20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 99)

[@sarahfaith316]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:01 {Infinite Punishment for Finite Crimes?} Why does God give infinite punishment for finite crimes? Even from a biblical point of view, not every crime is prescribed the same punishment. So why, then, can a person never serve the entirety of their punishment in Hell? 2. 28:35 {Why Did God Allow Sin?} If God knew that humans would fall into sin, why did He allow us to live in this fallen world and not take us straight to Heaven? 3. 34:36 {Has Christianity Changed Over Time?} How do you know the Christianity you believe is the same they were practicing in the early Church if history says Constantine and the Greeks changed things? 4. 39:06 {Why Won’t Christians Marry Non-Christians?} A woman stopped dating me because of worldview differences. I believe in a higher power and wouldn’t have pulled her away from her faith. It hurt badly. Why do some Christians do that? She seems indoctrinated (“can’t marry a non-Christian”). 5. 43:49 {Is Christianity Itself a Cult?} How is Christianity like (or not like) a cult in either definition and/or practice? 6. 47:46 {Is Every Good Thing an Answered Prayer?} Why are some people so quick to celebrate when God answers “small” prayers, but they overlook the fact that He didn’t answer “bigger” prayers like healing someone of cancer? 7. 53:12 {Why Aren’t Mormons Christians?} Ex-Mormon here. Surely all Christians believe things about God that are incorrect, but they're still saved. What makes the LDS different? How are my misconceptions acceptable when theirs aren't? 8. 1:02:12 {Are Miracles Unreliable?} If Satan and his workers can perform miracles to mislead people, why should I believe Christians when they tell me to look at miracles, or when Jesus says to look at His miracles? 9. 1:07:05{Why Does God Allow Painful Grieving?} Why did God allow My cat to be attacked by a dog if He could have stopped it? We are heartbroken. 10. 1:10:07 {Did Jesus Know He’d be Resurrected?} Did Jesus know He was only going to die for 3 days and it wouldn’t actually be for eternity? And why did the father require a sacrifice if it wasn’t for eternity? 11. 1:14:18 {Did Jesus Exist & Is Scripture Really Inspired?} What proof is there that Jesus really existed, and if the Gospels were written by man, how do you prove they were inspired by God and not by man? 12. 1:20:55 {Why does God Require Prayer?} Why would God require prayer for what He knows He SHOULD heal? 13. 1:25:07 {Can Non-Believers Come to Church to Observe?} Are there any good rules of thumb for atheists attending a church service for the purposes of learning? Assuming they have no intention of conversion, is this considered rude or invasive? 14. 1:27:23 {Is God Egotistical?} Isn’t it egotistical for God to ask us to worship Him? 15. 1:31:14 {Why does God Expect Perfection} The Bible says, “Be perfect as your father in Heaven is perfect.” Why would God, knowing that we will always be sinful when we are in flesh, expect perfection? 16. 1:34:46 {Is the Bible Just a Storybook?} How can you believe in a storybook (referring to the Bible)? This was actually a question I faced several times when I stayed in Germany for a while. 17. 1:37:21 {Does God Know Every Choice We’ll Make?” Does God already know what choices we will make? Does He just know the outcome of every single option, or are there maybe two or a couple possible options for everyone’s choices? If the first, what's the point? 18. 1:40:48 {Was YHWH a “Storm god”?} I have been hearing atheists & Muslims saying our God YHWH was originally a storm god. Has this been proven archeologically? Any implications on our faith? Any thoughts on that? 19. 1:42:01 {Stumbled by Theological Doctrines?} The different theologies like cessationism & continuationism can be a stumbling block for unbelievers and cause confusion. How can this be explained to them? 20. 1:43:38 {Are Older Texts More Likely to be True?} What about other books like the Vedic texts that are older than the gospels? Should “older” equal more accurate or true? 1:47:35 Bonus Q: Why is he still babbling and not demonstrating his god exists?

[@JamesWasTakenOhWell]

Thank you!!

[@peacefuldoves]

Thanks Sarah zzzzzzzz xox

[@BibleVerseDaily777]

Thank you for the timestamps! God bless!

[@davidjoseph7142]

Thank you for the hard work you put into this! I do have one question though, at what time stamp do you look at Mike and think, “dude, have you been working out?”

[@sarahfaith316]

@@davidjoseph7142 LOL! Yes, of course…that timestamp ranges from 0:00 - 1:54:42. 🤣😉😉

[@dmm6341]

My daughters have rejected Christ......I cannot watch this, heart break is a hell in itself.....Oh Father God, please draw them to yourself. Praise God Amen.

[@discoveringlisa486]

I pray for all our children. May the Lord have mercy on them and call them to Him

[@j.vanbreugel2378]

May I ask why they reject Him?

[@jerrymccarthy5826]

Same reason mine left, for the allure of the wid path It has a grip on me to a degree as it does with all of us Sin feels good till it doesn't! Pray for us all

[@kathleennorton6108]

@@dmm6341 Pray for them every day. Believe for them. Love never fails. I will say a pray for them, also.

[@jcastro0229]

I was once drawn away from Christianity and God, I’m a prodigal son. I came back to my Father. Sometimes there needs to be an awakening on their end. For me it was going through a lot. The hardship and the feeling God was trying to open a door for me. It’s hard to explain. I pray they come back to The Lord. Usually when people hit rock bottom, anecdotally, they look for any way out and come back. Our Father in heaven wants us to come to Him. And if it takes hardship to do so, he will not reject His sons/daughters when they come to Him for help or salvation. He would do the same as the father in the parable. Luke 15:11-32. I will pray for your family. 😊

[@ltilley7343]

I was healed of an aggressive cancer and wondered why a pastor's wife in the same situation was not, and had some survivor's guilt, but then I realized that she is with Jesus and so she actually recieved the ultimate healing, while I'm still here in a fallen world, battling a sinful nature as He continues to work in me. It sure has given me a boldness to share my faith.

[@DIanaCOL4224]

I thank God for everything good or bad. Like when my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I went through all the stages of grief i begged God to heal him for our son who was 7 at the time. But I got my answer through my son while dropping him off to church camp. As I was getting ready to leave i bent down to give him a hug goodbye and he grabbed my shoulders and said" mom dont worry about dad his story isn't finished it continues in heaven. I knew at that moment God would be calling him home. It was like God was saying trust me . I began that day thanking God for everything, yes even a good parking spot or the severe pain i have had in my back. In all things give thanks!

[@DIanaCOL4224]

@@ObsessedStephenKingFanatic1974 , I will say a prayer for you!

[@Crikey420]

So literally what lds teach thanks for confirming. They get proven right more and more the closer we get to the second coming

[@Kirbykracklegirl]

@@Crikey420 Woah woah woah! Hold up! This is the beautiful lesson of gratitude Christ teaches. The Bible teaches. Christians teach. Okay? Maybe LDS gets that right, the problem is that they do not believe Jesus is God. Christians do. By definition they are not Christian. All Christians believe Jesus is God. I just want to put that clarification out there. That is an essential doctrine of faith :)

[@milankurienov6768]

​@@Crikey420you're not the only ones teaching this. We all believe this

[@JohnDee633]

@@Crikey420that’s just Christian and Jewish teaching. Probably Muslim as well.

[@4Grace4Truth]

The regret and anguish of having missed out on paradise will be eating away inside the person like a worm that never dies- how awful!

[@ArmyScoutMom]

"Jesus is the way out of hell not the way into hell"... That's the best explanation! 🙏

[@kandythietten7338]

As a recovering Seventh Day Adventist, I am so excited about your deep study on annihilationism. That’s one doctrine that I haven’t let go of because I see so much in the biblical support for it, but I am also questioning everything that I was indoctrinated with for 45 years. I have also adopted the attitude that if I am wrong and hell really is never-ending torment, God will make it make sense. He is good, loving, and sovereign.

[@metapolitikgedanken612]

It was one that I was wondering about as out of line. Technical one can 'retranslate' terms like eternal and eternity as absolutes... But in context this doesn't really lent itself to it. The argument of the 6th day Adventists was also an appeal to 'humanity' : "Would God allow people to suffer that much"? Other issues were soul sleep, but also the legalism. They had that way to bring back the law through the backdoor, as works of the law. What's missing is a rebirth/resurrection of the spirit in their teaching... This is simply assumed, if you join. In that they are quite similar to mainline 'Christianity' that also simply assumes this to be happening in anyone that says he believes in Christ... I don't see this in 'everyone', most still talk fleshly, don't seem to understand spiritual things. What changed your mind on the Adventists?

