple Wives?] It's often said that God does not affirm polygamy in the Old Testament, but 2 Samuel 12:8 seems to refute that. Why would God give multiple wives to David if he opposes polygamy? 11. 51:05 [When Were the Angels Created?] Were angels created on day 1 (with the heavens and all the hosts in them? (Nehemiah 9-6) Genesis 1 is not as clear. Are the hosts the angels? 12. 54:03 [How to Lovingly Correct Others] When discussing “correcting each other” in Bible studies (eg. Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18: 15), people mostly focus on when/why we shouldn't admonish someone. What does loving and appropriate discipline look like? 13. 59:33 [How do we Biblically Love Ourselves?] How can I love myself biblically? Any advice or Scripture? I feel like I hate myself sometimes. 14. 1:04:54 [Help with Reaching Atheist Family Members] Most of my friends and family are atheists and don’t take any argument for God seriously. How can I reach them in a way that they will listen and start to take Christianity seriously? 15. 1:06:38 [Biblical Thoughts about Birth Control] What is a biblical perspective on married believers using birth control or permanent measures (e.g. a vasectomy)? Heard some say no based on Genesis 38 and Psalm 139. 16. 1:09:40 [Why did God Allow Satan into the Garden?] Why would a God who hates evil place evil incarnate (Satan) into the garden, when the world was still good and sinless, knowing it would lead to the corruption of humans? 17. 1:12:39 [Does Judas have a Throne?] In Matthew 19: 28, Jesus told His twelve disciples that they will have twelve thrones of judgment to judge the twelve tribes in the future. Does Judas still have a throne? 18. 1:16:17 [Why is Jesus C

To protect himself from possible retribution by the World Mission Society Church of God, “David Erdman” is using a fake name and his face is blurred out. This is because the WMSCOG is alleged to use law suits and family separation as ways of silencing those who openly come against them. Here are some resources that came up in my discussion with David. I thought you might find something here interesting… and hopefully it will strengthen your confidence that Christianity is true. All of my videos on the WMSCOG (except for the one they had YT remove under a copyright complaint) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0LhGhJDXtA&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHvwOzziMOk9ZIHKphdag47d Misquoting Jesus appendix info. https://crossexamined.org/is-the-new-testament-reliable-erhman-refutes-ehrman/ A response to Bart Ehrman’s “How Jesus Became God” https://www.amazon.com/How-God-Became-Jesus-Nature/dp/0310519594 Dan Wallace and Bart Ehrman debate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsVWFS9r9DY William Lane Craig’s not-as-hard-to-understand “On Guard”. Evidence for God and for Christianity in particular. https://www.amazon.com/Guard-Defending-Faith-Reason-Precision-ebook/dp/B005SJ19VM/ Josh Rasmussen’s brilliant argument for God. https://www.amazon.com/How-Reason-Can-Lead-God-ebook/dp/B07TK5LCRN/ Watch me try to use fulfilled prophecy to prove that Christianity is true. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHvj5rdOI_3HtSrwvFK-96qH

I almost gave up trying to resolve this supposed "contradiction" between Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Was Jesus anointed with oil/perfume once, twice or three times? Is there error in the Gospels about this? This is a rather complicated set of problems that will take time to unpack. In my study this week I searched and searched and could not find a satisfactory answer; and I'm not really ok with half-answers, so I was about to give up on the issue when I set aside all my resources and just worked with the texts themselves. Now I think I understand a very plausible explanation for the differences and similarities in the four Gospels on this issue. Today is all about apologetics! I'll be answering a lot of the following questions. If Luke is a separate account that happened at a different time and place how do we explain the similarities between his account and those in Mt, Mk and John? Like the other Gospels, Luke records a woman anointing Jesus, using fragrance from an alabaster flask and the name of the home owner being "Simon". Even if Luke is a separate account we have questions about how John can be harmonized with Matt and Mark. Critics claim that John has this event happening 6 days before Passover while Mark and Matt have it happening 2 days before Passover. They say that John has this happening at the home of Lazarus while Mark and Matt have it happening at the home of Simon the Leper. Yet these three accounts seem too similar to say it happened twice in such a short period of time. This puzzle had me confused for a time, and when I looked up resources from other people who tried to figure out a good solution I found myself bothered even more. The solutions often disregarded obvious challenges! In the end, I think I've figured it out and decided to do a whole video on it to make sure a good resource was out there for those looking to answer the question. I also think we should talk a bit about the anxiety Christians often feel when trying to resolve a supposed contradiction. How do we process that, especially if we simply don't know the answer yet? This is part 57 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 13:32-37. Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 1:20 [Kalam Cosmological Argument] When using the Kalam Cosmological Argument, how can I convince skeptics that this argument should lead to belief in the God of the Bible specifically, and not just "a creator" in general? 2. 7:58 [About the Antichrist, Antiochus, & Daniel] Is there any biblical support for the idea that Daniel 11: 36-45 is talking about the antichrist instead of Antiochus IV? 3. 16:08 [Old Ages in Genesis – Literal?] How do you address the advanced ages found in the book of Genesis? My wife and I were discussing this last night. She takes them literally, while I view them more symbolically. How do you view it? 4. 23:15 [Is Tradition as Authoritative as Scripture?] I was speaking with Orthodox Christian friends about tradition, and they said John 21: 24-25 was the best example of the Bible mentioning oral tradition as being as authoritative as itself. Thoughts? 5. 27:52 [Mark & Revelation – Passage Comparison] Are Mark 13: 24-27 and Revelation 6: 12-17 describing the same event? 6. 31:37 [How to Tell when Scripture Directly Applies] How do we determine the difference between text in the Bible that only relates to the cultural context of the time vs. text that is trans-cultural and relevant for all time? 7. 37:41 [“The Restrainer” / Eschatology] When the restrainer is removed, will non-believers lose their compassion and morals? (See 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7) 8. 41:40 [Should Atheist Philosophers Shake our Faith?] Are you ever shaken by why there are brilliant philosophers of religion, like Graham Oppy, who are atheists? I sometimes feel like I must be missing something. 9. 48:39 [The “Sinner’s Prayer”] I was wondering, what is a good alternative to the “sinners prayer”? How should we lead someone to salvation? 10. 49:46 [Molinism, Free Will, Circumstances] In Molinism (or your soteriology), is people's choice to believe only dependent upon the circumstances God places them in? If so, why doesn't God make circumstances that makes everyone believe? 11. 53:44 [Difficult Passages – Deut. 22, Rape] A friend of mine points to the law on women and rape in Deuteronomy 22: 23-24 as an example of "flawed teaching" in the Bible. How should we understand this verse? 12. 59:19 [What is the point of the book of Esther?] Why is Esther in the Bible? I see no moral purpose, no mention of God anywhere, and the last two chapters have dangerous implications. 13. 1:04:02 [The Significance/Importance of Baptism] A friend who is a recent Christian hasn’t chosen to be baptized yet. He seems to not understand the importance of baptism. How can I explain the importance of baptism without being pushy? Ultimately, it’s his decision. 14. 1:06:57 [What does it Mean to "Wait on the Lord"?] What does it mean to "wait on the Lord," and how (in general) would you counsel someone who's in that season? 15. 1:08:53 [How to Differentiate between Our Mind and the HS] Can you speak to how to tell the difference between the Spirit burdening your heart & just being obsessive about something? A friend broke contact with me during great pain a long time ago, and I still worry. 16. 1:12:54 [Is it O.K. to Accept a Trial Instead of Praying?] My unborn baby has a serious birth defect. Several friends are praying for a miracle. Is it o.k. if we don't? I do believe God could heal that way, but I'm just trying to live with what's real right now. 17. 1:15:45 [1 Corinthians 5: 11, Family Gatherings] What is your perspective on the application of the “Do not even eat with them…” passage when it comes to family (1 Corinthians 5: 11)? Do you think this includes not going to family gatherings? 18. 1:19:48 [How to Help Someone who Doesn’t “Walk the Talk”] How do I talk to my wife, who believes in Jesus & prays “In Jesus Name, Amen,” but doesn’t read the Bible or know the true meaning & story behind Jesus Christ? Her lifestyle doesn’t add up with the script. 19. 1:21:10 [Do Politics Bel

Mario became convinced that Jesus bodily rose from the dead because of the historical evidence for it. He wrote a paper defending the resurrection for a school project, in Belgium, and asked me to do an interview on the topic as well as to answer several objections from his teacher. What excites me the most is just knowing his story and how those of us who have been doing online ministry have been able to play a role in it. To any skeptics who may be listening. I encourage you to take this evidence seriously and to dig on your own. Not just looking for reasons to reject Christianity but looking to discover what the truth is. Here are some VERY helpful links. My video explaining why, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence", doesn't help the skeptic deny the resurrection. https://youtu.be/3GRAI-us4es A large video giving tons of evidence for the resurrection. https://youtu.be/0Rtmn5LLM-0 A short video for those who only have moment to hear the evidence. This is something to get the conversation started with a friend. https://youtu.be/4qhQRMhUK1o My video on the evidence for the empty tomb. https://youtu.be/C8BU_R7QoYo My playlist of live Q&A videos. Mario mentioned these have been helpful for him and I thought you might be interested as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gflBDcJV5wc&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsF2AppZDY7p1wGK0BwahuZ Here is my verse by verse series going through the Gospel of Mark and covering various theology and apologetics issues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c7jWg60N_0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

People have been using this verse of Scripture to deny the deity of Christ for a long time. in reality, it's actually a beautiful way of teaching the deity and humanity of Christ. We will go through it in detail and answer objections while trying to make sure we don't lose the simple and profound teaching of the passage. Jesus didn't know the day or the hour. Why not? Does He know it now? Did the Holy Spirit know it? If Jesus didn't know then how does that bear down on so many today who are trying to figure out the day and hour? This is part 56 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 13:32-37. Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 1:11 [Grieving the death of the unsaved] How do we biblically grieve the death of a loved one who wasn't saved? Since we don't believe in purgatory, and therefore we don't pray for deceased people, what is an appropriate (but still loving) response in this situation? And how can we kindly correct those who make a well-meaning offer to pray for a dead loved one without being harsh? 2. 8:20 [Plato & Christianity?] What does Plato have to do with Christianity? I recently read that Plato had as much influence on Christianity as the Bible. 3. 11:29 [Does Christianity impede critical thinking?] Is/was Christianity guilty of impeding critical thinking and exploring the mysteries of the cosmos and physics of the natural world? How would you advise a believer involved in both worlds? 4. 17:06 [Does God have a sense of humor?] Deep theological and philosophical question: Does God have a sense of humor? 5. 21:18 [Should I be rebaptized?] Are there biblical examples of people being baptized more than once? I was baptized LDS but don't consider it to be a legitimate baptism. I want to be rebaptized now that I found Christ. Is this ok? 6. 26:16 [About ‘gods’ of other religions] In Numbers 33:3-4, YHWH never denies other ‘gods.’ Are we then to understand gods of other religions (Allah, Zeus, etc.) as very much real ‘gods,’ albeit demons? 7. 32:00 [Does God really forget sins? Should we?] After forgiveness, all sin is wiped clean. Can a person then claim to have never taken part in certain sin in his past? If the Lord remembers our sin no more, why should we? 8. 35:17 [Is it biblical to mandate traditions?] The church I grew up in had extrabiblical "traditions" (women wear dresses, men are clean shaven, etc.), and justified this using Proverbs 22: 28 & Matthew 18: 18. Is it biblical to mandate adherence to tradition? 9. 40:38 [Answering skeptics’ claims online] I've been trying to reach skeptics online, but they've told me belief in God is irrational and that I must believe rape & torture are o.k. since I'm a Christian. They also call God evil, a murderer, and a megalomaniac, and say Christians are wasting their time believing in "fairytales." How should I respond to these claims, and how can I tell when a debate is not even going to be fruitful? 10. 45:35 [Should we pray against “spirits” of sins?] Is it Biblical to pray against spirits (e.g., the "spirit of" offense, laziness, depression, confusion, etc.)? What is a "Jezebel spirit," and is it real? 11. 51:15 [Perpetual virginity of Mary?] Did Mary remain a virgin? I've heard that the brothers of Jesus that are mentioned were actually his cousins, and that if she had other sons, John wouldn't have needed to care for her (John 19:26). 12. 58:16 [Defining persecution] Can you please define "persecution" and speak to whether these pastors imprisoned or being penalized for defying public health orders are in fact being persecuted? 13. 1:00:35 [Can secular songs be turned into worship?] What are your thoughts on using secular music as a form of worship music where half of the lyrics are secular words and the other half is supposedly Jesus’ words? 14. 1:02:34 [Do real Christians stop sinning?] Does 1 John 3:4-10 mean your aren’t a real Christian if you still struggle with sin? At face value that’s how it sounds, but then nobody would qualify for Grace - so I’m confused. 15. 1:11:30 [Why did God command death?] My 12 year old daughter asked me after reading Exodus 32: 28 “If God gives us free will to worship Him, why did He have Moses command the Levites to kill those 3,000 people who chose not to?” 16. 1:14:29 [Did God make individuals & not just mankind?] Even though I know people (as a whole) were made by God, because God made Adam, how do I know that I/people (individually) are also made by God, especially when they are conceived out of sin? 17. 1:17:03 [How to rekindle passion for God] How would you counsel som

I've had a number of people asking me about when pastor Chuck Smith predicted the rapture. It's an uncomfortable topic for a Calvary Chapel pastor, which I am, and for someone who looks up to and deeply appreciates pastor Chuck, as I do. This is because Chuck Smith is the founder of Calvary Chapel and I can say that his ministry has had a big, positive impact in my own life. But I think we should talk about it for a few specific reasons. 1) It did happen. 2) It has not been publicly dealt with, to my knowledge. In fact, it appears as though it has been denied. 3) My own ministry has led many people to Calvary Chapels and I feel obligated to talk about this because it's a significant issue in our past and I owe it to those who are or will attend Calvary Chapel churches because of my influence. 4) It wasn't just mentioned in one message. Pastor Chuck predicted it in multiple books and over the course of years. 5) It's based on a misinterpretation of Scripture which is still common among pastors today. It just so happens that this passage of Scripture is the one we are covering today in our verse by verse study in the Gospel of Mark. 6) Many pastors, in my own movement as well as beyond, have gotten in the habit of playing fast and loose with predictions related to the rapture, the tribulation and the second coming and I think that if we look honestly about mistakes of the past we can be warned not to fall into the same mistakes in the future. And if my own understanding is correct, we can expect to see a great deal of reckless prophetic speculation in the years to come. We would do well to be prepared for it. I really should have mentioned that in Mark 11 the fig tree being cursed is thought by some to specially represent Israel. Here is my response to that. The fig tree there is used to make an example that relates to Israel or the Temple but I don’t think that’s because fig trees in general represent Israel (see my survey of its usage in the Old Testament from the video). Also, the context in Mark 13 shows Jesus is using the budding of the fig tree to refer to the two signs He mentions and not using fig trees in general as a representation of the nation Israel existing. In addition to this, the parallel passage in Luke shows that Jesus said “the fig tree and all the trees”. In other words, even if a fig tree might specially represent Israel in some cases it didn’t in this passage because all the trees aren’t fig trees. This is part 55 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 13:28-30. Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 0:36 [Parable of the Dishonest Manager] What is the meaning of the Parable of the Dishonest Manager in Luke 16: 1-13? I was having a Bible study with a friend over Discord, and we're wondering about this. 2. 10:01 [Anxiety about the Rapture] Is it bad to hope that Jesus doesn’t come back until after I have died? Not knowing when the rapture will come (pre or post-trib) causes me anxiety. 3. 12:46 [Can Christians claim all biblical promises?] How do we respond to someone who says we can "claim" all the promises in the Bible for ourselves because we are "grafted into Israel" or because God is "no respecter of persons"? 4. 16:35 [Resources to guard against confirmation bias] I am afraid that I am just partaking in confirmation bias for theism, but I find that most atheistic arguments are just strawmen and ad-hominem attacks. Are there any good, thoughtful resources? 5. 23:42 [Premarital abstinence] I've been a follower of Christ for about 3 months now and my girlfriend of 2 years who I would say is "lukewarm" is hesitant to abstain. How should I handle this? 6. 26:08 [Golden chain of redemption – Romans 8] Can you give your interpretation of the "golden chain of redemption" in Romans 8: 29-30? 7. 29:53 [How is God glorified when a soul perishes?] Everything works together for God's glory, but I have a hard time reconciling that with the idea that God creates people that He knows are destined for Hell. Any thoughts? 8. 36:17 [Do different biblical interpretations make Scripture contradictory?] Given the multiple schools of thought on concepts like eschatology and Calvinism, and each school has Scripture to back up their contradicting views, does that make Scripture contradictory? 9. 41:28 [Advice for an atheist teen] Please give advice on what say to my 16 yr. old who has told me he is an atheist. He can barely defend his position. He has basically fallen victim to internet atheism, and he no longer wants to go to church. 10. 43:50 [Have I truly forgiven if I don’t feel it?] How do you know when you truly have forgiven someone in your heart? I can say the words but I’m unsure if my heart has changed. 11. 46:33 [Is Satan omniscient?] The Bible indicates that the mystery of God's plan for salvation was kept hidden for ages until after the resurrection. Could that mean Satan is omniscient, i.e. when Jesus had to rebuke Peter? 12. 50:30 [Matt. 10 & Mark 13 written similarly] Why does Matthew 10: 16-24 have Olivet Discourse wording (same wording as Mark 13:9-13)? It does not seem to fit here/make sense & this is NOT found in the parallel verses (Luke 9:1-6, Mark 6:7-13). 13. 52:56 [Is meditation style prayer o.k.?] I enjoy mindful meditation for mental health reasons and want to involve God in this, but I've heard this type of prayer is wrong. Why couldn’t I memorize a Psalm and repeat it in prayerful thought? 14. 55:21 [Intro to apologetics resources] What are some good sources to look at to start studying apologetics? 15. 57:50 [Can we allow extrabiblical sources to inspire us?] Is it sinful to be inspired by historical people in and outside of the Bible? Should I instead be exclusively inspired by the Holy Spirit who enabled believers or by the Father? 16. 1:00:21 [Caring for a grieving loved one] A loved one of mine (a believer) is going through a season of mental anguish. What are some practical ways that I can help and encourage them? 17. 1:02:37 [Disciples’ memory – Miracles in Mark 6 vs. Mark 8] How is it that when Jesus feeds the 4,000 in Mark 8, the disciples don’t seem to remember Him already doing the same thing in Mark 6 (the 5,000)? 18. 1:04:03 [Jesus’ death, burial, & resurrection] If Jesus was beaten unrecognizably, how can we be sure they checked the right tomb? 19. 1:08:41 [How could Adam & Eve know right from wrong?] If eating from the tree of knowledge is what gave Adam and Eve the knowledge of good vs. evil, how could they have been e

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 0:13 I'm a follower of Christ, and I have several major illnesses which makes me uninsurable, and I can’t afford a funeral plan. My family will likely cremate me, but I’m REALLY troubled about this. Can only buried bodies be resurrected? Will I miss out on eternal life and go to Hell if my body is cremated? When I asked a pastor nearby, he said cremation is Pagan and only burial is biblical. Is this true? 2. 8:10 How do you see God when you pray? My mind wants to envision a person. 3. 10:29 Is there a possibility that “Lady Wisdom” in Proverbs 8 is actually the Holy Spirit? Is there ever any definitively male or female pronouns used in the Hebrew or Greek to know? 4. 13:26 Romans 11: 25-32 seems to say that the Jewish people will turn back to Christ. Do you have any thoughts on that or see a connection between that and the rising number of Messianic Jews is Israel? 5. 18:59 I am a new Christian, formally LDS. Many LDS folk have been very active at challenging my new beliefs (the Trinity, etc.) I want to share the Gospel with them, but I recognize I'm still learning. Do new Christians have an obligation to defend our beliefs and evangelize, or is it o.k. to ask these challengers to give me space? 6. 22:02 If God is timeless, how could He have sequential thoughts, especially before time was created (e.g., His decision to make time and creation)? 7. 25:36 What are our "non-negotiables" as Christians? What doctrines do we unapologetically plant our flags on and refuse to back down from? 8. 32:33 To what extent do we expose works of darkness? (Ephesians 5:8-14) A family member who claims to be a Christian is openly selling food w vulgar text & images and I found out she’s supplying alcohol to minors as well, through her business. The 1st part was bad enough, but I can’t stay silent anymore. She is already unhappy with me and another family member calling her out on behavior that endangered her child & our family, but admitted at the time that she “should be a better Christian.” How do we handle this? 9. 34:12 Is the Paradise mentioned by Paul in his vision of being taken to the third Heaven, Jesus to the thief on the cross, and in the account of Lazarus the same place? 10. 37:11 How can God love the whole world while hating sinners like in Psalm 5:5? 11. 41:23 Any advice for a wife whose husband has admitted he is not as spiritually mature as the wife? She doesn’t want to lead *him,* but is more spiritually mature. 12. 44:07 If a born-again Christian dies suddenly with an unconfessed sin (not a lifestyle) like momentary lust or deceit, will this lead to Hell? Or does Christ's sacrifice cover all sins (past & future)? 13. 49:05 Where are we when we are judged? On Earth, in Heaven, or somewhere in between? 14. 50:51 In Matthew 27, who are the people coming out of the tombs when Jesus rises? Did they continue earthly life and die again, or ascend too? 15. 54:22 How can I get close to God and overcome demons I have and oppression? 16. 57:31 My wife and I think we are called to move to Alaska for missions (to Remote Alaska). How can I know God is guiding us there? 17. 1:01:47 Would you please explain Matthew 10: 23? What is meant by “before the Son of Man comes”? Mark does NOT state this in his rendition of “Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles” (Mark 6:7-13). 18. 1:05:04 Have you ever read anything on the Eastern Orthodox view of the Holy Trinity called the Monarchy of the Father? If you have, do you have any thoughts? 19. 1:06:22 I think I'm getting diagnosed with Covert Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Proverbs 16:5 scares me. Am I unsavable? I want to be saved and truly converted, but fear is my motive. 20. 1:13:22 My heart has become hard due to continued rebellion which led to a problem trusting Christ and resting in Him. How do I know if I’m repentant when I’m not “sorry” anymore? I miss living near to Christ. Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you ge

This is part 54 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 13:24-27 Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 0:38 The NT has a lot of examples of demons being very active, and Jesus & the Apostles had to cast many demons out of people - there was a lot of activity and possession. But in the OT, demonic activity and possession is not talked about at all (or very, very rarely). I was wondering what happened to cause the change and huge increase…or why we rarely read about it in the OT but there are so many examples in the NT. 2. 9:32 How can Jesus be fully God and fully man if He died? How can God die? I can understand Him putting aside some of His divinity in order to die, but don’t we believe that He is both fully God and fully man? How can He be FULLY God at the crucifixion? 3. 13:44 Some pastors I respect live in in huge homes in gated communities. Their salaries are higher than about 90% of their church members. Do you find anything wrong with this? 4. 16:42 My sister has decided to make a vision board and was asking me to follow. I did a bit of research and it looks like it has ties with the New Age. Could you explain how Christians should deal with goals & dreams? 5. 20:42 In Matthew and Mark, Jesus calls the first disciples before healing Peter’s mother in law and heals her by touch. In Luke, they're called after, and she’s healed by “rebuking the fever.” Is this significant? 6. 21:38 What's your view of 2 Timothy 2: 20-21 saying people can "cleanse themselves" & using the same “honorable vs. dishonorable” wording as Romans 9? Does this refute the Calvinist view of “Total Depravity”? 7. 27:14 What should we do when confused on doctrine? I’ve seen your videos on Catholicism, but recently had a debate with a Catholic and feel so confused. My faith is shaken, and I don’t know what to believe. 8. 31:09 Any thoughts about the ecumenical movement? If my church is in it, should I get out of that church? In Finland, most churches have papers that you are officially in it. Is that biblical? 9. 34:15 If Jesus doesn't return until the Temple is rebuilt, how is the Temple rebuilt when the ark and its contents are gone? Perhaps I have a big misunderstanding of prophecy or the specs for the Temple. 10. 36:55 What happens to animals/insects when they die? 11. 39:31 Is there anything Christians should fear apart from God? 12. 41:41 Can you please comment on John 8: 30-38? Why was Jesus talking like this to those who believed Him? Would love to hear your insight! 13. 46:49 What does the Bible say about modesty in clothing? Are there certain parts of our body that we cannot show, or is it just a heart issue? If the uniform for a sport is a bikini, should we avoid that sport? 14. 51:18 Could you run through an explanation of the Armor of God in Ephesians? 15. 59:07 Does Psalm 121:6 literally mean that God can protect you from being sunburnt? I want to not wear sunblock but don’t want to ruin my skin if I’m wrong. 16. 1:01:44 Why do people go to Hell? Is it a penalty for sins, or for not believing in Jesus? Some say everyone's sins are forgiven, but that doesn't seem to square with Ephesians 5:5-6 and Colossians 3:5-6. 17. 1:04:44 In one of your past Q&As, you shared your thoughts on “JESUS CALLING.” I was wondering if it’s okay for someone to get quiet and try to hear God and write it down just for themselves. Is that wrong? 18. 1:07:18 You mentioned in an earlier video that you do not believe one goes directly to Hell once dead. Can you elaborate on that? 19. 1:09:29 Given the fact that evolution occurs, is observable, and is supported by a vast body of scientific evidence, earning it the highest degree of scientific support, how do you interpret Genesis 1 & 2? 20. 1:13:00 I have ADHD, and while looking for a Christian perspective on my condition I came across a website that calls mental illness a myth and attributes any abnormality in thinking to the influence of the devil and demonic spirits. It also says ADHD is a "behavioral problem" that happens because pa

Lori Anne Thompson's full victim impact statement video - https://youtu.be/4kDe8caElaw This is not a video I'm looking forward to. But this is why I'm doing it. 1) Ravi's victims need vindication. In particular, Lori Anne Thompson has been continually maligned and horribly treated because she brought TRUE accusations against Ravi. I believed the worst about her because of the comments from Ravi and the echoes of those comments from RZIM. This only made her a continual victim. We need to clear her name. 2) Ravi's sins have left a lot of open wounds that need tending. Both in the body of Christ and in RZIM. Believers need to be reminded of how to process all this as a follower of Christ, of how true Christ remains regardless of this tragedy and how to handle this situation so that we don't wrongly treat RZIM staff, Ravi's family or continue to make the error of ignoring red flags that may still lead to more discoveries. I've seen every kind of wrong response online already. I pray to God that I would have wisdom to help us all to have wisdom here. If you are reading this before I go live then please stop and pray for me as I prepare for this video. 3) Scripture commands us to openly deal with a leader who persists in sin, which is proven by evidence, by telling the local body so that other leaders can properly fear their own falling (1 Tim 5:19-20). Since Ravi was a leader in worldwide Christianity with personal character endorsements from countless other leaders this command can only be fulfilled by taking the truth as public as his endorsements were. 4) If we as the body of Christ do not deal with this issue openly then I feel that we implicate ourselves in some sort of complicity at this point. The witness of Christ in the world has been harmed by Ravi's sin and we do need to publicly deal with it. Due to my own place in ministry as a public figure I do feel compelled to speak on this. Like many of you I am angry and I'm sad. But we can't respond with conspiracy theories that deny the overwhelming evidence of persistent sin, abuse of power, abuse of ministry funds, abuse of women and how calculated and deliberate it all was. The facts are in, all that is left is to face them and try to respond in ways that honor Christ. To Ravi's family, I'm really sorry I am making a video about your father/husband/relative. It breaks my heart and I hate the idea of adding hurt to what you are going through. Please know that I don't mean you harm and I'm not on the bandwagon of heartless crowds. I am compelled that this must be done and I pray that you will find, in some way, some help in it as well. The PDF of the full Miller & Martin investigative report on Ravi https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/rzimmedia.rzim.org/assets/downloads/Report-of-Investigation.pdf The board of RZIM's most recent statement (as of 2/15/2020) https://www.rzim.org/read/rzim-updates/board-statement The timeline according to Brad and Lori - https://julieroys.com/open-letter-to-rzim-from-brad-lori-anne-thompson/ Christianity Today Spa Article https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/september/ravi-zacharias-sexual-harassment-rzim-spa-massage-investiga.html World Magazine Spa Article https://world.wng.org/2020/10/new_sexual_misconduct_claims_surface_about_ravi_zacharias Open Letter from Thompsons - https://julieroys.com/open-letter-to-rzim-from-brad-lori-anne-thompson/ 10-13-2020 My teaching explaining that all sin is NOT the same. https://youtu.be/Tp_lAMuX16k My website https://BibleThinker.org

