Mike Winger, a recognized voice in theological discussions, shares insights on several intriguing questions. He tackles why God revealed Himself 2,000 years ago and questions the validity of modern divine experiences. The conversation includes interpretations of scripture, touching on whether multiple meanings can exist. Winger examines the Holy Spirit's role in our prayers and the concept of time in Heaven. He also engages with the idea of serving God professionally and discusses how our earthly actions might influence our eternal standing.
The strategic timing of Jesus' revelation 2,000 years ago facilitated effective gospel dissemination through a smaller population and shared language.
God continues to reveal Himself today through overlooked evidence like creation, prophecies, and historical events such as the resurrection.
Recognizing personal encounters with the divine is vital for deepening faith, emphasizing the importance of authentic belief rather than mere acknowledgment.
Deep dives
The Timing of God's Revelation
God revealed himself 2000 years ago, which raises the question of why he chose that specific time, especially given the lack of scientific verification tools. The speaker suggests that the timing was strategic; the smaller population during that era allowed for more effective dissemination of the gospel. Additionally, the widespread use of Koine Greek facilitated communication across diverse communities, enhancing the spread of Jesus' message. The Roman road network also played a crucial role in enabling missionaries to travel and share the gospel, which helped ground Christianity early on.
The Context of the First Century
When Jesus lived, the Jewish Temple still stood, providing a significant backdrop for understanding his teachings and purpose. The destruction of the Temple in 70 AD altered Judaism considerably, and had Jesus come after this event, the connection to Jewish prophecies and traditions would have been less clear. The speaker emphasizes that the timing of Jesus' appearance allowed for a fulfillment of long-standing prophecies, making his identification as the Messiah more evident. The historical context thus proves pivotal in understanding the significance of Jesus' life and ministry.
God's Continued Revelation Today
The discussion shifts to why God doesn't reveal himself in the same way to everyone today, addressing the common request for miraculous signs. The speaker argues that God continues to make himself known through evidence we often overlook, such as creation, prophecies, and historical events like the resurrection of Jesus. Despite skepticism, the belief in God's existence is supported by philosophical works that affirm his presence in the world. Moreover, the resurrection is presented as a pivotal historical event, with witnesses claiming to have seen Jesus alive after his death serving as strong evidence for the Christian faith.
Skeptical Reactions to Modern Evidence
Even if Jesus appeared today and performed miraculous acts, the speaker suggests that many skeptics would still find reasons to doubt, relying on alternative explanations rather than accepting the evidence. This disbelief indicates a deeper issue regarding the willingness to acknowledge God's existence in light of overwhelming evidence. The speaker implies that invoking a demand for empirical proof reflects an intellectual rebellion against the evidence that already exists. Since much of modern skepticism is grounded in philosophical frameworks, the challenge lies in acknowledging the spiritual implications of the evidence provided throughout history.
The Nature of Personal Miracles
The question of why God does not grant private miracles to everyone relates to the broader understanding of genuine faith and relationship with God. The speaker posits that mere acknowledgment of God's existence is insufficient for a relationship, as God seeks heartfelt devotion and submission. God’s desire is not just recognition but for individuals to trust and serve Him authentically. Furthermore, if everyone received miraculous signs, the free will aspect of faith could be compromised, as belief would be coerced rather than chosen and heartfelt.
Evidence and Personal Experience
The importance of recognizing the evidence we already have, such as personal experiences and interactions perceived as divine, shapes our understanding of God's workings in our lives. Acknowledging personal encounters with the divine can allow for a deeper connection to faith, though these experiences may be subjective. The speaker emphasizes not dismissing evidence simply because it doesn't align with preconceived notions of how God should reveal Himself. Ultimately, the conversation encourages believers to examine the evidence of their faith seriously while navigating their experiences with both openness and discernment.
1. 0:00 {How Does God Reveal Himself Today?} Why did God reveal Himself to ignorant people 2,000 years ago? Why doesn’t God do it for everyone today? 2. 25:45 {More Than One Interpretation?} Can Scripture have more than one correct interpretation? I know Psalm 22 can, but Catholics believe this is so with Peter as the rock in Matthew 16:18 or Mary in Revelation 12. Is there a good method to test Scripture for this? 3. 36:00 {Multiplying Gifts & Producing Fruit} What does the word “interest” mean (spiritually speaking) in Luke 19:23? How can one not multiply God’s gifts but still produce fruit? 4. 44:13 {Learning from Fallen Pastors?} Do you think it's wise to listen to preachers who have "fallen from grace" like Mark Driscoll? I find much of his preaching very life-giving, but I get judgment from other Christians. 5. 52:26 {The Purpose of the HS’s Intercession} In Romans 8:26-27, does the Spirit intercede in order to clarify what's in our hearts to God, or is it more to help us understand God's will and how He can help us mend our troubled hearts? 6. 57:04 {Is there Time in Heaven?} Looking at these passages, is there time in Heaven? 2 Peter 3:8, Ephesians 1:10, Revelation 21, Daniel 9:13. 7. 1:07:51 {Do our Lives Affect our Eternity?} Is our ability to rule and reign with God in His new world forever (Revelation 22:5) dependent on how we serve God in our lifetime for His mission (Luke 19:17)? 8. 1:12:57 {Serving God in our Professions} I am a DJ on a secular radio station. Knowing what's in many of the songs, I wonder if I am not pleasing the Lord by being in this job. Is this a matter of conscience? 9. 1:16:38 {Did Jonah Actually Die?} Did Jonah die? I was introduced to this theory by social media and was surprised to see a lot of people think he died and was risen based off of Jonah 2:1-6, Jewish tradition, and The Sign of Jonah. 10. 1:25:05 {Nazirite Vows – Why Long Hair?} If long hair for men is a disgrace by nature (1 Corinthians 11:14), then why is it part of the Nazirite vow in Numbers 6:5?
Links you may want:
My church is having a Men's Conference: Details HERE (just scroll to the bottom of the page at that link)
My video on head coverings, where I also get into men's hair length: Click HERE
Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus (playlist): Click HERE
My website: https://BibleThinker.org
I do this live stream most Fridays at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You're welcome to join.
To ask a question in a future session, you'll need to follow these instructions: 1. Don't post your question before you see me live on camera. 2. Post questions as comments on the LIVE chat at the beginning of the stream. 3. Post your question with "Q" at the beginning so we can easily identify that you are sending it in as a question and not just a comment in the chat. 4. Try to be as clear as possible so I won't misunderstand the question. Keep in mind that I don't know anything about your question other than what you type in that short comment. 5. Include specific verse references when possible or applicable.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
