As a follower of the Hellenic gods, I agree with you. Harris doesn't stirke me as someone who really wants to get involved with the spiritual lives of others and I'd rather live in a plurilistic society than one where the government backs any faith over the others.
@@pamelarose1834true but we are still human and are fearful at times. That’s when we talk to god and pray for the Holy Spirit to give us peace that passes all understanding
Early Christians had to contend with the likes of Caligula, Nero, and Domitian. The Eastern Christians have been standing firm against Islam for centuries. Before this, the Ancient Israelites had a series of wicked kings after King Solomon and the split of Judah and Israel.
@@abclib32 my aunt disowned me after she became maga. She died last July without speaking to me. She was like a second mother to me before she was brainwashed. I have no closure. It's emotionally painful.
In 2016, someone wrote a letter to my local paper saying that she was a Christian woman on disability who would be willing to hide Muslims in the event of a Trump presidency. I'm at least glad THAT didn't happen, not yet anyway.
@@FireElement7 Absolutely most of us that are sane are afraid it's the maga crazies the conspiracy theories and people are so delusional believing there lies the cult smh We all need to get out and vote for Democracy 🙏🏼
@@pshaw8406 So true. As a woman I know exactly what this means. Once I went to language class together with women from all around the globe, most of them from places of dominant patriarchal culture. They all divorced their husbands within the first year, cause their men could not change to understand that the privileges they enjoyed from simply being born a man, did not apply in this place, and so integration lost any meaning. While the women had all to gain from embracing the new went all in, and they got education and work and power over their own income, and their own bodies. If Christianity should survive in a future of democracy and societies where not one religion or culture is dominant, there has to be a proper addressing of the female-suppressed culture it derives from. Jesus did preach love and compassion, but he also completely ignored that half of the population of his time had less rights than a goat. This is not the love of God, it is the type of love that tyrants demands. And it needs to be addressed. We are influenced by what we read and believe, on a much more subtle level than what is outspoken. There is a reason why religion looses out on young women of today.
History shows you are more likely to face persecution from an opposing Christian than you will from a non-Christian. I do not want to be ruled by a brand of Christianity I do not espouse to. And believe me, I fear that. I've lived that.
@@gregallen4272 churches SHOULD lose their tax exempt status for meddling in politics. Separation of church and state. Their end of the nonprofit bargain was staying out of politics.
THIS, I and many other people in the wider pagan movement, have literally had Christians insist that us worshiping our gods in the privacy of our own homes is somehow hurting the Christian's ability to attend church and worship their god. To them being expected to co-exist is persecution, even though what they want calls for violating the very rights they claim for themselves for the other people involved.
I've been concerned about white nationalism and Christian dominance since I was a teenager in Oklahoma in the 60s. I was raised in a small, fundamentalist denomination in a small town. There was no tolerance. I mean zero. And as time went on I saw the militancy and hatred grow around race, and people living their authentic lives and their rights to make personal choices. I'm not surprised at what I see now. I left that church when I turned 18. I am an unaffiliated Christian. I'm not afraid even though I've seen it coming for 6 decades and I've tried hard not to hate, though I admit it's sometimes a struggle. I've seen a lot of false leaders and watched loved ones be led astray by false teachings. I deal with it all by praying for those who would do us harm. I vote. I pray. I try my best to follow Christ and all his teachings, and then I give my cares to God. And no matter what happens, He's got this. And I have peace. Thank you. I'm so happy that I found your channel.
They think of having to tolerate the existence of others - especially ones they don't like - as persecution. Quick, somebody notify the guy behind "Foxe's Book of Martyrs"!
It's happened a few times during periods of war to people who feel they are called to remain strictly neutral and not support any earthly government. Things cool down when people aren't being incited to hate.
I have been a lesbian all my life and I have always believed in God and have not found someone who tells the truth about what God really has said. When I finally found you on you tube. I now know I’m not alone. God bless you and your teachings. Thank you for coming into my life. Clara
We keep hearing about how Christians are going to be persecuted, but when has that happened in the US? And no, not getting your way and not getting special treatment is not persecution.
You’re right. But if all of us are stripped of religious freedom, no religion will be safe, including Christianity. After Trump is in office, he can easily turn on them. He already thinks he’s some kind of god.
They need to visit Russia or areas it controls and see how those who aren't Russian Orthodox or who don't support Putin are treated. Imagine being imprisoned for reading your own copy of the Bible!
When it's happened, it's been other Christians doing it. There are people today who seriously argue that Roman Catholicism is not Christianity (despite well over a millennium of history). Denomination A claiming that Denominations B, C, D, and E are not Christian, but F, G, and H are---and Denomination C returning the hate. When John F. Kennedy was running, and then elected, people said the Vatican would control the country. Nathaniel Hawthorne's story, _The Maypole at Merrymount,_ was based on an actual event.
What most people don't remember is that when they run out of one victim, they always have to have new victims. When we start down the road of dehumanizing and vilifying groups, the violence and hatred rolls on and on. When does it become your turn to be in the victim group?
We don't vilify anyone who obeys the law and pays their bills...that's called 'meeting society halfway'....until recently, it was considered a non-negotiable.
@@tgriffin3059 Forgive me if I make false assumptions here. Based on the topic of this video, the post you responded to, and your "we don't do that", I assume that you identify with the side that is asserted to spread fear and vilifies groups... and that is implied to be the "conservatives" here. The people who support Trump. If you are in this group, consider my point... if you are not... hm... you could explain who this "we" is you think doesn't vilify whole groups regardless of their law abidence and bill paying habits. So... Trump. The guy who is known to, ehm, "bend" the law when he feels like it, and who is known to not pay his bills. Why do you think people on the "MAGA" side give him a pass here?
