In this discussion, Mike Winger, a host and Bible Q&A expert, dives deep into intriguing theological queries. He explores the complex nature of the Trinity and whether the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit possess separate wills. The conversation shifts to current events, analyzing the geopolitical situation in Israel's relation to biblical prophecy. Additionally, Mike tackles the significance of forgiveness in salvation, interpreting key scriptures, and elaborates on the Holy Spirit's departure from Saul. He also touches on marital intimacy and its importance in relationships.
The podcast explores the complex nature of the Trinity, addressing the relationship between the distinct wills of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Philosophy is discussed as a valuable tool to enhance understanding of scripture, yet it must remain subordinate to biblical revelation.
The speaker cautions against hastily linking contemporary global conflicts to biblical prophecy, urging discernment and caution in interpretations.
Emphasizing communal support, the podcast encourages addressing personal struggles with faith instead of succumbing to guilt and isolation.
Deep dives
Understanding the Trinity
The discussion begins with the question of whether the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit possess separate wills within the framework of the Trinity. It is acknowledged that while there are certainly distinctions in their roles, revealing some degree of will differentiation, the concept of entirely separate wills is more complex. The speaker emphasizes the importance of scripture in understanding the nature of God rather than relying solely on personal interpretation or philosophical reasoning. The revelation of God's nature is crucial for believers to grasp the Trinity concept, which safeguards against misconceptions, such as modalism, wherein the Father is seen merely as a different role of the Son.
Philosophy vs. Revelation
A significant point made is the relationship between philosophy and scripture when it comes to understanding God. Philosophy should be a tool to help connect scriptural truths and should not supplant or contradict the truths revealed in the Bible. For instance, the process of connecting biblical concepts can be likened to connecting dots to form a picture – the dots represent scriptural truths, and philosophy aids in clarity. The speaker encourages a humble approach, acknowledging that while philosophical inquiry is valuable, it must remain subordinate to the revelation found in scripture.
The Nature of Religious Skepticism
Among skeptics, there's often an attitude of willing to reject truths told directly by God if they do not align with their personal understanding. This skepticism can lead to a problematic intellectualism, where individuals insist on figuring God out through personal investigation rather than accepting the revelation of His nature. The conversation posits that such a test of faith poses a serious risk—if humans insist on needing to grasp everything perfectly, they risk missing out on relationship with God through trust. Trusting in God and His revealed truths is contrasted with a misguided insistence on independently verifying every doctrine.
Understanding Christ's Nature
The speaker explores the emotional turmoil of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his crucifixion, highlighting the genuine conflict between the will of the Son and that of the Father. This example serves to illustrate that while the two hold differing desires at that moment, it does not detract from their unified purpose in the divine plan. The tension experienced by Christ reflects the intricacies of understanding the interior workings of the Trinity—where Jesus submits to the Father’s will even as he expresses his own anguish. This point further distinguishes against modalism by emphasizing that the Father and Son are not merely acting as different roles or fronts for the same being.
Contextualizing Current Events in Prophecy
The discussion turns to the contemporary context of global conflicts and their interpretations through biblical prophecy, specifically regarding the ongoing war in Israel. The speaker conveys a sense of caution, having observed that attempts to link current events to specific prophecies often lack substance and can be misleading. The historical patterns of misinterpretation over the decades are acknowledged, emphasizing a need for believers to approach such claims with discernment. The overall sentiment conveyed is that while general tribulation may be consistent with biblical prophecy, pinpointing current events as fulfilling specific prophetic timelines warrants skepticism.
Grappling with Religious Doubt
A key aspect of the episode is the recognition of struggles with faith and the feeling of hypocrisy that can lead individuals to withdraw from church communities. The speaker encourages honesty and openness with oneself about these struggles rather than succumbing to feelings of guilt that may push a person away from spiritual fellowship. There’s an emphasis on the importance of communal worship and seeking support from others in the faith despite personal struggles. The notion of addressing issues rather than avoiding them serves as a means of confronting hypocrisy, fostering spiritual growth, and maintaining accountability within the community.
The Role of Women's Leadership in the Church
The need for congregational discussions regarding the role of women as elders is addressed, highlighting the tension between traditional church practices and contemporary interpretations of scripture. The speaker shares a perspective that allows for congregational vote on such matters while asserting that scripturally, the leadership should fall primarily on male figures. The implications of this stance are explored, pointing toward broader conversations about authority and responsibility within the church structure. A strong assertion is that any decision made within a congregation must align closely with scriptural teachings to ensure purity of doctrine.
