"How can I know my 3-year-old is in heaven?" 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 37)

[@sarahfaith316]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:13 {A Child’s Stage of Accountability} My three-year-old passed away in a tragic accident. I’ve heard that infants are welcomed into God’s presence when they die, but what about a slightly older child? Is my daughter in Heaven? 2. 21:06 {Author Unknown = Still Inspired?} Can we be confident that a book of the Bible is truly inspired and belongs in the canon if the author is unknown (like Hebrews)? If we don’t know who wrote it, how can we trust what it contains? How can we know it wasn’t just the written version of a sermon? A pastor may be educated, but they aren’t inerrant. 3. 27:40 {The Kingdom - “Suffered Violence”?} Can you help me to contextually understand Matthew 11: 12? Teachings I’ve heard have made no sense, and I have tried to understand it myself, but I’m not sure if I’m understanding what Jesus was saying here. 4. 35:09 {50/50 Churches?} My LDS husband wants me and our kids to go to his ward & my church, split 50/50 every other week. Should I submit to him and do this, or should I get out completely from doing this? See 2 Kings 5: 17-19 and Psalm 1:1. 5. 42:01 {Grain Offering = More Holy?} In Leviticus 2:9-10, the part of the grain offering for the priests is "a most holy part." Why is the part that the priests eat more holy than the memorial portion that is burned on the altar? 6. 44:24 {Avoiding Anger while Guiding Others} I see a lot of New Age-ish things (energy, manifesting, vibes) creeping into Christ followers’ lives around me. I’ve gotten blow-back trying to correct people in love. Do you have any advice about how to continue the conversation without angering them? 7. 47:48 {Malachi 4, Elijah & The End Times} Does the last verse of Malachi 4 suggest that Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in Revelation? 8. 51:37 {Dying to Sexual Addictions} I’m only 18, but I’ve been addicted to pornography for 5 years now, which slowly turned homosexual over time. Can you please explain the past tense of “died” in Romans 6:2? Am I dead to sin, or do I die? 9. 1:01:49 {How to Biblically Confront an Elder} How should a church member confront an elder biblically? Is Matthew 18 still applicable, or is there another text that applies since they are an elder? 10. 1:05:09 {Baptized in the Name of Jesus Only?} Why were people baptized in Jesus’ name in the book of Acts? I was challenged by this question and can’t figure it out. BONUS Q! 1:07:59 We'll probably never find every artifact or an original manuscript. But what is on your list of top biblical artifacts you hope are discovered? Israel in Egypt is one of mine.

[@moman5824]

it applies to all innocents - newborn babies being the best example. thats why it says (The childs first breath) Rest assured a child is innocent for a long time before your teachings take root in them. This is the accountability of a parent. We have very in depth details. Both my parents died when I was a kid, as an adult I lost 2 more kids & a brother. This teaching is everywhere. All incocents or "Mu mins" (People who had a life of selflessness - will arrive at the same plain in Heaven. This teaching is not exclusive to 2 cultures. I hope you find comfort in this.

[@edemya]

@sarahfaith316 thanks for taking pains to list all the questions with timestamps. God bless you.

[@sarahfaith316]

@@edemya My pleasure! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@mercysuku]

Could you please share the name of the person whose testimony Mike mentioned in answer to Q6 regarding new age?

[@scottibreiding]

to whomever lost her 3yo, i cannot imagine. there are no words. i’m so sorry.

[@merrygrammarian1591]

I heard a pastor share this at a child's funeral: "We have a word for a woman who has lost a husband: widow. For a man who has lost his wife: a widower. And for a child who has lost their parents: orphan. But we have no word for a parent who has lost a child, because that pain is too great for words." Notably, that sermon was given in Portuguese, which means it is true for multiple languages. May the Lord comfort all who suffer that loss.

[@johnbland3642]

suddenly last summer!

[@mamajan99]

I have been that pastor twice. Believe me, a mother's grief is unbearable to see.

[@pedrooliveiralima3035]

Lost my youngest, can't wait till I'll be with her again, she's resting with Jesus

[@BIBLE-UNBUTCHERED]

Indeed.

[@victorcharlie7491]

@@pedrooliveiralima3035 I'm certain of it, God bless You Sir.

[@AlexanderosD]

My heart is with you, I'm sorry friend. The Lord is with you to comfort you! Hold onto him through the hurt and trust in His love.

[@thisismonitor4099]

Yes she is. And may the Lord Jesus Christ reward you with great treasure in heaven for continuing to be faithful to Him whilst facing such pain.

[@pedrooliveiralima3035]

Amem! In everything God is great, and he always knows best. Thank you for the support guys, God bless

[@ChildofGod315]

I needed this today. I have cried out to the Lord asking for him to renew my faith I know he will. As I struggle to provide for my children Lord grant me strength. Both of my sons are special needs and require so much from me. Lord Jesus I’m overwhelmed as a single mother. Please hear my prayers give me strength while I struggle to provide I can’t do it without you.💕

[@erlnoble]

I pray for you, my sister in Christ. I have a special needs brother in his 60’s and I understand your pain. I pray that Almighty God’s presence and provision for you and your two sons will be magnified in your lives. “We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chron 20:12. May The Lord bless and watch over you and your boys.❤️🙏🇦🇺

[@Yesica1993]

@@erlnoble She's a known scammer.

[@Yesica1993]

Nope. You're not going to start trolling this channel too.

[@BIBLE-UNBUTCHERED]

CHILD OF GOD IS A SCAMMER OF CHRISTIAN CHANNELS...IN THE NEXT BREATH HE'LL ASK FOR MONEY! BEWARE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST!!!

[@KH-uv5ph]

Amen.

[@bgarch]

My son was killed and a charged car wreck about 6 weeks before his 8th birthday and I totally believe that he is with the Lord. I've had more dreams about him that I can count over the years and I've never doubted for one minute that he wasn't in God's presence. 💔 😢😢🙏. It's a horrible thing. Parents should never have to bury their child.

