This is so important. Especially as a Jewish believer. Most of the time when we speak to our Jewish brothers and sisters we have to make a case for the gospel from the Hebrew Scriptures alone. Paul didn't have the New Testament to make his case. He had his encounter with Jesus and the Hebrew Scriptures. Thank God, they are replete with pointers and indications of the coming New Covenant. Thanks Melissa!
When I was doubting my faith, I looked for Biblical evidence. It was through that journey that strengthened my faith. I was amazed at how many Christians attack Evidential apologetics! They would say things like 'knowledge puffs up'. I never understood that. But because my faith is not based on experience or feelings, it has become even stronger. When the bible has been confirmed by evidence, it doesn't matter what my current feelings or experience has been. It's still true!
Exactly! You are spot on. The people who said knowledge “puffs you up” are just the ones to lazy to read their Bibles. The more you know Biblically the more it humbles you to your core
I'm a catholic but I'm not religious , I a big supporter of secularism and I have great respect for the right to worship or not worship a God but the guest is a great speaker , doesn't come across as a fake , the guy is the real deal , it was a nice interview , diversity is a good thing , no religion is better than the other , all religions more or less the same , its this idea of fearing sin and promoting prayer
@@FixableHQ Definitely check out Hugh Ross! He is one of the top astrophysicists! Or Frank Turek is very good too! I've also been told Francis Collins is great, he is a biologist, but I myself haven't listened to him yet. If you're looking for biblical clarity I highly recommend Grace Evangelical Society with Bob Wilkin and Shawn Lazar!
I had a pastor early in my Christian walk that used to say "Feelings ain't got nothin' to do with nothin'" by which he would then explain that people whose faith is driven by feelings will ultimately fall away. They have built their house on sand. This discussion about evidentiary faith is so relevant to the world today. Churches have built congregations on feelings, visions, spiritual revelation, and all the "oohs and ah's" of the worship service light show performance without grounding believers in scriptural evidence. Most Christians today can't even point to basic scripture that proves Jesus is who he said he was.
I'm a catholic but I'm not religious , I a big supporter of secularism and I have great respect for the right to worship or not worship a God but the guest is a great speaker , doesn't come across as a fake , the guy is the real deal , it was a nice interview , diversity is a good thing , no religion is better than the other , all religions more or less the same , its this idea of fearing sin and promoting prayer
Great points Les, a pastor of mine would go a bit further and point out how often our feeling lie to us and so deceptive. How many of us have been sick with a cold/flu and feel like we are going to die from it.... Hmm might assert if you're reading this, you didn't die and it shows how our feelings were lying to us. Also, how often do we feel about various situations that this or that, i'm doing terrible at work or i feel someone hates me, or... However when the truth of how things really are we find out we were wrong, Feelings... Nothing more than feelings... Another pastor loved his comments... "Put your faith in the facts, and your feeling will follow..." Fact is Christ died for us, can to give us life.... Or another good old saying at a church where i attended a long time back (ya i'm kind of old, so i might be full of it)... We would say if you lost your Joy, you aren't focusing on Jesus, Others, then yourself... Cheers, and God bless ;)
For years I actually felt like I was not enough as a Christian. I did not have as much "miracle" experiences as others did. I also did not feel like I was honest enough with my faith personally to God. I still can't explain how or what changed but while reflecting on the bible, I just realized that my feelings were not reliable sources as to my degree of Christianness. Everyday is a daily sacrifice to the cross. It is not MY faith is important in this relationship but rather God's unfailing faith in me, that in the end, I will get to him. I know there are still related stuff that I haven't pin pointed out here but I can't think of anything more atm.
Sina Bahgari: with your belief in secularism and 'all roads lead to God' attitude is the very thing The Lord warns, these "lukewarm Christians" are the very ones Revelation says "He will spew you out of His mouth" - read your Bible and see for yourself
I'm an artist and a Christian, I'm always trying to find ways to positively impact the culture with Christ through art. This really helps me thank you!
Black americans are recruiting to new age ,astrology in the name of African spirituality.They are deceiving a lot of people Let's pray against this movement and to be delivered from this evil. And God to deal with them because its wrong they know it but they continue regardless.May God deliver us from evil.
Omg, this gentleman is saying everything I've been saying. And over the last 7 years I've made everyone around me mad because of the questions I've asked. I keep getting told that I'm asking questions that no one has the answer for, and I never believed it. I LOVE this interview and it is so comforting to hear someone else having gone down the road I have. Thank you, Lord, for putting this in front of me. I really felt like Elijah asking, "am I the only one who thinks this way." This is awesome. Thank you for doing this.
@@arcguardian Yes and no. Haha. Some questions I've forgotten. Some have been answered. New questions have come. I share what I've learned as best I can to any willing ear. But mostly I put myself at the feet of the Lord and let him guide where I go. I wish I had a better way to say that, ha ha, but it is truly what has happened, and the places I've been I would never have found on my own. Would never have even thought to look for them.
"You get purpose from something that's outside yourself that you have to bend your knee to." So true. That was a helpful insight comparing where true identity comes from.
Finally came to Christ. Love love love it. But husband and I still grieving over having to leave the Mormon church we grew up in and gave our lives to. There are too many things wrong with it. I just love truth but like you guys are saying, some people don’t care. But still, the church was our whole way of life. It’s hard to move on when you have been deceived/exploited/brainwwashed. Plus our big happy family is kind of a mess now in our relationships with each other/church/world. Sorry to vent! Thanks for good video.
The hard questions would get me kicked out of Awanas and my family would tell me that it just takes faith....then wonder why I spent 20 years or so away from church and running from God. I very much appreciate this approach!
If I had not searched for evidence to justify why I believed, I would have fallen off a long time ago!! History proves it, and if we're willing to do the research, we'll find the evidence! Thanks so much for the wonderful work you do Melissa!!
Thank you soooo much for this !! I have been dealing with this when talking with other Christians especially on Reddit ! And it's true the more I do apologetics the closer I get to and stronger in faith I feel !! God is amazing there is a reason he wants us to do this. I think the question asking is so important and I feel shows that people are on their path to God so many that I know that are solid Christians now including myself all has this happen. Most professing Christians have no clue about all these things. The answers bring strength in the faith. There are answers not all are easy but I love seeing it
My adult daughter is more often arguing that Jesus probably didn't even exist, even though we have had lengthy discussions in the past that pointed to His existence, death, and was thought to have resurrected to the point of death of His followers after His death. However, our culture is so set on feelings and identity now, she is no longer interested in seeking the Truth, only "her truth". I pray that identity in Christ reaches down and grabs her, just like what happened to Paul. Many blessings to you both.
