Why does God let Satan cause so much harm?

Do you think there are other biblical ideas to consider about this? Please share them in the comments so you can help others think biblically.
My website BibleThinker.org

[@JoeLackey]

"When we meet the devil in the garden, he's a snake. By the time we get to Revelation, he's a dragon. Somebody's been feedin' that joker!" - Damon Thompson

[@ancientflames]

What evidence do you have the story of the snake has anything to do with revelation? Why would a fan fiction prophecy that failed somehow prove 2500 year old ancient mythology?

[@dannyboyakadandaman504furl9]

Satan wasn't the serpent Jesus Fking Christ. What do you Christians dont understand? The Hebrew even agrees to this ! Fk sake !

[@Lillypad3183]

​@ancientflames Revelation 12:9 mentions the ancient serpent from Genesis. I understand that you believe it is "fan fiction prophecy" however Christians don't believe it is "fan fiction prophecy". Christians believe it is the inspired word of God. Obviously it's ok if you disagree but it would require more than a comment to convince you otherwise.

[@dannyboyakadandaman504furl9]

​@@Lillypad3183it's false. The serpent was just a serpent..

[@ancientflames]

@@Lillypad3183 Most early christian's share my view as well and it took hundreds of years after Jesus death for them to strong arm the council to add it into canon. If the early Christian's closest to the supposed origin of the religion rejected it vehemently for hundreds of years, I think that should give you pause. Many denominations today reject it as well or at least deemphasize it. Erasmus in the 15 or 1600s (I forget when exactly) during his translations added his own words and interpretation to revelation as well but said he would never consider doing that with the gospels or the epistles. So we also see a continuation 500 years ago that revelation wasn't on the same pedestal as the rest of the NT. And guess who Erasmus translation inspired and was used by? Martin Luther, who funny enough also deemphasizes revelation. Feel free to research that stuff on your own, I'm not attacking you, but understand these things aren't as concrete as you were taught. From the very first documents of the religion there are disagreements on doctrine, and every issue you can think of. Hell, Paul even preaches against the other disciples numerous times in the epistles.

[@AlexanderDuncann]

History class in His Kingdom in the end, is going to be EPIC.

[@ronnychristenjoyer6778]

I wanna hear about secret societies and conspiracies and stuff. I just wanna hear the truth from the Lord about everything. No more annoying debates.

[@stouenshock4636]

@@ronnychristenjoyer6778 amen

[@Jake-mv7yo]

That's when you find out God is actually the bad guy and you are in a celestial North Korea singing songs to dear leader while all the cool people are partying in Hell.

[@deluded2630]

@@Jake-mv7yoif burning for eternity is what you mean by “partying”… lord jesus help this man 😂

[@Jake-mv7yo]

@@deluded2630 Obviously God would say Hell is bad in his own book. I'm not going to follow a guy who made us in his own image and then has the first 3 commandments be about how you need to worship him. That isn't something someone good would do that is the action of a narcissistic dictator. I'll just take my chances with the other place where most of all the people who ever lived are going.

[@annabland1110]

Just today my 6 year old came to me and asked, “mom, how was there sin in the world before there was sin? Like, how did Satan sin before Adam and Eve chose to bring sun into the world?” So cool to have had that conversation with him and then see this come up on my feed. 😁

[@mattr.1887]

What is your answer to that question?

[@sol-hunter2332]

​@mattr.1887 there wasn't sin in the world before Adam and Eve, the Sin of Satan wouldn't be sin on earth. An angel sinning is separate from a human sinning.

[@annabland1110]

@@mattr.1887 I explained to him a bit about the difference between angels and humans, and that angels are made for heaven and humans are made for earth, until God brings heaven and earth together. That God gave humans the job of caring for the earth and creation in a special way. And that only humans are made in God's image. I said that when Satan did evil and decided to fight against God, he was cast out of heaven. I said that humans have a different relationship with God and with the earth than angels and when they sinned, sin got into all of the creation on earth. We then talked a bit about angels and demons, Satan's kingdom of jealousy and evil and God's kingdom of love, and what will happen in the end to Satan and his kingdom. Little guy with big thoughts and talks.

[@MeanOldLady]

@@annabland1110Sounds like hope for the next generation of apologetics & polemics. ^^

[@rahliE777]

Whatever your answer was, that’s an incredibly intelligent question for a 6 year old to ask!

[@jesusdiedforyouproofjohn3.16]

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” KJV

[@andrewsmith3344]

Resist the devil? The devil is the feeling to have another cigarette on January 3rd!

[@rayhanakram9912]

@@andrewsmith3344 bro whats so stressful about jan 3rd lol

[@andrewsmith3344]

You make a New Year's Resolution to stop smoking and by Jan 3rd you have broken it! This is your mind saying " go on have a smoke" not Satan because he does not exist!

[@DiamondWorldYoutube]

​@@andrewsmith3344 What is bro yapping about

[@pragmaticoptimist46]

Really good explanation, and I appreciate how you prefaced some of it with “this is my opinion, which accepting or not accepting means nothing for your salvation. You don’t have to believe this to be a Bible believing Christian.”

[@ancientflames]

If you think that is a good explanation, you need to vastly expand your horizons instead of just listening to what you want to hear.

[@statelessatheist2194]

that makes no sense though because if there is an all knowing/ all powerful being why wouldn't he make sure we all understand his message correctly?

