I am on a similar journey as you described. A couple JWs came to my door and shook me-- not because I believed any of their twistings but because I realized how unprepared I was to answer their twistings--- and that sent me down a spiral to finally start getting serious about scripture and changed my life really! Shout out to the JWs for waking up us sleepy Christians lol.
To me its simular to using the Lords name in vain. Nobody curses saying Budha, Krishna, Allah, etc... only Jesus Christ or God. Why? Because everyone knows deep down He is true.
Allah (al-ilah) just means 'God' in Arabic & is used by Arabic speaking Christians & Jews as well as Muslims. Yes, of the 100 names of the God of the Bible, some are used as expletives (though it is expressly forbidden to do so) & even using the name of Jesus (Hedhrat 'Isa) - - - considered a Prophet in Islam - - as an expletive is forbidden. As for Krishna, Shiva, Lakshmi et al., they are used (in often very creative though crude ways) as expletives... Though not by their devotees. Buddha is different, though. I haven't ever heard Buddha being used as an expletive yet. The virgin Mary, on the other hand, is a very popular expletive (as are the names of Saints, Devas, Orisha, et al) in some parts of the world. If you want to find other examples, you don't need to look far. Just search for expletives in (pre-Christian) Greece, Rome, Ireland (the Irish ones are as creative as they are poetic, a tradition that still seems to remain on the island), et c.
I starting seeing through the garbage back in early 2020. Absolutely nothing made any sense. And when nothing makes sense, it all makes perfect sense. There are still people wearing masks, to this day. I can see if you are immuno-comprimised, but perfectly healthy people got their brains wrecked. Fear is a heck of a motivator. People used to give me all kinds of crazy looks for not wearing a mask, or for refusing the jab. Now they tell me they wished they had listened to me. It's sad to see people so lost and confused, and to have it done to them on purpose is just psychopathic.
It's happening to the conservative side too. A special balloon, a special train wreck in Ohio, the recent border things. All these were/are easily stoppable, but they are/were not. It elicits fear that appeals to the emotional side of us. For reference I am Conservative. It's just something I've noticed lately.
How are the World Economic Forum, the World Health Organization and the American Education System not all cults? Social Credit Scores will be enforced soon 😢
You are definitely onto something. During the whole co.vid situation, the way that we were being manipulated, coerced, censored and gaslighted, all just looked to me like an abusive relationship but on a grander scale.
Same trick played for centuries. Christianity, invisible god. COVID, invisible virus. If you don't accept Jesus as your god you will go to hell. If you don't accept COVID vaccination you will......both use the same method for the useless fearful eaters.
I come out of a church where the pastor told me, when I started disagreeing, I MUST LISTEN to him, and I was like : no, God is my final authority, not you. But it took me about 4 years to get to that point😢 and by the grace of God I could see what I couldn't see before. So mind control is real, I can totally relate
God keeps bringing JW to me. I'd love to hear how you were saved and anything that's good to discuss with those still in the organisation. Praise God, I see him really going for those in the JW, I'd love to see more born again in that group!!!
Great video! You really described our current culture.. based on feelings, not allowed to question, not allowed to disagree, you are told you are racist, and bigoted, even if you are not, they redefine words, cancel and reject anyone who questions the norm, your true identity is found in thinking, feeling and championing the cause of the cultural narrative. Whether social justice, LGBTQ ideology, wokeness... And more! And agreed! We need to watch out for this in the church! The enemy seems to be using this tactic everywhere. Thanks for the great content!
@@intellectually_lazyabsolutely nothing my friend. Theyre just mad and bitter and think the world they talk down on OWES them something. These crazy whiteys. And adjacents to whitey. Hispanics. Asians. Etc.
AND the "must sleep, must wake up" at a certain time... forcing a huge segment of the population (whose circadian rhythms are later naturally) to adhere to a 9-5 structure that is energetically antagonistic to their wellbeing and functioning.
That is encouraging to hear from a former mormon. Mormons can be hard to reach. They are very wrap up in their belief and don't seem to hold the Bible to the same authority level as the book of mormon. Would you mind sharing what sparked your curiosity to come out of the religion? Thank you in advance!
My mom was a generational Mormon. She tried to get me involved , but thank goodness Jesus had other plans. Finally, at 95 she gave her life to Jesus. Soon after, she told my son that the Mormon church is wrong. She has now been in heaven for 10 years and I know she is having a great time!
@@CalledUntoHolinessI can tell you for me it was the Book of Mormon. When I realized that the Book of Mormon taught a different doctrine than what we actually practice in the LDS faith it caused a lot of cognitive dissonance. The Book of Mormon clearly teaches salvation through faith in Christ. No mention of temples, no mention of priesthood authority, no mention of a one true church. I still love the Book of Mormon in the same way I love CS Lewis. There are certain concepts in there that are wonderful. However, everything I read must align with the New testament's teachings otherwise I toss it out. The main issue I see is that the church follows the teachings of Brigham Young. When I went to the source documents what I found was that Brigham Young taught a very different doctrine than Joseph Smith did. Further most of the books I've read about Joseph Smith are based upon information that would never stand up in a court of law. When you actually look at primary sources Joseph is a much different character. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but as I've reviewed credible sources it appears that Joseph was never a polygamist. Shortly after Joseph died polygamy exploded and Brigham Young took the reins. Joseph struggled with money his whole life, and after his death, Brigham Young became a millionaire. The other thing that swayed me was the doctrine part of the Doctrine & Covenants which the LDS church removed in the 1920s. The original Doctrine had to be removed because it didn't align with the teachings of Brigham Young. I discovered that the church we have today was heavily influenced by the corrupt teachings of Brigham Young.
It’s crazy how applicable everything you listed is to the “trust the science” group over the last few years. From the near veneration of Dr. F to the mockery of anyone who dared to raise objections, to the shunning of friends and family. It’s disturbing to witness how effective using fear was at getting people to relinquish their ability and duty to think critically.
I think woke-ism itself, is a type of religion, they claim the higher morals, and if you don't voice agreement they demonize you they reference you to their venerated and almost holy celebrities that are treated as heros and bishops, whose word is gospel until they say something wrong and are excommunicated, they are taking control of the language and deciding what words are taboo and adding others to enforce their beliefs. Traditionally religious roles.
Thanks, your breakdown was 100% correct. I grew up JW. Thank God, I was pulled away from the Cult of JW. It left my entire family broken and segregated. There are aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents that I never had a chance to meet. The organization still has my mother, and it's been decades since we have been able to see each other. Pray for her, I pray she will be freed from the manipulation and control every day. It's been over 20 years, and it still hurts to be considered apostate for my Christian life. But God is good and has given me a new life and family. Bless you all.
I am an ex JW living in Australia. I was involved in the occult before joining them for 2 years. I studied my way out - that was 25 years ago. I am a christian.
the fact that you are a Christian Apologist who upholds critical thinking and calls out cults… so edifying and wonderful to hear. Praying for you! thank you for all you do 💖💖✝️
Critical thinking is only effective if you are seeking truth. Many Critically read the Bible. Your mindset needs to be open to honestly seek Truth. Entering into a study or search already prepared to find fault, then all you will find is fault and be critical. Seek to know the Truth first and foremost and you will find it.
Melissa is very good at click bait. Oops I did it again. I took the bait. First of all the term that is now used for Cults is High Control Groups. How can you have critical thinking if you are threatened with hell. How can you have critical thinking if you are told a particular interpretation of the bible is truth. Because?@josemedina-kl8hv
I've been noticing this for the past like 2 years and recently had basically the same conclusion that you did. People are cruel to those who don't beleive in mainstream ideas not because they themselves beleive it, but because they are scared of the exil that comes with not just agreeing with non-mainstream ideas, but even being friends with or associating at ALL with different views. They've seen the punishment that occurs when you associates with those who don't agree with the powerful ones. And they are so scared that they convince themselves they beleive mainstream ideas, when really, they probably don't. They're just terrified.
I find this video useful for Christians to watch. I noticed when i got saved i went to an SDA church for a brief period, and they were ecstatic that i hadnt been indoctrinated yet. Which led me to believe they thought i would be easily indoctrinated by them. Unfortunately for them i had already read the Bible and made a commitment to Jesus that i would follow no man but only Him. Great video and God bless!
Because an SDA church said you hadn't been indoctrinated yet you thought they wanted to? Was there specific doctrines they taught that aren't biblically based? Just curious.
I don't know much about them, other than they recognize Saturday as the true Sabbath and have to say they are very much correct on that! I don't attend any church. I read the Bible, pray and Christian. The Bible states to follow after no one, other than God's Teaching
@@marysmith861I can answer that😂 infact just today i put a 2.5 page thesis on the doors of the napier sda nz( during service) telling them exactly where they are wrong biblically , I'm assuming your a current sda??, so I feel I should warn you first, your not going to like the answers, I have for you on their teachings, and to which part is majorly wrong!!. Are you still Interested?? Are you still confident??
