Those Who've Never Heard of Jesus, Damage of Seeker-Friendly Church Models & Church Hurt |Q&A Part 8
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ต.ค. 2024
- You asked things. I did my best to answer the things.
Timestamps:
00:19- Question 1: Should we pray to Jesus or to the Father? Or to either?
01:10- Question 2: Do you think it is ok as a Christian to use they/them pronouns for a friend? Do you think if Christians do comply with using preferred pronouns that it would be enabling them?
03:50- Question 3: Are Christians the only people who please God? Are they the only ones who are going to be saved? What about the people who existed before Judaism who didn't know Jesus? What is the criteria for salvation?
14:10- Question 4: Should all churches provide some form of equipping in the word to those who want it? Or is this the job of small groups? While our church does not teach false doctrines, since we are not equipped in how to study the word for ourselves, many members of the church are following false Gospels. Inside our groups most of what we find is life issues and self-help books from the perspective of questionable teachers. What is the role of the church an the congregants?
24:10- Question 5: I feel like I may being led to start re-evangelizing people who used to go to church. I am wondering if you can point me in the right direction for helping those who were hurt by the Church, or are mad at God.
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Thank you so much for this.
One of my adult children wants me to use pronouns other than his true gender.
I gently told him that I have never lied to him, and I was not going to start now.
Now he will have nothing to do with me.
Other parents in my situation have told me that I must accept his "truth," or I will lose him forever.
If I participate in his lie, it puts both of us in danger of being lost to God forever.
No matter how much it hurts (and oh! It does hurt!) I have to hear and listen to my Father's voice and obey Him, even at the cost of relationship with my son.
You are not alone. In similar situation. It is never loving to lie and deceive people. Jesus told us He did not come to bring peace but to divide ( read Mathew 10:34-39). The other verses where the priest Eli knows about his son's sexual immorality and does nothing, and the Lord says to him "you honor your sons more than you honor Me." And the Lord puts his sons to death. You love your son do not forsake the Lord and give in to your son's manipulations. And you have prayer. What your son is doing is persecution, so stand firm in the Lord. As long as your son has breath there is hope. Dig into God's Word deeply, He will give you strength as you pick up your cross and follow Jesus.
This scripture truly represents what's going on in the world today.
You are doing the right things. I pray YAH give us all strength to stand strong in these trying times.
Matthew 10:34-40
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
@@DS-zo8xs amen
It does hurt! For sure! My son holds a lot of resentment toward me because I won't accept his lifestyle. He gets angry at that word. He has been so disillusioned by the enemy saying that it's not a lifestyle, but has the "I was born this way" stance. I pray for him earnestly and consistently, and I let him know I love him and am here for him. However, I also let him know that I cannot partake in his lifestyle. He said "then you'll never be fully part of my life" and with tears in my eyes I had to say, "I know."
@@pambie56 it definitely hurts. I remember when my children used I was born this was and the shocked look on their faces when I said of course you were. We are ALL BORN SINNERS. We all have sinful desires. The Lord definitely helped me with the words and now I know the last part I must add...and that is why you and I need to be born again. I pray misery prayers for them too, that the Lord would make them miserable with their sin, leading them to repentance and faith in Christ alone. You don't resent your son for not accepting your faith in Christ, heartbroken yes, so why should he be resentful of you? May Christ be your strength and bless you with true believers who will come alongside you on this rough road we travel. Praising the Lord Jesus that He walked it first!🙏❤
Newly (within the last decade) “saved” and I pray to Jesus.
Congratulations and welcome. I've learned as one matures in the faith and learns more, you will have times praying to Father God, to Jesus and even to God's Holy Spirit" individually are appropriate. Warmest regarrds in your continued growth.
Why do they use the word “ preferred?” It should really be “demand.” That’s what they do.
GOOD POINT!!! 💣💥
Some… (in my opinion, the super annoying ones). But that’s something I totally don’t understand and likely never will.
