The one that bothers me the most of when Christians say "God needed another angel" after someone passes away. I heard this all the time after I lost my son. My wife and I got so tired of hearing it. That phrase is theologically wrong and offers zero comfort. The truth is, because o Jesus' redemptive death and resurrection, my son has life beyond the grave. I will see him again. That is where I find my comfort.
So true sorry for your loss, and its not even biblically sound that people become angels, we are ranked higher than angels in heaven so its almost insulting lol but God bless you.
So true!! We don’t just magically turn into angels! Your son is in God’s glory filled Kingdom and that’s indeed where Christians can find comfort in knowing our loved ones are truly in a better place and we will be reunited. Prayers for you and your wife! 💙
I hate reading that in comments. When people say that phrase. Children who died, don’t become Angels. God already made the Angels before humans were ever made.
Niko Williams Are you asking or are you suggesting? Or are you implicitly ask for grammar help? Anyway, atheism did never led people to crime. Ideology did. Atheism does not imply any ideology, only the lack of a particular belief. I don't see the connection. However, this does not mean atheists do not commit crimes. The point is that there is absolutely no connection between crime and atheism.
Atheist, thank you, I'm so glad to see all you atheist on here because it's an encouraging sign that you really haven't let go of God. Because of all of your comments, I know this channel MUST be doing something right. I actually might look at some videos. As for you, keep visiting these videos. It brings me comfort to,see your efforts of reaching out to a God you claim you don't believe even exists.
Well it's doing quite the opposite! Seeing you atheist on here is like seeing a dirty rag hit contact with bleach. Just something about it makes me feel like there is hope and some ppl are literally right in reach.
HughJax....I didn't read very much of your comment. You give me a chuckle and I get a kick out of seeing all you atheist on here because its funny how it's Atheist who complain of the proselytizers sticking their religion down everybody it's throat, but here you all are ON A CHRISTIAN VIDEO where no human probably invited you. Maybe it's the Holy Spirit pushing you to come here because your not sure about what you believe. But I'll just say, thank you for visiting the video. The more viewer counts it has the more attention it will get. God bless and I hope you find truth. Genuinely, I do. You're never too far away to to turn back. You're never too dirty to ever be clean again by his grace.
HughJaxident67 I did have one question. Honest question. No tricks here. Why is it that a lot of atheist seem so driven to disprove things that don't matter to them either way? If you can be atheist why can't people be christians? Also why is it that they seem to attack that more often than other religions? I've always wanted to know those things. And no hate here that was an honest question.
HughJaxident67 Hmm some good points. Fist I gotta say (off topic) but I don't agree with taxes anyways. Not only do I think churches shouldn't be taxed but there shouldn't be income tax at all. People work to hard and every dollar made, spent or saved is taxed. But thats another conversation. So I would like to know where you get your info. I have always learned that men wrote the bible. Just like The Word says we are His hands and feet. So God set up a system that requires Him to use us in order to do His will. A lot of things go wrong and we blame God but He isn't the problem. I like what one guy said, "the gift is perfect but it comes through imperfect vessels." Thats me and you. So I also think things differently than most christians. I do believe God is all powerful however this does not mean He has all authority. Therefore He does not control people with an iron fist like most believe. We have free will. So in a lot of places where you find God doing things that appear wrong in the bible its usually due to human error. Like I recently found out that a lot of why king David and them wiped people out was that most all the people they wiped out were not really human to begin with. You can find in Genesis it talks about the fallen angles mating with human women and out came the nephilim. So they were destroyed not people. Also there is a VAST difference between the old and new testament. Understanding WHY the law had to be is a great help. Also how Jesus fulfilled that law too. So when Paul in Romans talks about this, YES it is Paul writing it but through The Lord. Also, along the lines of forgiveness. One thing people often miss is that YES while you are forgiven and sins washed away that doesn't give you the right to behave foolishly. Im speaking to fellow believers. Also that you will still have to deal with the consequence of your wrong doing even though you are forgiven. So nothing, in a sense, is with out consequence. Often times people can't except this cause there was something in their life they cannot forgive themselves for. Trying to understand with the mind what was created by The Spirit is also why people keep running into brick walls when it comes to The Bible. Also what about the sanhedrin talmud and roman historical documents that give account of a man named Jesus being crucified? Either I'm not here to try and convert or be converted I'm just growing in my knowledge of the Lord. And no matter what the reason I believe isn't cause I blindly follow something and get no results. I think that is kind of dumb. Why would I pray for someone if it didn't work?!?!?! Believe it or not Ive been healed from a broken foot, tooth decay my daughter from really bad allergy infections. My father from almost going blind and so on and so forth. So FOR ME I know this works cause I have seen it. Maybe one day you will too. But either way stay dedicated. Like the bible says "be hot or cold. Do not be lukewarm." < butchered. haha.
WOW first off awesome info. I have to say I really enjoy talking with you. Your not dumb and just get mad like christians and atheist both do. You are educated and I respect that. Now of course I can't hold a candle to you on most of your historical facts cause well you are smarter than me on that. The only thing can say is regarding those horrible acts in the old testament. Im not to popular with christians myself cause I don't like to accept something blindly and walk through life that way. I want to know. And God does say that He will give you answers and knowledge of things to come. So my rule is always this. Whats the beginning of the book about? God having man in a place where there is no trouble of any kind. Whats the end of the book about? God getting us to a place where there is no trouble of any kind. The bible says "He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore." So AS A CHRISTIAN I took that verse as law! Now as I have approached many "contradictions" with that previous rule of mine in place I was able to start seeing that there aren't really any contradictions. Of course I haven't been able to go through them all yet. So for instance in regard to old testament. BEFORE the law of moses, people did whatever they wanted. Murder, raping and killing and it wasn't wrong necessarily because there was nothing to teach them wrong or right so there was no concept of either. The Law came to show them what was wrong but they had no means to follow such strict guidelines. By "means" I am referring to the spirit inside us OR how you might identify better, the moral compass on the inside of us. So often times when He would destroy people it was done because there was no way for them without even a "moral compass" to not do the things like rape and murder like in Sodom and Gamorah. Also if you study on the nephilim most tribes of people, all the ones I have found actually, were "infested" with nephilim blood which is why He told His people not to intermingle with any other people. So like I said most killings of "people" were not really "people" with human DNA like me and you anyways. With the new testament we have a different covenant than they had back then. Different "rules" if you will. So when you study the old you have to refer to the new as well. Anyways you can argue that its historically wrong and so on and so forth but I challenge you to learn a few things. The Law. Its purpose. Why and how it came to be. What Jesus did. His purpose here and what He accomplished. Thats something most christians don't even know. And if nothing else it will just help your case in atheism. And study with that "rule" of mine in mind. He is good in the beginning and the end so in the middle all the so called "horrible" things have to be for a good reason. Also Ill be researching the things you gave me too! Might take a while cause I got a lot of overtime coming up so Ill get back to you when I can.