The Bible says, dress, respectfully. God is not please with the way of the world. Jesus said, he who loves, the things of the world, the love of the Father is not in them.find the scriptures, for your self.
@@skylarsartnphotography3450 check out God's calendar. It's nothing like the Gregorian calendar we use today. They are not very much correct on Saturday as the true Sabbath. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.
This is fabulous. Just fantastic. Well done. Most especially at the end, the way you tie it all together with objective truth. I am 51 and have spent my life searching for truth and found it in Christ (26 years ago). It is astonishing to see how powerful and important the truth is. As you said, all cults are the same, even though they have not colluded with each other. And in their lies, they prove Christ true. Brava!!
Melissa, in approx. 28 min you did a great job at laying this down. In my witness to our local cult, I've been accused as a purveyor of hate and a "liar". It's sad and fascinating at the same time. Religious cults are ruled spiritually by a fallen entity of the kingdom of darkness. Make no mistake, they are ruled by that kingdom. The puppet is the charismatic/authoritarian human leader. The victims, the serfs, are the congregants who are lured or born into that false, flawed and fatal system. There is another point concerning cults that is notable; the identities of cult members morph into the identity of their fallen spiritual leader. Cult members become an extension of that dark kingdom; all it takes is a little scratching of the surface and it comes out.
I left a small congregation a couple years ago. I only attended a few times. At first everyone was nice and welcoming. Little by little they all turned mean. They all picked on one lady that I really liked because of her spiritual insights. She finally quit going. Then I noticed the pastor was not so nice to me. I was out of there fast.
Molly I can relate! Discovering the truth about 9/11, freemasonry, flat earth, etc was instrumental in galvanizing my faith in the Bible being the truth of God.
@Matthew-307 Yes (and same) to all of that! Every single rabbit hole I went down ended up funneling into one thing: Luciferianism. Blew my mind, all the hidden in plain sight stuff! Thank you for sharing, brother. It's quite a wild ride to learn about those things. 😊 Blessings!
@marysmith861 Oh, absolutely; there's quite a lot I have to say. 😅 I've been considering writing a book after having it be suggested to me over the years by enough people -- friends & strangers. Jesus at the center, though! 💛 I've got some things to say about that beautiful man who saved my life (literally with a visitation). Blessings to you! 🫂
@anotherperspective8263 Its ties with the CIA and Hollywood (filled to the brim with freemasonry & occultism) have literally everything to do with Christianity, or rather, actively bastardizing everything Christianity. I found the specificity of that to be interesting. So, I sought Yeshua, and now I'm here. 😊 I'm also glad I know my enemy from many angles. It's been helpful in growing discernment.
This is going to be a very odd comment (especially since I'm 28 and you're probably in your 30s) but here we go. Melissa, I wish you could be my mom. I don't currently have a close mom-figure in my life and when I watch your videos, the godliness I see in you just really makes me wish I had someone like you as a mother in my life. May God bless you Melissa.
Be careful sweetheart! You are in a very vulnerable position if you are looking for a person other than Christ to mentor and nurture you. The Holy Spirit will teach comfort and counsel you. People will always let you down one way or another--Jesus is who you need.
Thank you for this shared knowledge. I have been born and raised in the church of Jesus Christ of latter day days. I NEVER considered it a cult. I started reading Isaiah and considered he was talking about our church and poof the spell has been broken. I still consider the BOM a scripture that can stand alone. It really does testify of Christ and actually tells us to read and study the words of Isaiah. That’s why I did. I had this great desire to look up what cults were. I started by watching the documentary on Scientology. Wow that was eye opening. Ever since I’ve been so curious about how human history and our brains work in those ways. It’s been so freeing. I still go to church as of now because it’s such a hard transition when it’s habit and community. My son is committed to another year on a mission but I pray he will meet someone like you to help him see clearly. He knows how I feel. God is working on my husband. ❤️ Pray for us friends in Christ. 🙏🏼 ✝️
I pray you have the courage and conviction to walk away and find a church that teaches God’s truth alone (not man’s ideas). Ask God to show you where to go.
Came here to offer support. I was also LDS for my whole life, until God opened my eyes and showed me the truth. It's interesting how much more meaningful scripture becomes when read without any preconceived ideas, or the need to read it through the perspective of your current religion. God is good, and he's going to help your husband, just like he helped me and my family. I'll pray for you both.
I’m only listening for a few moments here, but immediately I can tell you are giving the real information, on a topic you have some experience with. This is a very serious matter, of course.
When I became born again Christian my Catholic family shunned me and has treated me as an outsider. When I questioned the unbiblical teachings of a church I attended I was viewed as a trouble maker. It amazes me how “pastors” will continue to teach things not found in scripture but because it’s domination teaches it they accept it as truth and don’t allow anyone to challenge it.
I come from a Catholic background as well. We aren’t supposed to question the priest. Which had me thinking 🤔… I’m an outsider from my extended family… I am Christian now and my husband, mom and sisters are Christian too. Unfortunately my dad loves our Christian church and our beliefs however, he still says he’s catholic and idolizes the Virgin Mary..
I was raised catholic...became born again in a very fringe charismatic cultists church that kicked me our when I followed the Bible. This happens in all denominations. Jesus has led me back to catholicism....which is really the last place I expected, but don't discount all your catholic brothers and sisters as non-Christian, please.
Great video! Thank you for sharing as this is a major problem in the local Churches. Really think people should wake up to this deceptive control and play on one's emotions.😊
There are a lot of mind games played with tithing in churches that preach on it. One way to prevent this is to reject the Sermon as a normative weekly practice because it doesn't let the brethren treat each other as equals. Jesus said 'let no call you rabbi, for there is one teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren' . I'm not necessarily calling churches that preach tithing in an unhealthy ways cults, but it's not healthy and does make abuse quite possible. Hmmm...
@@anotherperspective8263 Of the ceremony? Of the building? Of leadership? As long as we don't weave the building and leadership into doctrine in ways that are not warranted by the Bible, it's fine, but the more different sects attempt to do this, the more they create confusion, division, and, far too often, a means of abuse. So I can understand your perspective, is a church building a Malachi storehouse from your vantage point? Are tithes required OR should they be strongly 'recommended' to believers as a 'principle' outside the law (or that existed before the law)? Do you or does leadership in your church typically conflate firstfruits and tithing? Does your church typically categorize all works of service and all acts of adulation under the umbrella of 'worship'. These are common errors of church leaders seeking to justify their authority and mode of collecting revenue. And it would be really nice to receive a response on some of the particular questions instead of a redirect. Few people that I discuss these issues with seem to want to answer these questions. Unfortunately, I can only assume that to be a tacit admission that their church does engage in these perspectives. Either that or it's a 'see no, evil, hear no evil' response that they have not heard of that being done anywhere - what am I talking about. (gaslighting)
@anotherperspective8263 Of the ceremony? Of the building? Of leadership? As long as we don't weave the building and leadership into doctrine in ways that are not warranted by the Bible, it's fine, but the more different sects attempt to do this, the more they create confusion, division, and, far too often, a means of abuse. So I can understand your perspective, is a church building a Malachi storehouse from your vantage point? Are tithes required OR should they be strongly 'recommended' to believers as a 'principle' outside the law (or that existed before the law)? Do you or does leadership in your church typically conflate firstfruits and tithing? Does your church typically categorize all works of service and all acts of adulation under the umbrella of 'worship'. These are common errors of church leaders seeking to justify their authority and mode of collecting revenue. And it would be really nice to receive a response on some of the particular questions instead of a redirect. Few people that I discuss these issues with seem to want to answer these questions. Unfortunately, I can only assume that to be a tacit admission that their church does engage in these perspectives. Either that or it's a 'see no, evil, hear no evil' response that they have not heard of that being done anywhere - as in - what am I even talking about? (gaslighting)
Watching this brings so much relief! I have been experiencing so much of this in a new town that I moved to where I do not know anyone. Gossip has been a problem and it seems very tribal/territorial. People asked to 'talk' and then I am confronted with the end result of a long telephone game distortion of things that I have 'said'.....it was love bombing, tell us your dirt, and then we create it into something it's not and broadcast a 'reputation' about you..... it is toxic and just like being in an abusive relationship. This behavior is NOT Jesus. I appreciate this video/advice so much, thank you!
Melissa, your approach, tone and temperament is outstanding. What your channel produces is stellar, I'm certain the Lord's grace is in the work of your hands.
I've been watching your channel for a week or so now and you have become part of my daily routine. You speak well and are very informative. I've seen your lessons on cults and thought I would ask you it you have ever shared Galatians 1:8 and 9 with them. I think this is the best answer for them.