[@kgebhardt1187]

I am so sorry. May God’s peace be with you and always give you comfort ✝❤

[@kchariese2025]

God bless you and continue to comfort you. I am certain babies and kids are with Jesus. He loves them

[@Season4Reason1]

I am so sorry for your loss. Bless you.

[@Flerfyflerther]

So sorry 😞. Death is the worst. (You know the “Jesus wept” verse? To me, what we go through when loved ones die, Jesus wept for that. He knows. He knows it’s unbearable.)

[@RachelsBadAssJamz64]

He is in God's presence. The Bible says that children are very special to God. He says whoa to anyone who harms one of these innocent ones. That they are innocent and as an Angel, if there time here is short they will immediately enter heaven after their life ends here.

[@SpiritedIn-ux2cr]

My son gone to the Lord five months ago. He was 7. The grief is impossible. He had to endure lot of pain with two cancers. This world is sad.

[@rhondak4940]

😢

[@kchariese2025]

I'm so sorry 😞. Praying for you.

[@Painintheknee]

I’m so sorry hun.

[@wendymorrison8995]

I pray God will bathe you in His Comfort..Love and deep joy.

[@luamizondagh3620]

I’m so so sorry 💔🙏🏻🙏🏻 I pray that God will comfort and carry you

[@CHRISTiandarcsen]

I used to be a LDS member but after doing my research praying and reading the scriptures I left the church. My wife was still a member for a few years and I still went to the ward praying for her and for our kids she eventually came and saw the truth by the power of the Holy Spirit. You just have to be patient and understanding because it took like 3 years for her after I left the church for her to see the truth

[@amyunick5674]

Praise the Lord! I love to talk to Mormon missionaries about the Bible and share facts of Joseph Smith I usually ask them to read Galatians but am super open if you have any advice

[@CHRISTiandarcsen]

​@amyunick5674 to tell you the truth it takes time. You can give facts till you're blue in the face and it won't matter much. Just plant seeds of truth and The HOLY SPIRIT will do the rest my friend.

[@linda7jean]

I have a big problem with taking kids to an LDS church. The doctrine is in severe conflict with the Word of God. We are supposed to spread the true gospel message. LDS doesn't do that. It's dangerous to play with a false religion, and I would NEVER allow my kids to witness the abominations that LDS practice. God comes before our spouses, and our Heavenly Father hates false religions. I was pretty shocked by Mike's answer to that question.

[@linda7jean]

II John 1:10: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.” False doctrines have been part of Satan's attack on God and God's people since Adam and Eve.

[@lizardgirl72]

@@linda7jeanI hear you and largely agree. HOWEVER, there are also scriptures that talk about the husband being the authority and submitting to him. It’s tough in this situation.

[@LaneSims]

I have two babies that are in heaven with our Lord. They died in womb and it was the hardest most devastating events in my life. I look forward to meeting my children. ❤

[@BIBLE-UNBUTCHERED]

They'll be waiting for you

[@alyssamurphy2002]

@@LaneSims hugs.

[@ChooseLife.YourLife]

Same for me

[@JessicaMerrick13]

My Deepest Sympathies To You & Your Family. God Bless Your Two Babies & All Babies In Heaven ♥️✡️✝️🕊️🙏🏽♥️ My Sister & I Have 2 Baby Siblings Who Passed Before We Were Born, & We Always Felt Sad For Our Late Beloved Parents And All Parents Who Have Had Their Children Pass Away So Young.

[@rhondak4940]

😢

[@karenblake3094]

I lost my daughter when she was 18 she died in her sleep. I found her in her final rest. It’s really tough brethren. But God really got me through the toughest part of this. I know I will see her again. That is my hope in Christ. Two weeks before she died she was wearing a necklace off of a magazine that I didn’t agree with. I prayed and asked Holy Spirit to intervene. The next day she came to me and said God spoke to me last night I’m not meant to be wearing this necklace. She asked me to get rid of it. I praised God for His love and intervention. Two weeks later she died. Please be encouraged by this testimony because truly God loves you and your child as He does mine. We will see each other in Heaven I am sure of that. May The Lord Bless you and keep your heart ✝️

[@SamanthaClasen]

I am so thankful for the scripture that you’ve provided in this and previous videos on the topic of age of accountability. When our daughter passed away at three months we were naturally frantically searching for comfort on the subject. When you brought up King David losing his son, and his confidence that he would be with him again… This gave my husband and I the ability to praise God in the midst of our grief. As well as The confidence to encourage others around us who lost children after us. I’m very thankful for your content.

[@GaryoXGaming]

This is what we know. 1. God is just. 2. We can trust Him. 3. No one deserves Heaven… but He has mercy. Hallelujah!

[@isospace]

To anyone who has lost a child please reach out and hold my hand. I’m not the best at prayer but I’m with you

[@JeffroDH]

My wife and I lost 3 in the womb. Our first is 16 and we've been married 18 years January 6th. I still weep when I consider the loss. I can't imagine how much harder it would be to have held them and loved them for 3 years. My prayers go with you. May God comfort you.

[@alyssamurphy2002]

It's wild how it still brings tears.

[@xsigen9215]

They will be with God eventually if you don’t start reading you ain’t never gonna see them Hosea 4:6

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Praying for Katie in this one. She seems wise, and in a real tough spot. Thanks for using your gifts well Mike.

[@HaleStorm49]

Why is it a tough spot? Statistically the LDS church is getting the best results and Mike is the one scoffing at the husband and accusing him of being an unbeliever. This is pharisaical behavior.

[@josephanyim9458]

Hopefully, it turns out beautiful like your homemade fireworks.🙏🏽

[@HaleStorm49]

@@Nighthawkinlight why is it a tough spot. Christ said by their fruits ye shall know them.

[@OKatie777]

Thank you 🙏

[@HaleStorm49]

@@OKatie777 what church do you go to? Mike didn't really seem too curious about what your kids are learning at your church. It sounds like as long as it's not LDS it doesn't really matter who is teaching or what is being taught. It looks like you mostly follow people who don't like Mormons. Might be wise to try something other than evangelical MSNBC.