I was raised Baptist, but at 67, I consider myself more atheist. You, sir, are on my "always listen" list, and I almost always share your posts. You speak morality and logic without being preachy and aren't afraid of calling out "Christians" when they aren't being what they should be, Christ like.
God has proven to me over and over that HE is always with me. But it's still heartbreaking how mean spirited Christian people are. Even the ones that I went to church with all my life. I couldn't survive without my heavenly father's hand on me leading me safely one day at a time.
I am also 67. I was raised in mainstream Christianity. At this point in time, I am mortified to see that I watched the timeline of Project 2025 without knowing it was coming. I don't call myself an atheist but my faith system was shattered by a religiously abusive partner. My faith is now a lot less complicated and requires a lot less of me. Hoping for God's grace for a broken individual. I know so much less than I did before. I just know that fear and division is not what we should be focusing on. Fairness and kindness is. ❤️
_“The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear.”_ --Gandhi _“In time we hate that which we often fear.”_ --William Shakespeare _“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”_ --Yoda Hope everyone is doing as well as can be. 🥰😊
From Dune by Frank Herbert: I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
What bothers me is how obvious it is that DJT isn't only incompetent he's mentally ill, but his enablers don't seem to care. One would think if they really loved him, they would try to protect him from himself by calling for an intervention rather than rallying him for pres.of the United States. This is the stuff that boggles my mind. Thank you RevEd ..🙏✝️ You're the best..
Sin of pride, reverend. And lust for power. The “Christian” nationalists are such obvious hypocrites that it is stunning that anyone falls for their lies. The right wing is all about fear - fear “those people”. And they do it because it works. And they are not the majority. Not even a majority. Christ demonstrated unconditional love and acceptance. Compassion. And the willingness to “turn the other cheek,” to live with faith and trust regardless of how others treat you or perceive you. Christ never said, or advocated, attack others before they attack you. Blessings
A number of Sundays ago, the rector preached about the feeding of the 5,000. What snagged my attention in the reading was when the people tried to make Jesus king by force, and He withdrew from them. Christian Nationalists will never succeed because Jesus will withdraw from any group of people who try to force Him to be king!
Always love when these Right Wing Christians say this, knowing full well that they are going to go and vote for someone who literally embodies the 7 deadly sins as their golden calf.
Hi, I'm not a Christian, I was raised both Christian and secular. So that's the short version. I appreciate your common sense message. All the best to you.
@@whoaaanelly65 - Evidence is something right there that can be seen from a different angle. Expectations aren't even here. They're imagined into now. Fear is in advance of reality...and to make reality that is expected not happen.
Hate is an ever consuming beast, when it finishes eating one people, then it must find another. Until there is nobody left and then it turns on itself.
You said exactly what concerns be with all the talk about making the U.S. a theocracy: when am I (a Catholic) going to be deemed "not Christian enough. When are my children and grandchildren going to be deemed "not Christian enough" Because I support gay people's right to get married, am I "not Christian enough"? Because one of my children is transgender, does that make us lesser as Christians? Because my husband was divorced before he married me, and because I am in no way submissive to him, are we not as good as other Christians? Because I think we should feed the poor, house the homeless and welcome the immigrant instead of running around telling other people what sinners they are, would I be considered a bad Christian?
The only people I see persecuting others are those doing it in the name of Jesus. Seriously. I’ve never seen (in America) any Christian being persecuted for their faith. Not one. However, I have met many people who have been shunned by those that sit in churches. At this point, I know more followers of the Way outside the church walls.
The people who legislated the US government into existence by writing its Constitution came from places where the government(s) had a religious stance to uphold. That the one they made doesn't is no accident.
Thanks Rev Ed. Each time that I’m alerted to a new video from you, I’m reminded to check myself, and return my focus on being Christlike , instead of being driven by my own ego.💙☮️🙏🏻
Faith is about trust, about RESTING in that faith, and we are told numerous times in the Bible, by God, by Jesus Christ, and we are told in the Spirit, as we choose to have that faith, that trust, choose to receive Him as our Lord and Savior, to "be of courage," and to, "fear not." To actually believe that we need to vote for a certain group of people, or one specific individual human being, over others in order to be aligned with God's purposes is to me a demonstration of a lack of faith in God, and putting your faith in that individual, or that group, which are by definition worldly. Christians are called to have faith in the will of God being at work in our lives regardless of worldly circumstances. God bless you all!
You nailed it, sir. The problem with "us" versus "them" is that as time goes on, the definition of "us" becomes narrower, and the definition of "them" becomes wider. As Pastor Niemoller discovered, no matter how many people the oppressors come for first, eventually they come for the one who never spoke up!
Unfortunately we have to question those who are persecuted because of the name of the almighty. Nothing new, Jesus warned we would know them by their fruits.
The earliest believers in Christ, and Christ himself, were all persecuted by the people who were the most "pious" and religious people of the day. These religious "elites" saw themselves as selected, behaved and spoke self-righteously, and saw the Christians as blasphemous, unclean, and even as demonic. Persecution of those who follow Christ, throughout history, has often come at the hands of, or the direction of, self-exalted religion guided people, who often had very worldly motivations like position, prestige, power, pride, and especially, greed. May the infinite love and light of God touch the hearts of those who have become swayed (or seduced) by worldly concerns, by worldly rewards, and by fear. May we all have open eyes to see, open ears to hear, and open hearts to understand. In Jesus mighty and beloved name, Amen.