I think you’re spot-on with everything you’ve said here, Melissa! 🎯💯 Something that I also have noticed recently is that many of these kinds of tactics are being implemented in mainstream conservative evangelical churches as well which is disturbing. We have so many Christians who are frankly just lazy in reading & studying their Bibles, & it’s easier for them to just take the word of their leaders as correct, trustworthy, & Biblical, but even lifelong Christians can be sucked into New Thought & New Age practices because the enemy is subtle, inserting just enough “truth-sounding” into devotional books & “Bible studies” to sound legit & lead people down a wrong path. If those who are aware of these things even dare to mention the dangers or even question, they are often labeled as troublemakers or somehow “less spiritual”, or a conspiracy theorist, or viewed as trying to be a “know-it-all” because certainly these “leaders” know better & are more spiritually mature, etc. It’s almost as if someone’s position in the church makes them automatically infallible in the eyes of the congregation, but if things don’t match up against the standard of the Word, we are to discard it. In the meantime, these leaders end-up leading people down the same wrong path with them because Christians aren’t guarding their own hearts & testing things against the Word in these last days. One area I’ve noticed that is really taking root is all of these people reading the writings of “the desert fathers” & other mystics such as St. Teresa of Avila, Brother Lawrence , St.John of the cross, etc., to be taken as an example from which to model one’s Christian walk. Would you perhaps be able to do a video on this topic of mysticism being embraced in evangelical churches? I think most Christians are unaware of how these false teachings are infiltrating the church & are tied-in with New Thought/New Age/gnosticism/experiential belief over the truth of scripture & Christ alone. Thanks for your consideration for content.💜✝️
@@scotzmnswife Yeah but I also feel that we should pray for our leaders because its a really hard job and people have so many expectations from them. I have seen some of the youths really getting impatient with the pastor for not satisfactorily answering their queries. I know from my own experience as to how difficult it is to satisfactorily answer some of the theological questions on the spot. The young pastors especially need prayers and support from the others in the church who are more mature in age and experience. Unity is so much important in the body of Christ. Getting offended is so easy but it creates so much disharmony and pain. Love covers a multitude of sins which should be the bottomline of every ministry to grow successfully. No pastor is perfect and no congregation too. So we all need each other to cover others imperfections.
Melissa! I love your videos! Your videos and others convicted me that I didn’t know the Bible very well. Over the past 5 years+ I’ve been working to change that. Thank-you!
Yeah I was in the Way International and they were definitely a cult. Depending on what part of Hebrew roots you were in, there was an overlap with The Way and your movement from someone who left the Way and helped begin part of Hebrew Roots
You've just answered a question that I had for a long time. 'Why do every extremist form of government forbidds christianity?' Because mind control doesn't work when you stay in Gods word❤
The N a z i ‘s in control of Germany recruited from non-religiously-affiliated nurses because they were easier to convince to assist in euthanasia and “medical experiments” on non consenting people
A narcissist with a basic understanding of gnosticism can start a cult with very little effort. They are extremely adept at gaslighting and use people's empathy against them.
Been on this earth for 71 years. Have seen and been threw alot. But this is the clearest on this subjective heard in a long time. Well done. God bless.
Thank you very much. You have really helped me. Thank God I have read my Bible multiple times so when someone told me I should thank the cosmos I knew something wasn't right. I wish I new as much as you, I didn't know all this stuff, thanks for sharing.
That is sad. The founders of fundamentalism were scholars, such as James Ore. They were against the liberals view which made the Bible just a human book and just a collection of myths and legends. I have met some of which you talk, in fact, I did not want to admit I was a fundamentalist.
What an amazing episode. This is such a powerful video it must be viewed by more people. I got your 'koolaid in the fridge' (@2:46) reference. You actually know what you are talking about. Amazing information!
Nice video. It makes me reflect on how the governments around the world handled the situation during 2020-2022. People were expected to conform and comply without question or be shunned and lose their jobs. The government was acting like a cult, and citizens (members of the cult) were encouraged to shame, ridicule, and disown those who dared to question.
i m a victim of cult mind control and lived a life a long while after they damage my self reliance and self soverignty. . I want to watch this thoroughly thanks so much
I was under really heavy conviction for 2 years. When a couple jehovah's witnesses approached me. I was really impressed that they were quoting so much bible since I was almost totally Ignorant of it. But I quickly told them, " no thanks i'm catholic" And shortly after that I got born again! JULY 4th 1986. I still haven't gotten over it!
After having been in an abusive relationship and subsequently learning about abusive "tactics"- my thought was - "so what? Do they all go to abuser school?" This came to mind listening to your thoughts on cults using the same tactics.
Mind control is crazy. When I was 18yo I got hypnotised to give money…. (Lost $50) And then… poof… as he walked off, I woke up.. and realised what happened.. could not find the guy. Crazy… never again.
I enjoy your content so much. You pinpoint many important points and always challenge others to question and study the Bible for themselves. One of my favorite phrases to hear you say is "it's in the Bible or something".. so funny! I've been a born again believer for 30 years, and continue to learn how awesome God is; the bible truly is a living word. God bless you sister in Christ; I look forward to meeting you on the streets of gold very soon!
Thank you for this video. One suggestion though! If you are going to make a longer video on one topic with lots of schemes and technical terms, I suggest you make a presentation. Your face is beautiful but for us visual learners it would be soooo helpful to look at some slides as you are explaining these topics. :) God Bless!
My son and his family are in a scripture twisting , new revelation, positive speaking only, emotion provoking, keep you busy 4 nights a week at church, live concert like events , type church.they tell them they are leaders, put in leadership roles, told they have a purpose to fulfill for God, tithe, and give generously , and let’s plant more churches. I think it’s an arc church. The sermons usually have 2 scr. Ref. Taken out of context and twisted or allegorized to mean something different. And everybody thinks it’s just great revelation. Group activity, sense of belonging, ego stroking. Carrot dangling promises such as your breakthrough is coming, God is preparing us for a miracle this year, we are on the cutting edge of the next great move of God, etc.
Listening to this I find many groups on TH-cam like this. They have a platform and if you don’t agree with them or did something or say something they suddenly shun you. It’s incredible. Their members are incredibly mean to people coming into their chat with differing views. Total mind manipulation
You just described many Christian well established churches and those in it do not see they are being controlled until they are out of it. Your voice is refreshing. Always keep seeking.
I’m a x dub All you said was spot on I love Critical thinking and reformed theology, I love to study and live Gods word, it has completely given me life of joy that can’t be compared to Good work !
Melissa, I love this one! The whole “this is my truth” is just so evil and you express yourself so well. I wish I could explain things the way you do. It’s infected not just America but the entire world. That just shows how close we are to everything. Please 🙏that more people can open their eyes and hearts to the Real Truth. God bless you. And please 🙏 for me and my family. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a losing battle and so are so many people I love. Thank God Jesus can save to the uttermost! We’re powerless without Him.
A helpful and educational video. I especially appreciate your discernment to identify that these lies come from the father of lies. It is important to be able to spot lies, inversion, etc.
I'm very grateful for this video. The information is very complete. It's really scary. Cultists don't ever stop. Even if people die. They are depraved. I'm just trying to survive at this point.
You are spot on! I wish I could tell my daughter the things you are saying. I can’t verbalize my thoughts as well as you. She’s involved in the prosperity gospel movement and signs and wonders. She and her husband have been going on crusades around the world following ‘Profit” Charlie Shamp. I’m very suspicious of what they’re into. Please pray for them!
Much wisdom. Its alright to be part of social groups , we're social creatures but we definitely need to be mindful and aware of cults and intentions behind the cults. Thank you for the information ❤
So true. Many churches and support recovery groups are like what you are describing. Its very insidious. This is a very common dynamic going on in all kinds of groups.
Got into a bit of a debate with my wife about a movie we watched last night, True Grit (remake 2010). Essentially the main character was seeking vengeance/justice for the murder of her father. My wife was on the stance that vengeance is the Lords, and that the girl was in the wrong for accompanying the US Marshal she hired to see that it was carried out, which obviously I agree with, but also, isn’t there a moral obligation to bring murders etc to justice in the governmental/maintenance of society stance? How do we back this scripturally, if even we can? I know this seems silly, but I’m really stirred up by this, there is a problem of evil, and we are to stand up to it, even if it effects us personally? Doesn’t God use people to enact his justice on truly evil malicious people? Anyway! Sorry for the unrelated comment, Thank you for your great content, God bless you!
Great teaching. Sadly many of the things you shared happen within many false/extra biblical beliefs in the body of Christ: Baptismal-Regeneration, Calvinism, the Pope speaks Excathedra, Speaking in tongues is THE evidence of one's salvation, Anti-trinitarianism to name a few.
23:00 that is uniform and properly following the contract you signed. that is integrity and honesty... not forced compliance where YOU *can't* leave. 23:25 that's self-inflicted anxiety and not by the group and thus not cult-like behavior. that is what needs to be isolated... not that you are in a cult cause of your actions. but the groups response to critical thinking, doubt, or any other form of wavering. if they attack and don't apologize later and make proper amends... you are in a bad relationship. if you have them then tell you to better fit their mold... it is a cult if they hold you hostage. Hope you have a great day & Safe Travels!