[@DanielMorales-jm3ll]

It never fails does it. The Holy Spirit really speaks through you and im thankful you in my life, even if its only by listening to your answers to peoples questions. The Lord continues to answer some of my questions through you even when the questions themselves has nothing to do with what im going through. I pray that God blesses you and your ministry here for as long as you are able and willing.

[@Sorilia4]

New Age to New Heart is a great KZbin channel! It’s three women who have come from different aspects of new age. They use scripture so well and so often, it’s like we’re worshipping together. I think even those still in new age would enjoy it.

[@TragedysHalo]

I love you, Mark. You help me understand God soo much better than any local pastor could ever..

[@allisonschildroth1045]

We lost our 6 (almost 7) year old daughter suddenly Dec 8th 2022. We raised her in church from day 1 and she was very smart and had a lot of knowledge about Christ and looked forward to the day she would be saved, especially after her older brother was. We talked about it sometimes but I didn’t feel like she was mature enough to fully understand it to the extent she needed to, to be saved. Sometimes in the depth of my grief I worry about knowing that she is for sure in heaven. I believe it but sometimes doubt creeps in and makes it scary.

[@leenieledejo6849]

God bless you. The analogy Jesus makes in Matthew 18:3 & 19:14 wouldn't work if little children weren't pure and innocent. When we're born again/born of the Spirit, we are washed clean (1 Corinthians 6:11) and made brand new (2 Corinthians 5:17), becoming "as innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Jesus could use such an analogy because they are [and he knew his immediate Jewish audience knew they are].

[@debbiewallace6511]

@@allisonschildroth1045 From your short comment, it seems very possible your daughter was already saved, even if she never said a “traditional” salvation prayer that you can mark on the calendar. Salvation is a surrendering to Jesus as Lord and Savior. An act of obedience to His Lordship. If your daughter was pursuing Him like you mentioned, there is faith and obedience in her posture - in her spirit. Jesus judges the heart. I didn’t get baptized until I was 25 because my church always gave the impression that I had to have my relationship with the Lord squared away and “perfect”. But then I came to the realization that no, baptism is an act of obedience and allegiance to Christ. No matter our age, we are always learning and growing, and sinning, until we get to Heaven. We are never fully “squared away” here on earth. That is why when our 6 & 7 year old boys, who had asked Jesus into their life, wanted to be baptized, we rejoiced with them and they were baptized. They wanted to obey Jesus and declare to the church they loved Jesus. Did they fully understand the earthly act of baptism, no. But again, baptism isn’t about having your Christian walk figured out, it is about obedience, faith, and loving Jesus as your Savior This is similar to your precious daughter. Her belief, faith, acknowledgment and hunger for Jesus to me speaks to she was already saved. Did she understand or do the “earthly” prayer, no. But God. But Jesus. He looks at the heart, not our earthly traditions.

[@hollybronis4942]

God is compassionate and gracious, and He knows each of his children for their heart. I think it is very reasonable to believe that a young child who loves and chooses God to the best of their capacity is fully saved. If she had lived longer you might have seen that commitment to Christ grow and deepen, but that doesn't diminish the whole hearted commitment of a small child. Every child of God is being sanctified and refined across their lives, but that doesn't mean we have to live a certain number of years as a Christian before we are promised heaven.

[@terrybain828]

Matthew 11:12 When I meditate on this verse, it reminds me of The Pilgrim's Progress. I understand it to mean that the Christian life is not a walk in the park. We have opposition within and without. It is not for those who make a half-hearted attempt, but for those who are willing to overcome at any cost.

[@kchariese2025]

Parents of 3 y/o. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking and praying for you.

[@OKatie777]

Thanks for answering my question Mike! I love your ministry and pray God continues to use it to reach more people.

[@emlyle1228]

Katie, I was in this situation earlier this year. I understand wanting to submit to your husband. I made it my mission for my husband to see the LDS is a false church. I would not let my kids go with him. After a few months, he realized Joseph Smith was a fraud. My family's eternal destination is my main concern. Unfortunately my husband is now holding athiest views. Trusting the Lord to water the seeds I've sown. If you need someone to talk to, I'll listen 🙏

[@oliverbarber4714]

I love how much time you spend per question. It helps me to really understand what you’re saying

[@kchariese2025]

I sometimes wonder about the development of a young adult's brain. That number is mid to late 20s. My heart goes out to these parents ❤

[@amyunick5674]

Agreed

[@AdamLivesayCovers]

I’m definitely with you on the conjecture territory on age of accountability. 20 definitely feels too old. But, just to play the other side for a minute , we know that brains don’t fully develop until 25… idk, something to chew on.

[@mpclepto182]

I absolutely deserved to go to hell by 25.

[@JeffroDH]

Yep. The frontal lobe (where that maturity and awareness of consequences reside) doesn't finish until around 25. A sad fact of penal practice when confronted with a young man who is getting in trouble repeatedly is to put them in prison until they're 25 and then let them try again.

[@lcraver4797]

Whereas I was baptized at 13 and believe I both fully understood and knew my baptism was a sign of MY faith not my parents'

[@HaleStorm49]

8 years old. They just need a fundamental understanding of right and wrong

[@sofiabravo1994]

I personally knew better by age 14...maybe younger but couldn't fully comprehend it...

[@russbuss8921]

Question 8 hits home for me, its taken me a year of battling and I continue to be plagued from time to time with temptations. Trust in Gods grace and continue to be faithful to Him. Praying for you brother or sister

[@Elijah24553]

Hi, I’m the person from Question #8. I really appreciate the prayers and encouragement! I can get pretty distraught and frustrated at times, as it feels as though I’ve dug myself into a pit that’s too deep to get out of, but Mike’s answer to my question has already served as a lifeline on several occasions over the past few days. I pray that both of us will be able to resist temptation whenever it may arise, and that we’ll stay faithful to Jesus.

