Dealing with TROLLS who manipulate you with the Bible

Jesus did not always answer people on their own terms. It's understandable that we won't always do that either. It's not an issue of being unprepared or unwilling to share truth but an issue of wisdom.
My website BibleThinker.org

[@Epic_Curious]

Mike, I'm a baby Christian. I just surrendered and was made anew six or so months ago. I just want to thank you for your ministry. It certainly assisted me in a large way to coming to Christ. I am an ex-JW, ex-New Ager, ex-Heroin addict, ex-progressive Christian. Obviously I've spent most of my life in confusion. It's thanks to God and spirit-led teachers like you that I've found the truth.

[@janeenschultz8502]

Read your Bible, attend study classes, and ask lots of questions earnestly. Continue to learn and grow for all of your life.

[@fareway9205]

Oh, that's fantastic!! You got saved! It is always a cause for celebration to see someone saved!

[@mogx2586]

Same here. These channels are so important.

[@Chryslerdealership]

AHHHH Congratulations!! Welcome to the family! Being a Christian is the best decision I’ve ever made. Never forget that you have an army in heaven cheering you on in this race (Hebrews 12:1)! 🕊️🏆

[@sandragambrel9721]

Hallelujah!!! God, the Holy Spirit, has begun a work in you. He convicted you of your sin, and you humbled yourself, and agreed with Him. You believed in your heart that Jesus is Lord. You believed that He is the One God sent to save you, and you were changed into a new species of being. Hallelujah!!! The Holy Spirit abides in you, now, and walks alongside you. God told the disciples on the Mt. of Transfiguration to, "Hear Him". Obviously, you have ears that hear the Spirit/spirit, because, you decided to trade your life for His Life. The Word of God is vital to our transfiguration. To our learning how to be led by the Spirit/spirit. Take control of your mind, by thinking about what you think about. The Bible actually suggests things to think about, and what not to think about. Learn to work with your spirit through your mind, and heart, to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He's gentle, but, at the same time, He can be assertive. Like when He warns of danger ahead. Expect Him to be speaking, and showing you things, and He will. He will give you knowledge, and wisdom. He will reveal the depth of Jesus' love for you. Which is much more important than your love for Him. We fall short in everything we do. Even in loving. So, don't beat yourself up. The devil will be trying to do that for you. I've been walking with the Lord for 55 years, and I'm not the person I used to be, praise God. And yet, I am always still seeking the Lord, and all He has for me to learn, and be, and do. Seek, knock, and ask, continually. Remember, He will never leave you nor forsake you, even when you fall short. I haven't let go of my four children. He won't let go of you, me, or, anyone else that belongs to Him, and He knows how to keep you. Welcome!!! With all my love, Sandy

[@Ser_Jerry]

"A scorner seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands."

[@danielschatz5352]

“A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

[@jjphank]

@@danielschatz5352 yeah, like that verse, they think it’s wisdom to discover their own heart, It says in the king Jimmy. They don’t know Jeremiah 17:9 the heart of man is deceitfully wicked the depths are beyond finding out !

[@yafois988]

@@danielschatz5352 SO how do you deal with the masses in "Group delusion deception" ON YT that are completely misled by agents of hasatan from mcarthers, Chen, Ankerberg, Johnson's, White's, Peters, Comfort, Washers, Womac, Meyers, and the 1000's of others false prophets on YT wannabe preachers like this channel. 99.9% of SUN day churchianity is Under in their CalvinISM Manichaeism theology - sorceries and rebellion spirits, that THINK they are above reproach?? The pulpit industry is an abomination of false gospels witchcraft calvinISM heresies, front to back, NONE of it is correct, its LADEN with lies of PENAL substitution / moral governance, "Born in SIN -Inherited SIN Nature from Adom" LIES, this guy mutters liken the rest. ALL demonic LIES. its a complete run away train of filthy LIES they all mutter!!!! SO How do you address the masses so so so completely BLINDED by things????

[@karenhall4645]

I had a friend who I used to try to witness to all the time. He would always come back with ridiculous excuses and counterpoints either trying to stump me or goad me into an argument. I finally told him that I wasn't trying to win arguments but that I truly cared where he would spend eternity, and that if he ever had a sincere question that he wanted answered that I would be there.

[@nathan1sixteen]

There’s a big difference between being ready to give and answer and always giving an answer.

[@PurposeOfTheAges]

What is a Christian's hope?

[@slayr4170]

@@PurposeOfTheAgesto be with Christ one day

[@PurposeOfTheAges]

@@slayr4170 simple and wonderful response. Thank you.

[@toreyhorton1789]

Yes, a decent reading comprehension ability is severely lacking in our society.

[@toreyhorton1789]

“To be with Christ one day” is an insufficient response. Who is Christ? Where is this Christ? Why do you want to be with him? What does one need to do to be with him? Is what you know about this Christ reliable or accurate? Can I rely on the literature where this Christ was introduced and discussed? Why can I rely on it? Etc… Hope is built on a substantial FOUNDATION that just cannot be overly simplified by a phrase.

[@ariannablove]

I've been there before. At my first job everyone knew I was a Christian. There was one guy who just wanted to make life hard for me. One day in front of everyone he asked, "hey X, do you think I'm going to hell?" I looked at him and said, "I'm not going to answer your question." Then went back to what I was doing. With mock shock he replied, "why not? I just asked if I'm going to go to hell." I turned around and said, "I know what you're trying to do and I'm not going to do it, so I'm not going to answer your question." Then I ignored him. Surprisingly, it worked and everyone else thought that was an impressive answer and he never taunted me about it again.

[@Chryslerdealership]

This might sound dumb but how do you get to the point of showing your faith so unashamedly? My issue is that I’m not really vocal about it unless asked and I feel like I don’t look much different than those around me. I try to be faithful in everything but I don’t feel like people see the same zeal in me as I see in other Christians!