I appreciate what you are sharing. Alot of groups use Emotional Blackmail. Susan Forward wrote a book called EMOTIONAL BLACK MAIL Coming Out Of the FOG, Fear Obligation Guilt. I found it was very helpful.
The Catholic Church, does not encourage their members to read the Bible, you must get your information from the priest on Sunday. If you quote Scripture to most Catholics, they don't know what to do.
Im not a Roman Catholic, but I grew up in the Roman Catholic church. Do you consider it a cult? We certainly weren't DIScouraged, but not ENcouraged, to read the Bible. Well...okay...at HOME bc we only had ONE that was beautiful & stored in my mother's closet, dusted off & used as the coffee table centerpiece around C&E, and we children were NOT to even THINK about touching it. But never discouraged from a priest, deacon, nun, CCD teacher.etc., It was only in adulthood (after I converted) that I learned they have some extra "scripture" going on.
Completely wrong. I was raised Catholic but I don't practice anymore. There's scriptures being read during every mass. The daily devotional " My Daily Bread" has scriptures for everyday.
Lmao fully untrue. I grew up in Catholic school and we had bible study, and as an adult we're encouraged to thoroughly read God's word. Keep being divisive and hateful though, very Christ-like of you. At least we didn't remove parts of the bible we didn't like.
i was in an mlm for 10 years, & can confidently say 90% of cult practices are alive & well in it. had to dress a certain way, wasn't allowed to "crossline" (talk to people on other parts of the team), shamed for using any products outside of our own, weren't allowed to talk about certain things, "if you saw this opportunity, it's God's will for your life", the love bombing was intense, the "leaders" possessed "secret knowledge", you had to "qualify" to associate with certain people, demanded absolute loyalty, you had to choose the business over your family, you were shamed for going to birthday parties or family events, weren't allowed to "speak negative", it was always God's will to heal (*if* you have enough faith), verrrrry prosperity gospel focused, the "leaders" were always spiritually more advanced, having children was discouraged unless you were "financially free", constantly told we needed deliverance from xyz, & i was 10000% shunned when i talked to a "leader" about another "leader". thankfully that pushed us out completely. healing has been a journey. thank you for talking about this ✨
This could also be applied to the last few years of Government control over people and conditioning them to only think one way through the use of media.
Hi Melissa, Will you consider giving your apologetic opinion of Eastern Orthodox? I’m a disillusioned Catholic to new age but now a born again Christian... Hallelujah! I’m leaning towards Calvary Bible church . . Thanks for all of your great videos.❤
The Catholic Church is the Church Jesus himself founded. Don’t leave because of the scandals. He is truly present in the Eucharist. No other church can trace it’s lineage straight back to Peter whom Jesus appointed as visible head of His Church. Check out The Traditional Latin Mass in your diocese. Protestant convert Steve Ray has good information. Look up Dr.Brant Pitre from Catholic Productions to learn about the Catholic Faith based on the scriptures.
Why? Because usually a group is trying to teach you what they believe or you are looking for a group that already believes similarly. I struggle with Paul and history after the death and resurrection. Secular powers interfered in the 4th century. True love requires free will, not threats or it's something else. Christ asks us to make efforts, he never said persecute or torture people. We are to be humble and at worst shake the dust from our sandals.
Hi, Melissa. I always enjoy your videos. Curious…have you ever talked about any legalistic Christian Church Denominations? I don’t mean to single them out, but for a short time, I attended an Independent Baptist College where guys and girls weren’t even allowed to shake hands. In certain buildings, we weren’t allowed to use the same stairways as each other. Something I’d frequently get written up for was having facial hair - I would shave every morning, before I left my dorm, then by supper time, I’d get demerits for having a “five o’clock shadow”.
Be careful they are controlling you and your perception of you. This seems like they are narcissistic. They should concentrate on Jesus and not on your look. Be neat wherever you go and take your shower. Also wear clean clothes in case you have body odor. The church has no right whatsoever to tell you how to look if you are already doing the above unless to encourage paying attention to how one presents themselves. I think that they are testing the ground to see how far they can push your buttons to belittle and control you. It starts like this then they will start to devalue you by saying that you do not do much for their group or they will always find a way to criticize you and make you feel not good enough or small and it will affect your self-esteem. You might end up feeling not good enough and even depressed. I had an almost similar experience in a local church and I ended up depressed and suicidal. Thank God I left and I understood that it was unhealthy for me to stay with these people. Be very careful when people feel entitlted to talk down on you or always try to make you feel bad by how you look or with your failures especially if you are trying to get better. This is emotional abuse and it is unsafe for your mental health. A church should teach you how to live daily with Jesus and not how to do what the church leader thinks. Jesus always has to be at the centre of everything they tell you to do. Read your Bible carefully. I recommend watching Zac Poonen on TH-cam if you want to learn more about Jesus but it should not stop your fellowship in a church.
“If truth harms your beliefs then your beliefs are not grounded in truth”. 💥💥
That’s gold right there
Yes, The truth. Not my truth or your truth.
Cults don't allow for critical thinking.
"Leave your brain at the door. You don't need it here. Just obey your all-knowing elders!"
To be-lie-ve anything never was the same as KNOWING from within❤
Shalum eleichem
That applies to all religions. 😂
I am on a similar journey as you described. A couple JWs came to my door and shook me-- not because I believed any of their twistings but because I realized how unprepared I was to answer their twistings--- and that sent me down a spiral to finally start getting serious about scripture and changed my life really! Shout out to the JWs for waking up us sleepy Christians lol.
Can you give an example of a question or comment they made that was shaking? Out of interest
the jws i met didn't do bible study or charitable works, and, somehow, they had a church, looked like a mega-, at that, so what fn good are they?
Jumping out of the delusional frying pan and into the fire. Sad
there is a hypnosis for marketing book they were following to a T.
@@DrJMMHall Good question. I'm following this convo to see if there's an answer.
"nobody tries to counterfeit fools gold"
Well put, I'm using that
I absolutely love that comment. I'm using it too!
I also commend that comment :) especially when it's applicable to other media, including video games. So true!
@@sandytaylor8482 I want to use it too!
To me its simular to using the Lords name in vain. Nobody curses saying Budha, Krishna, Allah, etc... only Jesus Christ or God. Why? Because everyone knows deep down He is true.
Allah (al-ilah) just means 'God' in Arabic & is used by Arabic speaking Christians & Jews as well as Muslims.
Yes, of the 100 names of the God of the Bible, some are used as expletives (though it is expressly forbidden to do so) & even using the name of Jesus (Hedhrat 'Isa) - - - considered a Prophet in Islam - - as an expletive is forbidden.
As for Krishna, Shiva, Lakshmi et al., they are used (in often very creative though crude ways) as expletives... Though not by their devotees.
Buddha is different, though. I haven't ever heard Buddha being used as an expletive yet. The virgin Mary, on the other hand, is a very popular expletive (as are the names of Saints, Devas, Orisha, et al) in some parts of the world.
If you want to find other examples, you don't need to look far. Just search for expletives in (pre-Christian) Greece, Rome, Ireland (the Irish ones are as creative as they are poetic, a tradition that still seems to remain on the island), et c.
these are the same tactics the gov. was using during covid, and I was telling people even showing people the tactics of cults and mind control.
Narcissistic abuse and thought reform at its finest. I tried telling people too.
@camptownlady4916 Yep. You're right and then the gaslighting followed.
I starting seeing through the garbage back in early 2020. Absolutely nothing made any sense. And when nothing makes sense, it all makes perfect sense. There are still people wearing masks, to this day. I can see if you are immuno-comprimised, but perfectly healthy people got their brains wrecked. Fear is a heck of a motivator. People used to give me all kinds of crazy looks for not wearing a mask, or for refusing the jab. Now they tell me they wished they had listened to me. It's sad to see people so lost and confused, and to have it done to them on purpose is just psychopathic.
It's happening to the conservative side too. A special balloon, a special train wreck in Ohio, the recent border things. All these were/are easily stoppable, but they are/were not. It elicits fear that appeals to the emotional side of us.
For reference I am Conservative. It's just something I've noticed lately.
How are the World Economic Forum, the World Health Organization and the American Education System not all cults? Social Credit Scores will be enforced soon 😢
You are definitely onto something. During the whole co.vid situation, the way that we were being manipulated, coerced, censored and gaslighted, all just looked to me like an abusive relationship but on a grander scale.
Thought the same exact thing as it all rolled out.
Same trick played for centuries. Christianity, invisible god. COVID, invisible virus. If you don't accept Jesus as your god you will go to hell. If you don't accept COVID vaccination you will......both use the same method for the useless fearful eaters.
Try being Palestinian under colonial rule.
@@anotherperspective8263belief is the enemy of knowing.
Yeah antivaxers brainwashed a lot of people
I come out of a church where the pastor told me, when I started disagreeing, I MUST LISTEN to him, and I was like : no, God is my final authority, not you. But it took me about 4 years to get to that point😢 and by the grace of God I could see what I couldn't see before. So mind control is real, I can totally relate
2 minutes in, I just wanna say, I’ve been in a “weird-mood” funk lately and your sarcasm makes me happy 😂
Lol.