[@kandythietten7338]

@@metapolitikgedanken612 a former SDA called and kindly asked if he could talk to my husband and me about some of the issues, especially with Ellen White. I rolled my eyes and agreed to hear him out. Next thing I knew I was taking notes on several things I wanted to look into. Even the SDA church says that it only takes 1 false prophecy to prove that a prophet is false, and after learning that she saw a vision of Jesus returning in her lifetime that she later claimed would have happened if the church had just done it’s job of spreading the SDA message like it was supposed to, along with several other issues, I realized that I could not be a member of a church that took instruction and direction from a false prophet. Jesus said that the Father knew the day. According to EGW, the Father was wrong. I had about a week of intense prayer along with spending just about every waking minute on the computer looking up complaints about EG White, and responses from the SDA church. I am grateful for the Bible education I received in 9 1/2 years of SDA schools. I learned a lot about what the Bible says and how the SDA church interprets it, and now I’m able to use that knowledge while questioning everything. It’s been a gift, for sure.

[@cryptfire3158]

Kandy.. i have the highest respect for Mike Winger. Perhaps he's the best internet preacher (who knows?). But, annihailationism makes the most sense to me too. I'm not so quick to say.. i couldn't be wrong. I imagine the words "eternal punishment" in the bible to possibly mean.. eternal in the sense that it's not a punishment that shall be changed or reversed.. and so when they die and cease to exist (if this is what happens).. then for eternity they can never have another chance.. since they simply won't exist "TO" actually have another chance. But, maybe i'm wrong, maybe i'm right.

[@cklester]

The Adventists are the closest to the whole truth. There are a few reforms left.

[@PiaseckiAdam22]

@@cryptfire3158 Agreed. Does not hell get destroyed and passes away? Does our God not rejoice in the destruction of the wicked? Meaning our God scripturally would rather people believe in Jesus Christ and have their sins forgiven than punishing? So even if eternally we cant see into hell God can and would see his creations continually be punished? Though highly just his judgement he does not rejoice in destroying the wicked? Makes sense? Scripturally?

[@hyperfocus1963]

For #6, sometimes I will thank God for small things, not because I necessarily think it was an answered prayer, but because I know good things are from God. So it seems right to thank Him for little good things as my day goes on.

[@cecilspurlockjr.9421]

I do the same . Lol . All good things come from GOD . GOD bless you.

[@aosaa1368]

You only answered one part of the question. And I agree to your first part. The 2nd part towards We have to understand our God doesn’t answer all our prayers. And I feel half of the time things like Cancer or big problems that pop up and our God seems he didn’t answer maybe he did (it’s just not fitting our expectations) . And I feel also sometimes we can pray but we don’t understand prior this was our punishment for our previous disobedience or sins (and now we or the people we love are facing that said consequence. It’s many ways to look it whenever God seems to not answer or answer our prayer. (We can’t always know our God thoughts and often times we miss His POV on the situation. I know this was a lot but hope this helps!! 😁🙏🏽

[@digitalmusic4803]

The bad things are also from God, since He put the Bad Guy amongst the humans. Apparently the humans are not that bad after all, since God has to multiply the level of evil in humans with the help of His Lucifer and demons?

[@elianazz]

@@aosaa1368 i have chronic pain since i was 27, and i totally know why, and am thankful for it, even thoe life isnt easy, i feel blessed for Yah does discipline those He loves, and so i except my pain as a blessing , for Yah wants none to go to eternal punishment, i know there will be no more pain, no more sorrow so very soon, He polishes us and makes us whole thru trials and tribulations.

[@elianazz]

@@digitalmusic4803 Yah gives us choice, choose whom ye shall serve, that is why we are here and why Yah allows evil. This is not our home, its more like school.

[@LaineBurglass23]

For #4, I’m a newly wed (got married on 12/30/23) to the most Godly man who’s my best friend. My non negotiable when I was single/in the dating phase was that my future husband had to love Jesus. Not just call himself a Christian but to actually love Him and have a relationship with Him. To all the single guys and girls, PLEASE don’t settle. Whether or not your spouse loves Christ MATTERS. It’s actually the thing that matters most. Please don’t settle.

[@Sngbrd1001]

Whether "hell" is figurative or real, best steer clear of such a desolate and horrifying place. For some of us, the only sweetness we find in this broken and sinful life is our Lord. I am so grateful to Him. I cannot ever imagine being far from Him ever again.

[@KevinBlankenship-p6m]

Hell is the place where unsaved non-Christians go after the first death, the Lake of Fire is where humans are sent after Judgment and is the second death from which nothing remains but smoke from humans and the eternal beings fallen from Heaven will spend eternity in torment for their unforgivable sins. Our minds go to hell and await Judgment or Christians rest in peace by the Bright spring of flowing water which is the living water that flows from the throne of God, also known as Abrahams bosom. Luke 16 v20-26.

[@axer3515]

Stop sinning. He is making this up by using the book of multiple choice. That book has nothing to do with Jesus from the bronze age.

[@margoyoung3503]

My heart bleeds for everyone who rejects our Lord. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain by accepting Him. Only pride and fear separates them➕🙏❤️

[@odensjournal8373]

Yes Lord Jesus forgive and have mercy!

[@SilverSixpence888]

Nothing to lose?? Think how much time, effort, money and intellect you have wasted on a god who does not exist. Thanks, but I will stay rational, but enjoy your delusion if you must. Please just keep it to yourself.

[@boncrab]

Unfortunately it's not only pride and fear. Even Jesus said it was because they love their sin.

[@dankozak1175]

Fear is a good thing. I don’t see any negatives about that one. It usually points you to a scenario where you live. Fear and love is the way. Curious why you think it pulls you from God.

[@boncrab]

Perfect love (from our Lord) casts out all fear. If we understand the height and depth and width and breadth of God's love than fear finds no place. Fear is the absence of trust. Jesus told us not to worry because God knows what we need and he's got us.

[@nicholascarter6543]

Hey Mike Winger,my name is Nick and I just wanted to say that I appreciate your work for God. I have been listening to you for about a year now and I have a more clear mind now and still heart. I’m STILL struggling and my mind still races time to time but I know God doesn’t change even when “I do.” ❤

[@robertcolebrook7196]

Just as Hell may be unfair Heaven is unfair. In heaven we are saved because of Grace and our choice to suffer for Christ. And we do not deserved to be there. On the other hand, to the contrary, Hell could be seen in that same light.People made their choice not to serve God and His Way> They did it their Way.

[@Nai61a]

nicholas etc: Sorry to add to your problems, but Winger is no more in possession of good, credible evidence for the existence of a "God" than anybody else out there. He is making it up as he goes along. There is no such thing as "God".

[@beatrixkiddo5]

I'm divorced, my husband acted like he was saved. He fell into adultery and drugs. We went to church for support and my husband said something that literally shocked me. He told the pastor, "I don't want Jesus like you all have." I got divorced. It's been 10yrs and he's still living in sin, homeless in Philly. I tried so hard, prayed so hard, cried so hard. God set me free from him. My life is much better now. I'm remarried to a faithful Man and blessed with a child. Lord, thank you for closing my womb to my ex husband.🙏

[@wayneberiman297]

My Question is how and why was he committing adultery while he was married. We’re you both trying to make a family for God. Or we’re you rejecting him which gave him evil to go commit adultery. For actions have consequences. Adultery and drugs are bad but so is rejection from a partner.

[@judimunro9279]

Keep praying for him. I’ve been praying for my ex for over a decade. It helps you really forgive him😊my new husband is wonderful ❤❤❤

[@beatrixkiddo5]

@@judimunro9279 I still even cry secretly for him and his family. I loved him and his parents so much. He's living in squalor down in Kensington. Truthfully you're so right, there's nothing more I can do than pray for him. I tried waiting for him to get better but he has openly chosen to live this way. Heartbroken to this day. I pray he's dry, fed, and safe🙏

[@beadoll8025]

​@@wayneberiman297 some people just choose to be wayward and deceitful.