0:00 - Introduction 1. 2:11 If Revelation was written after 70AD, why wouldn't John say anything about the destruction of Jerusalem? Wouldn't he write about a prophecy of Jesus that came true? Pretty big event to ignore. 2. 6:09 Do we have free will? If not, how does that affect God's sovereignty? If yes, how can we be punished for sins when we had no other option? 3. 13:11 As a conservative Christian, is it wrong to enjoy New Age music? I enjoy playing and listening to the relaxing piano music, but if it is connected to New Age, I do not want to disrespect the Lord. 4. 16:08 From a Christian perspective, do you have any advice on dealing with and overcoming the fear of death? I've been experiencing a lot of anxiety over my own death and the death(s) of my loved ones. 5. 21:01 How do you view the false prophecies of Trump winning? Pride? A lying spirit spreading the same false prophecy? Do we stop listening to all those who claimed this? 6. 26:50 In a futurist view of the end times, which current country do you think would best represent Babylon? 7. 28:27 What is your advice for a young adult who wants to start a ministry platform similar to yours, but who doesn’t have any formal training? I want other young adults to care about theology like I do. 8. 31:02 If God is omnipresent, would His presence also be in Hell? 9. 34:23 Can you help me understand why Paul would permit Timothy to drink wine for his sickness in 1 Timothy 5: 23 even though it seems that he was under the Nazarite vow? (Numbers 6:1-4) 10. 38:25 In Galatians 4: 27 who is "the desolate" referring to: Sarah or Hagar? My Bible study disagreed and I can see arguments for either one. 11. 43:13 Who can baptize? Can I baptize my kids? 12. 45:56 Why is it that big name Calvinists, in general, are super arrogant and ultimately unloving? And shouldn't this disqualify them from leadership and make them false teachers? 13. 48:11 Should I stop reading the devotional on my “Bible in one year” plan? It seems to be eisegetical and groups the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms/Prov. daily reading under one common theme each day. 14. 49:05 Can it be argued that the authority and power Jesus gave to the 12/70 disciples in Luke 3: 15 and Luke 10:9 to heal the sick and to cast out demons is different from using our spiritual gifts? 15. 52:37 In Matthew 11: 22-24, Jesus says if Sodom saw and heard the miracles you have they would have repented. So why didn’t Jesus do those works in Sodom instead of destroy them? 16. 57:41 In your marriage videos, you referred to men as “knuckleheads” that weren't acting as the “head” in decision making. Is it permissible to actively consult with and make decisions with your wife, cooperatively? 17. 59:18 Am I a covenant breaker if I agreed to a divorce that I didn't want? My wife is divorcing me, and I told her we need to go to counseling first but she said she doesn't want to fix the marriage. 18. 1:01:11 Does the Bible teach that we can “feel Gods presence,” or is it just human emotion in response to our minds receiving biblical truths? 19. 1:05:26 What advice would you give to me who struggles with apathy in my spiritual life? 20. 1:07:11 Do we need to feel bad for our sin when we repent? Or is knowing it’s supposed to be wrong enough? My ex-girlfriend and I sinned and I feel bad about it, but she doesn’t. Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks! Helping you learn to think bi

I'm surveying different interpretations of "the abomination of desolation" and comparing them to the Scripture to see if they fit. If you want to see my teaching surveying 6 different end times perspectives then click here - https://youtu.be/xmw0uVLunwU Here’s my video on Daniel 9 https://youtu.be/pK5RsOaVy4U And here’s one on Daniel 11, the most prophecy packed chapter of the Bible https://youtu.be/lXrPhtQLj9E This is part 53 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 13:14-23 Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:53 Recently, I've seen several of your videos dealing with The Passion Translation, and the criticism seems very much on point. Clearly, Brian Simmons is a bit of a nut and I think you'd agree that religions can attract those types of people. So, why would you assume Paul, or the authors of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John weren't also nutty? At the very least you should be skeptical of their writings. Further, there is no way to go back and do the sort of analysis of those authors, the way you can with Simmons. For example, the review you do of Simmons' lectures, as opposed to simply having his Passion Translation, is very effective in demonstrating just how nutty he is. Nothing even close to that is possible with the biblical authors. So why give them credence? 2. 9:05 If Moses was God's chosen one, why did God want to kill him in Exodus 4: 24? Also, what did Zipporah mean by "Surely a bloody husband art thou to me"? 3. 14:00 Can you help me understand the comparison/contrast between how the Holy Spirit comes upon vs. in someone? Is it correct that in the Old Testament, He came UPON someone (Exodus 29: 45 & Ezekiel 37: 27) but not IN, and in the New Testament, He indwells believers? 4. 19:08 What are your thoughts on Kenneth Hagin's "The Authority of the Believer" and other Christian spiritual authority concepts? If none, would you consider looking into it? 5. 21:27 Are angels immortal? if not, does that mean demons might have a chance to defeat them or some in a war? I ask because sometimes I see paintings of angels vs demons. 6. 23:03 I was wondering, why are there times where Jesus tells people not to talk about Him? Some Verses: Matt. 8:4, 9: 30, 12: 16) 7. 26:05 If God’s will is always done in Heaven, was Satan’s rebellion God’s will? 8. 28:41 What are some ways God disciplines us as it’s said in Hebrews? How do we know if He is disciplining? Can He discipline through physical or psychological ailments? 9. 32:34 What does someone need to believe for you to consider them your brother or sister in Christ? 10. 35:13 Could you comment on Matthew 13: 44-45? Most people seem to feel that the merchant is a man and the pearl/treasure is Christ, but in context I seem to see the opposite. 11. 40:27 You were in American Gospel 2. What do you think of the final 10 minutes teaching God's whole purpose for everything is His own glory, and we're "merely" incidental to that? 12. 44:17 Does the integrity of our faith need Adam and Eve to be literal historical people? Some people say the account of Adam and Eve is a myth, or a story to teach us theological and moral truth. 13. 47:01 If God is good and perfect, how can He ever be jealous (Exodus 20:6) or angry (Exodus 34:6) since both jealousy and anger are sins of the flesh (Galatians 5: 20)? More Cat Cam! 14. 51:48 Can you explain how you understand John 20: 23? I’ve read several commentaries on this verse and still have difficulty rightly understanding it. 15. 55:02 How can I learn to see God as a loving Father? I’m afraid and sometimes I feel that God is indifferent and impatient with me. Am I gonna make it to heaven? 16. 59:40 Any books you recommend for those courting and preparing for marriage? If not, any advice? 17. 1:02:00 If someone passes away, is it wrong to pray for their salvation? This would not be “get them out of purgatory,” this would just be in a “God, you knew back then that I would pray this” sort of way. 18. 1:03:20 In your opinion, who are the “gods of Egypt” in Exodus 12? The options seem to be rulers, idols, demons, or actual gods. 19. 1:07:59 I shared your Passion Project with the Elders of my church. They thought it was nitpicking. How do I decide to leave? Long history with these people. Seem to be becoming hyper-charismatic. 20. 1:09:52 What boundaries (biblical separation) should a Christian establish with a professed believer who is now in a gay marriage? BONUS Q: 1:12:11 I am a new cat owne

How could it end any other way. Step one: Take Scripture out of context. Step two: Absolutely demonize those who disagree, with highly emotional and extremely judgmental language. Step three: Summarize your unbiblical views with utter hypocrisy and plank-eyed judgment toward anyone who dares to hold to a biblical Christianity. Step four: Conclude that your views, which Jesus most certainly would not have agreed with, are righteous and loving while those who disagree are going to go to your version of hell (but do this while condemning others for thinking they are righteous and loving and that those who disagree are going to their version of hell). Step five: Ignore all those who would rationally analyze your view and compare it to biblical teaching and historical Christianity. Here's Alisa Childers's channel. I recommend subscribing because I see so much value in her content. https://www.youtube.com/user/alisachilders/videos 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

It's hard to find a group of so many words directly from the Bible being used to mean the exact opposite of what the Bible means. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

I actually had a hard time coming around on this topic but, in the end, the Bible constrained me to change my view on alcohol. The difference between me and the progressives we are responding to is that my mind was changed by the Bible and I get the impression that they would believe whatever they want whether the Bible said it or not. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

I'm hoping to offer some balance and wisdom on this issue. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

If you are around progressive thinkers and teachers much you will probably have heard them say, "God didn't demand a sacrifice, we did!" The problem with this quotable and heartwarming phrase is that it's terribly unbiblical and would have been rejected by Jesus and all the apostles. As it should be by us. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

0:00 Introduction & Overview 1. 4:09 Post Millennial/Preterist 2. 39:40 Hyper-Preterist 3. 45:11 Dispensational Pre-Millennial/Futurist 4. 1:05:17 Progressive Dispensational Pre-Millennial/Futurist 5. 1:16:02 Amillennial/Idealist 6. 1:29:28 Historicist I'll be teaching you the beliefs of premillennial, postmillennial, and amillennial views as well understanding their VERY different interpretations of the Book of Revelation. We'll cover preterist, hyper-preterist, 2 futurist views and idealist views of Revelation. I'm Mike Winger and my passion is helping people learn to think biblically about everything because the Bible is more brilliant, beautiful and life-changing than the world knows.

It starts to feel like they aren't making any effort at all to understand biblical Christianity. Instead there are just a series of shallow misrepresentations that help to try to justify unbiblical beliefs. Don't fall for it. This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

Please notice that the heart of progressive Christian distortions of Christianity is NOT a careful interpretation of the Bible but emotion-filled shaming. This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 2:49 What led to the “charismatic conundrum” of 2020 where large numbers of false prophecies were being given by seemingly well-respected & well-known teachers online? 2. 9:13 I'm writing a book with a Native American friend and I want to help him come to Christ. He is respectful of Christianity, but terrible things have been done to him and his family by people professing to be Christians (his aunt was beaten to death by a Catholic nun just to prove she had the authority). I want to share the Gospel with him in a way that is accurate, but at the same time, sensitive to what his people have endured. Any advice? 3. 13:19 Matthew 19: 12 talks about eunuchs from birth. Does that include intersex people? It seems to advise that eunuchs should not marry and should just serve God. Is that right? 4. 20:52 Is Ruth 4:5-6 typologically connected with Galatians 3: 23-25, where Boaz replaces the guardian-redeemer to redeem Ruth, Christ takes the place of the law to redeem the Church? 5. 25:08 I have a Japanese friend who believes in a false Japanese religion, mainly because when she sprained her ankle, her mom prayed over it and the Dr. said it was healed. How can I effectively share that her religion is false, after she experienced this convincing miracle? 6. 29:39 Can you please comment on the Book of Life and how one is written into it or blotted out from it? 7. 32:15 Is there biblical basis for a Christian being able to “release healing” into the atmosphere? I hear this quite a bit at my church, and I’m uneasy with it for some reason. 8. 36:26 What is the leaven of Herod? It seemed Herod was intrigued by John, even though John was against his unlawful marriage, and Herod did what people thought instead of God's law. 9. 39:44 As a youth leader, my students share these New Age things they learn to do on TikTok, and 1 of them sounds like Astral Projection. How do we talk about this with them without sounding crazy? 10. 41:52 Why should we care about false doctrine/teaching like the prosperity gospel or the word of faith movement? Does believing in such compromise one’s salvation? If not, why care at all? 11. 44:35 In Romans 8: 34, why is Jesus still interceding for the elect since they are already saved? 12. 47:44 Do you believe Solomon was saved seeing as he died worshiping false gods? 13. 48:55 I preach with a stutter, and sometimes it can be very discouraging! I know God uses it still, but do you have any advice for me, both practical and biblical? It tends to be worse when I'm nervous or tense. 14. 52:18 If you could visit any one moment in both the Old and New Testaments, what would it be, and how do you know when you’re ready to disciple others? 15. 54:58 Could you clarify the difference between forgiveness and salvation? 16. 56:27 How would someone test a prophecy until it had or haven't come to pass? Including you for all of the Trump prophecies? 17. 58:42 I constantly sin. I have prayed, struggled, and fought to stay on the narrow path. I can't seem to stop sinning. The guilt is still there but there is no change. Can a heart be too cold to change? 18. 1:02:48 In Hosea, God sends a message through Hosea and the names of his children. His family has to live with their children named things like "not loved" (Hosea 1:6). Does Hosea deserve this?! Is this a type of Christ, bearing others’ burdens? Is there more beyond the simple meaning of "Your child will be given a horrible name to get the attention of Israel"? 19. 1:05:40 What to do when tempted with lust online? I watch it to deal with stress & struggled to stop this week without it. I repent & believe the gospel, but I feel like my house is built on sand. 20. 1:08:25 I'm a biblical studies major with an end goal of being an online youth pastor. Do you have any advice about interpreting the Scriptures faithfully for the next generation? Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered i

You know they have no real argument when they accuse you of worshipping the Bible. Take it as a compliment. This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

Today's video is really important to me. I think this tactic of having a distorted version of Jesus and using him to reject and reinterpret the Bible is a rising trend in progressive circles. I hope this short response will help those who have become confused by this tactic. I don't want us to replace the true Christ with a Christ fashioned after ourselves. This sort of thing promises that it will make Christianity more likeable but it ends up fundamentally changing Christian truth. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

If we are going to think biblically then we need to do better. This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

This is the sort of funny and depressing caricature I've come to expect nowadays. I hope my answer helps. This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

Behind all of these various claims from this progressive Christian is the idea that you can reinvent Christianity however you like with no accountability to a consistent view of Scripture or Jesus. In today's case there seems to be a very odd reference (seemingly out of context or just made up) to a former pope in the place of quoting scripture. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

This is one of my favorite Bible passages. I still remember when I was reading it and trying to figure out what sort of special meaning there was behind the actions of Jesus, and it hit me. I'm excited to get to share it with you. I'm not the first to discover this but it sure is a wonderful discovery! Today's study is from John 13, where Jesus humbles himself and washes the disciples' feet. I'm Mike Winger and my passion is helping people learn to think biblically about everything because the Bible is more brilliant, beautiful and life-changing than the world knows.

It seems to me that what they hate is God's righteous judgment. I'm very sad to say it but since they are hating it in the name of Christianity someone needs to say it. Please don't let the emotional language of progressives confuse you on this issue. I'm including a link to my series explaining and defending Penal Substitutionary Atonement here just in case someone needs it. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

This is just weird. Are people in trouble merely for picking the wrong religion? Are they saved by magical magicky prayers? Here's my response. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference : 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:32 Since the Bible says we can "lift holy hands" up to the Lord, and this is due to the imputed righteousness of Christ and not our own, can you explain David's words in Psalm 18: 20-24? 2. 8:12 What does the Bible say about dinosaurs? As someone who has studied the Bible & believes the story of Adam & Eve, I want to learn more about the timeline. How are there fossils? 3. 16:10 I saw your video explaining that babies go to Heaven and I agree with you. Does this apply to people with severe dementia (so they can't repent) because they had a clear mind before? 4. 17:38 How do you respond to people who say that religion is just a way to control society (perhaps even in a good way) and that it just psychologically helps people not to fear death? 5. 22:18 Do you think Matthew 23:8-12 means that we shouldn’t use ministry titles? Elders (1 Timothy 3) and Pastors (Ephesians 4) seem to be roles and gifts rather than titles. 6. 28:47 Trying to wrap my head around why God would create people that He knew would not choose Him. What are your thoughts? 7. 31:59 Any advice on how to humbly share Jesus with loved ones who are facing struggle? I find that most people are defiant or see you as a Bible thumper on a high horse, even some believers. 8. 34:59 I’m a teen and got saved in March. I haven’t read the entire Bible yet. How can I protect against false doctrines and test them when I haven’t read the entire Bible? 9. 37:09 In your view, what is the fate of the Devil? Romans 16: 20 uses a verb (“crush”) that is common in warfare contexts, suggesting destruction. See also Hebrews 2: 14. How does this all work with 1 Corinthians 15: 24-28? 10. 40:37 I constantly hear the cliché, “God is in control.” Is it anything more than a meaningless platitude? It seems to me theologically sloppy, and implies divine determinism, which I reject. 11. 42:34 What are your thoughts on "Generational Curses"? Can believers be "cursed" by the actions of a parent or grandparent, or by having Native American blood? 12. 46:35 How do you know a vision given with eyes open while you're very lucid, is from the Holy Spirit and not your actual subconscious? 13. 48:19 Is it biblical to pronounce a blessing on someone? E.g. with words like "I bless you..."? I can sense a good wish but also looking down on someone (Hebrews 7:7). 14. 51:00 Why is Jesus called “everlasting Father” in Isaiah if He’s not the Father according to Trinitarian explanation? 15. 53:25 Is it possible that the current trend and level of awful political prophecies is actually setting up the Antichrist rather nicely to come and “save” the world? Will he be a progressive? 16. 57:33 I recently joined a ministry that goes into strip clubs to spend time with the women in the clubs. I've gotten backlash from my family and I’m just curious if in your opinion it is Biblical. 17. 59:32 I joined a prayer group at my church. This prayer group is discussing and praying for unbiblical things, and using a concerning “devotional” (Jesus Calling). What should I do? 18. 1:01:14 Why did Paul warn the Corinthians about "another Jesus" in 2 Corinthians 11:4? How is that relevant for us today, in light of John 17:3? 19. 1:05:21 My family is “oneness” and wanted me to get baptized their way forever. I was baptized at my trinitarian church and didn't tell them, to avoid disputes, but should I have been bold in my faith (from a teen)? 20. 1:08:06 Is there Biblical evidence for ghosts? Maybe not if a soul can only go to Heaven or Hell? Have those who believe they've seen ghosts actually seen demons? Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking

You can't just take whatever you don't like and call it a metaphor for a metaphor. At least not if you want to have intellectual integrity in your religious beliefs. I think the reason progressives redefine words is because they want the appearance of Christianity but without it's meaning. The claim of being Christian without the burden of following the teachings of Christ. Changing the meanings of words is sadly just a rejection of Christian teachings. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro This clip is from a recent interview I did on Alisa Childers' channel. I took that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

With their first quote you'd think they aren't dogmatic at all. That they are open to people having their own convictions. But the second quote shows this is all just part of "abortion in the name of Christ". It's tragic. Christians don't have to be republican but the issue of abortion is one where justice, love and the protection of the innocent compels us to stand pro-life. Abortion is one of the clearest social justice issues of our time. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro I was recently interviewed by Alisa Childers and I've taken that interview and broken it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

Today we deal with claim #2, "It's not a sin to be gay." I hope I can help us to think a bit more deeply about this. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro I was recently interviewed by Alisa Childers and I've taken that interview and broke it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. Here's a link where you can see every video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

I was recently interviewed by Alisa Childers and I've taken that interview and broken it down into topical videos dealing with the 23 different claims made by the "progressive Christian" Ragamuffin TV. You'll see a new video EVERY DAY until the whole series is uploaded. 0:00 intro 0:18 to SKIP intro Today's meme is about whether it is a sin to cuss or not. But because this is the first video in the series we will take some time to explain what this is about. I'd like to add that I know there are plenty of believers who disagree with me on this issue. I consider them my brothers and sister and I'm open to changing my mind but I have yet to hear an intelligent and biblical case that cussing is generally permissible Here's a link where you can see EVERY video in this series (as they go up) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHstu7p_vncGknpVhWp9uxc1 Here are the links to the long form interviews which are on Alisa's channel Part 1 https://youtu.be/wVLLuyN-Ezo Part 2 https://youtu.be/CoBW3LY8xiw

I still remember when I first started to realize that we had completely misused the words of Jesus. It took a while to be able to confront the fact that the teachers I had been so blessed by had actually reversed the meaning Jesus intended when He spoke these words. I hope that I can encourage us today to have humility and greater accuracy when dealing with end times prophecy and how current events might play in to God's end times plans. Humility itself can save us from a lot of errors and lessen the harm caused even when we do fall into error. In short, today's study shows how many of the things people often appeal to as indicators that the second coming is soon are actually not indicators at all. Earthquakes, wars, famines and pandemics included. This is part 52 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 13:1-13 Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction - Allow me to deflate myself. 1. 5:16 What are your thoughts about Hillsong? Are they a progressive Christian church? Is their theology sound? 2. 13:48 Is it o.k. for Christians have icons in their home? 3. 19:06 Did the apostles speak a language everyone understood in Acts 2, or did each one speak one of the foreign languages? Any thoughts? Also, why exactly did some people mock them? 4. 25:06 Can you tell me your thoughts/insights about “missionary” Spencer Smith? He’s a fundamental Southern Baptist whose ministry seems more a witch hunt than the Gospel. 5. 26:48 Can a spiritual gift be taught? I am of the mind that no spiritual gift can be taught simply because a gift is, by definition, free to the recipient. The gift costs nothing. 6. 30:47 I am struggling to find a good response to Leviticus 25: 44-46 in terms of the Bible endorsing slavery. What are your thoughts on this passage? 7. 41:37 What does it mean for believers to be "one in us" (the Father and the Son) in the same way that they are in each other? John 17: 21 has me confused. 8. 46:26 I've heard my grandma say that sometimes she doesn't pray out loud so that the devil can't hear her, because "the devil can't know our thoughts.” Is there biblical basis for this? 9. 48:32 If God is the potter and I'm the clay, am I responsible for my own life, or not? Is it up to me to make something of myself, or is it my job simply to trust and obey God (and His will for my life)? 10. 51:12 Which “form” does Jesus have in Heaven: a human one, or a shapeless one? I am having a hard time picturing Him in my prayers. 11. 53:24 How do we know that the long book of Jeremiah which we use today is the right one (instead of Jeremiah in the Septuagint which is much shorter)? 12. 55:14 Can you explain Matthew 25: 14? What are the “bags of silver”? Are they the same as in 1 Corinthians 3: 12 (gold, silver, etc.)? 13. 57:46 What’re your thoughts on Christian Rock/Metal? Is it difficult (or even impossible) to honor God and spread the Gospel using genres often expressing dangerous messages and imagery? 14. 1:00:18 How do you respond to someone who demands you give a chapter and verse from the Bible to support any claim you make regarding things that tend to be more nuanced or situation specific. 15. 1:01:36 Is it biblical to anoint your home with oil that you’ve prayed over to combat spiritual warfare? 16. 1:03:33 I was baptized as an infant in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, but got saved a little over a year ago. Should I get baptized again? 17. 1:05:06 Hosea 8:4 vs. Romans 13:1? My county hasn’t allowed more than 2 households together in months. I want to be subject, but I wouldn't consider this a "godly" law as He taught hospitality. Thoughts? 18. 1:10:13 I've heard Mormons equate Paul's conversion experience with Joseph Smith's in order to justify Mormonism. From an apologetics standpoint, why is Paul's conversion story credible? 19. 1:12:59 On the subject of divorce, can the offending spouse remarry after trying to reconcile? Or is remarriage only available for the offended? What if the offense is sexually immoral to some, but not to others? 20. 1:15:04 Is imputed righteousness biblical? I find Evangelical Christians will say “the blood covers my sins,” but the Bible says we have to turn from wickedness. 21. 1:18:01 (Bonus Q!) Can you please give your thoughts on the New Century Version, The Amplified Version, and the Contemporary English Version of the Bible? I heard your video on translations, but these were not mentioned. I use the ESV and NLT mainly, but I like to use others from time to time, too. Here’s the video I did going through a variety of passages related to slavery https://youtu.be/l2q3fql-BlY Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we

Open description for time stamps. I've hired a number of scholars to review Brian Simmons' seriously flawed Bible version. This is my "Passion Project". Today's video features Dr. Craig Blomberg and his thoughts after reviewing the book of 1 Corinthians in The Passion Translation. Scroll down for links to Dr. Blomberg's paper. This same link will have ALL the reviews and papers as they are published. You should see a total of 5 uploaded by the beginning of January. After that I will need to wait a while for more scholars to finish their papers and do interviews. I hope to have it all done in the next few months. What's was my goal with this? I want the people of Christ to know the truth about this "translation" so that they can love what God has said without Brian Simmons altering it in unjustified ways. However, in the course of researching for this project I've uncovered some other very concerning things about Brian Simmons' teachings including false prophecy and various extreme claims regarding his own spiritual experiences. I'll be sharing some of this in future videos as well since I have realized that he is not just styling himself as a Bible translator but as an inspired Bible interpreter who is going to release a last days transformation in the people of God so that "everything that can be said about Jesus can be said about you". Yeah, it's weird. LINK to all interviews AND papers as they are uploaded. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/the-passion-translation Dr. Blomberg’s book – Can We Trust The Bible? https://www.amazon.com/Can-Still-Believe-Bible-Contemporary/dp/1587433214 For even MORE content on TPT here is a playlist of my own research into this translation. I think it’s even worse than many of the scholars have said, but that’s not because of a failure on their part. They restricted themselves to reviewing the translation text of a single book each, and only glancing at the footnotes, whereas I looked at the work as a whole and found various other issues of concern including misleading statements from Brian about his own experience as a translator for the Paya Kuna Bible, his degree of education and even stunningly false prophecies he has given. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHvXha4rjCj1Po0WLQc_jGGW My website https://BibleThinker.org *These timestamps will work after the video has premiered. 0:00 Intro 0:17 Why this video is important: Brian Simmons wild claims. 1:55 What my Passion Project is. 2:35 Who is Dr. Blomberg and why is he reviewing TPT? 4:52 Dr. Blomberg's attitude toward paraphrases. 6:41 Dr. Blomberg is not driven by bias against TPT but by credible concerns. 7:51 Is TPT misleading people when it calls itself a "translation"? 9:27 A great example of why TPT isn't a translation. 10:07 The "glaring, recurring error" in TPT's footnotes (the "Aramaic"). 12:38 This is REALLY bad. Brian Simmons is deceiving people about what "all the scholars" think. 17:37 Simmons' knowingly misuses Mike Bird's scholarship even after Dr. Bird rebuked the misuse. 19:42 Brian Simmons claims that his FOOTNOTES in TPT are the result of God's inspiration. 23:50 Why we should reject Simmons' claims. 24:53 Why the "lack of italics" in TPT is deceiving people. 27:29 1 Cor 1 vv. 11-12 that show TPT is inconsistent with italics. 30:38 How Simmons messes up the "gender role" passage in 1 Corinthians. 35:07 Simmons has an axe to grind on the topic of women which he seems to be wrongly forcing into his translation of the Bible. 38:48 The one place where Simmons translation seems complementarian. 43:26 What attracts people to The Passion Translation? 45:03 Examples of Simmons adding "passion" to the Bible where he shouldn't. 46:08 TPT is named after and angel that Brian saw, according to Brian Simmons. 46:38 How Brian represents TPT as if it's a quality work without bias. 47:42 But Brian sometimes admits his translation is very much a sectarian work. 52:03 Simmons "reverses Paul's meaning" in 1 Cor 10 v. 13. 5

Fakery, false spirituality and money-grubbing is a multi-million dollar industry. But it's not new. Jesus warned us about these issues in the first century and they just keep coming up again and again. But I don't think we would be wise to limit this warning to an issue that we see in some leaders. We should take seriously the fact that humans seem to have a natural drift from authentic spirituality to impersonated spirituality. From genuine character and godliness to laboring at the appearance of character and godliness. This is something that leaders will probably be tempted with the most but any one of us can fall into. God give us wisdom! This is part 51 of the Mark Series, going verse by verse through the Gospel of Mark. Today we are in chapter 12:38-44 Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Open for timestamps to each question (I did 25 of them today). My teaching on the fate of those who die without ever hearing the gospel. https://youtu.be/IiyxpE5UBz4 Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 1:56 When reading and studying the Bible, when is a good time to refer to a second translation to clarify what I’m reading? 2. 5:22 How do we reach a fellow believer who is not only believing in the lies but siding with them in the MSM when it comes to politics (i.e. Trump) or about any conservative viewpoint? 3. 9:11 How can we look at Psalm 37: 4 without falling into a WOF trap? 4. 15:27 Can a Christian work in the CIA, NSA, etc. when lying and deception is part of the job? You lie to enemies, other times you lie to your family, ex: saying you work for State dept. to maintain cover. 5. 20:47 Over the past year, my wife has gained a lot of weight. She’s been wanting to have more intimacy, but lately I don’t feel any sexual desire or lust toward her. Is sexual deprivation toward a spouse a sin? 6. 27:28 Mike, any comments for Christians? US Congress convened in the name of the Hindu god Brahma, and all the other monotheistic Gods called by other names. Then they said, Amen, Awoman… Idolatry? 7. 30:50 How can my relationship with God grow even more? I have felt so many times that I am “not there yet” or as if the fire I used to have is gone and something is wrong between me and God. 8. 33:51 The Epistle of Jude cites Enoch and the Testament of Moses. How do we know this letter isn't a fabrication of sorts like from Gnostic sects, and was snuck in during the council that established the NT? 9. 36:26 Please recommend reading for marriage counseling. Christian counselors say too submissive = codependent; biblical counselors say if you're submissive enough your spouse will repent (about 1 peter 3:1). 10. 43:39 What happens to all of the people who lived and died before Jesus was born? How will they be judged and saved? 11. 46:00 I am an ex-Catholic still doing a daily Rosary. I understand the theological problems. Can you suggest a replacement daily devotional? 12. 51:46 Does Hebrews 2: 17 "like them in every respect" indicate that Jesus had the same human nature as we do in every way? If so, can we conclude that we, like him, are born with an innocent human nature? 13. 54:32 Christians are using John 16: 13 to qualify a wide variety of claims, believing that the Holy Spirit led them to particular beliefs or practices. To what extent does this apply to a Christian today? 14. 58:47 I watched the conscience video and Romans 14: 23 confuses me. My conscience is so weak at the moment that I doubt just about everything…basic things. Should I obey my anxious inklings every time? 15. 1:02:37 What are your thoughts about going to church during a pandemic? 16. 1:03:50 In Judges 20: 18, why did God appear to deceive Israel and Judah as they sought His help in bringing justice on the tribe of Benjamin? They lost 40,000 people before He actually helped them. 17. 1:10:53 If the man in the Gospel of Mark was born blind, how did he even know what trees look like? This troubles me a bit. 18. 1:12:32 Do we have extrabiblical evidence for the earthquake & darkness that took place at the time of the crucifixion? 19. 1:13:21 In the U.K., COVID-19 laws are getting stricter. As Christians, are we obligated to follow these rules even we think some of them are pointless and could put a strain on relationships? 20. 1:15:19 What are your thoughts on baptizing children? my 8-year-old has made a profession of faith that we feel is genuine. Should we wait until he is older, say 12 or 13? 21. 1:18:10 Have you reached out to Dr. Michael Brown to discuss TPT? I believe he endorsed it. I've been loving the passion project by the way! 22. 1:19:07 Are re-baptisms biblical? 23. 1:21:02 What do I do if I have to be around someone who is easily angered and I have to walk on eggshells? 24. 1:22:40 I recently started posting Christian Yo