[@russbuss8921]

Praying for you also! One thing I love is Romans 8. The whole chapter is very encouraging.

[@sarahghio9697]

"For seventy-three years I was a youth pastor. For one hundred and seven years. I've been to three thousand youth camps. I've had to eat all kinds of bad food and learned the value of earplugs." -Mike Winger

[@bio.Luminescence]

I am surrounded by babies tonight and holding their tiny perfect hands and their heads, I am in blissful heaven. I remember when I welcomed my baby brother into this world on this month. He changed my life that day. I fell in love with this child. I wish I hadn’t been as troubled as I was at the time. I was too young and filled with a lot of responsibility. Sometimes I wasn’t as patient as I should’ve been. I have asked for his forgiveness but he doesn’t seem to remember. Well, I remember all my sins.

[@ValerieCox-t7d]

Glad you're so blessed but your whole comment isn't needed. Someone just lost their 3 yr old. Oh and what does you picking on your baby brother have to do with anything? Who cares? Everybody does it. Ask God to forgive you and move on, victim.

[@bio.Luminescence]

I would never pick on my brother. I didn’t ask your permission for anything. I am not a victim and I should pray to hopefully not become a victimiser. There is no life after death until the resurrection where we will all be judged according to our thoughts and actions.

[@KH-uv5ph]

❤

[@littlekentucky2294]

I usually read through the comments and find some discussion’s helpful or interesting, lately I keep noticing this one lady that keeps making (what I consider Rude comments…telling Mike he’s wrong, saying David in the Bible is stupid, telling someone on this video that there comment isn’t needed? Saying who cares about their comment ) I don’t normally leave comments so it’s not like I have been personally offended or anything but I don’t understand why anyone would act like a bully on a Christian channel? or just always have something negative to say towards others, Christian’s are all about love ❤️ but when I see a person who doesn’t seem to have discernment it honestly makes me want to pray for them, maybe they are in pain?, may they don’t feel heard in their real life? There’s a nice way to say something and a rude way to say the same thing, I hope for this woman that she realizes Christian’s are about love, not tearing others down. we will all be judged for ever idol word ( even if it’s typed out hidden behind a computer) 🙏 let’s be kind to each other and respectful. Praying for the couple that lost their baby girl, praying for everyone on here who’s come to learn and grow in Christ, praying for those who seem hurt and angry that they find peace. 🕊️

[@karaross3346]

I would recommend the book Imagine Heaven to anyone who has lost a loved one. It paints a beautiful image of Heaven and our purpose on earth based on near death experiences of people and what Scripture says.

[@Lisa12T82]

There is a passage I came across long time ago when I was wondering about the question of do little children go to heaven. It is where David was begging God for his son’s life. It was not to be. Then David said something profound. He said about his baby son ‘He cannot return to me, but I will return to him’ I think that confirms it for me. We one day will return to our children, when we enter heaven. ❤

[@torrinolte8280]

God bless you, Pastor Mike!

[@JacSan1754]

Thank you for this video. A family friend's 5 year old passed away this week, and this was very comforting. I appreciate the thought you put into each and every question.

[@user-iamRobinV68]

so happy I found this channel 🙏 thank you Mike

[@vellichor7676]

21:05 This is me! Thank you, Mike, for taking my question! And also, a special thanks to Sarah for making it possible. Most grateful to her; our personal correspondence was most helpful. However, I suppose the essence of my question was never truly answered. My question was exclusively about the Book of Hebrews. How do we KNOW it is inspired without knowing the author? Who was the first person to proclaim it inspired? We have consensus on the fact that it is to be included in the canon, yes... but why? That was the point behind my reference to a "pastor's sermon". A pastor may preach a true, correct sermon, but it is not inspired. I have no issue with a sermon being included in the Bible (i.e. much of the Book of Acts) but my point was, if we don't know the author of the Book of Hebrews, how can we be assured that it is inspired and not just "correct" a la a sermon? I'm struggling to properly verbalize my question, so I hope you're understanding me regardless. I am specifically asking about Hebrews? Who declared it inspired, on what authority? Why do we accept it? Why SHOULD we accept it? Why is Hebrews a "book of the Bible", INSPIRED, and not just a sermon? I hope you understand what I'm asking. Again, deeply grateful that you took my question, Mike. Most grateful.

[@LibrarianMarian]

@@vellichor7676 I don’t remember if he addresses Hebrews specifically, but J Warner Wallace in his book Cold Case Christianity provides a “chain of custody “ of the NT books. That might help you out.

[@bennewby9600]

The first person to quote from the Book of Hebrews was Clement of Rome (a student of both Paul and Peter) in his letter to the church in Corinth, which was written about the same time the Book of Revelation was. Granted, it's possible that he wasn't quoting from it as such because he's one of the people on the short list for the author of the book. I think there's a pretty good argument that Hebrews was a sermon that Paul preached and then Clement re-wrote it in his own words in about the same way that Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark based on Peter's words. Hebrews was almost certainly not written by Paul's own hand since the author admits that he wasn't an eye-witness of Jesus (2:3) where as Paul consistently argues that the visions which he received from Jesus made him an Apostle and eye-witness. As to who declared it inspired, that really isn't how the New Testament canon was compiled. Nearly all the books that were commonly read in the early Church made it in. The few that were excluded (like the Shepherd of Hermas) weren't written by an Apostle nor one of their direct associates. The 'rule' that was eventually settled on was that a book had to be authored by an Apostle or someone who was directly under their authority (such as Mark and Luke). This was to exclude the writings of heretical groups that were insisting that they had new revelations from God. Hebrews was allowed in because while the author wasn't known even in that day, there was pretty high confidence that it was someone who had written under Paul's authority.

[@vellichor7676]

​@LibrarianMarian most grateful. Thank you.

[@vellichor7676]

​@bennewby9600 very thankful that you took the time to respond to me so thoroughly. I have long wondered, who was the first to name Hebrews as "inspired"? And whd should we accept it? I want to be clear... I adore Hebrews. I have studied it at length. I WANT to accept Hebrews into the canon. That said, I've never understood how we got there. My grandfather, for example, is a pastor, and often preaches correct, wise sermons that are also not inspired. What separates Hebrews from such a sermon? How do we know it is inspired?

