Mike Winger, a prominent theologian and expert on the Christian faith, dives into a riveting discussion on crucial theological questions. He unpacks the confusion surrounding the numerous Christian denominations and offers guidance on choosing a church. Mike also tackles the challenging topic of original sin and its implications for justice. Additionally, he shares insights on feelings of rejection within church communities and emphasizes the need for grace and understanding in those situations.
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Denomination Count Is Misleading
The oft-cited 30,000 to 45,000 Christian denominations count is vastly inflated and misleading.
Most believers belong to a handful of major denominations sharing core Christian beliefs.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Guidelines for Picking a Church
When choosing a church, prioritize Bible teaching accuracy and conservative theology.
Seek healthy discipleship, accountable leadership, and grace for imperfections.
insights INSIGHT
Jesus Condemned All Sinners
Jesus condemned not only religious leaders but all people for their sins.
The idea that Jesus only condemned the religious ignores his overall teaching on human sinfulness.
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1. 0:04 {Which Denomination is True?} Why are there over 30,000 Christian denominations all claiming to be the “true Christians”? Which one should I follow, and why? 2. 25:17 {Was Jesus Only Condemning the Religious?} I often hear people saying that Jesus was speaking to and condemning the religious only, not speaking to the world. How would you respond to this sentiment? 3. 28:41 {Punished for Adam’s Sin?} Are we guilty of the sin of Adam and Eve? If so, isn’t it unjust for God hold us accountable for something we had no part of (Ezekiel 18, Romans 5:12)? 4. 31:46 {Worship Only Services?} When it comes to a church service, would it be appropriate on occasion to just have worship instead of both worship and the Word preached? Should it always be both? 5. 34:16 {Three Dippings during Baptism?} What are your thoughts on “Trine Immersion” during baptism, specifically three dippings? Is it justified in Matthew 28:19? 6. 37:02 {Repentant but Still Rejected} I was rejected by my church because of my behavior, PTSD & my mouth. They didn’t excommunicate me but stopped talking to me/started ignoring me. I’ve repented, apologized, and begged but they still ignore me. It has left me feeling flawed & unloved. What would Scripture tell me about my situation? 7. 40:22 {Is God Deterministic?} If Jesus in the Old Testament was intentional by God, does that mean that God is sometimes deterministic? For example, did God orchestrate Joseph’s life? 8. 42:22 {How to “Build Up” One Another} What does “building others up” with your words really mean? Does it mean that you should compliment people and just say nice things to them? Does it mean more, or something entirely different? 9. 44:16 {Why Ask for Forgiveness?} If we are saved by faith alone, why are there so many prayers asking that our sins be forgiven, when by faith we know that they have been? Thank You 10. 45:09 {Should We Limit our Fun?} I read my Bible every day and pray, but I feel guilty when I engage in a hobby or have “fun.” Is there a limit to the amount of fun one can have in a day? 11. 45:42 {Jesus Just an Ordinary Prophet?} Why did Jesus refer to Himself as a prophet in Luke 13:33 and not the Son of God? Wouldn't that be putting Himself on the same level as regular prophets when He was in fact elevated? 12. 48:51 {Life on Other Planets = Abiogenesis?} If basic organisms are discovered on other planets, would that prove abiogenesis and prove evolution? 13. 54:17 {Should we “Sin Boldly”?} Martin Luther has a quote that says “sin boldly.” I’ve heard he meant don’t be afraid of sinning and do so boldly knowing it has been paid for, but I feel that this is dangerous. Your thoughts? 14. 56:42 {Mortal & Venial Sins?} 1 John 5:16-17 seems to support the Roman Catholic understanding of mortal and venial sins. Is that the proper interpretation of this verse, and if not, how should we understand sin and the death it causes? 15. 1:00:39 {Why Follow Any of the OT?} What would you say to the objection that “if we don't follow the old covenant anymore, why should we care about Leviticus 18”? 16. 1:05:32 {How to Rejoice and Weep With Others} Since both good and bad things happen in the body of Christ daily, how can we accurately practice Romans 12:15? 17. 1:08:22 {Has the HS Been Left Out?} Why is the Holy Spirit not mentioned in the greetings of Paul, and why He is left out in such statements like 1 Corinthians 8:6? 18. 1:12:13 {The Granville Sharp’s Rule} How reliable is the Granville Sharp's rule? Is it implemented outside of New Testament writings? 19. 1:13:37 {The “Secret Sauce” to Fasting} Please help me with how to fast. I am praying for a friend’s salvation and protection from some dark things. I know that’s not a lot of info, but I want to know if there is a secret sauce to fasting. 20. 1:18:06 {The Heartache of an Unbelieving Family} I'm the only Christian in my whole biological family. How do I not despair at the fact that they're all headed to Hell as it stands? It’s leading me to doubt the goodness of God.
Helpful Links:
Problems with Roman Catholic and Orthodox claims that they are the only Church (From Gavin Ortlund): Click Here
Ways that Moses is a prophetic picture of Christ: Click Here
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