Apologies for the rant, in advance. ;) It’s equity not equality. They have been given the ability to force others to call good evil and evil good and adhere to their demands and we know that our Government separated itself from GOD a long time ago. WE NEED TO KNOW THAT THE WORD OF GOD IS ACTUALLY WHAT ORDAINED THAT SEPARATION IN A DIFFERENT WAY THAN MOST KNOW. The GOV. can not be trusted anymore and hasn’t been trusted for a long time now, most of my life at least, and they are fully compromised. It has printed the words in Latin on the dollar since they started being printed translated meaning “Secular New Order” so we know that they had abandoned GOD long ago but that doesn’t mean that we must do the same. Separation of Church and state means that THE CHURCH is an institute over the government and not bound to it but the opposite. The Church was placed over the government to stop tyranny and oppression that when “power” is given to mankind, especially one man, corruption is inevitable. Always know that GODS WORD IS ABOVE THE WORD OF MANS LAW FOR IT IS DIVINE ORDER AS WELL!! BE BLESSED!!🙏🏽✝️🐑
The nonbinary people I know in real life very rarely 'demand' others to use their pronouns. The only place I've heard of people demanding is in the media.
@@mm-dn6oe there’s no such thing as a non-binary person in REAL LIFE! “Very rarely” doesn’t mean the same as never, so you admit that some of them do, right?
My Dad just passed and as we are preparing his Celebration of Life the question the pastor asked about him was his Christian walk. When he became a Christian, all of us agreed he went to church read the word. The issue was he was never discipled, after nearly 50+ years he finally understood and learned to forgive and reconcile with many.
His story the Pastor learned was one of healing. Stating he see so few families get healing during the person's life.
The Holy Spirit is working through all of us, to heal the past pain and we have forgiven each other.
Even I was asked when I said I was a Christian, were you raised as such. I said yes, but I didn't understand the theology when I was young. I walked away for 25 yrs. When I came back, going to church helped a little. Then I listened to God's Word and my life changed at that moment. I'm still working through my sin nature, but the Lord is with me.
Thanks for talking about the Church's lack of Discipleship, fortunately there are Church's that are doing these things as well.
Grace and Peace to you. Would you like to be included in our Theology Group chat on a different platform for further discussion?
The group an assortment of people with various theological beliefs and backgrounds. What we all have in common is a desire to discuss the bible, religion and Christianity. It's a good opportunity to witness to non-believers and fellowship with believers.
I'm sorry for the loss of your dad, and I thank you for sharing his and your testimonies. 🥰
I’m in the process of leaving a seeker friendly church and it occurred to me recently that it creates “church hurt” so I’m glad to hear someone else make that connection 🙏 love your work
I love the way you carefully word things : and all truth! Thank you for your solid, biblical teaching and perspective. You are inspiring!
Definitely would like to see more videos about church hurt, as it's something that I encounter quite often when talking to people about religion...a very common pattern is someone who grows up in a more legalistic church and either doesn't fit in well (like they have a different personality or something) or they do something or question something and then are disproportionately castigated for it. My personal theory is that these groups are ruled by fear, which leads to them instituting a lot of rules to try and control the fear, which just sets people up to fail, which leads to people pretending, which leads to hypocrisy. Also an over-emphasis on obedience to authority, which can lead to people getting taken advantage of.
What really blows my mind is that after the Millennial Kingdom , when Christ Jesus is physically here to be seen by all, there will be people who still reject Jesus! (Rev 20:7-8). I still can’t wrap my mind around that. I think it was a mistake to call the building that believers gather, “Church” because we are the church and one of the purposes of the church is to spread the Good News to unbelievers. Great video! Be blessed 🙏🏾
They rejected him when he came bodily the first time. We are truly dead and enslaved to sin until the Lord saves us. Praying for the salvation of the lost.
So true! Thanks for pointing that out
loved the professor example!! I had a professor my first semester of college, he had a huge auditorium of students, he was popular, not handsome, but entertaining and funny, never taught a single thing from the text book, I took notes feverishly, tried to understand the text book, ended up failing the class because none of the tests reflected any of the lectures, nor did I remember anything from the textbook. What class? Anthropology. Over the summer I retook the course with a female teacher, much smaller class of about 20, she taught both from the book and her own material, got a B. Her tests were exactly on her lectures and the textbook.
Wow, didn't get to that part of video yet, but your example of someone not teaching but tickling ear(entertaining) from personal experience is excellent.
