From New Age-Thought to Jesus: My Story Out of Deception
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- I finally made a new video of my testimony. I liked the other one a lot, I just wasn't prepared for my channel to grow as it has in the last year, so I thought I'd update it.
*NOTE: I didn't realize until I was editing this video that I look to the side a *lot as I'm speaking. I wasn't reading notes or anything like that, but I notice that I look down and away from the camera when I'm in genuine thought. This was unintentional. I approached this with no notes prepared but a general mental outline of what I wanted to say. It would seem I felt comfortable enough to be visually transparent in how I shared my story.**
My Social Media:
Facebook: / newagetochristianity
Instagram: @melissaldougherty
Twitter: / meldougherty77
My Website: www.melissadou...
Some of my Favorite Resources On How To Effectively reach LDS and Jw's:
www.evidencemin...
www.4mormon.org/
www.4jehovah.org/
www.4witness.org/
#Jesus
If you are led, and want to support my ministry work please consider contributing:
paypal.me/Meli...
To clarify, I got married in 2007 :-) I forgot to add that little detail lol! I had my first child in 2010. That's really when it all started changing.
" Melissa, thank you for sharing your testimony in this video with your viewers.
God bless you and your family, in Christ Jesus' name.
Agape love to you ! "
Checkout The Last Reformation channel
you're gorgeous keep spreading the truth. the true spirit of God The Father and his son Jesus Christ
I was shocked 😲 you don't look a day over 30!
You're the daughter of Zion and a princess of the Lord God Almighty. You have been chosen for this ends time and for this purpose 👉"Acts 26:17-18" to brought out from the darkness to light, from the power of satan to God those who are still under the controlling power of satan in new age and others cult sects of demons...
May the Lord bless you and increase your spiritual abilities of knowing more about Him for the soul winning purpose, may Him keeps you always for His own sake in Jesus' Mighty Name.
I pray my kids have a different path to Jesus than I did, and that they don't end up at many house parties... But if they do, I pray there is always a Mike there that can't be shut up.
🙌🏼🙌🏼
So be it
New age destroyed my marriage.My ex husband believes a spiritual guru who tells him what to do.!!
This is so new to me. I have been a Christian my whole
Life and studying the Bible for long time but I knew nothing about new age apart that it is no good.
Thanks. God bless you .
Yes, may I be someone's mike.
What a great story. My family were sleeping and the house was on fire. Jesus woke up my 4 year old and told her to wake me up. This was at 12.20am, I found the strength to get all my family out safely. Praise jesus, he loves us so much.
praise god
🥰
JESUS is capitalized in every breath
@Erika Jaena thank God a real believer
Its God's well for your daughter to wake you up . Jesus is a prophet who died according to your religon.Thank God for your escape from fire.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6)
amen
Amen
Thank You new to you. I can always use a guide to help keep people away from these dangers
Amen
Amen 🙌
“I’m not here to please people, I’m here to please him.” That hit hard
No church should ever tell you not to ask questions.
"Quite literally the oldest lie in the book"...that we can be like God. Thank you, Melissa.
I get it I proudly practiced Reiki for 20+ years; until I clearly heard JESUS say stop its only me and the blood as healer and redeemer
Wow, I was a witch and would astroproject on the regular until the devil came to collect for my rituals I ran to God I knew I was going to die and he was in heaven outside of the universe he said learn my message and I his angels took me back to my body. His angel told me to get on my knees and he helped me repent and ask Jesus to be Lord. I am now full of the Holy Spirit.
Curious, would you physically avoid it? I almost went to a new hair stylist, but I saw she has a reiki person at her salon, so I didn’t go.
Amen!!
My daughter, who is 33, became a massage therapist. This drew her into the New Age. She is into Reiki. I raised her in Jesus. I tried warning her about the occult. She would not listen. She has changed her name to Trinity. She claims a higher consciousness and Divineness. My heart is just broken. I am praying that the deception be revealed to her. She has resorted to calling her Grandmother and I by our first names. She treats us like we just have not reached that “higher consciousness.” You’re testimonies give me hope.
Same thing happened with my journey to reiki although I didn’t get too far into. Something didn’t feel quite right when I did my self healing. Couldn’t put my finger on it. But Jesus saved me and I accepted him fully 🙏🤍
In my experience, growing up in church, STILL having so many questions, I was made to feel uncomfortable. The more I read the Bible, the more aggravated leaders became. I believe many Christian leaders do not know HOW to answer questions, so they see it as an attack, they take it personal, and become combative. I wasn't being a skeptic, I was thirsty for his word.
Yes, exactly also my observations ...they are repulsed by people who are curious and want to know the truth, to know, to figure out.
that's the problem with (presumably) your protestant background. Without an ordained priesthood with proper training, you don't know what you're gonna get from your pastor
A lot of these Christian leaders have really crappy theological education. A smart pastor loves questions.
Also, I worked at a church and realized many of them are practicing new age new thought. It was offenses to them to trully love for the Lord, but because many of them were double minded.
I'm at a church now that is in the word, and willing to talk and answer questions.
Same thing happened to me. I kept looking for answers because I figured god wouldn't be intimidated by my questions. 🤓
The feeling you had about going to the party... I had that feeling in joining the Navy, when my entire life before I always thought “NO way would I ever join something that will brain wash me and get me killed”.
That led me to my first deployment when 9/11 happened which was the catalyst into my Christianity. I worked for months out at sea alone in a room on a ship with little to do and a Bible to read...
God works in AMAZING ways.
Thank you for your service🙏
He truly does.
Yes, thank you for your service.
He will work all things together for the good of them that love Him.
Can only image your story be so interesting
The act of being born again in itself is a miracle. Praises be given to the Lord 🙏🏾🙏🏼🙏🏽.
God bless you!