[@sandragambrel9721]

@@statelessatheist2194 Have you actually read the Bible for yourself? At least the four Gospels?

[@statelessatheist2194]

@@sandragambrel9721 large parts of it; it doesn't make your arguments in here better.

[@sirllamaiii9708]

​@@statelessatheist2194The message is clear but some try to inject other philosophies and ideas into the Bible that simply aren't in that original text. And the doctrinal differences are largely immaterial between denominations.

[@Flutterby777]

Amen I hate sin it is evil. GOD is soo Good!❤

[@jerrybessetteDIY]

I think we need more teaching on the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

[@Common_SenseSkeptic]

in the ancient world like in the Ugaritic texts, Sumerian texts even in the Egyptian world snakes were seen as a symbol of knowledge and wisdom so when the Hebrews broke away from their Canaanite ancestry they started teaching about a polemic against the snake they didn't want theirs to be like the other ones so they did the opposite where the snake was the bad guy it's all just mythological stories adapted from the ancient world In the ancient world the snake was also considered to represent eternal life and rebirth because they shed their skin and can do again

[@willstevenson4843]

I'd like to hear more on the tree as well.

[@danielbrowniel]

Reminds me of science. Science is used to help and hurt people.

[@mnm8818]

​​​​@@Common_SenseSkeptic though Jews believe Satan is on the same team as God... so the snake is not Satan and its either a real animal or a metaphor on desire and wrong doing

[@bbgun061]

@@mnm8818 I don’t think that’s really what Jews believe.

[@metaggrit]

I appreciate the shorter video formats. It makes it easy to find what you're looking for

[@jonathonjankovich1689]

There are two attributes of God that would not have been known had the fall not taken place: Mercy and Grace

[@Boundless_Border]

So Yahweh concocted a world where it can punish the unrighteousness just so it can demonstrate its mercy and grace. That sounds to me like a firefighter that lights fire to someone's house just so they can show how good they are at putting out fires. It would be very odd to call either of these a virtuous when you add that context.

[@velkyn1]

so your god intentionally damned adam and eve and all humans. Wow, interesting story. Makes your god a vicious failure. "There are two attributes of God that would not have been known had the fall not taken place: Mercy and Grace"

[@mindwiperr7759]

@@velkyn1 God actually promised Adam a savior. the opposite happened friend, Jesus died for our sins & took our punishment!

[@ws775]

Scripture: God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that through him the world might be save. We punish and condemn ourselves by refusing his mercy and grace.

[@sassafras8677]

oh and wrath

[@kylesears4328]

God did not allow the enemy to reign, we did. Passivity and ignoreance (spelled wrong intentionally) are the two biggest attitudes that allow evil to grow.

[@DarkMatterBurrito]

Absolutely not. God is sovereign over EVERYTHING. If he is not, then He is not worth worshipping.

[@kylesears4328]

@@DarkMatterBurrito do you have free will? Or does God live your life for you? As a Christian you are called to repent of sin, which is a choice. Many remain in sin for years, decades even. Does God will it for them to remain in their sin and never find salvation?

[@ShiniGuraiJoker]

​@@kylesears4328 is god in control of everything or not? Is everything that happens god's plan or not?

[@DM-dk7js]

Sounds like a convenient excuse.

[@WhiteHawkmma]

@@kylesears4328if it’s like you say, that God endows creatures with free will, then that removes some direct control over people. Satan would be included in that decree of free will. So, upon limiting his omnipotence by granting his creation free will, he does in fact allow the devil to reign as he does for a set period of time. The cool part is that in God’s omniscience, he is able to take into consideration all free choices that could be made from all of us before we are placed where we are in history, therefor accounting for our decisions and even accomplishing His sovereign plan THROUGH our free will. For a better explanation of the philosophy see “Molinism”. God definitely allows Satan do do certain things and have a reign. He’s powerful enough to cancel it and stop it in its tracts, so, for the time being the devil is allowed by God to do things. I’m not sure how we are responsible for the devils reign, considering he took a host of Elohim with him at his rebellion. Seems like he had plans to rebel even if humans weren’t in the picture

[@BibleVerses4Life]

Great explanation Mike! God does not force love, we have a choice. This makes it a genuine relationship. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

[@raybrensike42]

Do we know that after a fall, and after redemption, and after restoration, a man is wiser and in better condition than before his fall? God wanted the best for us. As costly as it is, he still went for it. He knows what's best.

[@statelessatheist2194]

That is not an answer, that is an excuse

[@sandragambrel9721]

@@statelessatheist2194 What do you mean, his comment was not an answer but an excuse?

[@velkyn1]

the excuse of every sycophant for their tyrant.

[@statelessatheist2194]

@@sandragambrel9721 Yes the difference is something you can show with evidence to support it the other is something you make up

[@sandragambrel9721]

@@statelessatheist2194 statelessatheist, You are an atheist? Why are you watching this type of video?

[@mikec5992]

Thank you so much Pastor Mike. I feel sorry for people who have not heard about your ministry yet. I try and tell as many people as I can. Hope to shake your hand one day. You have helped me on so many topics.

[@Notevenone]

I second that.

[@johnbennett8467]

I Agree. Thank you, Mike!

[@tammyspurdle9208]

Thank you Mike.

[@willstevenson4843]

I would love to hear more in-depth teaching on this subject!

