Actually my biggest challenge right now is to keep my heart "soft" when it is tempting to harden my heart against those with whom I strongly disagree. LOVING IS DIFFICULT. I come to visit your TH-cam channel to remind me to keep turning TOWARD the light of love no matter how tempted I am to do otherwise. Never change a thing.
It's right to act on godly indignation, but don't overdo it. "Be angry and [yet] do not sin." Say what has to be said then leave oversight of the results to God.
I agree, I’m 72 and know my Humanitarian heart. It gets harder to love the vicious. It’s easy to spot them now. Thank you, it’s a comfort to feel connected 💕
I'm not a Christian, but this is much harder than being "hard" against others. Hating is easy. I can do it in my sleep. :P Compassion is hard, it takes a lot of energy, but ultimately it pays off in the long run. It just seems people are taking the easy way out wanting a "hard" Jesus type situation. I just don't understand how someone can describe themselves as a Christian and actively hate anyone else. It seems since the Orange One has taken hold, people are just feeling comfortable hating out loud now. Sad.
@ljwhitmire200 I've noticed how people have become more hateful since Trump. What they fail to see is that hate breeds hate. I've never in my life hated anyone until Trump. And I have to work on that, but it's hard, and I think I might fail, because I hate him with a passion. I honestly believe Trump is the Antichrist.
Wow that was a crazy comment, This person doesn't understand who Jesus really is and what the Gospels mean... Jesus whole message was Love your Neighbor, Love your Enemies..Bless those who Curse you, Mercy and FORGIVENESS!!..Rev Ed awesome Discussion spot on Totally Agree with you.. God Bless 🕊️
Evangelicals have chosen the wolf instead of the shepherd. They want to legislate righteousness instead of letting God change peoples hearts and follow Jesus.
I want to also add that many Evangelicals are trying to do everything they can to usher in the last days. To me that's nothing more than self righteous arrogance on their part. Only God knows the day and time.
@@likeasoldier777 It's putting the cart before the horse to do that, or even presuming to get the cart to go without a horse (or engine). It's idolatry. Give your hearts, minds, and souls to God and then let God complete the present part of the story through you. I observe that the history we know shows that the bible has patterns in it. The antichrist pattern and its consequences -- eventually ending in a salvation through the salvific and sacrificial manifestation of the spirit of God -- has emerged over and over, for instance. If there is a culmination of earthly history as we know it with a physical apocalypse and a physical return of Christ, this will be a one-off which also meets the pattern but has special features as well. Maybe we're talking about a cataclysmic event like a massive deadly meteor strike accompanying this, in which case the following events will happen in a "transformed world" -- or maybe we aren't. At any rate, being ignorant of the patterns can put us on the wrong side of God when it was wholly unnecessary.
@@KenRitter-b5i I know, right? I know a lady who thinks that because Trump (the pretentious buffoon who sins constantly in pride) did some worldly favors for the modern Jewish colonized Palestine, this means that it's helping eschatological events along. But one has to ignore a plethora of biblical warnings to "choose Trump" for that reason. For one thing, when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn. Nobody's absolutely righteous, but some manage to be a lot closer to God than others.
I'm an agnostic and I need this message. I started following this man to see if I could understand religion. His teachings reflect his church without walls. All are welcome at the table regardless of which spiritual philosophy they follow. He understood the assignment and he still does.
Since Rev Ed quotes the words of Jesus, whose message was love and reaching out to the poor, etc, I think over the next four years even more people will need to hear these messages.
Many religious conservatives prefer Old Testament judgement and revenge, rather than New Testament love and forgiveness. Makes them feel safe, certain, and for men 'manly'.
The political state of Evangelicalism brings a quote to mind... “The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. Not wealth or luxury or long life or happiness: only power, pure power. We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means, it is an end. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?” George Orwell, 1984
My roommate in college was a pig farmer from southern Minnesota. The Mankato area where Tim Walz is also from. He said that you have to beat and kick and hit the pigs with a stick to get them to do what you want. It seems that that is the spirit of the church these days. Pig farmers. But our Lord is not a pig farmer. He's a shepherd. He herds sheep. Kindness and mercy is his motus operandi. When we are kind and merciful we best exemplify and demonstrate the love of our Lord and shepherd. Mercy is the key. Blessed are the merciful. They shall receive mercy.
Beautiful. I thank you for this analogy. Pigs are VERY smart. Perhaps it never occurred to that pig farmer to use the smarts of his pigs--to WORK WITH the pig--we do not see consciousness anywhere in the world except in humans and it degrades us every single day that we treat the Earth and every creature on her as contemptible.
@@cbrashsorensen and yet, "a righteous man regards the life of his beast." Pigs weren't on the classic biblical menu, so there isn't an explicit tradition about keeping them. But this general adage still applies.
Shepherds lead always. They don't best their flock to make them go anywhere. And if they try beating them the sleep or whatever animal refuses to go and runs away in all directions. Lol
I feel like we forget how counter-cultural Jesus’s teachings were in his time on Earth. Plenty of violent rebels and wannabe kings were called and claimed to be Messiah, and that’s what people expected Messiah to be, so Jesus’s calling for peace, humility, and loving our neighbor (even the ones we fundamentally dislike and disagree with) was just as much a challenge to the status quo as it is now.
Excellent, you are aware that Herod the Great and Herod the Tetrarch (Herod Antipas/Antipafter) both claimed to be messiahs. They frequently occur among Jews. Rabbi Lubavitch was a messiah recently. And his followers are Chabad Lubavitch or they are called Lubavitcher.
One more Old Testament “christian”. No time for Jesus and the Universal Christ. Jesus is for too “woke” for them and they are not shy in telling all how to live. They are not shy about condemning. When one points out to them that not believing in The Christ means that they are not Christian, the rage and indignation spews forth. Ed please keep sharing your message of love and acceptance. You continue to give me hope. Blessings!
I'm a fan of The Old Testament too but I'm not for hatred and vengeance. God the Father loves and provides for His children. He teaches us to love one another and not to revenge. He said vengence is His, not ours.
