20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 37)
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:11 {About the “5-Fold Ministry”} Have you heard of the "5-Fold Ministry" way of thinking about apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exercising those gifts today? And if so, what are your thoughts about it?
2. 12:40 {When does Competition become Unbiblical?} The Bible stresses the importance of unity within the body of Christ. When does competition among believers (even seemingly friendly competition - games, sports, etc.) become unhealthy?
3. 16:21 {What is “Fundamental Christianity”?} Can you define "Fundamental Christianity" for me? Recently I've been seeing it referred to as a negative thing. Is it?
4. 20:48 {Why do Animals Die or Become Extinct?} If “the wages of sin is death,” why do animals die? (My question also involves the extinction of the dinosaurs - why would God create them to be exterminated?)
5. 26:51 {Using the Morality Argument} If using the morality argument, how would you respond to an unbeliever that uses the objection that morality is subjective and there is no real objective right or wrong?
6. 32:30 {About Feeling Angry toward God} When someone is angry at God, are they able to bring that to God, or do they wait until they are not angry and then go to God? Do we have to be 100% before talking with God, as to not disrespect Him?
7. 38:55 {About John 15 - Bearing Fruit} What do you think of the view that states that in John 15, Jesus actually said in Greek that those who don't bear fruit are lifted up instead of cut off? Is this us practicing bad Greek?
8. 42:45 {About Gratitude in the Midst of Hardship} When I was an atheist, I got depressed and actually planned to end my life to escape all its struggles. I now know God exists, but I can’t be grateful for being created. How do I repent from that?
9. 47:23 {Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?} About prayer, I’ve heard many people say that praying to God should be more of a dialogue than a monologue. Isn’t the Lord’s Prayer spoken by Jesus a monologue? How should we pray then?
10. 50:19 {About Leaving a Church} Is it necessary to ask your church to remove your name from its records if you are leaving due to false teaching/beliefs? I wonder if that’s what God means when He says “come out of her.”
11. 53:24 {About 1 Kings 13} In 1 Kings 13, what are we supposed to learn from this passage? It seems as though the prophet lied to the man of God, tricking him so that he wouldn’t stay the course. Why lead him into this trap?
12. 1:02:44 {About the 1st Resurrection - Revelation} Will all believers partake of the first resurrection, or only those who have been beheaded in the name of Christ? Revelation 20:4
13. 1:04:59 {About Matthew 27 - Holy People Raised} Can you please explain Matthew 27: 51-53? Hoping to get some clarity about the holy people raised to life. Where did they go? Did they die again?
14. 1:09:19 {About “Divine Simplicity”} Do you believe in divine simplicity? If so, how do you reconcile it with the Trinity?
15. 1:11:40 {Did the Covid Mandates Involve a Spiritual Battle?} A lot of believers seemed to believe the Church was being persecuted by being required to wear masks, meet in smaller groups, etc. Was a spiritual battle being waged in the Covid mandates?
16. 1:13:51 {About being Used by God in our Lives} I see others being used by God, and I want to be used too. Because of this, I often struggle with envy, jealousy, & comparison. How would you encourage & help me grow past this sin?
17. 1:18:27 {About the Death of our Pets} My cat died this week. Where did he go?
18. 1:22:03 {How Should we Study Other Religions?} Do you have any recommendations for studying other religions and how to approach others with the intention to evangelize? I am particularly interested in Islam.
19. 1:25:00 {Comparing Bible Verses - The Ark} How can you explain Isaiah 66: 22-23 to be understood, alongside Revelation 11: 19 (the 10 words are in the ark currently), if Colossians 2: 16 speaks of the weekly Sabbath being abolished?
20. 1:29:00 {Wrestling with Doubts} I've studied the evidence for Christianity & it's amazing. But I struggle with doubts of “what if I'm wrong?” Does this affect my salvation? Will God help me?
Here's my study on "Dealing With Doubt" from Psalm 73 • Dealing with DOUBT: Ps...
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Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:11 {About the “5-Fold Ministry”} Have you heard of the "5-Fold Ministry" way of thinking about apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exercising those gifts today? And if so, what are your thoughts about it?
2. 12:40 {When does Competition become Unbiblical?} The Bible stresses the importance of unity within the body of Christ. When does competition among believers (even seemingly friendly competition - games, sports, etc.) become unhealthy?
3. 16:21 {What is “Fundamental Christianity”?} Can you define "Fundamental Christianity" for me? Recently I've been seeing it referred to as a negative thing. Is it?
4. 20:48 {Why do Animals Die or Become Extinct?} If “the wages of sin is death,” why do animals die? (My question also involves the extinction of the dinosaurs - why would God create them to be exterminated?)
5. 26:51 {Using the Morality Argument} If using the morality argument, how would you respond to an unbeliever that uses the objection that morality is subjective and there is no real objective right or wrong?
6. 32:30 {About Feeling Angry toward God} When someone is angry at God, are they able to bring that to God, or do they wait until they are not angry and then go to God? Do we have to be 100% before talking with God, as to not disrespect Him?
7. 38:55 {About John 15 - Bearing Fruit} What do you think of the view that states that in John 15, Jesus actually said in Greek that those who don't bear fruit are lifted up instead of cut off? Is this us practicing bad Greek?
8. 42:45 {About Gratitude in the Midst of Hardship} When I was an atheist, I got depressed and actually planned to end my life to escape all its struggles. I now know God exists, but I can’t be grateful for being created. How do I repent from that?