[@bigbossadidoss8678]

@@wayneberiman297rejection doesn’t grant permission for adultery. What an odd off handed comment you got there

[@godsgospelgirl]

Regarding the questions that have to do with pain, loss, grief, evil - C.S. Lewis' book The Problem of Pain really helped me think through these things. It's written for normal people, not scholars or pastors, it's short, and it makes some very helpful points.

[@daveslyker4431]

It does have great information in there but I found it a challenging read. Needed to be read slowly to digest all that’s in there properly

[@StrategicGamesEtc]

​@@daveslyker4431I find Lewis very comfortable reading; it feels conversational. I second the book recommendation.

[@Jhunta]

thanks for the book suggestion. gonna order it myself now.

[@peterthomas6151]

Loved this, thank you so much for all you do. Just to stick my oar in on prayer for parking spaces from personal testimony: absolutely you’re right we should be realistic about the yes’s and no’s in prayer, both ‘big’ and ‘small,’ but not that any prayer is too ‘big’ or too ‘small’ for God. But give glory to God for every good gift he gives us, big or small, and respect his wisdom and sovereignty in every gift he withholds. My wife is disabled, and I could tell you stories of plenty of times God clearly gave us parking spaces in extreme circumstances in inexplicable ways just when she really needed it, from the time before we were granted a disabled badge. Now we have a disabled badge and maybe it seems an even smaller thing that we find parking spaces. Is it any less from God? No. That blue badge is a gift from God and one he could take away any time. And some times the disabled spaces are full and we’re reminded of that. Looking at it another way, if you or I ever find ourselves thinking of someone ‘how can you ask such a small thing of such a big God?’ Just remember that God can turn around and say the same to you when you’re asking Him to heal your loved one’s cancer. David was right to ask “What is man that you are mindful of him?” And yet Jesus says “your father knows what you need before you ask him” and “do not be anxious [about basic needs: food, drink and clothes…] but seek first the kingdom of God and these things will be added onto you.”

[@oxysz]

Wow I was very depressed recently and I turned this on while driving , it really made me think about things like hell in ways i never have . Pretty crazy how much media infects our minds and how we think of things . Super nice to go to the facts of what the Bible says . God Bless you for your amazing work

[@InTheNameOfGodIHaveCome]

If having heard these things, you now sin more often, and more easily, then truly the one who parades as an angel of light, has deceived you.

[@oxysz]

@@InTheNameOfGodIHaveCome why would you comment that ? I’m new to learning about Christ and reading the Bible . How does my comment have to do with sinning more since I am learning ? I can’t imagine finding Jesus and having no problem sinning , that makes no sense. In reality it made me stop doing things I didn’t believe were even sins before I have found out they are . Just a really weird thing to comment to someone happy to be learning about Christ

[@kathybell5428]

​

[@judimunro9279]

@oxysz I agree with @WatchfulSheep on this one! :)

[@ChristianDJWarren]

Thank you Pastor Mike Winger so much for your ministry. You have no idea how much it means to me and I'm sure it means a lot to a lot of other people!

[@achristiangamer2000]

@@kevinjensen2071 but does that not mean that you are also just an ape making noises about what you imagine to be true about apes???

[@me-mo1um]

@@kevinjensen2071 so u just see yourself as an ape with a great imagination? What high level of self worth

[@zumbinisgm]

@@kevinjensen2071 Apes don't just make noise,, they commicate with each other.

[@kurtgundy]

​@@kevinjensen2071 That's a question for atheists. You're on the wrong channel Kev.

[@zumbinisgm]

@@kevinjensen2071 the language of genetic code, the beauty of creation, the assertions of

[@dnashj33]

Hey Mike, don't forget to turn AUTO FOCUS off on your DSLR camera so it is not searching for a focal point every time you move. Have someone sit in your seat and set your focal point manually, and leave it there after you start your video recording.

[@dgb56bgd]

May Gods Grace and His Blessings be upon you always, for your continued service and YT ministry. It truly is a blessing to me.

[@Fan-vm3sv]

When I thank God for all the small answers to prayer (yes, even parking places)-realizing that all good things come from Him-it gives me even greater faith that He’s in control of the big things as well. And if healing cancer isn’t within His will, I still know that He can be trusted and is still answering my prayer. Maybe we should stop spouting, “Oh wow-God answered my prayer!!!” and say instead “Oh wow-God’s will lined up with what I hoped for!” God ALWAYS answers our prayers, but it’s in accordance with His sovereign will. I believe His answering of the small things gives us daily awareness of His very presence, something that’s thrilling and precious. And these give us greater hope and clarity that He’s in control. Kathy Alba.

[@littlerockforest2483]

One thing I think you definitely got down Mike, is that be as gentle as a dove and not trying to offend anyone! (James 3:2) The care you take in these questions that are asked of you is so impressive. You spoken to me more when your mouth is shut then when you got it open😂. A little tongue and cheek of course. God bless you!! ❤

[@randyhigginbotham1957]

You have been an absolute blessing man! Just want to let you know I appreciate all that you do! Your teachings have been a game changer! GOD BLESS 🙏💪

[@shellyfountain770]

Mike, I love the way you describe the Bible. You are very intelligent and faithful to God's Word. ❤

[@marinda-online]

I am so grateful for your ministry! I live in South-Africa and love the question and answer sessions. Would be appropriate to call this “What is truth ?” Bible truth sooooo important today ! Thank you for the hard work !

[@marthabigby5440]

0+🎉l don't no.

[@deewitt3746]

Good session. Elderly Christian here; learned lots. Thankyou. Praying for you.

[@mikevan4970]

It's amazing how much smarter somebody becomes want to stay a minute that they don't have the answer. Awesome video of pastor Mike you one of my favorite teachers . many blessings come your way brother

[@sherryannutto855]

Thanks Pastor Mike😊 Love "The Princess Bride" quote on your t-shirt 👍

[@melissacarter7936]

I don't get it. I fixated on it during this session trying to figure it out

[@marthathompson2012]

Love the line! Inconceivable!

[@CyrusStratton]

@@melissacarter7936 From the kidnapper (can’t remember his name), he keeps saying inconceivable, but has a speech problem so it sounds like “inconceibable”.

[@LukeCassidy]

Yes! I was hoping that’s what the reference was. Now Mike, all you need to do is be reformed! Hallelujah!!

[@joshuatree6355]

I seriously doubt that his t-shirt is referring to the stupid "Princess Bride" movie, or the idiots in said movie. MAYBE consider what Jesus did on the Cross ?

[@Jhunta]

Mike, your knowledge on Biblical teachings is astounding, to say the least. I love this video so much, the questions you take and the answers you give, I am chewing through it slowly and repeatedly so I do not miss anything. God love ya, brother!

[@HagerVids]

Mike is an answer to my prayer.

[@tanjasmit7535]

Dear pastor Mike....you are the best teacher and your explanations are SO good. Thanks 🇿🇦✝️🙏🏻

[@13kimosabi13]

@@kevinjensen2071so true…..about the overwhelming majority of Christendom…..and that makes me appreciate so much that God knew better than to trust us even with the most minute and insignificant detail.

[@justinprice8559]

I believe in Jesus and have for a long time, some can say I’m wrong for even asking this question, but I’ve always struggled to live the way Christians are supposed to, it makes me feel empty, depressed and not like myself and full of anxiety! My question is, if I feel like I can’t live the way I’m supposed to because it makes me feel all these negative emotions then why am I even existing? Sometimes I feel like I’m destined to go to hell because I can’t change some of my ways, it doesn’t seem quite right so I try not to think about any of it and I pray nearly every night asking to be forgiven. Feels it’s my only option

[@ClaudiaLudwig2509]

I want to just tell you one thing and that is THANK YOU. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Like such a heavy burden has been lifted. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I thought about the hell issue. I just can’t believe you seem to be the only person I have ever heard say this so clearly. I am crying right now. I was brainwashed into believing that sin is sin. And I could never wrap my head around that. I know not to take sin lightly. Thank you Mike

[@jferares]

Hebrews next? Nice! I'll pray over your efforts. My study group is doing Hebrews right now. It's been great. We picked it initially seeing each chapter is relatively short. But we quickly found out it's deep! We're constantly going to other books and spending time reading the references in context (which is why Hebrews is so great IMO). We also yearned for more information about Melchizedek... But then realized Jesus is that more information! May God bless you. :)