Open description for time stamps. Welcome to my Passion Project! Where real scholars test the wild claims of Brian Simmons about his new Bible, The Passion Translation, so that YOU can know what’s really going on with this suddenly popular new Bible version. Today's video features Dr. Douglas Moo and his thoughts after reviewing the book of Romans. Dr. Moo has invested much of his scholarly life on the book of Romans and I am so excited to have such an expert weigh in on The Passion Translation. There's a link below to where I will put ALL the reviews and papers as they are published. You should see a total of 5 uploaded by mid-January. After that I will need to wait a while for more scholars to finish their papers and do interviews. I hope to have it all done in the next few months. What's was my goal with this? I want the people of Christ to know the truth about this "translation" so that they can love what God has said without Brian Simmons altering it in unjustified ways. However, in the course of researching for this project I've uncovered some other very concerning things about Brian Simmons' teachings including false prophecy and various extreme claims regarding his own spiritual experiences. I'll be sharing some of this in future videos as well since I have realized that he is not just styling himself as a Bible translator but as an inspired Bible interpreter who is going to release a last days transformation in the people of God so that "everything that can be said about Jesus can be said about you". Yeah, it's weird. Stay tuned to my channel for more info on this in the coming weeks. LINK to all interviews AND papers as they are uploaded. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/the-passion-translation If you are interested in Dr. Moo's books and commentary they can be found here. He's a brilliant and highly accomplished scholar and has a lot of interesting insights, especially on the letters of Paul. https://www.amazon.com/Douglas-J.-Moo/e/B000AQ6VXE%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share My website https://BibleThinker.org *These time stamps will begin working after the premiere has aired. 0:00 Brian Simmons says God "increased the capacity" of his brain. 0:26 Brian says God gave him secrets of Hebrew and Greek. 1:03 What is "My Passion Project" 1:16 What today's video is about. 2:46 Brian says God gave him extra special help from an angel to do the book of Romans. 3:25 Who is Dr. Douglas Moo and why did he review Romans in TPT? 5:13 What positive things does Dr. Moo have to say about TPT's rendering of Romans? 6:34 How TPT has a "confusing translation philosophy". 9:39 TPT adds stuff to the Bible. Examples given. 12:12 Brian Simmons presents himself as a spiritual guru. 13:34 Shocking claims in TPT commercial from Sid Roth's show. 14:29 The suspicious nature of a one-man translation. 16:00 Brian Simmons' wild claims about inspiration from God. 17:44 A CENTRAL issue showing TPT can't be trusted; "the Aramaic." 20:10 Brain is making stuff up and pretending it is "scholarship". 23:51 Simmons uses "false appeal to etymology" in TPT (a lot). 25:55 Testing one of Brian Simmons "secrets of Hebrew", Homonyms. 29:56 Brian Simmons claims he is a linguist but makes basic linguistic errors. 30:44 Example of "questionable interpretations" in Romans in TPT. 32:38 Footnotes in the TPT that Brian claims are from God are sometimes "frankly nonsense." 35:33 Does TPT look like it was reviewed by scholars as most translations are. 38:23 Dr. Moo views "translation" and "paraphrase" differently than others I have interviewed. 39:34 TPT says that it "reclaims lost Aramaic texts," what does Dr. Moo think about that? 41:20 The TPT web site claims it is "an excellent translation you can use as your primary text to seriously study God's word," Dr. Moo responds. 41:59 Dr. Moo responds to the Bill Johnson quote. 43:27 Is TPT misleading people in it's promotional material? 44:51 What would Dr. Moo say to someone who loves TPT? 45:43 Did God grow Bria

What's super interesting to me about what Jesus says here is that, in one short passage He covers the nature of the inspiration and authorship of the Bible, how messianic hermeneutics functions, and the identity of the Messiah as greater than they had known. In a couple sentences he gives us so much clarity and tools for our own understanding and interpretation of the Bible. And also shows some clever behavior in asking His own question to finally trump the numerous trick questions of the opposition. Showing superior knowledge of God, Messiah and the Scripture. Jesus is awesome! Here’s that video on Melchizedek and how he represents Christ. https://youtu.be/qP-m85M8HWk Feel free to use my videos in your own gatherings as an aid to studying Scripture. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Open video description for time stamps. Here's the video I mentioned which explains the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit https://youtu.be/KmCHX8-2Smo Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:29 What are your upcoming plans and/or announcements for this coming year? 2. 12:04 You seemed to imply in a previous video that the dead can be aware of what happens on Earth. How do you reconcile that with Ecclesiastes 9:5, which says "the dead know nothing"? 3. 16:00 In Genesis 4, what is your take on why God was not pleased with Cain’s sacrifice? The text says he was a worker of the ground, and Abel was a cattle owner, so wouldn’t it make sense that Cain would give grain and Abel would give meat, since those were just their individual professions? 4. 21:02 If soul sleep isn't a thing, people who have been resurrected are essentially being snatched out of Paradise or Hell and put back into a body. Why would that be? 5. 23:34 Scripture is clear that we are sinful, but do Christians sin every second, minute, and hour? ~(Bonus Q) 26:51 I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and baptized as a kid, but not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How do I know what church to choose now, and who should baptize me? I’m afraid of being misled. 6. 30:57 In your video on Mark 11: 22-25 you talked about how important the Temple was for the Jews in regard to prayer. But didn't God hear the prayers of believers like Daniel without a temple? 7. 33:35 The other day my friend/future roommate, a Christian, told me he has pursued a gay lifestyle since March. Any advice on points to hit when he and I are able to talk again? 8. 37:28 Is it sinful to not want to marry? How do I know if I'm called to stay single? 9. 39:22 A lot of people like "happy church" where everything is "positive.” Thus, positivity and negativity become moral categories. What are the dangers of this approach? 10. 43:20 Who was the most notable old testament leader in your mind, and why? I am doing a study on biblical leadership and would love your response. 11. 44:10 Do you have any suggestions for someone who procrastinates on deeply studying the scriptures in fear of messing up? I want to study theological topics like eschatology, but fear I'll do it wrong. 12. 46:15 I have 100 Qs, but could you pray for me? I'm anxious about my salvation and fear often that I've blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Also, how can we be praying for you and your wife? 13. 49:15 If we can’t “lean on our own understanding” or trust in man or a group and there are many ways to interpret the Bible, how do we know whether we are following our heart or conscience? 14. 56:05 Does God actually love us unconditionally? Does He still love the people whose conscience He intentionally hardens, those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, and those who go to Hell? 15. 59:05 Ehrman says the word for “born again” in Aramaic doesn’t have the double meaning it has in Greek, thus the conversation couldn't have gone the way it is referred to in John 3. What is the solution? 16. 1:03:12 What practices in a party/wedding should be different for Christians vs. non-believers? Or what should one not practice as a Christian…drinking? Dancing? 17. 1:05:56 Do you think the apostles taught the doctrine of imminence? Could it have been possible for someone like Peter who knew he was going to die according to Jesus’ words? Can we believe it today? 18. 1:08:23 1 Corinthians 11: 10 states that the husband has authority over his wife, and Ephesians 5: 23 states the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church. Since Christ disciplines the Church, is there biblical grounds for wife discipline, and to what extend can a husband enforce his authority? 19. 1:13:20 How literally should we take what is said about Hell? Is it a literal place of fire, gnashing of teeth, etc., or is it metaphor? Is either interpretation wrong? 20. 1:14:37 My kids (2 & 4) received children's books on evolution from a family

Open description for time stamps. Welcome to my Passion Project! Where real scholars test the wild claims of Brian Simmons about his new Bible, The Passion Translation, so that YOU can know what’s really going on with this suddenly popular new Bible version. Today's video features Dr. Darrell Bock and his thoughts after reviewing the book of Ephesians. Scroll down for links to Dr. Bock's paper. This same link will have ALL the reviews and papers as they are published. You should see a total of 5 uploaded by mid way through January. After that I will need to wait a while for more scholars to finish their papers and do interviews. I hope to have it all done in the next few months. What was my goal with this? I want the people of Christ to know the truth about this "translation" so that they can love what God has said without Brian Simmons altering it in unjustified ways. However, in the course of researching for this project I've uncovered some other very concerning things about Brian Simmons' teachings including false prophecy and various extreme claims regarding his own spiritual experiences. I'll be sharing some of this in future videos as well since I have realized that he is not just styling himself as a Bible translator but as an inspired Bible interpreter who is going to release a last days transformation in the people of God so that "everything that can be said about Jesus can be said about you". Yeah, it's weird. Stay tuned to my channel for more info on this in the coming weeks. LINK to all interviews AND papers as they are uploaded. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/th... A direct download link for just Dr. Bock's paper https://biblethinker.org/images/Notes... Here is Dr. Bock's "The Table" program on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Darrell Bock's CV https://blogs.bible.org/curriculum-vi... My website https://BibleThinker.org Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 0:16 What is My Passion Project? 0:38 Today's video synopsis. 1:41 Who is Dr. Darrell Bock and why is he reviewing TPT? 2:50 Why it is not truthful to call TPT a "translation." 4:09 If Dr. Bock was to evaluate TPT as if it were a paraphrase what would he say? 5:15 The CENTRAL issue of Simmons misleading people about using Aramaic in Ephesians. 8:14 How Brian Simmons abuses homonyms which he says are a secret that God gave him. 12:32 TPT changes the focus in Ephesians 1 from God to us. It is too anthropocentric. 13:59 One example of a where Simmons adds a whole sentence to the Bible. without italics or footnote. 15:50 In Eph 2 Simmons gives us more authority than we have in this passage. 17:32 Another passage where TPT changes the focus from God to us. 19:30 Are getting what Paul really wrote in TPT version of Ephesians? Spoiler: no. 20:38 A number of times Ephesians is changed in TPT from speaking to tho corporate church to individuals. 21:48 How a mistranslation in Eph 5 vs. 11 will can mess up how we apply the Bible. 23:25 How TPT limits what Ephesians is saying about marriage roles. 26:13 Brian tries to use "the Aramaic" to justify his alterations but Dr. Bock says this misleads the reader. 27:17 How TPT mishandled the passage on slavery in Ephesians. 28:45 Another example of taking the issue of slavery out of Ephesians with an unjustified appeal to "Aramaic" that doesn't exist. 30:40 The danger of TPT. 32:08 Dr. Bock comments on the claims that TPT website makes. 32:46 Dr. Bock reacts to Bill Johnson's quote endorsing TPT. 33:37 What paraphrase Bible would Dr. Bock recommend? 34:13 The challenge of translation and paraphrase and where TPT fits in that. 35:19 I ask Dr. Bock to comment briefly on The Message. I'm still not very happy with it ;) 36:29 Does TPT distort the Bible even though their web site says they don't? 37:26 Should TPT be in bookstores, Bible app, and Bible web sites? 39:10 Did God give Brian Simmons secrets of Hebrew and Greek? 41:37 Brian lacks real credentials and claims supernatural gifting. It could be true but it sure

Open description for time stamps. I've hired a number of scholars to review Brian Simmons' seriously flawed Bible version. This is my "Passion Project". Today's video features Dr. Nijay Gupta and his thoughts after reviewing the book of Galatians. Scroll down for links to Dr. Gupta's paper. This same link will have ALL the reviews and papers as they are published. You should see a total of 5 uploaded by the beginning of January. After that I will need to wait a while for more scholars to finish their papers and do interviews. I hope to have it all done in the next few months. What's was my goal with this? I want the people of Christ to know the truth about this "translation" so that they can love what God has said without Brian Simmons altering it in unjustified ways. However, in the course of researching for this project I've uncovered some other very concerning things about Brian Simmons' teachings including false prophecy and various extreme claims regarding his own spiritual experiences. I'll be sharing some of this in future videos as well since I have realized that he is not just styling himself as a Bible translator but as an inspired Bible interpreter who is going to release a last days transformation in the people of God so that "everything that can be said about Jesus can be said about you". Yeah, it's weird. Stay tuned to my channel for more info on this in the coming weeks. 0:00 How Simmons’ secret revelation led to my Passion Project. 1:43 My disclaimer. 2:36 Who is Dr. Gupta and why is he reviewing Galatians? 4:19 Brian Simmons claims to have supernatural secrets. 5:53 Simmons claims TPT is a translation but it is NOT. 8:23 The difference between “official use” and “supplementary” Bibles. 10:51 TPT web site misleads people. 14:38 Does it seem like TPT has gone through the normal scholarly reviews before publishing? 17:02 Outrageous claims Simmons is making about TPT. 20:39 Does Dr. Gupta think Brian Simmons is qualified to make a translation? 22:08 “Unusual decisions” in TPT. 22:37 What Dr. Gupta find “MOST TROUBLING” about TPT (hint: Aramaic). 31:44 Should we just use TPT as a supplementary/secondary Bible? 33:22 Me and Dr. Gupta discuss The Message Bible briefly. 35:01 TPT is a lot like a “Targum”. 37:28 What “positive” choices were made in TPT? 39:02 TPT handles the word “religion” in unusual ways. 40:49 TPT uses “legalism” in unusual ways. 41:02 TPT does confusing things with the word “faith.” 41:56 Slave is mistranslated in a “most egregious” way. 43:47 Simmons’ “natural realm” creates a gnostic-like mistake. 44:29 The cumulative effect the TPT can have on you. 45:34 Artificial insertion of theology into Galatians. 46:50 Didn’t TPT just come out with a new 2020 edition that fixed these problems? 47:08 Dr. Gupta reacts to misleading quotes from TPT website. 49:10 Dr. Gupta reacts to the Bill Johnson endorsement of TPT. 50:38 Is it good for TPT be in apps, websites and bookstores? 51:21 What paraphrase would Dr. Gupta recommend? 52:51 What can you say to someone who loves TPT? 53:42 How do Simmons’ outrageous claims measure up to reality? 56:56 Dr. Gupta’s final word on TPT. 57:50 Plugging some other books by Dr. Gupta. 58:22 We reflect on my Passion Project. 1:00:11 I’ve got a few announcements for you all. 1:01:08 Brian Simmons’ false prophecy. LINK to all interviews AND papers as they are uploaded. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/the-passion-translation Dr. Gupta's gave me links to a few books of his you might be interested in. 1 & 2 Thessalonians https://amzn.to/3akb6vM Colossians https://amzn.to/2KxJdFD A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies https://amzn.to/2KaEV7a Philippians https://amzn.to/37sbiqV My website https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:18 Is the command in Genesis to “be fruitful and multiply” still applicable to us today? Is it wrong for married couples to choose not to have children if they don’t feel the desire or the calling to be parents? 2. 13:43 Am I being too legalistic by not wanting to sing Hillsong, Elevation Worship, and Bethel Music due to the doctrines of the churches they are a part of? 3. 17:50 Can you please talk about your view on Netflix? Should Christians cancel their Netflix subscription? 4. 19:33 Why did the Holy Spirit leave Saul, and why did an evil spirit from the Lord enter into him? Why in the world would God do something that seems to be evil? 5. 22:25 Shmuley Boteach says that the New Testament contains anti-Semitic propaganda, and that Christians should reject those passages as forgeries. What do you think? 6. 24:56 I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness and baptized as a kid, but not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How do I know what church to choose now, and who should baptize me? I’m afraid of being misled. 7. 28:06 I have liberal Christian friends who believe they are Christians, but also have many unbiblical beliefs and practices. How should 1 Corinthians 5: 11 affect my relationships with them? 8. 31:52What does the Bible say about the role of church? Should it be focused more on reaching unbelievers, or on teaching believers who then go out and evangelize? 9. 34:28 Do you ever plan to do a deep dive into the authorship of the contested Pauline epistles? I feel this would be a great resource for those in talks with more liberal Christians. 10. 35:24 What are the steps to take while dealing with psychological doubts where no amount of reason helps you feel better? 11. 39:06 Do you think the SDA church (Seventh Day Adventism) is a cult? 12. 39:37 I have family that believes that Jews will go to Heaven even if they haven’t been saved by Jesus. What should I say to them when they say that? 13. 42:37 How does God’s will not infringe on free will? What is the sense of even praying for a situation if it’s already in Gods will? 14. 44:48 Do you believe amillennialism is biblical, and what arguments do you have for or against it? 15. 46:00 I feel called to spread God's Word but I suffer greatly from Asperger's Syndrome. Is my fear of crowds, public speaking, and inability to convey a thought coherently a valid fear? 16. 48:10 I got away with felonies years ago. No one got hurt & I have confessed to God & repented. Is the Godly thing to do to turn myself in? I have OCD & can’t tell if I’m feeling OCD or God's conviction. 17. 48:53 If the Angels weren't "100% safe" in Heaven seeing as they were able to be seduced by Satan, how can we be certain we will be safe in eternity with God once we go to Heaven. 18. 51:24 I have recently gotten back into full-time ministry. I'm dealing with online “heresy hunters” that badger me through email and such about my teaching. How do you handle these kinds of people? 19. 54:10 Can you talk about why Jesus allowed Simon to help Him carry His cross? 20. 55:45 How much utility should we find in the Church Fathers? I am still Protestant, but want to be consistent with historic Christianity, so should we view the fathers with any extra credibility? 1:00:24 Passion Project Update & Closing Announcements Here's my study on Penal Substitutionary Atonement - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4bTHScjdEo&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my

Here's Tim Barnett's answer to the challenge! I hope you'll consider subscribing to his channel. It's one of my favorite Christian YouTube channels and they are just getting started! https://youtu.be/WWN48lqa-sY It's not very easy to deal with so many confusions and misconceptions with only 18 seconds per answer. As I'm typing this I don't know if Tim made it under 3 minutes or not, so we may all end up atheists anyways. Oh well. Here's my video on "Did God create evil?" which explains Isaiah 45:7, among other things. https://youtu.be/GSToZ_4yh54

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:09 If aliens do exist, how would that affect the faith of Christians? Would aliens disprove Christianity? 2. 16:19 Regarding 1 Corinthians 7: 14 where it speaks of sanctification for the unbeliever if married to a believer, I have found it hard to understand that passage and was wondering if you could help me. 3. 20:11 Have you heard of the Documentary Hypothesis, and if so, can you tell me your thoughts about it? 4. 22:00 I believe in Christianity, but I have major doubts about Heaven & a fear of death. Can I know for sure while here on earth that it's true? 5. 27:00 How is Hebrews 13:2 to be interpreted? Have some people literally entertained angels without being aware? Do angels actually interact with creation in a tangible sense? 6. 30:39 I often hear Christians say that when we face big struggles it's because good things are coming. Is there any Biblical truth to this, or is this just a different version of the prosperity gospel? 7. 32:04 Is “revival” biblical? 8. 33:42 Why does Isaiah 9:6 call Jesus the “everlasting Father”? Oneness Pentecostals keep using this verse against me and I haven’t seen a good response. I don’t want to twist the Bible. 9. 34:56 I have such a sensitive conscience that I feel it’s a burden sometimes. People can’t even remember what I’m apologizing for! How can I change this? Not to be free to sin, but to live. 10. 37:36 Are women allowed to speak at all during Bible study? Such as read the Bible, pray the opening/closing prayer, or give commentary, and just not teach? Or do we have to be completely silent the entire time? 11. 38:07 What are your thoughts on Judges 11 and why Jephthah made his vow and followed through with it, even after God's Spirit was on him? 12. 43:35 Why don’t we celebrate Jewish holidays? God says in the OT to observe them forever. During the 1,000 year reign with Christ, we all observe them. Why don’t grafted-in Christians observe them now? 13. 46:00 I am trying to disciple my dad and he says he believes in Christ, yet wants nothing to do with Him. What do I do? 14. 47:53 How would you recommend determining credible commentaries, studies, & pastors? I am a new Christian & have concern about being inadvertently led astray by unbiblical interpretations & viewpoints. 15. 49:20 Mike describes himself as “charismatic” a lot. I’m just wondering if he can clarify what he means by that. Does he or his church practice the “gifts of the Spirit,” like tongues, prophecy, etc.? 16. 54:00 How can you know for sure that a loved one went to heaven? 17. 54:44 I have heard the range for Jesus' death to be between 26-36 (A.D.) with 30 and 33 being the most agreed upon contenders for Jesus’ death. Can we know for certain the exact year He died? 18. 55:58 If God said He would rid all creatures with a flood, what happened to the fish? And if they died, how did they multiply, because fish can’t be on an ark? 19. 56:29 Are "white lies" ok, to spare your spouse’s feelings? For example, when they ask what someone said and you say "I'm not really sure," but you do remember. 20. 59:09 How much freedom do we have in the marriage bed? Are some sexual acts prohibited even for married couples? Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks!

Dr. Tremper Longman tells you what's up with The Passion Translation. My name is Mike Winger and this is my "Passion Project". A project where I've hired a number of scholars to do reviews of different books Brian Simmons' seriously flawed Bible version. Scroll down for the links you are looking for! 0:00 The glorious intro 1:50 The reviewer’s credentials 3:30 Is it honest to call TPT a “translation”? 5:45 Dr. Longman’s BIGGEST issue with TPT’s Song of Songs? 8:19 How big of a deal is this really? 10:01 Simmons is wrong about church history. 16:25 Simmons blames DEMONS for people not agreeing with him. 18:57 How much alteration is taking place in TPT’s Song of Songs? 20:01 Is Dr. Longman bothered by translations that aren’t word for word? 20:51 Does Brian Simmons mislead people about The Passion Translation? 22:20 How Brian Simmons uses the etymological fallacy to translate. 25:00 An example of Simmons adding words to the text. 26:52 Simmons’ use of homonyms is unjustified and misleading. 29:34 How you CAN see Christ in the Song of Songs without altering the text. 30:25 How Simmons misuses the Greek Septuagint and Aramaic. 33:36 Footnotes in TPT may mislead people about scholars. 35:31 Should we trust Simmons’ wild claims? 38:47 Factual error #1 – En Gedi means goat, not lamb. 41:15 Factual error #2 – Sharon does not mean “his song”. 44:32 Factual error #3 – Seal does not mean “prison cell”. 46:50 Where does Dr. Longman think Simmons is getting this stuff from? 48:01 How the way TPT was made is different than how most translations are made. 50:52 What degree qualifications does Brian Simmons have? 51:43 Are people opposed to TPT just spiritually dead religious scholars? 52:55 Are most translations bad? 53:56 Should TPT be in churches, bookstores and Bible apps? 55:21 Do you have anything NICE to say about Song of Songs in TPT? 55:44 A deceptive quote from Simmons’ web site. 56:21 Bill Johnson’s endorsement of The Passion Translation 56:54 A misleading quote from the 2020 edition of TPT 57:28 What Dr. Longman would say to a Christian who loves The Passion Translation 58:19 My FAVORITE part of Dr. Longman’s review! 58:55 What you can expect from my Passion Project. 59:22 Special “cameo” from Brian Simmons You can download Dr. Longman's paper as a Microsoft Word document for free right here. https://biblethinker.org/images/Notes/FINAL_Longman_TPT_-_Song_of_Songs.docx If you want to read it on my website instead of downloading it, this link will work. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/our-media/message/review-of-tpt-song-of-songs-by-tremper-longman/read This is the playlist where I will eventually upload all the interviews as they become available. There should be 5 coming over the next couple months and I hope to eventually add more as I'm able to get more scholars involved in the project. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuv-ISp_iIw1WL8zaEm86L8 I want to give thanks to those who have donated to this ministry to not only enable me to continue teaching regularly online but to go above and beyond by doing this special project and to make everything I do totally free.

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:09 One of my pastors used TPT on Sunday. What should I do? I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt that he just doesn’t know much about it, but I’m not happy at all that this “thing” (can’t even call it a translation) was used in my church. WWJD? 2. 5:14 Have you any solid information on Nicky Gumbel, Alpha, and The Message Bible (which he recommends)? Couldn't find it in a search here, and some friends think he's OK! 3. 10:29 What is the best way for me to prepare to one day be a pastor? I am 20 years old and attending college and then seminary. Any suggestions for the years of preparation ahead of me? 4. 13:30 How do I organize my prayer life and find ways to serve the Lord in quarantine? 5. 15:58 How would you respond to an abusive father who pushes the narrative to “honor your parents” (when he really means submit/worship) and disregards the Scripture to “leave and cleave”? 6. 19:20 How do you go about finding scholarly articles for the studies you are doing? I have begun doing my own study going through Matthew, and some scholarly work would be really helpful! 7. 21:26 What does the bible say about “listening prayer”? Should we spend time in silence listening for God's voice? 8. 24:09 Why did God not desire for the people to “return and be healed” in Isaiah 6? 9. 29:23 What did Jesus mean by turn the other cheek, give away your tunic, and go an extra mile in Mathew 5: 38-42? What about self-defense, or when being taken advantage of? 10. 37:02 Is accepting Jesus in our life the only way to Heaven? For someone who has never heard the Gospel or has seen harmful representations of it (i.e. JWs), will they also be given grace? 11. 41:00 How do I help my mother in law she says she has been ordained as an elder in the church and she is excited about it? thanks. 12. 42:47 How do I find God? Praying and reading the Bible got me nowhere in 5 months. And church is not available at the moment. New Age gave me comfort while searching, but Christ only gave me confusion. 13. 47:10 How do we study the Bible properly? 14. 48:06 Is there any evidence on the inspiration of the canonization of the Bible? or is the canonization something that was helpful but not inspired and thus inspired texts beyond the Bible could exist? 15. 52:28 Why did god create the tree of the knowledge of good and evil if His foreknowledge knew they would sin? 16. 54:46 In Mark 8:5-9, why does Jesus ask for bread in vs. 5, and why do they bring the fish to Him in vs. 7? Does it mean Jesus cannot create food "out of thin air,” but He needs something to start with? 17. 57:36 Do you view the early chapters of genesis as mythology or as history? I know it’s not a key issue, but would love your opinion! 18. 59:46 If I have turned away from the Lord after being close to him is there any chance of coming back to him? I basically lived like the world for a year and a half and don’t know if God is done with me. 19. 1:01:05 Any tips on how to start believing? I've been atheistic all my life. 20. 1:03:08 Our church believes you have the Holy Spirit once saved but can receive a prayer language through a separate experience called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Is this scriptural? Bonus Q: 21. 1:05:08 Should a Christian take the Covid vaccine? My most recent video on The Passion Translation. https://youtu.be/2EtXBxAuZ3g But interviews with scholars are coming very soon! Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already ga

This is a clip from one of the most important videos I've made, here's the full video - https://youtu.be/VIgVAlI8T2c Christopher Hitchens is an icon to many atheists. He was an entertaining mix of brilliant, snarky, irreverent and British. One thing he is well-known for is debating theists and making fools of them, at least from the perspective of some people. I was always struck by this particular challenge that he threw out regularly in debates. Hitchens was so proud of it that I once heard him encouraging crowds of atheists to use this challenge as well. He felt that it really proved something, and I dare say many atheists agreed. What's really odd to me is that none of his debate partners (to my knowledge) ever offered a good response to his challenge. This is odd because the primary moral of loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength answers this atheist dilemma quite well. It not only answers the question it gets right to the heart of what an atheist has lost when they have sadly embraced a false worldview which rejects God's existence. To any atheists that have read this far I'd like to say that this isn't meant to be a smackdown or a slap in the face. Rather, this is meant to open a door to the possibility that the most important thing in life is being robbed from you, and your atheism is the robber. After I uploaded this video a friend sent me a clip of William Lane Craig answering this challenge 10 years ago! I was surprised to see how similar his answer was and now I’m wondering how much my own answer may have been influenced by Craig’s but without me remembering it. Obviously we are both influenced by the teaching of Jesus, but still, It seems likely that I heard this somewhere along the way and forgot. Anyhow, here is Craig’s answer (he is always brilliant). https://youtu.be/qqt3Ie8l-fo

This was my favorite interview so far on The Passion Translation. I'm really hoping that those who are open to hearing the evidence will consider ditching Brian Simmons' Passion Translation. The evidence is mounting up more and more that this is not a good or faithful Bible translation. As scholars weigh in on this work it's only becoming more and more evident that my early concerns about it were well-founded. I'm hoping that my brothers and sisters in the charismatic movement will have ears to hear this and that organizations like YouVersion, Bible Gateway and various Christian bookstores would stop carrying this problematic and misleading "translation". Stay tuned because I will start posting interviews with scholars VERY soon which will help to drive the final nail in the coffin of The Passion Translation. I love the word of God way too much to just stand by and tolerate such alterations being made to what God has said.