J.Warner Wallace gets to the nub and makes an excellent case, as always. Identity politics has expanded into identity faith - You do you; Works for you, not for me; etc. Faith is just an expression of "me." Thank you, Melissa, and thank you Mr. Wallace.
He is spot on! I'm in my 60's, and what helped me in my 20's when I became a disciple of Jesus was Josh McDowell's "Evidence that Demands a Verdict". I still have it today and have often referred to it.
It is always great to hear from J. Warner Wallace. God wants us to love Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our MIND. Somehow the Church tends to forget that last one.
This is why most people end up falling away because they don't know why they believe what they believe they have no basis someone something questions that they waiver
Thank you so much for what you said about "the numbers" and not knowing if anyone is seeing what we produce or not! I have no idea how many people read my blog, because there is almost zero visible response. But I know without a doubt it's what the Lord wants me to do, so I keep doing it. I know what you say is true, and I do keep reminding myself of it, but I so appreciate your putting into words. Do what you are led to do, for His sake, and trust that He will put it into the hands of those He wants to see it.
This reminds me of when I used to evangelize in downtown Dallas with a group from Bible college, and I was finding that a lot of people, would brush us off with "I'm already a Christian." So it occurred to me (most likely by God's influence) to ask, "Well, what does that mean?" And sometimes they'd say, "well, I go to church sometimes" or "I was baptized as a catholic," etc. It helped not only to weed out who actually was a Christian, but to teach those Christians to ask themselves, what does this really mean to me?
What Warner said at 40:30 and following hit hard. This is where we are. My former church was very much into feelings and that will only last so long. I'm thankful for my current church where I hear that gospel and expository preaching every Sunday. I've been going to church for years and now I truly understand what it means to haith in Jesus as my Lord and savior and now I want to be able to explain to others and properly defend it
I always enjoy interviews with Jim. Such a sweet smart guy. Great combination. Thanks Melissa. Your channel has been a great blessing. Keep up the good work. 💖
“It’s all because of those Christians,” is something I have heard several times in the past few weeks. It might not even take 5 years to take root in our country. Thanks for sharing this interview with us.
I'm a catholic but I'm not religious , I a big supporter of secularism and I have great respect for the right to worship or not worship a God but the guest is a great speaker , doesn't come across as a fake , the guy is the real deal , it was a nice interview , diversity is a good thing , no religion is better than the other , all religions more or less the same , its this idea of fearing sin and promoting prayer
@@sinabagherisarvestani8924 religion is what is causing alot of societies problems, if we look for the evidence of our faith, like is spoken about in this video, it gives us understanding and brings us into relationship with The Creator, and find that he sent a Saviour to redeem us and overcome sin. So whn you pray, pray to God for revelation of truth in Jesus because he is the way, the truth and the life ;)
@@arcguardian behind everything we put our attention to, there lies a spirit, and if we are not filled with the spirit of God we are puffed up on knowledge. And our need to belong and our sinful nature corrupts that even more, by pointing at the splinter in everyone else's eye while conveniently ignoring the log in our own! Religion isn't what's needed, and has never saved, and only Jesus Yeshua himself can shine a light into our hearts and reveal our corrupting nature! So in truth we should only be following him and seeking him we forget that and set ourselves into tribes and different groups of belief systems, No just follow him and everything else will fall into place ;)
I've been doing a lot of research. My heart and mind is in it. In my case it is not knowing where to start. It's crazy how much information can be discussed.
One time my wife siad she was kicked out of her Sunday school class. An older cousin led the Sunday school. The cousin reported her to the elders. A meeting was held with the elders, her parent, and her. She was told to NOT ask any questions during Sunday school. She said her questions were always relevent to the topic, such as the Law, Sabbath/Sunday, ect.
This was so helpful! Thank you for making this video and creating Christian content that actually strengthens believers. This is the stuff that matters. It's like 'it's in the Bible...or something.' 😆
I had a lagging channel. I had some good content, but nothing really steady. But before that I wrote a series of Bible studies based on the characters and character groups from the Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. I now have one video for each of the 9 members of the Fellowship and I just put up my 2nd video for the Friends of the Fellowship. When I'm done there will be 30 videos. I also talked to a writer I knew back in 2006 and she has a Fantasy trilogy that has some wonderful analogies that seem like they are from the Bible. I feel comfortable in this. It's what I do. Pray for me that through them all Jesus would be glorified. God bless you both.
Thank you for sharing this. I really appreciate what is being said here. I am intrigued by the idea of approaching faith in a forensic format and really digging into the evidence. With all the archaeological proof about the the events in the Bible, we are able to really firmly stand and proclaim, Yes this happened and it's real. I might have to get a copy of this book. Thanks again.
The Lord is near! Amen. God is merciful. He always forgives. Never be ashamed to take your failures to him. He is for you, not against you! God is with you in the storm. He knows your troubles, he hears you! He is for you, on your side, always! It may feel silent at times, but he’s holding you close! May the Lord return soon! We are drawing closer. He is coming! Believe and trust in the Lord, you will be saved. Period. May the Lord bless you all! Hang in there family. Stay strong. It is not easy following the Lord. We are scoffed at. We give up our earthly dreams, our fleshly desires. What the enemy offers is short lived, but heaven is forever! Life may seem or be unfair, but God is with you! Always remember that. Things may get better or worse for you, but a kingdom awaits you! Finish the race! Repent daily and carry your cross. This world is fading fast. Your troubles are temporary! New channel here, I’d appreciate any kind of support. Don’t give up! God loves you so much! So do I. The Lord bless you!!
49:35 reminds me of the song "The Apples In a Seed" by Anne F. Stevens. In the 3rd verse, it talks about not getting discouraged when many people reject the Gospel because the 1 that does receive it may bring 1,000 to Christ. I think the same is true with edification.
Faith built on feelings will not stand at all . it will crumble and turn to dust. We can't have that type of faith in this race we are all involved in.