Your story is exactly like mine in that I was diagnosed with OCD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and depression. I was suicidal. I gave myself to Jesus and asked Him to have mercy on me and heal me. He did! I went to sleep and woke up the next morning EXACTLY like you. It was a peace I had never had, Joy I didn’t know existed... I just woke up and the whole world was made of light and warmth and I love Jesus. I just LOVE Jesus and can’t get enough of Him. Thank you for sharing your story, I’m so glad to hear of Jesus doing the same for us all 💜
I also have anxiety, depression and some OCD... I've also been a Christian since I was about 10 years old yet I have really been struggling to have assurance of salvation because of some time I spent learning and listening to calvinist preachers. I have tried to ask God to kelp me but I haven't had that kind of relief and rest that I hear so many people talk about. I don't really know what to do anymore. I've sought help from councillors and spiritual leaders, I've tried to have a balanced understanding of the faith, avoiding all extremes.. But nothing seems to get me to that point kf finally feeling like I truly am knowing God personally. I see testimonies like yours and Melissa's and I just wonder why it seems to not be happening with me. I never tried any other thought or religion. I like learning about things and seek understanding but I know Jesus is the way the truth and the life. But for some reason I still don't seem to have a lasting sense of peace and rest in my soul. Maybe my understanding of what peace and rest means is off, I don't know anymore.
@@anap1840 same here... is just no working out for me :/ How is it for you to pray, if i may ask? It is the fundamental. for me is super hard to get myself to pray..
@@LaPurrla thank you so much for your encouraging words!!
Were you spiritually attacked after awhile tho?
Hi! I also have OCD and its quite hard right now. Do you feel better ? In terms of OCD 😅
I grew up in NM . I was raised Catholic. I questioned things like the divinity of Mary and If Jesus had brothers. I was asked to sit in the hall .. for punishment … I also had new age experiences like wanting to become a Shaman. Jesus always led me back to him.. I am still learning. Thank you for your Testimony. A lot of us aren’t alone in this.
Hi, I am 62. Became a christian in 1969. Always loved God and His Word. Became involved in Christian Reiki in 2011. Really deep. Reason was that I had a deep hunger to lay hands on the sick, pray for them and help them to receive healing. Got in quite deep. Lady who was my mentor was in church. I thought Christian Reiki was fine, but John 10:10 is true. I became deeply depressed in 2012. Tried to commit suicide 3 times. Believed the lie that if you were in Reiki, you can not get rid of your so called masters. Jesus Christ saved me, placed my feet solidly on His Truth. I am free. Psalm 23 was the the scripture with which Jesus took me out of the slimy pit. Can't even remember the Reiki teachings any more. That in itself is a miracle. The deception is real, false prophets abound and the truth must get out. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Light and He is the only way to God the Father. Since then the Bible is my main source. Thank you for sharing and thank you that I could also share my story. Blessings and Shalom.
Thank you for sharing
When you talk about your mindset as a teenager, you remind me of my daughter. She’s given up faith in God and needs much prayer. I’m praying that God send the right people in her path to lead her to himself. Thanks for this encouragement sis!
I pray she comes to develop a strong relationship with yeshua god bless sister!
Good parent! Keep going faithful servant!
Same here. Let’s agree together that our daughters are coming back home to Jesus. It was like I was watching my daughter. She doesn’t have the mind of her own. She’s in college now but no change. Trusting God to deliver her 🙏🏽
@yellowleaf Do you really think prayers work in such cases? I don't see how they can.
If free will can be affected by prayers, in what sense is it free?
Teach a child the way they should go and if they depart they will come back. Those seeds you planted are still there mom. She will come back like the prodical son
In my case, GOD used the Jehovah's Witnesses to get me to read my Bible. I was raised Catholic, and was always taught that they were wrong in their beliefs, but I had no way of knowing why they were wrong. So I started reading and studying the Bible to prove them wrong, and in the course of reading through the Gospels, I discovered how wrong I was in my beliefs. I praise Jesus that He brought the right people into my life that I could hear His call on my life through His Precious Word. I've been walking with the LORD my Savior for about 30 years now. And still hungry to know Him deeper! May Our Lord continue to Bless your ministry.
Whaaaaat that's awesome! 🙌🙏
So are you a JW now? I’m curious.
Good that you are hungry. You will be satisfied if you love truth.
Many get introduced or saved by another church but must ask God for
The right church he wants us to attend
true, actually Jesus was NOT catholic but the the greatest Jehovahs witness! read Isaiah 43:10;John 17:6....;Rev.1:5; real eye opener
When I was a teenager I thought that if you watch movies about demon possession demons will try to posses you. I watched the Exorcist of Emily Rose with my dad. That night when I went to bed I couldn't sleep because I was terrified. In the middle of the night my bed shook and hit the wall it was up against hard! I cried myself to sleep in complete horror. That morning my mom was watching the news and it was talking about a small earth quake that happened in our area last night. 😂😂
😂😂
Demons are for real, don't discount them. See Ephesians 6:10:16/especially verse 12. What you put in your mind is what you start believing. So put good things/God in your life! :o)
omg bless u .
It’s really like that. It makes our minds run away.
Actually, there is some truth to that. It's called spiritual warfare. Letting ungodly things into your home like scary movies, crystals, ouija boards etc. Is allowing the demonic realm into your home which allows for spiritual warfare against your spirit.
Wow ! I was near ending my life months ago. My sister called and usually when I’m depressed I don’t answer calls but I answered for some reason. My sister could tell I was upset and also, surprisingly, I told her what was wrong. She said Jesus is there for you. Automatically I felt this rush of peace and love flood over me. It was the best thing ever. I had been a backsliding Christian several times in my life but this time was different. Some things fell off immediately; lust and depression. It’s the best thing ever ! I’m so very happy God called me to him.
When you said the Holy Spirit warned you, I've had that feeling too, not realised it for what it was, thank you! Thanks for your share. From Aussie x
Okay, I just have to say this.... Every time I watch your videos, I keep hearing the word 'beautiful' in my head.... This means for the last some odd years I continuously hear that word. You are not only outwardly SO BEAUTIFUL, you also radiate of beauty so much!! The words virtuous and honorable and unique come to mind as well. You are deeply loved by God. I just wanted to say that. You are truly beautiful.
Agree!!!
Me too
Thank you for doing this again. It never gets old to remind us what is out there. God bless dear Melissa.
Thank you 😊🤗
Melissa Dougherty just wondering why are you unbiblical?1Tim2:12,Jesus is Lord you should obey Him,Love y’all and who the Son sets free is free indeed!Jesus is Lord!
@@clintwalker6389
I don't know what you think that Melissa is doing wrong. She shares her testimony with everyone that God brings into her life. She doesn't exercise authority over men. She doesn't teach a group of men in her church. When she meets people who are involved in false cults, she engages in conversation. There's nothing wrong with that!