Jesus, save us from modern morals! Actually, that's pretty much what He does when a scribe asks Him to tell us the most important command in the Law. Jesus brilliantly and simply sums up not only the Law of Moses but the moral duty of mankind with two simple statements. Love God with all and above all and love others as yourself. Our job is to let this truth invade all our moral reasoning and to make sure we don't turn it into a cliché and rob it of it's beauty and life changing results. The way this truth saves us from modern morality is by installing love of God above love of self or others. Yeah, that's the part everyone gets wrong. But Jesus sets us right. To me, one of the most remarkable things about all this is that love and relationship is at the heart of the moral purpose of mankind. We exist for love. We literally have love as our highest and constant moral duty toward God and others. Wow. I'm literally blown away by this but how could it be any different? After all, God IS love. Let that sink in. Man, I LOVE this study through Mark! This is part 49, see the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Oh my. Kenneth Copeland will "cure your baldness" and ruin your faith. This is a serious response to the sad, dangerous and demonstrably false teachings of Kenneth Copeland. Perhaps the most valuable thing I have to offer here is why people actually follow this guy. Here's my hope to change as many of his followers as possible! I’ve seen people asking for the full video of the blood thing (and FYI, he didn’t really cut himself, he was pretending) https://youtu.be/GNnSh-X1s5I

My video on why I think the death penalty is biblical. Please hear me out and if you disagree share why in the comments. https://youtu.be/gf259Qv2qv4 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:04 Is there a conflict between being pro-life and pro-death penalty at the same time? 2. 3:54 Can you address what John means when he says that certain sins lead to death and some do not (1 John 5: 16-17)? Is there evidence in this passage that suggests you can lose your salvation? 3. 7:37 When, in the research process, do you (1) know you have read enough secondary literature to comment on the topic and (2) become confident enough to share your conclusion with thousands of people? 4. 12:40 Are there any verses in the Bible where it clearly states or implies that rights (life, liberty, and property) are inalienable and inherently possessed, as opposed to being dependent on self-ownership? 5. 19:03 God answered Hagar directly. Both her and many others before and after Christ. Do you think God sometimes uses the still small voice today, or only directly through the Scriptures? (Hebrews 1:2) 6. 24:53 Do you think that macro evolution is consistent with Scripture, since evolution works by death? As sin entered the world through Adam and through sin entered death (Rom 5: 12, Rom 8: 21-22). 7. 29:06 In 1 Corinthians 14: 22, Paul says tongues are a sign for non-believers and prophecy is a sign for believers. The next verses seem to flip it though. I can't make sense of it but I wondered your take on it. 8. 32:50 My parents think religion is stupid and I don't want to evangelize to them because they'll judge me and say that I'm stupid. Is that ok, or should I try anyway? If so, how? 9. 35:47 How would you understand the numbers in Revelation 7: 4? What does it mean by "144,000 were sealed"? Does it mean only 144,000 are faithful Christians? 10. 41:11 In 2 Peter 2:6, is the example of Sodom & Gomorrah literal? Does it mean that on the final day of judgment the ungodly will literally be condemned to extinction like they were? 11. 43:58 Is the Athanasian Creed biblical (specifically the first part which seems to imply that one cannot be saved without believing the doctrine of the Trinity)? 12. 45:53 Is it biblical to say that all temptation comes from Satan and the demonic? Or can temptation also come from your sinful self? 13. 50:23 Is there biblical support for having monarchies today? What attitude should we have toward monarchy, specifically? 14. 52:48 What is your view on the Creation account given in Genesis? Some people hold to a young earth, but with modern science, that seems unlikely. Questions then arise such as: did Adam and Eve exist? 15. 59:22 Were Old Testament believers born-again? Could they be called (during their lives) "children of God" as Christians can be called nowadays? 16. 1:02:06 Are nerdy hobbies (comics, movies, games, etc.) reconcilable with Christianity? Or should we discard them and use our time in other ways? 17. 1:04:21 My pastor teaches that we are "little Gods" from the word of faith movement. I have disagreed with him in private conversation about this and he is firm in his belief. How important is this issue to salvation? 18. 1:05:43 How does Israel in the Bible correlate to the present day political state of Israel? Are the promises for Israel meant for Israel today? 19. 1:07:39 Is there a difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven? If yes, can you explain it for me? 20. 1:09:04 What do you think of “dual covenant theology” (the belief that Jews can be saved without believing in Jesus due to their special covenant with God)? Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5)

It's a bigger issue now than ever before in my lifetime. We live in an upside down and rebellious culture and this is seen nowhere more clearly than our attitudes toward sex, marriage, dating, gender and purity. Dr. Sean McDowell has just written a book that is meant to give people a biblical vision for loving God and loving others in these areas. And if that seems like a cliche to you then it's because you too have become victim to upside down thinking on these issues. As a youth pastor I discovered that the most common reason people have for serious moral failure in their lives is a lack of godliness in relationships, particularly romantic ones. I'm happy to host Sean as we talk about this issue. Maybe you should get this book, for yourself or for someone else who can be saved a lot of pain and rebellion by getting their heads and hearts right on loving God in sexual purity. Sean's book, available December 1st or for preorder now. "Chasing Love" https://amzn.to/3f81xQM (affiliate link) Sean's video on Transgender Identities (really good content here) Https://bit.ly/36EGrWo

I'm amazed at the similarities that exist between modern progressive Christians and the Sadducees in the gospels. I'm even more amazed at how Jesus' roasting of the bad theology of the Sadducees applies to modern liberal theologians and progressives in general. Disclaimer: I am talking about religious progressives or liberal theology, not politics. It's true that those who have liberal theology tend to have liberal politics but they aren't the same thing. In this continuing series through the Gospel of Mark we will see how Jesus brilliantly refutes the Sadducees (and progressives and even Mormons) and we'll learn how we can better identify and not fall victim to the tactics that liberal teachers often use to get us to abandon biblical truth. Man, I love this series and love how applicable it is in our lives today! This is part 48 of a verse by verse study through the Gospel of Mark. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF HERE is me dealing with a popular progressive/liberal Christian teacher named Brian Zahnd. This may be my BEST example of how to notice and combat the common tactics of progressives who sadly twist the heart of Christianity and do so in the name of Christ. https://youtu.be/QUNdh1u6774

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:44 Is it right or wrong to refute other pastors who publicly teach false teachings? 2. 7:24 I was wondering if you could talk about and help me understand Mark 16: 17-18 (specifically verse 18). I haven’t seen those two signs played out...perhaps it could be metaphorical? 3. 13:58 How should we interpret 2 Corinthians 12:2? Are there “levels” in Heaven? And does it have anything at all to do with the phrase “seventh heaven”? 4. 17:55 Are Christians who believe that Genesis 1-11 is allegorical (unintentionally or not) denying the divinity and validity of Christ, considering what Jesus said in John 5: 44-47? 5. 23:33 What are the biblical principles, if any, about keeping our bodies physically healthy, and to what extent? (Think smoking, piercings, or eating/exercise habits) 6. 28:29 How do you respond to Matthew 16: 28? 7. 32:09 Do Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 speak about Satan? 8. 33:46 Can you explain what Lordship Salvation is, please? 9. 35:54 How would you react if someone said that all truth is subjective and that there is no concept of truth, except what "works for you"? 10. 37:50 When you first accept Jesus into your life, is that when you become "born again" and baptized with the Holy Spirit? Or are they two different things? 11. 40:24 My bible teacher said my family is saved because I believe in Jesus, citing Acts 16: 31. I think she misused scripture. If so, how do I address the issue? Does forgiving mean trusting her again? 12. 45:33 Is it a salvation issue if someone rejects the idea of Jesus being one and the same with God? 13. 46:56 Are unbelievers forgiven to some degree? I'm looking at Luke 23: 34 14. 50:40 My daughter was baptized in 2018, and came out as bisexual in 2019. Any thoughts on how to talk to her about this? I’ve tried! 15. 53:08 What do you think about the Noahide Laws? I’ve been told that if they’re enacted, Christians would be found guilty of “idolatry” and executed. Should we be worried? 16. 54:26 I've seen your Mormonism series and have met with Mormons quite often, and I am wondering, what might be a good approach to addressing their belief in "sons and daughters of God" and pre-mortal existence? 17. 55:30 What are the "seven spirits of God"? 18. 56:38 My in-laws are WOF leaders and church owners, and it’s a constant "name it and claim it" around them. Should we have a doctrine "sit down," or just ignore? Its tough. 19. 59:02 Should Christians drink alcoholic wine at the commemoration of the Lord's Supper? And must we use unleavened bread? 20. 1:00:57 If I live in habitual sin from addiction, and I really want to overcome it but I keep backsliding, am I still saved, or am I using it as a license to sin? If I don’t stop before I die, what happens? My NEW YouTube channel "YouTube Tactics with Mike Winger" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPjFC53u7nIMUoNFZeAxhjg Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks! My video on "Was Jesus a Failed Prophet" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eExtYuAgB8 Satan: according to the Bible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6xRA2jwYGM My video analyzing the YouTube miracles of Todd White (and a few others) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je20XTohCNo My video on Bethel and Bill Johnson's teachings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3tEv26OMTU My videos on The Passion Translation of Brian Simmons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvlIDpjVyCs&

If I put the Bible first, before politics, I will end up supporting the death penalty. But I think the Bible also answers some of the fears of those who do oppose the death penalty. This will basically be a survey of several key Bible verses that deal with the death penalty. From it's initial inception in Genesis 9 to it's use in the Old Testament Law and the important teaching in Romans 13 on the role of government in enacting lethal punishment. Along the way I'm going to answer a few challenges that I've heard regarding the death penalty. 1) What about those who are innocent but get the death penalty? 2) But didn't Jesus reject the death penalty when He said to "turn the other cheek" or when he wouldn't kill the adulterous woman? 3) But God's justice is restorative and not retributive. And the death penalty ends any chance to restore the person who committed the crime. 4) I just don't trust the government to get it right, therefore capital punishment should be off the table. 5) But we aren't under the Law of Moses any more. I realize there are major ramifications for political issues related to this question but I want us to approach it first as a question of what the Bible teaches. This is my own commitment in trying to think biblically about everything and it's what I hope you will do as well. My website https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:42 How should I approach a friend who does not believe in objective truth? 2. 7:34 Do you think that Melchizedek was was a theophany? How does the writer of Hebrews know so much about him if there's only a few verses in the Hebrew Scriptures about him? 3. 14:44 The Bible says that Satan is the "god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4), but I know that God is sovereign over all things. How do I reconcile these two truths in a biblical way? 4. 17:55 What are your thoughts on "Oneness Pentecostalism"? 5. 19:13 Is marriage a choice? I've heard that marriage is God's will for most people, but I like Paul's argument in 1 Cor. 7: 25-40. If someone desires singleness, could it go against God's will? 6. 22:20 In John 3 where Jesus says "you must be born again," it isn't like you chose to be born, you just were. Any thoughts on that? 7. 23:59 What are your thoughts on attending a wedding between a believer and an unbeliever? 8. 25:40 My church encourages kids to participate in communion. My 4 year old does not participate because we feel she's not ready. Not because of sin, but not fully understanding what she's doing. Any thoughts? 9. 27:01 In regard to our spirit, soul, body, mind, and heart, what does each biblically consist of, and what is their purpose? 10. 29:00 What are your thoughts on this prevalent kind of "repentance-free Christianity" where psychological goals (self-improvement/fulfillment) have replaced pursuing holiness? 11. 32:57 Does Revelation 3: 16 mean that lukewarm Christians will not be in Heaven? ("...because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth.") What does lukewarm mean? 12. 38:36 What happened to Jesus on the cross? What does it mean that He took God's wrath? Was it just pain and death like we deserved, or something more? Was it the equivalent of spending eternity in Hell? 13. 43:51 I got saved a couple of months ago! Any tips on studying the Bible? Where could I look to get background information on different books of the Bible before I begin studying them? 14. 45:39 Could you please explain why there are two demon possessed men in Matthew 8, but only one in Mark 5? 15. 49:01 How do you respond to teaching that says the verses that say homosexuality is wrong are actually about pedophilia, and not about same sex relationships? Do you have a video on this? 16. 51:20 What do you do if you can't live at peace with a family member at home? 17. 52:45 I like David Wood, but do you think his approach is biblical? It is effective, but isn't it too harsh? 18. 54:37 At Pentecost, they were mocked for appearing to be drunk. Does this suggest that we should expect laughing, shaking, or falling when closely sensing the Holy Spirit? 19. 59:12 My friend told me that their relationship with God and religion in general is something they keep private. Is this biblical? How should I respond? Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks! My website https://BibleThinker.org

Here's all I want to know. What is Critical Race Theory and is it biblical? We'll answer both questions today with special guest Neil Shenvi. I agree that racism is a serious problem in our lives today. A very serious problem. But real problems can sometimes lead us to bad solutions. The solutions provided by Critical Race Theory (and concepts of "whiteness", "systems of oppression", "internalized oppression", the redefining of "racism" etc.) are actually solutions that involve more racism. It is injustice in response to injustice. It's unbalanced scales in response to unbalanced scales. It's prejudice in response to prejudice. A biblical Christian should recognize that because racism, partiality and injustice are serious issues, we can not embrace Critical Race Theory. This isn't about taking political sides or pleasing crowds, it's about being biblical and pleasing God. Neil Shenvi's web site - https://shenviapologetics.com/ Neil Shenvi on Twitter - https://twitter.com/NeilShenvi My website https://BibleThinker.org

I'm not going to pull punches today. This isn't really a "translation" of the Bible. It is one man's attempt to replace the gospel with his own false teaching. His false teaching is truly heart warming and encouraging. Francois Du Toit is a brilliant man, skilled communicator and as far as I can tell he is absolutely sincere and well-meaning in replacing the gospel with his feel good message that the real problem with people is that they believe the gospel when it says that all have sinned, are deserving of judgment and need to be born again in Christ. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the Mirror Bible is the worst translation I've ever looked into. In today's video we will survey through a number of Bible passages he has mistranslated and explain how he is trying to fight against the clear teaching of the text and how he tries to use Greek to trick people (and himself) into believing his anti-gospel. Yeah, it's really that bad. Wesley Huff's article on Bible translations https://bit.ly/3kzDFHy My NEW YouTube channel teaching you how to be a successful Christian YouTuber. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVKQO2NpUZo My website https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:15 How do the Jehovah's Witnesses mistranslate and misuse John 1:1 in their "New World Translation"? 2. 10:22 What does Matthew 24: 34 mean? What is the "all these things" Jesus speaks of? Would the original audience/early church have thought He was referring to the second and final coming? 3. 20:54 What does Matthew 26: 46 mean? 4. 22:08 Can you explain the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1? It cannot possibly mean that half the Church fails to enter in...or does it? 5. 26:18 I've heard people support abortion using Numbers 5, specifically v. 27. What is your take on that? 6. 30:43 The OT often calls the Old Covenant an eternal or everlasting covenant. If it is eternal and everlasting, how can there be a New Covenant? 7. 32:22 If I don’t read the Bible and pray every day, I feel a huge amount of guilt - like I’ve sinned and am not even worthy to be a Christian. Is this kind of guilty conscience or conviction healthy, or not? 8. 34:57 In Mark 7: 27-28, do you think that this passage is a good way to highlight that the eucharist is specifically spiritual and not physical flesh, or do you think it's not correlated enough? 9. 36:26 What is the "rod" in Proverbs 13: 24? Is it a method of corporal punishment, or does it refer to a rod of truth with which we hold our children/households accountable to? 10. 39:52 As a struggling Calvinist, could you explain the apparent favoritism of God throughout the Bible and why He "chooses" some over others? (ex. Jacob/Esau, Abraham, Prophets, and Moses.) 11. 43:01 In Genesis 9, Noah seems to curse Canaan for the actions of his father, Ham. Do you think Noah cursed Canaan, or is Moses emphasizing Canaan on purpose? 12. 44:26 How do you respond to the claim that Jesus came to dismantle systems of oppression? though He did dismantle "systems" like legalism, it also seems to diminish the Gospel when it becomes the focus. 13. 45:55 My wife and I are wondering if the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15) clarifies Hebrews 6:4-6...We both believe salvation is eternal. Thoughts? 14. 49:32 I don't feel the witness of the Holy Spirit or a love for God. I trust Christ to save me, but I'm not seeing fruit. Does the inward work of God take longer for some people? 15. 52:19 ​Is "the anointing" a real thing, or is it just another word for the Holy Spirit? And can we get an anointing today? Any verses to support your argument? 16. 53:54 How do we reconcile forgiveness for our sins by His work on the cross with being examined on Judgment Day? If we sin and receive forgiveness, will that be brought up again when we stand before God? 17. 57:03 Would you ever recommend The Message Bible? Any possible problems you see with it? 18. 58:53 Do you think some people focus too much on extravagant mission trips or campaigns instead of evangelizing by acting good in the world? 19. 1:02:13 In 1 Corinthians 6: 12 & 1 Corinthians 10: 22, Paul says all things are lawful. I know he isn't talking about sinful things, but is he talking about the law? I need some clarification. Thanks! 20. 1:06:38 I’ve heard some churches teach the "holy kiss" (1 Corinthians 16: 20) as a commandment. I’m curious about your thoughts on the matter. Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks! My website https://BibleThinker.org

Are there what appear to our eyes to be significant, deliberate, factual changes about the life of Jesus in the Gospels? Did the gospel writers seem to fabricate significant details about Jesus? If so, was this an expected and appropriate practice when writing a Greco-Roman Biography? Do "literary devices" exist, which were employed by the gospel authors, which allowed an ancient biographer to add fictional information to historical stories as a kind of "special effects"? Dr. Lydia McGrew joins me to discuss several controversial and important issues related to the reliability of the Gospels. This can be a rather complicated issue but I hope that today's interview will be enlightening and bring some clarity. Even if you don't agree with my guest (I'm not entirely sure what all my own views are on this issue) I think it's valuable to hear what she has to say because she has gone to such great lengths to bring clarity to a pretty fuzzy area of scholarship where I am genuinely concerned that some well-meaning, wonderful Christian scholars are making some significant mistakes. Get Lydia McGrew's book "The Mirror or the Mask: Liberating the Gospels from Literary Devices" https://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Mask-Liberating-Gospels-Literary/dp/1947929070/ Lydia's new YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwhBk0vUSg_6prKkR82IDQ Dr. Mike Licona (a genuine Christian who I respect) has a series of videos responding to Dr. Lydia McGrew's book which you can watch on this playlist on his YT channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpPGCP1zKznR06Jxb5RaQYrNIiH7xR7ZR Lydia McGrew did a series of videos in response to Mike Licona's series and you can watch that playlist on her YT channel at this link https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe1tMOs8ARn0S9CsFG47bKjcYxsnHujhg

Jesus taught people to pay taxes. I think that most of us know that. But I think there is a lot more going on here and it helps us answer some of our tough ethical questions about how to deal with current issues in politics. If my understanding of the Bible is accurate on this then I think many Christians really need to have something of an overhaul on the way they deal with current political issues. This is part 47 of a verse by verse study through the Gospel of Mark. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

~Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: ~ 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:12 Do you agree with any of the 5 points of Calvinism? And what is the one “point” you see as the hardest to reconcile? 2. 16:17 Jesus cast out many demon-possessed people on Earth. With the explosion of the human population and religions, one would think this phenomenon would be more prevalent today, but it’s not. Any insight? 3. 18:31 What's your response to the idea that Isaiah was written by multiple authors? 4. 20:06 Do you believe that God is a matchmaker for Christian couples? The idea of waiting on “the one” whom God has chosen as your spouse? Some pastors say this is a waste of time, or unrealistic. 5. 24:49 Is it biblically o.k. for a trinitarian Christian to marry a Oneness Christian? 6. 25:41 In constructing a biblical theology, where do we start? How do we construct a biblical method for doing theology? 7. 28:00 Any advice for a Christian who lives with parents that are always swearing, drinking, and watching vulgar things? Whenever I give them my opinion, they think I'm being judgmental. Am I? 8. 30:09 My country, Armenia, a Christian Nation since 301AD, is defending their lives from genocide by Turkey & Azerbaijan. What are some actions I can take as a Christian? That is, can I go to war if it is to defend? 9. 32:04 What separates us from an angel? They had (have?) free will too, right? Is it still possible for them to fall from grace/Heaven if they choose? 10. 33:52 Have you heard of the Berisheet Prophecy in Genesis 1:1 regarding end times? It is something I've run into a lot recently and wanted to know if you have any thoughts on it. 11. 34:46 My JW friend says the Greek for “soul” just refers to any living being (person or animal) and that the “immortal soul” is taken from the Greeks and was not a Jewish belief. How would you respond? 12. 36:22 Do you plan to do more verse-by-verse studies of other books of the Bible? (Mark is great!) 13. 36:59 Is it a sin for a Christian not to vote in elections? Will not voting negatively affect one's relationship with God? Thoughts or advice? 14. 38:44 Is it better not to give if you can't do it cheerfully/lovingly, or would it be better to give even if reluctantly in order to pick up your cross and try to imitate Jesus? (I don't mean just money.) 15. 40:39 What is the purpose of a church service? Should it primarily be for believers, or should it be intentionally inclusive of those in attendance who are not saved? 16. 43:00 How do you respond to people who use verses like 1 John 3:6 to say that, as they mature in the faith, Christians come to a point where they will completely stop sinning? 17. 46:05 I’ve been told by Christians that their relationship with God is personal and they don’t wish to discuss anything in regard to religion. Is this biblical? 18. 48:18 What is your favorite Bible verse? (A verse that you would look at daily that gives you courage and strengthens you…or multiple?) 19. 50:07 Where is God's help when fighting a porn addiction? Why does it seem that crying out in prayer yields little help, and even when resisting the temptation, I'm left exhausted? 20. 54:54 Should Christians follow OT dietary laws? Many people point to Acts, but I'm stuck on the prophecy in Isaiah 66: 16-17 where eating pork still seems to be detestable to God, even in the end times.Every Friday at 1pm PT A biblical survey of the doctrine of divine hardening, which seem incompatible with Calvinism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMuiT_R0zFQ&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHu8PlY0J-G2B9Pyp59S0pLZ&index=4 My video on how faith is not a work and how this relates to Calvinist teaching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxakEl8BYBE&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHu8PlY0J-G2B9Pyp59S0pLZ&index=1 After my first video on Limited Atonement I got a rebuttal video from Dr. James White and I did a MUCH more in depth response to the Calvinist reasoning and to Dr. White in a second video (both are linked below and you can find Dr. Whit

Why is this verse missing from the ESV translation? Why does it have brackets in the NASB? Here's a summary of the reasons why this verse may not be original and how I think we should think about it. This is the shortest video in the whole Mark series so far and I'm just tossing it out there in the middle of a bunch of other content but I thought it was worth taking some time to discuss. Here's the playlist to my three videos on manuscript issues and translations of the Bible (which I mentioned in the vid) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WclIZwBFhq0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuzJhPtmrgqpVoXhjvqiIjW Here's the entire Mark series playlist. I am absolutely LOVING this series and hope it blesses you tremendously. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c7jWg60N_0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

This was an "in your face" moment between Jesus and the leaders of the Jews. But what strikes me the most isn't just Jesus' rebuke of the leaders, or how cleverly He does it (so that they cannot charge Him with a crime), or how Jesus integrates Isaiah 5 into this parable of the vineyard. What strikes me the most is how they could be totally aware of the failures of their forefathers and totally blind to those same issues when they were to be found in themselves. God help us to see our lives clearly, for we can all be just like they were. This is part 45 of a verse by verse study through the Gospel of Mark. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF My website https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:17 Do we go directly to be with God when we die? Will we see Him immediately, or is there some type of "soul sleep" that happens? 2. 8:29 What do you think about pages like "Memes for Jesus"? Is it ok to make jokes about Bible stories or situations? 3. 11:29 Premil, Amil, or Postmil - which view is the most correct? 4. 13:37 Recently, many people have been uploading videos of their "prophetic dreams," with many implying that the rapture will be within the next couple of months...What do you make of these dreams? 5. 17:52 How do you answer a friend that says that "spiritualism" (all new age stuff, tarot, yoga, manifesting) needs to be rescued from the New Age & that spiritualism is pure and is what Jesus practiced? 6. 23:08 We are proud that the NT is based on eyewitness accounts, but how could the Gospel writers have known what Jesus said and did while He was alone, like in the desert or the garden of Gethsemane? 7. 26:20 Does the Bible support celebrating birthdays and Christmas? Recovering JW here. 8. 30:36 If I get raptured before the Tribulation, will I, from my new place of residence, be able to do something good for my loved ones who were left behind on Earth? 9. 32:34 Speaking of whether or not we go directly to Heaven or Hell when we die, what are your thoughts on the comma in Luke 23: 43? A lot of mortalists say it belongs after the word "today" instead of before. 10. 36:38 My entire family is Pentecostal. They say I'm demon possessed and a male chauvinist because I believe Paul's teachings on women. Am I wrong to think that those family members may not be saved? 11. 40:31 Have you seen "The Chosen" series? If so, what do you think of it? 12. 43:45 I was reading Galatians, and got confused by Galatians 3: 23. I know that we are saved by our faith and not by the law, but what does it mean to be "confined to" and "imprisoned by" the law? 13. 46:48 If Jesus was raised back to life as a human with a body, and not as a spiritual being, then how did He suddenly appear in the locked room with the disciples? 14. 48:02 I would love to know your thoughts on what it means to pray "in Jesus' name" such as in John 16: 24. 15. 50:10 If a man wants to be water baptized, do they need a specific level of understanding of the Bible and Christianity, or just the desire and a simple understanding of baptism? 16. 51:39 How can I renew my love for God when He seems commonplace? 17. 53:26 I have left a "Word of Faith" church and I am actively speaking out about their false doctrine, but it is affecting my relationship with my sister. What should I do? 18. 55:04 How do we draw the line between wrestling with God and having vain repetitions in our prayers? How long is it appropriate to keep praying for something? 19. 56:45 I am an aspiring pastor, and I hope to be the shepherd of a church one day. Until then, what are some good things for me to be doing? How can I prepare myself better for pastorship? 20. 59:14 How do I speak to a pastor who tends to use feel good phrases like "you are enough" and "Jesus came to bring a piece of Heaven to Earth"? I find these phrases unbiblical. Every Friday at 1pm PT Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks! My website https://BibleThinker.org

It seems eerie to me how similar the claims that Roman Catholicism makes are to the claims that the Pharisees and Sanhedrin were making in the time of Christ. The Pharisees claimed to have and oral tradition that wasn't written down but was handed down through an elder-succession from Sinai to Jesus' time (which was simply not historically true). They claimed that this tradition was equal in authority to the written word. They claimed that they had a special right to interpret that Bible and felt more authority than they really possessed. They thought they were sitting in Moses' seat and carrying the continuation of his authority in their own role. Well, all of these points are alive and present in the claims of the Roman Catholic Magisterium. They claim to have an oral tradition that wasn't written down but is equal in authority to the New Testament (which is simply not historically true). They claim to have special right to interpret the Bible. They claim to have special authority over God's people due to a claim that they have apostolic succession in their leadership roles. They claim to sit in the seat of Peter and carry the continuation of his authority in their own role. All of the parallels make it really interesting when Jesus simply dismisses the Sanhedrin and the Pharisees in the New Testament. In other words, we have a sample of how Jesus might respond to modern Roman Catholicism in the way that He responded to the 1st century Sanhedrin. And I think we should respond the same way. This is part 44 of a verse by verse study through the Gospel of Mark. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF My website https://BibleThinker.org