[@kurtweiand7086]

Thank you for sharing your gift of teaching, your teaching balances out my reformed views!🙂

[@holiday3273]

I really love your explanation of this, very informative.

[@lancervi1762]

I absolutely agree with your assessment. Think of the billionaire who wants a wife to love him for who he is, not what he has. What would you do? How would you do it? I find it interesting that the church of Christ is the Bride of Christ and that is the type of relationship the bible paints for us. I think you're correct Pastor Mike. It was the only way to filter and sift out those who would worship Him "IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH!" for those are the type of worshiper that the Father desires. If He just came out and said "I'm God, look at what I have and what I can do." Who would say no? God Bless!!!

[@belovedinjesuschrist]

That was a great way to put it. Thanks brother

[@snorman1911]

Mike, I like your take on why God allows us free will so we choose Him. It's my opinion that it's also an opportunity for us to experience what life is like with sin and rebellion in the picture. What a perspective to have after making it to heaven!

[@jjm4341]

Geography determines your choice---not "free will." Born in India, you're probably Hindu. Born in the Middle East, you're probably Muslim. Born in the U.S., you're probably Christian.

[@tomtemple69]

​@@jjm4341God determines your choice 😂

[@loisneumann588]

@@tomtemple69so god makes indian people hindus? If he did so whats wrong with being hindu?

[@loisneumann588]

If you are threatened with eternal torture if you dont follow god thats not a free choice. Imagine someone coming up to you with a gun and saying: give me your wallet or i will kill you! Is that a free chioce? No its not, and the threat of eternal torture is much worse than the threat of being killed

[@crimsoncloudofficial]

Mike Winger, are you able to do a video on the Orthodox church? I would love to know what you think about it. Thanks for everything you do

[@MM-kn2er]

It’s beautiful, holds onto the apostolic traditions . Worship is heavenly , genuflecting before the holy One . Prayers at the third , sixth , ninth, noon , evening , midnight , early morning prayers . Total of 7 prayers . Fasting , women wearing coverings on head … songs are like Gregorian chants .

[@katharinaelkins2984]

I totally agree with this

[@mimmydino7247]

We’re studying Proverbs and right now in chapter 6. Thought this is a very timely message. ❤ Thanks.

[@velvetvideo]

I would genuinely like to hear you and Brandon from Mindshift have a debate over these topics. I can't fathom some of the logic in the Bible and modern apologetics, but at the same time I really want to believe in a loving God. I am personally so broken and on the fringe of society, that my reality has left me a shell of a person and filled with confusion and despair.

[@ancientflames]

You can believe in a loving God. It's just a belief. No religion required. The Christian God is objectively not loving, so if loving is what you want, look elsewhere.

[@dgerz]

​@@ancientflamesGod quite literally IS love, the kind of love that means dying for us! Even after we put nails through his wrist, beat him and spat on him. Jesus showed us the ultimate love upon that cross, upon the piece of wood 2024 years ago, an event so significant it literally split time in half. He paid for our evil because we couldn't. No matter how hard we try, it'll be as a dirty rag to God, it isn't enough. That's why Jesus the Son of God had to be sinless, without fault, otherwise God would not have justice. God bless.

[@ancientflames]

@@dgerz #1 God does not act loving. Case in point wiping out Canaan for idolatry and child sacrifice. What was his remedy for them killing some of their children in sacrifice? His remedy was kill ALL the children. There is no justification for that especially from a being who has all power and can solve any issue peacefully and gracefully. His own people also did both child sacrifice and idolatry yet he never fulled genocided them. Double standard much? #2 Jesus even assuming he is real died for nothing. God was angry for the sin he created, so he came down and sacrificed himself, to himself so that he wouldn't be angry for the thing he created any longer. The God who supposedly hates child sacrifice sacrifices his child (himself) which is now supposed to be a good thing haha. Do you see how illogical that is? Do you really think an all powerful being is that stupid or immoral? I really hope for Christian's sake, that if there is an all powerful God you'll get off easy for making him seem like an incompetent moron who kills indiscriminately.

[@mattr.1887]

Just because the Bible says so or your pastor says so doesn't mean that it's been sufficiently proven to be true. This doesn't mean you have throw everything out the window either. The truth will never fear investigation.

[@ambassadorofconciliation]

The living God of the scriptures is love, and loving. The christian god is not. The christian god is not the Living God of the scriptures. Check out Martin Zender

[@lex4929]

I'm just now nearing the end of a book called "The Invisible War" by Donald Grey Barnhouse. Anyone who is interested in the topic that Mike brings up here should read this book as it will give you lots to consider.

[@ancientflames]

Christian fan fiction like literally every other book about the bible.

[@SimpleNotShallow]

Nice. Thoughtful and still compassionate. Beautifully stated.

[@jeyathagna4548]

I LOVE YOU MIKE WINGER AND TEAM!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ANIPOTATO]

Very rich video Pastor Mike! This is a really good response to this question, thank you, the Holy Spirit speaks out through you!

[@sassafras8677]

love without choice is just programming

[@Phill0old]

That's just silly. Love that is a choice isn't love at all. If you had to choose to love your children that means that at some point you didn't love them. I have always loved mine. I didn't choose to love my wife, I fell in love. I love my mum, I loved my Nan. Not one single choice there. But somehow with God there must be a choice? No, I don't think so. We love Him because He first loved us, not because we chose to.