I was a Jehovah’s Witnesses for 7 years till I found out about the Holy Spirit , I’m now born again 😊
Glory! Praying for my 1st cousins
Praise the LORD
❤❤❤
What about Jesus? The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus, not Himself.
God keeps bringing JW to me. I'd love to hear how you were saved and anything that's good to discuss with those still in the organisation. Praise God, I see him really going for those in the JW, I'd love to see more born again in that group!!!
Great video! You really described our current culture.. based on feelings, not allowed to question, not allowed to disagree, you are told you are racist, and bigoted, even if you are not, they redefine words, cancel and reject anyone who questions the norm, your true identity is found in thinking, feeling and championing the cause of the cultural narrative. Whether social justice, LGBTQ ideology, wokeness... And more!
And agreed! We need to watch out for this in the church! The enemy seems to be using this tactic everywhere.
Thanks for the great content!
it's the globalists cult! started in the US but is spreading around the world :(
tf is wokeness?
@@intellectually_lazyabsolutely nothing my friend. Theyre just mad and bitter and think the world they talk down on OWES them something. These crazy whiteys. And adjacents to whitey. Hispanics. Asians. Etc.
AND the "must sleep, must wake up" at a certain time... forcing a huge segment of the population (whose circadian rhythms are later naturally) to adhere to a 9-5 structure that is energetically antagonistic to their wellbeing and functioning.
@@anotherperspective8263 100%, Christianity literally checks every box!
As a former Mormon this is so important!
That is encouraging to hear from a former mormon. Mormons can be hard to reach. They are very wrap up in their belief and don't seem to hold the Bible to the same authority level as the book of mormon. Would you mind sharing what sparked your curiosity to come out of the religion? Thank you in advance!
My mom was a generational Mormon. She tried to get me involved , but thank goodness Jesus had other plans. Finally, at 95 she gave her life to Jesus. Soon after, she told my son that the Mormon church is wrong. She has now been in heaven for 10 years and I know she is having a great time!
@@RaptureReadyforJesus-qv2ql I love this. Thank you for sharing.
@@CalledUntoHolinessI can tell you for me it was the Book of Mormon. When I realized that the Book of Mormon taught a different doctrine than what we actually practice in the LDS faith it caused a lot of cognitive dissonance. The Book of Mormon clearly teaches salvation through faith in Christ. No mention of temples, no mention of priesthood authority, no mention of a one true church. I still love the Book of Mormon in the same way I love CS Lewis. There are certain concepts in there that are wonderful. However, everything I read must align with the New testament's teachings otherwise I toss it out. The main issue I see is that the church follows the teachings of Brigham Young. When I went to the source documents what I found was that Brigham Young taught a very different doctrine than Joseph Smith did. Further most of the books I've read about Joseph Smith are based upon information that would never stand up in a court of law. When you actually look at primary sources Joseph is a much different character. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but as I've reviewed credible sources it appears that Joseph was never a polygamist. Shortly after Joseph died polygamy exploded and Brigham Young took the reins. Joseph struggled with money his whole life, and after his death, Brigham Young became a millionaire.
The other thing that swayed me was the doctrine part of the Doctrine & Covenants which the LDS church removed in the 1920s. The original Doctrine had to be removed because it didn't align with the teachings of Brigham Young. I discovered that the church we have today was heavily influenced by the corrupt teachings of Brigham Young.
It’s crazy how applicable everything you listed is to the “trust the science” group over the last few years. From the near veneration of Dr. F to the mockery of anyone who dared to raise objections, to the shunning of friends and family. It’s disturbing to witness how effective using fear was at getting people to relinquish their ability and duty to think critically.
It hurts but I needed my family to shun me. It turns out they're very cult-like in their thinking.
I think woke-ism itself, is a type of religion, they claim the higher morals, and if you don't voice agreement they demonize you they reference you to their venerated and almost holy celebrities that are treated as heros and bishops, whose word is gospel until they say something wrong and are excommunicated, they are taking control of the language and deciding what words are taboo and adding others to enforce their beliefs. Traditionally religious roles.
@@anotherperspective8263And that's exactly the Christianity I was raised in.
I was going to make the same comparison. It seems that there is a new religion in town, known as "The Science," and the Vaccine is its sacrament.
Thanks, your breakdown was 100% correct. I grew up JW. Thank God, I was pulled away from the Cult of JW. It left my entire family broken and segregated. There are aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents that I never had a chance to meet. The organization still has my mother, and it's been decades since we have been able to see each other. Pray for her, I pray she will be freed from the manipulation and control every day. It's been over 20 years, and it still hurts to be considered apostate for my Christian life. But God is good and has given me a new life and family.
Bless you all.
Praying for your mother, an you also.
My mother died trying to get my brohrs and I to go back to JW’s.
I am an ex JW living in Australia. I was involved in the occult before joining them for 2 years. I studied my way out - that was 25 years ago. I am a christian.
Read the sumarian tablets. Lots of videos on YT about it
@@misslou3624 Why would I read them?
@@ShaneChiswick so you can expand your knowledge about creation ?
@@misslou3624 How do you believe the universe and earth were created?
the fact that you are a Christian Apologist who upholds critical thinking and calls out cults… so edifying and wonderful to hear. Praying for you! thank you for all you do 💖💖✝️
@@michaelsbeverlyI find it weird. Critical thinking made me left christianity.
Critical thinking is only effective if you are seeking truth. Many Critically read the Bible. Your mindset needs to be open to honestly seek Truth. Entering into a study or search already prepared to find fault, then all you will find is fault and be critical. Seek to know the Truth first and foremost and you will find it.
Melissa is very good at click bait. Oops I did it again. I took the bait. First of all the term that is now used for Cults is High Control Groups. How can you have critical thinking if you are threatened with hell. How can you have critical thinking if you are told a particular interpretation of the bible is truth. Because?@josemedina-kl8hv
Amen
Spiritual birth is a birth of logic, a birth of reasonability
I've been noticing this for the past like 2 years and recently had basically the same conclusion that you did.
People are cruel to those who don't beleive in mainstream ideas not because they themselves beleive it, but because they are scared of the exil that comes with not just agreeing with non-mainstream ideas, but even being friends with or associating at ALL with different views.
They've seen the punishment that occurs when you associates with those who don't agree with the powerful ones.
And they are so scared that they convince themselves they beleive mainstream ideas, when really, they probably don't. They're just terrified.
Spot on. 🎯
Works both ways
Fear is the opposite of Love.
Bullshit
I find this video useful for Christians to watch. I noticed when i got saved i went to an SDA church for a brief period, and they were ecstatic that i hadnt been indoctrinated yet. Which led me to believe they thought i would be easily indoctrinated by them. Unfortunately for them i had already read the Bible and made a commitment to Jesus that i would follow no man but only Him. Great video and God bless!
Because an SDA church said you hadn't been indoctrinated yet you thought they wanted to? Was there specific doctrines they taught that aren't biblically based? Just curious.
I don't know much about them, other than they recognize Saturday as the true Sabbath and have to say they are very much correct on that! I don't attend any church. I read the Bible, pray and Christian. The Bible states to follow after no one, other than God's Teaching
@@marysmith861I can answer that😂 infact just today i put a 2.5 page thesis on the doors of the napier sda nz( during service) telling them exactly where they are wrong biblically , I'm assuming your a current sda??, so I feel I should warn you first, your not going to like the answers, I have for you on their teachings, and to which part is majorly wrong!!.
Are you still Interested??
Are you still confident??
The Bible says, dress, respectfully. God is not please with the way of the world. Jesus said, he who loves, the things of the world, the love of the Father is not in them.find the scriptures, for your self.
@@skylarsartnphotography3450 check out God's calendar. It's nothing like the Gregorian calendar we use today. They are not very much correct on Saturday as the true Sabbath. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.
Cults like to call other groups cults.
The method worked wonderfully during the Covid fiasco.
trust the science
@@DrJMMHall right 😏
@@batterbatterswing as they're the ones lighting the fires
"I am the science!" -Fauci 🤦
explain@@batterbatterswing
This is fabulous. Just fantastic. Well done. Most especially at the end, the way you tie it all together with objective truth. I am 51 and have spent my life searching for truth and found it in Christ (26 years ago). It is astonishing to see how powerful and important the truth is. As you said, all cults are the same, even though they have not colluded with each other. And in their lies, they prove Christ true. Brava!!
You just described in perfect detail the world since March 2020
True!
Spot on!!
Yeah lots of anti-science brainwashing led to millions of deaths. So sad.