Thank you for your courage. 🙏 I am a Texan, conservative Christian, Republican, and patriot. Moral character, honor & conduct matter in our elected leaders. Country over party, voting ALL BLUE. ✝️🇺🇸🧢
You say all the beliefs I have come to over 79 years but you say it so beautifully and comprehensively. No one persecutes another as those from the same religion, sex, nationality, family etc. we eat our own if we are constantly conscious. God bless us all.
Supposedly, Kathy Lee Griffith said something to the effects of "Christians are the only group that shoot or kill their own wounded". Sadly, that's too true!
The people who are the loudest about being persecuted for their Christianity always seem to be the least likely to help the poor, the homeless, theimmigrants, the needy in general.
I walked out of a service where my friend was praise dancing, and Paula White started talking about Trump. This was in 2019. Talking and praising a non-Christian had no place in a church in my mind as a Christian. She was sharing the gospel, and many should have left, but they stayed. I don't even know what they heard.
Thanks To True Christians Like You Rev. Ed Trevors I Left The Fundamentalist Southern Baptist Church And Became An Episcopalian And Believe Me That Was The Best Decision I Ever Made.
I appreciate your explanations. You are not driving me away, but rather the contrary. I find listen to you comforting. The confines we impose on ourselves stand in the way of unity.
What an absolutely amazing time to be a disciple of Christ. We are literally experiencing biblical truth before our very eyes. The Pharisees were afraid of Jesus because he was going to take their power and money (in their minds) my heart is broken for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ, who are lost in these times. let us not forget that the light of Jesus shines through the cracks of a broken heart💔💔 Todays is Matthew 10:28
Got out of church about 6 months ago, because my now expastor forgot about Jesús and started following Trump. Every sermon, every Sunday, was about Trump sent by God to save the US 😢😢😢
If they are COMPELLED to do so....hell YEAH it's persecution...The First Amendment protects our faith, and also our right to PROCLAIM it...I'm starting to see why you guys HATE it with such venom...
@@tgriffin3059I hate that when you work a customer facing job you have to address the holidays even if you don’t want to and it has nothing to do with your job
@@tgriffin3059 Oh, yes! Isn't it awful we have to treat others with respect instead of being able to bully them and treat them as inferior? Boo hoo...
A hairdresser friend who was asked how he feels when customers wish him Merry Christmas. He is Moslem. He said he accepts the greeting in the spirit that it is given. There is no malicious intent and he returns the greeting. I, on the other hand am not so generous when people wish me Happy Mother's Day since I am not a parent and I consider it sexist to assume that every older woman is a mom.
@@tgriffin3059The First Amendment protects the government from being able to restrict or promote ANY religion. It does not bar private businesses from making decisions on whether or not to say Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas or Happy Holidays. You, as a private citizen, can promote whatever religion you want, but I, as a private citizen, have the right to ignore your Bible-thumping. Also, before you start the War on Christmas hysterics, the United States celebrates Christmas as a National Holiday. Come December, there are Christmas trees and Nativity scenes EVERYWHERE. If Christians were being actually persecuted in the United States, you'd see none of that. I hope God takes off your blinders and leads you back to His Gospel
Thank you Rev. You really spoke to my heart. I worry that I am not good enough. I can tell you, you are leading us in the right direction. You are genuinely kind and sincere. Thank you again. 💙✨️
You are one of the best. No one is perfect and so you can make a mistake. But I would rather have you as a spiritual teacher than most people today. You are good.
The verbal picture that I've developed is one of a large judicial bench and an endless line of "defendants". A loud voice, reading the charges off, asks the lawyer what my defense is. "Their debt has been paid". The camera pans back to show a figure with a crown of thorns. "Case dismissed".
You are absolutely RIGHT when it comes to the persecution coming from the christians themselves. I'm not a Trump supporter, but some of my siblings are. At Easter my closest nephew and I were talking and he started using the far right transphobia language, I just shook my head and said, no, no sweetie. Trans people are just people, they want to live their lives just like everyone else, etc. When my brother heard I said that, he lost his mind that I DARED to tell HIS 16yr old son that they are regular people... Every disgusting hateful thing you hear from MAGA also comes from my brother. And he's supposed to be the most Christiany sibling. He said I wont be invited to family functions anymore, he'd rather his children be ignorant in life, then be dragged to hell by me. Ya know, because I don't hate the people he hates and I treat people with love and respect instead of judgement and superiority.
When I got into the body of the message, I lost track of how it started with Jonathon, and so had to go back. Joshua was mentioned, and I had to search for an earlier mention of him in the book of Numbers, where Moses sent out 12 scouts -- sometimes referred to as "spies" -- to check out the land of Canaan. (One from each tribe, except for Levi.) I didn't realize until today that Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim (one of two tribes of Joseph, the other one being Manasseh). All of the scouts reported how wonderful the land was, but ten of them were filled with fear at the inhabitants, which were like giants to them. Only Joshua and Caleb (tribe of Judah) tried to encourage the people not to be afraid. I believe that spreading word of how Christians are going to be persecuted if Harris/Walz gets elected is spreading fear and false witness. I liken it to the poisoning of a public well. I wish we had a formal way to confront this, because these loose words can cause a lot of harm.
I have observed the Christian vs Christian power struggle. It reminds me of Bob Dylan's song, With God on Our Side. It is my understanding that we all believe in and pray to the One God. Whose prayers does God hear?