[@theparadigmshift74]

​@@Chryslerdealershipdo you ever talk to your co workers about Jesus? Or bring it up?

[@Chryslerdealership]

@@theparadigmshift74 with current world events I feel like it’s got a lot of them thinking (most of them are actually in church - just not born again believers), they’ve brought up those topics themselves and sometimes I use that as a segway. But I don’t know how to bring it up naturally! I don’t want to be overbearing, but at the same time Jesus is constantly doing miraculous things in my heart and I just want to share it with everyone I see. It’s discouraging when I realize that most people don’t really care. I can tell them all of the visions and revelations He’s given me, and all of the times He’s comforted me, I’m not worried about “bringing them into my religion” per se, I just know if they lived the life I do they would be so much happier! I just feel like I’m not the type of person to preach everywhere I go, you need a very outgoing personality for that 😅

[@theparadigmshift74]

@@Chryslerdealership well that sounds pretty good, yea just pray to where you feel like to you need to improve. I pray for boldness but most importantly i pray the Lord will show me hurting people to minister too and he highlights them for me, also handing out tracts is good theres some you can put money in i like to give to fast food workers, another one i use at work is i always ask people how their soul is doing today! People always have interesting reactions to that and i always try my best to use that as a door for a Jesus convo

[@theparadigmshift74]

@@Chryslerdealership you are right most people dont care and it can be discouraging, but just keep trying, because eventually you will get someone who has their life changed by Christ! Praying with people and listening and making them feel seen is always great too.

[@LocaChoca]

Trolls could be a Matthew 7:6 situation: Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

[@Nobody85746]

Ouch. Dog running off whimpering. I'll spare you from some rough draft of an essay sized response. I suppose we need the spirit to get involved yet it's easy to return to vomit or literally put on clean clothes and go work on a car. It can seem like a fine line between works and grace.

[@Rj_D956]

We do alot of street evangelism in the ministry I am apart of, we deal with plenty of mockery. I've learned sometimes people need to just let out their hurt, anger, and frustration towards Christ and you can be the vessel for them do it. After 5 to 10 min of them being crazy or snarky, you can often have a very meaningful passionate conversation with them Because they see the patience and passion you've shown to preach the Gospel to them. It's like God is softening their heart while they are venting out their frustration to you.

[@Adam-gm5tm]

What is the Gospel that you are preaching?

[@Rj_D956]

@Adam-gm5tm That all have sinned and fall short of God's Glory, so God sent his son to pay the wages of sin on our behalf through his death. That all who believe in Christ will be saved, and through God's grace we can deny ungodliness and live sober and righteous in this present age. (Rom 3:23, John 3:16, Titus 2:11)

[@Adam-gm5tm]

@@Rj_D956 I agree with you, though I’m not certain where denying ungodliness has anything to do with how a person is saved. What if a person doesn’t do to well concerning not sinning? If you answer that they are still saved, than I know that you believe the Gospel we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. If you answer that our works do play a part in if one is saved or not saved or how we are kept saved, than I would have no other recourse to believe that you have not believed the Gospel we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. This is the dilemma of the church today, in that most of those who profess to be Christian have not placed their faith in the Gospel we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, and they are basically church going Bible reading non believers which is the tragedy of the church today. The church and its acceptance of certain false doctrines these days seems to be clueless in that we have an enemy who is working to make sure that most people who say that they are believers end up in hell.

[@Rj_D956]

@@Adam-gm5tm the denying ungodliness is just quoting Titus 2:11

[@Adam-gm5tm]

@@Rj_D956 I know, my point is do we believe that we are saved because we are attempting to deny being ungodly, or do we believe that we are saved ONLY by placing our faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sin as we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 which is the Gospel.

[@markhaszoe-life6337]

I love my brother Mike Winger always having that practical godly wisdom May God continue to bless you, your family, your ministry, you've been such a blessing to my life thank you brother

[@DiggitySlice]

His fans are good at blind praise

[@daughteroftheking3220]

He is truly a genuine man of God. We are blessed by God that we get to learn from real Christian role models like him. It inspires you to dig deeper into your faith. May God be pleased with him.

[@Yesica1993]

Be gone, troll.

[@Dulc3B00kbyBrant0n]

@@DiggitySlice No I like him but he needs to use the KJV

[@ianjones2731]

@DiggitySlice oh c'mon Freddy what the beef now?

[@BlakkMelk]

It makes me think of when the Pharisees came to ask Jesus a question in order that they might be able to twist his words. And He said to them if they would answer his question then he would answer theirs. The point was he knew they didn't have righteous intentions, and the point for us is to have regard for those who are seeking truth and righteousness. "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself." (Prov 26:4) "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." (Mt 7:6)

[@NewCreationInChrist896]

Always be ready to plant a seed of hope, Jesus will grow it.

[@Doogiecdog]

If they ask with no sincerity of heart regarding faith in Jesus, why cast your pearls before swine!?

[@rachelray3250]

Hi Pastor Mike, I just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for you with an empathetic heart. I know you have a family member who is sick. I recently lost a parent. While it was sudden and unexpected, the last moments were not quick. It was very difficult and traumatic to be honest. It still is. I don’t know the state of my parent’s salvation either, which adds an extra level of difficulty. I encourage you to share the Gospel if/while you have the chance, and whatever you can or can’t control, remember that God is sovereign, and God is also Good. Praying for your whole family, friends, and community. From my family to yours ❤️🙏🏼

[@tracykarol]

Is that why he’s been gone? I only know it was a family issue. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been there too, and unsure of their salvation. May God bless you with peace and comfort.

[@MicheMoffatt]

Hey Mike! Lovely to see you back again. Praying for you and your family all just now ✝️🙏🏼

[@mikecrees9715]

I was once asked by a 16 year old student (as a a school teacher known to be a Christian) if I believed homosexuality was a sin. I paused to secretly pray, and replied that I could not tell him what I believed. By this he could gather that my response would probably be not what he wanted, but he would have to read between the lines. A couple of weeks later he told me that he had been trained by his two foster dads how to catch out Christians so that they could stir up trouble for them. I was then able to share some of the gospel and love of God for him. Be wise

[@adamcosper3308]

Poor kid. Stuck with a bigoted teacher.