[@sassafras8677]

@@Phill0old if God created us with no choice not to love him how is that not programming.

[@BPond7]

@@Phill0old You chose to have children. To become a father and a provider. You chose to bring a family into the world.

[@jamescummings6703]

Loving someone is a choice. If you chose to love God it has more meaning to him because you chose to, and were not forced to.

[@sassafras8677]

God created us with free will, He gave it to us , we have the ability to not choose Him. If God created everyone with a pre-determined choice ie no free will , i call that programming… how are we loving Him from our heart if we don’t have the ability to make the choice

[@Yussuf.k.g]

Been reading OAHSPE... Beautiful book. Has alot of information.

[@braedenh6858]

Nailed it starting at @2:58 Mike!

[@sorinankitt]

Michael Heiser's series on the Divine Council gives a great explanation of this topic. You touched the surface of what he had presented.

[@mimimimz6719]

💯 agree. Dr. Michael Heiser is "must listen to" for anyone who is interested in this topic and anything related to non earthly creations of God. Dr. Heiser has helped me understand Bible passages that I never understood, and rounded out my understanding of the Bible in general.

[@ancientflames]

literal fan fiction lol. Christians are the same as marvel fans.

[@rebeccamiller9558]

The book The Lord of the Flies is a good novel about how leaders spring up even in anarchy

[@sandraoconnor5700]

Choosing love❤❤❤YESSSSSS❤

[@icecoolguita]

This is such a good answer.

[@ZaheerKhan54556]

With silvered tongue, he spins his lies, Weaving deceit 'neath moonlit skies. One becomes three in his dark art, Fragmenting truth, tearing hearts apart.

[@ancientflames]

Good poem about Yahweh. The prophets tell us Yahweh is the one who makes evil He is the one who sends lying spirits to deceive men. What does the serpent do? Tells the truth and then leaves haha.

[@ZaheerKhan54556]

@@ancientflames No matter the good," it softly sighs, In righteous deeds, your soul denies, For in your heart, the devil lies, An arrogant path, where darkness flies.

[@ancientflames]

@@ZaheerKhan54556 maybe brush up on what your magic book says instead of just writing bad poems about what you think or hope it says. You’re not even worshipping the god you think you are. Which I think in your religion means you’re going to hell… So you should probably get that figured out soon.

[@Daralyst]

I always wonder about this Mike, especially considering the situation currently in my country. I always get lost in thought why God didn't destroy him immediately 😅

[@Ephesians-yn8ux]

Mike? Or Satan? 😂

[@robertdouglas8895]

Because it only exists in our minds so we have to change our minds. Jesus told us how to do that.

[@JSK95]

I read an interesting article, and the article claimed that God didn't destroy Satan immediately, even though He could have, because of a greater plan to demonstrate His love for all creation (similar to what Mike said at the end of the video). If God were to destroy Satan immediately upon rebellion, than God could be labeled as being like a dictator according to other angelic beings, so God chooses to demonstrate His love through a greater purpose.

[@pragmaticoptimist46]

In the Old Testament it’s clear that ALL leaders are chosen by God and have authority over their subjects. He allowed the King of Babylon and King of Assyria to enact his justice. In multiple places God speaks through the prophets to tell Israelites to obey the laws enacted by the Babylonians as well (Jeremiah think). There’s obviously a point not to cross, as in Daniel with the edict to bow down and worship Babylonian Gods. Daniel specifically was taught the “wisdom” and knowledge of the Babylonians, was part of their government, which clearly means he followed their laws. We have to careful not to allow our politics to trump our faith and obedience (no pun intended). I didn’t vote for Biden, but I believe from the text of the Old testament that God instructs me to pay taxes I don’t agree with among other laws I don’t like. Where the line would be crossed would be if my family was “directed” to get an abortion, or “directed” to violate a clear law of God. Not tolerate the law, not a law that simply allows others to do it if they choose, but only when we are told to violate God’s will.

[@jjphank]

Satan is on a string, but we are drawn away by own evil desires as James one Says, so we can resist our evil desires, the Bible also says we can resist the devil, and he will flee from us! It’s up to every individual!

[@ShirleneGroseclose]

Thank you for this and....that t-shirt!!

[@bryanchalker]

As a teen I read Angelwalk by Roger Elwood. Premise was an angel asking God is Satan could be forgiven . Wonderful and thought provoking. This question and your answer brought it to mind.

[@midimusicforever]

God owes us nothing!

[@Boundless_Border]

So Yahweh can torture us for fun and that would be perfectly good? This is the fairly obvious issue I see with that rhetoric. You can feel free to expand but if that is what you mean by owe than I think that is an issue.

[@statelessatheist2194]

If he is all loving then yes, yes he does

[@BobbiMac08]

@@Boundless_Border God wouldn't do that because it isn't in His character; it isn't who He is. No part of Him is evil.

[@Boundless_Border]

@@BobbiMac08 We can argue about what Yahweh would do. But the statement it owes us nothing allows for these types of actions. So, would you say that Yahweh owes humans the benefit of not being tortured for fun? Or would you say even if it did do that it would be perfectly ok?

[@Eloign]

What's that have to do with God being faithful to His own Nature?

[@tlawhon]

Free will is the answer. You have a choice, everyone does. Choice has consequence. Why does God allow us to sin? What is sin? As a parent, with a child who is rebelling, you can try to steer them to a better path, but sometimes they need to see the consequences of their choices for themselves, and have a opportunity to choose again (repent).