So, do you talk to mormons and JW's? Do you actively try to share your faith? Please stop thinking like a pharisee. It's clear that Melissa has love and compassion for people, just like Jesus. She's using her spiritual gifts. Are you using yours?
❤️ it’s incredible how Jesus turns our mistakes into insight to relate to others in that place to guide them to Himself, God is awesome! Beautiful testimony of His grace 🙏
So many relatable moments! Absolutely love your honesty. Isn't it amazing the way God reaches out for us?? He pulled us out of a self-proclaimed NAR church that was very abusive. Know what did it? The movie "American Gospel." Now I've found some solid teachers to learn truth from. Thank you Melissa!!!
Yes it is amazing! 😻 So glad you're out of that now! 🙌🙏
American Gospel Christ Alone and Christ Crucified are awesome!
They are!!! I have to rewatch Christ Alone, but the first one TOTALLY changed our lives!
Never heard of those movies. Might look into them.
Love that movie
I have always wanted to share this story with someone but didn't know anyone that would believe it. I am a Spirit filled Christian and was married to a powerful evangelist that was a mighty vessel of the Lord. We went to what was called a "camp meeting" to hear a pastor that he knew. Everything started out fine with singing & praise. When people began to testify though, I became extremely uncomfortable. The common theme was "I am God". I couldn't believe it. And when he preached, that's what he preached. My late husband & I were in his office speaking with him before we left, and I was casually looking at his books on the shelf. So many pertained to UFOs and extraterrestrials and what I would call nonsense. I was made to feel as if I just hadn't reached their spiritual level and they would kind of smile & dismiss me. I felt like it was almost mass hypnotism. The preacher at one point during one of the services even called on one of his members, a lady, to come to the front of the church and dance. Now I have seen people dance in the Spirit before, but this was sensual. And the pastor did not take his eyes off of her the entire time. I asked my husband after it was over, if he did not find it all very strange, but he had known the man for years, and had great confidence in him as a man of God. I had heard him preach before & never found it strange, but this time he was in his own church on "home turf", and I'm sure felt able to be more free. I have never gotten over this, especially people proclaiming "I am God". Looking for other's thoughts.
You are such an encouragement to me. Because of you, Doreen, Steven and countless others I am now bringing these issues to my church and all who will have ears to hear. I’ve prayed a lot about this and I know God is opening doors. I have been a Christian for years and had never read my Bible from cover to cover.....until last year that is. I thank you and Doreen for always dropping that seed. I actually finished it in November and I’ve started again. I can’t get enough. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
Yes!! I know what you mean by not being able to get enough. It's like my spiritual food 🙏❤️
@@MelissaDougherty endless supply of Living Water !! Praise the Lord
I always believed in Jesus and was raised Catholic. But... I was big time into new age. Wayne Dyer, Oprah, Hicks etc... I was a Rosicrusion for years. Got rid of all that crap and only follow Jesus now and am reading my bible almost every day. I am 3/4 the way through. I enjoy your videos, please continue!
AnnMarie P read the bible and compare it to the Roman Catholic church. The veil is torn. Any prayers to anything or anyone other the the Holy Trinity are sinful. All the believers are saints. Mary is not a god, does not listen to prayers, has NO power.
@@sabre22b I'm not Roman Catholic but they don't think Mary is a god, and prying to saints isn't the same thing as praying to God. Operating under the assumption that souls are conscious in heaven, to the Catholic praying to the saints is merely asking saints to pray for them. They don;'t see it as different from asking your family to pray for you
I'm 40 years old and nothing makes me cry except death and God. I'm sitting here listening to you on one side of my screen and backing up my steam games on the other side. You're testimony brought tears to my eyes. I just got baptized this past year and I never understood what it feels like to feel God in my life. It brings tears to my eyes when I hear about someone else experiencing the same peace and love from God. Glad you shared.
Edit: You mention at the end that you might be the person that helps guide others to God. That's an awesome goal. Something that baffles me to this day is that even though I was just baptized this year, I actually attended bible school as a kid. My grandparents used to take me and my sister with them. Strangest thing though is that all of the years I went to a baptist church and no one ever once asked me if I wanted to be baptized or if I had already been baptized. That's bonkers to think about now. Point being that, yes, you could definitely make a difference in peoples lives to help them find God. Even with just a simple question like "Have you been baptized?".
OMG, este es mi testimonio. Ay bastantes cosas de las que mencionaste que viví, pero sobre todo la parte de estar perdida, deprimida, con pensamientos suicidas, odiándome a mí misma y, luego de escuchar una palabra impactante acerca de él, sencillamente despertar, sentir una paz tan profunda y saber que ÉL LO HIZO. Gloria a Dios porque sigue obrando en la vida de las personas que menos lo merecen pero más lo necesitan 💛✨
I didn’t realize your depression and suicidal thoughts were this intense. Thank God you were delivered from all this. Your testimony and your work here on TH-cam and Insta has saved so many depressed lost people. People like me! 🙏❤️💜
It is called the dark night of the soul. Luke warm christians, as this lady, are not truly ready to be separated from this world. A true spiritual awakening will pull you away from the ways of this world and it will be hard at first. Once you integrate it, you will have peace, true peace, not this "everything was perfect: stuff.
Melissa, thank you for sharing. When became a Christian my mind awoke and I learned that God answered my honest questions. He answered in a way that was always sufficient (not necessarily exhaustive) and I love him for bringing me to life ... including my mind. Amazing God!
can you please share some mini testimonies on how He communicated with you/ answers? Greetings
Thank you for sharing your testimony - this is so encouraging !! I’m just starting to explore how my new age beliefs/subscription to the law of attraction (as a believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord & Savior) have given the devil a foothold in my past - and I’m binge watching your channel ! Its so true that a VERY little percentage of believers in church even know what new age beliefs are !! But people like you are making a difference for the kingdom. God is so gracious and good !! Keep doing what you’re doing !
I love your curly hair, my hair is curly but I wish had your curl type. 🙏🏾Great Video sis🙏🏾
Thank you! I've been doing the curly girl method! It's yielded some fantastic results.