[@m.weston7114]

Wow, what a master teacher you are. Too scared to actually tell him what your God of the Bible thinks of Gays, but be vague to save face! Christians are cowards liars and hypocrites. Do you really need to pray to God when you already know the answer? When a student asks you a question on a subject your teaching in school, you should already know the answer, or do you need to pray to God for that as well? If you claim to be christian, you should know the Bible backwards and forwards and not be a shamed of what your God teaches, whether cruel or so-called loving. Embrace your God of the Bible for exactly what he is and how he brags of himself in his biography called: the Bible.

[@Daily-PE]

I guess you could say that the tables turned..... But really I pray for that child the best of luck

[@chickintruth]

Love the shirt! As believers, we genuinely desire to "win" souls and soften hearts, but sometimes we lose sight that it's God alone who does this; He does the work, through us and despite us.

[@jasonweaver8492]

If god does all the work then why should you even try? Just because you think youre told to? Ive actually gone to churches like this. They are more concerned about their tithes than reaching out to people. Though they `say` they care about the lost, it NEVER results in action. If god did all the work then there would be nothing, NOTHING for us to do. God will just magically drag the ones he wants to church and save them. Or you could accept that what you do actually has an impact because salvation doesnt work that way.

[@chickintruth]

@@jasonweaver8492 Truly born again Christians realize that without Christ Jesus and the power of His Holy Spirit, we are nothing and can do nothing. We DO because we're NEW.

[@jasonweaver8492]

@@chickintruth That smells like a slogan you picked up from somebody else, not something you arrived at yourself. And its a great excuse to be a lazy christian. Jesus also told his disciples to pray that god would send more workers into the harvest, for the harvest is plenty but the workers are few. And the parable of the two sons? One ultimately refused to go to the field. Imagine that. What you do actually matters. If you dont evangelize to somebody, YOU are the reason they did not get saved. Its not because god didnt choose to work in that persons life/heart/mind/soul/whatever. Its because YOU said "god does the work, not meeee!!"

[@chickintruth]

@@jasonweaver8492 👍"jason", it's clear that your intent is not one of kind, nor reasonable fellowship. In Christ Jesus, my prayer for you is that your heart is softened and humbled to the wisdom that without God, nothing would exist (including all non-lazy works & efforts), whatever they may be. Above all, may God save your soul and give you the peace and love that He's created you to receive and more importantly, to give. Shalom and Amen.

[@jasonweaver8492]

@@chickintruth sitting back and letting somebody go to hell because you thought "its not MY job to evangelize, convince, and exhort because god will do the work!" Isnt kind or reasonable :) You dont know a thing about me or what I do, so you can stop the silly patronising.

[@klauge763]

As a neglected little girl I learned in church when a neighbor took me that Jesus loved me. I believed it and for the first time in my life I felt loved. I was too young to understand the cross and His sacrifice but I knew He was God along with the Father. That faith never left me although I may not have been considered a Christian so young and still ignorant. Nothing could ever shake that out of me.

[@cjp777fly]

Hi. I just want to let you know that there are times where you are having a public conversation, and you are asked a question from a troll. Your honest answer can be the answer that someone who is simply listening into your conversation is looking for. I have replied to trolls in the KZbin comments section, who then just go on to insult me, like a school yard bully would. I got plenty of likes and responses to those replies, that showed me there were other people that my answers have helped. If the troll continues to insult you afterwards, you can simply respond with, "I am not writing to you. I am writing to those who have genuine questions, who happen to be reading this."

[@Nessa-ir2br]

I did this on a random Facebook post once. I shared a video from living waters and an answer to a question from someone who sounded atheist. Someone else snarkily replied to me if I really thought the guy was actually gonna care to watch that. I replied that while he might not, someone else out there might.

[@Lady_Saturnwarrior]

Amen

[@tracykarol]

Been there too. We are called to spread the gospel and live for Christ. We are not responsible for someone else’s decisions, but we don’t want to be obnoxious or timid. It’s a balance. I am fully sold out for Jesus and try to live my life that way. I’m often mocked by those closest to me. I try to remember how I thought some stuff was weird before I grew in Him, like Christian music. Now I love it. We will be persecuted at some level, and have to be willing and accepting of that. God bless you and your work for the Kingdom ✝️😇🇺🇸🇮🇱

[@cjp777fly]

@@tracykarol Thank you, and may God bless your efforts.

[@tracykarol]

@@cjp777fly God bless you too. You’re absolutely right. You never know how, who, or when something you said, even briefly, will plant seeds or sprinkles will gather enough that someone is ready to live for Christ. For me, I thought I was a believer (I never doubted God’s greatness or existence, I just lived life completely secular), a Catholic. People would ask questions and I could answer, but my heart didn’t believe what I was saying. All those instances, some while actively sinning, were growing and one day I surrendered. I’m sure your words have touched people you may never know this side of heaven. 🙏✝️😇

[@davidbermudez7704]

Through out the years I’ve come across many TROLLS personally and especially social media. But when they start laughing, mocking and ridiculing I don’t answer them.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

I’m agnostic/atheist having deconstructed over several years. Most of my family are Christian and I appreciate conversations on KZbin to help me process and interact. I find most Christians unwilling to engage with the concept that “If faith be fact then faith be dead” …they also get defensive when asked about Christian Nationalism or The responsibility of Christians to practice environmental stewardship. So there you go…Am I being trollish? I don’t think so…what am I missing?

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

@@lovelypandamom Hi Panda mom! I agree.