Thank you Reverend Ed. It’s been really hard navigating through everything that’s been happening to our society, our churches, etc. I grew up in the 70’s, so I’m old 😂. I’m an introvert, I’m much more comfortable observing & listening than stepping up on a soapbox. A common thing I notice is the use of the word “My”. My land, my home, my kids, my animals.. you get the idea. No one owns anything. No one. Yet a lot of churches & their parishioners have been taught for decades to protect what’s yours. Get as much as you can. And the awful “prosperity gospel” has taught its people that the more material goods you have, the more you’re “blessed”, the more “God loves you”. It disgusts me. Add the support of a person like DJT? That’s what finally made me realize that churches were not for me. I can’t stomach the teachings anymore, because they are so far off message. 😢 It breaks my heart that after being raised to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, that I don’t feel comfortable in churches anymore. Btw, I live in a small-ish town in central FL. It’s difficult living here, but like many people - I don’t have the option to move somewhere else. Anyway, I appreciate your channel more than I can say. 🕊️
I know how you feel. I was raised in the 60's and 70's in a Bible believing home with parents who walked by faith. I saw the rise in right wing secular politics seeping into the Evangelical Church, starting, when I was in college in the late 70's and when first got married in early 80's. And I watched it grow and expand, with our family feeling more like a canary in a coal mine, and no one caring to heed the warning. In fact we were judged for more and more for being Democrats. We were a generational Union family. My generation was the first to attend college, because of the Unions! Finally, after the fiasco of the Covid response, I just couldn't find the strength to return to church, Even though we had changed to a much better one. We finally, after 4 years, attended church 2 weeks ago, and will go again this week. Loving Congregations do exist Take time to heal, and the Lord will lead you back when you're ready.❤
@@gapsule2326 Well, Jesus didn't ask about good in this context. Jesus asked who was a neighbor. Jesus didn't go into good with respect to a fallen human, knowing all humans were fallen except the Son who was God dwelling in the tent of a human body.
In 2016 this is what the preacher of one of the biggest Megachurchs said on an interview with NPR (National Public Radio) "...When I'm looking for a leader who's going to fight ISIS and keep this nation secure, I don't want some meek and mild leader or somebody who's going to turn the other cheek. I've said I want the meanest, toughest SOB I can find to protect this nation. And so that's why Trump's tone doesn't bother me." And here we are ... again.
The preacher just wants to get even. Not preaching the soft Jesus ie turn other cheek. Most human wanted to get even and Tho’s preachers knew how to get people behind them.
Well, call that fellow anything, including a sucker-upper to mean, tough SOBs, but a Christian isn't it. Besides doesn't he know that Trump isn't even that! Trump is a pretender! He gins up worries then pretends he's fixed them. What shall we do if an actual problem appears? Well, about as well as he did with COVID, which was to have his goons find ways to not care and tell lies about science. Is that going to make ISIS do anything more than snicker at us? All the tone, none of the smarts, except when it comes to making himself look good. That sounds a whole lot like an IDOL.
I like many others had two grandmothers that I got to know. One was a woman I absolutely love and her love and kindness shone in everything she did. The other was absolutely hateful, her bitterness was evident in everything she did. I chose to be as much like my kind grandmother and I hope I made her proud of me.
How fortunate you are to have two such clear examples. My guess is the kind grandmother gave you enough kindness that you are strong enough and have enough of a reservoir of love that you are able to share it with others. Those of us who never had it have a much harder time getting to that place.
@@auntiebobbolinkI grew up being abused, bullied, discriminated, etc. throughout my life before coming to Jesus. God has taught me how to love others even though I didn't know how to do it and didn't want to. God can do anything. Pray to Him and seriously want to live like Jesus and He will give you a new heart.
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old Cherokee simply replied,"The one you feed
I'm so sorry that you received that awful message. People are so angry these days, and they are often made angrier and more fearful by the "churches" they attend. I would suggest that, if someone hears a "hard" Jesus oratory coming out of any pastor, they get up and run away. Hellfire and brimstone never made life good for anyone. I just came home from spending the entire day serving free Thanksgiving dinner to the poor and lonely. This is my 15th year. I started this the year after my mother died. I had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving, and a woman in my grief support group invited me to attend. Instead, I decided to serve. The people in that church are welcoming and warm. There is no judgment. The pastor is the same. Every year when I walk into the building, I feel a loving spirit, even before I see anyone. That church embraces EVERYONE. You are welcome even if you are not a believer. Today, we served so many people, people of all races, ethnicities, ages, shapes, sizes, and physical capabilities/incapacities. We served people who are gay and trans. We served people who had an aroma of hard work and no bathing facilities. I love them all. Some friends have asked me who my "tribe" is. I always said that I don't have one. But I have come to realize that these are my people, my "tribe". You can look for a "church" - or a "tribe" - that confirms your prejudices and buttresses your anger, fear, and hatred, or you can seek a place that exemplifies a "soft Jesus". That is everyone's choice. But I can tell you that every year for 15 years, I have left that event walking on air and with a peace in my heart, despite the fact that I have many problems and tremendous fear about what is going to happen to my country and me. "Soft Jesus" lives in the hearts of those people, and I know that is where I want to be. No life can be made better by hatred, fear, resentment, and violence. We have to choose our company wisely.
Gods knew your heart. HE knew you have a heart of flesh not stone. That was why he blessed you with the gratitude heart and happy doing for the needy and the poor. When Jesus calling and if we be still and listen we can hear HIS calling and doing HIS will. Blessed be The Lord whom loved you then and still loving you now. Keep doing what you find peace and relax my dear.
Rev. Ed, I'm tired. Not only am I suffering fr myalgic encephalomylitis, but the political situation in the United States is... how can I describe it? In the age-old battle of good against evil, we're losing; evil is roaming the land like a plague. I studied the Holocaust in college, and I wondered how could they have let hitler do what he did... now I better understand how that horrendous situation came about. I also lived in Germany for a decade, and now I wonder if we're going to suffer in a similar manner like Germany did after WWII. Now, in my eighth decade, I can't recall America in such a dire situation. We thought Nixon was bad, but nowadays, with the 2ximpotus about to grab power through his lies and manipulation of the most ignorant among us, I despair. That his cult base is SO uneducated, and lacking critical thinking skills is America's shame. As I grapple with the multitudinous levels of what went wrong to get us where we are (so as to get an idea how we can possibly fix it), I just feel downhearted and tired. And frightened of how am I going to exist if the 2ximpotus does away with social security, Medicare, and food stamps.
This particular guy imagines himself a Fuhrer, but his handlers who feed him stories have been careful to write scripts for him with an "out." My fear (or anticipated laugh my head off) would be for when this loose cannon shepherding process breaks down for any reason.
Some forget. Others only hear a reading that's a part of the Bible lifted out of context and then the sermon supports the pastor's point of view. But they never go home and open a Bible to read the New Testament starting at Matthew.
@@ewokwarrior2656 It doesnt matter. The seed is sown. "Jesus' Word is Life," (John chapter 6.) He who hears, can believe, with just few Words. Then the tree grows very fast. Prayers from all of us, feeds that seed with living waters, for all, my prayers. Amen.
The Bible says anything one wants it to say. I feel like the only way to handle the Bible is stick to the red letters. I prefer the gospel of Thomas, just the sayings of Jesus.