9. 47:23 {Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?} About prayer, I’ve heard many people say that praying to God should be more of a dialogue than a monologue. Isn’t the Lord’s Prayer spoken by Jesus a monologue? How should we pray then?
10. 50:19 {About Leaving a Church} Is it necessary to ask your church to remove your name from its records if you are leaving due to false teaching/beliefs? I wonder if that’s what God means when He says “come out of her.”
11. 53:24 {About 1 Kings 13} In 1 Kings 13, what are we supposed to learn from this passage? It seems as though the prophet lied to the man of God, tricking him so that he wouldn’t stay the course. Why lead him into this trap?
12. 1:02:44 {About the 1st Resurrection - Revelation} Will all believers partake of the first resurrection, or only those who have been beheaded in the name of Christ? Revelation 20:4
13. 1:04:59 {About Matthew 27 - Holy People Raised} Can you please explain Matthew 27: 51-53? Hoping to get some clarity about the holy people raised to life. Where did they go? Did they die again?
14. 1:09:19 {About “Divine Simplicity”} Do you believe in divine simplicity? If so, how do you reconcile it with the Trinity?
15. 1:11:40 {Did the Covid Mandates Involve a Spiritual Battle?} A lot of believers seemed to believe the Church was being persecuted by being required to wear masks, meet in smaller groups, etc. Was a spiritual battle being waged in the Covid mandates?
16. 1:13:51 {About being Used by God in our Lives} I see others being used by God, and I want to be used too. Because of this, I often struggle with envy, jealousy, & comparison. How would you encourage & help me grow past this sin?
17. 1:18:27 {About the Death of our Pets} My cat died this week. Where did he go?
18. 1:22:03 {How Should we Study Other Religions?} Do you have any recommendations for studying other religions and how to approach others with the intention to evangelize? I am particularly interested in Islam.
19. 1:25:00 {Comparing Bible Verses - The Ark} How can you explain Isaiah 66: 22-23 to be understood, alongside Revelation 11: 19 (the 10 words are in the ark currently), if Colossians 2: 16 speaks of the weekly Sabbath being abolished?
20. 1:29:00 {Wrestling with Doubts} I've studied the evidence for Christianity & it's amazing. But I struggle with doubts of “what if I'm wrong?” Does this affect my salvation? Will God help me?
I wish there was another way to get questions in the top 20, for the second or third time I asked my question the moment Pastor Mike was visible, yet my question didn’t get included. Maybe it’s a UA-cam error, but I’m sure there are other that are experiencing the thing. I got on before 12pm and was waiting, I don’t think there’s much else that can be done to get my question asked. Not asking for a “recount”, just a better process
@@elijah4840 Hi Eli, what was your question? In order to help as many people as possible, we skip questions he's already answered in the past. I'd be happy to check to see if that's the case if you share your question!
@@sarahfaith316 Thank you, it had to do with a prominent reformed pastor, whom we all would know, has been using profanity ("Bulls**t", "f**k you", and other vulgar verbiage and even vulgar jokes). He's justified it based off of the context in which he's used it and the target of the usage. Keeping the qualifications of a pastor from Timothy and Titus in mind, is this excusable behavior?
Side note: I originally included his name, but now I've removed it. This question isn't to bash this pastor, but more about if this sort of language is acceptable for pastors/elders who are called to be above reproach (amongst other things)?
Also, I'm not making any accusations toward an elder/pastor, everything I'm alluding to is on UA-cam and actually put out by his media channel. Just wanted to clarify that so that y'all knew this wasn't a Tim. 5:19 situation
Eli, I am clearly not Mike nor am I answering for him but I cannot think of a context in which such words would need to be used. If I heard a man, attempting to be a spiritual leader, use these words, any respect I might have had for him would be greatly diminished.
@@imstillright9261 I agree and I know what the Bible says about profane speech (elder or not), I will trust the God over man. But when people like James White and many Christians in the same circle as I (Calvinist/Dispentational-Calvinist), don't seem to care and continue to stand alongside this pastor, it just makes me wonder why? Could I be missing something? Even pastor Mike has worked with this pastor's ministry, I just want a third party's opinion on the matter.
I could lose my job just for replying to an LGBTQ email with the word of God. If you're reading this, Please pray for me. ❤️
Praying!
@@Max-kn9yi Thank you! ❤️
Praying.❤️✝️
@@addictedtojesus922 Thank you! ❤️
I prayed for the Full Armor of God protect you! That if this door is closed a better one be opened, but that you speak biblical truths in love!
Hi Mike, true story. Took a road trip with my cat yesterday. She hates her travel basket and screams like crazy. Anyway, I started listening to this live chat and she stopped as soon as she heard your voice! When the chat ended, she started screaming again. So, I turned on your Mark series and she stopped again. When the trip ended, we had listed to you happily for five hours. 😂
The cat must know that Mike loves cats! Have you seen his cats on the "cat cam"?
@@wendypratt6837 oh yes! 😁
😂
😂
There's a cat cam? How did I miss this?
Even if i am not with Mike in everything (i am serbian orthodox), i learned so much from him about the word of god and i enjoy his humility in everything. Just wanna say thank you!
Hi mike, I recently started listening to you and you have given me answers to many questions. Love your show and may God bless you and your ministry. I am 80 years old and I learn from you every time. You truly have a gift from God with your teaching. Thank you.