@@anotherguyonthepc5 Try reading the Book of John, from the Bible, and asking the Spirit of God to Reveal the TRUTH of who Jesus REALLY is to you. Do this with an open heart, mind and spirit, as you carefully and prayerfully read, from Chapter 1 through chapter 21. You might be surprised with what is uncovered for you....
Love your comments Melissa. I struggle with many at church who are like those you mention, if/when you get into a more theological perspective on scripture, i find many are lazy. Forget God has told us in 2 Tim 2:15) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. What i've noticed if you start bring up anything a little more theological, or that if/when we read scripture and take it literal, often push back "You're being too legalistic.... Don't be such a pharisee... Just accept the it is all faith and grace..." Sure you've heard it and can relate. Was thinking over the last couple days why it bothered me so much and what should we call it? I'm starting to think and leaning towards a "Passive Aggressive Ignorance", people will attack you for really digging in to see what God has said and expects to us, all the while justifying their perspective we don't really need to study. Come on Dan, don't stress over stuff that really doesn't matter, Jesus did it all just rely on Jesus and His grace. Not that i reject Christ's grace, simply would rather learn more about what He has done for me.
It is a great disservice to tell people to defend "their" faith. What they should be told is to defend _the_ faith. Catholics and Protestants do a great job of defending their faith, but they are still defending their own ideas of God and Jesus.
When it comes being asked biblical questions I have no answer for I know a guy if he doesn't he knows a guy. With this group of guys we never have to fall on our own understanding. We each have those we can reach that no one else can I live full-time rv life and share the Gospel to the Nomadic people you see with RVs overnight in your walmart parking lot. I live in a custom built RV I build and RVs love it.
I agree with a lot of things in this video. It takes one to say they are Christian without really knowing what it truly means outside of what mainstream thinks being a Christian means.
“It is time that we admitted that faith is nothing more than the license religious people give one another to keep believing when reasons fail.” -Sam Harris
Or that faith is realizing that Christ never fails. Our faith is a response to evidence, not a belief without proof and evidence. If you put your faith in reason as opposed to Christ....well no wonder it resulted in failure. I'm addition putting your faith in man (Sam Harris) only makes it certain that it is misplaced.
@@John-uk8eo I wasn't proposing that you should "put your faith in man". I wasn't proposing to put "faith" in anything when it comes to discerning what is real and what is not real. When you have evidence and critical thinking skills you don't have to resort to "faith". In any other area or discourse the religious and non-religious alike use logic, reasoning, and evidence to understand and to discern what if real and what is not real. Can you imagine for example if a group of people were having a discussion about the actual impact of Global Warming, and one of the participants in the discussion took a position (on either side) and indicated that it was based on faith. They would quickly be dismissed as not having anything useful to say. You put your faith in Christ, but believers in other religions put their faith in some other religious figure. I'm sure you easily dismiss their faith, despite their convictions and scriptures that they try to use to make their case. You are probably no more impressed in their "faith" than I am in yours.
@@ou812invu6 If global warming is real, there is no spiritual component to it - its entirely physical and detected through material evidence. If God is real and is Who He says He is in the Bible, there is a spiritual component to detecting Him sans physical evidence. Spiritual things are discerned through faith, not sterile analysis.
@@ou812invu6 I think that you are just looking for someone to "debate" with. If you don't love Jesus, why then are you on this channel??? Maybe sign up to go on Jeopardy... or something.
I think that God's Word and the Holy Spirit is enough. Not saying that we shouldn't have apologetics. Not everyone can do as much research though. The power is the Gospel. I don't think it's our experience so much as the Word of God and His Holy Spirit working. I'm trying to word this carefully.
but...when you study the old cultures of the time and suddenly a parable (10 virgins my fav) makes 1000 times more sense, it's pretty amazing! It is for me anyways. It's like nothing else.
You mention early on that in your experience that some pastors were less than supportive of evidence based faith. Perhaps part of the issue is that they may be concerned faith will merely be academic knowledge based and not experience of trust and relationship. Whereas in reality one can have both. And also the pastor may also be concerned that if someone starts to question too much they risk falling away because of some difficult or challenging scripture.
Apologetics are necessary. However technically Paul gives testimony to his encounter with Christ, and how it changed him on a personal level. So there is personal testimony in the New Testament. However, we should also be aware of many arguments against the bible. Most can be quickly disproven looking just beneath the surface of the argument. Not everyone can do it however. For those who can, who have wrestled with scripture, they are better prepared to answer those who have doubt. And it is a great need now.
Thank you for this video. If you could tell us what reference books to read for the arguments for the Gospel. I have people that need evidence for Christ.
I'm only 5 minutes in Melissa, but I had to stop and comment on something he said... Do you know why a lot of pastors of churches don't want an expert to come and speak at their church? It is PRIDE! Plain and simple...
@@BIBLE-UNBUTCHERED you're right... And the sad part about it is, these pastors underestimate the fortitude of their congregation... God uses adversity to make us better... The truth might burn, but it will, purify... My own personal experience is, these guys don't want someone to out do them from their own pulpit...
Well, to continue my question……people of social characteristics & personalities that don’t conform to religious, or the popular standards that are influenced by social mediums.
In my opinion it would have to do with where your non-conformity stems from. Is it a result of past trauma, anxiety laden introvetism, fear, etc. or does it stem from a rebellious obstinance to "do you?" Christianity has never been, nor will it ever be a life of isolation. While uniqueness can exist within the body, erroneous peculiarity at the cost of doctrinal orthodoxy can lead one into heretical views, thoughts, and lifestyles. The NT defines biblical spirituality. So for instance, one is not fighting against religiosity by not going to church when the NT believers gathered and went to church. One is not fighting religiosity when they disregard theology and doctrine, when the whole Bible is a textbook of doctrine. The church should be a place where the most timid and humble sheep can find pasture; and within the safety of the divine family, you will be allowed to make mistakes with no judgment. And then, as you grow, and build confidence, you may be surprised how God uses you. Regard Moses. The Bible calls him the most humble, and he himself admits his speech stammered; yet, look what God did through him.
@@hisbidding Talk about T.M.I. As to say that we should find a place where it shouldn't be any unecessary control or correction.....A place which allows u to grow individually, yet gives guided support.
Question here, what does this mean about the conversion of Paul? Was Paul at fault for converting over for reasons that weren’t intellectual but from an encounter from Jesus?