[@user-xb6zl6ss7h]

​@@cipherklosenuf9242 Hope you don't mind that I put this here. Isaiah 44:6-20 (NLT) 6 This is what the LORD says-Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God. 7 Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power. Let him do as I have done since ancient times when I established a people and explained its future. 8 Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses-is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock-not one!” 9 How foolish are those who manufacture idols.These prized objects are really worthless. The people who worship idols don’t know this, so they are all put to shame. 10 Who but a fool would make his own god- an idol that cannot help him one bit? 11 All who worship idols will be disgraced along with all these craftsmen-mere humans- who claim they can make a god. They may all stand together, but they will stand in terror and shame. 12 The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool, pounding and shaping it with all his might. His work makes him hungry and weak. It makes him thirsty and faint. 13 Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood and draws a pattern on it. He works with chisel and plane and carves it into a human figure. He gives it human beauty and puts it in a little shrine. 14 He cuts down cedars; he selects the cypress and the oak; he plants the pine in the forest to be nourished by the rain. 15 Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire. With it he warms himself and bakes his bread. Then-yes, it’s true-he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god to worship! He makes an idol and bows down in front of it! 16 He burns part of the tree to roast his meat and to keep himself warm. He says, “Ah, that fire feels good.” 17 Then he takes what’s left and makes his god: a carved idol! He falls down in front of it, worshiping and praying to it. “Rescue me!” he says. “You are my god!” 18 Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think. 19 The person who made the idol never stops to reflect, “Why, it’s just a block of wood! I burned half of it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat. How can the rest of it be a god? Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?” 20The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes. He trusts something that can’t help him at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask, “Is this idol that I’m holding in my hand a lie?”

[@thetruedaoster8863]

Great answers you give there, Mike! On a less related note, I love the shirt you're wearing :) Everyone stay coo!

[@HarrisonTheGrey]

Deal with trolls the way Aragorn and the Fellowship dealt with trolls.

[@droe2570]

It says be "ready" or be "prepared", not to always give an answer. There's a difference.

[@happygolucky5855]

Mike is always so refreshing to listen to.

[@tracykarol]

I always learn or glean something new from your teaching, Pastor Mike. Thank you!

[@SpiderboyN2Jesus]

Jesus responded very differently to each of the parties that questioned him right before his crucifixion. He gave pretty limited answers to the Pharisees (mostly just "those are your words"), was completely silent when Herod questioned him, and actually spoke some actual answers to Pilate (although those responses were fairly reserved, as well). The Pharisees just wanted more ammunition to condemn him with, Herod was basically just a troll, and Pilate actually wanted to uncover the truth. That lines up very well with your judgement here, and, I think, serves as a reasonable framework for how and when to answer people.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

What are your concerns regarding Christian Nationalism? I’m agnostic/atheist.

[@missmegan3694]

What is Christian Nationalism, please?

[@joshuakarr-BibleMan]

I give a defense a few times, offering the benefit of the doubt, but I also identify belligerence and refuse to respond in kind. If you separate honest questions from gotchas, then it's easy to kick the dust of a conversation off your feet.

[@ancientflames]

Yeah it’s easy to leave a conversation when one side (the religious) has no answer to any questions beyond the magic book says so. 😚

[@jjphank]

I was called to inner-city ministry and I’m a tall person, Also, I’m into apologetics, i’ll post some below that may be helpful! We’re doing doorknocking I’ve heard sinners say “when I get to Judgment day, I’m going to tell God off” no, they’re not so I tell them that! I don’t want them to be deceived just because they can shut down other Christians, deceives them into thinking that God is a sissy! You cannot out psychologize the Bible for God not to throw you into hell for all eternity. In other words, you cannot come up with a good enough excuse here and now, so you will not be able to on judgment day. If you say you did not want to be born, God is going to say you should’ve been born again, that means become a Christian so that’s not gonna work. And there are no other excuses try to think of one. So now you know for the first time in your life, that the Bible is smarter than you and it is a steel trap, smarter than all of mankind, What should you do then? So at least investigate and look to see that these things are true, because right now you just learned the Bible is smarter than you, and you will be accountable for your life on judgment day before God! Prophecy, the Bible is 27% prophecy, that’s future history written in advance. God‘s really sticking his neck out to get it cut off if he’s wrong, but he hasn’t been wrong about the thousands of prophecies that were fulfilled, so he’ll be right about the end of the world prophecies as well and you’ll have no excuse on judgment day for not looking for truth! Caveat: you cannot look for God in times of chaos says Isaiah 45:19, so you better do it now. In other words,You’ll be too worried about your own survival when chaos hits, than your eternal destiny! Statistic probability of 40 writers writing the Bible with zero margin of deviation, proves God wrote the Bible through the 40 writers! God authored the Bible! DNA does not auto encrypt, the code writer is outside of the code of the 3300000,000,000 lines of computer code in the human genome of our DNA! So who wrote the code to such sophistication? 1,000,000 seconds is 12 days, 1,000,000,000 seconds is 32 years! That’s the difference between 1 million and 1 billion! One person’s DNA could fill the Grand Canyon up to 50 times full of books. John 21:25 “I suppose everything Jesus did, the world wouldn’t have enough room for the books telling of it.“ this verse would be fulfilled! Psalm 139:16 “in my members you have written many books“! Psalm 139 is about the human body!

[@CLDJ227]

​@@ancientflames Or because someone making a typical gotcha comments like this one makes it clear right off the back that they're not going to listen to any answers one may give them 🤔. Hence the point the main comment and Mike Winger are making about not needing to address those people 🤔. If one wants to have a more honest discussion about what we or secular scholars believe about something like the reliability of the scriptures, then I think it's better to ask in that honest and humble way and refrain from the snark and the typical gotchas (which could just be them following some internet trend and/or repeating what others have commented) 🤔. Have a blessed one.

[@rwatson2609]

@ancientflames Trolls are a waste of keystrokes. They deliberately never add anything useful to the conversation nor do they care.