Correct
Melissa, in approx. 28 min you did a great job at laying this down. In my witness to our local cult, I've been accused as a purveyor of hate and a "liar". It's sad and fascinating at the same time. Religious cults are ruled spiritually by a fallen entity of the kingdom of darkness. Make no mistake, they are ruled by that kingdom. The puppet is the charismatic/authoritarian human leader. The victims, the serfs, are the congregants who are lured or born into that false, flawed and fatal system. There is another point concerning cults that is notable; the identities of cult members morph into the identity of their fallen spiritual leader. Cult members become an extension of that dark kingdom; all it takes is a little scratching of the surface and it comes out.
I left a small congregation a couple years ago. I only attended a few times. At first everyone was nice and welcoming. Little by little they all turned mean. They all picked on one lady that I really liked because of her spiritual insights. She finally quit going. Then I noticed the pastor was not so nice to me. I was out of there fast.
Researching MKULTRA's Project Monarch in 2020 is literally what led me to Christ.
🤌🏻✨️
Blessings 💛
That's fascinating. I will have to check out that project. Sounds like you have a story of your own to tell?
Molly I can relate! Discovering the truth about 9/11, freemasonry, flat earth, etc was instrumental in galvanizing my faith in the Bible being the truth of God.
@Matthew-307 Yes (and same) to all of that! Every single rabbit hole I went down ended up funneling into one thing: Luciferianism. Blew my mind, all the hidden in plain sight stuff! Thank you for sharing, brother. It's quite a wild ride to learn about those things. 😊
Blessings!
@marysmith861 Oh, absolutely; there's quite a lot I have to say. 😅 I've been considering writing a book after having it be suggested to me over the years by enough people -- friends & strangers. Jesus at the center, though! 💛 I've got some things to say about that beautiful man who saved my life (literally with a visitation).
Blessings to you! 🫂
@anotherperspective8263 Its ties with the CIA and Hollywood (filled to the brim with freemasonry & occultism) have literally everything to do with Christianity, or rather, actively bastardizing everything Christianity. I found the specificity of that to be interesting. So, I sought Yeshua, and now I'm here. 😊 I'm also glad I know my enemy from many angles. It's been helpful in growing discernment.
Thanks for the videos. You encourage me to open the Bible and study once again. I enjoy learning how to better share the gospel. Big thanks
This is going to be a very odd comment (especially since I'm 28 and you're probably in your 30s) but here we go. Melissa, I wish you could be my mom. I don't currently have a close mom-figure in my life and when I watch your videos, the godliness I see in you just really makes me wish I had someone like you as a mother in my life. May God bless you Melissa.
Seek him. He is the only parent you need. Go to a good church where they have sound doctrine and older people. Let one of them disciple you.
Occult seems too piggyback off each other’s ideas .
Be careful sweetheart! You are in a very vulnerable position if you are looking for a person other than Christ to mentor and nurture you. The Holy Spirit will teach comfort and counsel you. People will always let you down one way or another--Jesus is who you need.
Praying that the Lord will guide you to wonderful women of God who can surround you with love and wisdom! ❤️
@@Jessica_Jones Thank you Jessica, God bless you!
Thank you for this shared knowledge. I have been born and raised in the church of Jesus Christ of latter day days. I NEVER considered it a cult. I started reading Isaiah and considered he was talking about our church and poof the spell has been broken. I still consider the BOM a scripture that can stand alone. It really does testify of Christ and actually tells us to read and study the words of Isaiah. That’s why I did.
I had this great desire to look up what cults were. I started by watching the documentary on Scientology. Wow that was eye opening. Ever since I’ve been so curious about how human history and our brains work in those ways.
It’s been so freeing. I still go to church as of now because it’s such a hard transition when it’s habit and community. My son is committed to another year on a mission but I pray he will meet someone like you to help him see clearly. He knows how I feel. God is working on my husband. ❤️
Pray for us friends in Christ. 🙏🏼 ✝️
I pray you have the courage and conviction to walk away and find a church that teaches God’s truth alone (not man’s ideas). Ask God to show you where to go.
Came here to offer support. I was also LDS for my whole life, until God opened my eyes and showed me the truth. It's interesting how much more meaningful scripture becomes when read without any preconceived ideas, or the need to read it through the perspective of your current religion.
God is good, and he's going to help your husband, just like he helped me and my family. I'll pray for you both.
I’m only listening for a few moments here, but immediately I can tell you are giving the real information, on a topic you have some experience with. This is a very serious matter, of course.
When I became born again Christian my Catholic family shunned me and has treated me as an outsider. When I questioned the unbiblical teachings of a church I attended I was viewed as a trouble maker. It amazes me how “pastors” will continue to teach things not found in scripture but because it’s domination teaches it they accept it as truth and don’t allow anyone to challenge it.
I come from a Catholic background as well. We aren’t supposed to question the priest. Which had me thinking 🤔… I’m an outsider from my extended family… I am Christian now and my husband, mom and sisters are Christian too. Unfortunately my dad loves our Christian church and our beliefs however, he still says he’s catholic and idolizes the Virgin Mary..
I was raised catholic...became born again in a very fringe charismatic cultists church that kicked me our when I followed the Bible. This happens in all denominations. Jesus has led me back to catholicism....which is really the last place I expected, but don't discount all your catholic brothers and sisters as non-Christian, please.
Great video! Thank you for sharing as this is a major problem in the local Churches. Really think people should wake up to this deceptive control and play on one's emotions.😊
There are a lot of mind games played with tithing in churches that preach on it. One way to prevent this is to reject the Sermon as a normative weekly practice because it doesn't let the brethren treat each other as equals. Jesus said 'let no call you rabbi, for there is one teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren' .
I'm not necessarily calling churches that preach tithing in an unhealthy ways cults, but it's not healthy and does make abuse quite possible. Hmmm...
@@anotherperspective8263 Of the ceremony? Of the building? Of leadership? As long as we don't weave the building and leadership into doctrine in ways that are not warranted by the Bible, it's fine, but the more different sects attempt to do this, the more they create confusion, division, and, far too often, a means of abuse.
So I can understand your perspective, is a church building a Malachi storehouse from your vantage point? Are tithes required OR should they be strongly 'recommended' to believers as a 'principle' outside the law (or that existed before the law)?
Do you or does leadership in your church typically conflate firstfruits and tithing? Does your church typically categorize all works of service and all acts of adulation under the umbrella of 'worship'.
These are common errors of church leaders seeking to justify their authority and mode of collecting revenue.
And it would be really nice to receive a response on some of the particular questions instead of a redirect. Few people that I discuss these issues with seem to want to answer these questions. Unfortunately, I can only assume that to be a tacit admission that their church does engage in these perspectives. Either that or it's a 'see no, evil, hear no evil' response that they have not heard of that being done anywhere - what am I talking about. (gaslighting)
@anotherperspective8263 Of the ceremony? Of the building? Of leadership? As long as we don't weave the building and leadership into doctrine in ways that are not warranted by the Bible, it's fine, but the more different sects attempt to do this, the more they create confusion, division, and, far too often, a means of abuse.
So I can understand your perspective, is a church building a Malachi storehouse from your vantage point? Are tithes required OR should they be strongly 'recommended' to believers as a 'principle' outside the law (or that existed before the law)?
Do you or does leadership in your church typically conflate firstfruits and tithing? Does your church typically categorize all works of service and all acts of adulation under the umbrella of 'worship'.
These are common errors of church leaders seeking to justify their authority and mode of collecting revenue.
And it would be really nice to receive a response on some of the particular questions instead of a redirect. Few people that I discuss these issues with seem to want to answer these questions. Unfortunately, I can only assume that to be a tacit admission that their church does engage in these perspectives. Either that or it's a 'see no, evil, hear no evil' response that they have not heard of that being done anywhere - as in - what am I even talking about? (gaslighting)
@@anotherperspective8263 I had to clipboard my responses. See above.
@@anotherperspective8263 Please see my reply above.
Watching this brings so much relief! I have been experiencing so much of this in a new town that I moved to where I do not know anyone. Gossip has been a problem and it seems very tribal/territorial. People asked to 'talk' and then I am confronted with the end result of a long telephone game distortion of things that I have 'said'.....it was love bombing, tell us your dirt, and then we create it into something it's not and broadcast a 'reputation' about you..... it is toxic and just like being in an abusive relationship. This behavior is NOT Jesus. I appreciate this video/advice so much, thank you!
Melissa, your approach, tone and temperament is outstanding. What your channel produces is stellar, I'm certain the Lord's grace is in the work of your hands.
Awesome!
I've been watching your channel for a week or so now and you have become part of my daily routine. You speak well and are very informative. I've seen your lessons on cults and thought I would ask you it you have ever shared Galatians 1:8 and 9 with them. I think this is the best answer for them.