@@MrSeedi76 What kind of spirit one reads classic canon scripture through, however, does matter. I endeavor to keep the vouched character of God uppermost in my soul when considering classic canon scripture.
This non-super hero Christ discussion makes me think of why I like The Chosen so much. Christians who think Christ will come in glory to fix the world so it is best for us to mess it up as much as possible are like the people who expect the Messiah to be a warrior who will make the world Eden again. We need to fix our world first. We need to use our brains, our hands, our tongues, and our talents to create a world God would want to rule before He comes. When you describe the freeing of our hearts, you relate it so well. These people who want a dictator Jesus are like the thief on the cross that mocked Jesus for not saving himself, while the other thief recognized Jesus was there to save the world. Today is Thanksgiving in the US. I am very thankful for your message and ministry.🙏
This is so helpful. Thank you, Pastor Ed. With all my heart. This sort of love that you speak of, and that Jesus teaches, is not an easy one.. and Jesus never said it was going to be easy. So if you want to be a warrior, be a warrior of love. Amen..
I have a friend who told me he didn’t want to hear any more sermons about loving your neighbor; that was too political. Rejecting Jesus’s very own words.
They want the Old Testament God who's at the end of his rope, but they never seem to assume they could be the next ones God can reasonably decide to give up on
Thank you once again for your words of wisdom and truth. The more I listen to what is happening amongst white evangelicals in the States, the more I realize that BibleProject's series on the Sermon on the Mount speaks to our times. I encourage everyone to check it out. Blessings to you!
Yes you are doing what the Bible says not changing the Bible for what people want or think or control people minds. I have seen that so many times in the church ⛪
Those who think they are offending others, with callous words and actions, are simply offending themselves for all to witness... As hate and disdain are the sign of weakness and FEAR, while tolerance and compassion is the mark of True*Strength and Courage. L.O.V.E. rulz... Pro💜Love 👣🕊👽
I am so thankful your channel popped up in my feed! I’ve been so very disheartened to hear so many so called Christians spouting so much hateful nonsense….thank you for being a ship in the storm.
In Isaiah, it says, “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.”
I would say, Jesus, God, doesn't need your help with the tough part. The world is tough enough. God has the power to do the tough things with care, compassion, and accuracy. We are children in God's grace, we are to be compassionate to each other, you don't give children 10 lb sledgehammers.
Someone who thinks love is soft doesn't know anything about love. And loving one's enemy may be the most difficult feat of strength any human can endure. It's easy to mock, condemn, abuse, beat, etc., your enemy. Love isn't soft or easy.
The highest form of love described in the Bible is "agape" = unconditional love = soft jesus. Once you realize you can not judge and any judgments actually hinder, all you can do is let go and love. I always think about the saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Stop trying to influence and force "your will" Just let go, forgive, and have faith. Matt 6:28 "See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith?"
I'm in the process of reading Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez. What I've gotten so far is the sense that the Church doesn't want a Shepherd, but a Warrior. I too struggle about going church.
I had a desperate conversation with my maga dad two nights ago. This man has consistently demonstrated through my 46+ years a selfless devotion to our family, a patient and kind spirit always willing to help anyone out who was in need. He was affectionate, generous, warm, and funny, and most importantly, he led by example in teaching us the tenets and importance of our faith. I pleaded with him to hear me, to search his heart and seek guidance through prayer. I raised scriptures and told him I was devastated and so confused by his support for Trump. I begged him not to harden his heart. But he would not be moved. He told me that there was nothing Trump or anyone could do that would change his opinion. I asked him to prayerfully consider, if that was truly the case, then who his actual god was. It all went absolutely nowhere.
Thanks Rev Ed, I have to agree 100% with everything you said. Listening to your messages always helps me feel better & know there is a reason to keep hope. Sometimes through these horrible years of trump, his cohorts & his followers, I become very sad, angry & even hopeless at moments. Having your channel to watch & listen to has helped me a great deal over these past few years. I have an Anglican church that I attend but I am surrounded by many trump supporters and that gets frustrating. I just get baffled by the fact we are all in the same church with the same Christian beliefs; and yet, some actually think trump is good for America. Our priest is wonderful and I know his not a trump supporter and he keeps politics out of our church.
"Kind of confusing" was a nice way to put it. I would have said incoherent or, maybe, illiterate. Whoever wrote that only reads the "I come with a sword" part of Jesus' message and believes it means he/she is supposed to beat people up. Got not use for that theology.
Or it could be English isn't their first language. Either way some other comments I have come across are almost impossible to decipher. The ones that give me a headache are those that use no punctuation or capital letters 🤯
@@silverghostcat1924 That's a good point. Regarding capitalization and punctuation, I've watched vids about translation from the Greek where they showed a block of text that didn't even have spaces. Imaginehavingtosortallthatoutwithoutakeyofanykindespeciallyiftherewereadjacentwordswhereshiftingalettertothewordafterchangedthemeaningentirely. (I nearly hurt myself typing that.)
First let me say Amen. It takes me back to when I was in college and I was meeting with a group of like-minded students a Christian group where we would meet every week and we sat on the floor and we sing songs together and we prayed together and sometimes there would be people sharing and teaching sometimes not and to me as I look back that is for me the truest example of what the church should be.😊
I do not identify as “christen”. However I strongly believe that Christ came to this world to teach us to forgive and love ourselves so that we can forgive and love others. Treat our neighbours as we would treat ourselves
What I heard was judgement in that email. What a lot of so called Christians forget is the scripture: Matthew 7:1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you". We are also judged by our fruits or lack thereof.
It seems that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is absent in much of today's theology. True spiritual worship and a loving relationship with Jesus would be the cure.
Jesus' time was very much like times today in many ways. Yet, Jesus brought his mission because he saw the problems of that time. He didn't give people an easy road to travel. He even tells them how difficult it will be (including directly telling them that others will try to hurt them because of their beliefs, as well as his mention of the difficult narrow road vs the wide road that leads to hell.)
Living to look like the soft Jesus of the Gospels has been a large part of what has carried me through the last almost 25 years, and kept the passive suicidal ideations I've struggled with for the past thirtyish years from ever becoming active. The reality is that if God were what American Christian Nationalists claim, I would have no choice but to be his enemy even knowing fully well that in the end I am completely powerless before Him. Instead, God is the overwhelming lovingkindness that keeps the dark and cold night at bay in this broken soul. I'll never understand why He loves me but I hope to be the best reflection possible of that love to those around me until the day He says my time on earth is over.