Well said, sister Diana in Christ, thanks for posting your comment. Brother Mike is a gift to the body of Christ in these divided times.
I agree with you, Diana. I am pushing 77, and I simply love Mike's engagement with people who have questions. I learn alot from this. It is such a blessing.
Regarding the question that Mike received, number #15, "Did the Covid Mandates Involve a Spiritual Battle?" I think he gave it a fair answer and there are some aspects to his answer that are logical and make good sense. However, he and I may see the spiritual battle as something different. Because I think that many believers turned it into a spiritual battle within the body of Christ itself.
A comparison would be good here. During 1918, during that pandemic, most churches not only complied with the order to restrict their services or close but they became actively involved in their communities assisting in ministry. For instance, several churches open their buildings to be temporary hospitals because hospitals were turning away people. Some churches were pouring money and manpower into feeding and helping the poor. Faith-based pastors urged their members to worship in their homes. Many churches began raising money for fruit, jellies, flowers, etc. that would cheer the sick and their families. Many churches printed sermons and positive articles and had them delivered to their own membership on a weekly basis, even to non-members. Some pastors and church leaders started a "deep study into the Word," and encouraged their members to spend this time at home in full devotion to the Word, and gave guidelines and schedules in how to do so.
The positive impact of their response was also seen in their communities afterward, once the doors were opened again. Evidence shows that their attendance was even greater afterward. They were a pillar in the community and made a greater impact for Christ. But today, for the most part, the church has created its own spiritual battle. Rather than exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, they've come out in various lawsuits, they've harshly denounced government authorities despite the warnings from (Romans 13:1-2). In some cases, they've come down on law enforcement who are merely trying to protect public safety, etc. As the government done everything fairly? Probably not in every case, but welcome to life! Might it be possible that the apostasy of the church is found in more adherence to conspiracy theories, politics, social media posts, and extreme End Times teaching than an adherence to the Word and the fruits of the Spirit?
Aᴍᴇɴ!!!
Mike Winger is the only pastor I've found who is kind enough to answer a question about what happens to our pets when they die. :) Bless you Brother!
What did he say?
@@qwertyqaz2227depends. If they weren't saved they get flushed down the toilet. If they knew Jesus they get put in a shoebox and buried in the backyard.
What difficult questions! Does it really matter to understand every little detail or scripture «of old» in the Old Testament? Since I am an exjw, I don’t like to twist my brain with more confusion and getting all stressed up by digging into things that I have no reason to understand fully, but rather appreciate the peace I get in the basics, salvation through Jesus, how to live and love as a christian, and get nurishment from the New Testament.
Mike does his best to explain impossible things that even he isn’t quite sure of. We are so lucky to have him! I am still picking weeds out from my time as jw, and my garden is getting prettier, more colorful, relaxing, and pleasing to the eye.
Thank God he rescued us from a shepherding/discipleship cult that focused on 5 fold ministry. It created a hierarchy where people were striving for a coveted 5 fold status. So many were robbed of the joy in Christ.
There is not just a 5 fold ministries. Read 1 Corinthians 12 and it gives additional offices. All these offices are to continue until the Rapture or coming of Christ. Bible never says these offices stopped, but what we see today that claim to be modern day Apostles and Prophets are impostors. I have not meet a genuine one yet in our times. They must meet a certain cryteria to Qualify.
Apostles' Barnabas, Andronicus of Pannonia, James the just, also were Apostles who were not the 12.
@@Moe-bb3bm Good point, Moe. You are an astute brother in Christ. I happen to think the "office" of apostle and prophet are still in force, as is evangelist, and no one doubts pastors and teachers.
But as you say, these aren't all. There are gifts of administration and helpers, and finally all of us are "capable ministers of the New Covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit." We all serve in the Body of Christ in some capacity. Concerning the "5 fold ministry" any truth taken too far becomes a heresy, and it's sad to hear of the fallout of these teachings.
How do you feel about bishops (Greek: "episkopos" meaning "overseer"). The Reformed tradition blithely did away with them, which was no doubt an expedient move, as bishops were Papal functionaries, but I'm not sure it's biblical.
There needs to be an office of overseer of a region or some other sphere of influence that is different from elder (Greek: "presbyter"). That's my belief.
In practice, however, synods, councils, presbyteries, and all kinds of hierarchies function as defacto bishops, but I'm not sure this is how it was meant to be. And we know the requirements for a bishop are stated--"husband of one wife, temperate," etc
What are your thoughts?
@@carlosreira413
My take is a Bishop is a Fancy word for Pastor or Shepherd, more specifically senior pastor of a local church. Elders and Deacons help him to maintain the local church he oversees. The New Testament is clear after reading it as a whole. Apostle Peter called himself a fellow Elder and instructed not to Lord over others but be an example to the flock.( Not verbatim) Lord Jesus said in order to lead you must serve and alot of leaders today I see fail to comprehend this instruction. He understood that our Lord is physically the head wether on earth or in heaven. His hearing for request is not limited just because he is not on the earth nor is his communication abilities. In addition,the Holy Spirit is in a believer and assist one into all truth so a believer should actually literally believe it.