I relate to you a lot. Grew up in a very conservative church. I had a lot of questions because I am a thinker. My childhood pastor told me that I was committing the sin of unbelief. I went into a tailspin in my teens thinking I didn't have enough faith to please God. I did a lot of researching and I am glad now because my faith is stronger. I agree that we definitely need to be teaching apologetics in churches, not just saying "believe this or you're a bad person"! I really love teaching Answers in Genesis curriculum in my Sunday school class and I am glad my daughter gets to learn apologetics in youth church.
I appreciate you so very much in encouraging me to keep praying. My daughter has gone off into who knows what and has enrolled my grandchildren in Pagan school. Anyone who reads this, please pray for her to come back to Jesus (her father was a preacher) and to bring my son-in-law to Jesus (who is Buddhist). God is ABLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Melissa, I am just discovering your channel and just want to thank you so much for your ministry. You are doing something that I have only discovered in the past six months is so incredibly needed in the church. Thank you for your faithfulness to this cause. I am with you in it.
I was drawn to listen to you and now I know why. Our stories are almost exact except I am much older which makes me kinda sad that I spent more time in the world. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be watching you. God bless you.
But it’s also amazing how close you are to meeting God! I can’t wait honestly haha
But you reconnected with HIM this side of death. That’s amazing
I’ve always wondered why some people have life changing experiences like this and others don’t... and continue to stay depressed and never seem to feel truly on fire or experience anything profound 🤷♀️
The word explains it. God knows his sheep and put them in the hand of Jesus. Before you knew him, he knew you because the father knew you. Everybody won’t be saved, and everybody isn’t chosen to do the will of the father.
They don't believe
You are an inspiration and tribute to other Christians. His works are evident in you. Thank you for being the vessel that carries him so well and thank you for pouring him out on everyone. God bless you
I've noticed that you look to the side when you're in deep thought... it's cute & part of who you are. Thank you for all the research & hard work... I love yr vids
I’m so grateful for your ministry and other content creators who teach the gospel in actuality. I’m in the process of leaving the LDS church and I have you and others and obviously Jesus to thank for that. ❤ Thank you.
hi Melissa. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with God. Your story and videos had blessed me. I stumbled across the American Gospel on Netflix. on the show the names of Steven Furtick, Andrew Wommack popped out because I listen to them for some time. That started me to dig deeper and found your video reviewing Physics on heavens. It is quite alarming personally because I started to look for more spirituality after I received the holy spirit too. I totally resonate with your experience that newborn Christians ask many questions and needed the church to feed them bible knowledge with much patience, love, and wisdom.
I started my bible knowledge with David pawson's teaching. I found that systematic approach to the teaching of the bible lay a good foundation. Building on that, debunking the heresy like you do is like using the word of god to fight the lies that satan uses to deceive many. Keep on the good work.
Hi Melissa! "Well done!" Is all that matters! Thanks for your testimony & for the reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus & His Word!
And look what God has done with what He did for you! Just goes to show you that nothing He does for us is just about us. Every gift we get from God is meant to be shared with the body and build it up. Melissa, thank you for using your gifts in just such a way. Your videos have continued to encourage me in my faith (and evangelism).
That's so great to hear! Praise God! 🙌❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony, sister. Former New Old Age witch redeemed by Jesus here. Praise God for our awakening to the truth, love, mercy, and justice that he is! The New Age deception is old as time. Since the serpent deceived Eve. I had an insatiable appetite for the truth since I was little. I feel I've suffered demonic oppression and possession as well. I was almost swallowed by the darkness when Jesus awakened and redeemed me. We wrestle not in flesh, yet this fleshly body is affected by the spiritual battle we face every day on this earth. This battle is also old as time; and we must endure it in our faith in Christ Jesus while waiting his return to make everything new and paradise eternally....as intended. I believe these "End Times" are the beginning of his return. The revival of the body of Christ. This is the age of deception for some. It's also the great awakening to the way, the truth, and the life to those who humble themselves and seek him. God bless the great mystery in Christ will be revealed to all soon enough. Stay humble and fearless!
Hey girl, I love your channel. I can really relate to your story. We have a very similar story❤️
Of course wanted to do the right thing when I was a teenager too and also had an addiction for attention as well, but I became a cutter at 14, being super depressed as well. I became aimless and I was so lost. I also got into the new age movement and almost fell for it until God pulled me out of my self-pity and doubt cycles (for the most part). I’m still struggling but it has gotten easier. I’ve dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts for years. I actually tried to take a whole bottle of pills (I was prescribed prozac at 14) so I feel you about that mental torture you talked about. The devil still tries to destroy me with making me think it’s me talking to myself but it’s really him trying to destroy me again. I just hope God can forgive me for everything that I’ve done; which everyone keeps telling me that God will forgive anyone if they just come to Him, I just don’t feel like I deserve it. That’s really what I’ve been struggling with lately. As well as starting to have seizures again for the first time since I was 3 months old. I think it’s probably just where I’ve treated my body like crap for so long but who knows. I just hope I can be a better mom, wife, and woman of God. I know what you mean about the hunger for knowledge too! I love that kind of thing as well and always want more evidence.
I really wish you the best girl!! Everything has been so confusing but it has gotten better especially with the birth of my son as well. Well and 10x harder lol. I love listening to your thoughts. Finding your channel and a couple others has changed my life so much for the good, so thank you for that 😊❤️✝️
Also, thank you for giving a perspective of a person with an inquisitive mind. Growing up I had a lot of questions that the Christian elders around me failed to answer. Literally they told me that they just didnt know. So it was very difficult for me to "stick" with Christianity. Also I grew up around a lot of lukewarm Christian's who did not act out what they believed. I totally resonate with your struggle because its exactly what I struggled with. I ended up in this weird state of mysticism until God drew me back and I became willing to put some real work into researching, reading the Bible, and just praying to God more honestly than ever before. ❤ Thanks for sharing.
What a blessing you are and an encouragement. You really challenged me with your statement at the end about caring only about what Jesus thinks about you. I love your motivation to help others and your desire to do it in a loving way.
Thank you for sharing. I've had some similar experiences & now I'm 65 yrs old & am on the journey to finding the truths. I have made some bad choices, I was naive about my fellow Christians. I've had some eye opening experiences & I too know His grace is sufficient, I added some unnecessary things to it & carried burdens that I made. I'm thankful I came across your videos today.