One day I was driving, the spirit hits me fully. I cannot disbelieve. Religion matters not. Preaching is different to a show. You get what you are given.
Fear is preached to control the masses and for no other reason. Love is preached to bring the masses spiritual peace. You preach love and unity Rev Ed. My mother was born Prodistant and changed to Catholic to stop Catholic persecution.
The rhetoric about immigrants has shifted in terrifying ways. We can easily have mixed feelings about those coming in without following the proper procedure. Going after those who are unambiguously legally allowed to be here raises all sorts of alarm bells. First they came for the Haitians…
My grandmother found Jesus later in life, and she became afraid. I thought Jesus was supposed to bring comfort. This was years ago now, but even then, her fear seemed very hypocritical in a way.
As a Christian who worships Jesus, I'm more afraid of the Christian Right.
Good for you. They are reprobates… not followers of Jesus Christ and his righteousness.
If you truly "worship" Jesus, then why are you afraid of anything?
As a follower of the Hellenic gods, I agree with you. Harris doesn't stirke me as someone who really wants to get involved with the spiritual lives of others and I'd rather live in a plurilistic society than one where the government backs any faith over the others.
@@tobykelly4606 me too
@@pamelarose1834true but we are still human and are fearful at times. That’s when we talk to god and pray for the Holy Spirit to give us peace that passes all understanding
VP Harris said she never asked someone if they are a Democrat or Republican.
She asked:
"Are you ok?"
AMEN 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Are you okay sounds like something Jesus would ask people.
@@cr8338It sounds like an expression of genuine concern and love that wants to know how they can help.
Early Christians had to contend with the likes of Caligula, Nero, and Domitian. The Eastern Christians have been standing firm against Islam for centuries. Before this, the Ancient Israelites had a series of wicked kings after King Solomon and the split of Judah and Israel.
That’s all that matters are you ok
I already lost two people because of his malfeasance. No thanks, to Trump.
Can't follow Jesus an trump-AntiC
Ugh. I'm so sorry to hear that.
@@margaretgarcia3097 Thanks so much.
@@abclib32 my aunt disowned me after she became maga. She died last July without speaking to me. She was like a second mother to me before she was brainwashed. I have no closure. It's emotionally painful.
@@michelleranta3601 I’m so sorry for your loss and the complications with your aunt. So painful.
You know what kind of relationship is based on fear?
An abusive one.
Maga hypocrites preach hate & fear. Hate & dear your neighbors because they are different than you. Vote Blue 💙💙💙
Am a Christian but voteing blue 💙 vote blue 💙 vote for Harris that is wrong 💙 am voting democratic that guy is a nut case
Exactly!
You are so right @wrathofyhepotato! That statement is an eye opener! I wish my MAGA friends would see that.
Truth.
I'm a Christian. It's the other guy, not VP Harris who scares me. May God be with us all in November.
In 2016, someone wrote a letter to my local paper saying that she was a Christian woman on disability who would be willing to hide Muslims in the event of a Trump presidency. I'm at least glad THAT didn't happen, not yet anyway.
@@FireElement7 Absolutely most of us that are sane are afraid it's the maga crazies the conspiracy theories and people are so delusional believing there lies the cult smh We all need to get out and vote for Democracy 🙏🏼
@@FireElement7 you are so right!
@@sarah2.017 Yeah, first it was Muslims, then Hispanics, now Haitians!
I heard someone once say, and he may have been quoting someone else, "When you've always been privileged, equality feels like persecution."
So true! And when you talk about treating others with respect, boy, do they start screaming!!
Yes, this is it exactly.
Wow that’s interesting
@@pshaw8406 So true. As a woman I know exactly what this means. Once I went to language class together with women from all around the globe, most of them from places of dominant patriarchal culture. They all divorced their husbands within the first year, cause their men could not change to understand that the privileges they enjoyed from simply being born a man, did not apply in this place, and so integration lost any meaning. While the women had all to gain from embracing the new went all in, and they got education and work and power over their own income, and their own bodies. If Christianity should survive in a future of democracy and societies where not one religion or culture is dominant, there has to be a proper addressing of the female-suppressed culture it derives from. Jesus did preach love and compassion, but he also completely ignored that half of the population of his time had less rights than a goat. This is not the love of God, it is the type of love that tyrants demands. And it needs to be addressed. We are influenced by what we read and believe, on a much more subtle level than what is outspoken. There is a reason why religion looses out on young women of today.
History shows you are more likely to face persecution from an opposing Christian than you will from a non-Christian. I do not want to be ruled by a brand of Christianity I do not espouse to. And believe me, I fear that. I've lived that.
💯
Absolutely
By "persecuted", they mean not having so much freedom to persecute others and control their lives.
There is a lot of people who want to tax the political churches who have turned into a business and invest in land homes and stocks.
@@gregallen4272 All churches should be taxed, unless they can meet the standards to be a non-profit. Just like any other business.
@@gregallen4272 churches SHOULD lose their tax exempt status for meddling in politics. Separation of church and state. Their end of the nonprofit bargain was staying out of politics.
No to Trump!
No to P-2025.
No to Fear. Isaiah 54:16-17
Harris/Walz!
Bring Back Sanity
✝️ 💙 ✝️
"Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." - Yoda
One of the great philosophers
These folks believe that disagreeing with them is the same as persecution. It’s hard to convince them otherwise, unfortunately.
In my experience, they also believe that not being one of them and not giving them special rights are forms of persecution.
Or holding them accountable for words/actions.