I’m 50 and I’ve learned more from your channel/content than I’ve ever learned in church. Keep up the good work Melissa and I wish you all the best as you complete your Master’s in Christian apologetics. Can’t wait to see what future holds for you! 😊
Read more.
This was fire!! Today's Q&A was worded in solid theology and the confidence behind your responses was covered in Spiritual confirmation and grace. Thank you for honoring the call to share truth without compromise. I appreciate you Sis!
A great resource for overcoming church hurt is the book titled, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson & Jeff Van Vonderen.
And a big AMEN to the fact that as the church is made up of only believers… the church is FOR believers. A church seeking to be Seeker- Friendly is a church willing to compromise on biblical principles.
And another great resource on being led by the Holy Spirit as opposed to the flesh is Baptism & Fullness: The Work of the Holy Spirit Today by the late John R W Stott.
God bless you and your ministry, Melissa! You have made me feel so much better about switching churches.
My first church was like my first love, but as I became a deeper christian, my church did not. I voiced my concern that I was ready for meat instead of milk to a pastor and was told "that's what groups are for." Ok! So I started attending every group that I could attend (with my work schedule, not all were possible).
It seemed like all of them in my time requirements were the kind you satired. I gleaned what bible knowledge I could from life application and fitness groups.
I asked the same pastor for help getting biblical content and was told, out of 12 or so groups, *one* was bible study. It met at 10am on Tuesday mornings.
When I was on midnights, I could not stay awake that long (I tried more than once to attend, only to be nudged repeatedly for sleeping), and when I switched to days, I was working at that time!
So, after trying really hard to study on my own for close to three years, I made the decision to leave my church. It took a a while, but I found a church that teaches straight from scripture, has a choice of bible study classes directly before Sunday service, encourages prayer partners, and a pastor that has no problem sitting down with me after a frantic email asking if I interpreted scripture wrong.
You just convinced me that it wasn't *just* me that had the issue about my discipleship. I have been feeling like I unjustly divorced a spouse this whole time. I still love my first church, but I was starving!
You’re a very strong Christian content provider who I look to for guidance and wisdom. Thank you for serving God. 🙏
Thank you for sharing the truth and answering the hard questions a lot of people avoid talking about.
As someone who used to be an occultist who turned to Christ, I really relate to a lot of your content.
Having a deeper philosophical context to who God is after leaving behind self-worship and idolatry is something many people don’t understand. You really eloquently explain these kinds of things and make solid arguments to people who want to relate Christianity to these false teachings and false gods.
After I gave my heart to Jesus, and began learning about the Word of God, I was so shocked by how many people have no actual understanding of the theology and how much society has led people to believe these lies about Christianity.
Thank you for all of the wise words.
Love your no-nonsense answers balanced with love and compassion. I almost always “share” your content.
I love your owe-brows. I want them. Thank you for your research
I love the examples you give, and how you don't compromise the truth to avoid offending people.
Yes!!!!! It is a major problem in our churches.
Great point. The one thing they can’t change is chromosomes. It’s all based on chromosomes. The Emperor‘s New Clothes is a great comparison!
Seeker friendly. Wow!! I can think of so many churches who do this. I also know of some churches that have died ( closed the doors) because they would not do this. I agree with you on the they/them pronouns. I appreciate all I have learned from you.
I agree with everything you said. It's not easy being a Christian, in the world today, the bible says we're to live in the world, not of the world. I prey that those who watch, will grow in there faith.ihope you have a blessed day! ⛪😊😊
Thank you so much Melissa. I learn so much from listening to your podcasts. I love your boldness in speaking the truth of God's Word. I really appreciate what you said about the seeker sensitive church, who feed their flock weak, watered down milk, where their members never experience true born-again conversion. ❤
I pray to Jesus because in Him dwells all the fullness of the godhead bodily. I enjoy listening to Melissa’s skillful oratory. I try to learn from her.
I absolutely won't use preferred pronouns. I use sex based pronouns unless I'm unaware of the sex of the person or animal I'm referring to. I know it might hurt them but mostly pronouns are used when speaking about someone and not to them. I can use their name. I won't lie to them or others or indulge in their delusions, because it hurts them more to go along with a lie than it will to tell them the truth. Don't lie to people.