This is beautiful. Thank you. You are the disciple others see and think “I want to be like that.” I feel the same way, if the Calvinists view of God is correct I want nothing to do with him. Because what kind of monster has a “perfect will” that plans and preordains a six year old receiving SA from a relative? Condemn me now almighty one if you are that god because I cannot and will not follow nor honor you. Fortunately that’s not the Jesus we read about. He blessed little children, was tender to widows, was kind to prostitutes and spoke intentionally to the woman at the well. Can I be that guy’s disciple and follow in his footsteps? Yeah.
It takes so much to deny oneself and put others first. If we do out of shear will it becomes nearly an impossible burden. However, I have someone in my life who does this for me, every single day. He constantly looks for ways to make my life easier, he puts my needs ahead of his own, he works and gives me all his wages, he provides me a roof over my head and clothing on my back, food for me to cook. And all of this seems to be effortless to him. He loves to do more and more! Why? Because he is my husband and he LOVES ME! LOVE changes the equation. It changes the dynamic of everything. If we try to do for others, and find it burdensome, we aren't doing it with love. Love for Christ and for others, and love for others, for the sake of Christ is a joy. GOD IS LOVE, LOVE IS GOD!
The idea of "turning the other cheek" is radical in a world where "an eye for an eye" is the norm... The Jesus of the bible is radical, and his kingdom comes through the feet-washers and the feeding the poor, the fatherless and the widow... God bless you Father Ed, and everyone who has taken the time to read this. D
The biggest turning point in the development of my faith was listening to a sermon by Paul Washer that was heavily focused on the sermon on the mount. To this day that one sermon of Jesus’ has been the most impactful for me.
The whole point of learning the ways of Christ is to learn how to love God and people. This is why we obey Christ's commands. If I love my neighbor I won't lie to them. If I love my neighbor I won't steal from them. If I love my neighbor I won't return violence to them. If my neighbor or my enemy is hungry, I will feed them. If I love my neighbor I won't gossip, slander, covet, be prideful, be greedy, ect, ect. Do unto others..... I wouldn't want my neighbor to do any of these things to me, so why would I do it to them? Love is the essence of being a follower of Christ and love is always an action.
I have found hope in the Beatles song," All You Need is Love." Love for God, Love for your fellow man, and love yourself. If only I could master all three forms of love. I remember that we show our love for God by loving each other.
The message of love one another, care for one another and talk and listen to one another so can help one another. Is such a powerful message and way of life; to hate or be angry at others and shut them out is easy and takes not work. following jesus is hard and takes much effort and sacrifice. Why i love jesus he knows i'm going to make mistakes in my journey of life. but as long as i am trying to follow his way and be a good person toward all. especially my opponents and oppressors who wish me to stray from jesus's path of love one another. to their doctrine of anger, intolerance, blind obedience and hatred which is an anathema to me.
Reverend, Ed, you are no fool. Jesus would be so proud of you or standing up against the hate that he is seen in this world. We need more people like you. I feel sorry for Felicia, she's the fool..
I need to listen more to that message you have! Intellectually I am there! But my being is so hardened that I have to re-internalize the "soft" (and those quotation marks are HUGE) approach! Good that I discovered you! Even apart from all that is going on over on your continent (I am a German) your content is kind of healing to me. Thank you! I need to go back being closer to that "soft" Christ to be able to productively go on into the future!
I am so disappointed the Church actively campaigned for Trump can not believe it
Actually my biggest challenge right now is to keep my heart "soft" when it is tempting to harden my heart against those with whom I strongly disagree. LOVING IS DIFFICULT. I come to visit your TH-cam channel to remind me to keep turning TOWARD the light of love no matter how tempted I am to do otherwise. Never change a thing.
It's right to act on godly indignation, but don't overdo it. "Be angry and [yet] do not sin." Say what has to be said then leave oversight of the results to God.
Turning the other cheek is so difficult these days.
I agree, I’m 72 and know my Humanitarian heart. It gets harder to love the vicious. It’s easy to spot them now. Thank you, it’s a comfort to feel connected 💕
I'm not a Christian, but this is much harder than being "hard" against others. Hating is easy. I can do it in my sleep. :P Compassion is hard, it takes a lot of energy, but ultimately it pays off in the long run. It just seems people are taking the easy way out wanting a "hard" Jesus type situation. I just don't understand how someone can describe themselves as a Christian and actively hate anyone else. It seems since the Orange One has taken hold, people are just feeling comfortable hating out loud now. Sad.
@ljwhitmire200 I've noticed how people have become more hateful since Trump. What they fail to see is that hate breeds hate. I've never in my life hated anyone until Trump. And I have to work on that, but it's hard, and I think I might fail, because I hate him with a passion. I honestly believe Trump is the Antichrist.
Meekness is power under control.
Amen
Ahh yes submit to a vile power crazed dictator
Yup.
The holy ones I have known have had an aura of humility about them.
@@marionopisso212 real humility has a glow.
You are right on Rev Ed. In my heart I know you are following Christ. Thank you sir. God bless you..
Wow that was a crazy comment, This person doesn't understand who Jesus really is and what the Gospels mean... Jesus whole message was Love your Neighbor, Love your Enemies..Bless those who Curse you, Mercy and FORGIVENESS!!..Rev Ed awesome Discussion spot on Totally Agree with you.. God Bless 🕊️
I'm honestly not convinced they know what _English_ is...
As always people negotiate the meaning of scripture to support dogmas and their favored earthly power structures.
Beautiful message. Jesus is Love. ❤
And he who abides in love abides in God and God in him.
All Love. Only Love. ✨💖✨
Evangelicals have chosen the wolf instead of the shepherd. They want to legislate righteousness instead of letting God change peoples hearts and follow Jesus.
I want to also add that many Evangelicals are trying to do everything they can to usher in the last days. To me that's nothing more than self righteous arrogance on their part. Only God knows the day and time.
Some define righteousness as killing and stealing.
@@KenRitter-b5iyeah like we could even force Gods hand? It’s so hard to even fathom.
@@likeasoldier777 It's putting the cart before the horse to do that, or even presuming to get the cart to go without a horse (or engine). It's idolatry. Give your hearts, minds, and souls to God and then let God complete the present part of the story through you. I observe that the history we know shows that the bible has patterns in it. The antichrist pattern and its consequences -- eventually ending in a salvation through the salvific and sacrificial manifestation of the spirit of God -- has emerged over and over, for instance. If there is a culmination of earthly history as we know it with a physical apocalypse and a physical return of Christ, this will be a one-off which also meets the pattern but has special features as well. Maybe we're talking about a cataclysmic event like a massive deadly meteor strike accompanying this, in which case the following events will happen in a "transformed world" -- or maybe we aren't. At any rate, being ignorant of the patterns can put us on the wrong side of God when it was wholly unnecessary.