The encounter was just the tipping point. The biblical narrative in Paul's encounter with Jesus shows the latter revealing that Stephen's sermon had convicted Paul. It seems that the persecution Paul led was simply his way of trying to deny the struggle that was already going on inside him.
@@theeternalsbeliever1779 Hey! Can you please site passages that state Paul was feeling guilty at all prior to the conversion. Also if we do assume your interpretation is correct doesn't that mean Paul converted for emotional reasons and not intellectual? Should he have just been convinced based on what Christians at that time were telling him prior to him persecuting them?
@@omnikevlar2338 Both of y'all bring out some great points. I think both Melissa and Jay would see that it can Never simply be Apologetics and logical arguments, facts or reason that brings someone to Christ - and that it always ALSO involves the Father drawing and enabling them (John 6:44, 65) and the work of the HOLY Spirit, and being "Born from Above". (See 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Ephesians 1:13-14, and John 3:3, Below 👇, just for starters). "Whenever anyone turns to the LORD, the veil is taken away. Now the LORD is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is Freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces All reflect the Lord's Glory, are being TRANSFORMED into His Likeness with ever-increasing Glory, which comes from the LORD, who IS the Spirit." " And you also were included in Christ, when you heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-To The Praise of His Glory." In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the Truth, no one can SEE the Kingdom of God unless they are born from above." (some translations= "born again")
In taking this evidence based approach to Christianity you ultimately have to find an evidence based answer to the question of God's existence. Outside of faith what evidence do you have for this?
Good Question: What is an evidence based answer for God's existence? I'll be praying about this, and perhaps someone else will tackle this, before I am led to a first response. But I'm pretty sure rereading Romans chapters 1-5 will be a great starting point ☝️🙌🙏
Have you read his books God's Crime Scene and Cold Case Christianity? These books present multiple lines of evidence for God's existence and Jesus' resurrection
Hello Melissa. What is your opinion regarding a Christian exposing someone’s abuse of power such as fraudulently skimming money? Is it wrong for a Christian to be a Whistleblower? I know it’s wrong for Christian to be a thief but is it also wrong to expose a thief? To be clear, I’m not referring to big mega preachers. I speaking of a slightly lower scale financially. Have you ever covered this is a video.
I agree, that subject needs to be covered. Especially with all of the greed, Money-grubbing and related behavior lately, from Many folks who are seeing Godliness as a means to financial gain (see 1 Timothy 6). It's becoming quite the problem these days- and it needs to be addressed in a video from someone with clout, like Melissa Dougherty. For example there was a statement that "we don't make enough from our TH-cam content for it to be considered as a source of income". But for those of us supporting large families with more than 6 children and many more Grandchildren on the way, these statements don't fly. Because ANY source of money, no matter how "small" in the minds of those who are "successful" financially, is considered to be a source of income, when you are below what America considers to be the poverty level....
Before you can discuss personal faith we need to define it as it is related to grace. I have a series of Ytube videos 'Myths in so-called Christianity' and my #1 video 'Grace is merited'. Simon John Skinner.
Your faith is what you do. Grandstanding grandiose statements about doctrines and beliefs mean nothing. All we have is the blood of Jesus and the cross of our sanctification. Stop ministering to the homeless with food and pats on the back. Get rid of everything and go be where Jesus is blessing the multitudes and feeding them...dont confuse your good works with faith if you dont have to excersize faith to accomplish whetever you do. My wife and I came to Wisconsin homeless not hopeless. There is more in the empty cup of faith than prosperity in this world where people give from abundance. In as much as you did it unto the least of these you did it unto me.
Min31:30ish... In the usa, If you are not persecuted because of your openness to speak out regarding Jesus.... calling sin Sin, loving in hurt, opposition from natural family, workplace.....your local place of fellowship... You need to spend time in front a mirror... You're probably not a true disciple of Christ....
This is so important. Especially as a Jewish believer. Most of the time when we speak to our Jewish brothers and sisters we have to make a case for the gospel from the Hebrew Scriptures alone. Paul didn't have the New Testament to make his case. He had his encounter with Jesus and the Hebrew Scriptures. Thank God, they are replete with pointers and indications of the coming New Covenant. Thanks Melissa!
When I was doubting my faith, I looked for Biblical evidence. It was through that journey that strengthened my faith. I was amazed at how many Christians attack Evidential apologetics! They would say things like 'knowledge puffs up'. I never understood that. But because my faith is not based on experience or feelings, it has become even stronger. When the bible has been confirmed by evidence, it doesn't matter what my current feelings or experience has been. It's still true!
Exactly! You are spot on. The people who said knowledge “puffs you up” are just the ones to lazy to read their Bibles. The more you know Biblically the more it humbles you to your core
Any good references for evidential apologetics
I'm a catholic but I'm not religious , I a big supporter of secularism and I have great respect for the right to worship or not worship a God but the guest is a great speaker , doesn't come across as a fake , the guy is the real deal , it was a nice interview , diversity is a good thing , no religion is better than the other , all religions more or less the same , its this idea of fearing sin and promoting prayer
@@FixableHQ Definitely check out Hugh Ross! He is one of the top astrophysicists! Or Frank Turek is very good too! I've also been told Francis Collins is great, he is a biologist, but I myself haven't listened to him yet. If you're looking for biblical clarity I highly recommend Grace Evangelical Society with Bob Wilkin and Shawn Lazar!
@@sinabagherisarvestani8924 If I might ask, why do you follow Catholicism?
I had a pastor early in my Christian walk that used to say "Feelings ain't got nothin' to do with nothin'" by which he would then explain that people whose faith is driven by feelings will ultimately fall away. They have built their house on sand. This discussion about evidentiary faith is so relevant to the world today. Churches have built congregations on feelings, visions, spiritual revelation, and all the "oohs and ah's" of the worship service light show performance without grounding believers in scriptural evidence. Most Christians today can't even point to basic scripture that proves Jesus is who he said he was.
I'm a catholic but I'm not religious , I a big supporter of secularism and I have great respect for the right to worship or not worship a God but the guest is a great speaker , doesn't come across as a fake , the guy is the real deal , it was a nice interview , diversity is a good thing , no religion is better than the other , all religions more or less the same , its this idea of fearing sin and promoting prayer
Great points Les, a pastor of mine would go a bit further and point out how often our feeling lie to us and so deceptive. How many of us have been sick with a cold/flu and feel like we are going to die from it.... Hmm might assert if you're reading this, you didn't die and it shows how our feelings were lying to us. Also, how often do we feel about various situations that this or that, i'm doing terrible at work or i feel someone hates me, or... However when the truth of how things really are we find out we were wrong, Feelings... Nothing more than feelings...