I've always tended to specialize in adjetives for certain people. Then I need to repent. Always remain true to God, yourself and then others. Remember there is no such thing as "my truth" or "your truth." Why? Because facts reveal the actual undisputable truth. Hope that is an encouragement. Be a blessing.
...another thing is wrong pronouns leave the door open to use wrong pronouns to refer to God!
@@KM-zn3lxGod uses masculine pronouns in scripture. Father. Son. Isn’t really complicated. I wonder why people like to make excuses, not like you are though.
Thank you! I have no idea why supposed Christians are confused on this.
@@Yesica1993 because we are meant to be compassionate and kind
Q: Responsibility of the Church: I can relate to this completely. It’s impossible to find or even connect with anyone in church who wants to really study and dig deep into the Bible. I’ve asked my pastor twice and both times he evaded the question. I can only assume he doesn’t know of anyone or doesn’t want to pair me up with anyone. Both of these are conjecture of course but there it is. Thanks to Melissa and other TH-cam apologists I have been able to learn what my church does not provide. 😢
God, please help us! ❤
Fantastic topics and thank you for making this understandable to all. Great nourishment for the soul! Nothing replaces, reading the Bible, asking God to open it to our souls, and prayer. Just to say that that is what has helped me after my church went woke. Jesus and not the church was my absolute identity. Not saying I’m great, but God is amazing and great! He is the one.❣️🙏🏼
Thank you Melissa for being such a good student of the word. You explain everything so well and your use of scripture shows not just knowledge, but a relationship to the word as well. I’m older and am looking for God to heal some wounds, to lead me through repentance and forgiveness, and for growth that I was unable to experience much of my years in the church. Keep on making these great videos. God bless.
My grandmother, who was a believer, always said God is a fair God, and no one who doesn’t deserve Hell will be there. She definitely was not saying that as long as you’re good you’ll go to Heaven. She most definitely believed that people who know or hear the gospel must then choose to become believers - or not. I have also read the theory that persons who have died without the gospel will, at the time of the resurrection (or at some point after their death) be given the gospel and will have the chance to accept Christ. Is that something you find plausible?
The Bible says nothing, nothing can separate us from God's love found in Christ Jesus. As for he ll, the people there know why they are there and do not want to leave. But if they did, I do believe Jesus would save them. There is so much we cannot comprehend here. God has given us the book we need to live on this Earth for Him. But after this, we will become more and more perfected in Him and in the knowledge of Him. Praise God forever! ♡♡♡
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 8.
REALLY solid! I've been in full time ministry over 20 years, and your answers hold up with scripture AND lived experience.
meh...
@@markwildt5728 lol - if it's really "meh", why bother commenting? Seems to me that you want to say more than meh.
I truly enjoy the way you share your knowledge. Thank you for your obedience to our Father! God bless you and your family. 🤍🙏🏼
I highly highly recommend 'The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse' written by Jeff Vanvonderan and David Johnson. Jeff comes from a counseling background and gives many examples of people who have been abused in church.
Personally, we were hurt at a previous church where we had a narcissistic pastor. It was a horrible ordeal and we read this book and watched Jeff Vanvonderan's videos which can be found on his website.
We are now in a place of searching for a biblically sound church which is a challenge in our area. We want to enter back into a community of believers. We had done a aller home church model for a time. I'm so thankful these two men wrote this book.
Another great one was 'The first will be last' by DC Robertson.
Hopefully this will help someone that has been hurt.
One thing I'd caution on helping those with church hurt is not degrading their story or minimizing their hurt. Being heard is highly therapeutic. Sometimes I think people need time away from the institution of church to heal as well. Just so long as they don't stay away for too long. It's ok to take time away to heal. ❤
excellent Melissa!! Thank you for making these videos. You really get me thinking and diving into the Bible more, and really understanding how to respond or act in this day of so many confused gender ideology and false gospels.
Loved this, Melissa....excellent explanation of salvation and I thought the "business model" of church quite excellent too. You really love the Word. I came across this verse a couple of days ago that reminds me of you...Ps 119:162 "I rejoice at Thy Word as one who findeth great spoil."