I'm Mike Winger and I think we've underestimated how amazing the Bible is.
Every other Friday at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time we do these live Q&As.
To ask a question during a future stream, just wait until after the stream has actually begun, type your question into the chat (on YouTube), and start it with a "Q" to help us identify it as a question.
I may have already answered your question. You can check the "Clip Search" feature HERE on my website to see if I have.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
1. 1:12 {Different Wills among the Godhead?} In the Trinity, do the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all have three separate wills? 2. 22:15 {Conflict in Israel – Eschatological Significance?} Is the war going on in Israel right now part of a biblical prophecy? 3. 30:28 {One Governor or 12?} In 1 Kings 4:7-19, there are twelve governors for Israel listed. I’m confused by verse 19b: “There was one governor...” What’s your take on this? 12 or 1? 4. 36:22 {Do Some Sins Indicate a Lack of Salvation?} Verses like Matthew 6:14 make me feel like there are sins so bad that if you commit them (like unforgiveness), you’re 100% not a Christian. I feel like I have to maintain my own salvation. 5. 41:04 {Would the Spirit Ever Leave Us?} Can you please explain what it meant in 1 Samuel when the Spirit left Saul? 6. 44:16 {The Vatican & Revelation} Does Revelation 7:9 apply to Vatican City despite its size and hosting unbiblical stuff? 7. 48:42 {Is Marital Intimacy Only for Procreation?} Can a biblical case be made for the purpose of sex within marriage being for procreation AND intimacy/pleasure and not just for procreation? Is sex without the possibility of procreation evil? 8. 55:11 {Christians Made Whole “Again”?} How do you feel about songs that state, “You make me whole again”? It’s my understating that before faith in Christ we aren’t whole, saved, or forgiven. Thoughts? 9. 58:38 {Teaching Convictions as Truth} How should we deal with a pastor who is unwilling to receive correction on anything against his own convictions? It wouldn’t be as big of an issue, but he preaches his ideas as truth (i.e., no alcohol). 10. 1:03:57 {Counting our Trials as Joy} How are we to “count it all joy” when we face trials and temptations, as James chapter 1 says? 11. 1:09:58 {Wisdom = “She”?} Can you help me understand why in Proverbs 2 the Bible refers to wisdom as “she”? How do we argue this with those who try to speak about multiple gods, or LGBTQ+ people saying He is neither gender? 12. 1:13:45 {Refuting Modalism} What is the best way to dismantle Modalism in a loving way to someone? 13. 1:17:05 {The Commander of the Lord’s Army} In Joshua 5:13, who is the commander of the Lord’s army? Is this another Christophany? And why do we read so little about him if he helped Joshua in his ventures? 14. 1:20:53 {Are the Mentally Disabled Saved?} What happens to autistic people or mentally disabled people? Do they go to Heaven? 15. 1:22:54 {Am I Saved if I Have An Addiction?} How do I know If I actually have a saving faith, especially considering that I’m addicted to pornography, and am having a hard time asking for someone to help me stop. Thanks. 16. 1:29:46 {Congregational Votes – Sometimes Sinful?} Is it against the Bible to have your congregation vote on whether or not to have women as elders? 17. 1:31:48 {Indwelling, Infilling & Assurance} Do you have the Holy Spirit if you haven't been baptized with Him? I don't feel/believe like I do. I can't hear His voice. 18. 1:34:51 {The Day of The Lord & His Second Coming} How do the ideas of "The Day of The Lord" in the Old Testament and Jesus' second coming in the New Testament intersect? I've been studying this, but I'd like some of your opinions. 19. 1:36:51 {A Cure for Hypocrisy} What is the cure for hypocrisy? I have stopped going to church because I feel rotten on the inside and feel like a fraud. I don’t seem to love Jesus like others. My heart is cold. No emotion. 20. 1:43:49 {Can the Bible Become an Idol?} Is it possible to love the Bible so much that it can be a form of an idol?
Links I mentioned:
Everything the Bible says about Alcohol: CLICK HERE
Christophanies in the Old Testament (I cover the Joshua 5 passage at about 31 minutes in): CLICK HERE
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