I think you’re spot-on with everything you’ve said here, Melissa! 🎯💯 Something that I also have noticed recently is that many of these kinds of tactics are being implemented in mainstream conservative evangelical churches as well which is disturbing. We have so many Christians who are frankly just lazy in reading & studying their Bibles, & it’s easier for them to just take the word of their leaders as correct, trustworthy, & Biblical, but even lifelong Christians can be sucked into New Thought & New Age practices because the enemy is subtle, inserting just enough “truth-sounding” into devotional books & “Bible studies” to sound legit & lead people down a wrong path. If those who are aware of these things even dare to mention the dangers or even question, they are often labeled as troublemakers or somehow “less spiritual”, or a conspiracy theorist, or viewed as trying to be a “know-it-all” because certainly these “leaders” know better & are more spiritually mature, etc. It’s almost as if someone’s position in the church makes them automatically infallible in the eyes of the congregation, but if things don’t match up against the standard of the Word, we are to discard it. In the meantime, these leaders end-up leading people down the same wrong path with them because Christians aren’t guarding their own hearts & testing things against the Word in these last days. One area I’ve noticed that is really taking root is all of these people reading the writings of “the desert fathers” & other mystics such as St. Teresa of Avila, Brother Lawrence , St.John of the cross, etc., to be taken as an example from which to model one’s Christian walk. Would you perhaps be able to do a video on this topic of mysticism being embraced in evangelical churches? I think most Christians are unaware of how these false teachings are infiltrating the church & are tied-in with New Thought/New Age/gnosticism/experiential belief over the truth of scripture & Christ alone. Thanks for your consideration for content.💜✝️
Thank you for your comment. I do feel the same. Mystical marriage of St. Avila is so dangerous.
@@NiviWord , indeed! I appreciate your encouraging reply, as it’s always good to know one isn’t alone in these thoughts & concerns. 😇✝️
@@scotzmnswife Yeah but I also feel that we should pray for our leaders because its a really hard job and people have so many expectations from them. I have seen some of the youths really getting impatient with the pastor for not satisfactorily answering their queries. I know from my own experience as to how difficult it is to satisfactorily answer some of the theological questions on the spot.
The young pastors especially need prayers and support from the others in the church who are more mature in age and experience. Unity is so much important in the body of Christ. Getting offended is so easy but it creates so much disharmony and pain. Love covers a multitude of sins which should be the bottomline of every ministry to grow successfully. No pastor is perfect and no congregation too. So we all need each other to cover others imperfections.
Melissa! I love your videos!
Your videos and others convicted me that I didn’t know the Bible very well.
Over the past 5 years+ I’ve been working to change that. Thank-you!
So much of this sounds like what it was like for me in the Hebrew Roots movement.
Yeah I was in the Way International and they were definitely a cult. Depending on what part of Hebrew roots you were in, there was an overlap with The Way and your movement from someone who left the Way and helped begin part of Hebrew Roots
You've just answered a question that I had for a long time.
'Why do every extremist form of government forbidds christianity?'
Because mind control doesn't work when you stay in Gods word❤
The N a z i ‘s in control of Germany recruited from non-religiously-affiliated nurses because they were easier to convince to assist in euthanasia and “medical experiments” on non consenting people
Wow ! I have been learning so much from you. Thank you for all of your hard work on getting your videos out for us. ❤🙏❤
THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN THINKING FOR 2 YEARS NOW. THANK YOU.
Only two?
A narcissist with a basic understanding of gnosticism can start a cult with very little effort. They are extremely adept at gaslighting and use people's empathy against them.
Yes, they use our hearts against us.
For sure NPDs are a cult unto themselves…
Been on this earth for 71 years. Have seen and been threw alot. But this is the clearest on this subjective heard in a long time. Well done. God bless.
I Agree! And I learned SO MUCH from this ONE ep. Thank you Mrs. Dougherty.
Thank you very much. You have really helped me. Thank God I have read my Bible multiple times so when someone told me I should thank the cosmos I knew something wasn't right. I wish I new as much as you, I didn't know all this stuff, thanks for sharing.
You just described my independent fundamentalist upbringing.
That is sad. The founders of fundamentalism were scholars, such as James Ore. They were against the liberals view which made the Bible just a human book and just a collection of myths and legends. I have met some of which you talk, in fact, I did not want to admit I was a fundamentalist.
You are are one of the rare lights of the world that God has blessed to be here these last 7 years.
The truth doesn't mind being questioned, it's the lie that hates being challenged.
@@ElGatoVato768 you can assume it's my religion, but I didn't create it and ahh.. what makes you think I follow it?
What an amazing episode. This is such a powerful video it must be viewed by more people. I got your 'koolaid in the fridge' (@2:46) reference. You actually know what you are talking about. Amazing information!
Great stuff! I agree with every word. The enemy does not care if he has to push or pull as long as you wind up in the ditch or broke down.
As a former Mormon, I read anti-mormon literature (also known as valid history)
Nice video. It makes me reflect on how the governments around the world handled the situation during 2020-2022. People were expected to conform and comply without question or be shunned and lose their jobs. The government was acting like a cult, and citizens (members of the cult) were encouraged to shame, ridicule, and disown those who dared to question.
i m a victim of cult mind control and lived a life a long while after they damage my self reliance and self soverignty. . I want to watch this thoroughly thanks so much
I love the verse where God invites, "Come, let us reason together..." We need to think biblically, as Mike Winger says. Well done.
I was under really heavy conviction for 2 years. When a couple jehovah's witnesses approached me.
I was really impressed that they were quoting so much bible since I was almost totally Ignorant of it.
But I quickly told them, " no thanks i'm catholic"
And shortly after that I got born again! JULY 4th 1986.
I still haven't gotten over it!
Amen! Sister especially at the end where u wrapped it up, it was a real profound way of simplifying Truth! Was a blessing🙏🏾
Hello Melissa, I occasionally listen to your TH-cam presentations, and this one is truly excellent! 🎉 keep up the good work!!!
After having been in an abusive relationship and subsequently learning about abusive "tactics"- my thought was - "so what? Do they all go to abuser school?"
This came to mind listening to your thoughts on cults using the same tactics.
Mind control is crazy. When I was 18yo I got hypnotised to give money…. (Lost $50) And then… poof… as he walked off, I woke up.. and realised what happened.. could not find the guy. Crazy… never again.
I enjoy your content so much. You pinpoint many important points and always challenge others to question and study the Bible for themselves. One of my favorite phrases to hear you say is "it's in the Bible or something".. so funny! I've been a born again believer for 30 years, and continue to learn how awesome God is; the bible truly is a living word. God bless you sister in Christ; I look forward to meeting you on the streets of gold very soon!
Thank you for this video. One suggestion though! If you are going to make a longer video on one topic with lots of schemes and technical terms, I suggest you make a presentation. Your face is beautiful but for us visual learners it would be soooo helpful to look at some slides as you are explaining these topics. :) God Bless!
Your presentation and content is absolutely amazing. It’s a yes for every point you made . Thank you for sharing your view on this topic .
My son and his family are in a scripture twisting , new revelation, positive speaking only, emotion provoking, keep you busy 4 nights a week at church, live concert like events , type church.they tell them they are leaders, put in leadership roles, told they have a purpose to fulfill for God, tithe, and give generously , and let’s plant more churches. I think it’s an arc church. The sermons usually have 2 scr. Ref. Taken out of context and twisted or allegorized to mean something different. And everybody thinks it’s just great revelation. Group activity, sense of belonging, ego stroking.
Carrot dangling promises such as your breakthrough is coming, God is preparing us for a miracle this year, we are on the cutting edge of the next great move of God, etc.
My husband has always been skeptical and not fully embracing of any pastor or denomination. He has been wise.
Listening to this I find many groups on TH-cam like this. They have a platform and if you don’t agree with them or did something or say something they suddenly shun you. It’s incredible. Their members are incredibly mean to people coming into their chat with differing views. Total mind manipulation
Yeah, we don't even have to be there in person for this to happen. It's happening through our thoughts and minds as we interact with each other.
@ the 14 minute... Excellent observation. Well done sister.
Edit: The whole video was awesome.
You just described many Christian well established churches and those in it do not see they are being controlled until they are out of it. Your voice is refreshing. Always keep seeking.
I’m a x dub
All you said was spot on
I love Critical thinking and reformed theology, I love to study and live Gods word, it has completely given me life of joy that can’t be compared to
Good work !
“ The Truth is inconvenient “ so True . The Truth of how True IS. … that statement is …. when it comes down to those people.
This also reminds me of the power of gangs. The manipulation is pictured really well in the movie "Courageous".
Melissa, I love this one! The whole “this is my truth” is just so evil and you express yourself so well. I wish I could explain things the way you do. It’s infected not just America but the entire world. That just shows how close we are to everything. Please 🙏that more people can open their eyes and hearts to the Real Truth. God bless you. And please 🙏 for me and my family. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a losing battle and so are so many people I love. Thank God Jesus can save to the uttermost! We’re powerless without Him.
We need to stand firm and not conform to tyranny. As long as we keep trying to be free, we're winning.
This was very informative! Very well presented God bless!
A helpful and educational video. I especially appreciate your discernment to identify that these lies come from the father of lies. It is important to be able to spot lies, inversion, etc.
