Mike Winger, a Christian apologist and content creator known for his engaging theological discussions, tackles challenging questions about spiritual discernment. He explores how to distinguish between the Holy Spirit's guidance and deceptive influences while discussing the biblical meanings of concepts like 'energy.' Winger also dives into the nuances of transubstantiation and the prophetic implications of tongues. Additionally, he addresses the qualifications for pastoral roles, emphasizing the importance of personal faith in leadership.
Discernment of the Holy Spirit versus deception involves testing perceived revelations against scripture to ensure alignment with God's truth.
Believers are encouraged to cultivate qualities like love and peace as evidence of the Holy Spirit's influence in their lives.
Facing uncertainties about loved ones' salvation offers a profound struggle, yet hope arises from trusting in God's inherent goodness and justice.
Deep dives
The Assurance of God's Power
God's ability to keep believers from stumbling and present them faultless before Him is a profound source of security for Christians. This assurance stems from the belief that it is through Jesus Christ's righteousness and sacrifice that one stands blameless before God, not through personal merit. Those who struggle with sin can take comfort in knowing that genuine faith and commitment to Christ are what leads to salvation. Regardless of the chaos or hardships in life, God's goodness and control remain a constant source of hope.
Distinguishing Spiritual Voices
The distinction between the confirmation of the Holy Spirit and influences from evil demons or psychological self-deception is complex yet important for believers. Recognizing that even the desires of one’s own heart can lead to deception, scripture provides insight on identifying the voice one follows. This includes examining the source of perceived revelation, such as acknowledging deceitful prophecies which may not originate from God. Testing these influences against the truth of scripture is a crucial step for discernment.
The Nature of False Prophets
Scripture warns of false prophets who may sincerely believe in their false prophecies while being deceived by their own hearts. This concern emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, as personal desires can easily be mistaken for divine direction. The criticism extends to groups, such as certain charismatic movements, that encourage individuals to express prophecies based on personal feelings, potentially leading to widespread deception. Believers are encouraged to be vigilant and discerning to avoid falling into this trap.
The Role of Testing Spirits
Testing spirits to distinguish between divine and false influences is essential for believers navigating their faith. Scriptures, such as 1 John 4:2-3, provide clear guidelines to assess whether an impression comes from God or not, focusing on the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as God incarnate as a key test. The conversation surrounding prophecies highlights that even accurate theological expressions do not guarantee correctness in all areas of teaching. While one's confession of faith must align with biblical truth, accuracy and the character of the revelation must also be substantiated.
Understanding the Holiness of the Spirit
The nature of the Holy Spirit emphasizes holiness and godliness, contrasting sharply with the desires of the flesh. Believers are called to embody qualities of love, joy, and peace, which align with the fruits of the Spirit. Actions that lead to strife, dissensions, or other immoralities are clear indicators of the flesh dominating one's life rather than being led by the Spirit. This powerful contrast serves as a guide for believers seeking to discern God's leading in their lives.
Finding Peace in Suffering
Facing the death of loved ones and uncertainties regarding their salvation leads to deep emotional struggles but provides an opportunity for hope. While scripture establishes that no one comes to the Father except through Jesus, the presence of hope arises from moments in which individuals may have experienced grace right before passing. It is crucial to navigate these feelings carefully, balancing between the pain of loss and the justice of God, while ultimately trusting in God’s goodness. As believers are reminded of the ultimate authority and righteousness of God's judgments, they also find consolation that His outcomes are inherently just and good.
1. 1:32 {Discerning the Spirit’s Voice} Is the confirmation of the Holy Spirit distinguishable from an evil demon or psychological self-deception? 2. 29:50 {Do We Give Off “Energy”?} Is “energy” in the esoteric form of the word biblical? I was recently told in a Christian forum that I was “giving off [blank] energy.” Is this biblical? 3. 36:36 {Who will Sit on the Thrones?} In Matthew 19:28, Jesus states the 12 disciples will sit on 12/24 thrones in the regeneration. In Revelation 4:4, 24 elders are sitting on the thrones. Who are the other 12? 4. 39:08 {Proof of Transubstantiation?} If Jesus identifies Himself as “the Word” and Ezekiel literally ate the Word of God (Ezekiel 3:1-3), is this a good case for Ezekiel being an analogy to the Catholic transubstantiation of the Eucharist being true? 5. 47:28 {Tongues/Prophecy for Believers or Unbelievers?} Can you please explain 1 Corinthians 14:22-24? Verse 22 states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers, and prophecy is for believers. But vv. 23 and 24 then go on to, seemingly, describe the exact opposite. 6. 50:57 {God’s Name in Vain} What does it mean to not mention God's name in vain? 7. 56:13 {The Spirit With, In & Upon Us} When David is anointed in 1 Samuel 16, the Bible says that “the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.” How would this be similar or different from us receiving the Spirit now? 8. 1:00:32 {Can a Pastor’s Wife be an Unbeliever?} Do the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 disqualify a man who has an unbelieving wife? 9. 1:09:56 {About OT Quotes in the NT} How should we understand inerrancy for New Testament passages that appear to quote the Old Testament, but no clear reference can be found? (e.g., James 4:5, Matthew 2:23). 10. 1:14:49 {Grieving our Loved Ones when Not Sure of Salvation} My mom just passed away and I am unsure of her salvation. I know she prayed with the hospital's chaplains. My kids ask if they will see her in Heaven. How do I talk to them about this?