0:00 Introduction 1. 0:12 Are Christians supposed to "tithe"? 2. 10:17 To what extent should Christians protect and retaliate? Should we do what we can to stop others from abusing others? 3. 16:14 Someone wants to disciple me, and is asking for payment, citing Luke 8:1-3, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:8 & 5: 18, Acts 2: 42, and 2 Samuel 23:8-17. Is being discipled similar to going to school, that you'd need to pay for it? 4. 19:20 Hebrews 10: 26-27 seems to teach a non-merciful judgment for those who reject the Gospel but know its truth, does this mean mercy will be shown to those who haven't heard? 5. 23:36 I grew up Lutheran but lately I’ve had doubts about how biblical Lutheran doctrine is. Would you consider covering it sometime? God bless you ministry, you’ve been a huge blessing! 6. 25:07 Should we repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness of sins we commit in our dreams? 7. 26:09 What is your practical advice for young man in small local church with growing call to do the ministry of the Word? It's a circle without ordained ministers, only lay preachers. Thank you! 8. 30:00 How should I understand the warning against apostasy in Heb 6:4-6? It's hard to believe the experiences described do not refer to true believers. Yet salvation isn't earned, so how could it be lost? 9. 30:54 If the Bible says that works born from within = no boasting/bad fruit, and works born from the Spirit = good fruit, then why do we think that faith born from within (prior to regeneration) is fruitful faith? Wouldn't faith born from our fallen nature be insufficient? Wouldn’t we be incapable of bearing ‘good fruit’ faith? (Similar to saying we had good works alone.) 10. 36:15 Some folks on Facebook were flipping out about idea of "Q" that scholars talk about as a potential source material. Is it another Gospel? Can you speak to what the idea of "Q" as used in scholarship discussion is, to help calm some nerves? 11. 39:01 What are your thoughts as to professed accounts of people (selling books about) visiting either Heaven or hell? 12. 42:49 In John 3, what does the Bible mean by “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God”? Is "born of water" referring to baptism, or is it referring to actual birth? 13. 44:02 Is being charismatically "slain in the Spirit" biblical (falling backwards, animalistic sounds, etc.)? If it is, how do we discern someone being "slain in the Spirit" vs. being demonically possessed? 14. 48:21 As an unemployed Christian, I feel convicted that I should not work at the cannabis sector, despite the fact that there are so many job opportunities now. As a Christian, can I apply to this sector, or not? 15. 49:56 Many people are prophesying right now. It seems like the Lord is pouring His spirit out just like He prophesied. What are your thoughts on that? 16. 51:37 I've heard you talk about annihilationism. Could you please expand on why you think it is not biblical. Does it affect any other doctrines? Can we disagree? 17. 53:11 I’ve heard Calvinists say that God is not guilty for sin He decrees, because His purposes are good. This seems like a version of the “ends justify the means." Is this a biblical way of thinking? 18. 55:45 What do you think of Grace Community Church disobeying the government of California by keeping their church open (since we are told to obey the government, but also to meet together as the Church)? 19. 59:17 1 Cor 6: 19-20 is often quoted at people who use tobacco or sometimes those who are just overweight. What is the biblical basis (if any) for maintaining our bodily health? 20. 1:04:58 What is Gossip? Is it simply sharing personal information about someone without their permission, even in a nice way? That is how I have understood it to be. Here is the podcast on interpreting "born of water" in John 3. Let me preface with this before you listen to it. I don't agree with all the reasoning here, in particular some of the objections to the evangelical view seem weak,

This, right here, is probably the most powerful "name-it-and-claim-it" verse in the Bible. Mark 11:23–24 (NASB95) “Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Honestly, I really struggled in prep for this study. At first I found myself wanting to just make sure that this passage wasn't used for the kind of stuff Kenneth Copeland teaches. But I sensed that, in my desire to avoid a particular interpretation, I might be blinding myself to what the passage is saying. So, I took a different approach, one that I try to always take but one that was particularly difficult for me to do this time around. I took myself out of the debate over "name-it-and-claim-it" teaching in the 21st century and instead sought to thoroughly understand how this radical passage makes sense in the context of Mark and the rest of the New Testament. The result has been a really rewarding study on the power of prayer and the reality of faith in the midst of suffering. This passage doesn't fit "name-it-and-claim-it" and it doesn't fit cessationism either. My hope is that I can bring clarity with this study and stir up faith. Faith for miracles and faith for suffering. See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Every Friday at 1pm PT! 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:04 Must we speak in tongues in order to be saved? 2. 11:39 Does Scripture authorize only one cup during the Lord's Supper? How should we face different government regulations of Eucharist? (E.g. forbidden one cup drinking.) 3. 14:35 What are your thoughts on the book of 1 Enoch? 4. 17:36 A friend just told me he doesn't believe that the Bible is historically accurate (ex. The Exodus, flood). Any advice on resources to help him? 5. 21:26 Can you please explain the parable about using your talents, and how we can be sure about what our gifts are? 6. 25:44 What are your thoughts on the Lutheran Church? Is the liturgy/tradition a hindrance to the Gospel and true repentance, or is there any value in it? 7. 28:59 How do you understand 1 Thess. 5: 23? Is Paul saying that every person has a distinct spirit, soul, and body, or just that everyone has a material and immaterial nature? Also, how are spirit & soul different? 8. 31:41 People often use Proverbs 18: 21 to say that our words have power, and that we can use them to speak things into existence. Is that the true meaning of the verse? Are there any verses that support that point? 9. 36:17 What does it mean that God made the world through the Son in Hebrews 1:1-2? Is using the word “through” different than using the word “by”? 10. 40:04 How do I know the Holy Spirit? Are there any teachings about having a relationship with Him which are not focusing only on the gifts? 11. 42:20 Would it be appropriate for a Christian to attend a same-sex "wedding" of a family member/friend, or would that express acceptance of the union? 12. 43:46 For several years, when thinking about the afterlife, I've felt strong anxiety and I fear that these feelings might indicate that I don't love God. Any thoughts and/or tips on this? 13. 49:29 Do you think there is such a thing as neutral/common ground in apologetics? Or are our presuppositions so important that they have to be addressed before any evidence may be be examined, as presups say? 14. 52:29 How do you think biblically about RPG video games such as Elder Scrolls? Most RPGs you can play as a Warlock using fantasy magic. Does the content and nature of a game affect your game choice? 15. 57:19 Is there scientific evidence that speaking in tongues real? 16. 57:58 Can you please explain what Jesus meant when He said to sell your cloak and buy a sword in Luke 22: 36? 17. 1:00:35 I'm confused about fasting...should all Christians fast from time to time as a reminder that God is our true need? I've just never felt compelled to skip meals to grow closer to God. 18. 1:04:18 Hi Pastor Mike, I was wondering how the pharaoh's magicians were able to duplicate changing their staffs into snakes as Aaron did when accompanied by Moses in Exodus. 19. 1:07:19 How would you respond to a person who sees the Church as a historically bloody and evil organization? Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks!

I was interviewed by Rachelle and Carder on the Anything But Quiet Time Podcast. We talked about a variety of issues and I think the one consistent theme that might apply to this whole interview is having more wisdom in how we handle theology, apologetics and evangelism. Anyhow, I hope you'll find some personal benefit in it! Here is Rachelle and Carder's podcast but you can also find it on whatever pod catcher you have https://hopeondemand.com/podcasts#/anything-but-quiet-time

Dr. Tim Stratton presents his case that free will is evidence for God. Tim has spent a good deal of time refining this argument in his PhD studies and we're going to get an accessible breakdown of how it works. Now, Tim doesn't normally have an eye patch but since he didn't send me over a better photo I'm punishing him... and really, I just thought it was funny. I hope this breakdown of the "free will argument against naturalism" will be not only personally enlightening and convincing to you but will become another tool in your own intellectual toolbox of ways to help others see the truth of Jesus Christ. Here's Tim's web site and specifically an article on the problem of evil and how he answers it. Tim has TONS of free articles you may be interested on his site in addition to this one. https://freethinkingministries.com/3-circles-all-the-problems-of-evil/ Another article from Tim on "unjustified suffering" https://freethinkingministries.com/a-thought-experiment-vs-unjustified-evil-suffering/ Tim's YouTube channel, which he intends to utilize more in the future, has a video he asked me to share with you on how he handles divine determinism which many Calvinists affirm. https://youtu.be/qFKg0veH7fo

Every Friday at 1pm PT! Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction & Cat Cam! 1. 0:16 How should we correctly interpret "by His stripes we are healed" in Isaiah 53:5? Has physical healing for today been purchased through the atonement? 2. 11:22 Can you explain why Old Testament sacrifices and offerings were "seasoned with salt"? Is there a spiritual/messianic picture or element involved in that? 3. 13:49 We are told to have a large amount of faith, but Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. So what does that mean, in terms of faith? 4. 16:10 Is it biblical to sign a marriage contract before you marry someone? 5. 17:39 If you've had an abortion in the past, is it hypocritical to stand against it now, and would it be hypocritical to have a baby afterwards or think that you deserve to have a child afterwards? 6. 23:07 What does the Bible teach about masturbation? Is that act permissible for a follower of Christ? 7. 29:20 Do you share the opinion that we shouldn't ask God to heal diseases, but instead should speak over the sick person as if we have authority over sickness? Should we do it like Peter in Acts 3:6? 8. 35:02 What do you think of denominations? Are divisions ok, and can multiple factions of Christianity be legit? 9. 37:33 What are your thoughts on the apparitions of Mary at Fatima and messages given to the shepherd children? 10. 40:39 What is the "witness of the Spirit" mentioned in Romans 8: 16? Is it an experience like John Wesley's "strangely warmed" heart? How do you obtain the witness if you don't think you have it? 11. 43:58 What is the best way to study the Bible? Should I start in Matthew, or maybe Genesis? 12. 45:28 Mike what happened in Gethsemane? Was Jesus Christ separated or forsaken by the Father? 13. 48:39 What does Mark 16: 17-18 mean? I grew up in the prosperity gospel, and my family and 80% of my country is in it! I would really like to help them open their eyes to it. 14. 51:02 I know you're not a Calvinist, so are you Arminian, Molinist, or none of the above? 15. 51:41 Does Matthew 6: 14-15 imply that forgiving others is necessary for salvation? 16. 52:31 Do you have any counsel on how to be discerning and grow in the Lord without constantly worrying about every new heresy and false teaching that crops up? 17. 53:30 How should I approach a growing issue at my church where the Bible is not being preached, the pastoral staff is beginning to go off base, and the lead pastor bulldozes over people? 18. 54:55 To what extend should we try to rectify our sins? (e.g. should two Christians who fornicate then marry?) 19. 55:55 Where was Jesus' spirit during the 2 days he was dead? 20. 56:36 How to you stop bitterness and hatred from being in your heart, if you’ve held onto it for years? Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks!

Time Stamp Map 0:00 Introduction 1. 6:24 How did you initially find out about the WMSCOG, and what caused you to recognize the need for their teachings to be refuted? 2. 11:40 What are some of the books and other resources you used to delve into your research of this cult, and how did the difficulty of obtaining certain resources impact your studies? 3. 15:15 Overview of the origin & history of the WMSCOG, and their current teachings 4. 23:55 How does the WMSCOG's modalistic view of God allow them to elevate the position of key leaders in their organization? 5. 26:25 Does the WMSCOG believe there is a distinction between "Christ" and "Jesus"? 6. 27:23 How does the WMSCOG respond to the biblical truth that "the fullness of deity dwells bodily" in Christ (Colossians 2:9), and in all cults, how does their tendency to take verses of Scripture out of context affect their ability to spread false teaching? 7. 32:16 (Overview of the WMSCOG's current teachings *continued*) 8. 36:01 About AhnSahngHong's book, "The New Jerusalem and the Bride: Interpretation on Women's Veil" 9. 40:27 What are some of the definitive cultic characteristics of the WMSCOG, and how can having a solid Christian worldview serve as a safeguard for us against false teaching? 10. 42:12 About Steven Hassan, his books, and his B.I.T.E. Model of cult characteristics --43:19 B - Behavior Control --48:00 I - Information Control --1:05:02 T&E - Thought & Emotional Control 11. 1:00:07 and 2:00:53 If any of our listeners have WMSCOG books and would like to donate them to help equip our ministry, where can they send them? 12. 1:11:14 What role can spiritual warfare play in how the characteristics of the B.I.T.E. Model can affect cult members? 13. 1:13:05 When we engage in conversations with WMSCOG members, what are some of the key verses/arguments that get brought up, their perspective on how those verses/arguments support their theology, and some good responses we can offer to those verses/arguments? 14. 1:31:34 About the "Prophecy of the 40 Years of David" that WMSCOG members are taught 15. 1:38:53 Do you think the WMSCOG may claim that AhnSahngHong's baptism was at the age of 30 in order to strengthen the connection between him and Jesus (who was baptized at the age of 30)? 16. 1:39:33 About their observance of the feasts, and their claim that observance is necessary for salvation 17. 1:48:00 How do WMSCOG members interpret Galatians 4: 26, and how can we respond to that verse, offering them an explanation of its proper context? 18. 1:55:37 If I've come to realize that I've been a part of a cult (either formerly or presently), what should I do? Here is EVERYTHING I have on the WMSCOG. Please share this content with those who need it because there isn't nearly enough stuff out there on this group and they are making inroads all over the place. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHvwOzziMOk9ZIHKphdag47d Cultish appears on podcast or on the YouTube channel Apologia Studios, here's a link. https://www.youtube.com/user/Defendthefaithorg

0:00 Introduction 1. 6:23 We Are All Atheists 2. 24:46 Religion Only Exists Through Indoctrination 3. 44:42 Atheism Is Instinctual 4. 48:06 Religion Is Desperation 5. 1:00:58 The Problem of Evil An atheist offers what he sees as the best arguments against God. I admit ahead of time that this is mostly low hanging fruit. But I also would say that this sort of atheist reasoning is so prevalent that it needs to be addressed. That being said, this stuff is pretty bad. I want to offer a breakdown of this atheist's article which is perhaps a pretty serious commentary on some of the problems in pop-atheism. All in all there are 4 really bad arguments and 1 really tough one. I'll try to get to all of them but when I did this for my small group yesterday I was only able to get to the first four. We'll see how it goes. This video is in lieu of the Mark series which will pick up in TWO weeks. Link and more links to stuff you probably want to see The original article I'm responding to is here https://owlcation.com/humanities/Top-Atheists-Their-Best-Arguments The Kalam Cosmological Argument (this is so thorough and simple it can be used in line at Disneyland or in academic debate) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrgSbFhHCmU A teleological argument from the design in the universe presented by a physicist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58brbYwN0Q0 A playlist of videos going deep into a moral argument for God by one of my favorite people, William Lane Craig. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuenDhnk7fxcfPYUKwDASyK The argument from beauty (and yes, you should take this more seriously than you do) https://youtu.be/Jz7phjZa3EM A ridiculous amount of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus presented by two historians https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc6XhMySxdY To show the unity of the Bible here is my Jesus in the Old Testament series. I think this is a very strong cumulative case for "unity" which is best explained by inspiration. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuhA0RPKZFHVcjIMN_-F596 For parents wanting to teach their kids critical thinking, here's a resource on Natasha Crain's blog for Christian parents. She not only teaches you to teach your kids to think critically, she teaches you to think critically as well. https://christianmomthoughts.com/how-to-teach-your-kids-critical-thinking-skills-a-great-resource/ Extraordinary claims don't require extraordinary evidence. Seriously, let's think critically about this slogan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GRAI-us4es A great resource for the problem of evil is Clay Jones' book "Why Does God Allow Evil". I'm giving this to you as a book instead of a video as I honestly think it's going to be more helpful to read this one instead of casually watching a video. This topic is tremendously difficult and the patience and thought that reading invokes is going to serve you well as you process it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07117FSWD/

Every Friday at 1pm PT! Time Stamps! 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:33 Since Jesus flipped over tables in the temple, does that give people an excuse to have violent protests today? 2. 9:59 I've been dealing with doubts lately, and it never seems to be the cause of any intellectual problem - It feels like an attack. How would you handle this? 3. 12:39 We can see in the Bible that we are to care for the orphan, widow, etc. and uplift those whom society shuns. Should this play out differently in the life of a believer than it does currently in the world (e.g. many people, especially in my young student circles see political action/ideals like socialism or communism as the way forward in this)? Basically, do you think there’s a difference between biblical justice and modern social justice? 4. 22:00 Any suggestions of Christian resources/ministries for women struggling with pornography? Why does the church focus more on men with this sin? 5. 24:09 What are your thoughts on the Enneagram and its origins? Some research states that it was created by desert fathers and mystics, however, some churches point its origins to Catholicism. 6. 26:46 You say we are saved by faith alone and not by works, so how can you say someone is not saved if they live in a homosexual lifestyle? Isn't that blending faith and works? So which works are required? 7. 29:55 How do you know if you believe in your heart vs just logically thinking in your mind that the evidence points more toward Christianity being true than false? referring to Romans 10:9 8. 32:51 Romans 6: 23 says, “for the wages of sin is death”...what kind of death it is referring to? Is it an eternal death? A physical one on Earth? A spiritual death? 9. 34:55 Have you heard of the dreams of Pastor Dana Coverstone? If so, what are your thoughts? 10. 37:42 Why is God the Father just called "God" in the NT? He doesn't typically have the descriptor "the Father" added, where as Jesus is specifically called the Son and the Spirit is called the Spirit? 11. 40:15 What in your mind is the difference between simple sexual attraction and lust, if any? It seems like too many Christians conflate them as one and the same. 12. 45:03 1 Cor 13: 10 is so controversial. If "the perfect" means the Bible and not Jesus, then spiritual gifts have ceased - so wouldn't that leave so many in deception and false understanding? 13. 48:11 Was God angry with Eli as a father or as a priest for not keeping his sons in check? 14. 50:07 What do you think about the Book of Enoch? 15. 52:13 We relocated, and the pastor at the church we are going to and want to join has been reading out of The Passion Translation more and more. Should we rethink our decision? 16. 53:51 How can I lovingly bring up and reveal the errors of the prosperity gospel to friends and family? 17. 55:09 If I am truly seeking God, will He show up for me? 18. 55:31 I've been reading lots of reports of exploitation of the laborers who make the products we use everyday (chocolate, phones, etc.) Should we as Christians boycott/abstain from these things? 19. 55:57 Are Christians allowed to read and study the Quran? In Denmark I have to take a class on religion before I can study theology at the university, but I feel convicted when reading. Should I stop? 20. 57:31 Why was the tree of knowledge of good and evil bad? Isn’t wisdom generally regarded as a good trait in the bible? Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks!

Jesus isn't "acting like Jesus" here. He does a number of things that simply don't fit our modern pacified version of Jesus. And that's a good thing. I don't want to fall into the pacified version of Jesus that our culture likes but I also don't want to act like Jesus' radical and aggressive actions of cursing the fig tree and kicking people and animals out of the temple while flipping tables is somehow an excuse for me to overstep my own authority and act sinfully in my own anger just because I think I am in the right. But, there's more to this passage than just finding the balance of how we can apply Jesus' extreme actions. We need to see the theological message of the passage as well as apply it into our lives by seriously evaluating our own status as the "temple of the Holy Spirit" and restoring the purpose of prayer and relationship with God in our lives. Craig Evan's article, which had a lot of interesting historical insights into this passage. "Jesus' Action in the Temple: Cleansing or Portent of Destruction?" https://www.jstor.org/stable/43717764?read-now=1&seq=23#page_scan_tab_contents See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Every Friday at 1pm PT! Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:16 Do 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3-4 prohibit jewelry (wedding bands, necklaces, etc.)? 2. 9:16 In Matthew 21:1-8, there is a donkey and a colt (2 animals). Does this have something to do with Jews and Gentiles? 3. 11:30 Can a person who struggles with addiction be born again? Can you be saved, but not enter the Kingdom of God? (John 3:3) 4. 14:39 How do I pray for a believer who isn't truly walking in line with Christ, and not showing evidence of any growth or transformation in their life due to habitual sin and lack of intimacy with God? 5. 18:23 When you ask God for wisdom, how do you expect a reply? How do you hear from God? Does He send thoughts? 6. 22:27 My church is having an indoor wedding tomorrow, despite the local government's current mandate prohibiting indoor ceremonies. Is this in accordance with God's Word? (Romans 13, 1 Peter 2: 13) 7. 27:25 Shouldn't Christians practicing polygamy have the same moral obligation to obey God's commands on marriage as divorced Christians who should pursue restoration? Isn't polygamy a sin, no matter what? 8. 30:05 In 1 John 5: 16-17, can you explain what is meant by "sin not leading to death" and "sin leading to death"? 9. 34:05 Can you elaborate on Hebrews 6:4? Is it referring to backsliding, or salvation? 10. 35:00 What is "righteous anger" according to Scripture, and could it be applicable for us to occasionally experience today? 11. 37:47 What are your views on communion and the eucharist? How much should the early Church writings affect our views on communion? 12. 44:36 Is there any good reason to think that the rapture of the Church will most likely happen during the "Feast of Trumpets"? 13. 45:33 What is the difference between a feeling and a conviction? 14. 46:40 How much authority does a father have over his adult children, and does it differ between sons and daughters? 15. 49:33 Can you comment on Michael Heiser and his "Divine Council Theory"? 16. 53:29 How would you respond to someone who claims that the Old Testament is not true due to their belief that there was never a biblical flood or Exodus, and that the Hebrews just copied the cultures around them, etc.? 17. 59:04 In Genesis 6 and 1 Samuel 15, God regretted His decisions. How can God, who knows all things, make a decision that He later decides was wrong? Here is the video I mentioned about why God "repents" and "changes his mind" https://studio.youtube.com/watch?v=YpjKPn8hZQs Here’s how you get your questions answered in the Q&A 1) Please reread your question before you ask to ensure that it will make sense to me. Clarity is paramount. 2) Wait till we go live before asking. We don’t take questions until then. 3) Put a “Q” at the beginning of your question. 4) Please only ask once, our mods are checking the chat continually. 5) I’m truly sorry if I’m unable to get to your question. I know its a bummer, but I am doing my best. 6) If you arrive late we may have already gathered 20 questions. Please check the live chat to see if we are full on Qs. Thanks!

This question is NOT just a hypothetical. Missionaries in Africa asked me to answer this and I don't think it's application will be limited to them for too long. It seems to me that the moral slip-slide of our culture is heading toward a time when more and more of us will be confronted with the topic of polygamy. This is one of my final videos in the series I have done on divorce and remarriage. Here's the playlist with all those videos. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j

OH MAN! I forgot to mention a really cool historical insight we get from the Mishnah! Apparently, Jews were expected to enter Jerusalem on foot when travelling there for Passover. This means that when Jesus entered on a donkey it would have stood out as particularly odd and unique. This give us another reason to see the profound and deliberate proclamation to be the Messianic King. I meant to share that during the study to help those who might think, "so what, lots of people ride donkeys into Jerusalem". This was obviously a lot more than just a donkey ride. Sometimes it's the passages we find the most familiar that we have the most new stuff to learn from. This will be a careful study of the "Triumphal Entry", or "Palm Sunday" where we intend to get a deeper understanding of the passage and hopefully a greater appreciation for how strategically ironic the whole thing is. Mark 1:1-11 is probably the most ironic passage in the book, in my opinion. Here's my study on 24 ways Jesus fulfilled Passover. https://youtu.be/A-_6rpQ4zLg Here's my study on Daniel 9 and it's connection to the timing of Jesus' sacrifice. https://youtu.be/pK5RsOaVy4U See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Every Friday at 1pm PT! Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 0:47 Since there is no marriage in Heaven, are married couples going to be strangers in Heaven? 2. 5:11 If I’m not mistaken, you hold the view of conditional election, prevenient grace, and total depravity (though maybe not to the extent of the Calvinist). ​My question is, if Christ dies for all people and all sins, why does a sinner have to overcome the sin of unbelief on their own? 3. 8:38 A friend, at age 12, signed his soul over (in a blood pact) to Satan, in an at-home ceremony. He was a kid, but he now feels that he cannot be saved. Please comment on this deal with the Devil. 4. 10:01 What are your thoughts on Proverbs 16:4? Does that passage suggest that God created (perhaps predestined) the unsaved for judgment or condemnation? 5. 13:40 You inspire me to study my Bible verse-by-verse, but I don't know where to start! I was wondering what study resources you use or would recommend for someone not familiar with the original languages. 6. 18:16 How should I speak to someone who is going to die because of cancer, while another Christian got her hopes up that her cancer wouldn't return, claiming that "God said" it wouldn't? And how should I speak about evil & suffering to her? 7. 22:31 You mentioned, in Part 2 of your Mark series, that John the Baptist was the one setting the way for the Lord (Yahweh). Why, then, did you use the word "Yahweh", when Logos displays the Hebrew word there as "kyrios"? 8. 24:32 Verses like Jeremiah 29: 11 are quoted a lot to us, and I get confused while trying to understand whether God was speaking only to a group of people back then specifically, or whether we can still apply those verses to us personally today. 9. 28:18 I go to a liberal Christian university, and the Bible teaching here is untrue. Scripture and the Gospel are undermined consistently. How do I properly address these issues in my Bible class? 10. 30:40 Why does Paul teach that we are saved by faith alone and not by works, but Jesus teaches that works (like obeying the commandments) are necessary to get into the Kingdom of God? 11. 32:06 How does Matthew 28: 18-20 apply to each individual Christian, and how does one make a disciple? Is it just evangelism and baptism of a lost person, or is it overseeing their growth? 12. 35:28 Could you please share your testimony, and the struggles you may have had as a new believer? 13. 36:57 It is said that Jacob fought against God in Scripture, but the text refers to a fight with an angel...Is God the Angel of the Lord? 14. 39:20 Can someone who commits suicide go to Heaven? I’ve heard it argued that if they were true believers who just happened to commit that act in a moment of weakness/confusion, they are still saved. Is that biblical? 15. 42:53 I don't understand the biblical idea of "the elect"...Does that mean some people cannot be saved, no matter what? 16. 44:06 My husband grew up Catholic, and his family keeps telling us we "aren't really married" because we were not married by the Catholic Church. How can we lovingly respond to them with biblical truth? 17. 46:31 What if someone gets an unbiblical divorce, but their ex-spouse is already remarried, making reconciliation impossible? Are they free to remarry? 18. 47:41 I have a question about 1 Timothy 2: 12-15...Due to the text, does this make co-ed bible studies unbiblical? what about women's ministry? 19. 50:50 How do I address a lack of plurality in leadership? We have one pastor who teaches every sermon & every class, and no elders. How do I bring up this issue with the church, when we're relying too much on one person? 20. 53:11 Why do we, as Christians, not keep the Sabbath, even though it is part of the moral law? It is written by the finger of God in stone, not just spoken to Moses like the Mosaic Law. Shouldn't we keep it? 21. 1:01:05 In 1 Samuel 28, Saul talks to Samuel and asks for his help. I think it's sinful to pray to the de

Expand for time stamps. I'm almost done with all my videos on this topic and boy is my brain tired! Seriously though, this study has been very rewarding personally and the feedback I have received from many of you, saying that this teaching series has really impacted your lives in positive ways, has been the absolute highlight. 0:00 quick stuff 0:48 Was Jesus really just talking about Herod when he mentioned divorce? 7:47 Does the OT prove that remarriage after divorce was normally allowed? 11:44 Does Deuteronomy 24 teach that 2nd marriages are invalid? 16:57 Deut 24 forbids remarrying a former spouse. Is that binding on us today? This is the playlist with all my videos on the topic of divorce and remarriage. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j

Some times we have been so indoctrinated into unbiblical ideas about faith, healing and prayer that we don't notice when the Bible is trying to correct us. As we study this passage I'm going to try and point out specifically how Jesus is not giving us the hyper-charismatic or new age views on prayer, healing and faith. But there is a risk that in refuting these false ideas we will miss out on the wonderful things God is trying to communicate. The Bible isn't just telling us what NOT to believe but also what TO believe. So, we are going to embrace what it says about faith, healing and prayer... all of it. Unlike the new age and hyper-charismatic tendency to ignore context and distort things to fit their movement and the "vibe" they are trying to create in their communities. Are you interested in the supposed contradiction regarding the healing of the blind man? Here's what I've got on that https://youtu.be/OA-4eQN16n0?t=791 See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

I honestly think that most pastoral abuse would stop if we would take seriously Jesus' teaching in this passage. We sometimes miss the forest through the trees when it comes to studying verse by verse. So, I'm going to start this study with a survey of how the Gospel of Mark repeatedly is contrasting the true mission of the Messiah with the false expectations of the disciples and the Jews of Jesus' day (and modern day Judaism as well). Then we will see how big of a deal it is when Jesus tries to correct our thinking on the topic of servanthood as greatness and leadership as servants. Do you want to go through the whole book of Mark with me vs by vs, covering theology and apologetics in detail? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction and a bit about the American Gospel movie 1. 5:15 Did Old Testament saints believe in "faith + works" for salvation? 2. 11:34 How familiar are you with Steven Furtick and Elevation Church? Is it wrong of me to be wary of mainstream churches that seem to be too "seeker-friendly"? 3. 15:22 How do you respond to Richard Carrier's argument that Jesus was in outer space and the Apostles where schizophrenic or schizotypal? 4. 18:33 In Romans 5: 12-21, does our nature inherit the guilt of Adam's sin, or are we only guilty of our own sin? In Hebrews 2: 17 and 4: 15, did Christ's human nature inherit Adam's sin, or just desire sin like us? 5. 27:19 How do you interpret the Beatitudes at the beginning of Matthew 5? 6. 30:57 What are your thoughts on the 2 trees in the Garden of Eden representing both the law and the Gospel in Genesis 3 (The Tree of Knowledge representing the law, and the Tree of life representing Christ)? 7. 32:13 Does it say in the Old Testament that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire? 8. 34:06 How would you biblically define our fallen state, and how would this compare to the Calvinistic view of "Total Depravity" and "Total Inability"? What are the key passages to help us understand our fallen state? 9. 38:45 How can we know that we're saved, when the heart is deceitful, since it's not biblical to believe that speaking in tongues is the indication of whether or not someone is saved? 10. 41:30 How often do you fast, and do you allow yourself coffee while fasting? 11. 42:51 I know that it's better than anything in this present Earth, but what does it mean to be "least in the Kingdom of Heaven"? 12. 45:01 What's wrong with "The Shack"? 13. 46:43 The book of James tells us that God will never tempt us, but in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask the Father not to lead us into temptation. Why is this? 14. 51:24 Why didn't Jesus stone the adulteress, if it was written in the law to stone those found in that sin? Quick rules for the Q&A 1) Please wait to ask questions until the stream starts 2) Before you submit your question please reread it to make sure it's clear and that I will be able to figure out what you are asking. Thanks! 3) Do not ask your question multiple times because it confuses our mods when they are compiling the questions 4) I apologize ahead of time for those who ask important questions which I won't have time to answer. There's only one of me.