My take is under the ministry or office of Pastor mentioned in Ephesians 4 & Titus 1, as follows
Bishop
Elders- like acociate pastors today
Deacons
Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3 explains the guidlines and qualifications but don't see alot of churches following these instructions. 1 Timothy 4 explains to be cautious who you ordain. Alot of people today According to the New Testament are not quilified and should not be representing in places they have not been called. If you don't got the gifts required and given by the Holy Spirit you should not force yourself in those positions because you will do more harm than good. This is the sin of Korah mentioned in
Numbers 16:1-40
Psalms 75:7-10
Romans 13:1-7
Jude 1:6
@@carlosreira413
The foundations of New Testament Christianity once you start studying it in a open way is simple.Its believing it applying it is what's a challenge. What you call The offices of the church,the believers and meaning of baptisms, real communion, jugement, new testament commands and regulations. It also shows you how to properly have a church meeting in 1 Corinthians 14. Our basic practices, and it's not rocket science. It does have to be illuminated to you though by the Lord but he wants us all to know.
I admit alot of people want to reinvent the wheel. There are difficult things to understand like types, prophecy, parables, operation of gifts, how the old testament corolates or parallels with the new etc.... this take time study, application and prayer which alot of us struggle with I would presume.
@@carlosreira413
Here are a few great teachers that have good lectures on typology and prophecy you might want to UA-cam. They are not money preachers just sharing Truth.
1 Mike Winger- type in typologies
2 Mark Biltz- teaching on the 7 feast of the Lord, very amazing
3 late Chuck Missler- very round about guy
4 Dr Arnold Frutchenbaum- messianic scholar
5 Jacob Prasch- prophecy and types
6 Dr Ken Johnson biblical historian
7 Dr Michael Heisner - semetic scholar
8 Devour Truth with pastor Marco Quintana- prophecy updates
You should do a segment on Kingdom theology, where we are all kings and queens. The local church I left six years ago preaches this (they follow Bethel and Bill Johnson). Nowhere in the Bible does it say we are kings and queens. There is only one king, Jesus, and we are a priesthood and his bride. Would like your take.
Regarding Q17 dead cat: I have a dog, and I totally understand what you feel. I believe it is more reasonable that our pet won’t come back to the eternal life, because there is no point in that. God alone brings all the joy and satisfaction that we don’t need anything else to fulfill us. God will be our everything.
However, I hold to the hope that God could easily bring our pets back just to show us grace. I’m not saying He will! But I sometimes pray about it 😂
"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy"! Rev 19:10
My Pastor always refers to "wrestling" when talking about the theological ideas I bring to him. I think it's the sign of a good Pastor to allow others the space to think things through, disagree, and explore.
Thank you for encouraging us to do this Mike! It helps us engage with our faith and the text of scripture and ultimately grow.
When i have been angry in the past, toward God, showed my lack of understanding for the desires of God’s love for us….my lack of maturity, and lack of true relationship with the Lord. God always judges righteously, and takes into account our ignorance, and even a deception that we have believed…the “elect’ will always be led to the truth, OR you could say, that those He has set His heart toward saving, He will save. Wait on the Lord…He is faithful.
"Nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God." Romans 8:39
God loves you so much! If you need to be reminded of that, look to the cross where Jesus gave His life for you! Nothing could ever cause you to lose that love. Hopefully this inspired and encouraged you today. God bless you!
Thank you for giving practical advice for dealing with jealousy and playing the comparison game. Thank you for blessing others and helping them to advance in their walk with God.
Just lost a dear pet (a bird) a few weeks ago, and I appreciated your frank answer. We can speculate about them being in the new earth, but can't be confident their souls await a resurrection. What we can know for sure is that God doesn't lose any of His beloved ones to death and He will wipe away every tear.
Thanks Taylor! I still plan on grabbing my Chorkie as I ascend! 😂
LOL 😂
@@KM-zn3lx That was a cute answer.
Thank you for this. The idea of 5 fold ministry is one of the main tools Mormons use against me, as an exmormon, when they're trying to get me to return to the church. Most of their arguments are easily dismissed if you've ever actually read the Bible, but as far as I'm aware, the Mormon church is one of the few who currently has 12 apostles as outlaid in the NT. It's a trump card they love because I've simply never had a good answer. Once again, Mike, you're a lifesaver. 😃
There were many more than 12 apostles in the church in the New Testament just check the word out with a concordance.
I respect your answer for number one.
The one thing I do find puzzling though is how you keep on hammering on the apostle thing.
I have served in a church where we had 5 elders that each of them, when you looked at from a FUNCTIONAL standpoint, functioned as if they were these 5 gifts working.
Example. The one was a clear cut evangelist as he consistently pushed us to go and preach the gospel. He himself were on the street almost every day talking to people and sharing the good news. The other was a typical pastor, caring for the sheep. he always made sure everyone had a spot, felt welcome and sat for hours with people suffering.
The other was a great teacher. Man when he spoke and preached your ears burned and your soul was stirred. He was able to make the Word come alive in a sense.
And so on, I can give detail accounts of each of these gifts functioning in the eldership.
But they never claimed those titles. they never did any for any "reward", they did it because they loved God and Jesus and the church.
During this time our church grew from 120ish people to more than 600 in less than 3 years. it was a phenomenal time.
I miss those times to serve under them. (We moved away)
So yes. I can see how it can be a problem when someone claims the title and want to force the word to serve them, BUT I also saw the power when these gifts functioned in the leaders. The church had clear vision and amazing influence. A time where my relationship with God deepened.
Outstanding comment. So you're saying an apostle is an apostle does, and so forth. And having these bases covered so to speak allowed the Church to flourish. That's how the Body should work. Thanks for sharing that. I hope a lot of brothers and sisters read it and think on it.