[@scottpennington2746]

@vellichor7676 You say that you adore and have studied Hebrews at length. May I ask, is there anything revealed in Hebrews that is not elsewhere in the Bible? Any unique doctrine or unique teaching?

[@SvetlanaPolezhayev]

Very interesting perspective. I am a Russian speaking lady and when I was listening I read the Russian version of Matthew chapter 11 verse 12 timestamp number three and in the Russian Bible the word violence is replaced with effort so it’s saying that the ones that put in a lot of effort get it and it’s actually used a lot in the Russian culture we use this verse to tell our kids or anybody that you cant just sit back and relax you have to put in a lot of effort to get to the kingdom of heaven, so that’s interesting I guess.

[@lindajohnson2252]

Thank you for giving us your valuable time and knowledge. It's deeply appreciate but something else about you that makes me so happy is your fantastic humor. Oh my goodness! I laugh and laugh over it. It's just such a joy. You are such a blessing.

[@KH-uv5ph]

💯%

[@BMC_self-invent]

I'm a dad. I cannot imagine such a tragedy. All I can say is my condolences. I pray for Gods peace.

[@jeremiahcoles2378]

Praying for the family of that lost little one😢 handled the question very well. I often struggled with this topic. Gave some great points and things to meditate on.

[@KH-uv5ph]

I so appreciate these Q & A's from such a trusted source. Thank you.

[@jameswelsh3433]

Thank You, Mike! God be with You!

[@lukesalazar9283]

I thank you greatly for this. The first question hit close and i appreciate greatly your answer

[@KeepIt1HuniTT]

God Bless the parents of this beautiful child that is now with the Lord in Jesus name. To everyone on this much needed and vital channel plus the comment section, Mery Christmas and have a wonderful New Year.

[@mistyowens1036]

I started/ hit puberty at 9 years old. That's so young. I didn't understand what was accountable when it came to salvation. I didn't even understand why I was so emotional all of the time.

[@skyek.1787]

@@mistyowens1036 same. Puberty is not a good milestone to judge agree of accountability by, especially considering females tend to hit puberty earlier than males. Sexual development often happens earlier than cognitive maturity.

[@K_e_n_]

Excellent answer on question #8 Mike.

[@Noslime]

I think the explanation about the 19-year-old and down being able to go into the promised land is a simple fact that they were too young in the beginning of the journey into the wilderness to be accountable for what their parents and grandparents had done. I think it’s just super easily overlooked because it’s so simple.I love your views on this topic. It’s spot on.

[@Carole_]

For the person who asked question #8, I highly recommend the book *Finally Free* by Heath Lambert. I've personally seen it be amazingly helpful for people who are struggling with porn. It's biblical, and it goes along with what Mike said, and it gives steps and deeper understanding, and it shows the beautiful grace and strength God offers us to overcome sin. I'm so glad you asked for help. God has provided, through Mike and through Heath Lambert, and He will keep providing -- keep looking to Him, and keep putting on Christ. You are no longer a slave to sin. Praying for you.

[@DIanaCOL4224]

Praying Gods peace for her parents.

[@AllThingsNew1723]

Because my son had to have supervised visits with his dad, and I was the one to supervise, I had to bring him to his dad’s UPC church…but it definitely opened up conversations between my son and myself, and I was able to explain the false doctrines that his dads church taught. And now, as an adult he goes to church with me 😊

[@jackiefields1607]

Thank you for your kind words, sensitive treatment of the age of accountability.

[@curtisquick1582]

All have sinned, young and old. This is not a question of accountability, but a question of God's mercy. It is more reasonable to believe that God extends his mercy to children, rather than to argue that they are not responsible for their sin.

[@youaregodspursuit-47]

All humans have a sin nature. Yet, being held accountable cannot become a threshold until a specific human understand what a sin is. Otherwise the lessons taught by the law is a waste of time. God will judge according to his will. To sin you must understand the rules... yes, God extends his mercy as he wishes, but please do not suggest that children as a whole are sinners from the outset.

[@MichaelMeyer-i3g]

Mike this was a absolute amazing live stream, the 18 year old with porn addiction, your answer to that helped me a ton

[@Primetimetoons2]

Children are not accountable until.they reach the age to make their own decision..until they are old enough their life is in the parents hands.

[@robertdouglas8895]

So what do they experience after they die?

[@user-wu6so3pq1j]

It's important to realize that this is not a concept taught anywhere in the Bible. We should always stick to what the scriptures say as our source of authority.

[@USpatriot741776]

​@@user-wu6so3pq1jlots of things aren't directly addressed in scripture, but that doesn't mean we can't answer them.

[@midimusicforever]

@@user-wu6so3pq1j Not explicitly, but if you read everything the Bible says about children, the conclusion you will arrive at is that this must be the case.

[@user-wu6so3pq1j]

@@USpatriot741776 We can't just make up and an answer and say what I think is as true as whatever is in scripture.

[@dawn5227]

A friend of a friends 5yr old son drowned while on holiday in Spain. The older young teen son found the boy in the pool, he attempted to save his little brother dragging him out but it was too late. Its the hardest most heart wrenching tragedy anyone could ever face, if its a comfort to others The boys mother found comfort in her Catholic faith and church and has become move active in her church community. God is there when we face these hardships and if we can remain open to him, he will not abandon us. It can often feel like we are alone but we are not with God by our sides.

[@markhaszoe-life6337]

Thank you Mike great video and I really appreciate it number 1 you brought up some information that I have not thought of before that was great thank you blessings brother

[@johncarminati2326]

Mike, the apostle of corn bread! Love it!

[@victorcharlie7491]

Great q&a Mike & Sarah, God bless You, Thank-You!