Another pastor loved his comments... "Put your faith in the facts, and your feeling will follow..." Fact is Christ died for us, can to give us life.... Or another good old saying at a church where i attended a long time back (ya i'm kind of old, so i might be full of it)... We would say if you lost your Joy, you aren't focusing on Jesus, Others, then yourself...
Cheers, and God bless ;)
For years I actually felt like I was not enough as a Christian. I did not have as much "miracle" experiences as others did. I also did not feel like I was honest enough with my faith personally to God.
I still can't explain how or what changed but while reflecting on the bible, I just realized that my feelings were not reliable sources as to my degree of Christianness. Everyday is a daily sacrifice to the cross. It is not MY faith is important in this relationship but rather God's unfailing faith in me, that in the end, I will get to him.
I know there are still related stuff that I haven't pin pointed out here but I can't think of anything more atm.
Sina Bahgari: with your belief in secularism and 'all roads lead to God' attitude is the very thing The Lord warns, these "lukewarm Christians" are the very ones Revelation says "He will spew you out of His mouth" - read your Bible and see for yourself
I'm an artist and a Christian, I'm always trying to find ways to positively impact the culture with Christ through art. This really helps me thank you!
Black americans are recruiting to new age ,astrology in the name of African spirituality.They are deceiving a lot of people Let's pray against this movement and to be delivered from this evil. And God to deal with them because its wrong they know it but they continue regardless.May God deliver us from evil.
That is so awesome! Praise God for the gift you have gave you
I was the one that used to say “Just have faith”, while internally I was truly questioning it myself. Thank you Melissa. God bless you both! 🙏
Omg, this gentleman is saying everything I've been saying. And over the last 7 years I've made everyone around me mad because of the questions I've asked. I keep getting told that I'm asking questions that no one has the answer for, and I never believed it. I LOVE this interview and it is so comforting to hear someone else having gone down the road I have. Thank you, Lord, for putting this in front of me. I really felt like Elijah asking, "am I the only one who thinks this way." This is awesome. Thank you for doing this.
Did u find the answers to your questions? Did you share the answers with those who didn't have it?
@@arcguardian Yes and no. Haha. Some questions I've forgotten. Some have been answered. New questions have come. I share what I've learned as best I can to any willing ear. But mostly I put myself at the feet of the Lord and let him guide where I go. I wish I had a better way to say that, ha ha, but it is truly what has happened, and the places I've been I would never have found on my own. Would never have even thought to look for them.
"You get purpose from something that's outside yourself that you have to bend your knee to."
So true. That was a helpful insight comparing where true identity comes from.
Finally came to Christ. Love love love it. But husband and I still grieving over having to leave the Mormon church we grew up in and gave our lives to. There are too many things wrong with it. I just love truth but like you guys are saying, some people don’t care. But still, the church was our whole way of life. It’s hard to move on when you have been deceived/exploited/brainwwashed. Plus our big happy family is kind of a mess now in our relationships with each other/church/world. Sorry to vent! Thanks for good video.
Hi, Janice! May I ask why your family is now struggling with relationships? Genuine curiosity - that statement intrigued me. Thank you!
Stay in Prayer. You guys will make it. Bless you 🙏🏿
The hard questions would get me kicked out of Awanas and my family would tell me that it just takes faith....then wonder why I spent 20 years or so away from church and running from God. I very much appreciate this approach!
If I had not searched for evidence to justify why I believed, I would have fallen off a long time ago!!
History proves it, and if we're willing to do the research, we'll find the evidence! Thanks so much for the wonderful work you do Melissa!!
Thank you soooo much for this !! I have been dealing with this when talking with other Christians especially on Reddit ! And it's true the more I do apologetics the closer I get to and stronger in faith I feel !! God is amazing there is a reason he wants us to do this. I think the question asking is so important and I feel shows that people are on their path to God so many that I know that are solid Christians now including myself all has this happen. Most professing Christians have no clue about all these things. The answers bring strength in the faith. There are answers not all are easy but I love seeing it
My adult daughter is more often arguing that Jesus probably didn't even exist, even though we have had lengthy discussions in the past that pointed to His existence, death, and was thought to have resurrected to the point of death of His followers after His death. However, our culture is so set on feelings and identity now, she is no longer interested in seeking the Truth, only "her truth". I pray that identity in Christ reaches down and grabs her, just like what happened to Paul. Many blessings to you both.
J.Warner Wallace gets to the nub and makes an excellent case, as always. Identity politics has expanded into identity faith - You do you; Works for you, not for me; etc. Faith is just an expression of "me." Thank you, Melissa, and thank you Mr. Wallace.
He is spot on! I'm in my 60's, and what helped me in my 20's when I became a disciple of Jesus was Josh McDowell's "Evidence that Demands a Verdict". I still have it today and have often referred to it.
I've been reading Cold case Christianity recently. Fascinating, engaging and really amazing! Really enjoying it and learning a lot!
I'm grateful that my pastor is welcoming to unbelievers and their questions. It makes a huge difference.
Experience, reason, evidence and faith. All important parts of your faith.
Amen.
@@MelissaDougherty hello. I posted a comment but it seems to have disappeared 😕. Can you check the review tab(?) 😊 thx
Faith is removed from reason and evidence, because there is none to be found
Yes,absolutely!!
It is always great to hear from J. Warner Wallace. God wants us to love Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our MIND. Somehow the Church tends to forget that last one.
This is why most people end up falling away because they don't know why they believe what they believe they have no basis someone something questions that they waiver
Thank you so much for what you said about "the numbers" and not knowing if anyone is seeing what we produce or not! I have no idea how many people read my blog, because there is almost zero visible response. But I know without a doubt it's what the Lord wants me to do, so I keep doing it. I know what you say is true, and I do keep reminding myself of it, but I so appreciate your putting into words. Do what you are led to do, for His sake, and trust that He will put it into the hands of those He wants to see it.