I've always believed that Ephesians 4, Romans 12, and 1Corinthians 12 preach the same message, but they contain different lists of gifts. This leads me to believe that these lists are illustrative and not exhaustive, and certainly not a formula for a church government or system, which is typically how I hear the "five fold ministry" presented.
Yes, Jesus (the King of Glory) is the only one who can take the pain away. Wipe away the tears and give comfort, peace and joy.
Maybe do a whole video on the 5 fold ministry? you left us a little short and i think this is important. Especially to us that came out of the Hyper Charismatic movement. Thanks for everything Mike!
P.S. It kinds sounds like you are breaking your own rule about taking something out of context.... Paul was saying that he was the last one that Jesus appeared to not saying Paul is the last apostle.....maybe???
I love how balanced Mike teaching is
Yup, even when I disagree with one of his answers he offers opposing arguments presented with humility.
Question 9 was really helpful for me. I always used to feel like maybe I'm praying in vain when I didn't "hear" God speaking to me during prayer
Such a good answer on the the "what happens to my cat?" question. I love the heart that God is and has transformed in you, brother Mike.
On question #8: I give thanks to my Heavenly Father that He created me then called me to be saved so that I can spend eternity with Him! What a blessing! What a wonderful gift to be created to become a child of God! If for no other reason at all, which we know we have many other reasons to exist, not the least of which is to praise our loving Saviour, would this reason be enough? To spend eternity with God in perfect peace, joy and love? It is beyond comprehension and yet it is. Thank you Jesus!
Another helpful conversation with a wise brother. Prayers for all watching who struggle with doubt. Don't give up. Keep seeking truth and praying.
My advice
1.keep walking and do not panic.
2. Remember things he’s done in the past and do not debunked it.
3. look at some historical things about Jesus and his existence and verbal affirmations that you choose to believe the Bible and God
4.Prayer works
5.Try to understand why your are doubting. Is it curiosity or is it temptation?
Thank you so much for your ministry Pastor Mike. Question 1 has really helped me understand NAR teachings in a nice concise way. I have been speaking with my church's pastors about this since I discovered NAR ties in the greater structure of the church they are under. Their teaching seems sound, but the pastor from another one of these churches came from another province ( 🇨🇦) to speak as a visitor and his teaching was dripping with NAR doctrine and it was super alarming! I had no idea until three years in! Brothers and sisters please pray that the truth can be revealed to my pastors in a loving respectful way. Thank you all.
Hey man, my church is going through this right now, and idk what to do. How’d that end up working out for your good and Gods glory??
apostle - "sent forth one". I've always taken it to be equivalent to a missionary who opens a new field for the church to enter.
By that definition, they are rare.
Mike!
So glad to hear your thoughts on the 5-fold question finally! It is a tough issue, I have read many books on the subject. I have a problem with people self-labeling/self-appointing themselves as apostles. And tend to lean towards the idea that the apostles were a one time thing, based on Jude who says "we received once and for all the faith delivered to the saints" But based on your explanation of Paul, it would seem open that God could appoint others for specific tasks at times, but I'm of the conviction that anyone God appoints to something probably wouldn't be out flagrantly declaring their apostolic authority. But as you say I would even very hesitantly call them little a apostles. Great answer brother!
It’s asking for His help or His Grace to lead you to a particular solution and knowing that “we do not understand everything or can control our lives”. It’s about learning to live by faith…1 John 5:4-5 We overcome by faith in His faithfulness to “save” us.
Had to like it when you said “rage quit” too great. Love it. Hits a little too close to home. Ahahahah
Yep! It was an "if you know you know" or an "I get that reference" for me too. :)
It brings up memories of playing board games with my twin… he nearly always get lucky and then I loose and it frustrated me regularly…. 😳😂
wait!!! i just noticed it says “Please consider subscribing” 🤣 you all are so polite it’s so adorable. I can’t. You guys are the best 🔥🔥🔥
🤣❤️🙌🏼🙏🏼 God bless you!!
@@sarahfaith316 Blessings to you too Sarah! hugs from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷🙏🏽 thank you for your work for the Lord
@@realista3 That's awesome! Blessings from Michigan! 😊 And thanks for your encouragement! We're blessed to serve!
I'm a Baptist and from Texas.
I’ve always understood/been taught about 5 fold ministry/APEST as ‘apostle like qualities.’ Things like pioneering/good at starting new things and church plants etc. Much more comfortable with that and happy with the use of APEST to help us define some of these things rather than those who claim Apostleship which was very well refuted here. Thanks Mike.
There is not just a 5 fold ministries. Read 1 Corinthians 12 and it gives additional offices. All these offices are to continue until the Rapture or coming of Christ. Bible never says these offices stopped, but what we see today that claim to be modern day Apostles and Prophets are impostors. I have not meet a genuine one yet in our times. They must meet a certain cryteria to Qualify.
Apostles' Barnabas, Andronicus of Pannonia, James the just, also were Apostles who were not the 12.