@@KenRitter-b5i I know, right? I know a lady who thinks that because Trump (the pretentious buffoon who sins constantly in pride) did some worldly favors for the modern Jewish colonized Palestine, this means that it's helping eschatological events along. But one has to ignore a plethora of biblical warnings to "choose Trump" for that reason. For one thing, when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn. Nobody's absolutely righteous, but some manage to be a lot closer to God than others.
Those who use force to make people obey are the weakest among us.
Amazing how this channel is growing… I think ppl need this message
yeah. ❤ he’s amazing
he's over on Bluesky too
I'm an agnostic and I need this message. I started following this man to see if I could understand religion. His teachings reflect his church without walls. All are welcome at the table regardless of which spiritual philosophy they follow. He understood the assignment and he still does.
Since Rev Ed quotes the words of Jesus, whose message was love and reaching out to the poor, etc, I think over the next four years even more people will need to hear these messages.
@@lilianfowler7988 nicely said!
Many religious conservatives prefer Old Testament judgement and revenge, rather than New Testament love and forgiveness. Makes them feel safe, certain, and for men 'manly'.
You need both the Old and the New. It's not one or the other. 😊
@@JoAnnFuirdisagree. A Christian only needs the teachings of Christ. Everything else is just commentary.
@@silverghostcat1924 Jesus often quoted verses from the Old Testament. He never said to disregard the Old Testament. We need the entire Bible.
@@JoAnnFuirI don't. The words of Jesus are enough for me😊.
Ugh 😮
Some have stepped away from the church and have gotten closer to God
@@judymarshall7221 you cannot step away from the bride of Christ, or the Church, and still be close to God. Not if you follow the scriptures.
The political state of Evangelicalism brings a quote to mind...
“The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. Not wealth or luxury or long life or happiness: only power, pure power. We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means, it is an end. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?”
George Orwell, 1984
Thank you. I choose to follow the one true and only Jesus (soft), so be it.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you Rev Ed, I'll take "Soft" Jesus over "Republican" Jesus every time!
My roommate in college was a pig farmer from southern Minnesota. The Mankato area where Tim Walz is also from. He said that you have to beat and kick and hit the pigs with a stick to get them to do what you want. It seems that that is the spirit of the church these days. Pig farmers. But our Lord is not a pig farmer. He's a shepherd. He herds sheep. Kindness and mercy is his motus operandi. When we are kind and merciful we best exemplify and demonstrate the love of our Lord and shepherd. Mercy is the key. Blessed are the merciful. They shall receive mercy.
Beautiful. I thank you for this analogy. Pigs are VERY smart. Perhaps it never occurred to that pig farmer to use the smarts of his pigs--to WORK WITH the pig--we do not see consciousness anywhere in the world except in humans and it degrades us every single day that we treat the Earth and every creature on her as contemptible.
@@cbrashsorensen He was in the business of making a profit. Kinda like many churches these days.
@@cbrashsorensen and yet, "a righteous man regards the life of his beast." Pigs weren't on the classic biblical menu, so there isn't an explicit tradition about keeping them. But this general adage still applies.
Shepherds lead always. They don't best their flock to make them go anywhere. And if they try beating them the sleep or whatever animal refuses to go and runs away in all directions. Lol
A farmer who abused his herd by beating his pigs into submission just like these Christian Nationalists think you can beat people into submission.
I feel like we forget how counter-cultural Jesus’s teachings were in his time on Earth. Plenty of violent rebels and wannabe kings were called and claimed to be Messiah, and that’s what people expected Messiah to be, so Jesus’s calling for peace, humility, and loving our neighbor (even the ones we fundamentally dislike and disagree with) was just as much a challenge to the status quo as it is now.
Excellent, you are aware that Herod the Great and Herod the Tetrarch (Herod Antipas/Antipafter) both claimed to be messiahs. They frequently occur among Jews. Rabbi Lubavitch was a messiah recently. And his followers are Chabad Lubavitch or they are called Lubavitcher.
One more Old Testament “christian”. No time for Jesus and the Universal Christ. Jesus is for too “woke” for them and they are not shy in telling all how to live. They are not shy about condemning.
When one points out to them that not believing in The Christ means that they are not Christian, the rage and indignation spews forth.
Ed please keep sharing your message of love and acceptance. You continue to give me hope. Blessings!
I'm a fan of The Old Testament too but I'm not for hatred and vengeance. God the Father loves and provides for His children. He teaches us to love one another and not to revenge. He said vengence is His, not ours.
Thank you Reverend Ed. It’s been really hard navigating through everything that’s been happening to our society, our churches, etc. I grew up in the 70’s, so I’m old 😂. I’m an introvert, I’m much more comfortable observing & listening than stepping up on a soapbox. A common thing I notice is the use of the word “My”. My land, my home, my kids, my animals.. you get the idea. No one owns anything. No one. Yet a lot of churches & their parishioners have been taught for decades to protect what’s yours. Get as much as you can. And the awful “prosperity gospel” has taught its people that the more material goods you have, the more you’re “blessed”, the more “God loves you”. It disgusts me. Add the support of a person like DJT? That’s what finally made me realize that churches were not for me. I can’t stomach the teachings anymore, because they are so far off message. 😢 It breaks my heart that after being raised to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, that I don’t feel comfortable in churches anymore. Btw, I live in a small-ish town in central FL. It’s difficult living here, but like many people - I don’t have the option to move somewhere else. Anyway, I appreciate your channel more than I can say. 🕊️
I know how you feel. I was raised in the 60's and 70's in a Bible believing home with parents who walked by faith. I saw the rise in right wing secular politics seeping into the Evangelical Church, starting, when I was in college in the late 70's and when first got married in early 80's. And I watched it grow and expand, with our family feeling more like a canary in a coal mine, and no one caring to heed the warning. In fact we were judged for more and more for being Democrats. We were a generational Union family. My generation was the first to attend college, because of the Unions!
Finally, after the fiasco of the Covid response, I just couldn't find the strength to return to church, Even though we had changed to a much better one. We finally, after 4 years, attended church 2 weeks ago, and will go again this week. Loving Congregations do exist
Take time to heal, and the Lord will lead you back when you're ready.❤
It's easy and weak to hate others.
It takes a special strength to be kind to strangers.
It is known by most that negativity yields more energy which can deplete the light within; thus turns one into an haggard.
The context of the good Samaritan was the Israelites hated Samaritans. Yet... You know the story. Jesus rarely calls someone good.
@@gapsule2326 Well, Jesus didn't ask about good in this context. Jesus asked who was a neighbor. Jesus didn't go into good with respect to a fallen human, knowing all humans were fallen except the Son who was God dwelling in the tent of a human body.