[@Boundless_Border]

I see this a lot. And it has many issues. Primarily, it extends the limitations of human parents with their children to Yahweh and humans. Fundamentally, disanalogous because the omni qualities of the proposed god. Parents don't know how to perfectly steer their children to being the best they can be. Parents don't have the ability to imbue their children with their knowledge and experiences without the child actually going through the process along with the pain and suffering. Rebelling arises from the inability to perfectly teach. The proposed god would be able to perfectly teach and as such if it exists it wants the people who fail to fail. Free will can't really circumvent this as this god is supposedly making every human exactly as they are with the knowledge of how each one will behave in the future. The fact that it knows what we will do before we do it and so can plan as it wants means that whatever version we have a free will doesn't stop that god from making it so nobody falls short of salvation against what Yahweh wants for them.

[@tlawhon]

@@Boundless_Border So we are be debating now? Ok, the phrase "perfectly teach" seems to imply a lack of free will in those being taught, as if I actually have free can I not choose to ignore a teaching? And what is perfection? Do you comprehend it?

[@Boundless_Border]

@@tlawhon It doesn't have to be a debate. Not really. If you teach 1 + 1 = 2 really well and you convince everyone you meet of that, you haven't taken away free will. You've simply taught it in a way that is convincing to everyone you encountered. Effectively, you've "perfectly taught" it. The ability to make sure someone hears you similarly isn't taking away free will. If you follow me around and preach at me all day, that hasn't taken away my free will even though you've effectively forced me to listen. At least in the philosophical sense we are talking about. I'm not sure how your other question is relevant. I gave perfect teaching as a qualifier. I don't need to say exactly what words need to be said to be a perfect teacher. But your god, based on its abilities, should be able to be one.

[@tlawhon]

@@Boundless_Border If I follow you around and "preach to you", you are still free to ignore what I say, even though you may have heard it. And in this conversation, you are free to think what you choose.

[@tanyabaker4809]

@@Boundless_Border God IS perfect teacher, Jesus was the perfect teacher here on earth, and people still rebel against God.

[@ShirleneGroseclose]

Best explanation of "why God allows it" that I have heard thus far.

[@rob3518]

A great explanation.

[@busfeet2080]

Heiser answers this question in Unseen Realm

[@osas5211]

We all need an adversary to bring out the best of us and challenge us to grow

[@mastershake4641]

Thats some hindu dualism stuff. God does not need satan. Your name is false too.

[@robertdouglas8895]

Until we correct the false idea that we need an adversary.

[@justme1195]

Adam and eve did not know evil until that fateful moment and we have been challenged ever since! Good or bad, it's all for GOD'S Glory!

[@robertdouglas8895]

@@justme1195 Jesus replaced Adam and Eve with the prodigal son.

[@theeternalsbeliever1779]

@@mastershake4641 That is actually part of why God hasn't done anything to Satan just yet. He is using Satan to refine the character of ppl in His Church and test them. It's not "Hindu dualism" It's right there in the Bible. God allowed Satan to do everything to Job except kill him because Job needed to be humbled out of his self-righteousness. It isn't until the end of the book that Job saw in himself what God saw the whole time.

[@joekarpinskie2857]

I like that Follow God in Love, that should be our ultimate goal in Life.

[@RomanPaganChurch]

Mike is one of the only legitimate Christian channels available not falling into the temptation of catchy algorithm trends.

[@writerblocks9553]

Being with God because of fear is not the same as love. I am with god because I am afraid of hell, i am not sure I could love a god that allows that kind of suffering for any reason. I would never allow a small child to choose suffering for themselves, so why does God? Would you allow a child to run into traffic and simply blame their own decisions and free will when you refuse to stop them? What about your choice to not stop them; doesn’t that also affect things?

[@jty1999]

God prescribes us moral laws that we have the power (but not the authority) to break. The metaphor of allowing a child to run into traffic isn't really a 1:1 comparison, because most children have an understanding that traffic is to be avoided (unless they're lured in by a bouncing ball). Rather, understand that sin is enticing, comfortable and naturally seductive. A better example would be telling your child to not engage with drug abuse - and try as you might, they grow into an adult that makes their own decisions and ruins their own lives. What then? Does that make you a bad parent automatically? Even when you taught them about good morals and responsibility? There's a difference between fearing Hell and fearing separation from God. Let's also remember that suffering can be used to mold us into better people. Suffering turned me, like many others, towards Christ - not because God invented suffering, but because He can use it towards His good. That's his sovereign authority over all things. I'd also caution against a huge presumption in your comment - that you have the moral high ground to make a judgement about God. Remember that we are all sinful, flawed beings. Our own moral judgements are misguided when we aren't aligned with God. Saying that you cannot love a God for a reason born of your own sinful thoughts doesn't excuse you from accountability, just like how it wouldn't excuse me or any other human being.

[@osas5211]

Hell is temporary, look at the testimony of Solomon, Jesus went to hell to take some people with him to heaven that were there since the days of Noah. There’s a place of hell called Abraham bossom

[@jeffgillum7094]

You missed the entire point of freewill.

[@robertdouglas8895]

Interesting example. The only time I ever swatted my son was when he started to cross a street when a car was coming. I thought he wouldn't be old enough to understand verbal warnings. God never punishes. He teaches. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." God is eternally patient. How many chances do we get? See John Ch 9.