This reminds me of when I used to evangelize in downtown Dallas with a group from Bible college, and I was finding that a lot of people, would brush us off with "I'm already a Christian." So it occurred to me (most likely by God's influence) to ask, "Well, what does that mean?" And sometimes they'd say, "well, I go to church sometimes" or "I was baptized as a catholic," etc. It helped not only to weed out who actually was a Christian, but to teach those Christians to ask themselves, what does this really mean to me?
What Warner said at 40:30 and following hit hard. This is where we are. My former church was very much into feelings and that will only last so long. I'm thankful for my current church where I hear that gospel and expository preaching every Sunday. I've been going to church for years and now I truly understand what it means to haith in Jesus as my Lord and savior and now I want to be able to explain to others and properly defend it
J Warner, one of the best!
I always enjoy interviews with Jim. Such a sweet smart guy. Great combination. Thanks Melissa. Your channel has been a great blessing. Keep up the good work. 💖
Thank you Jim and Melissa! Very inspiring 🙏🏻📖🔦
“It’s all because of those Christians,” is something I have heard several times in the past few weeks. It might not even take 5 years to take root in our country. Thanks for sharing this interview with us.
I'm a catholic but I'm not religious , I a big supporter of secularism and I have great respect for the right to worship or not worship a God but the guest is a great speaker , doesn't come across as a fake , the guy is the real deal , it was a nice interview , diversity is a good thing , no religion is better than the other , all religions more or less the same , its this idea of fearing sin and promoting prayer
@@sinabagherisarvestani8924 religion is what is causing alot of societies problems, if we look for the evidence of our faith, like is spoken about in this video, it gives us understanding and brings us into relationship with The Creator, and find that he sent a Saviour to redeem us and overcome sin. So whn you pray, pray to God for revelation of truth in Jesus because he is the way, the truth and the life ;)
@@sinabagherisarvestani8924 religions are not at all the same.
@@aimeeb2820 maybe the spirit of religion, but not religion itself. Scripture doesn't condemn religion, see the book of James.
@@arcguardian behind everything we put our attention to, there lies a spirit, and if we are not filled with the spirit of God we are puffed up on knowledge.
And our need to belong and our sinful nature corrupts that even more, by pointing at the splinter in everyone else's eye while conveniently ignoring the log in our own!
Religion isn't what's needed, and has never saved, and only Jesus Yeshua himself can shine a light into our hearts and reveal our corrupting nature!
So in truth we should only be following him and seeking him we forget that and set ourselves into tribes and different groups of belief systems, No just follow him and everything else will fall into place ;)
I've been doing a lot of research. My heart and mind is in it. In my case it is not knowing where to start. It's crazy how much information can be discussed.
This was great! I’ve got to get that book now. Thanks for this, Melissa & J. Warner Wallace!
One time my wife siad she was kicked out of her Sunday school class. An older cousin led the Sunday school. The cousin reported her to the elders. A meeting was held with the elders, her parent, and her. She was told to NOT ask any questions during Sunday school. She said her questions were always relevent to the topic, such as the Law, Sabbath/Sunday, ect.
This was so helpful! Thank you for making this video and creating Christian content that actually strengthens believers. This is the stuff that matters. It's like 'it's in the Bible...or something.' 😆
Understand your faith and defend it... Even to yourself.
Me and my wife love you videos. May the Lord Jesus bless your ministry and let it grow humongous. 🙏🙏🙏
A Case for Christ is another good one. Would love to see ya interview Lee Stroble. Thank you for this. This is great.
Tracey Burroughs from South Africa 🇿🇦 watching your episode
I'm reading Forensic Faith right now! Fabulous book.
I had a lagging channel. I had some good content, but nothing really steady. But before that I wrote a series of Bible studies based on the characters and character groups from the Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. I now have one video for each of the 9 members of the Fellowship and I just put up my 2nd video for the Friends of the Fellowship. When I'm done there will be 30 videos. I also talked to a writer I knew back in 2006 and she has a Fantasy trilogy that has some wonderful analogies that seem like they are from the Bible. I feel comfortable in this. It's what I do. Pray for me that through them all Jesus would be glorified. God bless you both.
Thank you for sharing this. I really appreciate what is being said here. I am intrigued by the idea of approaching faith in a forensic format and really digging into the evidence. With all the archaeological proof about the the events in the Bible, we are able to really firmly stand and proclaim, Yes this happened and it's real. I might have to get a copy of this book. Thanks again.
The Lord is near! Amen. God is merciful. He always forgives. Never be ashamed to take your failures to him. He is for you, not against you! God is with you in the storm. He knows your troubles, he hears you! He is for you, on your side, always! It may feel silent at times, but he’s holding you close! May the Lord return soon! We are drawing closer. He is coming! Believe and trust in the Lord, you will be saved. Period. May the Lord bless you all! Hang in there family. Stay strong. It is not easy following the Lord. We are scoffed at. We give up our earthly dreams, our fleshly desires. What the enemy offers is short lived, but heaven is forever! Life may seem or be unfair, but God is with you! Always remember that. Things may get better or worse for you, but a kingdom awaits you! Finish the race! Repent daily and carry your cross. This world is fading fast. Your troubles are temporary! New channel here, I’d appreciate any kind of support. Don’t give up! God loves you so much! So do I. The Lord bless you!!
Such an interesting point about what a testimony actually is, we are studying Acts as a church at the moment and I think I will notice that more now.
I read his cold case Christianity for kids book and it was really good.
Love Jim's work. Thanks for another great video Melissa.
I can't rely on my feelings as I'm a natural born sinner, that has turned to our wonderful Lord and Savior.
Love you both. Thanks so much.
J Warner Wallace is great
49:35 reminds me of the song "The Apples In a Seed" by Anne F. Stevens. In the 3rd verse, it talks about not getting discouraged when many people reject the Gospel because the 1 that does receive it may bring 1,000 to Christ. I think the same is true with edification.
Great interview. Thank you.
Great discussion, thank you both!
Faith built on feelings will not stand at all . it will crumble and turn to dust.
We can't have that type of faith in this race we are all involved in.
Amen to that!
What else can it be based on? The Bible is the "truth" only to those who buy it but not because it actually is truth, only because it says so
@@anotherguyonthepc5 Try reading the Book of John, from the Bible, and asking the Spirit of God to Reveal the TRUTH of who Jesus REALLY is to you. Do this with an open heart, mind and spirit, as you carefully and prayerfully read, from Chapter 1 through chapter 21.