Not if you know Christ Jesus. It's easy!
Sure it is...
In 2016 this is what the preacher of one of the biggest Megachurchs said on an interview with NPR (National Public Radio)
"...When I'm looking for a leader who's going to fight ISIS and keep this nation secure, I don't want some meek and mild leader or somebody who's going to turn the other cheek. I've said I want the meanest, toughest SOB I can find to protect this nation. And so that's why Trump's tone doesn't bother me."
And here we are ... again.
The preacher just wants to get even. Not preaching the soft Jesus ie turn other cheek. Most human wanted to get even and Tho’s preachers knew how to get people behind them.
This preacher forgot who was President when 9/11 happened.
Well, call that fellow anything, including a sucker-upper to mean, tough SOBs, but a Christian isn't it. Besides doesn't he know that Trump isn't even that! Trump is a pretender! He gins up worries then pretends he's fixed them. What shall we do if an actual problem appears? Well, about as well as he did with COVID, which was to have his goons find ways to not care and tell lies about science. Is that going to make ISIS do anything more than snicker at us?
All the tone, none of the smarts, except when it comes to making himself look good. That sounds a whole lot like an IDOL.
@@thanhbencriscutto9547 The willing-to-yield-and-sacrifice-for-peace Jesus
@@thanhbencriscutto9547 those preachers (?)
I like many others had two grandmothers that I got to know.
One was a woman I absolutely love and her love and kindness shone in everything she did.
The other was absolutely hateful, her bitterness was evident in everything she did.
I chose to be as much like my kind grandmother and I hope I made her proud of me.
How fortunate you are to have two such clear examples. My guess is the kind grandmother gave you enough kindness that you are strong enough and have enough of a reservoir of love that you are able to share it with others. Those of us who never had it have a much harder time getting to that place.
@
You’re so right, it lead me to a career as a PSW and I was able to care for so many in my 15 years.
@@auntiebobbolinkI grew up being abused, bullied, discriminated, etc. throughout my life before coming to Jesus. God has taught me how to love others even though I didn't know how to do it and didn't want to. God can do anything. Pray to Him and seriously want to live like Jesus and He will give you a new heart.
@@kimngandong I wasn't asking for advice or directions. I'm asking you to be softer and understand where others are coming from.
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life.
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority,
lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence,
empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside
every other person, too." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then
asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee simply replied,"The one you feed
I'm so sorry that you received that awful message. People are so angry these days, and they are often made angrier and more fearful by the "churches" they attend. I would suggest that, if someone hears a "hard" Jesus oratory coming out of any pastor, they get up and run away. Hellfire and brimstone never made life good for anyone.
I just came home from spending the entire day serving free Thanksgiving dinner to the poor and lonely. This is my 15th year. I started this the year after my mother died. I had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving, and a woman in my grief support group invited me to attend. Instead, I decided to serve. The people in that church are welcoming and warm. There is no judgment. The pastor is the same. Every year when I walk into the building, I feel a loving spirit, even before I see anyone. That church embraces EVERYONE. You are welcome even if you are not a believer. Today, we served so many people, people of all races, ethnicities, ages, shapes, sizes, and physical capabilities/incapacities. We served people who are gay and trans. We served people who had an aroma of hard work and no bathing facilities. I love them all. Some friends have asked me who my "tribe" is. I always said that I don't have one. But I have come to realize that these are my people, my "tribe".
You can look for a "church" - or a "tribe" - that confirms your prejudices and buttresses your anger, fear, and hatred, or you can seek a place that exemplifies a "soft Jesus". That is everyone's choice. But I can tell you that every year for 15 years, I have left that event walking on air and with a peace in my heart, despite the fact that I have many problems and tremendous fear about what is going to happen to my country and me. "Soft Jesus" lives in the hearts of those people, and I know that is where I want to be. No life can be made better by hatred, fear, resentment, and violence. We have to choose our company wisely.
Gods knew your heart. HE knew you have a heart of flesh not stone. That was why he blessed you with the gratitude heart and happy doing for the needy and the poor. When Jesus calling and if we be still and listen we can hear HIS calling and doing HIS will. Blessed be The Lord whom loved you then and still loving you now. Keep doing what you find peace and relax my dear.
Rev. Ed,
I'm tired. Not only am I suffering fr myalgic encephalomylitis, but the political situation in the United States is... how can I describe it? In the age-old battle of good against evil, we're losing; evil is roaming the land like a plague.
I studied the Holocaust in college, and I wondered how could they have let hitler do what he did... now I better understand how that horrendous situation came about. I also lived in Germany for a decade, and now I wonder if we're going to suffer in a similar manner like Germany did after WWII.
Now, in my eighth decade, I can't recall America in such a dire situation. We thought Nixon was bad, but nowadays, with the 2ximpotus about to grab power through his lies and manipulation of the most ignorant among us, I despair. That his cult base is SO uneducated, and lacking critical thinking skills is America's shame.
As I grapple with the multitudinous levels of what went wrong to get us where we are (so as to get an idea how we can possibly fix it), I just feel downhearted and tired. And frightened of how am I going to exist if the 2ximpotus does away with social security, Medicare, and food stamps.
This particular guy imagines himself a Fuhrer, but his handlers who feed him stories have been careful to write scripts for him with an "out." My fear (or anticipated laugh my head off) would be for when this loose cannon shepherding process breaks down for any reason.
Absolutely Rev. Ed!
Love is defined in 1 Corinthians 13: ...especially....."Love does not insist in its own way!"
People forget.
Some forget. Others only hear a reading that's a part of the Bible lifted out of context and then the sermon supports the pastor's point of view.
But they never go home and open a Bible to read the New Testament starting at Matthew.
@@ewokwarrior2656 It doesnt matter. The seed is sown. "Jesus' Word is Life," (John chapter 6.) He who hears, can believe, with just few Words. Then the tree grows very fast. Prayers from all of us, feeds that seed with living waters, for all, my prayers. Amen.
Live like Jesus. Kindness, love, peace.
So sad so many Christians have rejected the Bible in favor of the prosperity gospel
The Bible says anything one wants it to say. I feel like the only way to handle the Bible is stick to the red letters. I prefer the gospel of Thomas, just the sayings of Jesus.
@@jamesharkins6799no, it doesn't say "anything you want it to say". And the gospel of Thomas is gnostic nonsense.
@@MrSeedi76 What kind of spirit one reads classic canon scripture through, however, does matter. I endeavor to keep the vouched character of God uppermost in my soul when considering classic canon scripture.
We thought the prosperity gospel was bad, now we have the MAGA gospel
@@Ericviking2019They're the same thing. Someone is always left out and cast aside because of greed and pride.