[@jjphank]

@@EmpoweredByHisGrace this is a lukewarm Laodicean days. Laodicea means Church of people or church of peoples opinions, the laity, so that’s what you’re describing. The seven churches in revelation, two and three stand for periods of church history. They match up, so there is the eighth Church , the end is near.! Jeremiah 8 everybody has their own burden for the Lord , so you have a lot of Christians that are right in their own eyes, but they’re not biblically right !

[@girardedward]

I feel like many of us have been manipulated by our teachers with prepared eloquent theology-and blindly follow suit. I found them to be stumbling blocks. Basics are so much easier to follow.

[@Lady_Saturnwarrior]

Thank you for breaking this down, Pastor Mike. God bless.

[@euanthompson]

I' not sure I wholly agree with the exegesis but I do definitely agree with the outworking. I think Peter probably is talking about being ready to spring into action the moment some asks you in such a way that you will instantly answer. The outworking though is the same regardless of which way you go. Very rarely if ever do Biblical absolutes preclude wisdom. 2 proverbs come to mind. "Do not answer a fool according to his folly" is immediately followed by "Answer a fool according to his folly" There is wisdom in each situation to know how and when to answer and we should not be dogmatically attatched to "must immediately start a 5 minute power point" the moment someone asks us a question.

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. Prov 26:4‭-‬5 These are not contradictory, the first says not to answer a fool in a way that makes you a fool and the second says to answer a fool in a way that corrects them so they are not left under the impression that their foolishness is wise.

[@jjphank]

give them the gospel, before you walk away, if you see that they are a fool ! Real quick like “read the Bible or you’re ignoring God, heaven or hell when you die, and they are both eternal “! And I’ve got comebacks already. If they say, God didn’t write the Bible man did - I say 40 writers Wrote it with a zero margin of deviation, the contradictions online are taken out of context. ! that’s the great commission, not the great omission, but the more words the less they mean Says Ecclesiastes, and out of the overflow of the heart, The mouth speaks, so you can see if they’re foolish or not by that verse!

[@GracefulAnswers]

Thanks for this. My channel is still tiny, but dealing with trolls is something I’ve already faced. I struggled with how to deal with it on the off chance that I could really help them. My job is to plant a seed. I can’t force rocky, unfertilized, salted dirt to grow a seed. Only God can do that. I’ll just focus on planting the best seed I can.

[@el_hermanito_loquito]

Mike thank you for this explanation. I really did enjoy this video. I feel like there are alot of Christians out there that put down other Christians for not engaging with these type of people who are trolls and saying they are not prepared. These troll types are not truly genuine in seeking the truth and only want to make christians look bad with gotcha questions. But I do agree with you that we should always be prepared to defend our faith no matter how simple of a defense it may be. ‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2:22‭-‬23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ says: [22] Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [23] But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. I love this verse because I feel like it says it all. We shouldn't really engage with people who aren't genuine. Thanks again Mike.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

Hi El…I’m agnostic/atheist. You seem sincerely committed to a faith tradition that you value. I understand that, though my views have changed over the years. It may be difficult to believe but I’m genuinely anxious about Christian Nationalist ideology in the U.S. I see it as deceitful and harmful. I see it as a confabulation of Christian identity with right wing political ideology. Many Christians agree that it misrepresents Christ and American History. What are your thoughts?

[@TylerJMusic]

Late upload, love it! Lol Hope everything is going well with the family bro, yall have been in my prayers.

[@iluvdogscom]

Thanks; I've always struggled with how to not answer or say no. Being prepared with a polite answer works and may I add, I do it while walking away.

[@workinabroad]

I'm so glad you pointed that out. When Jesus knew the intentions were evil he simply did not answer their questions. Now I will need to pray for the wisdom to do it as he did. He is able to ask them a question that let them know He knew what they were up to.

[@mandodelorian4668]

God Bless you, Mike!

[@shelbymcdonnell131]

You have helped me so much ❤️ God bless you

[@lindasoderberg9477]

I appreciate your focus upon how a verse fits into the entirety of Scripture verses "cherry picking" verses out of context.

[@beholdchrist]

Had a dream yesterday morning where I was giving sick pigs fresh milk and they were just throwing up what I had fed them. I often go out street preaching and have on occasion had some unfruitful encounters, so I thought it mightve been something around giving the gospel to the weong people (because Paul said about some people needing milk not solid food and because of what pigs represent). Wasn't too sure if the interpretation was correct, so I prayed and asked for the right interpretation or for confirmation. Then this morning I open up You Tube and this video is the first thing I see. Thank you my God for the confirmation!! Great video Mike and on point as always!

[@msdixie1972]

I have friends who do this to me. I’ve gotten to where I have to let it go and just ignore.

[@tinebino]

This takes a load off my mind i never heard it explained so easy. Yes, I can tell people hoe much Jesus has and is helping me. I too thought, o God o cannot answer a deep spiritual Question of my faith because i sm mo scholar

[@Adam-gm5tm]

All you need to know is the Gospel we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Until we know and believe the Gospel we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, the rest of God’s Word will not be clear because a person who reads God’s Word who has not believed the Gospel we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 does not have the Holy Spirit teaching them His Word. Ephesians 1:13-14 says that the moment we believe the Gospel we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 that the Holy Spirit of Promise seals us until the day that God redeems us.

[@pyrocyber5621]

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit." (Proverbs 26: 4-5, kjv)

[@robertdouglas8895]

Life is not a battlefield where we need to defend our ideas. When we live the truth and demonstrate it, people will learn from what we do when they are ready. I am the Way. I am with you always.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

Hi Rob…I’m agnostic/atheist Anyway I agree in a very practical real life way. I wish more Christians took that approach actually. Like Jimmy Carter for example. Unfortunately, ideas do matter and people motivated by the ideology of Christian Nationalism have significant influence in American politics. What are your thoughts on Christian Nationalism? All the best…Cheers!

[@APR4U]

I enjoy you teaching and encouraging brother 🤗 This felt a little juvenile at first but today the attack is internet social media 😳

[@Lillaloppan]

Thank you so very much🙏💛

[@Derek_Baumgartner]

Thanks for this!

