In this lively discussion, Mike Winger, a popular online teacher known for engaging live Q&A sessions, tackles urgent questions from his audience. He provides insights into the controversy surrounding Benny Hinn and clarifies the interpretation of Revelation 22:18-19. Winger explores the divergent methodologies in missions, addresses the biblical implications of Satan's power, and discusses overcoming nicotine addiction. He also navigates the nuanced views on homosexuality and examines the reasons behind the punishment of David's family, offering hope and discernment throughout.
The podcast discusses the successful contest against a copyright claim related to a video exposing Benny Hinn, highlighting its widespread impact and viewer response.
It emphasizes the importance of discernment in addressing false teachings while warning against excessively critical approaches that lack thoughtful evaluation.
The speaker clarifies his intention to prioritize research on theology and the teachings of Jesus over continual exposés of controversial figures.
Deep dives
Copyright Claim Challenge
A copyright claim was filed against a recent video exposing Benny Hinn, originating from Jesus Image Church, managed by Hinn's family. The claim centered around a brief clip used in the video, which the church incorrectfully associated with a music claim. The speaker previously faced a similar issue with a Joel Osteen video, which prompted him to actively contest this new claim, fearing a potential future retraction. Ultimately, the church withdrew the claim, allowing the video to remain available without any current disputes.
Impact of the Benny Hinn Video
The video addressing Benny Hinn has received an overwhelming response, accumulating over 300,000 views just days after release. It has notably reached audiences in regions such as Africa and Vietnam, where concerns about Hinn's influence are prevalent. Messages from viewers indicate that the video is educating and empowering them to confront similar deceptive practices in their own contexts. Additionally, other content creators have started producing their own responses to the video, further aiding the dissemination of crucial information.
Unexplored Topics Related to Benny Hinn
While the speaker discussed various issues related to Benny Hinn, there remains a plethora of topics he did not cover in the original video. These include allegations of affairs and controversial predictions made by Hinn about the return of Jesus. The speaker encourages others to continue exploring and spreading information about Hinn, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness to protect potential victims. This highlights a desire for collective investigative efforts rather than positioning the speaker as the sole authority on the subject.
Approach to Discernment Ministry
The speaker reflects on the nuanced debate surrounding discernment ministries, emphasizing the need for balance in addressing false teachings. While acknowledging the value of discernment, he also warns against overly critical approaches that lack discernment themselves. He encourages ministries to avoid labeling all differing perspectives as heretical, advocating for thoughtful evaluation of teachings and thoughtful responses. Additionally, the speaker shares personal experiences with misrepresentation by certain discernment ministries, fostering a call for integrity in the community.
Future Focus Beyond Benny Hinn
Despite the current focus on Benny Hinn, the speaker clarifies his intention not to engage in ongoing exposés of controversial figures. Instead, he plans to prioritize research on theology and the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing a shift towards more impactful and meaningful content for viewers. He expresses hope that others will take up the cause of addressing false teachings in a collaborative manner. The speaker underscores the importance of not allowing his ministry to define itself solely by confrontation with false teachers, aiming instead for constructive discourse and deeper theological exploration.
Welcome to the new weekly stream! 10 questions every Friday at 1 p.m. Pacific Time.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro 1. 0:21 {Benny Hinn Update} What’s your update on the Benny Hinn situation? 2. 16:37 {Don’t Add or Take Away!} People often use Revelation 22:18-19 referring to the whole Bible. When I read it, I see it only referring to Revelation, since the New Testament wasn't formed yet. Could you provide some clarity? 3. 21:18 {Different Methodologies for Missions} There's a lot of debate in missions right now about methodologies (i.e., church planting movements vs. more slow-paced approaches). How should we think through both sides biblically? 4. 29:56 {Does Satan Have Power?} Is it a biblical idea that it's blasphemy to say that Satan has any power? 5. 33:12 {Freedom from Addictions} How does one get set free from nicotine addiction when current medications do not work? 6. 37:54 {Determinism vs. Luck} If we don’t believe that God determines/causes everything, do we believe in some form of luck? For example, when you hit all green lights on your way to work: “Man that was good luck!” Or when you stub your toe: “That was bad luck.” 7. 45:37 {Homosexuality vs. Other Sins} Why should we not ordain homosexuals in church although it’s a sin, when other people with less visible sins (hate, anger, etc.) are serving? What is the biblical view on this? 8. 49:54 {Why was David’s Family Punished?} In 2 Samuel 12:10, why was the sword to never depart from David’s house if our sins aren’t supposed to carry over? Why was his family punished for his sin, and not just his son with Bathsheba but Ammon, etc.? 9. 57:35 {The Father & Spirit in Heaven & Ezekiel’s Vision} Will we see both the Father and the Holy Spirit in Heaven? Also, can you explain Ezekiel’s vision of God and how it relates to Jesus and the Father? 10. 1:03:12 {Does God still Speak through Dreams?} Does God still communicate through dreams? Is there any New Testament examples of God doing so, apart from Mary and Joseph? Bonus Prayer: 1:06:40 Could you pray for my youth leader? He collapsed one day and has been in the hospital ever since. He was supposed to be leading a youth camp I was going to. Asking for prayer for his healing. Thanks.
I’m Mike Winger and my goal is to help people think biblically about everything.