[@s9523pink]

Always amazed and inspired by your God given empathy and wisdom, and your excellent humor, bro!❤

[@JoeyAbadLifeLeadershipGlobal]

Agree 1000%

[@5agentalex5]

I’m so glad to see you cover the complexity of hell, this is an issue that has bugged me for a while now. I absolutely believe topics like the final judgment and beyond are infinitely more complex than how they are lightly explained in the Bible. As it is widely understood now, the final judgment day would end up looking like that kangaroo-court from the Dark Knight, where Scarecrow presides over a farce trial, sentencing everyone to death. Where God would read out the charges, meaninglessly, then hand down predetermined and equally weighted pass/fail sentences. The overall good person who devoted their lives to helping others who’s worst sin was the occasional lie or lustful thought would receive the same punishment as Serialkillers and so on and so forth… The thing is, this dose not in any way match what we know to be the immutable nature of God. God IS Just, it is His nature, it is who He is. He is incapable of being unjust. But to sentence anyone, even serialkillers, to an eternity of suffering over one lifetime of sin is objectively unjust no matter how bad the sin was. Especially since God, being omnipresent, already know who was and wasn’t going to be saved before making them, so objectively, how could a good and Just God, create someone knowing they would have a brief life (where He would know them and love them and care for them) followed by unending, infinite suffering?!?!? How could He even make humans at all knowing that, without being in His nature selfish and cruel? This seams to be a contradiction, but in my experience anything in the Bible that seams to contradict itself is actually just our misunderstanding of it, which I absolutely believe to be the case here aswell. And the truth is we are not actually going to know until it happens and even then God may not let the saved know what goes on with the others. Also the fact that Jesus was able to pay the price for our salvation implies that there was a set price to be payed. Meaning that, logically, each sin has a set cost and can be payed off. Maybe its 100 death sentences that will take 1000 years to serve out but technically this implies a finite punishment. However it is very clear that there is no way to heaven except through Jesus so I am in no way saying they get to go to heaven after the time is done but something must end after the sentence has been served even if it is just ceasing to exist. I also don’t think they keep sinning in hell or at least I don’t think that would apply to their sentences because there is only one judgment day where everyone is held accountable for the sins they committed up to that point. Over all of it though, is the fact that throughout the Bible it mentions that it brakes Jesus’ and the Fathers heart that anyone will suffer this fate, whatever it might entail; and that we are commanded to love each other as God loves each and everyone of us. So I don’t think it is wrong to hope for and wonder about a merciful aspect to hell. Far far to often when I try and discuss this with other Christians the conversation gets shut down with a swift “that’s just how it is and those sinners deserve it.” A response that deep down seams to come from a place of self-righteousness and hate, wanting others to suffer. Much like the angeles, this is not one of the black and white, fully revealed aspects of the Bible because God knows we can’t or don’t need to understand it. So think about it objectively and examine, what and why, you believe what you do about this, to strengthen your own faith and examine your own heart, because that’s the stuff that actually matters here.

[@stevenhenry1625]

But you see, even the do-gooder or the serial killer have both before they ever committed these sins also committed the most heinous of possible sins, which manifested itself in these acts. That is sedition, rebellion and treason against the King and creator of the universe. We often forget that one when we are having this discussion and yet that is the chief of all crimes! And it I one for which we are all guilty.

[@jawdroppingbeautybyjulie61]

I love what you said, Mike, regarding not refusing God’s grace and forgiveness on the grounds of not understanding his judgement. I love that. Soooooooo many, are willing to throw away their gift of grace and deny Christ, because they don’t understand God being not only a loving Father, but a God of righteousness and justice.

[@riatsila144]

Mike, I want to thank you for everything! Especially your use of "plethora". It means a lot.

[@trinidad2450]

A plethora of 😊 to you!

[@markh6425]

👍

[@slynnjacomet8]

Mike, I so appreciate your kind heart when answering heart questions like the 'break-up question '. Thank you for your tenderness. I would like to say to the young woman: Be vigilant in not getting in a relationship that you know is going to have an ending like this. Your first couple of dates should have led to this same conclusion and an earlier break would have been more gentle on this young man's heart.

[@gabriellearterburn4428]

The debtor's prison metaphor is really helpful. Thank you. 💚🙏🏼💚

[@Thee_BreezyBeenie]

Thay was a really good metaphor! I'd also like to add, if I may, that His stay in the grave had to be short because He is LIFE and by raising again He defeated death. He couldn't stay there. Death couldn't hold Him.

[@MrEmanthedrummer]

As a former Christian, I now realize how my prior beliefs limited my perspective and closed me off to alternative viewpoints. I experienced the negative effects of constant guilt and shame when making mistakes. However, in understanding the true meaning of love, I can appreciate the selfless act displayed by Jesus on the cross. He didn't judge but instead empathized with those who sought to harm him. He defied conventional beliefs by helping sinners without judgment. The concept of God creating us with the potential for sin raises questions. If God is responsible for our existence and the way the universe operates, wouldn't it be God's fault that we have the capability to sin? As the primary cause of nature, God would be the reason for our inherent nature. Blaming and punishing us for our flaws is akin to a painter blaming their painting for imperfections and then destroying it. The story of Adam and Eve also presents a significant issue. How could they have known their choice was wrong if they lacked the capacity to judge their actions, as they didn't possess knowledge of good and evil at that time? This seems to portray God as unfairly blaming his creation for actions that are a consequence of their design. Upon considering Christianity from an honest and logical perspective, it appears to have significant flaws. However, I remain open to changing my mind if presented with convincing counterarguments.

[@tomm6167]

I believe your issues are valid, and I appreciate the articulate way you expressed them. Regarding your paragraphs 2 & 3, I don't have any counterarguments, but I do have a couple of often overlooked scriptures which support what you've said: "God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all." (Romans 11:32, ESV). "The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (Romans 8:19-21, ESV). As you can see, in both passages, God appears to take responsibility for man's sin, and God hints at a glorious future for all of humanity. If you have any interest in investigating this version of Christianity (which, BTW, was very popular in the first 500 years of the church), the award-winning Heaven's Doors by George Sarris would be a good place to start. God bless!

[@MrEmanthedrummer]

@@tomm6167 Thank you for your thoughtful response and for sharing those scriptures. It's refreshing to see passages where God seemingly takes responsibility for humanity's disobedience and offers hope for a brighter future. This perspective seems to highlight a more compassionate and understanding viewpoint on God's role in human nature and sin. The early church's beliefs could offer valuable insights that might address some of my concerns. I will definitely consider reading Heaven's Doors to gain a deeper understanding of this viewpoint. I do my best to keep an open mind and be willing to engage with different perspectives on faith and spirituality. Thank you for the respectful dialogue and your willingness to engage in this conversation. May we continue to learn and grow in our understanding of these complex issues. God bless!

[@justice8718]

Adam and Eve were just like the angels of heaven. They did know better. We are the opposite of them. Monsters since birth with the chance of holiness.

[@639Andrew]

The logical conclusion of which roots to theological conviction as self evident when sought. The assertion made in question 20 holds the convictions made evident to me throughout the past variety of years. It's a breath of fresh air to hear it resonate through a pastor as yourself Winger

[@pathollingworth2170]

Awesome answers to questions according to God - very well done 🙏👍

[@brianchittenden6261]

God is love, not forced love. Without a choice is not Love.

[@jakebarnes3054]

Is that scriptural though?

[@Ha.nn.ah0]

@@jakebarnes3054 What part?

[@jakebarnes3054]

@@Ha.nn.ah0 the idea that we have a choice (ability to change God's plans) and that this constitutes forced love. Also the idea that us being predestined to certain actions makes the action any less real or intentional.

[@Ha.nn.ah0]

@@jakebarnes3054 Well from what I've found predestination is not biblical for that exact reason. Predestination would be God forcing a choice to accept him or deny him on people regardless of what they want or do. This means God makes people sin seeing that not accepting God is a sin. The idea of free will isn't something you can have at 50%. You're either entirely free to choose or you're entirely subject to the chooser. I don't have any quick references on hand but I have yet to see a verse that ACTUALLY supports predestination.

[@carlidoepke5131]

Lots of choices by man, sometimes God steps in. Just read through Kings a month or so ago…and now, God sure let them choose what they could do. He told them what would happen if they didn’t follow him. Then they made their choice and sometimes God would then stop holding off the nations from attacking. Predestination is in scripture, but not the Calvinist view.