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony! I have recently (July) started to return to Jesus. I'll try to summarize my journey... I was raised in an agnostic/atheist home. Gave my life to Christ in 1999 as a freshman in HS at a non-denominational charismatic church. Went to college and lost my path. Then I ended up becoming LDS since they were the only people I could find at my school who were living what they believed. I was a devout Mormon for about 5 years when I started to wake up from that. That's a whole story you may find pretty interesting. When I left LDS, I read God is Not Great and The God Delusion and left all religions for about 10 years. In that time I followed Ester Hicks, and many of the Hay House authors. Which brings me to now. As a renewed Christian, I have realized how hard it is to tell which churches are truly Christ centered and biblical. I so appreciate your content and can't agree more that we have to be steeped in the Bible to know. So many 'good, well-meaning people' are teaching things that are completely contrary to Jesus's teachings. It would be really interesting to talk with you one day. : )
I wish I could give this 1,000 thumbs up! Your testimony is so similar to mine. Thank you so much for telling us your testimony. 🙏❤️
I'm over here crying and weeping with the overwhelm of how good God is! Oh He loves us so much! My experiences years ago with horrible depression, suicide, and anxiety are very similar! What a blessing to listen to your testimony and feel God's love and protection throughout my whole life all over again. ❤🙌🙏 God Bless you girl!
Your testimony proves the value of always preaching the gospel.
I Think you are just the loveliest sweetest girl around, I really love how you and Doreen compliment one another with different beginings and yet have stepped into good solid theological grounding through the word , or should I say you digging deep into it's pool of wisdom/doctrine … I love both you girls and sooo pray that GOD blesses you to the full … keep fighting the good fight you have many you hav never met that love you dearly ...GOD's speed !!!
Powerful testimony! Thank you for encouraging all of us!
Astonishingly clear thinking here, and exposition, explanations.
Sounds like you got setup by the Holy Ghost 😇💞👩🏻🦱 oh your an Artist too? Praise Him🎁…. Now we see dimly as in a mirror, nobody knows it all, every believer has questions, even me👼🏽🤔 May the Lord continue to keep n bless you until the day of Jesus Christ our Lord🙏🏾
WOW! Your story is SO closely related to my personal story. My mother and heritage was Lutheran, but she subscribed to New Age stuff. I had the Bible and grew up in church as well. I had rough teenage years, always knew God and Jesus, but took control of all my decisions instead of submitting to Jesus. I too needed to have affirmation from boyfriends and people. I too was fascinated by spiritual events and experiences. My mother and I had "supernatural" things happen to us as well. Because of that I ran down the New Age road and abandoned the Lord. I am so thankful the Lord didn't give up on me my WHOLE adult life. Occasionally I drifted back to the Lord but never fully surrendered. I was actually involved in MINISTRY through out my life. Then LOVE BROKE THROUGH: About 5 years ago I FINALLY rededicated and submitted to Jesus completely through the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I am 100% sold out to Jesus, I am redeemed, renewed in Him and His disciple. Thank you for your ministry. Keep up the Good News.
This was brutally honest and vulnerable to share. What a transformation the Lord has done in you and through you! Thank you for giving us this glimpse into your internal world. ❤
Beautiful video!! I love your humility and honesty, and I love you, sister! 🙏🏼✝️❤️
I am understanding to this. I spent both my stimulus checks on the tv evangelist people. Donated all the money I got fro my father. All of it I spread out between them all. Even music. Even diet stuff. It didn’t fix my life nor my daughter to let me see my grandchildren. I don’t even get to see my father. I don’t have hope but I do have faith. I have a hard time sleeping. But at night I listen you, The MISTERS: Baucham, Winger, Peters, Cusik. And of course the Ladies: who actually opened my eyes. Doreen, Alisa, and you Melissa, your humor is cute. But this is how I try to stop my tears in order fall asleep. You have great courage🥰
May Grace keep you all safe, and keep you all intelligent
Me too I believed in Jesus Christ when I was little with out being taught or taken to church I have loved god all my life
....stay blessed
I wonder why you didn't refer back to the Catholic tradition in the first instance, seeing as it was the original church?
My faith burgeoned at around the same time I was learning historically about the Reformation and the emergence of the early Protestant denominations, so I suspect I was quite well placed to find my bearings. I'm now a High Anglican. I believe firmly in the Five Solas of the Reformation, but also consider that we should cling to the traditions of Catholic practice wherever these do not contradict scripture.
Recently, I've also felt an urge to examine Jewish practises as well. So much of our faith centres on Christ, and I can't help but feel we could do more to worship God the Father.
A lot of what you said was part of my testimony. Thanks for sharing your testimony praise the Lord 🌺
Do you ever get afraid of finding a question you can't answer? If so, do you combat that fear ?