Melissa, this was an awesome Q&A. One of the questions to spoke to me was the first one cuz I struggled with it. I remember in my prayers apologizing to the Father or the Son, feeling like I wasn't acknowledging One while praying to the Other. But like Jesus said in Scripture of John, "The Father and I are one", and as He said to the Pharisees, "If you knew Me, you'd know my Father also".
Very well said-- great teaching-- thanks 🙏
Great Melissa. You hit it on the head about the church and the beliver. I agree. Apologetics is absolutely a need Un all churches.
22:14- "The difference between genuine wisdom or shallow judgment". WOW. That's deep. I literally had to stop the video and chew on that for awhile.
I Love you and this channel. Your silliness, geekiness, and solid Theology are the reasons I tune in (as well as the occasional awesome art piece). It struck me that the loose model for group therapy might work for those considering deconstruction or who believe in God, but who carry wounds from churches, like I have. If people had the opportunity to hear others' experiences, as well as were led by a Godly moderator, either a pastor or a Christian counselor or both, they would gain a deeper appreciation and knowledge of their faith, especially in light of who God is, and who they are in Christ, with the Holy Spirit in them. It might be something I'd be interested in doing. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and would Love to get more knowledge and possibly credentials in theology (from Hillsdale or some other reputable school). I'd also Love to minister abortion-vulnerable women and girls in the church and elsewhere.
Great video Melissa! Been having these conversations a lot lately. No discipleship in the church, self help type teachings in Sunday school and Bible studies. I learned what I know by digging into the word myself and I still feel like I know little to nothing, but many have told me I know way more than them…
Yes! The last question WAS a good springboard to the preceding one!
Thank You again Melissa 💜
My husband, a college professor, saw your thumbnail and said, people should not be able to police how you talk about them when they aren't there.
Very good replies and explinations. God has gifted you. Be a blessing.
Added: I do not know if you get your questions here but I live in a situation where because of a severe rare physicaal condition I am what we used to call a shut-in. I've invited many Chrstian men over for a cup of coffee and prayer together (not even regarding me). "Oh that sounds great. I'll let you know," is the general response with no follow-up.
I do get spiritual feeding by my own indepth research of scripture and prayer, but feel cut off by the faith community. It is a poor testimony for those professing a Christian lifestyle. Also I've noticed in many organized curches today, if you are over the age of 45 (I'm just south of 70) you do not exist.
"But we have an on fire (what ever that means) youth ministry. Yet, we Christian boomers are neglected. Believe me we have much in experience to offer, but those in today's places of authority do not want us.
I feel a bit like the hermit monk in "Young Frankstein." (Yes it is ok to laugh at that)
Anyway, I'd be interested in your thoughts on both sides of this issue. Thanks.
Solid Melissa!
Another Gospel by Alisa Childers can help those hurt in the progressive church -
Thank you Melissa, for this video. Tracey Burroughs from South Africa 🇿🇦 watching your video.
Thank you so much Melissa. For speaking truth and doing it lovingly. God bless you. 🙏🏼💕
Regarding pronouns:
1. I speak English and use the appropriate pronouns according to the grammar of the language. As we already knew years ago, some folk use the "they them" set of pronouns in certain contexts indeterminate of number or sex, in the same way mathematicians use the plural to mean "one or more". Sometimes such usage is employed awkwardly or incorrectly because of lack of skill or uncertainty, rather than to make a political statement. But if I speak of John, I will use "he, him" because that's what/who he is.
2. We of course can know that people legally may be regarded to have whatever name each chooses, provided actually uses the moniker that way and intends to be so known. People acquire all sorts of names, nicknames, stage names, and the like, many of which may seem sexually ambiguous (e.g. Dale, Lynn, Aubrey, Marion, Adrian) with no intent to apoear the opposite sex. So if a man is called Alice or a woman George, well, so be it. These are proper nouns, not pronouns.
3. We will encounter, indeed certainly have encountered, people who present convincingly as the sex opposite to which born. I hope we all may be excused for following the presentation in such cases; other observers often may be less confused that way. These are cases where we don't know or may not know other than what we see and hear.
4. Exactly as you say, I have no obligation to, and may have an obligation not to, enter into someone else's fantasy about what he/she imagines is a preferable way to exist. This could indeed be co-dependent/enabling, which is harmful, and is untruthful, which generally is wrong.