[@ethicsexistentialism4191]

Thanks so much Mike 🙏😇 For those wanting more evidence on God's existence (i.e. regarding the final question) I highly recommend listening to John Lennox (Christian mathematician and scientist) and James Tour (Christian scientist). 👍😉 May all unbelievers hear His calling and understand the power of His Amazing Grace. Amen 🙏

[@Dhorpatan]

Whatever dude! "For those wanting more evidence of God's existence, I highly recommend listening to white men, because only what white men say matters, that's why they got to name the days of the week and the freaking planets, and the names of generations like millennials".🤣

[@slamrn9689]

It is very encouraging that Mike is at least taking conditional immortality seriously. It took me about 3 years before I was so confident about this stance that I was no longer afraid to bring it up in appropriate situations. I realize that, unfortunately, this comes at a cost to those in leadership and teaching positions - it should not be this way. As far as I am informed, the exact nature of the final state of unbelievers in Gehenna (the word Jesus used, which most English bible translations is rendered as 'Hell') was never a matter of doctrine in the creeds. Some things we know for sure is that God's judgement is righteous, that unbelievers are never promised eternal life, and that that judgement is final and cannot be reversed.

[@hephep7426]

People accuse others of being egotistical when they feel they want more than they deserve. GOD ABSOLUTELY deserves all the worship he requires/ desires!!!

[@annewest7429]

I grew up with a coal furnace. There is a bin full of coal with an auger that feeds the coal into the furnace. The auger was called the "worm." If the worm wasn't covered or fed, the fire would go out, so it was important for us to not let the worm "die." It always surprises me when people don't have this perspective, but I realize how my understanding was formed.

[@debbielynnraminsh1917]

I soo appreciate You in the way you share ... I truley enjoy this video today .. and join in Your Prayer for the unsaved Today and always 🙏

[@stephen6890]

Looks like Mike been hitting the gym. 💪 thanks for the content my fellow brother in Christ. ❤🙏

[@bendelaughter]

I was thinking the same thing lol

[@not_milk]

He used to not because he was afraid of becoming vain. Be careful not to completement too much since that’s an area of concern for him!

[@FlyTour69]

@@not_milk well in that case, let’s “persecute” Mike for getting in shape and encourage him to be lazy like most Americans. Maybe that’ll drive him to stick with it and go even harder. 💪😓🏋️‍♂️ jk

[@gtaylor1009]

Mike, if you read this, I appreciate your answer it was very helpful! I was question number 3, and I’m sorry for the question being worded poorly, I was rushing to get a question in. I myself am a born again Christian and the things the Spirit has done and continues to do in me is amazing! I study daily to God be ALL THE GLORY! I have a friend that is so stubborn saying I’m not to call the Lord Jesus or even use words like Lord or God. He states all the name changes are wicked, I don’t know enough about Greek history or Constantine to know how to answer him, I just know the Lord heard me when he saved me and I called on the name Jesus! By the way, he is NOT a Hebrew Israelite, thank the Lord for that! Be blessed Mike, Love your ministry and how the Lord is using you!

[@xavierthomas5835]

What's better than to know things about Greek is to know your witness. It okay to completely ignore what people ask in order to get to the root of the problem. Because all you're doing is dealing with their mind, not their heart. You'll spend hours trying to convince them of things their heart just doesn't like. You end and start conversations easier by speaking to their heart and soul. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and there is nothing unholy about him. Don't stand on argument based on knowledge about the world but about God.

[@gtaylor1009]

@@xavierthomas5835 Amen! Thanks for the reply it is a blessing! God bless you and yours!

[@xavierthomas5835]

@Gary Taylor to you as well and God bless

[@dartht.3736]

Great job. On the only 3 days of death by Jesus. He was also Deity. So sacrificing God is a much bigger payment (infinitely bigger) for my sins, my sins were against an infinite God so only Jesus had the Collateral as you said. Praise Him!

[@CollierWardAIA]

Thanks for your honesty here, Pastor Mike. It's refreshing to hear a teacher acknowledge he hasn't completely worked through a doctrine. When Jesus speaks of the worm dying not, etc. He's referring to the final chapter (verse) in Isaiah. It's quite eye-opening and -I believe- makes a strong case for "annihilationism." Thanks.

[@veronicaspencelocke2003]

Could you please explain more why you believe that Isaiah 66:24 makes a good case for annihilationism? It still states that "...their worm *shall not die* their fire shall *not* be quenched..."?

[@AndrewJohnH]

Sound comes in at about 3 minutes.

[@LL-lj1kq]

Thank you !

[@sarahfaith316]

It will be edited soon!

[@ruby11]

Thank you ❤

[@vickyflores3557]

Thank you

[@ISayToMyself]

Thank you.

[@Draganism]

You have aquired wisdom through the Bible Mike. Thank you for sharing it.

[@teresadenisiuk8200]

I truly appreciate your ministry!!!! Hopefully one of these days I can submit a question to you 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@unamordiezdose5579]

Praise The Lord, "how about this, you become Christian then you guys can ......" Perfectly said sir!

[@robertdouglas8895]

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has punishment. He that fears, is not made perfect in love" " If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent." If you believe in sin, fear and punishment you have a different God than when you believe in forgiveness and eternal patience.

[@amirsmith9269]

Hi pastor Mike. I’ve learned a lot from your ministry, i pray God continues to bless you.

[@lwoodrow7]

There is very strong biblical evidence for annihilation as opposed to eternal torment. God is just, and he makes a final end to sin and wickedness. Remember both death and hades (what we call hell) are thrown into the lake of fire Rev 20:14.

[@jennifergoulart7816]

Yes amen and this is a hard thing for traditional Christians to understand yet they fail to answer key issues with the idea of eternal life in hell

[@timrodriguez16]

I think when we go to heaven we won’t be questioning the severity of God’s judgment, rather we will questioning with gratitude the grace of his salvation

[@theeternalsbeliever1779]

Your argument assumes that the Bible teaches that going to Heaven is the Christian's reward, but it doesn't. That's what traditional Christianity believes, but the traditions of Catholicism and Protestantism comes from forcing pet doctrines into the text and ignore passages that disproves their beliefs. Jhn 3:16 says whoever doesn't have eternal life will _perish_ . To perish is to die, not continue suffering in another plane of existence.

[@timrodriguez16]

@@theeternalsbeliever1779 I understand your view, but there are some who would argue the continuing of a person’s existence in torment by using passages such as Matt 25:46 Also, the “death” of a person’s soul could be defined as being separated from God, hence terms like perish or death or destruction

[@djparsons7363]

@@timrodriguez16 Those "some" are wrong, that Scripture is not rendered correctly in the KJV. KJ: “These shall go away into everlasting punishment [“lopping off,” Int; Greek, koʹla·sin]: but the righteous into life eternal.” (The Emphatic Diaglott reads “cutting-off” instead of “punishment.” A footnote states: “Kolasin . . . is derived from kolazoo, which signifies, 1. To cut off; as lopping off branches of trees, to prune. 2. To restrain, to repress. . . . 3. To chastise, to punish. (Matthew 25:46) These will depart into everlasting CUTTING OFF, but the righteous ones into everlasting life.”

[@timrodriguez16]

@@djparsons7363 most translations if not all render it punishment

[@ingela_injeela]

"Amazing love, how can it be, that You oh Lord should die for me?"

[@vgil1278]

It wasn't that long ago Mormons taught you could work your way to godhood. I am 77 years old and when I was a 30 yr. old woman I became a mormon and was being counseled by another mormon my age. At one point, I can't remember the context, she asked me if I didn't want to be a god of my own world. That question unhinged me, and I never went back to that church. In so many ways I knew that was wrong. So not that long ago.

[@jayceejm]

Pastor Mike you have suggested that I must trust God's judgement but I really believe that you are asking me to trust YOUR judgement. Yours and that of many others' interpretation of Scripture on this matter.