Here are 5 historical arguments for and responses to 3 arguments against Jesus actually predicting His own death and resurrection along. After that apologetic section, which will take a big chunk of today's teaching, I'll share some theological and pastoral insights from this passage in Mark 10:32-34. Do you want to go through the whole book of Mark with me vs by vs, covering theology and apologetics in detail? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF My website https://BibleThinker.org If you like podcasts you can get this content in that form. Search for "BibleThinker" podcast or for my name, which is Mike, not Mark :)

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction and Announcements 1. 12:15 How do you go about doing a systematic theology on any given subject, such as soteriology? 2. 14:46 I was taught that Christians don't sin. 1 John 3:9 says, "Whoever has been born of God does not sin", and Romans is littered with talk of us being "free from sin". So why is this teaching wrong? 3. 22:55 What are your thoughts on "corporate responsibility" for pas sins, and "individual responsibility"? Can both be true? I see both in the Bible. 4. 25:24 Can you explain the Parable of the Talents? In Matthew 25: 14, what are our "talents", and why do the two servants get different rewards, when they both increased the amount by 100%? 5. 33:55 What does God say about men who abuse their wives emotionally, physically, etc.? 6. 35:49 What are the biblical definitions of sin, transgression, and iniquity? How can I be certain that the sins I've committed, while knowing they were wrong, are forgiven? 7. 38:49 What are your thoughts on the "new perspective on Paul"? 8. 41:43 Why did God put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden just to test Adam & Eve? 9. 44:38 What advice would you give to a woman who is interested in doing ministry in apologetics? How can women pursue this calling while being careful to stay within the parameters set in Scripture? 10. 46:03 If the punishment for sin is eternal suffering, how was it sufficient for Jesus to suffer temporarily? 11. 48:02 Is there any evidence for the biblical Exodus? If so, will you be making a video on this topic? 12. 49:42 How strongly do we need to believe that Jesus is Lord in order to be saved? I know the Bible talks about just having a mustard seed of faith. Some days, I have a lot of faith, and other days, I still have doubts. My website https://BibleThinker.org Here are the new BibleThinker mug designs and products from Zockoll Pottery. I don't receive any financial benefit from this, it's just for fun. 4 styles here - https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/bible-thinker-mug 2 styles here - https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/bible-thinker-tumbler-short-style BibleThinker magnets here - https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/bible-thinker-magnets

Jesus' interaction with the rich, young ruler has been used by some to promote socialism and others have approached it looking for an explanation of justification like what we find in Romans. After spending some time on this passage and in the Gospel of Mark as a whole I think both of these approaches are wrong. This will be a careful, vs by vs study of Jesus' interaction with the rich man in Mark 10. We'll look at some controversy about this passage but our main concern will be to hear Jesus' radical call to come to Him for salvation, which is impossible for us to obtain without Him, and to come fully invested in His kingdom. What Jesus teaches through this encounter gives us not only an offer of salvation but a call to discipleship, where Jesus is not only a source of forgiveness, He is the very purpose of our live's and choosing Him means choosing His kingdom over our own or the kingdom of this age. It's that last part that I think people overlook when teaching on the rich man and I hope that this study helps you to understand it well. For all the videos in the Mark click here - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

This is a common and terrible tactic in trying to get away from an interpretation you don't like. I'm not surprised to see this come up in the comments section of my video but I am surprised to see respectful and thoughtful men like Gordon Wenham using this sort of nonsense in print. The objection goes as follows; "When you say that adultery is justification for divorce you actually encourage people to go out and commit adultery so they can have a justified divorce". Here's the playlist with all my divorce and remarriage content https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j My web site https://BibleThinker.org

Teaching that all babies who die go to heaven immediately brings up a number of important theological questions. Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Introduction 1. 5:10 How do we determine when a person is accountable? 2. 11:52 What role does sin nature have? 3. 19:00 What role does Jesus have in their salvation? 4. 20:53 What about free will? 5. 43:53 Does this give people an excuse to commit abortion? All this and more in today's follow-up study looking at the theological implications of saying that babies or anyone who is similarly handicapped in mental capacities are saved. Do you want to go through the whole book of Mark with me? Here's the playlist where we go verse by verse and tackle issues of theology, apologetics and the Christian life! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF My website https://BibleThinker.org New videos every week, helping you learn how to think biblically about everything.

Any correct interpretation of Jesus' teaching on divorce needs to account for the fact that the disciples were so shocked by Jesus that they said it was better to just stay single. In this video I try to explain how I account for the shock of the disciples with my view of Jesus' teaching on divorce and remarriage. Here's the playlist of all my videos on the topic of divorce and remarriage. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j My web site https://BibleThinker.org

This is a heavy issue and while many people think the Bible doesn't give us much to go on, I disagree. In this study I am going to examine a number of passages people use when trying to explain what the eternal fate of those who die in infancy is. It starts with a survey of Bible passages which don't seem to help us answer our question and then a survey of passages which do. This is part of the "Mark Series" where I am going vs by vs through the Gospel of Mark, covering theology, apologetics and the Christian life. Here's the whole series playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF My web site https://BibleThinker.org

Some tough situations have us asking whether a divorce can be justified for things not clearly mentioned in scripture. Not only do I give my best answer to the question of divorce for a spouse habitually draining the bank account, I hope that this answer will help you work through other tough questions like this one. I think the principles here apply very broadly. Here's my playlist with ALL my teaching on divorce and remarriage. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j My web site https://BibleThinker.org

People in Jesus' time had a bad attitude about marriage, just like today. They seemed to think it was a person's right to divorce whenever they decided they wanted to, just like today. But Jesus corrected this by pointing them toward the nature of marriage and showing that marriage it a holy and wonderful union that God Himself has created. Jesus takes away their excuses and calls them to get back to the heart of marriage rather than seeking excuses to divorce. It was a message people desperately needed to hear at the time, just like today. Here's my big video on divorce and remarriage and everything the Bible says about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2pC6ZikbYo&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j&index=2 Here's the entire Mark playlist where we are working through the whole book of Mark verse by verse. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

I went down a rabbit hole of research to find out how some people have taken Jesus' teaching on divorce to mean the opposite of what it seems like He was saying. The issue is whether there is a special definition of "put away" as compared to "writ of divorce". On this peculiar view "put away" is taken to mean "send away a spouse without a divorce certificate", which means that if you are "put away" you are still married. On the other hand, "writ of divorce" (or certificate of divorce) is taken to refer to an actual divorce with a divorce paper. Here's why this view is wrong. Here is the playlist to all my videos on divorce and remarriage. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j My web site https://BibleThinker.org

What did Jesus mean by "because of your hardness of hearts Moses permitted you to divorce your wives"? Does this mean you can get a divorce if your heart is hard? Does it mean you can get a divorce if your spouse has a hard heart? Does it mean that divorce was regulated with protections for human rights because people's hearts are so hard they are going to divorce anyways? Yeah, it's the third one. If you have a bunch more questions on divorce and remarriage then you should start with my big and thorough teaching on the topic, linked here. https://youtu.be/N2pC6ZikbYo Here is a playlist of all my videos on Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j My website: https://BibleThinker.org

It may seem peculiar but I think that this solves a riddle about why scripture speaks the way it does on the topic of divorce. Jesus acknowledged divorce but taught that it didn't always free you from your moral obligation to your prior spouse. Paul, in 1 Cor 7, taught that a divorced couple was really divorced but still obliged to get back together or stay unmarried. In my view, this view comes naturally from taking the Bible at face value on it's teaching on divorce and remarriage. If you want to understand better what ends your moral obligation to a prior spouse then please watch the BIG video (the 1st one in the playlist below) which also has time stamps to help you find exactly what you are looking for. For all my videos on the topic of Divorce and Remarriage check out this playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j My web site https://BibleThinker.org

If sex doesn't equal marriage then what does? We will take a look at a number of biblical passages to find the answer to this question. The bottom line is that sex does join you to a person in a very intimate way, but that this alone does not constitute a marriage. Marriage is more than sex and it takes more to be truly married than to just start sleeping with someone. Here's the playlist for all the videos (as they come out) on marriage, divorce and remarriage. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j

I try to graciously, honestly and without misrepresentation, deal with a number of important issues related to Catholicism; the Pope, purgatory, Mary, the authority claims of Roman Catholicism, historical challenges to official teachings of the RC church, theological problems with the gospel as it is taught in the official councils of Catholicism (especially Trent) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The truth is that I wish I could say the disagreements I have with official Roman Catholic teaching were merely secondary issues. But, despite incredible agreement on many primary issues such as the inspiration and authority of scripture, the Trinity and the death and resurrection of Jesus, there remains the fact that Roman Catholicism teaches errors that seem to compromise the very gospel itself. I really wish I could affirm that the gospel is still in tact in the council of Trent or the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but I am honestly convinced it's not. So, with a heavy heart I think we need to talk about it. While the biggest issue here is the gospel I will still deal with a number of other connected topics and hope you'll find it helpful. Lisa Laizure's ministry - https://womensbiblestudy.com/ The playlist for this "Contending for the Faith" conference, which includes a teaching on Jehovah's Witnesses and on Mormonism. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsR0GrnMlICl0I17pXiIrx6 My website https://biblethinker.org

1. 0:00 Intro and explanation 2. 1:56 In Jeremiah, God divorced Israel but didn’t marry someone else - he offered them restoration! Doesn’t this undermine your case for remarriage? 3. 6:08 If a person who illegitimately divorced their spouse is unmarried and repentant and if their former spouse has remarried, may that person marry someone else? 4. 9:04 If the punishment for adultery was death under the law then how can adultery be a cause for divorce? 5. 19:49 Is addiction to porn considered sexual immorality and therefore, grounds for divorce? 6. 22:54 Does the requirement for leaders to be the “husband of one wife” mean that a divorced man can’t be a pastor? 7. 44:20 What do you do when a spouse wants to separate but not divorce, leaving you in limbo? 8. 50:33 What about domestic abuse such as verbal/spiritual abuses? 9. 55:42 If a person becomes a Christian after an invalid divorce, and reconciliation is not an option (former spouse is remarried), is that person free to remarry? 10. 57:42 Mike, you’re saying marriage isn’t really for life. Two don’t become one-flesh? 11. 1:00:06 If adultery justifies divorce and the man who divorces his wife commits adultery then why is the innocent woman in Luke 16 vs. 18 not allowed to get remarried? 12. 1:06:28 What’s with the jar of gummy bears in the background? 13. 1:07:14 What about the mass divorce that God commanded in Ezra and Nehemiah? ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬................................ Conclusion of Pt. 1 ................................ The questions below will be answered in future videos on this channel. Subscribe and click the "bell" icon to get notifications when those short videos come out! ~ 14. When are two people considered “married” in God’s eyes? Is living and sleeping together enough? 15. What if a polygamist gives his life to Christ? Do they stay married to all their wives? 16. Can you please elaborate on what is meant by "still being morally obligated" after a divorce? 17. Can you explain what Jesus meant by “because of the hardness of your hearts” and comment on Roman Catholic annulment? 18. Some teach that the key to understanding the Bible is knowing the difference between “putting away” and “writ of divorce”. What’s up with that? 19. Is not one of the highest laws to forgive? Doesn’t Jesus say to forgive 70 times 7? If Jesus forgives Israel (see Romans 11), shouldn’t we, in our marriages, be forgiving all the time and never divorce? 20. What about a spouse who keeps draining the bank account and refuses to stop? 21. You have said adultery, abandonment, and abuse (lots of ways out of a marriage) are exceptions to divorce and remarry---why would the disciples be shocked in Matthew 19 if that's what Jesus truly meant? 22. If you can justify divorce with adultery then why not just go commit adultery to get out of a marriage as some people have? 23. Is it possible that Jesus was just talking about king Herod and we’ve misunderstood? 24. Since priests are forbidden from marrying a divorced woman does this mean it was allowed for everyone else under the O.T. Law? 25. Could Deut. 24 really be showing us that second marriages are invalid and adulterous, which is why she can’t go back to her first husband? 26. Given Deut. 24, should we also say today that remarrying an ex-spouse who you filed a certificate of divorce for is also not allowed? 27. Can I tell you whether to divorce or not? 28. Why I’m concerned about saying “abuse” justifies divorce. 29. Should ANY second marriage be broken up? 30. Have I changed my mind on my teaching? Here's the playlist on divorce and remarriage which has my LONG video on the topic https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHtBvJzugPJp9P5X1T-hA91j On a biblical view of "interracial marriage" https://youtu.be/HEJKLvacY2I My web site https://BibleThinker.org

Some say the Bible forbids interracial marriage. Here's WHY they say it and WHY they are wrong. I'm still in the middle of making a series of videos on marriage, divorce and remarriage and since this particular question didn't really fit well into one of those videos I thought I'd make a stand alone video on it. I actually did some research to find out what passages of scripture people used to try to support a ban on interracial marriage (also called anti-miscegenation) and I'm responding to those particular passages and talking points in this video. Here's my full and in-depth teaching on divorce and remarriage in the Bible. https://youtu.be/N2pC6ZikbYo This is my teaching on a biblical understanding of wive's submitting to their husbands https://youtu.be/H8PFVZgIQ2w This is my teaching on how to be a husband according to the Bible. https://youtu.be/65eMggo_xKQ Subscribe to get new videos every week and learn to think biblically about everything. Here's my web site https://BibleThinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 Intro and announcements. 5:55 A Christian view of racism. 14:06 Is it biblical to believe that physical healing is equal to salvation in the atonement? 18:07 What is your advice for a new believer encountering militant anti-theists? 21:14 Is creation in Genesis 1 to be taken literally, as in 6 24-hour days, and why? 24:37 What is food offered to idols? In Acts 15: 20 and Revelation 2: 20, is there a law we have to keep? Is Halal food offered to idols? 31:14 Once someone is born again, can they lose their salvation due to bad behavior? 33:43 What does it mean to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? 36:25 How can a person be sanctified? 40:46 What is your advice for a new Christian who is having trouble getting into the routine of studying Scripture and praying? 44:11 Should new Christians avoid watching non-Christian movies? 47:20 Is there such a thing as a non-Trinitarian Christian? 48:25 How can I gently correct a friend who thinks we can "speak things into existence"? 49:43 Is my pastor my "spiritual father"? 51:05 Is speaking in tongues required? 54:17 Is it biblical to have to do baptism classes and pass a test before being baptized, instead of being baptized right away? 56:29 Please explain "original sin"...Is it inherited, or something we commit? Are children born corrupted? 58:27 How can I help my little brother get closer to the Lord, in addition to Bible study and teaching him what's right and wrong? 59:47 Are the soul and the spirit two different things, and if so, what is the difference? 1:00:24 What law is in our hearts? 1:02:29 What are the "essentials" of the Christian faith? 1:04:04 What should I do if I've realized that my own church is taking after Bethel's "word-of-faith" model? My website https://BibleThinker.org Get your own BibleThinker mug here! https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/bible-thinker-mug

VIDEO MAP/TIME STAMPS 0:00 Intro to topic #1 10:07 What you need to know about the Jewish backdrop of Jesus’ teaching on divorce. #2 25:53 Why you should be open to exceptions to Jesus’ rule about not divorcing. #3 37:15 What all four Gospels have in common on this topic. #4 39:00 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Mark 10. #5 46:54 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Luke 16. #6 48:42 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Matthew 5. #7 50:16 I’ve been taught that marriage is literally unbreakable; that it is ontologically impossible to end unless your spouse dies. What about that? #8 54:26 What did Jesus mean by “sexual immorality”. #9 1:11:00 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Matthew 19. #10 1:21:22 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Romans 7. #11 1:28:17 Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 vs. 10-16. #12 1:37:54 Does “not enslaved” allow remarriage after divorce in 1 Corinthians 7 vs. 15? #13 1:51:19 When can a Christian spouse be treated like a non-Christian? #14 2:00:49 What about abuse or extreme situations? #15 2:08:25 If you divorce for abuse or extreme situations can you get remarried? #16 2:10:51 Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 vs. 17-40. #17 2:19:05 Who are we to disagree with the church fathers? #18 2:31:46 God said, “I hate divorce”, doesn’t that mean you can’t get divorced? #19 2:33:53 What about those who will abuse the exceptions and wrongly divorce? #20 2:36:28 What about alcoholism, gambling, drug use, etc.? #21 2:37:29 What about a marriage that was entered sinfully? Should it be broken up? #22 2:44:05 What about David Instone-Brewer? #23 2:57:06 Should a pastor marry someone who is wrongly divorced? #24 2:58:53 Summary of all 16 biblical principles. #25 3:02:45 What are bad reasons for getting a divorce? #26 3:03:16 Final thoughts. RESOURCE LIST My teaching for husbands. https://youtu.be/65eMggo_xKQ My teaching for wives. https://youtu.be/H8PFVZgIQ2w Know that I don’t endorse these different works. They are resources showing a wide variety of interpretations from the most strict to relatively lenient. If you want to go deep on this topic then I recommend reading several authors, especially those you disagree with. ARTICLES: John Piper, “Divorce and Remarriage: A Position Paper” https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/divorce-and-remarriage-a-position-paper Raymond Westbrook, “The Prohibition on Restoration of Marriage in Deuteronomy 24:1-4” https://www.wisereaction.org/ebooks/westbrook.pdf this is where he gives his case for the first marriage involving a man keeping the ketubah and the second marriage involving the woman getting it. Wayne Grudem, “Grounds for Divorce: Why I Believe There Are More Than Two” (the infamous paper delivered at last year’s ETS) http://www.waynegrudem.com/grounds-for-divorce-why-i-now-believe-there-are-more-than-two/ David Instone-Brewer’s article on ancient marriage and divorce papyri. http://www.tyndalearchive.com/Brewer/MarriagePapyri/1Cor_7a.htm The Damascus Document https://www.academia.edu/28913750/The_Damascus_Document_CD_2005_ Carol Osburn article refuting David Pawson’s view that the Greek shows second marriages are continual adultery. “The Present Indicative in Matthew 19:9” https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1029&context=restorationquarterly BOOKS: David Pawson - “Remarriage is Adultery Unless…” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00564TNV2/ Gordon Wenham, “Jesus, Divorce, and Remarriage: In Their Historical Setting” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083ZN5ZQ3/ Wenham, Heth & Keener, “Remarriage after Divorce in Today’s Church: 3 Views” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050O6P1O/ David Instone-Brewer, “Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q3L4VY/ See reviews of Instone-Brewer’s work here (Gagnon’s negative review and I-B’s response are particularly interesting) https://www.divorce-remarriage.com/ Craig Keener, “…And Marries Another: Divorce and Remarriage in the Teach

VIDEO MAP/TIME STAMPS 0:00 Intro to topic #1 10:07 What you need to know about the Jewish backdrop of Jesus’ teaching on divorce. #2 25:53 Why you should be open to exceptions to Jesus’ rule about not divorcing. #3 37:15 What all four Gospels have in common on this topic. #4 39:00 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Mark 10. #5 46:54 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Luke 16. #6 48:42 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Matthew 5. #7 50:16 I’ve been taught that marriage is literally unbreakable; that it is ontologically impossible to end unless your spouse dies. What about that? #8 54:26 What did Jesus mean by “sexual immorality”. #9 1:11:00 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Matthew 19. #10 1:21:22 Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Romans 7. #11 1:28:17 Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 vs. 10-16. #12 1:37:54 Does “not enslaved” allow remarriage after divorce in 1 Corinthians 7 vs. 15? #13 1:51:19 When can a Christian spouse be treated like a non-Christian? #14 2:00:49 What about abuse or extreme situations? #15 2:08:25 If you divorce for abuse or extreme situations can you get remarried? #16 2:10:51 Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 vs. 17-40. #17 2:19:05 Who are we to disagree with the church fathers? #18 2:31:46 God said, “I hate divorce”, doesn’t that mean you can’t get divorced? #19 2:33:53 What about those who will abuse the exceptions and wrongly divorce? #20 2:36:28 What about alcoholism, gambling, drug use, etc.? #21 2:37:29 What about a marriage that was entered sinfully? Should it be broken up? #22 2:44:05 What about David Instone-Brewer? #23 2:57:06 Should a pastor marry someone who is wrongly divorced? #24 2:58:53 Summary of all 16 biblical principles. #25 3:02:45 What are bad reasons for getting a divorce? #26 3:03:16 Final thoughts. RESOURCE LIST My teaching for husbands. https://youtu.be/65eMggo_xKQ My teaching for wives. https://youtu.be/H8PFVZgIQ2w Know that I don’t endorse these different works. They are resources showing a wide variety of interpretations from the most strict to relatively lenient. If you want to go deep on this topic then I recommend reading several authors, especially those you disagree with. ARTICLES: John Piper, “Divorce and Remarriage: A Position Paper” https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/divorce-and-remarriage-a-position-paper Raymond Westbrook, “The Prohibition on Restoration of Marriage in Deuteronomy 24:1-4” https://www.wisereaction.org/ebooks/westbrook.pdf this is where he gives his case for the first marriage involving a man keeping the ketubah and the second marriage involving the woman getting it. Wayne Grudem, “Grounds for Divorce: Why I Believe There Are More Than Two” (the infamous paper delivered at last year’s ETS) http://www.waynegrudem.com/grounds-for-divorce-why-i-now-believe-there-are-more-than-two/ David Instone-Brewer’s article on ancient marriage and divorce papyri. http://www.tyndalearchive.com/Brewer/MarriagePapyri/1Cor_7a.htm The Damascus Document https://www.academia.edu/28913750/The_Damascus_Document_CD_2005_ Carol Osburn article refuting David Pawson’s view that the Greek shows second marriages are continual adultery. “The Present Indicative in Matthew 19:9” https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1029&context=restorationquarterly BOOKS: David Pawson - “Remarriage is Adultery Unless…” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00564TNV2/ Gordon Wenham, “Jesus, Divorce, and Remarriage: In Their Historical Setting” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083ZN5ZQ3/ Wenham, Heth & Keener, “Remarriage after Divorce in Today’s Church: 3 Views” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050O6P1O/ David Instone-Brewer, “Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context” https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q3L4VY/ See reviews of Instone-Brewer’s work here (Gagnon’s negative review and I-B’s response are particularly interesting) https://www.divorce-remarriage.com/ Craig Keener, “…And Marries Another: Divorce and Remarriage in the Teach

Want to skip right to the meat? 7:52 Thank you to Lisa Laizure and Women's Bible Study ministry for inviting me to do this and letting me upload it on to my YouTube channel! Here's a link to their web site https://womensbiblestudy.com/ and if you are reading this before June 25th you still have time to sign up for free and join us for the live web conference on Catholicism. This video is about Mormonism and it is done with a heart of love for them and a desire for them to know the true peace that comes through the true Jesus. I've got two more videos that will be in this series eventually. One on Jehovah's Witnesses and one on Catholicism. Here is the link for the playlist of all these "Contending for the Faith Conference" videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsR0GrnMlICl0I17pXiIrx6 The final video on Catholicism will be uploaded in late June. My website https://BibleThinker.org

Thank you to Lisa Laizure and Women's Bible Study ministry for letting me upload this on to my YouTube channel! Here's a link to their web site https://womensbiblestudy.com/ and if you are reading this before June 25th you still have time to sign up for free and join us for the live web conference on Catholicism. This video is about Jehovah's Witnesses and it is done with a heart of love for them and a desire for them to know the true peace that comes through the true Jesus. Here is the link for the playlist of all these "Contending for the Faith Conference" videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsR0GrnMlICl0I17pXiIrx6 The final video on Catholicism will be uploaded in late June. My website https://BibleThinker.org

Her book says that persecution of early Christians wasn't really a thing. This is actually a very important issue when it comes to the evidence for the resurrection of Christ. If the apostles experienced persecution then we have reason to think that they were sincere in their claims that Jesus had risen from the dead. In this video you'll hear several of Dr. Candida Moss' reasons for thinking their is a "Myth of Persecution" and you'll get thoughtful responses from Dr. Sean McDowell who has specialized in researching and writing on this topic. You'll get a balanced and thoughtful view of this topic today. Dr. Sean McDowell on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/Seanmcdowell76 Dr. Sean McDowell's book "The Fate of the Apostles:Examining the Martyrdom Accounts of the Closest Followers of Jesus" https://www.amazon.com/Fate-Apostles-Examining-Martyrdom-Followers-ebook/dp/B01CR69L18/ Dr. Candida Moss's book "The Myth of Persecution" https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Persecution-Christians-Invented-Martyrdom-ebook/dp/B0089LOOF4/ My website https://BibleThinker.org

*Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:* ~ 1. 15:02 What is your view on the death penalty? Is "capital punishment" still valid today? ~ 2. 20:29 How many times was Jesus anointed during the week of the 3rd Passover? There seems to be a difference with the anointing at Bethany, when comparing the Synoptic Gospels with John's Gospel. ~ 3. 21:03 Looking at Colossians 3: 25 and 2 Corinthians 5: 10, will saved Christians who endure to the end be punished on judgment day? ~ 4. 28:35 As a young Christian, how do I deal with worrying about death? ~ 5. 31:12 Have you watched David Pawson on the subject of marriage and divorce? ~ 6. 31:43 How would you handle a conversation with someone who believes to hear directly from God, but is saying unbiblical things, and won't listen to biblical correction? ~ 7. 33:35 Can you do a "new-believer Q&A" again soon? ~ 8. 33:52 Do you disregard self-professing prophets/prophetesses if they give one prophecy which doesn't come to pass, like in O.T. times? Or is it different now? Also, are unfaithful prophets of the O.T. the same as "new-agers" now? ~ 9. 38:10 What are some good books or resources to use for historical, cultural, and social contexts when studying the Bible? ~ 10. 39:13 Do you think there are gaps in the genealogies in Genesis 5 and Genesis 11? ~ 11. 42:34 If a recently elected pastor's unwed and under-aged daughter is pregnant and he hid it prior to his election, how should this be addressed? ~ 12. 43:49 What are your thoughts on "Dominion Theology"? ~ 13. 44:36 Is the staff and rod in Psalm 23 a sign pointing to the cross? ~ 14. 46:08 What is your advice on getting a breakthrough from God, when dealing with habitual sin? ~ 15. 48:18 When using hermeneutics for interpreting texts, is the literal historical grammatical hermeneutic the preferred option? Or was the Canonical Principle used by the early church fathers? I've got a few things going on that I'd like to update you on. The first is a project where I'm working with a number of highly respected biblical scholars to provide scholarly reviews of The Passion Translation which will be understandable to the lay person. The second is a quick update on my study on marriage, divorce and remarriage. After that I will take some questions from the live chat. My web site https://biblethinker.org

We will go through 24 different ways in which Jesus fulfilled the Jewish Feast of Passover. Passover was given by God in the Old Testament and fulfilled by Jesus in the New. I hope this teaching stirs your heart with appreciation for the brilliance of the Bible as well as the incredible, loving self-sacrifice of Christ for our sins. He is our Passover and we are forgiven because of His offering. The full Jesus in the Old Testament Playlist (this is my absolute favorite series) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsHyvMtfgOgSPU6zEnCvxUO My web site - https://BibleThinker.org Check out the FREE BibleThinker app in your app store.

***Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference*** ~1. 8:05 Since 1 Timothy 2: 12 is still applicable today, what does that mean for 1 Timothy 2: 15 and 1 Corinthians 11:6? What would the modern application be? Also, are you still selling BibleThinker mugs? ~2. 12:31 What did Jesus mean in Matthew 27: 46 when He says, "Why have You forsaken Me"? ~3. 23:55 What would be your advice to a husband whose wife has not been intimate with him for over 10 years, if she refuses counseling? ~4. 25:59 What is your view on the letters to the churches in Revelation being prophesy? ~5. 28:37 What are your thoughts about Christians marrying people outside of the Church, and sex before marriage? ~6. 33:23 How do we distinguish between feeling guilt vs. feeling shame after we sin? ~7. 35:12 When Jesus became incarnate, did He temporarily cease to be omniscient while on Earth, and then become omniscient/omnipresent once again after His resurrection/ascension? ~8. 38:31 What are your thoughts on the opinion that we only have to forgive someone if they repent? Should we forgive someone even if they don't repent? ~9. 40:13 How does God respond to the prayers of/for an unbeliever? ~10. 42:37 Can you please research the doctrines of the Mosaic Church (a popular church in L.A.) and their teaching? ~11. 43:11 Since, as Christians, our sin is paid for, why do some people believe you can lose your salvation? Can the "payment" for our sins become "unpaid"? ~12. 44:52 How would you describe the sovereignty of God to a new believer, or someone who doesn't fully understand that concept? ~13. 48:02 What is God's will? ~14. 49:42 Is church attendance biblically required? Are you a member of your church? ~15. 52:41 How do we know that the Gospels were written by the authors Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? ~16. 56:01 Have you ever had a former LDS member say that only the FLDS members believe in things like "God was once a man and became God" or "All good Mormons can become a god one day"? ~17. 58:13 Please expound the biblical practice of worship described in Romans 12:1. How do we yield our bodies to God? ~18. 1:00:51 What are your thoughts on Judges 19? Why isn't the story of the Levite and the concubine commonly mentioned in sermons? Do you think the sin in this chapter is adultery, or idolatry? ~19. 1:05:29 Many of the faith's forefathers in the Old Testament had multiple wives. Was this wrong at the time, or is this something that was o.k. then, but not o.k. now? I want everything I do to be FREE and with NO obligation for you to give money. It's my delight to do it this way! If you do choose to support this ministry you can do so at my web site. https://BibleThinker.org

Talking to your kids about Jesus is a powerful resource for giving your kids the theological and apologetics training that they probably won't get from church. I'm joined today by Natasha Crain, who has spent years helping parents do a good job training their kids to be able to have a confident and well-informed faith. She has three books that all follow the format of unpacking important questions about God, Jesus and Christianity with the help of short chapters that answer those questions quickly and thoughtfully. My favorite part of her books is the conversation guides which help parents to talk to their kids about those questions in a healthy, educational and interactive way. Her blog and resources can be found here. https://natashacrain.com The book is "Talking to Your Kids about Jesus", I HIGHLY recommend it and it's available here. https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Your-Kids-about-Jesus-ebook/dp/B07VLC3MQY/ My web site is here. https://biblethinker.org

There is a big step between knowing Jesus rose from the dead and actually being saved by Jesus. This video is meant for those who want to understand, in really practical ways, how to be forgiven of sin and obtain eternal life. I'm going to do my best to explain the gospel message in a way that is accessible to those who haven't spent a lot of time in church but also in a way that gives you an awareness of the grandeur of what God has done for us through Christ. The gospel in about 1 minute https://youtu.be/V9fW6ud0qiU Do you want to know the Bible better? Here are some videos that can get you started with the Bible and take you really deep in understanding it better. I suggest you watch this first. "The Bible for Beginners" is a teaching where you will get an overview of the Bible which will equip you to understand what you are reading much more easily. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJG-AjxNiF8 The book of Romans is a really good thing to study for new believers. Here is a verse by verse Bible study series through the whole book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRwWLeKhViQ&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHvQ9G4NCvuiN4Evbp13uQa1 As I type this I am in an ongoing study through the Gospel of Mark. Here is the playlist where I will upload regular videos until the whole series is done. Join me! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c7jWg60N_0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF My web site - https://Biblethinker.org

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: ~~~1:13 Pastor Mike's thoughts on the book "Like Clay Under the Seal" by Pastor Dean Odle (who teaches that the Bible supports a "flat Earth" perspective)~~~ 1. 12:14 What does the Bible say about taking communion at home? Can we do it, and if so, how? What do we need to be aware of? 2. 14:43 In 1 Corinthians 15: 2, what does Paul mean when he says, "...unless you believed in vain"? 3. 17:48 Since you say that Ephesians 2: 8 does not teach that faith is the "gift of God", does it originate with us then? How does that square with 1 Corinthians 2: 14, since the "natural man" cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God? 4. 25:36 To what extent is Satan involved in the sins of mankind? Some believe that he has little to do with the current sins of man, but others believe he is at the heart of every temptation. 5. 28:47 In your opinion, who is the "he" referring to, in 2 Thessalonians 2: 7? Do you think this verse pertains to the rapture? 6. 32:48 What do you believe about "Mystery Babylon"? 7. 34:21 What are some practical things I can do to help further God's Kingdom through apologetics? 8. 37:13 What would you say to an atheist who agrees with Christian values but can't get around the idea of the existence of a "higher being"? 9. 39:20 What do I say to someone who says they can't believe that the Bible is the Word of God because it's "been tampered with" by many people? 10. 41:07 Can you please do a study on 1 John? 1 John makes it seem like we have to be perfect (literally), which seems works-based. 11. 45:16 What does 1 John 5: 16 mean? What are some responses to "future judgment" verses and verses about future temple sacrifice being used to get believers to observe the Torah? 12. 47:37 Question about divorce & an announcement about upcoming content 13. 48:43 Is baptism required for salvation? 14. 50:20 My current church is unsteady and I've found a new church that I love. How can I leave my current church in a loving manner without causing hurt? 15. 51:53 Sometimes I feel intimidated by the Catholic Church's claim of authority and the claim that non-Catholics are damned. Do you recommend any verses for me, and may I have your advice? 16. 55:04 How do I explain to a 17 year old that we have "free will" when God knows the outcome? If God knows what I'm going to do, did I really have the choice to do it? 17. 56:34 Is it a good analogy to think of the Trinity like the "body, soul, and spirit" that we have? 18. 57:56 What are we to make of the name Jehovah? My web site is https://Biblethinker.org My original flat earth video showing that the Bible does not teach the earth is flat. https://youtu.be/qePiXK_8Agc My long debate with my friend Dean Meadows on baptism and whether or not it saves https://youtu.be/x2TfBVNuuY8

The next live stream is planned for Tuesday at 5pm PST. Hope to see you there! Some people have sadly misunderstood the words of Jesus here and cut off parts of their bodies as a way of avoiding sin. Not only does this fail to keep you from sinning, it isn't what Jesus wants. Today I'll be teaching on what Jesus meant by "cut off your hand", "cut off your foot" and "gouge out your eye". His words, when understood rightly, are still extreme, they just aren't about causing physical harm. Another HUGE issue in this passage is Jesus trying to wake us up as to the eternal consequences of choosing sin over God. May we be woken up and may we follow his commands to be salt in this world. Here's the whole Gospel of Mark playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF

Tech issues with a planned interview resulted in an impromptu live Q&A. Video on the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit https://youtu.be/KmCHX8-2Smo Here's a link where you can support my ministry. You are under NO obligation to support what I do, I'm perfectly happy and thankful to God to be able to give this content out for free. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Dispelling popular myths about Mary Magdalene and giving you an actual survey into the historical data about her. The stuff you see about Mary Magdalene in movies, plays and even in news articles is so bad it hurts my brain. And after this, it may hurt your brain too. If you want the lowdown on the "true Jesus", the "authentic Jesus", the "real Jesus" then you're going to have to face the fact that our best information about Jesus is found in the documents of the New Testament. The "itch" that many people have to find a Jesus different than that which we read about in the Bible has lead them to embrace a lot of weird, unsubstantiated and just plain dumb ideas. My guest is Wesley Huff and you can find his teaching on how we got the canon of the New Testament here (link to be added later) Wes' web site is here https://www.wesleyhuff.com/ My ministry is supported by donations and if you want to help enable me to continue please click the following link. But, I have a concern right now due to the economic hardships caused by coronavirus. If you are making hard choices between which ministries to continue to support, I ask that you stop supporting me for the time being and continue to support those which are under threat of closing. If my own budget starts to get dangerously tight then I will let you know. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

For the first time I'm going to be streaming my Sunday evening Bible study from home. Jesus' teaching in this passage, Mark 9:33-42, is meant to stop abuses in leadership, unnecessary division and competitive self-seeking in Christians. These issues are so relevant to us today that we need to take Jesus' words to heart. It may require that we change some things about ourselves or our ministries. Subscribe and make sure to click the bell icon if you want notifications when I go live. Keep your eyes on Jesus. This is part 32 in the ongoing series through the Gospel of Mark. You can catch the whole series here (and perhaps now is a good time to start a series!) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you want to support this ministry please click here. But, if you are deciding between helping my ministry and another one which may be at great financial risk during this crisis I ask that you support the other ministry as I am not currently at risk of shutting down like they might be. Thank you. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

I will be joined by Dr. Michael Brown has spent a large part of his life finding evidence that Jesus is the Messiah and he is one of my favorite go-to sources for answering objections to Jesus as the Messiah. In this interview we will cover not only a number of scriptures that show Jesus is the Messiah but we will answer objections from skeptics and Jewish anti-missionaries like Tovia Singer. Dr. Brown's YouTube channel is here (and it has tons of content) https://www.youtube.com/user/AskDrBrownVideos Dr. Brown's twitter profile - https://twitter.com/DrMichaelLBrown My twitter profile - https://twitter.com/MikeWingerii March apologetics tournament on Twitter https://twitter.com/AApologetics Your votes will help increase the reach of the ministries you vote for If you want to help me continue to make free online content click here. But I sincerely want you to know that this ministry is meant to be free to you. We only need a small number of supporters for us to keep doing what we are doing so enjoy the content with no obligation! https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

I'll give you the summary in the first minute of this video and you can get the full download if you stick around for the whole talk. I'ts a lot of interesting stuff and some fun with weird comments on Twitter. We will show exactly what was forged, what it means for Christianity, what it means for the Museum of the Bible, and what it means for the Dead Sea Scrolls as a whole. I think it's important to realize that news outlets, in an effort to get more views on their articles, have given people a false impression about this discovery. Wesley Huff has his own web site here https://www.wesleyhuff.com/ More resources if you're interested in knowing more about the Dead Sea Scrolls. Lay-Level Christian Beginnings and the Dead Sea Scrolls https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Beginnings-Scrolls-Studies-Theology/dp/080102837X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Christian+beginnings+and+the+dead+sea+scrolls&qid=1584370753&s=books&sr=1-1 Intermediate: The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls (3 vol.) https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Dead-Sea-Scrolls-set/dp/1932792341 Advanced: The Encyclopedia of the Dead Sea Scrolls https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Dead-Sea-Scrolls-set/dp/0195084500/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+encyclopedia+of+the+dead+sea+scrolls&qid=1584370840&s=books&sr=1-1���DSS Translations�The Dead Sea Scrolls Study Edition Vol. 1 https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Scrolls-Study-vol-1Q1-4Q273/dp/0802877524/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+dead+sea+scrolls+study+edition&qid=1584370923&s=books&sr=1-1 Vol. 2 https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Scrolls-Study-vol-4Q273-11Q31/dp/0802877532/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=The+dead+sea+scrolls+study+edition&qid=1584371001&s=books&sr=1-2 The Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Sea-Scrolls-New-Translation/dp/006076662X/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=The+dead+sea+scrolls+study+edition&qid=1584371016&s=books&sr=1-3

Question Timestamps for Quick Reference: 1. 1:36 How do you reconcile Luke 9: 50 and Luke 11: 23? How do we understand them in their proper context, and how can we apply them in our lives today? 2. 5:15 Regarding your recent "flat Earth" video, what does the Bible say about other planets and their purpose for being created? 3. 8:08 Is it possible that Christians made up martyrs' claims to make their claims about Christianity hold more value and truth to the people in later centuries? 4. 11:55 What is the biblical way to proceed when a member of your church shares a clearly "new age" message, believing it to be a "call to prayer"? 5. 14:20 How do I fire people at work and still show grace and be a godly leader? 6. 15:48 Have you had the opportunity yet to study deeper about whether or not we can lose our salvation? 7. 17:08 Matthew 6: 25-34 talks about not worrying, and that God knows what we need and will provide. But how can that be true when there are Christians who suffer without "the essentials"? 8. 24:10 Why circumcision? Of all things, why did God choose that as the sign of the covenant? What is the history/meaning behind it? 9. 26:12 Can you please teach on remarriage after a divorce of 2 Christians? Is it sinful for one spouse to remarry if the other person is not willing to reconcile? 10. 26:58 How would you suggest I help other believers understand that Christians are not immune to the troubles of daily life in a way that will not cause them to be fearful/anxious? 11. 29:39 I have an unbelieving sister & niece in homosexual relationships. We have a good/loving relationship with them, but have not allowed their partners into our home. Should we reconsider this approach? 12. 30:53 What would you say to someone who is trying to compare mythology to Christianity? 13. 33:08 I was recently asked, "How can I trust your (or any other person's) interpretation of a Bible verse?" and "If the Holy Spirit is helping both you and I interpret, then why might we disagree?" Thoughts? 14. 36:04 Is the rapture "pre-tribulation", "post-tribulation", or "pre-wrath", and where does the Bible say? 15. 39:38 Do you think Jeremiah 17: 13 is a prophecy of John 8: 1-11? 16. 41:50 I would like to serve the body by making videos, but I'm afraid my sin is too great to be any sort of teacher. Should I deal with my sin first, or am I still able to be a teacher in spite of it? 17. 43:48 What does it mean to "boast in the Lord", and how should we do it? 18. 44:37 Did Jesus cause or permit drunkenness by providing more wine to (assumably) drunk guests? What is drunkenness? 19. 48:19 Do you have any advice for starting a Christian YouTube channel? 20. 49:18 What is your view on Christians writing fiction and fantasy books? 21. 50:13 In Genesis 4: 13-17, how was Cain afraid of someone finding and killing him, and how did he get a wife if he, Adam, and Eve were the only people on Earth at this point? 22. 53:38 If we are all happy in Heaven/Paradise, will we not be sad/mourning for those in Hell/Sheol? 23. 57:20 Is there hope for Christians struggling with continuous sin like pornography? Or is repentance/struggling through it sufficient? 24. 58:03 Who is the word "Lord" referring to in 2 Corinthians 3: 17? Is it implying that Jesus is the Holy Spirit? 25. 1:00:56 In the Genesis 6 reference to the "sons of God", who is that referring to? 26. 1:02:34 How do I know if I have blasphemed the Holy Spirit? 27. 1:03:04 Question about Mark/Olivet Discourse 28. 1:03:33 Can a Christian read Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle? 29. 1:04:44 Is there good evidence for the Exodus? 30. 1:05:31 How would you answer a Christian who claims (using 1 Jn. 2: 1) that believers don't have a "sinful flesh" after being born again, ignoring other verses? 31. 1:07:12 How is annihilationism not the obvious teaching of Scripture, when eternal life is dependent upon salvation and substitutionary atonement requires that the proper punishment be served? 32. 1:09:08 Does ev

Should churches close? Should I change my lifestyle? How does faith impact a choice to put myself or others at risk? How do I respond if government overreaches? I don't pretend to have answers to all my own questions about coronavirus or pandemics but I think we have a lot of scripture that does give us some relevant guidance. If we will remember biblical wisdom we'll be in a much better place to make good choices. ANNOUNCEMENT - I'm going to try to do more videos while so many people are "social distancing" so make sure to subscribe AND click the bell if you want to know when I'm going live or uploading something new. That bell icon is the only way you can know you'll get a notification. If you love this ministry and want to help me continue to make free content please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

At first it seems like this story is dropped awkwardly into Mark 9 with no apparent reason. But studying the passage more carefully shows that it may well be a deliberate act on the part of God to illustrate the need for faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus. This poor boy, afflicted by a demon for years, seems to be a representation of Jesus on the cross and how challenging it would be for the disciples to trust in a Messiah who would die. This passage also has something that is hugely important to me personally; the father of the child crying out, “I believe, help my unbelief!” The fact that Jesus received the conflicted faith of this man shows me that He receives us when our faith is equally conflicted. Thank God for His patience. This is part 31 in the ongoing Mark series, here’s the whole thing! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you love this ministry and want to help me keep making free content, please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Here's how this video is going to be different than what some people would expect. 1- If you are a flat-earther you are welcome here. I'm not here to mock anyone. I respect people on both sides of the issue. 2- I'm not going to get side-tracked on questions about geocentricity, the firmament, or ANE views outside the Bible. I'm just focusing on the flat earth question. 3- I'm going to methodically handle the proof-texts used by flat earth proponents to support their views. I only want to ask "do these verses support a conclusion that the Bible teaches a flat earth?" 4- I'm not interested, in this teaching, about what "science says" or questions of conspiracies. I'm only asking about the Bible. The simple method here is to have a sober look at the passages used to support a flat earth theory and show what they are really saying, in context. This video is meant to be a helpful resource for those who sincerely want to ask whether or not the Bible, on it's own, is teaching a flat earth. Links you may be interested in. The full Dean Odle video I played clips of (really bad exegesis) https://youtu.be/hIMIAdyWEIg Strong's concordance for "platus" https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/platus.html Want a BibleThinker mug? https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/bible-thinker-mug Thanks to supporters I can study all day and make completely free videos teaching theology and apologetics. If you want to support this work please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

We can easily read through this passage without having a clue as to how much deep and thoughtful material it contains. We learn stuff about the relationship between Jesus, Moses and Elijah, the difference between the first and second coming, why Peter wanted to build tabernacles for them, how Jesus' glory shows He is greater than Moses and much more. On a personal note, I have been thoroughly enjoying this methodical study through the Gospel of Mark and I'm grateful that you can join me as we mine the depths of scripture for it's treasures! Here's the whole Mark series playlist covering both theology and apologetics in Mark. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you love this ministry and want to help support my continued creation of free content helping people learn to think biblically about everything, click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Here are all the questions and time stamps to them. Thanks to Sarah Zimmerman for providing them! 1. 2:48 Do you think the flood in Genesis was local or global? Do you think it matters a great deal either way/affects the intention/theology of the event? 2. 6:41 Have you ever heard of John G. Lake Ministries, or Curry Blake? If yes, what are your thoughts on their theology? If no, can I pay you to research them? 3. 7:35 Can you explain the reason Jesus cursed the fig tree in Mark 11? 4. 11:27 What does it mean to be “born of water” in John 3: 5? 5. 15:13 Is Romans 1: 20 a good verse to help refute the doctrine of “Total Depravity”? 6. 16:59 How do you love God more? 7. 18:28 I feel the Enemy attacking me as if he’s trying to make me fall. Please help me. What can I do, or what verses should I read? 8. 20:22 How should we reconcile the baptism verses in the book of Acts (Acts 2: 38, 19: 5-6, 10: 48, 8: 16) with Matthew 28: 19? 9. 27:29 Why can’t we be forgiven after death if God’s mercy is forever? 10. 28:24 Do you believe we can lose our salvation? 11. 29:22 Why did God permit the serpent to deceive Adam and Eve? 12. 31:21 I’m starting Bible college in August. Any advice for me? 13. 32:00 Why do we translate Yeshua into Jesus and not Joshua? 14. 33:19 Do women need to wear head coverings when praying or prophesying? 15. 33:35 In 1 Corinthians 3: 15, it seems to mention that even “carnal Christians” can be saved. Does this mean Heaven will have some form of hierarchy among Christians? 16. 39:08 What is the best way to use apologetics to witness to your family? 17. 40:02 Can you explain “saved by faith alone”? Does that mean even if you go on sinning you still have salvation just because you believe? 18. 42:37 What is the difference between a false teacher and someone whose interpretation you simply don’t agree with? 19. 43:42 What is your opinion on nudity in art? 20. 46:03 I know the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is very strong, but what about the evidence for His virgin birth? 21. 47:49 What is your take on Acts 4: 32-37? Why don’t we see this practice more in congregations today? 22. 51:25 What powers or abilities do demons have? 23. 55:27 Why can an atheist appear to be a better person than a Christian? 24. 56:44 Why would God ever order someone to be killed (ex: in the Old Testament)? 25. 1:00:57 Speaking in tongues is something that really confuses me. Is it real? 26. 1:02:32 How does one make sure that he does not elevate Christian thought and scholarship above God, especially in disciplines like apologetics? How do you avoid making intellect an idol? 27. 1:05:11 Who is the Bride of Christ and the 144,000 in the book of Revelation? 28. 1:06:01 Do you think people should go to college to become a pastor? 29. 1:07:06 I left a church because they taught KJV onlyism and only sang hymns. They thought that contemporary worship music was worldly and not pleasing to God but I really liked the warm, loving people. 30. 1:09:24 What good apologetic books do you recommend? 31. 1:10:27 My Christian friend says we should not offend people while sharing the Gospel. My understanding was that they must get offended in order to be convicted of their sin and see their need for Jesus. What are your thoughts? 32. 1:11:40 What can you share about the “old Earth/young Earth” topic of discussion? 33. 1:13:37 What is your opinion on Christians doing yoga? 34. 1:13:54 How do we know if Joseph Smith was wrong theologically but the Book of Mormon is right? I see more contradictions within the D&C and not really in the Book of Mormon. 35. 1:15:53 Where is your church located? If you want to support the work I do with this ministry then click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

This is the "big reveal" moment in the Gospel of Mark. It turns out that Jesus was highly anticipated and largely misunderstood. What Jesus does in Mark 8 is to keep us from misunderstanding who He is or what He has come to do. It's really remarkable! Come and see how the cross is at the center of the purposes of Christ and how Jesus wanted to make sure that nobody interpreted Him apart from His death and resurrection. This is part 29 in the Mark series, here's a link to the whole playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you want to support this ministry then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

I asked real people why they became pro-life. Here's what they said. What changed their minds should probably change yours too. I posted this question on Twitter the other day. "For those who went from pro-choice to pro-life I’m really interested to know what it was that changed your mind. Among all the possible reasons to change your mind, what was it that changed yours personally? I thought the answers were awesome! Here's a link to that thread on Twitter https://twitter.com/MikeWingerii/status/1229562258478391296?s=20 Here's the paper about a consensus of biologists saying human life begins at conception. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3211703 I try to make everything I produce free so it can reach and minister to the largest number of people. If you want to help me in this mission please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

The problem here is that Jesus’ warning is a puzzle. But, looking at the passage in context it’s not that hard to see what it’s about. We’ll cover the meaning of “the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod”. We’ll also find out why Jesus healed a blind man in two stages and how it relates to the disciples understanding of Jesus. This is a verse by verse study of Mark 8:13-26 and it is part of a larger verse by verse study through Mark, available here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you love this ministry and want to (and can afford to) help support my continued production of free content then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

This video is all you need to know about The Passion Translation of the Bible. I summarize many hours of research in this one interview and I hope this becomes a resource for pastors, churches and anyone who has run into The Passion Translation and wants to know more about it or its chief architect, Brian Simmons. You’ll hear about several issues with the translation, with example passages, you’ll find out about Brian’s supposed visions and how his credentials aren’t what he has claimed. We’ll compare TPT to other translations, show how it unjustifiably changes God’s word, reveal the truth about Brian’s so-called training and experience, and hear what actual scholars have said about TPT. Melissa Dougherty interviewed me, this is her YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyKgD0DLtBN21gfThSalyUQ My other videos on The Passion Translation, which offer a more in depth analysis. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHvXha4rjCj1Po0WLQc_jGGW Video Where Brian Simmons is Talking About His 'Linguistic Training': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBmS5ywXtkY Brian Simmons on Sid Roth explaining His Revelation of The Passion Translation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vMTufSKaY8 Andrew Shead’s article against The Passion Translation https://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/burning-scripture-with-passion-a-review-of-the-psalms-passion-translation/

Find out what I said to her in a private message that got her to block me on Twitter. And see how this art perfectly represents the propaganda of the pro-choice movement. We can actually learn a TON from how this artist is abusing the words of Jesus to support abortion. See the art, understand what it means, and learn how it totally distorts the teachings of Jesus. This is that artist whose work I am critiquing. I want to make sure to give her full credit. If you want to check out her work this is her Twitter page (although I can no longer see what's on it) https://twitter.com/tatsgill Some of the issues that will come up in today's live stream. Does Jesus saying "With you always" mean that He supports abortion? Why does this art ignore the issue of the baby? Which side of the abortion line would Jesus actually be on, based on HIS OWN words? Why don't pro-choice people want a calm, rational conversation? Here's a short video explaining what happens in a pill abortion. https://youtu.be/k9Vl-RFdsWc The video in this link does have drawn images but no actual photos. We really need to know what this is since people think it's not a big deal to take pills that cause abortions. Published paper on consensus of Biologists saying human life begins at conception https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3211703 If you love this teaching and want to support it please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

When people ask for evidence for God are they putting up a smokescreen? Is there such a thing as "blind unbelief"? It's remarkable to me, how much the Pharisees in this story are like many today who reject the evidence for Jesus while asking for evidence for Jesus. Now, please listen carefully to this message because I am NOT trying to say that everyone who doesn't believe is the same as these Pharisees. I am saying that a lot of people are, and while I know that some will find this offensive I ask that they be open-minded enough to consider the possibility that what happened to Hume, Atkins, Dillahunty, and Flew could be happening to them as well. This is part 27 in the ongoing series through the whole Gospel of Mark. Here's the whole playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF Here's the link I mentioned where Atkins admits to his atheism that not even evidence can refute. https://youtu.be/dRWIsuEL0Ac If you want to support this ministry and my continued production of free content please click here https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

You're about to get a crash course on evidence for God! And we will deal with a bunch of objections to it as well. I'm joined today by Braxton Hunter from Trinity Radio (his channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/braxhunt ) and we are teaching you the Kalam Cosmological Argument for God's existence. This is supported by philosophical and scientific arguments and evidence. In this video we intend to give you a simple version of the argument as well as a more careful and complex explanation of it. Then we will interact with objections that you can expect to come across when you are using this to show people God exists. Here's one video from Braxton that I thought you might want to check out! "A Christian Response to 15 Atheist YouTubers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGdoPvtAUzo I mentioned my videos on understanding variants in the New Testament (in response to a question on John 8) here's a link to those three videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WclIZwBFhq0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuzJhPtmrgqpVoXhjvqiIjW My work in this ministry is fully supported by donations and I intend to keep it that way so that everything I produce can be offered for free. If you want to help make this possible here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

12 Apologetics YouTube channels join forces for an epic live stream. Here's everyone's info. Capturing Christianity https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCux-_Fze30tFuI_5CArwSmg Whaddo You Meme?? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1okSIA8UEY8OqvtjGHFvzA Believing Thinkers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqyAliYCIcGZMoJkzVBiZmQ One Minute Apologist https://www.youtube.com/user/oneminuteapologist Acts 17 Apologetics https://www.youtube.com/user/Acts17Apologetics Inspiring Philosophy https://www.youtube.com/user/InspiringPhilosophy Maven https://www.youtube.com/user/BrettKunkleSTR Tru-ID Apologetics https://www.youtube.com/user/scottlane7 Cross Examined https://www.youtube.com/user/TurekVideo Vocab Malone https://www.youtube.com/user/vocabmalone What Would You Say? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA7Gikp1j0uAIrcEJDTriyQ I hope that you find some great resources in these channels and that at least one or two of them really helps you!