Lexie Jordan this is more accurate, but probably worse to say when someone is grieving. No one wants to hear that something good is going to come out of their son's death for instance
It may be better to just admit you don't know what to say but that you're willing to trust God in prayer with them through the difficult situation! That's ok to say too!
"Everything happens for a reason..." Haha! Yes! I mean, I know it's theologically true but no one wants to hear that if their spouse just died or they lost a child or something. Loved this video. It's a nice light hearted look at the modern church and it's goody buzzwords/phrases. LOL
That first thing is probably people misusing the verse I listed below. It says that God will not let you be TEMPTED beyond what you can handle, but there are plenty of other hardships that will happen to you that you do need to lean on God for strength because you can't handle them. "There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 This verse is only talking about sin and temptation and is not every hardship in life.
I use to think the same thing but with every little thing specially stuff that just pops out like "it was suppose to happen" is kinda ironic. There's a handful of things in my life that was like that. Kinda stuff that happened and kinda laughing way. Idk how to explain it. It's like the phrase "God must think this is funny that's why He did it." Anyways after my experiences and stuff that couldn't be coincidental and my chats with God I know everything happens for a reason. Whatever that specific reason is I don't know. I just know it happens for a reason. It's God's plan. I don't know if every little thing that happens for a reason like something real small I think just happens but there are some things that do happen for a reason. I don't know what God's plan for me is or the reason why some stuff happens but I'm still trying to find out. Whatever His plan, this life He has for me is Hell. It's terrible. I hate life and want to die honestly. A lot if of the junk I deal with is having a drug addicted mother and a dead beat dad who left when I was newborn. We were always homeless growing up with my mom's psychotic boyfriends and whatever few friends she had would do unspeakable things to me and my brothers. We all were eventually taken away by the state. Kinda too late I think cause my brother was 16 and I 14. My brother and I dropped out of high school. We were placed in terrible programs that the staff there did the same things to us as my mom. One of the programs were even shut down by the state cause they went in after a client died. I don't want to go further but I will say this. My life is one huge story. Too much too tell. My life is complete Hell. Almost everybody I ever met used me as a punching bag. I hate life and everything in it and I've been wanting to die since I was like 10 cause of my life situation. I have no control over it. The people who are, cause chaos. I hate feeling depressed cause of other people all the time. The only reason I haven't offed myself yet cause I'll go to Hell if I do. There is no good in the world. It's evil cause of the evil people in it. From my life I came to believe almost everybody in the world is evil and no way religious. I get crapped on all the time for being Catholic. I hate it. I hate life. I wish I could just die tomorrow. Just let me say goodbye to the few people I care about first then I'll gladly go. The afterlife I wish is better than this. I'm afraid it's not gonna be. I'm afraid I'm gonna burn. When I pass I doubt that I'd even choose to go into the light cause of that fear. I think I'll become a sad helpless tortured soul that you always hear about. I don't know what God's plan is for me is but I wish He will end my misery soon. I'll probably find out when I pass.
leonkennedy1259 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; - Exodus 3:7 The Lord knows your sorrow , but you have to seek him with all your heart, I hate to say this but its true , you will never find the true Jesus in the Catholic Church. He wants to set you free , free from the world of Pharoh (where the rest of the world is) set you free from your pain he is the provider of the Exodus (Escape) , will you follow him ?
leonkennedy1259 please know that you are loved. You are loved by Jesus Christ. You are loved by me, and all the others who have read your story. What the deacon in my church tells me is that, we are living in a dream here on earth, asleep up in heaven. It's a bad dream of course, he says we should do all we can to make it a good dream. But it's easier said than done. Anyways just know that soon Jesus Christ will come again, I know you are in misery, but keep Jesus in your heart and mind please. I hope you are in a better place now than you were two years ago when you wrote that comment. God bless you my friend.
Hi Jefferson, I found you on FB from a post on your video "Why I hate religion but love Jesus." You are right on! I am so glad to have been introduced to you. I am in a ministry, God appointed, not man, and I want to always be careful not to come off as self righteous. I was away from God for so long because of the hypocrites in church. But these past 4.5 years Jesus has become my everything. I lost my 20 marriage, adultery (husband then me), soul ties to break, hubby in a mental hospital twice, lost a good job, lost our business, cervical cancer, dying from severe female issues, 3 foreclosures on home, bankruptcy, and to top it off, I had an addiction to porn that went back to being introduced to it at 6. It resurfaced when my husband was using it secretly and affected me. But God intervened and turned my mess around. Not religion. Now, he has given me a ministry that I do not have a page for. Women just private message me saying they feel they God lead them to me because of comments I leave on other posts regarding marriage, singleness and porn. So I counsel without degrees because I let the Holy Spirit lead me. I'm looking forward to gleaning from you. God bless your efforts to get the truth out!
They belittle your God not because they are insecure but because they are irritated by the logical fallacies your God presents, the ridiculous amount of indoctrination that religious people spread, the arrogance of when you say your extraordinary claims are true with no sound logic and evidence to back it up and the insecurities YOU people actually display by believing in such nonsense.
+Jesus Ramos Lol why even watch these videos of go through comments sections if you aren't seeking anything? You're either wasting your time being hateful OR you are actually curious and want to learn. If you are so sure of yourself and you hate our beliefs, you wouldn't bother watching these videos. UNLESS you deliberately come here to spread hate or just to be rude.
iluvMcDees The reason I'm here is to entertain myself with these autistic Christian comments and to hopefully find some I can convert into freethinkers.
+Joanna Baky Im surprised that non-christians are replying to you. What i don't understand is why they take time out to watch and read the comments of a christian video. I know youtube is free and everything but why choose something you don't care for. Just shows me the how God can find his way in people's lives whether or not they want it.