[@jefferb5926]

I always appreciate Mike’s careful approach to biblical topics. The question was about infinite punishment for finite crimes and despite many good points the question remains unanswered. If Hell is a function of a just God’s hatred of sin, when is justice served? 2 billion years maybe? There is much more to discuss

[@toreyhorton1789]

No, there isn't much more to discuss from the scriptural perspective. Mike is coming from the false teaching perspective so of course LIES will lead to more questions and skepticism. But the truth is there is no hellfire or realm where disembodied "souls" or "spirits" or "entities" are confined to after death where they experience torment or torture for the previous behavior. Even human beings cringe at the thought of mistreating criminals or terrorist by torturing them. God doesn't torture or confine a being to a place where they are unceasingly tortured. I believe many atheist have a better understanding of justice and God than most people who PROFESS to be Christian. The wages sin pays is DEATH, not torment or torture. *_ROMANS 6:23_* Death is the state of nonexistence. When you die, you will not even know you're dead so what's there to fear. *_ECCLESIASTES 9:5, 10_*

[@justice8718]

Look where sin led to. The murder of Jesus Christ.

[@hernepera1]

This "straight to the point" style is great!

[@RestoredToJesus]

Eternal judgment. “I do not think that means what you think that means” Inconceivable!!

[@kennethgee2004]

Really? What do you eternal judgement means?

[@toreyhorton1789]

It doesn't. He was completely conflicted and in error which is why he correctly stated he needed to do a deep dive into the true understanding of judgement and punishment. He even conflated the two terms as if they should be used interchangeably.

[@kennethgee2004]

@@toreyhorton1789 The issue is the question and our understanding of what sin really is. No sin, regardless of the severity, is finite when the injury is God who is an infinite being. It is also the unrepentant nature of humanity that causes their judgement to be everlasting. It is not like as some finite time in Hell that those that rejected God will suddenly change their mind, and ask for God's forgiveness. Remember that while in Hell those present will not experience anything good, so they will not have any reason to repent as nothing will move them towards repentance.

[@toreyhorton1789]

That's not true or scriptural. You're not speaking from scriptural perspective. Your comment appears to be more philosophical rather than truth. Sin is very finite. The word sin means 'to miss the mark' such as when a person aims for a target in archery. That instance when you fail to hit the target does not infinitely impact the individual. The person has yet another opportunity to aim for it once again. But you are completely wrong about God being infinitely injured by His creation's sinful behavior. Or, at least that is what I believe you are suggesting. God is not a hypocrite. He doesn't expect us to follow standards and rules that He chooses to violate on a whim. *_1 JOHN 4:8_* He is LOVE. The scriptures do not say He shows love but He that is the personification or embodiment of love. And here is what the apostle Paul says LOVE does and just as important what it DOES NOT DO. *_1 CORINTHIANS 13:4, 5_* - Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 1Co 13:5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and *_it keeps no record of being wronged._* Love keeps no record of being wronged. In fact, the Greek word used for 'wronged' is KAKOS which is defined as something INJURIOUS or TROUBLESOME or DESTRUCTIVE things. Humans can only show or display the emotion of love but God is the embodiment of love so if He expects us to not keep an account of being wronged by someone based on our LIMITED use or display of love then He would also not keep a record of wrongs performed by individuals since He is Love. After you have died and He decides your life didn't meet the requirements to be considered for resurrection, you've paid the ultimate costs of your sins which is death. That's the finale. *_ROMANS 6:23_* Eternal life is only for people who have accepted Christ as their savior and it is a GIFT. No one is PUNISHED with a gift of eternal life.

[@kennethgee2004]

@@toreyhorton1789 Romans 3:23 for the wages of sin is death. Sin is not very finite. Sin is not even finite. Sin is eternal. The consequences of sin death as a just wage. You are to fear the Lord your God who can destroy both body and soul. Love is not tolerant though. God is love, but is also holy, holy, holy and as such is perfect in justice as well. God will punish those that want to keep their due wages of sin and send them to Hell. In Hell there will be no good thing from God that reaches them. A good thing from God is the Holy Spirit that is convicting and pulling at the heart of the sinner. The sinner in Hell will never repent. All of this strictly found in the bible, which is why Jesus spoke about Hell more than any other subject. It is why Jesus condemned the Pharisee telling them that they were making converts that twice the sons of Hell as they were. Jesus came so that those that believe in Him will not perish. The implication is explicit that those that do not believe in Jesus will perish.

[@karenvictor8467]

I think God blessed you with wisdom and knowledge. Your words are wise, but so is your attitude and way of communicating. Remain humble. I pray God bless me with similar wisdom.

[@kerrydwyer1879]

...We begin to understand His love ..His mercy is incredible..This planet is hard to get through each day for some,But when we feeel the relief of His forgiveness Through Jesus -not commands of men over the scriptures......We feel such a change...It is amazing ....Even the illiterate can ,through prayer,gain so much ...Acts 17 says much.Thank you for your sensitivity .From Sydney

[@billleroy6736]

the wages of sin is death not life. Living for ever in a Hell is not death, it's life in a tormented state

[@junk3996]

yup changes the rewards from life vs death to life here vs life there. still falling for the same lie in the garden "You shall surely not die"

[@chris-nj3vg]

@@junk3996 Apart from the lie, it greatly mischaracterizes God, making him an evil torturer.

[@marieyoung8344]

Thank you for your response.

[@annaboshier6680]

Oh Mike I’m so happy to hear you say you’re open to the idea of complete destruction haha. I was introduced to the view after hearing Jordan Sutton talk on this on remnant radio and then in my own reading of the bible from scratch there’s not been any verse to me that I thought could not possibly mean destruction. Apart from one or two which sounds more like eternal conscious torment... So very interested and looking forward to your deep dive!

[@cindystokes8347]

You said there are no verses about destruction? The mistake would be doing a word search for “hell” which is the translation for “Gehenna” which is brought up as the fire on judgment day. The Bible says more times than I have counted that the wicked will be burned up like chaff, utterly destroyed, “you will find them no more”. Research the fate of the wicked. Combine this with the fact that you can’t find any evidence in God’s word that our self (soul) can survive apart from our body. And if you assume that the soul is indestructible, what do you do with Jesus saying that God is able to destroy “body and soul” in Hell? We will be resurrected because God holds us in his eternal mind and remembers us. He is able to forget the wicked which makes their destruction eternal, never to be raised again.

[@markdemo5]

​@@cindystokes8347thanks for getting back. The New Testament completed the Old Law and Christ Jesus paid the bill for our sins. APTTMH❤

[@paulatomlins1852]

How about complete restoration?

[@julielane5966]

I love your Bible teaching! Thank you for being faithful to Scripture!

[@donnabeyer5689]

Jesus shed perfect blood and by his stripes we are healed and saved by believing in Jesus sacrifice for our sins.....The perfect lamb of God

[@rob41137]

Fireproof Worms, new band name, called it

[@Thee_BreezyBeenie]

Hahahaha! Love it!

[@Garnishes]

thus far, Conditional Immortality seems to provide the most biblical conclusions, and doesn't contradict some things in the bible that Eternal Conscious Torment does. Eternal conscious torment is still eternal existence instead of death which is the wages of sin. Especially if u read Genesis, it really shows how sin introduced death to the world, hence we now die (when we were supposed to be living forever). There's also the passage about 'hell' itself at the end being tossed into the lake of fire, which is the 2nd death. There are many other biblical points to support CI, which I can't remember off the top of my head, but to be honest it untangled alot of contradictions that came with the ECT worldview. i'm not saying i hold to any of the views of hell super firmly but CI seems to square up with things the most.

[@junk3996]

yeah. this is how one website i use words it "Conditional Immortality: God alone is the giver of life, and He alone possesses immortality. All creatures are continuously dependent on Him for life itself. Man does not have an "immortal soul" living in a body of flesh, he IS "a living soul" - a body of flesh animated by the breath of God - a physical creature. Death is not the departure of an immaterial ghost from the physical body, but God's receiving back the "breath of life" which He has loaned to every person. Death is sleep, not a conscious existence in another realm as in Greek mythology. Therefore, permanent punishment and reward after death can only be realized through the resurrection of the body. Resurrection to immortality (eternal life) is a gift of God granted only to those whom God declares righteous by His grace and mercy."

[@cindystokes8347]

Once I saw how many times the Bible says the wicked will be utterly destroyed and will be no more, I couldn’t unsee it. Stumbling across the “rethinking Hell” channel has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me and does wonders for evangelism. Your an freely express God’s judgment on sin, that it’s worthy of death and without Jesus you will be eternally destroyed. (The effect, not the process eternal. If the process never ends and you never completely die, how is the wage paid?)