I just want to say thank you for being a vessel of the lord, I am completely possessed by the new age thing but I refused to practice it at all and I keep being tortured all day and night and as I was looking for the truth and pretty much anyone’s teachings entering my heart wrestling with these things but when I heard your testimony, the first video about new age practices in the church it came directly into my heart
Could I ask you for prayer fellow believers? I feel deeply that something is not right with me after being stuck at home for a year and almost a half. (This post is long but I pray that someone will read this and agree with me in prayer for the end of it). I am 16 and my best friend, who was more or less the leader in our friendship in making friendships with the people at our youth group and just coming up with fun ideas because she was insanely outgoing, moved away a couple months ago. I struggled with certain things about her that weren’t healthy, and her personality is abrasive to most people who aren’t used to it, in fact, most kids at church didn’t like her when we were growing up. But she was my absolute closest friend and the only person I am really comfortable with at our church. I’ve always been the quiet, nice one in all of my groups, at school and church, but now I feel like a part of me is missing, the part that made it easy to talk to other people. Now that she’s not here to blab her mouth to people and start conversations that I can insert myself into easily, I find myself absolutely mute and speechless in simple interactions like saying hello. I am terrified of social interaction where I have to respond to questions because I feel like I do a horrible job at answering in the moment. And Like I said, staying at home with no contact with anybody and not practicing my social skills definitely hasn’t help. For example, yesterday was our youth group’s first day back in person and I dreaded so much of it because I couldn’t find the words to speak to others, I was petrified. And I can’t bring myself to open my mouth, even when I have the answer in my head, I feel debilitated by her absence. I have absolutely no other friends at church to talk to and the other girls and boys are all friends, I am a total outcast. I’m left with no one to sit by or share even one word with. The people respect me and love me for what I do for our youth group but they have no reason to talk to someone who never responds back to them with any substance. I need the help of the Lord to relate to this people who I have never tried to be friends with and who are increasingly irritated by my awkwardness. I need the Lord’s grace so bad!!! I need him to open my mouth and flood out the right words that will help me have fellowship with even one person!! I am doing all that I can in terms of service: piano every week on the worship team, prayer team after service, a couple other teams too, I just CAN’T get close to ANYONE at this current time! Lord please help me. Remove what is stopping my mouth please. I am desperate for communion with you and your people. I know who I am on the inside, the bubbly, happy, girl who loves to be with and serve other people. Where is she Lord? Where has she gone? What do you have for her future? Please Father, I beg you please, give me the grace that is necessary to reach these boys and girls who I can currently see are drifting away from you but I have no strength, ability, knowledge, or skill on how to become friends with them. Open their hearts and open mine to the possibility of friendship and let me not fail! Let it be for your honor Lord!!! That I may be able to connect with your creations! I desire to see your church filled with brothers and sister, not just a group of brothers or a group of sisters with some neighbors hanging around the church, not knowing or having someone to talk to or at a loss for how talk. I pray for those in similar situations as me. Brings us through Lord. Make this a part of our testimony, something we will look back on and say, “I see exactly why that had to happen. Isn’t my God good!” Yes Lord! I can see that you’re good even now as I’m alone among men! This loneliness will not last I believe, if it is in your will, so that I can bring lives to you God and the constant communion with others will sweeten my days and revive my spirit. I see you Lord in my interactions. The Spirit of God speaking through them. I want you Lord to speak through me. Please give me the words to speak life into others! Words have the power of life and death in them - but what happens when I have no words? Do I kill my friend, do I give them life, both, neither?? I want my words to give life and life only Father!!!!! I am so dependent on you Lord that I can’t see where my feet will be placed next in this situation God. Take my hand and lead me Lord, I reach my hand out! Take it please!! And take my burden in the process Lord, make my way easy. I love you and trust you God. You haven’t ever let me down. I need more and more trust in this situation. But never let my trust in you run out God, I ask you that. Instead let it abound! I commit my spirit to your Spirit, Lord and my heart to your Son, and my future to you, Father. I place it all in your hands, I’m not holding anything back. I give you my broken life to fix God, I can’t do this. I pray for peace for me and my brothers and sisters and love and the Holy Spirit to be the glue between us. I pray so seriously God that you remove this awkwardness from me fast!! I commit all of us into your hands God, in Jesus’ mighty, glorious, powerful name. Amen. 💓
Update:
Guys!!! It’s been 6 days, 6 amazing days and 1 more amazing Sunday where I found a new friend! She’s a little younger than me and not like my other friend that moved away but after praying and talking to my dad about this, I feel like God brought me to a lonely place where I had no choice but to begin to get closer to her! The only reason I avoided this girl, at my church, sadly, was the other girl I mentioned. She really didn’t like her for some reason, she was annoyed by her, and I regretfully let her bully her in a way. I repent for that wrongdoing before God and I plan on making things right with her next Sunday. But I enjoyed spending my Sunday time with her a lot!! And she is really sweet and innocent in most ways and I see that she was also very lonely at church. I am now her friend and she is mine!!!! I am full of hope now and more than just an update, this post is for me to come back to when I feel lonely and doubt that God is watching over me. I feel refreshed and my relationships at church are getting better and easier. I feel like we were all tense on our first day back and the more happens, the easier it gets to commune. I certainly pray that it continues to move in a godly, friendly direction. In Jesus’s name! Please pray for the softening of the hearts and minds of the GIRLS (I see so much evil in what they believe and how they act) at my church and also the boys (I don’t know much, but it’s pretty bad too).
And you (me in the future) reading this! Shame on you, soul, for being so downcast when you have years of proof that God has never EVER let you be alone!! Be encouraged!!! See, He “is doing a new thing! Do you not perceive it?” May your hope be renewed and know this: your relationships may break in order to bring your focus to other ones that you have been neglecting. And the other, perhaps more toxic, relationships that you still have will most likely stay around you in one way or another. But it is your choice whether they bring you fear and anxiety or confidence and boldness. When a person you cannot avoid is wrong, correct them with boldness and accept that their heart is what is keeping them from believing what you say, not your words. It is up to God - again, IT IS GOD’S TIMING - for when or if they ever believe in Him and His values fully. You do your part in showing what you believe, NEVER compromising or submitting your views to something you don’t really believe because that will come back to bite you, and being kind and gentle with your words. Do not let anger get the best of you. Let the Spirit give you the Self-Control you need to communicate with those who you completely disagree with. It is not your fault that they don’t agree. And it is not a personal attack when they don’t. Don’t fall for that.
Your enemy is not the person, it’s whoever is misleading that person. Commit it to God and walk in humble obedience to Him and in love!!!!!!!!! Amen!!! ❤️ I have hope for the future! Even for my generation! Not because of their ability, but my Lord’s provisions for me and my brothers and sisters until this time that have kept us safe and sane. LORD if anyone has not come to this point of hope in their journey of faith, please provide it for them now, in Jesus name, amen. May God bless you abundantly especially if you took the time to pray for me!!!!!
I must admit that looking at people's testimonies speak to me more than the finest preachers sermons.
You know what i mean? It's sincere and from the heart. Giving thanks to the Good Shepherd gathering His sheep.