Invisible Joy Why do we reply? Because she said she wanted to understand why we belittle her 'God'. The most logical thing to do would be to respond. Duh.
To comment on no. 3 at my church we solved the awkward forced meet and greet by offering lots of free food like bagels, donuts, coffee, trail mix, fresh fruit and veggies right in the auditorium that they open up after worship. That's the way to let relationships happen in my opinion.
That's cool! We do something like that where at the end of service we almost always have food, and people stay long afterwards and enjoy the fellowship, even during our Thursday evening studies as well, sometimes people are hanging around an hour or 2 after service!
Us Christians are also sinners there are some Christians out there who make Christians look real bad and that is not how Christians are suppose to act but of course media only like to show Christians like that and it give people a impression of how we act and there are churches who are just bad and I love my church is open lovely place
Ruby Cupcake21 once we are born again, we are no longer sinners...you are not a sinner, you've been redeemed. Your nature has been changed, and now your citizenship is in Heaven!
I would like to hear your thoughts on how we need to build people up instead of knocking them down. I have been bashed by other "Christians" because I believe that by giving my testimony and praying for others (non-believers) instead of just walking away from them. I also believe we are all held accountable and should be responsible for your own salvation through Christ not going out and shoving my belief down throats to offer others "salvation". You have really helped me understand what it is to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Thank you
Yep!!! I find that many, including myself earlier in life, are turned off by God simply because His body, the Church, can be unwelcoming. Not all, but some. God does not focus on where we have been or what we have done in our past, but on what we are DOING - present tense - and will do to renew our minds and lives. Actions speak more powerfully than words; I have been touched more by those who acted in Godly love towards me than those who simply judged me so I hope to reflect that to others in the way it affected me!
Lizzy Tan Thats exactly it! God won't love us more or even less because of something we have said or done. Even when we backslide a bit. That is were grace comes in. He shows me grace, I pay it forward. At least that is my goal every day.
Dude, your book is money! I downloaded it for my flight yesterday and listened to the whole thing. Planning in listening to it again on the way home. It's a great mix of your spoken word poems, Crazy Love, The Circle Maker, Speeking of Jesus, and Blue Like Jazz... Your book made me re-evaluate my motives and current relationships with both Jesus and my wife. I appreciate you brother!
I fully agree with all but one of these. Your last one: "You need to forgive yourself." I don't think people mean what you think they mean when they say that. Okay, maybe it could be put a little clearer, but to me, it means more "Jesus has forgiven you, but you're hanging on to unforgiveness, and/or you haven't accepted the fact that Jesus has forgiven you." At least, that's what *I* mean when I say it. Jesus has forgiven you, and that's great, but if you can't accept the fact that He has forgiven you, you're never going to move on. Otherwise, awesome video. Thumbs up! :)
I totally agree with the "Turn and say Hi to your neighbor" one. It really is nice, in theory, but it is awkward, even more so when you're in the awkward phase of life and don't want to be noticed. :-/
I haven't necessarily gotten the "Maybe you're blessed with the gift of singleness" statement, But the incredibly judgmental looks I get for being single or even being single and attempting to join a ministry are just awkward. I wasn't aware being single discredited my desire to serve or my eligibility to sit in church. The vibe I get is you must be married, ending a courtship coming into marriage or serving the church & it's members at hr of the day.
Missed one - when Christians say god doesn't love LGBT's - do think you should do a video/spoken word on this..... but otherwise I agree with all of these, ESP the last one :)
The Gospel is simple, the life is hard, man makes it difficult, sin refuses it, the race is long, the salvation is unimaginable, the redemption is breath taking, the hope is to die for, and I love it!!
I thank and praise God that I watched this. I didn't realize that I was actually doing one of these things. Then I remembered the scripture as you were talking, (Matthew 5:37) Let your communication be yea yea; nay nay: for whatsoever is more than these comets of evil. In recent years my husband and I have been invited to attend several churches by people in our community, and I have literally said as my reply: "let us pray about it" and then I haven't responded as I said. I repent and confess my fault now, and I desire to get my heart in line with what I need to do to correct it. Glory and Praise to God for his mercy and understanding, and for continuing to love me and give me knowledge and understanding about what my life is about...Him. And serving Him well.
Hey Jeff! Thanks for all the videos you make! It's great to see someone so boldly reaching out to the lost, especially in light of all the obvious opposition. Keep on doing what you're doing! I will definitely be praying for you and your family as you live out what it means to follow God :) You are such an inspiration. God's doing amazing things through you, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for you!
I really liked the last one. because people told me I just needed to forgive myself. but I felt that I did, and the bad feeling was still there. till I was shown, that I cant grant forgiveness, only God can. so I sought his forgiveness. and received it. that when I felt true to myself again and my family and friends. really like your videos. and hope you keep them going.
Yeah but visiting a church for the first time is suuuupeeerrr awkward its better that if you by your own initiative identify the visit and go up to them and say hi after the service is over. Its less awkward for the visit and it shows genuine interest and the connection fills more natural instead of force politeness.
Good points Jeff. Everything doesn't happen for a reason. Some things happen because there is a realm of evil who is given authority by some to kill, steal & destroy. And a lot of things happen because of our own doing i.e wrong choices, impulse decisions, lack of trust. God is Love & God is always good. To say that God is testing you or He allowed misfortune to happen is complete heresy & misunderstanding of our Creator.
Jayne Hunter-Rhys Jayne, I'm an American, born and raised, and it always bothers me to hear people say, "Oh my god!" I do think it's using the Lord's name in vain, but a lot of people don't consider it so for some reason or a lot of people aren't believers so they don't think of it as the Lord's name. The unfortunate thing is that since I've been hearing it ever since kindergarten, it's become less distressing to me. :/ We need lots of prayer here in America; I think a lot of people become too complacent--myself included--and sin becomes a little issue instead of THE issue.
Jayne Hunter-Rhys Thank you for your prayers, Jayne! We live in dark times. We should all band together and pray for believers all over the world and that we become vessels God can use to spread His word! :)
Jefferson, months ago i asked you to mention Gospel in your videos, prayed for happen, and, it happened, The last thing you said, thank you. When people are in pain, and seek forgiveness and God's Grace, we give them the Gospel, not the Law. Jefferson, if i may ask, and you can private message me this also, what branch of Christianity are you, Ex. I'm Missouri Lutheran.