I'm very grateful for this video. The information is very complete. It's really scary. Cultists don't ever stop. Even if people die. They are depraved. I'm just trying to survive at this point.
Keep hanging in there.
You are spot on! I wish I could tell my daughter the things you are saying. I can’t verbalize my thoughts as well as you. She’s involved in the prosperity gospel movement and signs and wonders. She and her husband have been going on crusades around the world following ‘Profit” Charlie Shamp. I’m very suspicious of what they’re into. Please pray for them!
Your content is golden, someone on my level is so refreshing!
Compliments to Melissa. You have a brilliant mind and teacher.
Thank you, Melissa, for clearly portraying the truth! Thank you for speaking out against lies. I thank God for you.
You wont be thanking God for her when you both end up in the lake of fire. Repent, and learn what a Christian actually is.
Much wisdom.
Its alright to be part of social groups , we're social creatures but we definitely need to be mindful and aware of cults and intentions behind the cults.
Thank you for the information ❤
Keep up the good work, speaking truth, and encourageing others to seek it! God bless you and your cute little attitude❤
Goodness, this describes exactly how our government handled the C pandemic. Our Prime Minister even said ‘We are your sole source of truth’. 😳
So true. Many churches and support recovery groups are like what you are describing. Its very insidious. This is a very common dynamic going on in all kinds of groups.
Got into a bit of a debate with my wife about a movie we watched last night, True Grit (remake 2010). Essentially the main character was seeking vengeance/justice for the murder of her father. My wife was on the stance that vengeance is the Lords, and that the girl was in the wrong for accompanying the US Marshal she hired to see that it was carried out, which obviously I agree with, but also, isn’t there a moral obligation to bring murders etc to justice in the governmental/maintenance of society stance? How do we back this scripturally, if even we can?
I know this seems silly, but I’m really stirred up by this, there is a problem of evil, and we are to stand up to it, even if it effects us personally? Doesn’t God use people to enact his justice on truly evil malicious people?
Anyway! Sorry for the unrelated comment, Thank you for your great content, God bless you!
This is so good. This ties into NAR. Thank you! Your channel is excellent ❤
Brilliant discussion on cults Melissa. Well done. I thoroughly enjoyed listening. You made some really good points.
Great teaching. Sadly many of the things you shared happen within many false/extra biblical beliefs in the body of Christ: Baptismal-Regeneration, Calvinism, the Pope speaks Excathedra, Speaking in tongues is THE evidence of one's salvation, Anti-trinitarianism to name a few.
It sounds like Scientology too!!! Especially the fear tactics if you want to leave!!
23:00 that is uniform and properly following the contract you signed. that is integrity and honesty... not forced compliance where YOU *can't* leave.
23:25 that's self-inflicted anxiety and not by the group and thus not cult-like behavior. that is what needs to be isolated... not that you are in a cult cause of your actions. but the groups response to critical thinking, doubt, or any other form of wavering. if they attack and don't apologize later and make proper amends... you are in a bad relationship. if you have them then tell you to better fit their mold... it is a cult if they hold you hostage.
Hope you have a great day & Safe Travels!
what is your opinion of "THE CHOSEN"?
Run
I appreciate what you are sharing. Alot of groups use
Emotional Blackmail.
Susan Forward wrote a book called EMOTIONAL BLACK MAIL Coming Out Of the FOG, Fear Obligation Guilt. I found it was very helpful.
Her book was an essential one for me to read. No more FOG for me from anyone anymore.
Cults are common, the whole world is under the sway of cultic influencers.
Totally agree… grew under the legalism umbrella and left as soon as I turned 18 years and never went back.
The Catholic Church, does not encourage their members to read the Bible, you must get your information from the priest on Sunday. If you quote Scripture to most Catholics, they don't know what to do.
Im not a Roman Catholic, but I grew up in the Roman Catholic church. Do you consider it a cult? We certainly weren't DIScouraged, but not ENcouraged, to read the Bible. Well...okay...at HOME bc we only had ONE that was beautiful & stored in my mother's closet, dusted off & used as the coffee table centerpiece around C&E, and we children were NOT to even THINK about touching it. But never discouraged from a priest, deacon, nun, CCD teacher.etc.,
It was only in adulthood (after I converted) that I learned they have some extra "scripture" going on.
Not true. Our priest definitely encourages us to read it.
Yes the Catholic church encourages reading the bible. The person posting clearly does not have knowledge of the church.
Completely wrong. I was raised Catholic but I don't practice anymore. There's scriptures being read during every mass. The daily devotional " My Daily Bread" has scriptures for everyday.
Lmao fully untrue. I grew up in Catholic school and we had bible study, and as an adult we're encouraged to thoroughly read God's word. Keep being divisive and hateful though, very Christ-like of you. At least we didn't remove parts of the bible we didn't like.
i was in an mlm for 10 years, & can confidently say 90% of cult practices are alive & well in it. had to dress a certain way, wasn't allowed to "crossline" (talk to people on other parts of the team), shamed for using any products outside of our own, weren't allowed to talk about certain things, "if you saw this opportunity, it's God's will for your life", the love bombing was intense, the "leaders" possessed "secret knowledge", you had to "qualify" to associate with certain people, demanded absolute loyalty, you had to choose the business over your family, you were shamed for going to birthday parties or family events, weren't allowed to "speak negative", it was always God's will to heal (*if* you have enough faith), verrrrry prosperity gospel focused, the "leaders" were always spiritually more advanced, having children was discouraged unless you were "financially free", constantly told we needed deliverance from xyz, & i was 10000% shunned when i talked to a "leader" about another "leader". thankfully that pushed us out completely. healing has been a journey. thank you for talking about this ✨
This could also be applied to the last few years of Government control over people and conditioning them to only think one way through the use of media.
I appreciate you and your videos. You have helped me so much, especially with clarifying issues for me. Thank you!
Hi Melissa,
Will you consider giving your apologetic opinion of Eastern Orthodox? I’m a disillusioned Catholic to new age but now a born again Christian... Hallelujah!
I’m leaning towards Calvary Bible church . .
Thanks for all of your great videos.❤
The Catholic Church is the Church Jesus himself founded. Don’t leave because of the scandals. He is truly present in the Eucharist. No other church can trace it’s lineage straight back to Peter whom Jesus appointed as visible head of His Church. Check out The Traditional Latin Mass in your diocese. Protestant convert Steve Ray has good information. Look up Dr.Brant Pitre from Catholic Productions to learn about the Catholic Faith based on the scriptures.
@mariasmith2297 I am Eastern Orthodox. Would love to see her opinions of us.
in my experience, most families exhibit all of these tendencies to some degree, ill intended or not.
Cool, the JWs did the same to me. I credit them for so much self and spiritual growth.
Why? Because usually a group is trying to teach you what they believe or you are looking for a group that already believes similarly.
I struggle with Paul and history after the death and resurrection. Secular powers interfered in the 4th century. True love requires free will, not threats or it's something else. Christ asks us to make efforts, he never said persecute or torture people. We are to be humble and at worst shake the dust from our sandals.
I respect you having a open mind
Hi, Melissa. I always enjoy your videos. Curious…have you ever talked about any legalistic Christian Church Denominations? I don’t mean to single them out, but for a short time, I attended an Independent Baptist College where guys and girls weren’t even allowed to shake hands. In certain buildings, we weren’t allowed to use the same stairways as each other. Something I’d frequently get written up for was having facial hair - I would shave every morning, before I left my dorm, then by supper time, I’d get demerits for having a “five o’clock shadow”.
Be careful they are controlling you and your perception of you. This seems like they are narcissistic. They should concentrate on Jesus and not on your look. Be neat wherever you go and take your shower. Also wear clean clothes in case you have body odor. The church has no right whatsoever to tell you how to look if you are already doing the above unless to encourage paying attention to how one presents themselves. I think that they are testing the ground to see how far they can push your buttons to belittle and control you. It starts like this then they will start to devalue you by saying that you do not do much for their group or they will always find a way to criticize you and make you feel not good enough or small and it will affect your self-esteem. You might end up feeling not good enough and even depressed. I had an almost similar experience in a local church and I ended up depressed and suicidal. Thank God I left and I understood that it was unhealthy for me to stay with these people. Be very careful when people feel entitlted to talk down on you or always try to make you feel bad by how you look or with your failures especially if you are trying to get better. This is emotional abuse and it is unsafe for your mental health. A church should teach you how to live daily with Jesus and not how to do what the church leader thinks. Jesus always has to be at the centre of everything they tell you to do. Read your Bible carefully. I recommend watching Zac Poonen on TH-cam if you want to learn more about Jesus but it should not stop your fellowship in a church.
“Tubes of you.” Nice. Like when I would go to work and inwardly clock.
Tell me how you know you are 💯 positive you are going to heaven?
Islam is one of the oldest cults...I learned it from an Arab...Christian Prince
Everything you described is why we’re all chasing money and “clout” or reputation. Like, we’re in the money cult. All of us.