38:00 what a testimony. I am praying so hard for my friends in the new age
Hi, my dad is in the new age too, but he doesnt know it, please pray for him and my family, God bless you
Thank you for your testimony! My niece is into the New Age beliefs and kindof wavers into Christianity a little. I am a Christian and her Mither is also. I want to learn more about her way of thinking so I will know how to pray for her and communicate my faith with her.
i thank you for sharing your testimony, i relate alot to you,
i feel less alone.
i am grateful for the Apologetics ministries,
as i have alot of questions,
grateful that there are people willing to explain..
i thank God that indeed, He uses all things for good,
as evidenced by your life.
may the grace of God be with you, sister in Christ
Thank you so much for sharing your story. The early years of being a new born-again Christian are incredibly turbulent. I think the Devil tries to trip up new born-again Christians because he is so angry at losing their souls and he wants to prevent them from achieving the plans that God has for them. For me at age 12, I was under the misconception that one would be completely unable to sin after being saved by Jesus. So, when I did sin, I felt like the salvation did not “take.” That I would continuously need to repent or I would go to Hell if I die. It tripped me up for so many years and led to my first Major Depressive episode. It really helps to hear about other Christian’s stories.
Please be careful and discerning in what your learning in seminary also. I believe There are some false teachings possibly being taught there. Take everything to God.
God bless you and your ministry
I was hanging out with people of new age and Hinduism and Buddhism during the early sixties but I just thought of myself as a Baptist baptized at 12years old traditional way of life but the Holy Spirit spoke and said Buddha and Jesus do not mix so I did not get involved
That feeling of relief and peace that comes with being met by Jesus, being saved, or born again is unequaled. I too went through a similar experience, the feeling of a new identity that even if you are misguided or not guided at all, you know you are different and things will never be the same. The hunger for the word of God had me reading through the bible from A trough Z for the first 3 years. Not much internet access either, and I think it was better that way because it helped me stay away from the bad influence I would probably not know about, like I do now.
1:40 "Christian scientists... this is not to be confused with Scientologists". And it is also not to be confused with actual scientists who happen to be Christian. Even more people make that mistake.
God bless you, my precious sister in Christ. May He use you mightily in continuing to expose error in the church.
I have so many questions about God that has led me away from him and back to him and I know it is no coincidence that I found you. Jesus put another inquisitive thinking person in my path who has seeked the answers to his truth. Im so excited to learn about apologetics. My biggest desire has been to learn the real truth so that I can defend my faith and learn to witness. I've had so many doubts and bumps and backsliding on my journey and recommited my life to Jesus 2 months ago. Im not gonna lie, its been discouraging and a blessing since then. So many preachera teaching different versions of who God is and how to obtain salvation, losing salvation vs being sealed unto Jesus etc. Etc. Its left me with alot of fear, alot of questions and alot of anxiety. Ive been reading my word and I backed off of TH-cam alot because there was so many conflicting TH-camrs. Then I found you on Instagram and feel God is helping me by answering so many questions I couldn't ever find answers to which made me doubt my faith and not want to witness due to not being able to answer any questions or criticism they have either. Thank you
This came right on time. I've been raised in the Christian traditional church (Similar to Church Of God). And the misinterpretation of the Bible misuse of scripture, and incompetent leaders was indirectly pushing me towards what God saved you from. I was even looking to going to Bethel School Of Super Natural Ministry, but not anymore thanks to you! I'm not heading down that path, the good Lord sent you right on time.
It opened my eyes about how even traditional Christians push the Lord's sheep in that direction sometimes....
All because we don't study scripture...
Thank you for your videos!
Wow!! What a wonderful testimony. God bless you Melissa and thank you for spreading the TRUTH about who Jesus is!
GIRRLLLL! Your testimony has blessed me! I just recorded my new age testimony yesterday and it is not nearly as well put together as yours is (isn’t was strangely really hard for me to mentally put the entire story together) but it’s very similar to yours! I’ll still be putting it up soon but I just wanted to say THANK YOU for shedding light on the “New Age Christians.” Many are being deceived and so many don’t know they can’t be both New Age and Christian! I’ve really just begun studying my bible and my mind is BLOWN on how “spiritual” and amazing it REALLY IS! I have a heart to dig more into this area and eventually do what you are doing! I’m excited to watch all your videos! THANK YOU!
I grew up Catholic with no Bible taught at home. I got hit by a dump truck at 15 and someone gave me The Way Bible which my mom made fun of. Through my life I tried occult spells, Ouija boards, palm readers, crystals and horoscopes. I knew Jesus and prayed but tried to mix the 2. Big mistake! Now I don't even do Yoga. I can't even watch shows with lots of cussing, nudity, and homosexuality. I used to believe all religions led to God also big mistake!
Wow I have watched a lot of your videos but never seen your testimony until now. This gave me chills. Your channel is one of the few that helped open my eyes and see that there are other Christians out there who don't have all the answers but want to know more. When I was growing up it was almost looked at as shameful to ask questions. I remember being afraid to ask my pastor because I didn't want to seem rebellious. As an adult I'm surrounded by people walking away from Jesus because of these questions they've kept suppressed for years. I pray they also find people like you!
Can I just say thank you for your testimony. Thank you also for all the work that you do in researching and the videos.
Thanks for re-airing your testimony. I am a new follower. Many people will tell theirs too. Sorry for the long comment.
In 2005 I had the glorious radical change and told everyone who I saw that I had been lost and how Jesus saved me, just like you did. However, I got my hands on all the best Christian author's books and read one after another. This answered my questions and made my faith grow.
Now 17 years later I am still on fire for Jesus/God.
A past Baptist church had Beth Moore Bible studies that I refused to participate in. And now a new preacher at Calvary Chapel church has the Right Now Media (new age) for all their kids, teens, adult classes. I found out when they offered for me to watch at home after class. I did some research and I refused to return to the ladies class, but told the pastor and his wife why. I think his heart is all for God, his sermons are all the Bible, but all these churches are being sold a bill of goods. For a monthly fee the church staff and members in your church can access all these thousands of videos. The pastor said the videos were a little suspicious. The asst pastor is supposed to be approving this video material for all ages. They play one bazaar video before the service begins too. They are false prophets running this 'Right Now Media' organization. The women in the class praised the woman in the video and they praised books that years ago I was cautioned to never read. They are all being deceived.
There is a class for new people coming up soon. The asst pastor is going to give this "What's Next" class. What do I do next?
This is now waking me at night and I have given this false prophets video company to God so I can sleep. I feel like a solo Christian... I also want advice from true believers like you.
This is my first time hearing your story and for me it's definitely a reminder of God grace and mercy that covers and keeps us even through what we don't know, especially when we don't do the work at first. To God be the glory for all He has done. Much Love sis.