@@Moe-bb3bm Hi Moe 1, good to chat! I agree that there is not just 5 fold ministry. I think that 1 Corinthians 12 helps bring more clarity and when we break these 'offices' down into their characteristics that helps us see them for how they work practically and who is suitable. I would agree that many today have greatly misunderstood the application of apostle in applying it to their own lives, and many abuse the power of prophecy over the lives of people desperate to hear from God or to hear any kind of 'good news'. I'm not sure that the title of apostle is helpful or even means the same as it did when the letters in the New Testament were written. I think there are still people with certain characteristics, apostle like ones, but would we call them Apostles in the same way as the 12 and those early other apostles who were around Jesus or the 12? I think it starts to get a little bit muddy at that point. I would tend to agree with Mike on this one and think that, even for the sake of pride, focussing on the characteristics (such as pioneering/missional) is a better way to understand how these things work out today. Happy for the Lord to give me greater understanding here though and I think I might give this some deeper research! Bless you.
Thank you brother for the time and energy that you put in to your study to present biblical teachings in your answer to our questions. I appreciate you!
Yes the 5 fold ministry applies to us today though there is a danger of falling into the NAR heresies if not understood and applied Biblically to the church.
I agree
This was great thanks Mike! God bless you!
We were taught this way back in the 70's. They also taught submission to your shepherds. So glad to be free of this blasphemy. Love from Jamestown CA
That was what my A/G pastor referred to as shepherding. He preached against it.
I’m so blessed by these Q & As!! Thank you so much for your work!! ❤️
Thanks you have a authentic gift of a teacher. Keep faithful
Pastor Mike, thank you.
After the question of the 5-fold ministry the weird story of the old prophet in 1 Kings 13 is a good warning not to trust everyone who thinks that they are a prophet. Some people get a high opinion of themselves and are sure that they are receiving prophecy from God when they are not. It is important to stick with the counsel of people you know are true to the Lord and who seek your good.
Aᴍᴇɴ
I think the apostolic office continues. I agree with you that modern apostles don’t carry the same foundation-establishing authority of the New Testament ones. But small ‘a’ apostles are apostles. There is a unique gifting there. Missionary work is not something that every believer can effectively do. 🙂
Awesome as usual!!! Blessings to you and much thanks for the work you do for God a asks His people. 🕊🙏
I really enjoy these Q&A’s all of them but this one was Amazing! Thank you Mike and team for your ministry it is uplifting and edifying.
I am a fundamentalist, and my doctrines are biblical! And not I do not take tradition into account. And yes I take Scripture literally and as you said inerrant. Yet I'm not a brick that I can't understand that there are different types of literature in the Bible!
thank you Pastor! definitely going to use that example
Thank you, Pastor Mike! You answer with such wisdom and grace.
Everything God does is BASED ON TRUTH.
Thanks Pastor Mike
"Last of all, He appeared to me" I take to mean that Jesus appeared to Paul last, after the other apostles. It doesn't say in this translation that Paul was the last of all apostles on earth, but that Jesus appeared to him last.
I agree with you,but alot who claim to be Apostles today are fakes and don't have the quilifications of a real described New Testament Apostle. I have not met a genuine yet nor a genuine real Prophet. I came across those who have the gift of Prophecy but not the office.
Thank you 👏🏼
@@Moe-bb3bm I don't think there is an office of prophesy, is there?
@@Max-kn9yi
No there is a gift of prophecy and just because you have the gift don't mean you got the office.
And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.
last
ἔσχατον (eschaton)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2078: Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final.
of all
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.
This is the Greek text. The last of the Apostles, based on the Greek text.
God bless you.❤
thank you for the fantastic session mike
Thank you once again. I appreciate your honesty when it comes to questions that don't have clear answers in the Word. 📖⛲🕊️🔥🙏🏻
Thank you Mike for all the videos discussing scripture, Christ and giving biblical advice on how to deal with life in a way that Glorifies Christ. Its been a hard past few weeks but your videos have helped keep my sinful flesh in check and you really motivate me to stay grateful for all the Christ has done for us. You truly are a blessing and I thank God that He has led you to do this type of ministry. God bless you and your family.
Hello Pastor Mike, thank you for your answer! Your work here on youtube is helping me a lot with the questions I have about the bible, the evidences and faith. God bless you!
I love how you answered that last question! I never thought about how if your doubts carry no weight it can simply be written off as psychological doubt! Love it!
Fantastic clear words about competiveness
Question 4: We were the stewards of the earth and animals within it, we still are. When humanity fell, we dragged the animal kingdom with us. I also believe that is why we have the compulsion to care for animals even if we don't like them. Like all the dads that say we aren't taking that cat home, then they fall asleep with said cat on their chest.
I really enjoyed this video, thank you pastor Mike.
Great job Mike
Mike you have such a brilliant way of communicating biblical truth
Hey pastor Mike I really enjoy and appreciate your content. Im blessed thru it. Youre one of those brothers that I love without actually knowing because I sense Christ in you and I love Christ.
Thank you Ps Mike well explained on the 5 fold ministry 👍I being a bit confused on it for awhile .
I came from a church that taught the five fold ministry. They had classes for each ministry so that you could learn about them and how they function today to build up the church and which one you were called to. They also talked a lot about being in unity, specifically everyone being unified in their submission to the teaching of the apostle/prophet that was leading the church.
Sounds like an NAR church.
@@ChrisHolman it definitely was, though they probably wouldn’t call themselves that
In recent years, I've got the feeling that five fold ministry sounded too much like Myers-Briggs and Enneagram, which have been confirmed to be false and very harmful to the church. Now it's confirmed. Crazy.
Many of these churches will go so far as to say if you speak out against or disagree with the apostle/prophet that’s it’s the same as when the Pharisees spoke out against Jesus.
I've always seen what the modern church calls missionaries as rebranded apostles. Note the little 'a'.