My boyfriend is going through a really rough time. What you had to say about grief and loving someone in their grief really helped me a lot. Sometimes I just don't know what to do to help him but this reminded me I can be right there by his side in his moments of grief and simply be a loving friend who will sit with him in the sad moments. Thank you so much for making this video. You pointed out some absolutely fantastic truths about some stuff we say in church that we might not recognize as untruthful, senseless, or misleading.
Oh now that is major fuel for testimony-time right there! Had I known what I know now as an adult Christian when I was younger, I'd have saved a lot of emotional issues, time and money, right about the time the economy came crashing down.
Thewonderfulwizardoftheweb God is not a "sky fairy," & no belittling comments from atheists is not going to change that. People who continue to use such immature arguments are not taken seriously. Have real & mature conversations with someone, not resort to insults & mockery like Bill Maher.
I believe that the "Turn around and greet your neighbor" thing is a tactic used by worship teams. If they did not say that, and just walked off the stage, it would be awkward for THEM.
Yea I think its a flow thing to make the service run smoothly. Guys like me who have short attention spans and need to get up and have a break. Actually think its fine ;)
I don't really like it either, but some people DO! I think we can just suck it up for those that are blessed by this tactic. So we are uncomfortable for 60 seconds. Get over it! There are those that would never even be spoken to at church if this wasn't being done. Yes, sad, I know. But if you can't sacrifice your precious feelings for 60 lousy seconds... stays in the parking lot!
I really loved the last things we should never say. I've been struggling with this a lot in my internship as a music therapy student. We talk about improving ourselves, forgiving ourselves, meditating, doing yoga, and looking inward to ourselves (all this new age stuff). I feel torn because God is taken completely out of the picture and I can't do that. They're telling me essentially to make music my god which again I will not do. I think we need to understand who God is and what He has done for us. Once we can wrap our minds around that, we can finally move forward.
Everything happens for a reason- I think we have been given our own free will and our choices lead to the outcome. It's how much we lean on God during our daily lives that's gets us through to the best outcome because it's coming from God who's in charge of your life.
I take that to mean that if you're a recovering alcoholic, God would not test your faith by tempting you with a drink. He will not give you more than you can bare. If you were to be tempted with a drink, that is of the devil. The devil tempts you, God give you trials. So for example, a struggle with alcoholism is a trial. God wants you to lean on Him to make it through. If while recovering from alcoholism, you are offered a drink, that's the devil trying to tempt you.
but then that would mean god doesn't have control over everything you see with job, god let the devil do evil against him, you're right god didn't do the evil but he let it happen
you missed a key word in that verse "BUT" and also did not cite the whole verse. "But when you are tempted, he WILL also PROVIDE A WAY OUT so that you can endure it."
***** But I mean why doesn't he physically appear to us like in the OT or like he did to the disciples and Paul in the NT? That way there people wouldn't have any reason to doubt him, and a lot more people would get saved.
***** But Moses saw God face to face (Ex 33:11) and the seventy elders of Israel (Ex 24:9-11).and Abraham did as well (Genesis 12:7). Also God is all powerful he's be able to make it, so that we won't die by simply seeing him. Wouldn't that be better for all of humanity?
Adam Wojtczak there's the father, the son, and the spirit. Three different people manifested in three different ways. They aren't the same nor are they coequal. Many times Jesus talks about going to Father John 20:17 or lifting up the father. How can you ascend to yourself? Doesn't make sense right? The person moses saw face to face was Jesus not the father. The father is a spirit only seen by Jesus. Jesus intercedes for us to the father so obviously we can't see him. I know this is a very complex topic I'm still trying to fathom it...hope I cleared up some stuff
Mikaela Mirabal How do you know that Moses saw Jesus and not the father? If that fact was well established, there wouldn't be such a thing as Jews. (since they wouldn't be able to deny Jesus' divinity, if it was mentioned in the OT)
Another statement that struck me recently in our small group during a healthy debate on our Bible reading, when a group member said, "Let me play Devil's advocate!" - What flooded my mind was, "No, the Devil doesn't need an advocate!" - We shouldn't be an advocate for the Devil, right?! Anyway, keep doing what you are doing... provides so much growth in our Christian walk! Love you!
I'm a former member of hillsong NYC church. And i love the fact that we have a 4 min to fellowship with that person next to us. 1. Bcuz 60% of ppl go there and feel shy and might not approach to anyone and just leave after the service is done. 2. Make friends 3. If you dont know how to make conversation then you'll have bad time. Ask questions. and lastly who knows who needs another buddy and a christian friend. Specially in NYC, here is a rush, everyone running, so there is no parking-lot.
God helps those who help themselves. I find this to be true actually. I spent years in depression rotting in my house with no occupation... nothing helped me, not even God, in any way. at least not a help that i felt and was aware of. since I started doing things with my life and having professional people help me it started to get better... and when I did something, you could say that God blessed it. but without taking actions, God never elevated me and made my mood and my life any better. besides that, it all depends on us, even just praying takes an effort from the person himself that does that. and its not easy to pray and to do it regulary as a christian.
If it depended on you to do something, so that God would help you, then that devalues grace which is given freely. The fact that you were able to do something to help yourself out of depression was because of God. And if what you say is true, what about poor people? Most of them can't help themselves, yet God finds a way to send help for the needy.
Agree. Many people use cliches that are scripturally unsound and unfounded. God for one does not cause evil. That is a contradiction of His nature and character. God allows evil because He has given man a free will.
In my church, after praise and worship, we do something called pass the peace. It's where you go around the church and greet everyone ( we have a small church but are expanding). Towards the end, before announcements, we ask the visitors to stand up and we greet them on behalf of our pastors and church. Of course they don't have to stand up. What I'm saying is that it's not so bad.
(from an atheist point of view) What I like about Jefferson is that he acknowledges the fact that the old testament was and stil is something truly awful, as he said in his poem video. He acknowledges the damage that religion can cause, someting i really respect him for. He is also a good youtuber :)
I don't think Jefferson was saying the old testament is awful in anyway. He's was making a point that some of those laws and traditions that were in place back then just do not apply now. Since Jesus came, a new way of living and a new life was made through him so the past was washed away meaning that a new covenant was being made. However, the Old Testament is still valuable in understanding the nature and holiness of God. The stories in the Old Testament portray his faithfulness and steadfast love to His people despite their refusal to listen and obey.