THIS, I and many other people in the wider pagan movement, have literally had Christians insist that us worshiping our gods in the privacy of our own homes is somehow hurting the Christian's ability to attend church and worship their god. To them being expected to co-exist is persecution, even though what they want calls for violating the very rights they claim for themselves for the other people involved.
It's only hard if you're lucky. With the Christian right, it's nearly always impossible.
They might be able to convince me if they could only demonstrate to me God's love. Alas...They constantly cite the wrong authority. Love.
I've been concerned about white nationalism and Christian dominance since I was a teenager in Oklahoma in the 60s. I was raised in a small, fundamentalist denomination in a small town. There was no tolerance. I mean zero. And as time went on I saw the militancy and hatred grow around race, and people living their authentic lives and their rights to make personal choices. I'm not surprised at what I see now. I left that church when I turned 18. I am an unaffiliated Christian. I'm not afraid even though I've seen it coming for 6 decades and I've tried hard not to hate, though I admit it's sometimes a struggle. I've seen a lot of false leaders and watched loved ones be led astray by false teachings. I deal with it all by praying for those who would do us harm. I vote. I pray. I try my best to follow Christ and all his teachings, and then I give my cares to God. And no matter what happens, He's got this. And I have peace.
Thank you. I'm so happy that I found your channel.
He's got this! Amen! Keep looking up! Luke 21:24-28 is here. JESUS is near 🙌 ❤
Amen, God gives us peace that passes all understanding if go to him and pray for his holy spirit
Just because you are a "Christian" doesn't mean that you are being persecuted for being one.
I've never met a persecuted Christian in this country, however I've seen many " Christians" persecuting others.
They think of having to tolerate the existence of others - especially ones they don't like - as persecution. Quick, somebody notify the guy behind "Foxe's Book of Martyrs"!
Yup that's been my observation and experience as well
It's happened a few times during periods of war to people who feel they are called to remain strictly neutral and not support any earthly government. Things cool down when people aren't being incited to hate.
That’s why some ppl call Christians hypocrites and they do want to know Jesus.
@@GretabpoohConscious objectors? I guess so but who was oppressing them? It was other Christians.
Anyone remember how Biden was supposed to start taking everyone's bibles away? Did that happen to anyone?
I was actually able to purchase a new Bible during his presidency...no questions asked!
As well as banning "Merry Christmas" like Obama (supposedly) did. I said and heard it plenty of times, no handcuffs
No! I still have all of mine.
@@KimMcDaniel-no5vuwhat? No background check?
Trump selling Bibles while Biden is President 😅
I have been a lesbian all my life and I have always believed in God and have not found someone who tells the truth about what God really has said. When I finally found you on you tube. I now know I’m not alone. God bless you and your teachings. Thank you for coming into my life.
Clara
Amen and Amen 👑🔥🙏🏼
I would be more amazing to let Jesus into your heart and walk with Him. Amen.
God loves you very much, Clara. He made you, exactly who you are. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Jesus is my LORD and His law is love. John 13-17 is the heart of God. 1946themovie proves the Bible is mistranslated. God is not a bigot.
@@TommyStahrabsolutely God is Love
We keep hearing about how Christians are going to be persecuted, but when has that happened in the US? And no, not getting your way and not getting special treatment is not persecution.
You’re right. But if all of us are stripped of religious freedom, no religion will be safe, including Christianity. After Trump is in office, he can easily turn on them. He already thinks he’s some kind of god.
They need to visit Russia or areas it controls and see how those who aren't Russian Orthodox or who don't support Putin are treated. Imagine being imprisoned for reading your own copy of the Bible!
When it's happened, it's been other Christians doing it. There are people today who seriously argue that Roman Catholicism is not Christianity (despite well over a millennium of history). Denomination A claiming that Denominations B, C, D, and E are not Christian, but F, G, and H are---and Denomination C returning the hate. When John F. Kennedy was running, and then elected, people said the Vatican would control the country. Nathaniel Hawthorne's story, _The Maypole at Merrymount,_ was based on an actual event.
Father Ed, you do not lead me away from Christ. I am estranged from my church. You are my lifeline. I want you to know this. Be encouraged.
What most people don't remember is that when they run out of one victim, they always have to have new victims. When we start down the road of dehumanizing and vilifying groups, the violence and hatred rolls on and on. When does it become your turn to be in the victim group?
We don't vilify anyone who obeys the law and pays their bills...that's called 'meeting society halfway'....until recently, it was considered a non-negotiable.
@@tgriffin3059
That applies to individuals. Not groups.
@@tgriffin3059 Forgive me if I make false assumptions here. Based on the topic of this video, the post you responded to, and your "we don't do that", I assume that you identify with the side that is asserted to spread fear and vilifies groups... and that is implied to be the "conservatives" here.
The people who support Trump. If you are in this group, consider my point... if you are not... hm... you could explain who this "we" is you think doesn't vilify whole groups regardless of their law abidence and bill paying habits.
So... Trump.
The guy who is known to, ehm, "bend" the law when he feels like it, and who is known to not pay his bills.
Why do you think people on the "MAGA" side give him a pass here?
We saw exactly that when the new group to separate from the herd and villify became all child-free women.
@@Groffili
Thank you for the backup! 😁
Christ would be persecuted for being kind to immigrants, the LGBT, the poor and women in need.
I was raised Baptist, but at 67, I consider myself more atheist. You, sir, are on my "always listen" list, and I almost always share your posts. You speak morality and logic without being preachy and aren't afraid of calling out "Christians" when they aren't being what they should be, Christ like.