[@junk3996]

@@cindystokes8347 one great chapter is Psalm 37. the reward for the righteous vs wicked is stated over and over its pretty eye opening what our destinies will be (not heaven and hell)

[@ettamargason4995]

Thank you so much Pastor. This is so good!

[@billballoo7881]

As a parent, I'd never understand or comprehend putting any of my children to a place of eternal torment. But hey that's me.

[@tonyrichardson2637]

no one sends there children into eternal torment.

[@jobee525]

20:24 "Do you think that Jesus was trying to communicate fireproof worms?" This may be one of my fav quotes of you so far! I'm a pretty new sub here. It looks like I started watching on June 6, and between Spotify and KZbin, I've listened to about 14 hours! I added up all the minutes. I love that you create long form content. It keeps me focused on my chores or projects. I also found Spotify and love that because when I'm at work I can just put in an earbud and not worry about KZbin being bumped. I also love the way you teach, and that you repeat important phrases. I've learned some new vocabulary words, such as egalitarian and complementarian. I've never had words for it before. I grew up Missouri synod Lutheran and was always taught women can't be pastors. I agreed, knew it was taught 'somewhere' in the Bible. So I'm going through the Women in Ministry playlist now as well. Anyway, thanks so much! I'm glad I found your channel! It's helped me a lot so far.

[@nuwavedave]

Regarding Jesus paying our debt, there's a concept found in Leviticus, called the "Kinsman Redeemer". This is a male blood-relative who intercedes on behalf of his relative who is in trouble, danger, or need. The Kinsman Redeemer is played-out in the book of Ruth, where Boaz steps in to help Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. As best as I understand it, this is why God came in the flesh as a man and shed His blood on our behalf. To satisfy the law, as Kinsman, He had to be like us - human. And He had to be male.

[@handle742]

Boaz was a Christ type, like David, Daniel and the likes.

[@haachamachama7]

22:30 I'm surprised to hear Mike say this. I became an annihilationist from my own studies of the Bible, before i knew what "annihilationism" was lol. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but being wiped out for all eternity WOULD be an everlasting punishment. Not to mention hell is called the "second death". What kind of death lasts forever? Death is ceasing to exist.

[@cklester]

It boggles my mind that Christians still believe that a loving God will torture someone in hellfire forever, and they try to excuse or rationalize it on KZbin for thousands of viewers. Absolutely disgusting lie from the father of lies himself. Fortunately, there are those who are rediscovering the truth about God's love. At least be an annihilationist! That's infinitely better than suggesting God tortures human beings in hellfire for eternity. Yikes!

[@haachamachama7]

@@cklester I'm not 100% sure on my position, if God does allow humans to for eternity, who am I to say He's wrong? But the evidence in the Bible seems to strongly suggest Hell was made for Satan and his angels, not man, and that Satan will suffer for eternity, but it never says man will. I'd say i'm 95% sure annihilationism is what happens to unbelievers.

[@junk3996]

@@haachamachama7 conscious eternal torment will not befall Satan and his angels either, they will also be destroyed. the biggest issue with the argument is the debate and definition of life vs death. the reward for wickedness has always been death and is always death throughout all scripture. but the idea of conscious eternal torment has you alive, just not bodily, so you're not actually dead. the reward for righteousness is life - to suggest that all "souls" are immortal and will always live forever deludes that reward to nothing. it turns the reward from life and death to life in heaven or life in hell. it isn't whats in scripture anywhere except someones massively twisted interpretation of key parables and whatnot. to change the rewards from life vs death to life here vs life there, we end up falling for the same lie Satan told in the garden "You shall surely not die"

[@haachamachama7]

@@junk3996 Well, Rev. 20:10 says Satan and the beast and the false prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire and tortured for all eternity. There's also a verse somewhere that says the lake of fire will not cease to exist ever. I do agree with your point about the punishment for sin being death. As i said, Hell is called the second death, and there's many verses saying the reward for believing in Jesus is eternal life. If we went to hell forever, how would that not be "eternal life"? Some might argue an eternity of torture is not counted as life, but that feels like they're rationalizing to me. Hell was made into this eternal torment by desperate pastors who wanted to scare people into becoming Christians, in my eyes...

[@esze8807]

@@cklester Oh really. How can any Christian be expected to believe in eternal punishment when Jesus himself said it? Matthew 25:41-46 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into EVERLASTING fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into EVERLASTING punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

[@tnmtnmorning1178]

This was great! Thanks Pastor Mike!

[@isaacb33]

Many people mistake prayer for just asking God for things. It’s about your relationship with Christ. Through the righteousness of Christ in you, many prayers will be answered but the key here is righteousness. James 5:16

[@Churchman118]

Just wanna say, I really like your approach to these topics. I have been listening to so many of your videos for the passes weeks and it has helped me gain a closer relationship with Christ. God Bless you and keep rolling these videos out.

[@wendypratt6837]

As for the bonus question some poeple ask questions just because they want to argue and actually don't want to hear the answer!

[@PhilGeissler]

I have to say that is one of the best answers about Hell I've ever heard. Thank you so much!

[@dizzoa.k6276]

I just left this on one of your previous video: I just found you and I have been kick out of two separate churches one was my child hood Church of God the other was a Catholic church all because my sin was being a Police Officer for over 20 years , the only acceptances I have and comfort is my new Anthesis girl friend. I was literally told not come to Church during 2020 , and people wonder why suicide is high in my forsaken. profession . I have no peace at work , at home or spiritually, because I decided to put a blue uniform on.

[@sauliruottu5871]

Seriously, kicked out of a church for being an officer? Makes zero sense.

[@johnflorio3576]

There’s a Commandment against bearing false witness.

[@JonnieK2006]

There's a verse on this. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9. So, I don't know what they were talking about unless I'm wildly misinterpreting this verse.

[@brit1103]

Wow if this is the case, this is heartbreaking. I’d recommend searching for a biblical church near you. 9marks and John MacArthur’s seminary - both websites have church finders with reputable churches for the most part. May we have unity in the body and a heart for God. I’m praying you find community and peace within your spirit.

[@peterfox7663]

Stay far away from anything to do with MacArthur, 9Marks, Acts 29, Gospel Coalition, Ligonier

[@BeautifulSunshine-vl3fd]

28:35 because God gave us free will he wants us to willing pick God and Jesus. God made us to think for ourselves. Makes God happy knowing you love him too because you picked to follow him you picked to stay away from evil. It shows God your true love for him. God also wants our pure love back ❤

[@kurtweiand7086]

Mike you are such a refreshing voice for truth. God bless you!

[@ROBERTSHELLEY-b5b]

I absolutely love your humble spirit in your personal quest for truth. Hell is a subject I have been struggling with since Jesus redeemed me in 1973. I literally have spent thousands of hours on this subject for a lot of different reasons. I always come back to this place,and that is the nature of God as he has reviled to us in scripture. Keeping a soul alive to be tortured in flames for eternity is decidedly a man construct,just punishment for sin is truly a God construct. I really liked your answer to the point you went to revelation. However I believe you stopped short. The rest of that passage goes on with the final judgment:sin and Hell are cast into the lake of fire. I have come to believe this is the all consuming fire of God. A undeniable truth is if satan and the unredeemed are kept in a physical place called hell for eternity then sin will last for eternity as well.

[@tomm6167]

I suspect that you are correct that the lake of fire is the all consuming fire of God: "He [God] is like a refiner's fire and fullers' soap." (Malachi 3:2). As for the fullers' soap, I believe it corresponds to the widely misunderstood brimstone=sulfur in Rev. 21:8. As you probably know because of your extensive research, brimstone=sulfur was used in Pre-Roman civilizations as a medicine, a fumigant, a bleaching agent and in incense. For example, in Homer's Iliad, about a quarter of the way through Book 16, a goblet is said to be purified with brimstone=sulfur. And the Romans used brimstone=sulfur or fumes from its combustion as an insecticide, and to purify a sick room to cleanse its air of evil. I think this is very suggestive of the true purpose of the lake of fire.