No he described him like how I would describe a school teacher. Teachers give difficult homework on purpose to see if a student will ask for help to solve the problem of if they'll struggle on their own that's not manipulative that's a test
Thank you! Thank you! ***** I am so happy the first "Christianese" phrase you addressed was "God never gives you more then you can handle." The scripture that this comes from is one that applies to temptation. God will never give you more TEMPTATION then you can handle. Somehow though, over the many years, it's been morphed into this Christianese line to say when someone goes through something difficult. God has to give us more then we can handle. If He didn't, why then would we turn to Him? We wouldn't need Him otherwise. Our life would be great, even the hard times wouldn't be bad, because we could "handle" them. We need more then we can handle so that God can teach us things, so that in order to move forward, in order to overcome whatever it is that we need to overcome, we'll be leaning on the one solid thing that can get us through. And once we make that decision to lean on Him, it's through that that He teaches us. It doesn't mean our heartache goes away, it might not even mean things get easier, what it means though is that we have a Saviour who feels are pain, who's willing to carry us, who's there when we call, and even when we don't call, and who uses even the bad things in our life for His glory. He makes all things good. In a matter of months at the age of 19 I lost my father in my arms while doing CPR, was in a severe car accident that took away my nurisng career and has left me forever mentally disabled with a severe traumatic brain injury, and shortly after the accident my aunt was suddenly killed in a motorbike accident. That was, and still is, more then I can handle. However, I've made it this far, and only through God's grace have I made it. Only through His power, and His love for me, have I been able to continue to be the person He's created me to be. I think the coolest thing that God has shown/taught me in all of this is about my perspective. I'm suppose to be dead. I'm actually in the 1%, that's how dead I'm suppose to be. I was in a coma for 3 weeks, I wasn't suppose to awake. But through God's grace I did. Having a near death experience, as well as my other life experiences, especially the big ones in that short amount of time, caused my perspective of God of Jesus to change entirely. I've fallen in love with Jesus in a whole new way. My faith has grown in ways it never could've had I not gone through the things I did. Through this growth, I've realized the destruction these one liner christianese phrases can bring to a person. Thank you for posting about this.
how about this The Most Not Finished Bible Quotes People love to use. For Example:1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. (It doesn't stop there you know) BUT God has REVEALED THEM TO US through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
Hey Jeff, I was born in a christian family but there are so many things I'm not sure about... I've had this doubt for a while but I feel weird about asking... I just wanted to know if it's okay to name yourself as a christian "because you don't wanna go to hell". I just feel like nowadays in my church there's no real love. Just fear of going to hell... Is it okay? Is it a sin? Preachers here are like "if you don't want eternal death, become a christian" So I feel like people come to church and accept the rituals out of fear...Idk
***** You might answer correctly, sir ! How could you say there is Hell when you havn't seen it yet ? Tell me ? I dont trust the Bible, I'm from Belgium but I'm portuguese and all of my family is christian... I'm the one who doesn't believe in that religion.. Sorry for my bad English..
Indeed. Lack of sight is a foolish reason for disbelief. Of course we cannot visibly see Hell, and our minds probably can't even fathom what it must be like to be separated eternally from THE source of everything good, true and beautiful. We see that there is evil in the world, but if there is no God, no judgment, no Hell, then why do we see evil and call it evil, if it's "just the way people are?" I hear a lot of argument for people doing things just because "it's the way they are," but if we honestly think of that and logically extend it, then people can simply steal, kill or rape, because it's "the way they are." Hell is indeed something to fear, but we must understand WHY it should be feared. We, as Christians don't fear it because it's some scary punishment, we fear it because an eternity separated from the Creator is beyond comprehension. Many people think life is hell, but that's simply a life with struggles that can be overcome, and struggles that Christ helps us through. Remove Christ, let man be everything that its depraved, selfish nature demands, and multiply that by eternity. That's the hell we fear: man left without redemption, even by their own choice. Long story short, there's two types of people. Those who say to God, Your will be done. Those to whom God says, your will be done.
you should believe in God out of love and hopefully people will notice and do so as well, but hell isn't scary because of the pain lasting for eternity, in fact hell is an event not a place, an event where God burns everyone once and for all, so when the bible mentions being burnt forever it actually means being burnt and never coming back not living forever while being burnt, and many Christians don't know that. By the way I learned that from a CZcams channel called "POTS Ministries || Studying The Word Of God" he also talks about other subjects that many people neglect, you should check it out. He also has another You Tube channel called "Johnathan Gardner" although be careful with that one as there are two channels called Johnathan Gardner, one is a music channel the other is religion related which is his other channel.
Commenting on "we have to forgive ourselves" I have actually heard that and that is more focused on finding closure IN ourselves because what if God gives us forgiveness but yet we feel so guilty of the past still that we eat ourselves up in trying to prove to God we feel sorry, we're not saying we're better than God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit, but rather what that does is that it helps us accept the beautiful reality that he has forgiven us by the sacrifice that was made 2014 years ago and finally letting go of the past, I talk out of experience, not boasting of my strength to find closure but to talk about the things I used to do all because I felt guilty and unworthy of God's love, I know I'm unworthy but he doesn't want us to meditate on unworthiness, but rather his freedom and love he has given us
I love how real you are! Wow this explains religious people so much they are literally "pray" about everything and they never pray from their hearts. It's about a relationship not a religion.
Mostly semantical nitpicking, but #10 is very good. Speaking of nitpicking, he says it's a 5 min video, but it's actually more than 6 min. And what's with his eternal assault on the word "religion"? James chapter 1 says religion is a good thing. We ought to oppose FALSE religion.
elakociak Age of Accountability? its the point in time where you can stop saying "Oh he's a kid, he just picked that up" or "He doesn't know any better." Basically when someone can't use inncocence as an excuse. Like as an 18 year old, you punch someone, you know, and everyone else knows, that's wrong. But a 5 year old punches someone, they have to be told, "no, that's wrong" and it's kind off let go, because the kid didn't know it's wrong
Also, I dunno about you saying it's not helpful to say everything happens for a reason. I can't speak for anyone else, but I do find that comforting when I'm going through trying times. It reminds me that God is still in control and will fulfill His promise to make everything turn out for good (cf. Rom 8:28).