[@muppetonmeds]

@@robertdouglas8895 True as a child I feared my parents only because I was always getting into trouble lol, but once I matured and stopped being so rebellious my fear turned into a loving relationship with my parents.

[@kw3113]

Interesting that ‘Satan’ Lucifer wasn’t one of the angels in genesis who left their proper domain (Peter and Jude) and were chained in Tartarus. Seems to me when God cursed the ‘snake’ to crawl on its belly it was a continuation of man’s free will. God obviously allowed Lucifer access to the garden. Possibly God said fine, you want it you got it? Looking forward to much more discussion on this topic.

[@osas5211]

God gave Satan the domain over earth

[@jeffgillum7094]

Yes, God allows freewill!

[@Ephesians-yn8ux]

@@jeffgillum7094not to His angels.

[@robertdouglas8895]

God doesn't interact with the world the prodigal son made up. He just gives us the way out.

[@jjphank]

God made the boundaries so that he doesn’t lock Satan up even though he could ! So Satan is tempting people, yet still, there’s no excuse for them to go to hell because nobody’s gonna say Satan was too strong on me. We don’t see that in the Bible. Man can be tempted by his own nature in a fallen state, says James 1, by our evil desires! therefore, they don’t have to give into Satan‘s temptation when Satan tempts!

[@user-dc7rt5bh2z]

Mike, you are spot on about why God allows evil and Satan to rule the earth. It is to preserve freedom

[@mattr.1887]

So without Satan, there is no freedom. Got it.

[@mrh8509]

@@mattr.1887 That wasn't the point. Rather without freedom, there is no Satan

[@alanx4121]

Rom 3:11 There is none who is understanding, there is none who is seeking after God.

[@michaelseay9783]

@@alanx4121that verse is not to be taken literal. The point it’s trying to make is: Romans 3:23-24 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his *_grace through the redemption_* that is in Christ Jesus

[@alanx4121]

@@michaelseay9783 Rom_3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ylt Rom 5:18 So, then, as through one offence to all men it is to condemnation, so also through one declaration of `Righteous' it is to all men to justification of life;

[@zacharystewart3216]

Mike! Your answer makes me think you would love "Theodicy of Love" by John Peckham. It's the best book I've read on the Problem of Evil both theologically and philosophically. I think you would get a lot out of it. It's scholarly but very readable. Love your channel! Thought I'd throw out that recommendation. Prolly a long shot, but 🤷🏻‍♂️ 😊

[@enriqagorn3982]

Amen!!🙏🙌

[@lowlyman4christ998]

Straight truth

[@ChaRles-me3bb]

i share your point of view on why God alllows evil to exist. Thanks and more power to you.

[@joanschutter5863]

That's what Alvin Plantinga says. Molinism. I really like this!!

[@fournierro1]

His only strength is our weakness. We are very easy to deceived. But those who hold on and firm upon God’s word, are more then victorious through Him that is with them.

[@serendipia7177]

And why does his allow us to be deceived if that is against free will

[@upnfwrd101]

Greetings Mike. May the Lord bless you with all kinds of blessings. I have seen you videos before but just subscribed to your channel after seeing a video which mentioned your name in wich the subject in matter was the prophecy that God gave Ezekiel to Tyre. I started to study that prophecy after I recently saw a video about satan being a biblical teacher and challenged everyone to mention one biblical prophecy given according to the times that was not fulfilled and the producer of the channel named Esoterica challenged me with Tyre. Just wanted to know if we can somehow open a communication channel with you. I know is the Holy Spirit who creates the conviction in us, but if through the challenge I make, someone by reading the Bible can be ministered, that is a win. Thanks for your time reading this.

[@shaneadkison5369]

Hii long time fan here! I don't know where the best place to ask is, but I will be trying to look into the Good News Bible with a good friend tomorrow. Not sure if there are any good videos or work that Mike has done on it? It's my first time doing something like this and I'm honestly kinda nervous! Any help or advice is appreciated!

[@sherimowery3251]

💯

[@riaanstrydom1692]

Hey pastor Mike! Thanks for the great work you are doing. Have you ever considered this question: Will we have free will in heaven? If so, will we be able to sin? If not, is that free will? Would love to hear your thoughts 😃

[@itisitisirish532]

“But for the elect there shall be light and joy and peace, And they shall inherit the earth. And then there shall be bestowed upon the elect wisdom, And they shall all live and never again sin, Either through ungodliness or through pride: But they who are wise shall be humble. And they shall not again transgress, Nor shall they sin all the days of their life, Nor shall they die of (the divine) anger or wrath, But they shall complete the number of the days of their life. And their lives shall be increased in peace, And the years of their joy shall be multiplied, In eternal gladness and peace, All the days of their life.”

[@nadams8863]

Amen✝️❤️🙏

[@ScriptureFirst]

… so that we would run to HIM ALONE & bring Him glory!

[@gcwilson1]

Thanks Mike! Always informative. Where’d you get your tee shirt? It’s a wolf right?