[@rickshawley7683]

I think david was referring to simply saying that he would meet him in the grave and death.He wasn't speaking of heaven.I think that's out of context. Because he said he cannot come to me, but I will go to him. He was speaking of the grave.

[@donnabelisle1474]

God Bless you and your loved ones Mike. One of my favourite former embryos who has been and continues to help strengthen my relationship with our LORD. Thank you and your ministry for your service to Jesus This is the amazing thing with the Bible Science continues to prove it I didnt know the OT has a law that science now states the brain diesnt stop growing until 20-21

[@jameswelsh3433]

37:25 Mike, your humor is excellent!

[@cassandrashobbies3407]

Our brains aren't fully developed until our early 20s. The part that we use to understand consequences is the last to develop. So it makes sense to me to that it's God's will that we develop as we do and will judge us by his design.

[@toreyhorton1789]

@@cassandrashobbies3407 I'm not sure that is true or accurate for every person who has ever lived. However, the brain's development more than likely has been impacted by Adam and Eve’s decision to rebel against God. After their sinful actions, they passed on a mark of imperfection to all of their offspring so the original design, the design God is responsible for, was altered by their unfaithfulness. Death in human beings came with sin so did imperfection. So, our bodies and organs do not operate perfectly as they were DESIGNED because of inherited sin. That was the consequence of their treacherous actions. Romans 5:12 If what I believe you are suggesting is accurate then God would not have commanded that parents train their children when they are young since they are less likely to deviate from that training when they get older. Conversely, God would have said, “Wait until the age of at least 20 to train your sons and daughters since their brains are not “fully developed” until they have reached that age. Any training before 20 will be an exercise in futility.” Proverbs 22:6 2 Timothy 3:14, 15 That is unreasonable and unscriptural.

[@archam777]

"If they are blind they would have no guilt, but since they see their guilt remains" Paraphrasing but that's a quote from John Lennox, quoting the bible/Jesus, in regards to individuals being guilty of sins they are not aware of. Who is more "blind to knowing right and wrong" than young child/ toddler / baby??? Not even for a second am I saying that they are "sinless", but I am absolutely stating that they are "guiltless". Babies and young children DO NOT, go to hell. I'm so confident in this I would be willing to bet my eternity on it.

[@alyseceleste]

There are even scriptures in the Old Testament where God is disgusted and abhorred at child sacrifice. That he would never even think to ask for that type of worship I think those scriptures alone (plus Jesus with the little children) are loud and clear about how God feels about babies and small children

[@leenieledejo6849]

​@alysecelestePlus the analogy he makes in Matthew 18:3 & 19:44, which wouldn't work if little children were "vipers in diapers" as false teacher and Calvinist Voddie Baucham says. They are born in the sarx/sarki (Greek for "carnal/human nature) which is NOT evil in itself despite being wrongly translated in the NIV and a few others as "sin nature". It's weak and self-seeking (which is why Jesus says "you must be born again/born of the Spirit" in John 3) but it's not evil. Sin is always a conscious choice. God is NOT the author of evil, as evil Calvinism teaches.

[@arronhaggerty9125]

Kingdom suffers violence - I heard a sermon saying it was under siege due to praying and praising God , not praying asking for things, but praising the father in your prayer sessions

[@michaelbrickley2443]

David knew when his infant son died that he would see him again.

[@toreyhorton1789]

@@michaelbrickley2443 Sure! David likely had faith in the resurrection, not going to see his son in heaven since his son wasn't in heaven. (Isaiah 26:19; John 11:24) Neither did David ascend to heaven. Even around 1000 years after David had fallen asleep in death the Apostle Peter commented that David did not ascend to the heavens. Acts 2:34 The writer of Hebrews also emphasized that those who died faithful before Jesus did not obtain the fulfillment of the promise.

[@AlexanderosD]

Thank you for this very tough topic Mike. My heart hurts for this mother and I will pray for the Lord to comfort her and hold her close to Himself. It does seem possible for us to ever pinpoint an exact point of when an individual is considered accountable. It's like trying to determine exactly when the seed has broken open and begun to sprout under the soil. Who can point at the earth and say "there, a seed has begun to sprout?" But the Lord is not oblivious to mercy and understanding, it would be unwise for us to assume that the Lord does not know how to hold us accountable or exempt, the heart judges or condems and the Lord knows it fully. Thank you Mike and Merry Christmas!

[@teafortwo9307]

Thank you for addressing this

[@Talos_The_King]

Could not imagine the pain I'd feel. Absolutely horrendous.

[@mrcavalieri]

"God is a righteous judge," (Ps 7:11a) and He is infinitely good. Trust in Him and accept His comfort in the unknowns. He is holy beyond our ability to comprehend and right in all His ways. He saved Lot out of Sodom, Noah through the flood, and Israel from captivity because of His mercy. How much more so would He save the children?

[@ekb9845]

Matthew 5:3 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

[@marcingajda2346]

We lost our third daughter march'23. She claimed to have repented and converted to Jesus when she was 9-10, but later developed mental dissease and commited suicide when she was nearly 12. We have hope, that she is with the Lord, but in the end only Lord knows and hope is everything we have got. Its hard to have clear view on whether she made her own choice when she was 9 and another choice when she was 12. If yes, then she is sinner saved. If not, then maybe no sinner at all. But God is way greater then my small logic, so hope is all we are left with. Miss her a lot. Long to be with the Lord and find her there, but there is another five to raise and maybe some people to share gospel with before we go... Thank You for taking this topic "on Your workshop" Greetings from Poland

[@MFaith777]

If your daughter was saved, which I believe at age 9 or 10, she is still under the age of accountability based on scripture, that even if she committed suicide, she is saved. Suicide is another sin that has been paid for at the cross. I trust God has her.

[@AZmom60]

I am so very sorry for your unimaginable pain. 😢

[@klarag7059]

18:48 I used to think a child’s behaviour reflected their parents and held them accountable. That was until I had my own child. Sometimes behaviour is to do with neurological conditions and not just parenting. It’s utterly demoralising and heartbreaking to be looked down upon by people because your child does something wrong in public but they are so distressed they don’t know what they are doing and won’t remember what they did after and all they need after is comfort, reassurance, dignity and safety but others want to see you punish them. You can never know what is behind a child’s behaviour or how your reaction will affect a family.