[@cygnusustus]

I've often been in situations where I felt someone was manipulating me with scripture. It's called "church".

[@aservant2287]

You're right. I used to listen to a guy who did several videos on how NAR was unbiblical and then he told Bill johnson that he was biblical and an encouragement to him. I thought, " wow I quess he's willing to compromise and be friends with everyone even if they teach errors and is about clicks and not standing for truth." I pray he know he'll held accountable for being double minded

[@shelbyhurd]

Matthew 7:6 ESV 6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. I went and grabbed this verse before I got to 4:00 and heard you quote it! The Spirit is wonderful in that in unites our minds and hearts in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you, Mike!

[@aaronreeder5753]

I always say, " because I know that I won't have to spend eternity with people like you. "

[@rockzalt]

Being able to size up who is asking the question is important. Responding to a troll would be different from replying to someone with a general curiosity. That is the difference between making a defense of the good news and casting pearls before swine.

[@JTFtheTheoPhPoliticalHistorian]

Amen and amen ❤

[@polythenewrappedme6102]

All good answers Mike.

[@list1726]

Thanks for posting

[@Circuit_Design_Services]

I just had a similar conversation recently. Somebody said "God didn't give any exceptions to honoring and obeying your mother and father." Then they said "He didn't say to honor and obey as long as you think they're good parents. He didn't say honor and obey if they treat you good. You're always supposed to honor and obey." Such a toxic message to spread around. Obviously there are exceptions. If your parents molest or abuse in some other way, they should be turned in to the authorities. I pushed back against that preacher because he could very well be the reason somebody lives in a tortuous household. I think some people don't understand how terrible some kids can have it if they grew up with "healthy" parents.

[@Finckelstein]

I like the way you think, but this is not compatible with the bible. In the bible children aren't people, they're the possessions of their parents (or rather: Their father, given that women are also possessions). There are many passages in the bible where children are just interchangeable (Job, Abraham, condoning of selling your children etc.) tools. You are a better person than your religion would have you be.

[@dale2846]

Simply Put..The Witness of The Holy Spirit is why im a Christian

[@edwardvan5808]

As an apologist this does not make me a defendant in a court case. I can ask questions too. Such as: why don't you want to be on the winning side?

[@vania698]

Thank you!

[@stevedugas8988]

Jesus did not say, "I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you," but He should have. : )

[@racerx4152]

jesus doesn't need anyone to tell him what to say or not say. he said if you seek him, you will find him.

[@GeneSysFNLT]

The sad thing is that the crazy example Mike gives at around 1:40 about being in school? Yeah, that happened to me. And obviously me being naïve about what that Scripture meant, I ended up taking up the entire class talking about my faith. I *used* to think that they were being genuine, but now that I'm older, I'm pretty sure they were asking me all those questions out of mockery.

[@davidjoseph7142]

Coo shirt man and good common sence answer with the trolls.

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

Should we be biting, and devouring each other? Oh God help us, and free us from this scourge that has weakened the body of Christ! I for one repent of it, and will no longer engage in character assignations! God will judge, in the meantime, let’s love a little more, and pray a little more for those in the body of Christ today!

[@daskritterhaus5491]

brilliant point. l need to depend on the exactitude my God given autism endowed me with. BE VIGILANT BE READY. so that on those occasions where circumstances permit to proceed to share. or delay. but be ready always so that you can always take advantage of a chance. brilliant.

[@bullfrogjay4383]

I have been questioned many times why I believe in Christ/God. Sometimes I am mentally tired and just say "Because I do" or if I have time and desire I go back to Genesis at the fall of man and go through the whole plan of salvation through Christ and all the forshadowing in the OT. It just depends on the troll level or if someone is respectful in thier challenge.

[@Jesusiscoming24]

Someone says to me you need to be saved .. at times I'm like really .. but when I focus on one of my deliverance testimonies their attack weakens until they believe I am his and he watches over me .. one guy who was very hustil to me Jesus finally told him that Jesus loves me and we are now best friends he speaks tenderly to me now 😲❤️‍🔥

[@other-terrestriallifeform1851]

@Mike Winger I'm not a believer any more. I was beaten down not by trolls but Christians who reveled in humiliation of baby Christians in their zeal to save us lost at any cost. I like your work. I promise I will be watching you for a little bit of perspective, I don't want to die in my sins brother, I swear it.😢

[@DarkArcticTV]

brother im sorry that happened to you. shame on them. i kindly ask you to rethink your decision, put your faith in Christ not Christians. love you stranger

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

Hi Other ..you sound distraught. (I’m agnostic/atheist myself.) If you want to chat we may. But, I encourage anyone troubled to reach out to people in your real world. If God is real we are ALL in its hands …God has you… If not …we are free. Either way our lives can be a struggle…we’ve all struggled…hang in there! Peace

[@ophiuchus9071]

I don't want to die in my sins brother, I swear it. end quote when I hear a comment like this, it reveals that you are already dying in your sin. a person either believes that Christ is the atonement for sin or they do not. If you believe, then it is impossible to be dying in sin because you would be alive in Christ. But if you do not believe then you cannot be alive in Christ, because you are dying in sin. This 'dying in sin' has nothing to do with the afterlife, it is about those who are alive physically and are spiritually dead in sin. Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the (spiritually) dead bury their own (physically)dead.” It is the spiritually dead who are dying in sin, not the physically dead.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

@@ophiuchus9071 Hi Ophi, You aren’t the original post right? You sound very confident in a blood magic supernatural doctrine that removes guilt and shame if truly believed. Many have found such systems effective in living well with themselves and others. I wish you all the best. I really do… Cheers!

[@ophiuchus9071]

@@cipherklosenuf9242 for starters you have to understand what the 'sin' is in the first place. The sin is self righteousness as that is the root of all sin. Adam and Eve were trying to attain to a self righteousness of their own. And once a person is freed from chasing that 'carrot on a stick' then they are free from that sin of chasing the carrot on the stick. It is quite simple psychology..