Thanks for these!
Thank you so much for your ministry you have helped me understand the scripture so much more then I have. The apostle is something I was looking into for a while and I’m so pleased to hear you point out the scripture that I never knew was in there.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Those who are in Christ are distinguished from unbelievers in that they have been gifted with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to bear fruit.
I love my cat so much, I hope very much to see her on the other side of this life.
What a great and tender answer you gave for 17.
Always blessed by these sessions...much insight gained ...GOD bless you Pastor and the Christian family.
Gilly wife of Mark
What a beautiful illustration of arrogance:
Holding something so close one cannot see it clearly, and assuming no one else can either ..
Set your affections on things above. Beyond clutching, beyond distortion, ..pastor, ..you are brilliant, humbly so
42:52 I have a strong need to share my own (ongoing for 10 yrs.) struggle with depression. I prayed, crying aloud that I couldn’t fight this alone and I rebuke this demon of depression in the name of Jesus Christ. It helped a lot, but there is a struggle to fight the darkness back.
I’m not suggesting every little bad feeling deserves rebuking, just that my last 6 months have been nice.
Thank you Pastor Mike. Blessings for all the work that you do. South Australian 🇦🇺 subscriber here.
God , through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and His Words and events in His Bible as you study and meditate, your spirit is inspired by His Spirit that was sent to us and in us to understand and hear His gospel truth, that is how we understand His speaking to us, not a voice but inspiration and understanding of His biblical teachings.
Thank you :)
Amen to thinking biblically
Hi Pastor Mike!
I wanted to say thank you for your answer to the last question in this video. I've been dealing with way more psychological doubt about Christianity than I have before in my life, and it scares me. Yet, I choose to believe and have faith in what I know to be true - that Christ was crucified to save me. He is Lord. Thank you for the reminder to trust in God - I needed that. Also, that psychological doubt is different than intellectual doubt, i.e. feeling doubt doesn't stand against the evidence I've seen and how God has already worked in my life. That is something I'll have to remember to remind myself in the moments when I need it most.
Thank you for your ministry! God is really, truly using this to minister to real people! ❤️
Thank you for your ministry. There's a 5-fold revival going on in my little town tonight. Good to have your insight.
The answers are great but the questions are so interesting as well! Many scenarios or aspects that I never thought about but find highly interesting
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. It is amazing that bored people who call themselves "christian" invent schemes and doctrines instead of simply teaching God's Word alive through the Holy Spirit's revelation.
Luke 10:27💝 “So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
Excellent explanation of Apostles. I think historical context needs to be taken in to account in that Paul spends a great amount of effort legitimizing his apostleship because he did not learn from Jesus before his crucifixion which means there were certain expectations of what it took to be declared an apostle. I feel it is very arrogant for people to say that 2000 years of church history has been totally wrong and there should be apostles with authority over Christian doctrine today. I may be wrong but from my perspective this infatuation with being given a title of apostle or prophet has led to a gross mishandling of spiritual gifts and has taken Christians from a peculiar people to crazy people and statistics clearly show this is hurting the acceptance of the gospel.
Hi brother Mike!
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I do appreciate you reasoning from the Scriptures, concerning whether Christ still calls men today to be His apostles, according to the Scripture's definition of an apostle and not the error that is the NAR, full of false apostles.
And I'm sure you would agree that rightly dividing the word of truth and a sound interpretation of Scriptures need to agree with all of Scriptures, since all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.
I'd like to submit these additional Scriptures to help us compare and see if God is teaching that Paul is the last apostle or not. Btw, love 1 Corinthians 15, because of the clear declaration of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
These events in Scriptures that I'm about to share occurred after Paul encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and after the Holy Spirit separated Barnabas and Paul when they were still prophets and/or teachers in the church at Antioch, and sent them to Salamis to preach. (Acts 13:1-5).
Paul takes Timothy along with him for ministry (Acts 16:1-3).
At some point, both Timothy and Silvanus are called to be apostles and served alongside with Paul. We can see this in the epistle to the church of the Thessalonians. Is Paul really the last apostle?
"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers," - I Thessalonians 1:1-2
We see who the "we" is in reference to, in this epistle from verse 1-2.
In the same epistle...
Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
- I Thessalonians 2:6
From these additional Scriptures, we can see that apostles were sent by the Holy Spirit to new regions to preach the gospel and make disciples, to gather and train the new church. They would also return to meet with the new church to strengthen, encourage, and eventually set things in order by sending Timothy and Titus back to appoint bishops for the church in every city that meet the qualifications.
Would love your thoughts? Maybe I overlooked or missed something.
Love,
Brother Khoi
Pastor Mike, you have no idea how much understanding, peace and joy this video has given me. I am a Christian. I did not come here as an atheist however, your in depth answers to many of these questions really helped me. It wasn’t even the question that I identified with at all. You gave so much information in your responses that, it touched on some of my personal stuggles and many years of satanic attacks to keep me from knowing my position in Christ. I would love to tell you more specifics but, due to my earthly diagnosed OCD, (which I know I do not have in Christ) I would literally be writing a book haha so, I will just leave it at that! God used you, at least in my life and, I know in many others too. You absolutely DO give great counsel. I wouldn’t say that just for flattery purposes. God is present when you speak. I am very picky about who I learn from. They must be scripture based! I guess that makes me fundamental too hahah. I have only seen a few of your videos thus far so, I don’t know much about you but, I love your videos! The Holy Spirit was tangibly present for me in this one, especially at the 37.50 timestamp. I really felt His presence as you were answering that question via Psalms. When you talked about being angry without sinning and, when you talked about King David being upset, possibly angry while continuously praising the Lord, that was the moment of truth for me; partly because simply put, it’s the living word of God piercing my soul but, I have actually informally done this while praying inwardly. It was a confirmation for me in how I was thinking towards God and, to keep on. Thank you!