I’m 70 years old now. Ed. Trevors is a good man.
God has proven to me over and over that HE is always with me. But it's still heartbreaking how mean spirited Christian people are. Even the ones that I went to church with all my life. I couldn't survive without my heavenly father's hand on me leading me safely one day at a time.
I am also 67. I was raised in mainstream Christianity. At this point in time, I am mortified to see that I watched the timeline of Project 2025 without knowing it was coming. I don't call myself an atheist but my faith system was shattered by a religiously abusive partner. My faith is now a lot less complicated and requires a lot less of me. Hoping for God's grace for a broken individual. I know so much less than I did before.
I just know that fear and division is not what we should be focusing on. Fairness and kindness is. ❤️
You will know them by their fruit and Trump only gives rotten wicked fruit. Flee from the wicked one.
Yes the fruits of the spirit, amen
_“The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear.”_ --Gandhi
_“In time we hate that which we often fear.”_ --William Shakespeare
_“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”_ --Yoda
Hope everyone is doing as well as can be. 🥰😊
From Dune by Frank Herbert:
I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
The Lord said they will use my name for power. They will use my name for profit. That’s what the Republican party does.
Considering Trump has said when he gets back in, he will go after his enemies.
“Have faith” is a literal instruction that only the intelligent heart standing in God’s Light understands.
They actually should be very afraid of Trump.
You will never convince the ones who believe he's their savior of that. People who are driven by fear are easily led.
Trump is not the one who threw 70 year old grandmothers into prison for praying at abortion clinics.
Agree! Dictator on day one or a president to lead our country on day one. VOTE Blue 💙💙💙 VOTE BLUE for Kamala & Walz
He's Not Well.
Going Psychotic. Voting Blue 💙
What bothers me is how obvious it is that DJT isn't only incompetent he's mentally ill, but his enablers don't seem to care. One would think if they really loved him, they would try to protect him from himself by calling for an intervention rather than rallying him for pres.of the United States. This is the stuff that boggles my mind. Thank you RevEd ..🙏✝️ You're the best..
Sin of pride, reverend. And lust for power. The “Christian” nationalists are such obvious hypocrites that it is stunning that anyone falls for their lies.
The right wing is all about fear - fear “those people”. And they do it because it works. And they are not the majority. Not even a majority.
Christ demonstrated unconditional love and acceptance. Compassion. And the willingness to “turn the other cheek,” to live with faith and trust regardless of how others treat you or perceive you. Christ never said, or advocated, attack others before they attack you.
Blessings
A number of Sundays ago, the rector preached about the feeding of the 5,000. What snagged my attention in the reading was when the people tried to make Jesus king by force, and He withdrew from them.
Christian Nationalists will never succeed because Jesus will withdraw from any group of people who try to force Him to be king!
It works because everyone...EVERYONE...craves personal power. No exceptions. It is humanity's central impulse.
Always love when these Right Wing Christians say this, knowing full well that they are going to go and vote for someone who literally embodies the 7 deadly sins as their golden calf.
Hi, I'm not a Christian, I was raised both Christian and secular. So that's the short version.
I appreciate your common sense message. All the best to you.
FEAR = False Expectations Appearing Real.
I've heard it said as False or Fake Evidence Appearing Real.
@@whoaaanelly65 - Evidence is something right there that can be seen from a different angle. Expectations aren't even here. They're imagined into now. Fear is in advance of reality...and to make reality that is expected not happen.
You sir are speaking with the voice of truth . I don’t know how I found you but thank the Lord I did . No agenda, just the truth . Thank you !
Yes!! 💗
One can’t spell “Hatred” without using “Red Hat”!
I am agnostic. I love you Rev Ed. I have always felt that many so-called christians are not followers of Jesus. You are. Thank you.
Fear is a really bad place to make decisions from.
Hate is an ever consuming beast, when it finishes eating one people, then it must find another. Until there is nobody left and then it turns on itself.
You said exactly what concerns be with all the talk about making the U.S. a theocracy: when am I (a Catholic) going to be deemed "not Christian enough. When are my children and grandchildren going to be deemed "not Christian enough" Because I support gay people's right to get married, am I "not Christian enough"? Because one of my children is transgender, does that make us lesser as Christians? Because my husband was divorced before he married me, and because I am in no way submissive to him, are we not as good as other Christians? Because I think we should feed the poor, house the homeless and welcome the immigrant instead of running around telling other people what sinners they are, would I be considered a bad Christian?
In Trump World, yes. 😢
In Their World If You're Not An Evangelical Fundamentalist You're Not A Christian.
The only people I see persecuting others are those doing it in the name of Jesus. Seriously. I’ve never seen (in America) any Christian being persecuted for their faith. Not one. However, I have met many people who have been shunned by those that sit in churches. At this point, I know more followers of the Way outside the church walls.
So true!
Being concerned that you are leading people astray is how we should be to keep our eyes on staying on the straight and narrow. Keep doing what you do!
Ed's being concerned about leading people astray demonstrates his integrity.
I am not Christian or religious, but this is an incredibly insightful and important perspective.
The people who legislated the US government into existence by writing its Constitution came from places where the government(s) had a religious stance to uphold. That the one they made doesn't is no accident.
The narrative is only going to get more ridiculous over the next 50 days, as if eating pets wasn't enough.
Blood libel is nothing new, sadly.