My dad constantly says "we'll pray about it" when he is saying no to something. The problem with this statement is that it is his way of saying "well my answer is no, but this way if I tell you I prayed about it, it's not just me saying no, it's God saying no so you can't argue with that". 100% of the time he has said this whatever he is saying no to is something that is of God, and whatever path he is choosing to follow instead is one of hurt and pain. So really, "I'll pray about it" is one of the emptiest of statements.
lol that Is like the rastas "jesus is my co-pilot''>>>actually God is the pilot, Jesus the co-pilot and the flight attendant is the Holy spirit lol. At-least that makes more theological sense don't it?
#1 reminded me of TobyMac's "Beyond" I might be outmatched, outsized, the underdog in the fight of my life Is it so crazy to believe that You gave me the stars, put them out of my reach Called me to waters a little too deep Oh, I've never been so aware of my need You keep on making me see: It's way beyond me
Man, that single one couldn't be more true XD I'm 22yo and have never been in a relationship, all the while these guys I know are entering relationships, some of which are getting married. I'm just sitting here like "Don't be sad that you're single... It's God's will... don't be sad... *sniff*... DON'T BE SAD 😭" lol. Someone approaches me like, "God has blessed you with the gift of singleness" or "embrace this 'season' of singleness!" I'm a Christian so I can't punch that guy in the face XD
I think "taking God's name in vain" is proclaiming to be a Christian on the outside, but continuing in your sinful lifestyle and acting like you're not saved on the inside. Just my thoughts. What are yours?
Airwane Gaming Taking the Lord's name in vain does not mean... Not saying God Damn.... The Hebrew meaning is "Misuse"... Therefore The Commandment means to not use God's name for an unjust cause.... Such as the Ku Klux Klan or the Catholicism...
You should make a video on how annoying it is for Christians to talk as if they're still living in the 17th century King James era. I hate it when Christians try to preach to each other and especially sinners like that. It creates the impression that the we (the Church) are fake, churchy, traditional, and unreachable to the sinner which pushes them away form God. It's 2014 TALK NORMAL!!!
Yeah I read it again.If people get the impression that Christians are traditional nothing is wrong and why do you hate when Christians try to preach to each other
I see a few who disagree with the first point, the verse has been used to tickle the ears of those who are going through hard times but this verse points to one thing and that is "temptation" 1 Corin 10:13 "...God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able..." If you see a brother or sister whose fighting temptation perfect to say "God will never allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle" Thought I should share that with you guys. With hard times perfect to say "The Joy of the Lord is our Strength" and more ha Love you all God Bless =]
Like this? James 4:11-12 "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" Or John 8:1-8... Or Romans 14:1-13 Peace!
art universe they are probably not really Christian just playing the part , but if they didn't say anything directly that was rude then it was probably god bringing you conviction , it's not always sunshine and rainbows we go through trials and tribulations , and god will bring you conviction to grow stronger in his word and become a better Christian , hope it helps
As a former evangelical....you folks, and the things you say (including the key phrases that identify you as born again)...is highly annoying. I never felt better when I ceased going to services. Shortly after that I realized I didn't even believe in a God anymore. One of the BEST conclusions I've ever had in my life.
Bless you!! Your words have helped to understand what the Lord is saying! I grew up in a small Baptist church .. felt drawn to help others.. to spread His message.. and at a young age I went up to my pastor and told him I wanted to be a pastor! He laughed and told me only men are supposed to be pastors. Long story short it crushed me and I then strayed from the word fir years! He came back fir this lost sheep! What are your thoughts on woman as pastors and spreading the Word? ..
I sometimes cringe when a friend of mine at church, or on Facebook says "I covet your prayers." Technically, coveting is a strong desire for something or someone that doesn't or won't ever belong to you. But, you forcefully believe in your mind that it should be yours.
At the 4:30 mark, you claim that god helps the downtrodden and those who have no ability to help themselves. Is that so? Observe the following passages from Matthew 6:31-33: *31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.* The above passages clearly indicate that Jesus takes care of the needs of his faithful. With these passages clearly in mind, pull up a map of world hunger and poverty rates. Then pull up a map of predominantly Christian nations and juxtapose the two maps. You will find a significant overlap. Everyday, thousands of the people in these nations, including children, will starve to death. These are people who worship the very same god that you do. My question to you is this: Why hasn't god helped these people who are clearly downtrodden and can't help themselves?
Dustin Zilbauer So you know these people personally? you know inside of their hearts? You can tell that they love the Lord their God with all their heart and all their soul? Which is the first commandment with Promise! Only God knows the heart of man. I can tell as a person who has known Missionaries and people who have come from some of these countries, that Yes, God feeds the hungry that are serving him, while people all around them perish.
Young Turks, A very good & difficult question. One of ways God feeds the hungry is through other people. Unfortunately many Christians in the West have not helped as they should.... And our nations continue to exploit the poor through capitalism. You raise a very good point. There is so much injustice. Jesus bore that injustice on the cross and He knows what it is like to experience that on a level beyond understanding. He went through suffering. And I know that He comforts those who believe in His name who suffer (I experience illness & know and experience that, though I don't live in a 3rd world nation). We still live in a very much broken world... Jesus also did not deny that hunger/suffering exists: "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied." - Luke 6:21. Any of His followers who do suffer hunger or thirst will be rewarded later. The question is: Are you/am I willing to believe in a God who I don't fully understand? And trust that God is good?
Jefferson, stop making money off of people's ignorance. Lose your support/ donations button. You probably make enough off viewers views. Where is all of this money going to? Stop being so greedy , start showing evidence to support your position instead of empty words.
One of the ones you didn't mention which i really hate is the STUPID saying - "God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve" Well God didn't create things like modern medicine like antibiotics or machines like pace makers and life support machines either but that doesn't mean we cant use them and have them in our modern day lives. But im guessing you probably agree with that particular saying and dont believe gay ppl can have loving and meaningful, long term relationships that aren't just about sex, Christians often say you shouldn't have sex before marriage, well thats why many gay ppl want the right to get married and thank fully now most of us can...
HughJaxident67 Yes you can religion is ONLY an ideology, THATS IT. You can be Christan and gay, heck you can be Christan and budist for all I care. Stop using the stupid no true Scotsman fallacy. Because modern day Christans compared to Christans in the far past would be considered "no true christan" So back off, this is comming from an atheist.