Got a commercial from a guy selling holy water to heal ourselves while watching this 😂
#1 5. Types of instructor or 5. Types of worker 5. Gifts to work in the body overall.
(Just Jump the point made about ascension and descension and read in context.)
7 Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
11 And [it was] He who gave some [to be] apostles, some [to be] prophets, some [to be] evangelists, and some [to be] pastors and teachers,
12 to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
12 Answers the reason why give Gifts, To prepare those who are set apart by God to bring and teach those for God.
In regards to question 8. I find that truly realizing that God has a purpose for you helps you appreciate life more. And always thinking ahead towards heaven is good. Once we realize how great heaven is, we can’t help but be thankful that God made us so that we can be a part of it. Imagine how awful it would be for us to have never existed. We would never have an opportunity to be in heaven with God. Not existing is the worst existence… although I guess we wouldn’t be around to complain about it lol.
Can't wait for you to reach 1M subs!!
I really like what you said about competition, I agree when we are against the other team even if i loose I still win in my own strength if I tried my hardest.
Great teachings Mike. As far as animals dieing ,God did in the old testament demanded the sacrifice of many animals for the forgiveness of sins. Something I came up with: Some people stay busy all their lives in order to not know God.
I actually read the 1kings 13 passage last night, and really pleased you answered it. I was also wondering why the prophet lied, and why this story is there. Thanks Ps Mike
As a Born-again Protestant Christian, this is under the curse of the Old Covenant, and we don’t need to be fearful of judgement “under the Law”. Our “motives” WILL BE JUDGED, eventually, and we may miss out on some privilege or responsibility in our eternal life with Jesus. (1 Corinthians 4) Also, remember that “His grace is sufficient” for any situation, except turning away from Christ, the “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit”.
There are many questions that require the humility of not knowing or expecting to…not our business….but God’s.
I am a fundamentalist
Mike thank you for your last response. My christian life sometimes has felt like I have confessed the same sin over and over. This has led to doubts not of Jesus but of my salvation. Its weird though because I have had significant victory over this sin in my life the past year and have been diving into the word alot. On one side, I have him working in my heart to hunger for him, on the other side, crippling psychological anxiety over hell that makes my life feel not worth living. How can I have these spiraling fears and still belong to him? Surely by now he would rebuke me to my face! I am reminded of all my wanderings and seasons not in the word as much and feel overwhelmed with shame
I also just tend to have paranoid “what if” that sometime in the future I will fall away outside of my control. This past year has been a DAILY decision that I am going to pursue God no matter what I feel, no matter how bad the panic attacks are, no matter the dreams and condemnations that appear out of nowhere
“For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”
I John 3:20 NKJV
Thanks for that truth. I have been memorizing 1 Cor 10:13 for temptation and 1 john 1:9 for confession and repentance. Such a hopeful reality.
I think that sometimes I can hyper examine myself and worry that I am not genuine enough for Jesus but I have to realize that his disciples were a mess too. And Jesus wants to me come to him and take his yoke which is light. To just say “lord there is so much I don’t know about how to follow you, but I want to anway even though you scare me sometimes”
@@jeremythompson5151 Mike is a wonderful source but you might also listen to Andrew Farley on grace. That has given me a lot of peace about my salvation.
#8 Thanks again for the answer, in my case the struggle is recovering from bring a NEET and getting a basic life together.
I also struggle with empathy towards others, but everytime I try to put in efford I start missing my carefree days...
I know I was beeing a parasite but one of the thoughts is "I didnt't sign up for the boring, exhausting life!".
Please pray for me so that I can change this wrong, evil thinking...
I'm not saved yet...I Think...
John 15 is also one my brain has boggled over until I read it again & again in the Interlinier & used the biblical interpretation/understanding principle you taught us Mike.
Also, I have been finding the Interlinier very useful, (& very hilarious sometimes as it sounds like Yoda talking when you read it out loud) particularly because it doesn't translate into English sentence structures & can often be read & understood quite differently to what has been presented in English versions.
This is how the interlinier translates it without punctuation marks etc
John 15:2 Interlinier
Every branch in me not bearing fruit He takes away it & every one fruit bearing He prunes it........
I find this quite mind blowing (if I'm not breaking any Greek grammar protocols that I am unaware of.)
This is now how I have come to understand this scripture now by putting the punctuation after NOT instead of after ME.
Every branch in me not,
(ie 'Every branch NOT in Me')
bearing fruit
(ie bad fruit that is not of Jesus's vine)
He takes away it
(ie God removes bad fruit from bad vines that are not in Him)
& every one fruit bearing He prunes it........
Any confusion I had previously regarding this, has now been clarified in Matt 7:15-20 by using the SIS principle.
Oh how I literally love reading God's word now with the fresh eyes of proper exegetical techniques. I used to fall asleep reading scripture but now I have to discipline myself to stop & get some sleep. All glory to God.☝️☝️☝️
aw, that answer to the death of a pet was so genuine & well-put