Thanks Rev Ed. Each time that I’m alerted to a new video from you, I’m reminded to check myself, and return my focus on being Christlike , instead of being driven by my own ego.💙☮️🙏🏻
You speak the truth. Fear is the enemy and not of God
Everyday my prayer to Jesus is simply this: “Let them see you in me” and still I struggle… btw: we really miss ya’ll! 😢
Faith is about trust, about RESTING in that faith, and we are told numerous times in the Bible, by God, by Jesus Christ, and we are told in the Spirit, as we choose to have that faith, that trust, choose to receive Him as our Lord and Savior, to "be of courage," and to, "fear not." To actually believe that we need to vote for a certain group of people, or one specific individual human being, over others in order to be aligned with God's purposes is to me a demonstration of a lack of faith in God, and putting your faith in that individual, or that group, which are by definition worldly. Christians are called to have faith in the will of God being at work in our lives regardless of worldly circumstances. God bless you all!
I'm a Christian...and I'm afraid of the Christian right.
You nailed it, sir. The problem with "us" versus "them" is that as time goes on, the definition of "us" becomes narrower, and the definition of "them" becomes wider. As Pastor Niemoller discovered, no matter how many people the oppressors come for first, eventually they come for the one who never spoke up!
The Christian Right and neither 'Christian' or 'Right'
Blessed are those who are persecuted in my name
Unfortunately we have to question those who are persecuted because of the name of the almighty.
Nothing new, Jesus warned we would know them by their fruits.
Why are they afraid of anybody? It's almost as though their "god" doesn't exist.....
You said it Jenna!
The earliest believers in Christ, and Christ himself, were all persecuted by the people who were the most "pious" and religious people of the day. These religious "elites" saw themselves as selected, behaved and spoke self-righteously, and saw the Christians as blasphemous, unclean, and even as demonic. Persecution of those who follow Christ, throughout history, has often come at the hands of, or the direction of, self-exalted religion guided people, who often had very worldly motivations like position, prestige, power, pride, and especially, greed.
May the infinite love and light of God touch the hearts of those who have become swayed (or seduced) by worldly concerns, by worldly rewards, and by fear. May we all have open eyes to see, open ears to hear, and open hearts to understand. In Jesus mighty and beloved name, Amen.
Amen!
Thank you for your courage. 🙏 I am a Texan, conservative Christian, Republican, and patriot. Moral character, honor & conduct matter in our elected leaders. Country over party, voting ALL BLUE. ✝️🇺🇸🧢
Trump Is The One Who Scares Me!!!!😮
Trump eats our sanity.
Drumph billionaires backers are the most dangerous for democracy and his Maga cult supporters are second place .
He scares the whole world, save for his fellow authoritarians. They're cheering him on; and what a bunch they are!
I personally think he is evil.
Fear is a great motivator. Unfortunately, the manipulation of your fear is also. Stay strong! Vote BLUE,
Christian’s being afraid that people will prosecute them like they prosecute others.
Those false prophets and right-wingers *should* be afraid - but not of Kamala Harris!
You say all the beliefs I have come to over 79 years but you say it so beautifully and comprehensively. No one persecutes another as those from the same religion, sex, nationality, family etc. we eat our own if we are constantly conscious. God bless us all.
Supposedly, Kathy Lee Griffith said something to the effects of "Christians are the only group that shoot or kill their own wounded". Sadly, that's too true!
I appreciate your words. I am a democrat catholic, grandfather and I am gay. I have been in my relationship for 33+ years,
As an antitheist, if they ACTED like Jesus, they wouldn't have to worry about retribution and embarrassment when confronted about their hypocrisy.
The people who are the loudest about being persecuted for their Christianity always seem to be the least likely to help the poor, the homeless, theimmigrants, the needy in general.
I walked out of a service where my friend was praise dancing, and Paula White started talking about Trump. This was in 2019. Talking and praising a non-Christian had no place in a church in my mind as a Christian. She was sharing the gospel, and many should have left, but they stayed. I don't even know what they heard.
Thanks To True Christians Like You Rev. Ed Trevors I Left The Fundamentalist Southern Baptist Church And Became An Episcopalian And Believe Me That Was The Best Decision I Ever Made.
Thank you pastor. That’s what I have been taught. I am a Christian follower of Jesus and love your neighbor as yourself is what I have been taught.
I appreciate your explanations. You are not driving me away, but rather the contrary. I find listen to you comforting. The confines we impose on ourselves stand in the way of unity.
I needed to hear this message. TY for your bold ministry and kindness to all.
What an absolutely amazing time to be a disciple of Christ. We are literally experiencing biblical truth before our very eyes. The Pharisees were afraid of Jesus because he was going to take their power and money (in their minds) my heart is broken for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ, who are lost in these times. let us not forget that the light of Jesus shines through the cracks of a broken heart💔💔 Todays is Matthew 10:28
"Men in fear are fools, and fool themselves." St. Thomas Aquinas
Be not afraid.❤
Edgar Cayce said the opposite of love is not hate. It is fear. You cannot love if you are afraid.
Got out of church about 6 months ago, because my now expastor forgot about Jesús and started following Trump.
Every sermon, every Sunday, was about Trump sent by God to save the US 😢😢😢
Store clerks saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" = persecution.
If they are COMPELLED to do so....hell YEAH it's persecution...The First Amendment protects our faith, and also our right to PROCLAIM it...I'm starting to see why you guys HATE it with such venom...
@@tgriffin3059I hate that when you work a customer facing job you have to address the holidays even if you don’t want to and it has nothing to do with your job
@@tgriffin3059 Oh, yes! Isn't it awful we have to treat others with respect instead of being able to bully them and treat them as inferior? Boo hoo...