5. We do need to remember that there are a number of chromosonal anomalies found among humans, although rarely. These include multiples of either X or Y, and also chimerism. Some of these do not manifest visibly. Usually the presence of a Y will produce the appearance of a male. And yes, a few individuals here and there may manifest ambiguous genitalia. My point in mentioning all these is for awareness, for a sense of compassion for those so afflicted - and also to point out that MOST issues of "gender dysphoria" stem from entirely other causes. We need to take reasonable account of the odd case (just as we do of ectopic pregnancy in respect of abortion) without letting it define the narrative.
In my experience, the vast majority of nonbinary people are not using they/them pronouns to 'make a political statement.' It can be perceived that way when you only see the social media side of this stuff but that's really not the case in real life.
Thank you for saying God doesn't send anyone to hell, they're already condemned.
I loved it hope you just keep preaching more your pure word
Thanks as always, Melissa! Your work is a blessing.
I've given a lot of thought to the pronouns issue and have several friends/acquaintances who use pronouns in a non-traditional manner and am currently settled into 2 conclusions:
1. Truth. I won't lie about what I believe.
2. Be loving. Not everyone is ready to face what underlies pronoun usage. I will actively avoid hurting people when it does not compromise adhering to truth.
More than anything, I see the changes in pronoun usages as an assault on basic reasoning. Nobody has their own third person pronouns (that's what first person pronouns are for). I refer to someone in the third person according to the way I see them because that's what referring to someone/something means.
Thank you thank you thank you for answering that pronoun question. I love your Q&A. 😊
I"m a pastor who has stressed exactly what you've said regarding the question on if the church should provide material to help teach a deeper understanding of the Word. Unfortunately it so often feels like an upward battle in trying to get that understood by others!
Sis, you're wonderful. Not perfect; no one is, certainly not me. I love listening to you. Thanks Melissa!
Really really love your videos, as a newbie, they help me a great deal.
Well Done Melissa. The equipping answer is so important. The church is for equipping. If the church were to err in its focus on just equipping alone we would all be better off.
Excellent, Melissa! Your answers are so articulate and full of wisdom.
Well thought out and answered to each question and very helpful 🙏
Love your videos! I go to a church where years ago it was the pastor who was hurt in a way that was totally mortifying and the worst thing I ever experienced, but our pastor handled it with dignity and such humility that I think the whole congregation was forever changed by his response. Someone got up in the middle of his sermon, totally taking everyone by horrified surprise saying all kinds of mean nasty things. He stood there and took the abuse, apologized and I still think his reaction has such long lasting effect on our congregation. He and his family suffered greatly that day. When that woman was done, she walked out. The congregation sat in disbelief but we all prayed for the remainder of the service and it was wonderful to think we had such a great leader, a leader by example of humility and courage.
Once I started attending bible study I realised how much there are to learn and getting understanding. Topic for topic and discussions you start to see why pastors get educated for years ( 7 )and some even do Doctorates. There are exceptions, but normally you realise this knowledge is life-changing.
I love these videos Melissa, your answers are always rooted in Scripture and they make me think deeper about my faith. I'm not sure if you answer questions from youtube comments but I have one for you:
Do babies go to heaven when they die? I know that babies are not able to comprehend concepts like sin and salvation, but if we are born into sin, does that mean that babies are condemned to hell? This question has plagued me for quite some time and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. God bless :)
Great job! Very well researched and thoughtful answers--especially on seeker sensitive churches and church hurt.
Dude!! I mean Lady 🤪
This video is 🔥👏👏👏
Question @ minute 8:00 is so foundational to witnessing!
And the answer to it especially @ min 11,12,13 could be something I come back to, try to retain for my own encounters with people with questions 🙏💜
I was thinking as you spoke, I've heard this explained many ways by many leaders, like Winger, Parr, McCray, Childers & Bontrager.
I think sometimes touchy and difficult topics are worth repeating, again and again. Listening from many angles.
Hopefully this analogy will stick this time!!
Thank you for anyways speaking through God in a way that makes me feel validated and reassured. Sometimes I feel I’m one of few Christian’s in the world who feels strongly against pronouns and who strongly agrees with the points you have made.
Q@14:00 also SO needed!!