Thank you so much. Your testimony is gold to me. Thank God for you, Amen
Perry Stone has said those exact words "It sounds like the serpent to me..."
You have helped me open my eyes to being a real Christian. Someone who follows Jesus. Not just puts a stamp of “Christian” on every thing they do and call it good. You are helping me see truth in such a brilliant way, a way where I’m not repelled by it. I’ve been repelled by truth before, because of how it was presented. Your presentation and story is awesome!
I think it's great you have a heart for JW's and Mormons. A few years ago I studied with a JW for 4 months and they were positive I was a fellow JW, they couldn't believe I wasn't. For some reason I've had a heart for the LDS.
I’ve had a HUGE heart particularly for Mormons and I haven’t been able understand it. But maybe the Lord wants to use it.
Added to my favorites so I can sit down and have a listen later tonight.
Oh my. Your story sounds so much like mine. So glad for you!
How come u didn't just googlr God after the party like you did the arch angel thing. And why can't you be godlike when the Bible sayade on his image.
Really how are any of these beliefs different--i mean more valid than any of your other beliefs? Everyone interprets the Bible differently why is one interpretation valid? (I.e why is new age "wrong" now that the Bible said it, and the thing about the arch angel, why's that important/not true according to your "spirit")
The bible does not really need to be interpreted just read. The Bible warns of Satan coming disguised as a being of light (and that is what new age is) I have dealt with sleep paralysis and extreme torment in my dreams etc. due to demonic entities involved in the new age. Ive had someone tell me they saw a dark shadow figure over me whilst I'd slept. It is more of a warning to people for being decieved by the devil leading people down these false paths. Plus new age is designed to try and fill the void we have in us internally that only God can fill. New age never fills that void but keeps you constantly seeking and searching for more out of being unsatisfied and since I've given my life and put all my faith in Jesus I feel truly free and I seek no longer I just give all the glory to him because he's responsible for it all. I was suicidal when he changed my heart and my life. I would truly not be here without him. I hope this helps. God bless you
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. It’s so important for us to encourage each other with our testimonies about the goodness of God. Jesus Christ is the only God who actually reaches out to His flock and gives Himself fully. He is the only one who said: It is done. Such a relief. God bless you.
MELISSA I FREAKING 100% AGREE WITH YOU!!! I'm 18 yrs old and after reading 12 Rules for Life by Dr. Peterson, I inmmedietely started examining my own Protestantism(My fave Christian author is Tolkien). I am currently following R.C Sproul and McArthur about the diffrenences between Roman Catholic and Protestant concept of justification, and im loving it. I am also currently reading a blog called Beggars All, where I am examining Lutheran mariology and other things Luther and Calvin defended. Thank you so much for your effort and time invested into these videos.
You are so beautiful, well spoken, smart, effective, and 100 % genuine ❤
Thanks for your work
This is my first time watching your testimony and I feel called to the same ministry! What you said about there not being enough apologists in the church is a thousand percent accurate. God bless you and I hope your testimony reaches more people. I feel like this is a huge eye opener. Could you do more videos on Christian cults (Mormonism, JW, etc)
Thank you Melissa. I can relate my story with yours even though I was never into New age New thought, but was deep into word of faith and Christian science. I thank God for he led me out of that.
Cam you pray for my daughter ,she loved the Lord, went to a Bible school now so far away from the Lord.im praying God will extract her from this new age women power thing, come back to Him 💗
Beautiful! It’s so awesome when u hear someone else’s story and yet you lived that exact same experience! I think that has a lot to do with demonic spirits or just being lost… thank you for sharing 😊
Hi I was never in to the new age or Christian science of Scientology, but in the charismatic movement that I didn't know that is the same My mother dabbled in witchcraft Spanish kind with Puerto Rican so she thought that she was working with God that's what she used to tell me when I was a kid but I was exposed to telecards mediums my mom was a medium so I wasn't that dark side but I did never embrace it I was like that's just my mother's name it's not my thing. I got involved as a teenager with my kids father they were Jehovah witnesses So I was taught that assembly which I believed because I was naive, but these people were in really bad relationships I'm talking about their marriage My kid's father was totally an abusive mouth to punch I mean it was horrible and every week we will go to the assemblies and be like I give nothing happen I finally left that relationship after 10 years in it then I went rogue then I met my second husband and I was involved in Christianity but I didn't understand about salvation repentance that I was a sinner I mean my kids went foster care and she was a pastor of the Baptist but all they did was cry and whine and have long services and I live like hell. Then I met my second husband and this is where we were looking again going a different places trying to find God and everything and we found finally met these people who are the my family now I I mean literally they're like I married into when my second husband died and then they were talking at the time in 2003 about the apostolic movement I said okay this must be real I mean they told me I was a prophet some things did come true like I will lay hands on people when they get pregnant it was just like speak what you need to speak and they don't come and you got to faith it and all this other stuff I need to watch Joel Osteen so I used to be like oh okay so I am great I am this I am that I am this I am healthy I am well and you know I didn't think there was nothing wrong with it until my whole world shattered in 2012 when my second husband died of cancer and he didn't get healed and I was told that it was my fault that I didn't have enough faith that I've sin in me I was like I don't have son I just stumble a lot because if I said I had sinned then I like oh no no no you're just confessing it's very confusing and then after going into the deep depression drinking I had an affair I was crossing with many men I mean and I'm going to church praising the Lord and I was thinking there's something wrong here It's like I can't get over these hurdles and I keep on professing and confessing you know that I'm great that I'm this and on that and didn't help and to one day I looked up for the faith and I saw a 3-hour documentary about that I never heard the word heresy and it shook me to my core I kept I looked up TH-cam after TH-cam and I couldn't believe that I was in some stupid manifesting demons that kept on haunting me and I finally saw John MacArthur and just like what you said when I heard the gospel because on top of that I caught an autoimmune disorder that was so painful on my joints I couldn't believe it on top of the other stuff that I was doing and when he preached the gospel I felt what you felt I had a piece I repented for real I asked God to forgive me like for the first time and I realized that I'm so messed up that it gave me that piece that you talk about Thank you for your video cuz that's what happened to me I still go to this church but I don't participate anymore and very subtly I'm speaking the gospel in a way that my friends and the church are like you're different