A hairdresser friend who was asked how he feels when customers wish him Merry Christmas. He is Moslem. He said he accepts the greeting in the spirit that it is given. There is no malicious intent and he returns the greeting. I, on the other hand am not so generous when people wish me Happy Mother's Day since I am not a parent and I consider it sexist to assume that every older woman is a mom.
@@tgriffin3059The First Amendment protects the government from being able to restrict or promote ANY religion. It does not bar private businesses from making decisions on whether or not to say Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas or Happy Holidays.
You, as a private citizen, can promote whatever religion you want, but I, as a private citizen, have the right to ignore your Bible-thumping.
Also, before you start the War on Christmas hysterics, the United States celebrates Christmas as a National Holiday. Come December, there are Christmas trees and Nativity scenes EVERYWHERE. If Christians were being actually persecuted in the United States, you'd see none of that.
I hope God takes off your blinders and leads you back to His Gospel
if it was not sooooooooo serious it would be funny god help us all
Thank you Rev. You really spoke to my heart. I worry that I am not good enough.
I can tell you, you are leading us in the right direction. You are genuinely kind and sincere. Thank you again. 💙✨️
I thank God for you. I know you have the gift of discernment. So do I. And what you say is true.
Amen Brother !
They should be mich more afraid of Trump
You are one of the best. No one is perfect and so you can make a mistake. But I would rather have you as a spiritual teacher than most people today. You are good.
Amen amen! 🙌🙏 I shall fear no man! I shall fear nothing in this world for I know that I know HE is with me.
The verbal picture that I've developed is one of a large judicial bench and an endless line of "defendants". A loud voice, reading the charges off, asks the lawyer what my defense is.
"Their debt has been paid".
The camera pans back to show a figure with a crown of thorns.
"Case dismissed".
AMEN 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Good Words Rev Ed Trevors …….. Thanks for sharing !!!
Where did this idea of persecution come from? A fear tactic? Who is doing this supposed persecution? It's a fantasy.
I might take this Bible thing to literal but doesn't it say over and over again - fear not, and encourages us instead to love?
You are absolutely RIGHT when it comes to the persecution coming from the christians themselves. I'm not a Trump supporter, but some of my siblings are. At Easter my closest nephew and I were talking and he started using the far right transphobia language, I just shook my head and said, no, no sweetie. Trans people are just people, they want to live their lives just like everyone else, etc. When my brother heard I said that, he lost his mind that I DARED to tell HIS 16yr old son that they are regular people... Every disgusting hateful thing you hear from MAGA also comes from my brother. And he's supposed to be the most Christiany sibling. He said I wont be invited to family functions anymore, he'd rather his children be ignorant in life, then be dragged to hell by me. Ya know, because I don't hate the people he hates and I treat people with love and respect instead of judgement and superiority.
Your talk was great as usual !
Not protestant enough & increasingly smaller circles reminds me of Emo Phillips -Golden Gate Bridge bit.
Thank you Reverend. Good talk! God bless you for your messages of love.
When I got into the body of the message, I lost track of how it started with Jonathon, and so had to go back. Joshua was mentioned, and I had to search for an earlier mention of him in the book of Numbers, where Moses sent out 12 scouts -- sometimes referred to as "spies" -- to check out the land of Canaan. (One from each tribe, except for Levi.)
I didn't realize until today that Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim (one of two tribes of Joseph, the other one being Manasseh). All of the scouts reported how wonderful the land was, but ten of them were filled with fear at the inhabitants, which were like giants to them. Only Joshua and Caleb (tribe of Judah) tried to encourage the people not to be afraid.
I believe that spreading word of how Christians are going to be persecuted if Harris/Walz gets elected is spreading fear and false witness. I liken it to the poisoning of a public well. I wish we had a formal way to confront this, because these loose words can cause a lot of harm.
They always afraid that we other people are gonna treat them the way they treat us.
I have observed the Christian vs Christian power struggle. It reminds me of Bob Dylan's song, With God on Our Side. It is my understanding that we all believe in and pray to the One God. Whose prayers does God hear?
All of them, but He does according to His own will and does not grant prayers just because we ask it of Him.
i cannot think of a single instance of religious persecution that did not happen in a theocratic regime.
It happens plenty in the PRC, though you could argue that government is in itself a kind of religion.
One day I was driving, the spirit hits me fully. I cannot disbelieve. Religion matters not. Preaching is different to a show. You get what you are given.
Fear is preached to control the masses and for no other reason. Love is preached to bring the masses spiritual peace. You preach love and unity Rev Ed. My mother was born Prodistant and changed to Catholic to stop Catholic persecution.
Rev Ed, don't fear, you are not leading people astray for God is with you
The rhetoric about immigrants has shifted in terrifying ways.
We can easily have mixed feelings about those coming in without following the proper procedure. Going after those who are unambiguously legally allowed to be here raises all sorts of alarm bells.
First they came for the Haitians…
Be STRONG IN THE LORD -and in His - MIGHTY POWER ! 🙏🏾 💖 AMEN. 💖
Have no fear! And let go of the hate! Time for Love Joy and Unity!
Can I receive the link to the Bible study?
Yeah, me too!
They should be more afraid of a DICTATOR WANNABE.
I consider you loving and (mostly) right.🤗
My grandmother found Jesus later in life, and she became afraid. I thought Jesus was supposed to bring comfort. This was years ago now, but even then, her fear seemed very hypocritical in a way.
Thankfully Our Lord knows each heart ..
I’m interested in online Bible Study.. please send link 💜