Phraja Nickolis God created Man for the express purpose of mutual relationship with him, but gave Man the power of choice and free will. Man chose to break that relationship and has been trying to find his own way by inventing religions and cults of all kinds in an effort to replace that void left by lack of relationship with his Creator. But relationship with God cannot be found through religion. In fact, religion is the biggest roadblock to seeking a relationship with God. Religion is simply Man trying to reach out to God by doing something that he thinks will please God. “If I can do enough, say enough, pray enough, give enough, sacrifice enough perhaps God will show me favor”. Every religion is based upon this “works theology”. “But my denomination teaches…” Do you really believe that God favors your denomination over others? Quite the contrary, if your denomination professes to be “the only true way”, I can pretty well guarantee that it isn’t! Do you think that God’s intention was to have dozens of different denominations of His Church? They can’t all be right, and more than likely they’re all wrong. Old Testament shows you several references and Jesus Christ Himself said concerning religion. Isaiah 1:13-14 states, “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies…it is iniquity…Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.” Amos 5:21 says, “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell (the odors of their sacrifices) in your solemn assemblies.” He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
HughJaxident67 No one cares, like I said, compared christans in the far past, you yourself would be seen as "no true Christan"the same way you rezent progressive Christians, past christans would rezent you. Manyt things u accept now the past christans didn't accept.Your situation no different than mormons who suddenly are ok with black people in the church. Religion's culture changes its views to keep up with humanity, otherwise it would die. It just a religion NOTHING else but a simple belief system which literally ANYONE can have, a belief system that is. Your religion is like santa anybody can interpret it WHATEVER the way they want the same goes with other religions and idelogies.
“There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithfull, who wil not suffer you to bee tempted aboue that you are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may bee able to beare it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 1611 King James Version (KJV)
I agree with all ten of these! Thank you so much for putting into words, what I've been trying to express for years. My pet peeve has always been hearing people say "God helps those who help themselves." Thanks for setting that straight! Be blessed!
I would suggest that one important thing that Christians should stop saying is that Christianity is Truth, that the Bible is Truth and the Resurrection is true. The reason for that is that Christianity is just a Faith based religion with beliefs in stories, just like Islam is. I do fully support everyone's right to have whatever beliefs they choose of course, and I think having beliefs and Faith is wonderful and perfectly fine. The words Faith, belief, conviction and trust, all indicate a level of uncertainty and doubt, and by definition none of them need any real evidence. But Truth specifically has the definition that it MUST conform to Reality and facts, and Truth MUST have real solid evidence and proof. Outside of the very stories in the Bible that claim the Resurrection happened, there is NO evidence it did happen. There is not one word from anybody written at the time it was claimed to have happened, and the early Christians wrote their stories decades later when they were starting up their new religion. There are NO written accounts in existence by ANYBODY, that were actually written in the entire span of time from Jesus' birth to death, and even to say 5 YEARS after he was buried, that even mention his name, let alone any Virgin Birth, miracles, or any Resurrection. That is easily verified at any major Library, or by speaking with a member of Clergy who has had proper Bible History training at a Seminary or Divinity College. So Christians, be happy in your Faith in stories, just like the Muslims are. But to claim Truth, you would need real proof your God exists, and real proof the Resurrection happened, and you would then ALSO have to throw your Faith and belief out the window, because instead of mere Faith, you would have the solid verifiable as proof for all to see. For a Truth like the Sun is hot, you do not say,"I have Faith the Sun is hot, or "I believe the Sun is hot." you say you KNOW the Sun is hot. Big difference. I am not an Atheist by the way, nor a Theist, nor an Agnostic, but just an ordinary man content to live in Reality with no need for any religious labels Wishing you Love, Truth and Peace.
Brendan Scott If you have confusion perhaps I can help. Are you having difficulty telling what is real from what is not? You are not alone in that, and many people prefer to stay confused if it suits their needs. I can respect that choice.
Brendan Scott I don't think babies are that shocked, because all experiences are so new to them figuring out what feels good and what doesn't. It's odd that after struggling to get out so vigorously, most guys seem to spend so much time trying to get back in many years later. Yes, we are transient, so all the more reason to value the time we have to make the most of the journey with the other transient beings we share LIFE with. You will be so proud of me! I'm going to see a Bible movie tomorrow. peace
Brendan Scott I have certitude, but not absolute certitude. I have many certitudes concerning Reality. Sexuality is part of that reality as well, in all it's manifestations and possibilities. Being born is not an absolute though, and the majority of human LIFE forms never reach that stage. But so far death has been a reality for everything with LIFE in it. Individuals die, yet LIFE itself is virtually Eternal as is reality from our limited perspective.
Brendan Scott You say I am confused because I have some certainty? Does that make sense to you? You are not absolutely certain you are alive either, yes? That's the basic Matrix paradox. We have degrees of certainty in the reality that we are able to perceive, and we have established definitions and guidelines for living in that Reality, and whether it is Absolute or not is irrelevant since we have no other option. I see no confusion in that. Do you find Reality confusing somehow?
Brendan Scott The first step of indoctrination is telling the prospective customer they are uncertain and lost, to subjugate them psychologically. Well done! Your addiction is still in control, trying to control others. You remind me of John Lennox, trying to twist meanings and definitions to suit your agenda, but you don't have his skill level and are much more obvious. Did you forget that I teach English? The adjective "positive" is called an absolute adjective, and it takes no other adjectives, and has no degrees like a comparative or a superlative. Two other adjectives similar to it that might make it more clear are the adjectives "dead" and "pregnant." You can not be more dead, more pregnant, or more positive. You are either positive or you are not. There is no "absolutely positive" either, nor any "most true", nor any "higher, or lower, or medium Truth," But in the common vernacular you will hear those expressions misused in a careless way as I do myself sometimes. Like Lennox you hope your twisting of words will succeed to deceive and confuse, as you did in the comment above. I can not be "absolutely" positive any more than I can be "a little bit" positive. If I am "almost" dead, that means I am alive, not dead, and if I am positively pregnant, then I must be dreaming, because I am a man. I have no need to move forward to join you in the land of make believe, because it offers nothing real, or fulfilling, and has nothing that can bring real happiness or real peace, mostly because it fails to be Truth. Should you be the first Christian in all of History to show show your Faith and belief is actually a Truth with verifiable solid evidence, that would be a "miracle." Or instead you could remain happy in your Faith in stories. That is the wider, more familiar path, which is probably more comfortable for you. Things to do and people to visit, have a good day, sir.