You might be surprised with what is uncovered for you....
Love your comments Melissa. I struggle with many at church who are like those you mention, if/when you get into a more theological perspective on scripture, i find many are lazy. Forget God has told us in 2 Tim 2:15) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
What i've noticed if you start bring up anything a little more theological, or that if/when we read scripture and take it literal, often push back "You're being too legalistic.... Don't be such a pharisee... Just accept the it is all faith and grace..." Sure you've heard it and can relate. Was thinking over the last couple days why it bothered me so much and what should we call it? I'm starting to think and leaning towards a "Passive Aggressive Ignorance", people will attack you for really digging in to see what God has said and expects to us, all the while justifying their perspective we don't really need to study. Come on Dan, don't stress over stuff that really doesn't matter, Jesus did it all just rely on Jesus and His grace. Not that i reject Christ's grace, simply would rather learn more about what He has done for me.
LOVE LOVE LOVE
PERSON OF INTEREST! Great read!
Got his book Person of Interest for Christmas! I love this book! So helpful--thank you!!!
Thank you Melissa. Great work.
So encouraging.
It is a great disservice to tell people to defend "their" faith. What they should be told is to defend _the_ faith. Catholics and Protestants do a great job of defending their faith, but they are still defending their own ideas of God and Jesus.
Thanks for this Melissa! Much needed ❤️
After understanding, we should live our faith.
When it comes being asked biblical questions I have no answer for I know a guy if he doesn't he knows a guy. With this group of guys we never have to fall on our own understanding.
We each have those we can reach that no one else can I live full-time rv life and share the Gospel to the Nomadic people you see with RVs overnight in your walmart parking lot. I live in a custom built RV I build and RVs love it.
Thank you so much!
Speak think know the word of God in Christ we are saved pray for those that have fallen away or believing wrong Theology Amen
JUST bought this book you linked for us, loved PERSON of INTEREST so I am sure this will be a great read as well. :D
I agree with a lot of things in this video. It takes one to say they are Christian without really knowing what it truly means outside of what mainstream thinks being a Christian means.
Great video! Thanks y’all!
I am subscribed to both of you!! Love you brother and sister🙏🏾
WOW!!! So Good!
Fantastic, thank you.
“It is time that we admitted that faith is nothing more than the license religious people give one another to keep believing when reasons fail.”
-Sam Harris
No
Or that faith is realizing that Christ never fails. Our faith is a response to evidence, not a belief without proof and evidence.
If you put your faith in reason as opposed to Christ....well no wonder it resulted in failure.
I'm addition putting your faith in man (Sam Harris) only makes it certain that it is misplaced.
@@John-uk8eo I wasn't proposing that you should "put your faith in man". I wasn't proposing to put "faith" in anything when it comes to discerning what is real and what is not real. When you have evidence and critical thinking skills you don't have to resort to "faith". In any other area or discourse the religious and non-religious alike use logic, reasoning, and evidence to understand and to discern what if real and what is not real. Can you imagine for example if a group of people were having a discussion about the actual impact of Global Warming, and one of the participants in the discussion took a position (on either side) and indicated that it was based on faith. They would quickly be dismissed as not having anything useful to say. You put your faith in Christ, but believers in other religions put their faith in some other religious figure. I'm sure you easily dismiss their faith, despite their convictions and scriptures that they try to use to make their case. You are probably no more impressed in their "faith" than I am in yours.
@@ou812invu6
If global warming is real, there is no spiritual component to it - its entirely physical and detected through material evidence.
If God is real and is Who He says He is in the Bible, there is a spiritual component to detecting Him sans physical evidence.
Spiritual things are discerned through faith, not sterile analysis.
@@ou812invu6 I think that you are just looking for someone to "debate" with. If you don't love Jesus, why then are you on this channel??? Maybe sign up to go on Jeopardy... or something.
I think the just have faith is the first step...
I had the honor of talking to him on Twitter seen him in GODs Not Dead
This was good!!!
Needed this
Great interview 😁🙏
I think that God's Word and the Holy Spirit is enough. Not saying that we shouldn't have apologetics. Not everyone can do as much research though. The power is the Gospel. I don't think it's our experience so much as the Word of God and His Holy Spirit working. I'm trying to word this carefully.
but...when you study the old cultures of the time and suddenly a parable (10 virgins my fav) makes 1000 times more sense, it's pretty amazing! It is for me anyways. It's like nothing else.
Yes I completely understand what you are saying...and I agree!
I understand what you're saying.
Do your faith!
Great info.
Saved by faith alone grace alone apart from works of the law.
I didn't know what it was called until my 20s but I have been onto apologetics since I was 2 or 3.
You mention early on that in your experience that some pastors were less than supportive of evidence based faith.
Perhaps part of the issue is that they may be concerned faith will merely be academic knowledge based and not experience of trust and relationship. Whereas in reality one can have both.
And also the pastor may also be concerned that if someone starts to question too much they risk falling away because of some difficult or challenging scripture.
Some good points here, as to why some shy away from Apologetics and asking the Hard Questions...
Apologetics are necessary. However technically Paul gives testimony to his encounter with Christ, and how it changed him on a personal level. So there is personal testimony in the New Testament. However, we should also be aware of many arguments against the bible. Most can be quickly disproven looking just beneath the surface of the argument. Not everyone can do it however. For those who can, who have wrestled with scripture, they are better prepared to answer those who have doubt. And it is a great need now.
@@Blind-Fools Amen ❤️☝️🙌🙏
Gotta laugh at lessons about "defending" your faith from a guy who never debates.
Wallace is the classic "one-touch kung-fu master" of apologetics.
Thank you for this video. If you could tell us what reference books to read for the arguments for the Gospel. I have people that need evidence for Christ.
I don't need another book to take the place of the bible. Just read the bible and it will answer all the questions you have.
Why do we need so many people writing books about Christianity? Isn't the Bible enough? Why can't God just make himself clear?
I'm only 5 minutes in Melissa, but I had to stop and comment on something he said... Do you know why a lot of pastors of churches don't want an expert to come and speak at their church? It is PRIDE! Plain and simple...