[@sety1212]

Thanks for all your hard work Mike! Would love to see a video breaking down some of Alex O’Conners content. He’s quickly becoming a leader in the atheist thinker community.

[@gillianwright356]

My 5 year daughter asked the Lord Jesus to save her; and 40 years later she has stuck to that decision! So she must have been able to understand basic truth, I think.

[@JeffroDH]

I am glad that her experience was that way, but surely her knowledge and understanding of her salvation matured significantly between 5 and 25. IMHE, for every one I see that repents under 10 yoa and never wavers, I know several who felt that they needed to recommit later in life because they didn't fully understand. Because they wanted to participate in communion and be a part of the community rather than really understanding their moral failings and need for a savior.

[@John316_Acts2]

@@JeffroDHThe Bible mentions both John and David had accepted God as their redeemer and Savior from the moment they were born/in the womb. Regardless of if they fully understand, they are a member of the Christian Church and saved by grace.

[@WashedMickey]

CAN God save children? Of course. But I don't think it's anyone's own choice to be saved, since no one seeks God. The new birth must be initiated by the Holy Spirit.

[@kchariese2025]

​@JeffroDH this was true for me and now my teenager.

[@WiseInspector]

Agree with the idea of an age of accountability but the context of the passage about the children of those wondering in the wilderness, was that they were to young at the time their parents grieved God with their idolatry and faithlessness, to be held accountable. This is more an argument against imputed guilt than age of accountability. Love the work done here and on other videos.

[@FAITHFULsk8r]

Good job answering an extremely tough question brother .. I was tearing up the whole time. I kept thinking about the verse in Matthew I believe about : you're better off to have a mill*stone tied around your neck and thrown into the ocean than mislead one of my little ones. (Paraphrasing)

[@emzifish]

I'm in a similar place with question #6. The woman who leads the Bible study I've attended for nearly a year has proposed our next study be about understanding our prophetic personality and how to hear God...the author is associated with Bethel. Several years ago I came out of the word of faith movement, where my faith was the "secret ingredient" to experiencing the supernatural and miraculous healing. It set me up for an emotional high and let me down when their promises weren't always fulfilled. This study she wants to do very much reminds me of that. I voiced my concerns, and it's still up in the air if this will be the study she chooses, but I struggle with knowing how to express my thoughts without constantly coming across as argumentive or negative. As of right now, I think that I'll be honest and tell her what my concerns are, and if this is the study that we're going to do, then I will sit this one out. When stuff like this has come up in our previous two studies, I've listened a lot and offered my opinion or brought up different scriptures...but I don't feel any peace about participating in this study. 😔 It's disheartening. I need to pray and ask God for wisdom on how to proceed.

[@mimilikankkunen4865]

Most important I think is to follow the Bible and the true Jesus. It is always controversial. And we will face persecution because of it, be it subtle or not.

[@FerdinandKroukamp]

suffer little children to come unto me for their's are the kingdom of heaven.

[@willwidrick8039]

Thanks Mike!

[@johncarminati2326]

Good biblical thinking, Mike. Just one comment on the Matthew 11 discussion look at the original meaning of "take it by violence.." it is quite revealing. Thanks

[@CollinLutz-p9e]

How can you know your 3-year-old is in heaven? I can't believe people think a loving God is sending kids to hell. Makes about as much sense as infant baptisms....

[@toreyhorton1789]

@@CollinLutz-p9e I can't believe people accept the false doctrine of hell. They actually believe that a loving God would create such an unloving, brutal, callous, torturous realm to inflict immense pain on His own children for not obeying Him. I can't believe people would accept that behavior from their “god” but not from their neighbor. If their neighbor was torturing and tormenting his child they would feel compelled to get involved and they would believe their neighbor was a loving father. But they disconnect the expectations they have for human fathers to display love to their children from the expectation they have for their “god” who doesn't just display love but who is the embodiment of love, who “IS LOVE.” 1 John 4:8 I can't believe any reasonable person who claims to be a believer holds such a conflicting view.

[@frc744]

Great questions and answers. Now about not being too “rigid” about the baptism formula, Peter said “there is no other name given to men under heaven that we can be saved”. Yes, baptism must be in Jesus’ name. The Apostles understood Jesus’s words in Mat 28:19 as in Jesus’ name, because that’s how they did it. Yes, Luke speaks in Acts in more details at the beginning and then summarizes later expecting the reader to understand in the context of what he detailed previously. Acts chapter 2:38 is how to get saved!!!!

[@HammerHeadBubba]

I have never heard this good of a defense of the 'age of accountability' doctrine before. The tricky thing for me is that we don't ever really know when a kid has 'reached that age'. I'll keep thinking and praying and researching about it

[@TheGoodSamaritan8557]

My mom saw an angel before she passed. With her last strength she wrote down My God Is Awesome. We have the writing in the book she used to communicate with us. She was too weak to talk, from cancer. She saw something and her way to tell us that the God of the Bible is Real, is by writing that with all her might. Heaven is real. God is real.

[@StephenItanagar]

To answer Q8; I think it is helpful to think of union with Christ as married to Christ & died to sin as broke up with all the previous relationships. As it is possible to go back to old relationships, it is possible to go back to sin.. That's why Paul was reminding the believers saying, "Don't you know"

[@leenieledejo6849]

Have you read Romans 6? Look how many times it says "FREE FROM SIN" and "DEAD TO SIN". Look also at Jesus's words in John 8:31-32. "FREE INDEED" means "completely free". It's a parallel to Matthew 1:21. Next, read 1st John chapters 3 and 5. None of these passages are wrong but relying on our own point of view (based on our experience or how we'd like it to be) over Scripture certainly leads us to wrong ideas.