[@killerkoala1918]

Love your choice in T-shirts lol

[@hadassahfirst1478]

I like that T-shirt, Ps Mike. It’s soooo cool 😀😀

[@KevinEDF]

Miss you Mike, praying for you during this trying time

[@Yesica1993]

What happened?!

[@MadelineDuff-tn5lv]

@@Yesica1993 Mike is taking time to be with a family member who is in their final stages of life.

[@KevinEDF]

He is helping someone through their end of life care

[@kaelaleedaley]

His Word does not return unto Him void so the joke is on them really! No matter how they treat you, The LORD is already at work in them, no matter how much they resist. Christ's Love is for all, NONE can stand against xx

[@theunnamed2440]

12When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge-to the great amazement of the governor.

[@mastick5106]

The verse you were syllabobbling is Matthew 7:6 - "Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you." I confess that I've been _sorely_ tempted to quote this directly to some of the rudest trolls I've run into, but so far I haven't.

[@StageWatcher]

Trolls can be very helpful in spreading the Gospel on a public forum. They give an opportunity to preach fundamental principles that normally wouldn't come up.

[@Thinking456]

Isaiah 13:16 -Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished

[@Thinking456]

@@ChristApologetic Yep. People have been committing the worst atrocities for a couple of millennia with their Bibles. It's one of the most violent books of all time.

[@louwriebadenhorst5676]

Always be ready, not always give a defense...

[@joestfrancois]

I remember making fun of jewish kids in 2nd grade, I was being raised in a christian household and had heard adults talk that way. This was so long ago it didn't blow up into a huge scene. But I remember knowing I was right and how crazy the things they were saying were. I felt like they deserved ridicule.

[@sleepingbearffg5008]

Even a fool looks wise if he just shuts up. What i tell those kind of trolls.

[@Yesica1993]

Ha! Perfect! And straight from Scripture.

[@ancientflames]

And yet Christians never stop going on about their magic book and why God had to kill himself because he was angry at us. 😅

[@ProphetGreg94]

It doesn’t say “always give a reason.” It says “always BE READY to give a reason.” Just because you are ready to go doesn’t mean you are always going. There are times you should not “answer a fool according to his folly.”

[@rf7477]

People like you can't even answer basic questions about your religion. In fact most of you have a very poor understanding of your own theology. You seem to think that a piece of cherry picked bible text will cover up your own ignorance. Failing that, a regurge of dogma can always be relied on as an apology. You ain't fooling anyone except yourself.

[@Agent47001]

Amen bro

[@jackforeman2742]

Well said, though at the end I’m not sure I agree that we ought assess anyone as “just a troll” we were and are just this or that and grace was provided for good reason.

[@th3ophilus340]

Just get them to argue amongst themselves till the sun comes up

[@xBurzurkurx]

When you realize how easy it is to get them to, it's actually quite boring xD

[@Dulc3B00kbyBrant0n]

Concern trolls are the worst. I dont think ive ever been fooled by any of them. So blatant

[@ancientflames]

Works great on all 4,200 Christian denominations. Just put a Calvinist, an orthodox, a catholic, Lutheran, evangelical, Baptist, etc. in the same room. No chance anyone leaves there happy 😝

[@StageWatcher]

@@ancientflames Interdenominational gatherings end happy very frequently.

[@ancientflames]

@@EmpoweredByHisGrace you can project your emotions on me all you like, is what I said wrong ?

[@TheMidnightModder]

Don't cast your pearls before swine 🤷‍♂️

[@BericBuilds]

I can see you're up late in the same state as I am. I find delight in that. I don't comment on your channel much.. I just listen. I hope you have an amazing day and something great happens for you.

[@borisvandruff7532]

Pastor Mike! Have you given any thought to the Legacy Standard Bible? If you haven’t, I’d recommend it because of what you’ve said about other translations in the past. 😊

[@sappylive372]

Mike I'm in love with this person we are both 19 but I recently found out she is a JW I was planning on getting in a religion but I like to follow the truth so I researched I thought about just straight up just getting in the religion, but when I saw how different it was to what I learned in my 19 years of life and again me following the truth, I backed away and I try to find a way of maybe changing her mind and consider exploring God more openly with me and even at some point join a religion that suits us. Every time I attempt this she says, "I feel and I know this is the right religion and I prefer this religion cause it's an organization that follows God's laws, that she can go to any Kingdom Hall and feel that people are loving and welcoming" and some other things. I really want her to back away from this... But I'm afraid we will never be able to be together unless I become a witness or God helps me re-think the way of looking for God. Please help, Honestly, - Dariel.

[@infinitegalaxy2079]

Daniel. It’s not about a religion that suits you. What is important is what is true. Find truth and then find someone who also knows the truth and has devoted themselves to it. I have found Jesus to be exactly who He says He is. The way. The life. The truth. And the only way to God as well as being Himself God. What do you gain if you gain a girl but lose your eternal soul. You are young and have time.

[@savanna3255]

Dariel, I hate to give negative information. But when I came to Christ I was little older than you are now. I was already in a relationship when I was an unbeliever and I did everything I could to try to MAKE HIM see reason. It's so hard when your heart is invested. My advice to you, and even to my younger self: 1) Educate yourself on the scripture continually. You will learn the truth from the word of God. 2) Pray continually. 3) Step back from the relationship. Remain friends- but don't be too close. It is hard to have objective conversations about God with someone you are too close to. I know point 3 is a doozy. But there isn't an easy short cut answer. God will designate the partner for you. If it is her- GREAT. That will be made manifest. If it is not- GREAT- that will also be made manifest. I will pray for you. And for her. For clarity. And for wisdom. God Bless, - A concerned sister

[@daughteroftheking3220]

The two advices given to you on here were very much helpful. I recommend you heed to them. Pray about it and let God take the course of that aspect your life.