Robert Putt: Pride and fear of emptying their pews/seats from what's being said, true though it may be
@@BIBLE-UNBUTCHERED you're right... And the sad part about it is, these pastors underestimate the fortitude of their congregation... God uses adversity to make us better... The truth might burn, but it will, purify... My own personal experience is, these guys don't want someone to out do them from their own pulpit...
What would they have to say about Christians who were social out-layers?…………. One’s who don’t fit the social norms of cliques, and societies?
We know what Christ would say and do....
🙌🏼❤️🔥🙌🏼
Melissa, Do you have a video on the Rapture? Wondering about your thoughts.
Is "faith" any different from "wishful thinking"?
Yes. That's what the book they're discussing is about.
Michael: do you wish it wasn't. Ask the new agers - the kings of wishful thinking - they have no Faith
@@BIBLE-UNBUTCHERED I am asking whether biblical "faith" is really any different from wishful thinking.
Well, to continue my question……people of social characteristics & personalities that don’t conform to religious, or the popular standards that are influenced by social mediums.
In my opinion it would have to do with where your non-conformity stems from. Is it a result of past trauma, anxiety laden introvetism, fear, etc. or does it stem from a rebellious obstinance to "do you?" Christianity has never been, nor will it ever be a life of isolation. While uniqueness can exist within the body, erroneous peculiarity at the cost of doctrinal orthodoxy can lead one into heretical views, thoughts, and lifestyles. The NT defines biblical spirituality. So for instance, one is not fighting against religiosity by not going to church when the NT believers gathered and went to church. One is not fighting religiosity when they disregard theology and doctrine, when the whole Bible is a textbook of doctrine. The church should be a place where the most timid and humble sheep can find pasture; and within the safety of the divine family, you will be allowed to make mistakes with no judgment. And then, as you grow, and build confidence, you may be surprised how God uses you. Regard Moses. The Bible calls him the most humble, and he himself admits his speech stammered; yet, look what God did through him.
@@hisbidding Talk about T.M.I. As to say that we should find a place where it shouldn't be any unecessary control or correction.....A place which allows u to grow individually, yet gives guided support.
Question here, what does this mean about the conversion of Paul? Was Paul at fault for converting over for reasons that weren’t intellectual but from an encounter from Jesus?
The encounter was just the tipping point. The biblical narrative in Paul's encounter with Jesus shows the latter revealing that Stephen's sermon had convicted Paul. It seems that the persecution Paul led was simply his way of trying to deny the struggle that was already going on inside him.
@@theeternalsbeliever1779 Hey! Can you please site passages that state Paul was feeling guilty at all prior to the conversion.
Also if we do assume your interpretation is correct doesn't that mean Paul converted for emotional reasons and not intellectual? Should he have just been convinced based on what Christians at that time were telling him prior to him persecuting them?
@@omnikevlar2338 Both of y'all bring out some great points. I think both Melissa and Jay would see that it can Never simply be Apologetics and logical arguments, facts or reason that brings someone to Christ - and that it always ALSO involves the Father drawing and enabling them (John 6:44, 65) and the work of the HOLY Spirit, and being "Born from Above".
(See 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Ephesians 1:13-14, and John 3:3, Below 👇, just for starters).
"Whenever anyone turns to the LORD, the veil is taken away. Now the LORD is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is Freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces All reflect the Lord's Glory, are being TRANSFORMED into His Likeness with ever-increasing Glory, which comes from the LORD, who IS the Spirit."
" And you also were included in Christ, when you heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-To The Praise of His Glory."
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the Truth, no one can SEE the Kingdom of God unless they are born from above."
(some translations= "born again")
Melissa what year was you born , my daughter that's in my photo was born 1986
Increase the volume input
In taking this evidence based approach to Christianity you ultimately have to find an evidence based answer to the question of God's existence. Outside of faith what evidence do you have for this?
Good Question: What is an evidence based answer for God's existence? I'll be praying about this, and perhaps someone else will tackle this, before I am led to a first response. But I'm pretty sure rereading Romans chapters 1-5 will be a great starting point ☝️🙌🙏
Have you read his books God's Crime Scene and Cold Case Christianity? These books present multiple lines of evidence for God's existence and Jesus' resurrection
first of all faith is not a feeling faith is the substance you cannot see
Hello Melissa.
What is your opinion regarding a Christian exposing someone’s abuse of power such as fraudulently skimming money? Is it wrong for a Christian to be a Whistleblower? I know it’s wrong for Christian to be a thief but is it also wrong to expose a thief? To be clear, I’m not referring to big mega preachers. I speaking of a slightly lower scale financially. Have you ever covered this is a video.
I agree, that subject needs to be covered. Especially with all of the greed, Money-grubbing and related behavior lately, from Many folks who are seeing Godliness as a means to financial gain (see 1 Timothy 6).
It's becoming quite the problem these days- and it needs to be addressed in a video from someone with clout, like Melissa Dougherty.
For example there was a statement that "we don't make enough from our TH-cam content for it to be considered as a source of income". But for those of us supporting large families with more than 6 children and many more Grandchildren on the way, these statements don't fly.
Because ANY source of money, no matter how "small" in the minds of those who are "successful" financially, is considered to be a source of income, when you are below what America considers to be the poverty level....
Faith alone in Christ alone , nothing else is needed for salvation , stop complicating things .
Before you can discuss personal faith we need to define it as it is related to grace. I have a series of Ytube videos 'Myths in so-called Christianity' and my #1 video 'Grace is merited'. Simon John Skinner.
how be a christian gave you a great logical lesson 😂😂😂
is this speaking of catholicism or Christianity?
Your faith is what you do. Grandstanding grandiose statements about doctrines and beliefs mean nothing. All we have is the blood of Jesus and the cross of our sanctification. Stop ministering to the homeless with food and pats on the back. Get rid of everything and go be where Jesus is blessing the multitudes and feeding them...dont confuse your good works with faith if you dont have to excersize faith to accomplish whetever you do. My wife and I came to Wisconsin homeless not hopeless. There is more in the empty cup of faith than prosperity in this world where people give from abundance.
In as much as you did it unto the least of these you did it unto me.
Min31:30ish...
In the usa, If you are not persecuted because of your openness to speak out regarding Jesus.... calling sin Sin, loving in hurt, opposition from natural family, workplace.....your local place of fellowship...
You need to spend time in front a mirror...
You're probably not a true disciple of Christ....