Love ❤me some Jesus. The church is another story😢
True 😢
This non-super hero Christ discussion makes me think of why I like The Chosen so much. Christians who think Christ will come in glory to fix the world so it is best for us to mess it up as much as possible are like the people who expect the Messiah to be a warrior who will make the world Eden again. We need to fix our world first. We need to use our brains, our hands, our tongues, and our talents to create a world God would want to rule before He comes. When you describe the freeing of our hearts, you relate it so well. These people who want a dictator Jesus are like the thief on the cross that mocked Jesus for not saving himself, while the other thief recognized Jesus was there to save the world. Today is Thanksgiving in the US. I am very thankful for your message and ministry.🙏
we are here as stewards of the earth.
The Chosen is one of my top five favorite shows of all time.
Thank you for your beautiful, spot-on words! ✨💖✨
His kindness and love brings us to repentance
This is so helpful. Thank you, Pastor Ed. With all my heart. This sort of love that you speak of, and that Jesus teaches, is not an easy one.. and Jesus never said it was going to be easy. So if you want to be a warrior, be a warrior of love. Amen..
Thank you Father Ed, for explaining what loving like our neighbor must look like. I love Jesus way.
I have a friend who told me he didn’t want to hear any more sermons about loving your neighbor; that was too political. Rejecting Jesus’s very own words.
Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.
Thank you, Ed. You speak to my heart. I never thought that Christians would need to be reminded to be Christian, but here we are.
Our church is very much following the Jesus who cares for others, loving our neighbour. I am so thankful for this.
Fluffy to the worthy, but tough enough to face Calvary!
Hear, hear.
They want the Old Testament God who's at the end of his rope, but they never seem to assume they could be the next ones God can reasonably decide to give up on
True, true!
Feeling the same way. Thank you for being the voice of the true teaching of Jesus
That person believes in spiritual abuse. God is love. Period.
Thank you once again for your words of wisdom and truth. The more I listen to what is happening amongst white evangelicals in the States, the more I realize that BibleProject's series on the Sermon on the Mount speaks to our times. I encourage everyone to check it out. Blessings to you!
Thank you. This was amazing and helped me so much...
Yes you are doing what the Bible says not changing the Bible for what people want or think or control people minds. I have seen that so many times in the church ⛪
A radio host called them "cafeteria" preachers. They pick and choose what fits their narrative at that moment.
Those who think they are offending others, with callous words and actions, are simply offending themselves for all to witness...
As hate and disdain are the sign of weakness and FEAR, while tolerance and compassion is the mark of True*Strength and Courage.
L.O.V.E. rulz...
Pro💜Love
👣🕊👽
I am so thankful your channel popped up in my feed! I’ve been so very disheartened to hear so many so called Christians spouting so much hateful nonsense….thank you for being a ship in the storm.
Our Lord Jesus is both Lion and Lamb, tough and tender. We should always pray for wisdom and discernment to know when to use which.
In Isaiah, it says, “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.”
I would say, Jesus, God, doesn't need your help with the tough part. The world is tough enough. God has the power to do the tough things with care, compassion, and accuracy.
We are children in God's grace, we are to be compassionate to each other, you don't give children 10 lb sledgehammers.
Someone who thinks love is soft doesn't know anything about love. And loving one's enemy may be the most difficult feat of strength any human can endure. It's easy to mock, condemn, abuse, beat, etc., your enemy. Love isn't soft or easy.
God never intended for us to take revenge on anyone. Its his job to do so. Jesus is all about love.
Thank you for your channel and discussions. It provides as real, practical mediation for me when I need to unplug from the craziness. :)
Matthew 22:36-40 is very clear about the importance of loving your neighbor.
You are RIGHT. 💯 Percent.
Love is Christ Jesus ✨️♥️
This hardline Jesus you describe sounds like the messiah the Jews of Jesus day were looking for … a warrior slayer Jesus who took no prisoners
And they chose Barabbas.
The highest form of love described in the Bible is "agape" = unconditional love = soft jesus. Once you realize you can not judge and any judgments actually hinder, all you can do is let go and love. I always think about the saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Stop trying to influence and force "your will" Just let go, forgive, and have faith. Matt 6:28 "See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith?"
I'm in the process of reading Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez. What I've gotten so far is the sense that the Church doesn't want a Shepherd, but a Warrior. I too struggle about going church.
Amen, I love everything you're saying.
So grateful to have found this channel. Thank you for sharing your insights 🌞 ❤
I had a desperate conversation with my maga dad two nights ago. This man has consistently demonstrated through my 46+ years a selfless devotion to our family, a patient and kind spirit always willing to help anyone out who was in need. He was affectionate, generous, warm, and funny, and most importantly, he led by example in teaching us the tenets and importance of our faith.
I pleaded with him to hear me, to search his heart and seek guidance through prayer. I raised scriptures and told him I was devastated and so confused by his support for Trump. I begged him not to harden his heart. But he would not be moved. He told me that there was nothing Trump or anyone could do that would change his opinion. I asked him to prayerfully consider, if that was truly the case, then who his actual god was. It all went absolutely nowhere.
Another great message Pastor. Thank you!
Amen. Thank you.
God Bless ❤
Thank you
Thanks Rev Ed, I have to agree 100% with everything you said. Listening to your messages always helps me feel better & know there is a reason to keep hope. Sometimes through these horrible years of trump, his cohorts & his followers, I become very sad, angry & even hopeless at moments. Having your channel to watch & listen to has helped me a great deal over these past few years. I have an Anglican church that I attend but I am surrounded by many trump supporters and that gets frustrating. I just get baffled by the fact we are all in the same church with the same Christian beliefs; and yet, some actually think trump is good for America. Our priest is wonderful and I know his not a trump supporter and he keeps politics out of our church.
There will be few.
Thank you Rev Ed for speaking up. Isaiah chapter 6 is one of my favorites from the OT.
"Kind of confusing" was a nice way to put it. I would have said incoherent or, maybe, illiterate. Whoever wrote that only reads the "I come with a sword" part of Jesus' message and believes it means he/she is supposed to beat people up. Got not use for that theology.
Or it could be English isn't their first language. Either way some other comments I have come across are almost impossible to decipher. The ones that give me a headache are those that use no punctuation or capital letters 🤯
@@silverghostcat1924 That's a good point. Regarding capitalization and punctuation, I've watched vids about translation from the Greek where they showed a block of text that didn't even have spaces. Imaginehavingtosortallthatoutwithoutakeyofanykindespeciallyiftherewereadjacentwordswhereshiftingalettertothewordafterchangedthemeaningentirely. (I nearly hurt myself typing that.)