[@sandragambrel9721]

Are you born again? Have you received the Holy Spirit? Have you learned to walk in the spirit? Developing strong relationships takes time. How strong are you in the Lord? Do you trust God? Can you wait on Him to show you what to do? Are you sexually involved with this woman already? With all the love, and sincerity, I can muster, I suggest you distance yourself from her, and pray. Talk to Jesus like He's your best friend, and He's constantly with you, because if you have the Holy Spirit abiding in you, Jesus is with you. The Holy Spirit will guide you in what to do. Are you even ready to have a serious relationship with someone other than Jesus right now? How old are you in the Lord? What are your goals for the next five, 10, 20, years? Don't rush into things. Paul recommends that if you can live without sex, stay single. But, if you can't, and it would cause you to sin, then, get married. It depends on your long term goals, and how devoted to God you are. Remember, Adams love for Eve caused Adam to sin. And the way the world is looking right now, we won't be here much longer anyway. Be blessed, and spend a lot of one on one time with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, then pray to the Father. He'll answer all your questions, and prayers, in His timely way. So, learn to wait, till you know that you know, the answer, amen. May God be with you, amen!!!

[@sappylive372]

I appreciate everyone that replied I'll take all to heart and let God decide what will happen.

[@thebigdimm9585]

Hey Mike, great content as usual. Just wondering when are you going to make the 1 Tim 2:12 Vid in the Women’s Ministry Series?

[@sarahfaith316]

He is well into his recording of it, so it should be soon! He’s been dedicating a lot of recent time caring for an ill family member which has delayed the recording. Coming soon!! :)

[@thebigdimm9585]

@@sarahfaith316 Fair enough, hope him and his family is doing well despite the problem. Anyways, thank you for the notice, God Bless You 🙏.

[@LevizGibson]

I feel obligated to present them with the law. Just like the disciples, apostles and JESUS did!

[@NicholasPaulFranks]

Thanks Mike -- some people are so stupid!

[@keithmuller353]

So many people say the bible is a myth or a fairy tale written by caveman. Wow are they in for a nasty shock?

[@horridhenry9920]

I’ve never heard that. But, the Books, which became the Bible, were written by numerous authors, some anonymous, over hundreds of years. They were translated and transcribed countless times, and we have none of the originals.

[@Window4503]

⁠@@horridhenry9920Translation has nothing to do with transcription. We have manuscripts in the original languages and we have thousands of copies of the same books in the original Hebrew and Greek. These copies were all written by hand by copyists. If there were uncertainty about what the Bible said, there would be significant differences between copies from different times. Yet the Dead Sea Scrolls confirmed that the copies of manuscripts we already have were not altered in content or details. Translators always start with the earliest possible or most reliable manuscripts in the original language. They don’t work off of a translation as a primary source. That goes for modern translations…no self-respecting translator would start from the KJV; that’s not how the field even works.

[@horridhenry9920]

@@Window4503 “ Translation has nothing to do with transcription “I disagree. First, we have no original manuscripts. Second, the manuscripts we have in original languages were transcribed. There was no other way to get a copy as we had no printing press. Copies were copied, and altered by scribes, mistakes were made in transcription. Subsequently, manuscripts were translated. All the issues we have with translation were compounded by the fact that the manuscripts did not contain punctuation. That’s just part of the problem. You then have to factor in that Nothing in the Bible was written down verbatim or contemporaneously. We have no way to ascertain what was originally said and by whom. We know that the long ending of Mark 16:9-20, was not in the oldest manuscripts. Neither was “the Woman caught in adultery”, John 7:53- 8:11. Of the 13 letters written by Paul, Bible scholars are only certain about 7 of then, referred to as “ The undisputed letters of Paul”. There is no such thing as “The Bible”. There are numerous bibles used by different denominations.

[@airkami]

I hope to be like Stephen and give them such a long-winded correct answer to their question that they have to kill me to get me to stop honoring God in this life.

[@virgilpillay]

On a side note. Love the shirt. My dad raises homing pigeons 😊

[@michaelknapp677]

My answer doesn't need to be long. I follow Jesus because there is no one else.

[@fantasia55]

Martin Luther was a troll who manipulated the Bible - adding words and deleting seven books, tried to delete four other books.

[@fantasia55]

@@David19746 Those books were in the original AD 382 canon. Protestants didn't like them because they contradict their new doctrines.

[@TheKeesBoerMinistryChannel]

I used to smuggle Bibles onto Soviet ships. I would never answer the ship guard his questions. I just kept going. I shared the Gospel with him after I left the ship.

[@g.h_-heart-_bunny]

My advice to anyone who doesn't know if the person is sincere in asking the question or is just a troll. I ask them "do you actually want to know the answer". Sometimes (especially on the internet) it's difficult to tell so when I'm not sure I ask them and if they don't actually care then you definitely don't have to answer. But if you comment on KZbin sometimes it is a good thing to just guve your answer so that a random person who reads it might be helped ☺️🌷

[@TheCreativeChica]

I know someone who constantly challenges God and the Bible. They don't really care to hear the truth. I think they enjoy it when I can't answer their false beliefs. I've removed myself from them. I'm just tired of this constantly challenging behavior. They don't believe in God, so anything I say is challenged.

[@traceyburroughs1111]

I like your shirt Mike.

[@jeffmiller2396]

Always be *ready* to give a defense. Not the same as always give a defense.

[@kmensa5301]

Sometimes, you must learn not to throw our pearls before swines

[@discobunny4eva759]

Nice shirt, Mike.

[@wealldieatthehandsoflovedones]

I'd shake the dust off if they don't accept the gospel, I would not stay here and expect any good to come from it. But I know work is hard.

[@aidenhavelka7693]

Pastor Mike looks JACKED.

[@andrewcook1489]

Store the word of God in heart. That way even if you don’t have the book. You can answer anyone that wonders why you believe what you believe.