[@junk3996]

yeah Revelation is my favourite book and favourite thing to study, but in conversations like this and studies i like to leave Rev out of it. basically because its by decades the final book. no other apostle read or knew of Rev and thus we need to have an operating theology and eschatology before even looking at Revelation. to a degree this can even apply to all the NT, so if you can't back up your belief without OT scriptures and can only rely on such a book as Rev i don't even consider it

[@AnHebrewChild]

@@junk3996who told you that Revelation is the final book written? What were they basing this on?

[@junk3996]

@@AnHebrewChild why do you ask? what is your point?

[@AnHebrewChild]

@@junk3996 I don't know. just curious! You stated it is the final book written. I've always heard the last thing written was either the book of Acts or John's gospel. I've always understood Revelation was written pre 70AD: due to its prophecies about the destruction of the temple ("measure the outer temple court"). This relatively earlier dating of Revelation had been the majority report in Christendom for centuries. I'm just curious why you think Revelation was written last.

[@mickknight6963]

I remember back in the 80s after I got saved, I found a definition in the dictionary which said a cult is "any sect or group that dirives it's teachings from a major world religion, yet denies the central teaching of that major world religion." That makes sense, because there are only a few major world religions. And thousands of cults. So, as for "christian cults" they use parts of the Bible, yet deny the deity of Jesus, His substitutionary death and resurrection as the only source of forgiveness and salvation. They add works in order to be saved, ect. Cults steal much of their content from another teaching, yet deny the center of that teaching. So basically, cults are started by liars & thieves.

[@briggy4359]

Agreed, though some "world religions" are actually cults. Islam, for example, is a cult offshoot of judeo-christianity.

[@sunnydaze1185]

Yes, people trying to say c hrust followers are a " cult" need to take that up with Christ himself since they are basically calling him the " c ult" leader who manipulates,lies to, and forcefully makes his followers be with him. None of which is truth.

[@Yipper64]

49:36 the way that I define a cult is a set of religious beliefs meant to manipulate and control those who believe in it, usually but not always with a leader at the helm benefiting from the cult's spread. I could probably come up with a better more scholarly definition but rattling off the top of my head, this is what I think it means, especially when I personally use the word.

[@dezzy151]

great Princess Bride shirt 😂 God bless you and your family. Fantastic Q n A Mike! ✝️❤️

[@639Andrew]

Gods love inspires production. When we invest our facilities to love toward god, we ferment passion, and interest. We devote our selves to studying the glory of his works. Producing sciences, revealing the intricacies of his designs, and bestowing these graces to an ancestral lineage. Our love for god inspires participation in his graces. His request for love, is so we might fulfill our lives with what it entails

[@HiVisl]

I’m a Christian and I struggle with hell. I know God is just and holy, but why create a universe if you knew just one person would suffer for eternity?! It's not worth it!! It seems so cruel, especially because God knew before anything was created. Who would ask to be created if you knew this is what you’d be exposed to? Better to not be created.

[@10amSanta]

I'm in a similar boat. Even if we are given free will, if the consequence for not choosing Christ is eternal damnation it does not feel free. By nature we are not perfect and therefore sinful, so by nature we are doomed - that does not seem free.

[@10amSanta]

@endtimesareuponus8930 There is nothing new under the sun and I believe the story has already been spun. Cycles and seasons; deaths, births and reunions. The game of life is a game of consequence. We all must choose how our time is spent. However, I do not claim damnation is destination, but rather a state of mind. Through with knowledge and practice, heaven you will find. Everything in its time.

[@Rusty254]

​@endtimesareuponus8930It's a poem... Your previous statement makes less sense than it does. If God did everything in His power to stop souls from going to hell, then no souls would reach hell. Do not put a limit on His power.

[@thatonechristian2487]

@@10amSantaCan I submit to you that the freedom you seem to speak of requires freedom from consequence? You are free to violate the laws of a country, but you then being punished for doing so does not in any way limit your freedom? You made a choice and that choice has consequences. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t free, it just means your choices have consequences. Also, while we are sinners by nature, we also are able to respond to the Gospel by God’s grace. If you hear the Gospel proclaimed, and you reject it, YOU made that decision. God isn’t making you do that. I hope that helps clarify a little bit.

[@ebates667]

​@@thatonechristian2487 By this logic...If you're burned alive for eternity for being an Indonesian farmer that never heard the gospel, right alongside Marilyn Manson, then you'd have to support a country like North Korea that would enact the death penalty on a shoplifter. All crimes = death penalty? Is that just?

[@alwaysovercomingbear4809]

Don't forget to hit the thumbs up button, guys! 👍❤

[@daMillenialTrucker]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@alwaysovercomingbear4809]

@@s.s.s.734 you mean cliché? 🥴

[@billleroy6736]

You need to get Chris Date on Mike.

[@MarkWCorbett1]

Amen!

[@hannahpresley694]

I remember reading my Bible in college and suddenly realizing that hell was not described as I had been taught. This was what made me question whether destruction was the end for non Christians. I had never heard of conditional immortality, but began to search for discussion of the verses that troubled me and found annihilationism. It seems most biblical to me, although I recognize it is less common view.

[@Crikey420]

The problem with it is that it puts justice over mercy as the concluding judgement of God. In essence it downplays the power of Jesus’ atonement and sacrifice which was to fulfil the demands of justice. The crowning moment in all of humanities history and it means nothing in the end because justice prevaileth. If im honest, to believe in this doctrine you have to put aside the fact that we have a perfect all loving all merciful God who made us in his image and considers us his children and wants us to recognise him as our Father. A father that would puff out of existence those that spent a mere micro length of their time in the grand scheme of eternity making mistakes. I thought Jesus’ sacrifice was way grander than that. Just look at how he treated those that sinned, right up to the cross and you wanna tell me that that same Jesus will condemn the vast majority of the inhabitants of the earth to non existence? No disrespect, but no wonder theres 45000 different denominations and alot more atheists. Thats not a God of love. “If ye are not one ye are not mine” so obviously all these churches arent the truth. Where is this unified global faith that does the works of Christ? Only one comes to mind.

[@navybrandt]

Pastor Mike, I love your Q&As and how you explain complex theological topics so very well. You have a lot of wisdom and truth! Your discussions are both well researched and you're not afraid to say "I don't know" when necessary. Though I have learned much from you, I must disagree with you on the possibility of annihilationism here as I believe it is a doctrine at odds with the clear teaching of Scripture. Matthew 25:46 contrasts the destinies of the righteous and the wicked: "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." The parallelism in this verse is striking; just as the life promised to the righteous is eternal, so too is the punishment for the wicked. To argue that "everlasting" implies a different duration in each case undermines the integrity of Scripture. Likewise, as you mentioned Mark 9, the perpetuity of the worm and the unquenchable fire signify ongoing, unending torment. The Book of Revelation affirms the eternality of hell. Revelation 14:11, regarding the followers of the beast, states: "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever." Similarly, Revelation 20:10 describes Satan, the beast, and the false prophet being tormented "day and night for ever and ever." These descriptions are incompatible with the notion of annihilation. Your own points about sin logically point to the problems with annihilationism. God's perfect justice demands that sin be punished appropriately. The gravity of sin against an infinitely holy God necessitates an infinite punishment. Annihilationism underestimates the severity of sin and the holiness of God by proposing a finite punishment - the cessation of existence. The Bible presents hell as a place of eternal conscious punishment, a reality that should sober the hearts of all and drive us to proclaim the gospel more fervently. As uncomfortable as the doctrine of eternal torment may be, we must submit to the authority of Scripture, trusting in God's perfect justice and mercy. In doing so, we uphold the seriousness of sin, the holiness of God, and the urgent need for salvation through Jesus Christ.

[@ryanhunt3323]

Sound come back around 3:00 mark

[@ikeacha4153]

I thought I was going insane there for a minute😆

[@TheTracepyott]

Thank you Mike for this info. I just had a revelation while watching this. I always thought sin wasn’t so bad but while watching this the thought popped into my mind that god loves each and everyone of us so much that when we sin against him we are breaking his heart each and every time and a being so powerful as god doesn’t feel as we feel. His love is trillions upon trillions of what we we feel, and the pain he feels with each person sin is like someone breaking every bone in his body x1000000 (if he had bones) and then multiply that by the billions of people on this earth x each sin that they commit. Sins no longer feel so insignificant.

[@principledhealing870]

Thanks for the very logical honest exploration of an important topic. It’s great to see someone other than Adventists exploring these important questions!!