A@17,18......22,23.
En 🎯 pointe
So good.
I definitely will be playing this video in my ear several times this week!
I have a church friend who used to lead. For personal reasons had to step away from serving, totally get it.
Also, needed to go back to a church attended before this one. Again, respect ✔️
BUT, several other people have had some church hurt, minor in comparison to horrendous, but also totally understandable 💕 They are now going to same church as person A.
Love it, sounds good.
Person A has a pretty big chip on the shoulder, which I get, and has taken it upon themselves to multiply chips from the other people's shoulders, and start to sow doubt into me & my family about our church.
I've listened and prayed, and for now, I'm going to stay 🙏
I see the valid reasons made. YET, I don't think that means anyone who SEES what's happening needs to jump ship.
NO! Some people are called to be a bridge.
So the challenge is popularity, and clique's? Fine, those don't matter to me, I can still stand in the face of those truths.
Challenge is under discipled? Okay, like your answer says, I've been around a few years, I've taken a couple trips through the Bible, and watched WEEKS of Apologetics videos. I see a NEED.
With several probably not coming back. I will stay, I will witness the healing and growth that's to come 🙏 Hallelujah 👏🙌 PTL ☝️
I will start to speak of unity and denounce division. Just because someone has been divided, we need to recognize and move on.
I can’t wait til my question is answered lol. 😂it’s been a while. I don’t even remember the question I sent it 😂
My favorite is to hear brothers pray to Jesus in Jesus’ name! Really? Our prayers should be thought out and theologically accurate and not gushing waters from an undisciplined mind!
You spoke light to a lot of great points. Thank you. Just found this channel and am enjoying it. God bless
Great video.
Love love love love your college analogy. Can't wait to share
Ephesians 4:11-12: the job of the “pastor” or teacher is to equip the Saints for the work of the ministry. The exact opposite of “feed yourself; not my job.”
I can really relate to what you are saying. I live in an area that is a spiritual desert. There just are no churches that are equipping the saints. I have started a home church after 65 years of searching for the type of church you are describing. I know there are no perfect churches and I don't expect that but it seems that in my area there are three types of churches. 1. Ignorant pastors and people with no desire to learn beyond their long held traditions. 2. Theologically unsound churches especially when it comes to soteriology. 3. Seeker sensitive to the point of ignoring the clear teaching of scripture in order to enhance and/or keep attendance. And sometimes a mixture of these.
The people I am meeting with are good sincere people but they are suffering from many of the negative things you described such as biblical ignorance, spiritual immaturity, church hurt and wrong thinking about the reason Jesus started his church in the first place and how he intended it to operate.
Please pray for my wife and I and our community of believers, and know that your podcasts are a great blessing to us. I play them for our church quite often and I fully intend to share this one as well. Our prayers are with you.
In another video you shared about the first church group you met with and the fact you had to come out of it because of legalism. Well I was raised in that same group (not calling any names but you know who I am talking about) and my journey to keep the good and reject the bad has been to say the least a difficult one. The two seminaries and one bible school I went to opened my eyes to the need to educate myself in the Bible and I find that the closer I get to God and his truth the more estranged I find myself from the pastors and churches in my area. I haven't cancelled them but they have cancelled me. I pray that I have not missed the truth myself because I really have no one to sharpen my iron against and at times think if I could just find somewhere a local church that is truly carrying out Christ's commission I would move there but I am about to believe I would have to leave the USA and go to Africa or China or Afghanistan where Christians are serious about their faith. We have it to good in America.
Your knowledge of life is amazing, l believe God has blessed you.
I pray to the Father through Jesus in Jesus name because Jesus said pray like this "Our Father" Jesus is ok I believe because they are One. As long as we sont pray to Mary and the Saints.
Wonderful video thank you
I clicked this video cause the title didn't make sense to me.
But, I trust you! To explain 😁
Thank you Melissa! I've learned so much in watching your videos. Along with reading the bible and prayer.
I totally agree with everything that you have said Melissa. Thank you for this content. I learned so much from you. You make it so easy for us to understand God's word. Blessings to you and your family. Keep these excellent videos coming. ❤❤❤❤
Very very good. This was so informational. Thank you. I pray Jesus would make me wise to help others hurting. That I would seek him and his truth
Please post more. I was led here by the Lord when I had prayed for Him to show me someone whom I could trust when they speak. Trust is very difficult for me.