I think sometimes people are responding to a comment or something that was said, not realizing that no one knows what they are responding to.
@@K.L.M.Online True. Context is important.
@@donaldwert7137 This sounds like there was a lot of pressure to get it written down as quickly as possible. Abbreviations were thrown in too.
First let me say Amen. It takes me back to when I was in college and I was meeting with a group of like-minded students a Christian group where we would meet every week and we sat on the floor and we sing songs together and we prayed together and sometimes there would be people sharing and teaching sometimes not and to me as I look back that is for me the truest example of what the church should be.😊
Only what Jesus said.
Jesus overturned the money tables
The only time he displayed anger
@@jamesharkins6799 And this was because the activity was detracting from the ministry of God.
I do not identify as “christen”. However I strongly believe that Christ came to this world to teach us to forgive and love ourselves so that we can forgive and love others. Treat our neighbours as we would treat ourselves
What I heard was judgement in that email. What a lot of so called Christians forget is the scripture: Matthew 7:1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you". We are also judged by our fruits or lack thereof.
Amen, brother!!!
thank you almost as if you were able to peek inside my world and know what I am struggling with.
It seems that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is absent in much of today's theology. True spiritual worship and a loving relationship with Jesus would be the cure.
Jesus' time was very much like times today in many ways. Yet, Jesus brought his mission because he saw the problems of that time. He didn't give people an easy road to travel. He even tells them how difficult it will be (including directly telling them that others will try to hurt them because of their beliefs, as well as his mention of the difficult narrow road vs the wide road that leads to hell.)
Soft Jesus vs. Commissar, Jesus. Soft Jesus for the win 🏆
Reverend Ed, come over to Bluesky, you can preach there without reprisal
Amen, Pastor Trevor’s. Thank you for being here on TH-cam. You have been an encouragement to me.
Meekness is not weakness-it never has been.
Rev ed is the best
Love God- Love your neighbor! Five little words for life!!
Amen. I would rather follow a soft loving Jesus than a dictator.
Jesus is both the Lion and the Lamb❤️❤️
Thank you, I needed this.
Living to look like the soft Jesus of the Gospels has been a large part of what has carried me through the last almost 25 years, and kept the passive suicidal ideations I've struggled with for the past thirtyish years from ever becoming active. The reality is that if God were what American Christian Nationalists claim, I would have no choice but to be his enemy even knowing fully well that in the end I am completely powerless before Him. Instead, God is the overwhelming lovingkindness that keeps the dark and cold night at bay in this broken soul. I'll never understand why He loves me but I hope to be the best reflection possible of that love to those around me until the day He says my time on earth is over.
This is beautiful. Thank you. You are the disciple others see and think “I want to be like that.”
I feel the same way, if the Calvinists view of God is correct I want nothing to do with him. Because what kind of monster has a “perfect will” that plans and preordains a six year old receiving SA from a relative? Condemn me now almighty one if you are that god because I cannot and will not follow nor honor you.
Fortunately that’s not the Jesus we read about. He blessed little children, was tender to widows, was kind to prostitutes and spoke intentionally to the woman at the well. Can I be that guy’s disciple and follow in his footsteps? Yeah.
It takes so much to deny oneself and put others first. If we do out of shear will it becomes nearly an impossible burden. However, I have someone in my life who does this for me, every single day. He constantly looks for ways to make my life easier, he puts my needs ahead of his own, he works and gives me all his wages, he provides me a roof over my head and clothing on my back, food for me to cook. And all of this seems to be effortless to him. He loves to do more and more! Why? Because he is my husband and he LOVES ME! LOVE changes the equation. It changes the dynamic of everything. If we try to do for others, and find it burdensome, we aren't doing it with love. Love for Christ and for others, and love for others, for the sake of Christ is a joy. GOD IS LOVE, LOVE IS GOD!
The strongest people are the quiet ones, when the time comes those are the ones you can count on to defend you.
Disappointed at the church, maybe. NOT disappointed in his love! Fulfilled. I have found....PURE satisfaction.
The idea of "turning the other cheek" is radical in a world where "an eye for an eye" is the norm...
The Jesus of the bible is radical, and his kingdom comes through the feet-washers and the feeding the poor, the fatherless and the widow...
God bless you Father Ed, and everyone who has taken the time to read this.
D
Beautiful words…Jesus’ world includes humble feet washers and those of pure love & kindness towards others. I choose to live in that world, thank you!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
The biggest turning point in the development of my faith was listening to a sermon by Paul Washer that was heavily focused on the sermon on the mount. To this day that one sermon of Jesus’ has been the most impactful for me.
Yes indeed, this is where we will find ourselves, as so the new testament heralds. His love and Peace.
The whole point of learning the ways of Christ is to learn how to love God and people. This is why we obey Christ's commands.
If I love my neighbor I won't lie to them.
If I love my neighbor I won't steal from them.
If I love my neighbor I won't return violence to them.
If my neighbor or my enemy is hungry, I will feed them.
If I love my neighbor I won't gossip, slander, covet, be prideful, be greedy, ect, ect.
Do unto others.....
I wouldn't want my neighbor to do any of these things to me, so why would I do it to them?
Love is the essence of being a follower of Christ and love is always an action.
Your messages are positive. Keep up the good work.
I have found hope in the Beatles song," All You Need is Love." Love for God, Love for your fellow man, and love yourself. If only I could master all three forms of love. I remember that we show our love for God by loving each other.
Colossians 3:1-11.christ is in all.this is who we are to love
Thank you ❤! Amen 🙏!
The message of love one another, care for one another and talk and listen to one another so can help one another. Is such a powerful message and way of life; to hate or be angry at others and shut them out is easy and takes not work. following jesus is hard and takes much effort and sacrifice. Why i love jesus he knows i'm going to make mistakes in my journey of life. but as long as i am trying to follow his way and be a good person toward all. especially my opponents and oppressors who wish me to stray from jesus's path of love one another. to their doctrine of anger, intolerance, blind obedience and hatred which is an anathema to me.
Well God sent Jesus as a gift to us, to save us and God was well pleased with him.That is good enough for me.
Reverend, Ed, you are no fool. Jesus would be so proud of you or standing up against the hate that he is seen in this world. We need more people like you. I feel sorry for Felicia, she's the fool..
I need to listen more to that message you have!
Intellectually I am there! But my being is so hardened that I have to re-internalize the "soft" (and those quotation marks are HUGE) approach!
Good that I discovered you! Even apart from all that is going on over on your continent (I am a German) your content is kind of healing to me. Thank you! I need to go back being closer to that "soft" Christ to be able to productively go on into the future!
Did you know that Timothy Snyder has a new book, “ On Freedom”. It is really good ❤
Amen Rev.