Having recently done a debate against a Presuppositionalist, on the topic of "What Apologetic Methodology is Biblical?", I think it would be good to have a video online simply and thoughtfully explaining what I take to be the biblical view on this topic. This is going to be my understanding of a biblical approach to apologetics answering many of the following questions. What role does evidence play in evangelism? What about Christians who live in circumstances where they can not find the arguments and evidence that supports their faith? Should they still believe? If so, based on what? Do we need to offer arguments for God before offering the evidence for the resurrection? What is the difference between "knowing" Christianity is true and "showing" that it's true? Is the witness of the Holy Spirit evidence? How is that different than a what a Mormon claims? My work in this ministry is fully supported by donations and I intend to keep it that way so that everything I produce can be offered for free. If you want to help make this possible here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

The majority of scholars think that Mark has unintentionally reduplicated the story of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes. It turns out that they are wrong for a number of reasons. In this study through Mark 8:1-10 we will try to understand the deep theological meaning of the passage as well as answer scholarship which has been unable to see the forest through the trees. One of the major issues with scholarship when it comes to the gospels is an unwise assumption that Mark is based on a bunch of stories about Jesus floating around a community of people, changing over time, and finally being written down after the fact. The evidence shows that Mark is not the result of a community who changed stories over time. It's from eye witness testimony! If you want more on this please listen to the first video in the Mark series where I go through "Who Wrote Mark" and discuss evidence of it's eye witness sources. Seriously, it's really neat stuff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c7jWg60N_0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF&index=2&t=0s Here is the whole Mark playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you want to support this ministry you can do so here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Any one of these verses can change your life. Store up this wisdom and look for ways to apply it. To study proverbs is to methodically gather wisdom much like the way a farmer gathers in his crop, knowing that it will be essential for the future. I'm hoping this little tour through Proverbs 27 will ignite in you an appreciation for the book and renew your own hunger for wisdom. Let's honor God's name by being a wise people in the midst of a foolish world. If you love this ministry and want to help support my continued production of free content please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Jesus put His fingers in a man’s ears and His spit in the man’s mouth. Do you know what it means? We will cover the deep theological meaning behind this act and also deal with some critical objections to the reliability of Mark. Critics say that Mark doesn’t understand the geography of Israel because of Mark 7:31. Some will even say that Jesus is copying pagan rituals when He heals this way. Well, that’s silly and I’d like to share why. Mark 7:31–37 (NASB95)Again He went out from the region of Tyre, and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, within the region of Decapolis. They brought to Him one who was deaf and spoke with difficulty, and they implored Him to lay His hand on him. Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly. And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it. They were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” This is the article comparing Epidaurus with the Gospels, in which the author says, "An influence of Epidaurus on the Gospels is not possible to trace." https://www.academia.edu/29349556/The_differences_between_the_healing_stories_from_Epidaurus_and_from_the_Gospels._R%C3%B3%C5%BCnice_mi%C4%99dzy_opisami_uzdrowie%C5%84_z_Epidauru_i_z_Ewangelii Here's the whole Mark series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you love this ministry and want to support the free content I produce please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Drew (Genetically Modified Skeptic) offered his "4 Weird Questions That Might Make You an Atheist" we've heard him out and thought it through and want to explain how these 4 questions shouldn't make you an atheist. In fact, if you work through them carefully you'll see that they actually give us more reason to believe in God. Here is Braxton Hunter's channel "Trinity Radio" https://www.youtube.com/user/braxhunt Here is Jon McCray's channel "Whaddo You Meme??" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1okSIA8UEY8OqvtjGHFvzA Here is Cameron Bertuzzi's channel "Capturing Christianity" https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCux-_Fze30tFuI_5CArwSmg Here's Drew's original video which we are responding to https://youtu.be/JE-P6mw60-A Info on Pascal's Wager: This is a playlist from Crash Course Apologetics on Pascal's Wager. VERY well done and extremely thorough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9ejUnGl4MY&list=PLlVH-ThCazKlqtTVa-3hvKfBXy5LajVsw Here's an interview with Dr. Liz Jackson on her case for Pascal's Wager. It's very accessible and she answers a ton of objections to it as well. https://youtu.be/e6qHRLkFhCM My work in this ministry is fully supported by donations and I intend to keep it that way so that everything I produce can be offered for free. If you want to help make this possible here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Modern people sometimes flip out because of misunderstanding what Jesus said to this woman. On the other hand, this passage does have something that is offensive to those who are blinded by entitlement and think that the grace of God is something they deserve. I ask that you suspend forming an immediate opinion about why Jesus referred to this woman (and Gentiles in general) as "dogs" and you take the time to really understand what Jesus was saying because it has important application into our relationship with God and our theology of the Old Testament. This is part 24 in a series going through the gospel of Mark, here is the whole playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you love this ministry and want to (and can afford to) help support my continued production of free content then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

There are some serious objections to Penal Substitution when it comes to the morality of punishing the innocent, the idea of forgiveness being accomplished through punishment and several other moral, philosophical and legal concerns. In this video I'm going to systematically deal with these straightforward objections to the logic of Penal Substitution. Check out the whole series on Penal Substitution to see the historical case for the church fathers holding to elements of penalty and substitution in the cross, the case for the OId Testament teaching PSA through typology, the Book of Romans and PSA, and how to unravel and disarm the constant rhetorical deceptions of that are most commonly labeled against the cross. Here's my whole series on Penal Substitution https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp Here's that video on Limited Atonement https://youtu.be/shpZMRhr4uM My work in this ministry is fully supported by donations and I intend to keep it that way so that everything I produce can be offered for free. If you want to help make this possible here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

This stuff is in scripture for a reason folks. The issues Jesus had with the Pharisees are the same issues we deal with today. This is how the Pharisees used tradition as a way of missing out on the heart of God and neglecting to obey scripture. There's some really interesting parallels between the Pharisees and Catholicism. The Pharisees had the "Oral Torah" and Catholicism has "Sacred Tradition". This is a verse by verse Bible study through the whole gospel of Mark. Here is the whole playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF My video on "Is Christmas Pagan" (I hope all will be openminded and consider it) https://youtu.be/ugxJBb0lPXQ A Biblical Look at Tattoos https://youtu.be/D_z5_pXDnTk Everything Scripture Says About Alcohol https://youtu.be/MRpA4njHF64

Critics of Penal Substitutionary Atonement will often misrepresent it as "cosmic child abuse" or a slew of other straw men. This teaching is meant to showcase how many of the people who publicly criticize penal substitution do so by ignoring the core teaching and focusing on making a ridiculous and monstrous fake version of penal substitution which is designed to be so disgusting that you will reject it. The result of all this is that you reject the biblical teaching about Jesus' death on the cross because you've been misinformed about what it actually teaches. In today's live stream I'm tackling these representations and hope to offer some sober clarity on what Penal Substitution really is as well as to disarm the rhetoric of so many today who aren't dealing with it accurately. Here's my whole series on Penal Substitution (dealing with church history, scripture, rhetoric, philosophy and morality related to it) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp My work in this ministry is fully supported by donations and I intend to keep it that way so that everything I produce can be offered for free. If you want to help make this possible here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

One of the most important things in the Gospel of Mark is the identity of Jesus. But many people don't realize that Mark is telling who Jesus is through the stories about what Jesus did. When we look at the text carefully we can see one amazing revelation after another revealing the "high Christology" of the gospel of Mark. In other words, the skeptics who sometimes claim Mark has a low view of the person of Christ are completely mistaken. In the passage we are in today (6:45-56) we will see that Jesus' walking on water has an interesting connection to the book of Job and, once again, is best explained by connecting the person of Christ to God Himself. I'll also tackle some challenges to the accuracy of the Gospel of Mark when he talks about the journey's of the disciples across the Sea of Galilee. The whole Mark series playlist is here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF Here are the links I mentioned in the video. My video on "Biggest Bible Contradictions" where I unpack today's issue (and more) with maps on screen. https://youtu.be/7zS4VgFDf8s?t=2719 Richard Bauckham's lecture on the accuracy of Mark's geography https://youtu.be/F4THNI0CxbE Steve Hays' article on today's apologetics topic. https://triablogue.blogspot.com/2016/08/was-mark-confused.html Lydia McGrew's article on the same http://lydiaswebpage.blogspot.com/2016/08/but-wait-theres-more-refuting-claim-of.html Jonathan McLatchie's article on the same. http://www.answeringmuslims.com/2016/08/is-mark-confused-about-location-of.html I've shared all three so you can see how different people handle it. If you have the funds and want to help me continue doing this ministry and producing all my content for free then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: **QUESTIONS FROM NON-CHRISTIANS** (thanks to Sarah Zimmerman for making these) 1. 3:37 How do you explain to non-Christians that Jesus indeed was a real person? 2. 8:30 Do you struggle to accept the teaching in 1 Timothy regarding women's roles in the Church? Do you ever find it hard to reconcile your human sense of justice with what the Bible says? 3. 11:32 If it's so obvious that Christianity is true, why do the overwhelming majority of scientists and people with high IQs not believe in God? (Not just 1 or 2, but the majority.) 4. 14:52 What do you say to what seems as sexism in 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Timothy and the Old Testament, how women are treated as ''second class''? 5. 17:43 We have a will, but we cannot choose our will. If we can't be perfect on our own, why are we deserving of punishment for being imperfect? 6. 21:04 Why is theism a better view than atheism and agnosticism? 7. 26:52 What would you say to an Egyptology expert who comes to believe that Jesus existed, died, rose, and reigns but refuses to give Jesus allegiance because of His belief in the historical Exodus? 8. 30:14 In Genesis 3, the serpent tells Eve that the fruit would not kill her, but would open her eyes - and that's what the fruit did. So why do Christians call this interaction a deception or a lie? 9. 33:24 My brother doesn't believe the Bible, arguing that there are much older religions that Christianity copies (ex: the Virgin Birth and other aspects that are the same). How would you respond? 10. 36:10 How do you reconcile the disputed letters of Paul? Do you believe translations like the NLT, ESV, etc. are still infallible, compared to the original Greek manuscripts? 11. 38:34 Jesus says about false prophets, "By their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7 :16). We can see "fruit" in the lives of many Mormons, Bahais, etc. How do you explain that? 12. 41:21 How does secular marriage between 2 people of the same gender affect Christianity? Why do Christians spend so much time advocating against something that isn't relevant to them? 13. 44:36 Why is the doctrine of inerrancy so important? Why believe it, if prophesies don't indicate inerrancy? 14. 46:14 What is your response to the claim that Ephesians is a forgery due to having longer sentences than Paul's other epistles? 15. 47:44 I sometimes call myself an "agnostic Calvinist". If God is real, He hasn't "selected" me. If He wants me to be saved and I desire to understand Him, but I am unconvinced by the Bible, where do I stand? 16. 51:13 What is your advice for someone who finds the arguments for Christianity someone persuasive, but always seems to fall short of having actual faith? (Still having severe doubts/reservations.) 17. 52:58 Don't the first 11 chapters of the Bible seem ridiculous? (Ex: Spiritual beings having sex with women and producing giants, and humans living nearly a thousand years old.) 18. 56:09 Is it forbidden for Christians to have more than 1 wife? In my country (South Africa), it is legal in some parts to have more than 1 wife, and this is a question I get from my people. 19. 58:36 There is good evidence that an all-powerful being exists. What is the evidence for the nature of this all-powerful being? An all-powerful being would have absolute power to deceive. **QUESTIONS FROM CHRISTIANS** 20. 1:01:25 If your pastor's total focus is on divine healing and wants to call his church a "healing center" for the purpose of bringing in the lost, should I stay, or find a different church? 21. 1:02:15 Do "once saved, always saved" people and "lordship salvation" people agree with one another, and only argue over semantics? 22. 1:03:24 Are you going to make any more worship songs? 23. 1:04:11 How would you explain to non-Christians that it's not unfair or inconsistent that we, as humans, are represented by Adam, thus inheriting Adam's sinful nature? 24. 1:06:18 How do I explain to deists the divinity of the Scriptures? Most reject

This stuff should be obvious to all Christians but sadly, progressives have a way of making obvious things very confusing. Here's a look at what the book of Romans teaches about Christ's penal substitution. It gives us clear support for the idea that Jesus died in our place, suffering the penalty we deserved because of sin and thereby provided a way for us to be forgiven so that God could forgive us of our sins without violating His own righteousness and justice by failing to punish sin. This is a beautiful and biblical truth that is being fought against by an increasing number of those who call themselves Bible believing followers of Jesus. Well, I'm not here to rip on them, I'm here to help those who want to see for themselves how the scripture teaches this wonderful truth about the cross. Here's the whole playlist on Penal Substitutionary Atonement (or how Jesus saves us through the cross) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp My work in this ministry is fully supported by donations and I intend to keep it that way so that everything I produce can be offered for free. If you want to help make this possible here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

When Jesus fed the 5,000 it was meant to teach them something really significant about who Jesus is. This meaning was largely lost on the people at the time and people in our time have much the same problem. In this passage we see Jesus as The Prophet like Moses. We also will get a taste of some "undesigned coincidences" which help confirm that the gospels are accurate accounts of actual history rather than the radically evolved oral traditions that some scholars suggest they are. There's also a wonderful lesson for those who are overworked in ministry and seeking to figure out how to balance their own needs and the needs of serving others. I hope the balance in this passage helps you balance your own life and to know how to take care of yourself, take appropriate breaks and remain unselfish while doing so. The miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 is pretty amazing and there's a lot we have to learn from it, but nothing is so wonderful as the light it sheds on the identity of Jesus. If you want to help support this ministry so that I can continue to make free theology and apologetics content then please click here to visit my web site. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

I'm hoping to some more content on violence in the Old Testament as well as a much more detailed and thoughtful response to Greg Boyd's "Cruciform Hermeneutic" in the future. Until then, here is a video getting started on those topics and hopefully offering some help on topics like "How could God kill people?", "What about the Amalekites?", "How literal are the 'destroy them all' passages?", "Is it reasonable to just say that those passages don't really reflect God's commands?" Here's a link to Paul Copan's book "Is God a Moral Monster?" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EPYPY4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Here's a link to the YouTube channel for The Remnant Radio https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC31RZ-b3D1w452JLuzLVl4Q Here are my three videos on whether the Bible has been changed or not and it includes my full explanation of what’s going on with the passage in John about the woman caught in adultery. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuzJhPtmrgqpVoXhjvqiIjW If you want to help me continue making free content then you can do so through my website at this link https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

My goal here is to give you a set of tools, some of which you may find truly helpful. While I have very little to say about medication I think that scripture does offer us some guidance to really help us with the sadness of our souls and looking at several biblical passages that give examples of dealing with and processing depression can help us to better deal with our own. I don't want you to think I'm fully answering the problem of depression or sadness here, just that I'm trying to help us all have more help with it and to let the Bible speak more fully to this issue. May God give you an increase of His joy even in the midst of sorrow and may the patience and hope of Christ be yours. My work in this ministry is fully supported by donations and I intend to keep it that way so that everything I produce can be offered for free. If you want to help make this possible here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate Here's the link to the 1st Peter series, I think it will bless you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoZf07Tj5T0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHs4JVWfSPM5ygzyLMTASL0h

A study on the tragic end of John the Baptist. This is the only passage in Mark that isn't directly about Jesus and it records the sad reality of how pride, corruption and lust lead to the murder of John the Baptist. In addition to the discussion on what lead to John's murder under the orders of Herod we will also get into some apologetics issues surrounding the death of John that skeptics bring up, which actually give us more reason to trust what Mark says. Here's the video I mentioned from Inspiring Philosophy on the topic of supposed contradictions in the death of John the Baptist. https://youtu.be/FZpEnHtO7b4 Here's a link to the full Mark playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you love this ministry and want to support my continued work please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

This is the Old Testament Passage that most clearly shows that Jesus died in our place as a substitutionary sacrifice for us because of our sins. It shows that Christ was our sin bearer and our sin offering and that His sacrifice justifies us. It's also the passage most often ignored by those who deny Penal Substitutionary Atonement. In other words, it's important. We will look at how this passage, with the relevant background understanding of the Levitical sacrifices undeniably teaches that Jesus justifies us with a substitutionary sacrifice according to the will of God. I will cover the debate on this passage as well and even get into why the Septuagint (LXX) translation of Isaiah 53 doesn't give us good reason to reject what we read in the Hebrew text. This is part 3 in a series on Penal Substitutionary Atonement. Check out the whole series here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp If you want to help support the continued work of my ministry then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

In an attempt to help you learn how to better analyze and apply commands to the 12 apostles we look at when Jesus sent the Twelve out two by two, telling them to take no money and no extra supplies. We'll see that this command does not apply directly to us but we'll also see that there is still a simply and biblical way to apply it into our lives, a way that I think the Holy Spirit intended for us to find. In this study we'll also look at the use of oil in healing. I hope this helps equip you to better evaluate and apply passages of Scripture which may not directly be about you but are indirectly teaching you truths about following Jesus. The whole Mark Series is right here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c7jWg60N_0&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you love this ministry and would like to help support my work please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Sola Scriptura is the idea that the Bible is the final authority on what Christians believe and how we live. In this video I’ll explain it simply, give some biblical reasons to support Sola Scriptura and deal with some Catholic rebuttals to it. I’m hoping this is a charitable and gracious experience for everyone even though I know it will be hard stuff for some people to hear. I am convinced this is a huge issue because so many of the teachings of Roman Catholicism are not found in Scripture but in selected traditions. Some points from the video are. 1- Sola Scriptura is a natural understanding of what it means to have inspired Scripture. 2- In Old Testament times they were to test future teachers and teachings by the Scripture they had received. 3- in the New Testament the gospel, once communicated, was to be held to no matter who came to teach otherwise. This absolutely requires individual understanding of the gospel (which is in the New Testament) and the ability to tell any potential “authority” to take a hike. 4- challenges about denominations or the origin of the canon are not defectors for Sola Scriptura. 5- Striking Parallels between Catholicism and Pharisaism seem to demonstrate precedence for how to deal with supposed church authority when it ads tradition to the commands of God. If you want to support this ministry please click here https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

Was Nazareth fake? Was Mary a perpetual virgin? And what can we learn from Jesus being rejected in His hometown of Nazareth? I admit that today's study may seem a bit random but I think you will find it interesting and have some insights that will bless you. Rene Salm wrote a book suggesting that Nazareth was a myth and even though it has been debunked it still shows up on popular atheist web sties today. We'll also deal with the Roman Catholic claim that Mary remained a virgin her whole life and never had children after Jesus. This claim is made even stronger when we realize that the Roman Catholic Church says anyone who says Mary did have other children has committed a mortal sin and will be condemned. Scripture, on the other hand, says that Jesus had brothers and sisters. All of this is in context of our continued series through the gospel of Mark. We will continue this study weekly until I've taught through the whole book verse by verse, tackling issues of theology and apologetics. Here's the whole Mark series playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF If you want to support this ministry you can click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

The idea that Jesus died in our place, suffering the penalty for our sins, is under serious attack. We need to understand where we can find Penal Substitutionary Atonement ideas in the Bible, starting with the Old Testament. This is part of a series explaining and defending Penal Substitutionary Atonement. I'll cover biblical data, historical data, moral objections and more so that you will understand the doctrine, how to defend it and what's really wrong with this modern move against the biblical teaching on Jesus' sacrificial death. Today we are looking at the idea of sacrifice and atonement in the OT, the Day of Atonement, the Passover sacrifice, and (if we have time) Isaiah 53 and penal substitution. Here's the whole playlist on PSA https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp More amazing connections between Jesus and Passover https://youtu.be/A-_6rpQ4zLg How the 5 main sacrifices in Leviticus point to Jesus https://youtu.be/_GOvVSZJxCU This ministry content is all presented free to you and that's the way I want to keep it. This is made possible by those few who have the ability and desire to partner with me through donations. I deeply appreciate those who have made this possible through their support and love the fact that it's free to everyone as a result. If you want to partner with me here's the link. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate If you want a BibleThinker coffee mug they are available for purchase here. Read carefully the shipping details and discount details on that page and contact them if you are outside the USA and need shipping costs/info. https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/bible-thinker-mug

In the best example of a "Markan sandwich" we see two remarkable healings which are meant to teach us some remarkable and needful lessons. Jesus meets our deepest fear with a call to faith that calms our hearts and changes the way we see death forever. I hope and pray that the beautiful truths of this passage of Scripture will get stuck in your head and heart. Here's a link to the whole series through the Gospel of Mark https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF I'm dedicated to making FREE content helping people learn to think biblically about everything. If you love this ministry and want to support it please click here but please feel NO obligation or compulsion to give. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

A lot of leaders who reject Penal Substitution will say that it was invented by Calvin or Anselm and that the early church held to Christus Victor or Ransom theories of the atonement. This turns out to be a painful distortion of history. I mean, this is pure historical revisionism in the name of teaching bad theology! I was shocked to find out how badly church history has been twisted by progressive leaders who, whether they realize it or not, are teaching unbiblical views of how we are saved. In this video you'll hear quotes from many church fathers on the topic of whether the cross included a penal and substitutionary aspect. You'll get needed clarity to help you see through the historical revisionism of guys like Greg Boyd, Steve Chalke and others. And you'll be equipped to head into the next video in this series on Penal Substitutionary Atonement. Which will probably be on the topic of "Does the Bible Teach Penal Substitution?" As I add more videos to this PSA playlist I will put them HERE https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHttVR0rkvhBfA-IKrg5SGcp Here's an article on this topic from The Masters Seminary Journal https://www.tms.edu/m/tmsj20i.pdf Here is Gary Williams' defense of his own work on PSA in the early church fathers https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/eq/2011-3_195.pdf Here's Joseph Mitros' content on how people misrepresent the church fathers on this https://www.pdcnet.org/thought/content/thought_1967_0042_0003_0415_0447 If you love this ministry and want to support my ongoing work producing free content to help people learn to think biblically about everything then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/~biblethinker/index.php/donate

Expand this for time stamps (also in the first comment for mobile users) Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 1. 1:04 Can a wife or mom have a job outside of the house? 2. 4:43 Is profanity ever acceptable? E.g. "I _-ing love you, man!" (not in anger) 3. 8:21 Can you talk about the relationship between obedience and faith? 4. 9:28 What purpose does prayer serve for an all-powerful God? How do we affect anyone/anything with prayer? 5. 13:36 Why do you think God created us if He knew it would result in the fall of man and He would have to save us through such an extreme act of love? 6. 16:45 How do you know that you're REALLY saved? 7. 20:28 What do you think about the idea that it's the worship leader's job to "create an atmosphere for people to encounter God"? 8. 23:15 What are your thoughts on the belief that the Church is "spiritual" Israel which seems to lead to observing Torah? Is the Body of Christ separate from Israel? 9. 24:41 If Jesus, being God, knew He would defeat death, what is the significance of His sacrifice? I understand His resurrection is a pillar of the faith, but how can Jesus being dead for only a few days 'count'? 10. 27:16 What is meant by the phrase "sharing the Gospel"? How do we share the Gospel, and what part of the Gospel do we include? 11. 29:35 I'm writing a paper on limited atonement for class. Any ideas on books to get/passages to cover? 12. 30:17 Any advice on how to "put sin to death"? 13: 35:45 Should all Christians follow the Old Testament Law, considering that Jesus didn't come to change the Law? 14. 38:01 Do you have to speak in tongues to be saved? 15. 39:30 Where is the best place for teens who are new believers to start in the Bible? 16. 41:17 Is the doctrine of "soul sleep" biblical? 17. 42:47 Do you believe seminary is needed to be a minister of God's Word? 18. 43:50 Is the Body of Christ separate from Israel? 19. 45:12 If the New Testament was implemented when Jesus died & rose again, is it fair to say that Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John should be considered part of the Old Testament, since Jesus hadn't died yet? 20. 46:27 Does Lucifer's fall (and ours) mean that God made a mistake? Or does it mean that He planned on sin and the fall happening? 21. 47:49 Do you have any tips for a new believer who wants to begin looking into theology and researching topics in the Bible? 22. 48:30 Is it ok to listen to music that is not classified as "Christian" but has no bad words/profanity? 23. 50:55 Should we go to church at all if we've been watching Bart Ehrman videos and we're not sure? 24. 54:30 Do 12-step programs reconcile with being a Christian? 25. 55:40 Why are there so many denominations and only one true God? 26. 56:54 When we die, will we go to Heaven, or are we all dead until Jesus comes back? 27. 57:19 Some Christians who claim to not believe in sinless perfectionism say if we can go without sinning for minutes or hours, we can go without sinning for days, weeks, or months. Is this biblical? 28. 58:43 Do I have to be baptized when I decide to become a Christian? 29. 59:38 How much do you think aesthetics affects ethics? Do you think wearing worn-out/torn/ragged clothing is a means for the culture of death and destruction? 30. 1:00:19 If I read the Bible and pray, and still doubt & struggle with my faith, what can I do? It's difficult to fight it. 31. 1:01:09 Is lust as simple as looking at a woman and thinking "Wow, nice!" or is it's original meaning something much more, like, "I need to sleep with her. I want to make her mine."? 32. 1:02:44 What do you think about 1 Tim. 2: 11-12 on women's roles in the Church? 33. 1:03:39 Is Halloween Satan's holiday? 34. 1:03:58 When should you stop asking for something in prayer, and start trying to transition your thinking into accepting "no" as God's answer? I highly recommend "The Bible for Beginners" if you haven't heard it yet. https://youtu.be/SJG-AjxNiF8 The Romans series will ground you in solid theology https://www.yo

Get insights about demonology, the identity of Christ, the hope Jesus gives to even the most broken life, and some apologetics about a geography issue in Mark 5 related to the location of the region of the Gerasenes. I got a questions after this study about why Matthew says "Gadarenes" instead of Gerasenes. I forgot to mention it during the study but Gadara was a well known city about 6 miles from Galilee with some territory reaching all the way to Galilee. Matthew seems to be using a different way of referring a region toward the south/east of the Sea of Galilee. When it comes to the issue of demons I hope to provide a needed balance where we embrace the biblical worldview and reality of demons while being able to acknowledge other possible causes of illness. It can be harmful to land on either extreme of denying the spiritual realm or acting as if every ailment is caused by demons. Here's the playlist for the whole gospel of Mark series. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuGenHwUdeiQ5M-uj5XW4sF My goal is to provide all my teaching for free and that nobody will ever be forced to pay for it in order to be blessed by it. If you want to support this ministry so others can be blessed then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate

It's worse than nonsense. It's destructive. I think this is one of the most common bad ideas people have about God and religion. Let's thoughtfully analyze the idea that all roads lead to God and see why this incredibly common viewpoint couldn't possibly be true. Here's a list of other slogans we'll deal with today. "All roads lead to God" "How can you say that Jesus is the only way? How rude! How arrogant! How judgy!" "All religions teach basically the same thing." "All religions have a different piece of the truth." "I think that sincere people will be OK." "I just think that God knows our hearts and that good people will be OK." Because I suspect someone will ask about it. Here's what the Bible says about those who die without hearing the gospel -https://youtu.be/IiyxpE5UBz4 I've devoted this ministry to producing free content meant to bring people to Christ and help them learn to think biblically about everything. I never want anyone to feel obligated but if you would like to support this work then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate BibleThinker coffee mugs are being made by a potter who is a fan of this ministry and they can be purchased here. https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/bible-thinker-mug

Let's get a handle on the various passages where the Bible says that God repents, relents or changes His mind. Personally, I found this study very rewarding and I hope it blesses you as well. Someone came up after I taught this study and shared something with me that I think might add to the content in this message. They said something like, "God is jealous, but not like man's jealousy. God has wrath, but not like man's wrath. And in a similar way God repents but not in the same way or with the same meaning as when man does it." I thought this was worth adding here for you. If you love this ministry and want to help support the creation of more free content then please click here. https://biblethinker.org/index.php/donate BibleThinker mugs are available here (created by a potter who is a friend of the ministry) https://www.zockollpottery.com/product-page/bible-thinker-mug Here's an affiliate link to the Bible software I've been using for the past 13 years; Logos. This link get's you 10% off if you use the code "BIBLETHINKER8" at checkout. https://www.logos.com/partner/biblethinker?utm_source=biblethinker&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=promo-partner

Tips on how to prepare a message, how to maximize your gifting, good software to use to make your study time more efficient, how to think about failures, how to stay true to the Bible, how to process insecurities and nervousness, how to avoid pitfalls of pride, and much more. Free, and very useful, Bible study resources - NetBible has good insights into textual issues and some stuff