[@HeleenBuckle]

It's a bespectacled cat (of course 😂)

[@dubblebubbletoilandtrouble6646]

I recall him saying that his wife buys him his shirts, and he just finds them in his closet and wears them. So he probably has no idea. 😂

[@Jodiejjp]

Would love to hear Mikes views/biblical analysis of Joyce Meyer Ministries

[@lydiastodd]

Just did a 3 episode series covering this topic!! Not the exact things on Satan, but why we suffer as christians and what the options are. The eps are called 1. God is good 2. Hell is good and 3. Concluding thoughts on suffering on the Lydia Todd Pod. Give it a listen if you want a more in-depth exploration of scripture on this topic :) always appreciate your podcasts!

[@jacobcollins2861]

This question made me think of King David's son Absalom and his rebellion. At first King, David just left the city and did not fight back. Then he came back and was greatly saddened at the results.

[@collinthomas8840]

The answer is....In order to make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy and for His name to be declared in all the earth.

[@paraglidingnut26]

Pastor Mike, have you read any of Dr. Heiser’s books regarding Angels & Demons? Which are btw, the name of two of his books?

[@knicechawt]

Nice touch decapitalizing the ‘g’ in the title

[@blackhat1629]

If the devil is the serpent He literally just told them that god lied And he did And Satan gave humans knowledge and didn’t lie to them and let them pick their faith God tried to control other people as his puppets and lied and manipulated to them

[@karintraut8151]

Agree

[@ARyan-xs7xu]

i will take what was intended for evil, and use it for the good of those who love me, and for my glory. my thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways. i wrestle with job and joseph a lot.

[@nottim5712]

Like the shirt!

[@robocop2u2]

Free Will....

[@gcwilson1]

Thank you!! Where’d you get that tee shirt? 😊

[@Strongtower]

He's said before that his wife does all the shopping. He doesn't know what stores the shirts are from.

[@teztez9145]

Well done Pastor Mike! AMEN.😀

[@midlander4]

🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@KipOwens1966]

After watching so many documentaries/videos/speeches over the years ... I pray for everyone that is of a religion/church to find truth in deep diving about the churches that have turned to Gov and put their churches under 501c3. I did my due diligence on the horror that it does to the churches and any word spoken from the pulpit ... worse is the restrictions of what should be said/taught. I hope everyone of you do your own due diligence and not take anyone's word for it .. not even mine . If you are involved in one GET OUT and get your name off their membership registry . I found out looking into my own church I used to be involved in , and found out it had been put under the 501c3 back in 1941 . That means everything taught even to my parents was tainted and not truthful . Please look into it for yourself .... churches are not a legal entity but spiritual and are exempt to start with . If you are in one and they won't change (which is hard but not impossible ) then LEAVE !!! Find out the dangers for yourself and what it means to stay unequally yoked with them . I have sources if anyone is interested . God bless those with the courage to stand and to speak the truth .. even if your voice shakes !

[@chuckiepeoples]

Because neither exists or has ever existed. That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.

[@lenchenbirch1129]

Hey, is there an overview anywhere, where I can see which questions have been answered by Mike in which Q&A videos? Specifically, I am looking for an answer to the question: which promises from God to the Israelites can we still apply to ourselves today? Or is there a set of rules by which to distinguish this?

[@friedrichrubinstein2346]

Some time ago I compiled a list of all questions of Mike's Q&A (at that time it was around 75 videos), here are the questions that might help you: _"Which promises of God are for today, and how do we evaluate Old Testament promises?"_ - Question 13 in a video titled "Q&A with Mike Winger" from 2018 _"Is it okay to take promises from the Old Testament, knowing that they were addressed to Israeli individuals in a particular context?"_ - Question 36 in a video titled "Oops. I guess I'll do Q&A instead." (note that the video description and pinned comment don't list the question, it's at 1:18:29 in the video) _"How do we respond to someone who says we can "claim" all the promises in the Bible for ourselves because we are "grafted into Israel" or because God is "no respecter of persons"?"_ - Question 3 in "20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 25)" _"Are the church and Israel the same or different? Is the church the continuation of Israel and heirs of the promises of God to OT Israel?"_ - Question 8 in "20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 42)"

[@ivanpenaloza2905]

Wow, I missed all that while reading the Bible ! What passage is all this in?

[@stevej71393]

I do agree that the reason for rebellion is that God is that telling a bigger story. But I don't think the emphasis is or should be on free will. Ephesians 1:5-6 says God predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace. In other words, when we are in heaven, we will be adopted heirs praising God forever because he had mercy and forgave us. We love God and choose God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). Angels in heaven have never experienced forgiveness so we will have special insight into God's character in ways that they wish they could see (1 Peter 1:12). After all, the Gospel itself is reconciliation. There is no reconciliation without there first being separation.

[@HaleStorm49]

Its ok to say you don't know. Without understanding free agency & exaltation there isnt a good answer.

[@josephgalasso8780]

Thats a simple answer ! FREE Will ! Just like he gave us !

[@mvmlego1212]

That isn't actually simple, because creating a sensible definition and explanation of free will is tremendously difficult.

[@josephgalasso8780]

@@mvmlego1212 God doesn't make robots to bend to his will If Satan the #1 Cherub and worship leader in heaven didn't have free will he wouldn't have had pride to be like and left heaven with 1/3 of the angels who also had free will ! Its not difficult to explain its in black and white in the bible !

[@mvmlego1212]

@@josephgalasso8780 -- You haven't defined free will.