[@StephenItanagar]

@leenieledejo6849 I understand your point. Dead to sin means: relationship is over. Free indeed: no more necessity to respond. Read 1 John 1: not without sin; still needed confession of sin

[@jeffreydean5112]

My best friend lost his 6 month old in an "at-home" accident and a little later down the road, he asked me about if he was in heaven or not. I gave him some insight and he felt fine about my answer but of course there's still a huge struggle because of the nature of the situation. It's just an impossible task to help parents get through something like that.

[@muffinman39705]

You do a great job bud. Keep it up 👍

[@EmmanuelAyoo]

Hey Mike, thank you again for your imput to the body's proper understanding of scripture. I wanted to ask ur permission to post a part of this video (your answer to question 2 particularly) on my channel. Cause i believe both Muslim (people i speak more to) and Christian need to hear these types of response to such a common question. Thank you 💐

[@henryschmit3340]

As Jesus said of little children "...for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

[@deedavis1950]

Well done answer to question #1.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

My answer (insufficient as it is) is that children go to heaven purely on the basis of Christ’s righteousness and mercy alone - same as anybody else - even if they are ‘technically’ unbelieving (maybe they were part of a Muslim family, or atheist, etc…). God is also just, so their sins are not overlooked, but rather applied to Jesus’ account. Without Jesus Christ, even babies would absolutely be worthy of eternal hell in light of God’s righteousness. It’s good to apply the proper weights and balances when approaching this issue, and you’re good at that, Mike, so I defer to you.

[@rickshawley7683]

I understand what you're saying, but the Bible does not support that. Jesus said, Except a man be born again he, cannot see the Kingdom of heaven. And what about if you confess with your mouth The Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart You will be saved. Jesus died for the sins of all mankind , Confession is made unto salvation. So how do we quantify that in regards to a child who dies before the supposed age of accountability. There has got to be some way that a child has the opportunity to receive christ.Because he is the only way to the father.

[@stuartpierce121]

No disrespect to this poor family and there loss. Would God hold a three year accountable who doesn't understand yet. Jennifer

[@k3nny235]

You don't always "need" to know. Trust God because He's Good and Just. Put your faith in Jesus. People want to know all the time instead of trusting God completely.

[@valenciawallace1726]

“ The living know that they shall die… but the dead know not anything!” Heaven as an alive person is FUTURE TENSE. One day, the Trumpet SHALL sound…& THEN ALL the dead in Christ shall be raised. “ MORTAL “shall” put on IMMORTALITY!” at that time. Until then the dead are asleep or unconscious. What a joy to know.

[@eclipsesonic]

Regarding question 1, I think there are two other passages to consider: Romans 7:9 - "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died." It seems like Paul is saying that the law didn't apply to him at one point in his life, implying that during his infancy or childhood state, he didn't comprehend good and evil. Romans 9:11 - "For though the twins (Jacob and Esau) were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls." Now, it's debatable whether Paul is talking about Jacob and Esau before they even existed, or maybe he's just referring to their state in Rebecca's womb, if he's referring to the latter, then he would be affirming that foetus's don't have any comprehension of morality.

[@John316_Acts2]

I do believe that yes, infants can not comprehend sin. But, they are still guilty of sin, as they have a sinful nature . But by the grace of God, through their faith in Christ, infants are saved. Since it has been scientifically shown that humans have a belief in a God or higher power from birth. It’s safe to assume the soul without alteration inheritly recongizing the divinity of Christ.

[@celestabird8374]

@@eclipsesonic In Romans 9, Paul actually isn't talking about the literal persons of Jacob and Esau. The names are representative of nations (Jacob = Israel; Esau = Edom). Using names to represent nations/cities is really common in the Bible. I'd be happy to give you examples of this if you're interested! 🙂 But to support this being so in Romans 9, Paul is referencing Old Testament prophecies concerning the nation of Israel being chosen above Edom. (God's chosen seed obviously can't come through both twin brothers. 😆) Read the first chapter of Malachi and this will make more sense. Plus, we can also know Paul isn't talking about actual individual people here because "the older shall serve the younger" is not true in the brothers' case. Esau never "served" Jacob. If anyone was the servant here, it was actually Jacob, since he humbled himself in front of Esau and sought forgiveness for stealing his birthright, giving him a hUge gift of livestock as an apology gift...

[@NoName-xh6ds]

JESUS!!!

[@caharris3121]

Where is the ark now? Rev. 11:19, “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail."

[@argentorangeok6224]

To the person with the porn problem; you're not the only believer with these kinds of struggles. Keep praying. Christ, our champion, delivers us. Praying for you, little brother.

[@Unlikely_Hero803]

I appreciate the wisom Mike. This discussion about age of accountability creates a seemingly difficult loophole that I wanted to ask about. If a child tragically passes away they get to enter heaven due to them not being of age to rationalize sin. Does this mean that atrocities such as abortion are actually sure-fire ways a soul will enter the Kingdom of God? They are robbed of a human life, but granted eternal life?

[@hyperfocus1963]

It's not really a loophole, as you say, because murder is a sin.

[@hyperfocus1963]

(I know that doesn't really answer your question as a whole, but it's to point out that the result doesn't make the cause right, if that makes sense.)

[@richjageman3976]

My mom would tell me that the age of 12 was the age of reason and expect me to make adult decisions for everyday life. From doing my own laundry to getting myself ready to school to preparing my own meals. She told me that was the age Jesus started doing adult things and taking care of himself...

[@JonathanGrandt]

When I was younger and I watched Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, I thought it pretty intense that the witch cursed an 11 year old to become a beast.. but then I got to know some more 11 year olds.

[@BIBLE-UNBUTCHERED]

'The Lord protects the innocent (children and animals) who cannot defend themselves

[@sarahhare9512]

For question 3, Luke 16:14-17 seems to make sense of this a bit more, about the crowds trying to get from Jesus what they wanted and great multitudes following Him. Jesus seems to be saying the same kind of thing, but with a bit more context. And makes sense of Jesus teaching from a boat, or the woman who wanted healing reaching out to Him etc.