Melissa, thanks for suggesting SES. (I LOVE Apologetics!) btw ~ I was a member of a church that suddenly went Seeker-Sensitive after the Pastor read Rick Warren's book. We were even told to go out 2 x 2 to survey the neighborhood to ask "what would it take for you to come to church? Questions like less focus on sin, removing the Cross, ect. Later, It became a disaster where he told all of us to not bother him anymore, he wanted ALL his focus given to first time attenders. Anyone in the church who behaved very badly, like beating/cheating on their spouse, was treated as tho they were like Jesus, giving them new titles and placing them on a pedestal. His reasoning was "well, we just need to love them into the Kingdom" I think the Lord makes it clear how the sheep are to be fed, not starved.
Thank you Melissa. ❤ 🇦🇺
Great video, Thank you!
Grateful for your ministry! Please keeping going!
I love listening to you as I work Melissa. God bless.
Melissa, with reference to the "never heard of Jesus" crowd, from what I understand of Scripture, the humble acknowledgement that a creator must exist by even the most basic of observable evidence--moral and natural, as you said--is enough for ANYONE to respond one way or another to truth. Even the most embryonic of moves toward, rather than away, from the truth that has been revealed to anyone up to that point, is itself an exercise of faith.
For example, Cornelius, in Acts 10, "feared God." Now up until he met with Peter, his knowledge was incomplete. Nonetheless, because he had already responded positively to the truth he HAD received up to that point, more truth was revealed, in that Peter was sent to his home to give him a more complete picture of God that included His son, Jesus. Same with the disciples at Ephesus in Acts 19. Their hearts and minds were already directed to God, but until Paul's visit, they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. Since they already actively sought truth, more truth was given.
I think Matthew 13:12 about wisely using resources could also be applied here. "For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."
Thank you for what you do, Melissa!
Hi Melissa. My church has a huge problem. We’re looking for a new preacher and we can’t find one who has only been married once. The books of Titus and first Timothy say he must be the husband of one wife. Wondering what’s the best way to interpret this. HELP! This 76 year old Texas Rancher is so very glad that I am a subscriber!
I’m a nurse at a clinic mainly with pregnant patients but my clinic also see patients for gynecology. We are seeing patients wanting to be called male when they are female. My co-worker who is catholic was having a hard time because she would call the patient female but the doctors would correct her and say she has to call them by preferred pro nouns. It’s difficult because it’s our job to care for these patients. My advice for my coworker at the time was to just address the patient as the patient. Is their any other suggestions?
Yes, I believe as you do that the Church should teach the individual about God through the Bible in deeds as well as words. Spiritual enlightenment should come with prayerful study of God's Word.
By the way thank you for sharing His word with us. You’re spot on all the time
Thank you, Melissa! ❤
Thank you very much my sister, great job, love you keep staright path.
Good answers for some tough.
Amazing....we were discussing this in Bible study last night 🫢👌🏼🙏🏻🇿🇦
Well said, Melissa. 👏
I appreciate you, truly, AND on an aside I love your color choices. Those beautiful orange and blue 🧡💙 lights... YaY! Happy Football! Go Broncos! Woooooohoooooo!
Hey I don't think I've ever been this early 😁 Love your content Melissa thanks for all the work you do! ❤ God bless! P.S. I try to only refer to people by name, I don't want to hurt people and I don't want to feed into an issue, so I love that you said to use their name too! I feel like it shows the person you care about them without compromising your own convictions.
Love your work!!!
Many blessings
Even if I disagree with someone's lifestyle, when I see them put more virtuous effort into daily life than I do they get my respect. The Bible says love covers a multitude of sins, and in the same way I think a person's effort can cover a lot of things too. I think effort is a sign of love. We definitely all have our pros and cons. But asking other people to adapt to your demands when it doesn't come natural to them is asking a lot. If you live a respectable life, people might be more willing to adapt because they see that you deserve that adaptation. Earn your money and earn your respect, and wait and see who gives you respect in return. Good people will give you respect, even if they can only adapt so much in order to do so.