[@josephgalasso8780]

@@mvmlego1212 Again I will keep it simple C-H-O-I-C-E ! I have shared your question with 2 other witnesses from Calvary Chapel(Chuck Smith) and they agree with my response ! Consul and testimony of 3 witnesses ! Read your bible search the scriptures yourself ! God bless ask God to give you wisdom ! Thats what it says in James !

[@josephgalasso8780]

@@mvmlego1212 Just for the record How old are you ? How long have you been a born again Christian ? Do you go in your prayer closet daily and have an intimate relationship with Jesus ! I am 73 (with age comes wisdom) I have been born again over 50yrs and have an intimate relationship with Jesus not religion ! Go in your secret place ask Jesus ! He will give you your answer ! God Bless You

[@klmomma13]

Have you read “Unseen Realm”? The author argues that the serpent in the garden, as well as in Job, was not Satan as identified in the NT. Wish you would read it and analyze this work. So appreciate your ministry!🙏🏻

[@alanx4121]

imho to create for us an eternal contrast in hindsight as part of the eternal experience people don't know what they are choosing or refusing according to romans 3 Rom 3:11 There is none who is understanding, there is none who is seeking after God. Adam and Eve had no understanding of the consequences and we neither for refusing despite the promises.

[@lisajones7756]

Ok do you think any angels can fall today? Nobody talks about that and if no why?

[@reyniercampher3815]

The craziest thing about the origin of satan, to me, is that he dwelt in God's presence. All evil (satan) had it's origin in heaven, I still struggle to understand that.

[@lawrencenoctor2703]

He has the power that you give him. Reject him and he has none.

[@midlander4]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@weisnixe1979]

Thank you for your dedication Pastor Mike, I did listen to the 4 hours video on divorce and all the others still though I am not that certain about my situation and I would like to ask you about remarriage. I wasn’t a believer when I left my first husband and married again and divorced. Now I am a believer thanks to Jesus who found and saved me. My question now should I stay unmarried for the rest of my life? Because to go back to the first husband is not an option since I was remarried. The last husband committed adulterer and left me. My actual question is that I met another man who recently became Christian who divorced his wife 10 years ago and (former wife is a Buddist right now…) When he divorcée 10 years ago he wasn’t a Christian. Can we remarry or do we need to stay alone till the end. There is nothing greater than Jesus love and I don’t want to go against him. to be for ever alone is really hard

[@Strongtower]

If they commited adultery against you, that is a reason to divorce. You are justified in getting remarried.

[@r3aperrising984]

It seems to me according to the principles Winger explains through the Scriptures that you would be justified in remarrying.

[@jjphank]

You can remarry. The word ‘divorce’ is in first Corinthians 7 and acknowledged by the Bible as not the unforgivable sin! But, like you said though, you covered all the bases of wrongful divorces, so you guys did not get wrongfully divorced. If your past sins are forgiven, especially when you’re a pagan, they are all forgiven and even if you were a Christian and you backslid, all your past sins have been forgiven!* * Caveat: I’m not excusing wrongful divorces, that can be a sin that stays with you!

[@weisnixe1979]

Thank you so much for your answer, I so appreciate it. I want to make clear that those time I wrongfully divorced my husband at that time when I wasn’t a Christian. My second husband he comited adultrie and left. The man I met now he also wrongly divorced his wife 10 years ago when he wasn’t a Christian. Now we both are saved and we are divorced singles and recently met. But I want to be sure that our those time wrongfully divorce is forgiven and that we can remarry again. Or does he need to go back to his wife he divorced 10 years ago, which probably won’t work out…? But he didn’t remarry since then. Really appreciate your input. Also I prayed a lot about this and even if sure I still beat myself to what if it is not….. I just want to be blessed and live with Jesus in eternity, that one I wouldn’t want to loose for nothing in this world. Also though life is very lonely and unfortunately my fellow Christians do not mingle with divorced ladies. Therefore I and my kid don’t get invited and don’t have Christian friends. I have changed places in hope of more relationships but nothing. We are very lonely and I know that if I would be married, I would have community and for my kid that would be very good. He is 10 and depressed just because of loneliness….I know that many single/divorced parents are suffering loneliness even though we engage in church.

[@terrydillon9323]

The old saying the devil made me do it, no, take responsibility, you made you do it.

[@blessed8912]

Hi Mike. I hope you see this. What do you mean by, “the space where He is not sovereign over people’s lives”?

[@fiwarelli]

I think, before watching, that it's because he wants to see who is strong and can stand against him. After watching it, I forgot about loving God and chose him over the other.

[@dubaiboy101]

The closer we get to the end times which we are... the more it's going to seem as though he has more power because he's literally on earth causing chaos and his demons are roaming also causing chaos in preparation for the worst last 7 years on earth.

[@nathanarcher6764]

““Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬

[@johnnemery545]

Rebellion•an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. God permits rebellion because it proves he is God and the ruler.

[@Brambazai]

Could it be that we are in the 'little season' at the moment? As it's talked about in Revelation

[@ancientflames]

Morons have been saying that for 2000 years. Wonder when the cult will accept its no different than every other doomsday cult changing the date of the end of the world every week lol.

[@PhotographyByDerek]

We tend to ascribe wayyyyyy to much power to an evil being, when God tells us that man is already a deceitful creature in their own heart - all without some external prompting.

[@user-ul3ii8qr7t]

NOT FOR MUCH LONGER. !!! THE LORD IS GETTING NEARER EVERY MINUTE.