Religion, in the most basic understanding, is what man does to get close to God. Christianity, with this understanding of the definition of "religion", is not a religion because Christianity is all about what God has done by his own grace to bring us back to him. It's the complete opposite of religion, is more of a relationship than a religion. Sure there are the same aspects that you find in religion like having faith and conforming your moral compass but Christianity is completely different than any other faith.
Cameron Lopez God was never lost in the first place, so any man-made attempts to 'Find God" are based upon a false premise. Everyone and Everything in Creation has both a Personal and Impersonal Relationship with God, or Life----otherwise they would not even exist in the first place.
Pigette West Everyone and everything are One with God or they would not even exist in the first place. If you choose to worship God in the form of a 2000 year old male homo sapien that is up to you.
In the context of "God helps those who helps themselves" this in my mind means that once you put the effort to get something done, God will give you the strength to do it if its in accordance with his will. As opposed to someone who would not make the effort and just sit and wait on God to hand them everything that is needful to the flesh in their laborsaving hands.
Appreciate the video Jefferson. Some folks probably won't like this, but I'm a student at a state university and honestly, I don't even like calling myself a "Christian." Not because I'm not, but because of all the bad connotations associated with the term. A lot of people I know find "Christians" condemning, condescending, unrelatable, smug, always treating non-Christians as projects and never as just people or friends. Therefore, those people (totally understandably) don't want to be around someone like that. I never want to be seen as one of those people so that's why I don't like to use the term. I love Jesus and I want to share his love with people and I never want something as minuscule as a title to get in the way of that. I want to be a counselor and I want to be there for people of all backgrounds totally fairly, so I want to steer clear of any unnecessary terms or behaviors that will get in the way of that.
+InRealityWeTrust do you believe evolution, i will believe in evolution when someone can actually prove that and not just make more theories and assumptions
Giovannie Fontanez We Christians do deny evolution and billions of years stuff. I was replying to the main commenter who said Christians deny historical and scientific facts, which we don't.
***** No....not really. That's denying someone's opinion. Denying scientific fact would be saying that adams don't exist or water doesn't evaporate or something. THAT's science.
2 others things: 1. When a youth pastor asks, "would you open/close us in prayer today?" I really do not like that. I would be fine with praying loud, but whether someone is new or an ongoing member, they might not be ready. Ask for volunteers instead. And if no one volunteers, pray yourself. 2. I have been to a church where the worship team said "raise your arms in praise if you love the Lord." EXTREMELY awkward for people who feel uncomfortable to do that. They either feel really out of place not doing it (which rarely happens) or they do it out of force (more often) which is fake and only based on outward appearance. Some people can have a closer relationship with God by not raising their hands in praise. But everyone might look down upon them.
Matthew 12:36-37 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Thank you so much for these tips. I'm glad I'm not the only one at church feeling awkward with the "Say hi to your neighbor"request. They give us 4 minutes to fill and it's sometimes overwhelming.
Topic: Chuch Attendance. Example "I don't need to go to church to be saved" vs "You're not a real Christian if you do not attend church." What is the balance, where is the line, and which side is true, or the closest to being true?
I think giving time to say hi to your neighbour during church is amazing. At out church you say hi to everyone around you and when I first stated attending that's how I met a lot of people. So it's really not awkward of dumb at all if you do it/use it right.
The phrase "God helps those who help themselves" means that he helps those who try. He helps those that put forth effort. If you follow him, if you are a good stewart of your life, your home, your family, he helps. It doesn't mean that you actually go out and get it. It's one of those things that are taken out of context or repeated so many times that the meaning is forgotten or twisted.
Being single, someone once told me "oh, that's beautiful". . . and then he went to talk to someone else and bragged how wonderful of a wife and kids God gave him.
Radkon Psygami It happened to me also, don't feel bad, some people like to tease, I'm sure he didn't meant to hurt your feelings and someday you will be like him. No worries ;)
Oprea Iulian - I think you mean well, but I'm not getting any younger. . .realities of life are knocking on my door. . .and apparently Jesus went out for lunch and hasn't come back.
Love your delivery of God's Word! Some doctrinal topics that might help people with clarity. 1. Predestination 2. Once saved always saved 3. The Rapture 4. Spirituals Gifts 5. Law of Moses or law of Jesus Christ Would love to hear your thoughts!
Why is awkward bad? Just because something is awkward doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. I think sometimes we need to do awkward and uncomfortable things. Sometimes we need to be willing to cross socially awkward boundaries to reach people. I am going to go all Ecclesiastes 3 on this and say there is a time and place for this. Not saying you shouldn't be considerate of others and putting them in awkward situations but I don't think it's necessarily a good reason to be against something like asking people to greet one another during the service. Btw I agree with the first part of point 3. I really like the premise of this video and points 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10. Per usual work Jeff.
You said that you should never say "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." But in 1st Corinthians 10:13 it says "God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. "
Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Very true!! Hahah!!! Awesome!!
Tit Bob this is very true, you gotta prove it
Tit Bob or getting it the car with no keys
You're correct. What makes a person a Christian is when they accept Jesus as their lord and Savior. Once a person follows Jesus, he is a Christian.
Tit Bob thank you captain obvious.
The one that bothers me the most of when Christians say "God needed another angel" after someone passes away. I heard this all the time after I lost my son. My wife and I got so tired of hearing it. That phrase is theologically wrong and offers zero comfort. The truth is, because o Jesus' redemptive death and resurrection, my son has life beyond the grave. I will see him again. That is where I find my comfort.
So true sorry for your loss, and its not even biblically sound that people become angels, we are ranked higher than angels in heaven so its almost insulting lol but God bless you.
So true!! We don’t just magically turn into angels! Your son is in God’s glory filled Kingdom and that’s indeed where Christians can find comfort in knowing our loved ones are truly in a better place and we will be reunited. Prayers for you and your wife! 💙
Amen! And God bless you!
"God needed another angel? "
Mehnnn that's so wrong. How do people come up with that? SMH🤦
I hate reading that in comments. When people say that phrase. Children who died, don’t become Angels. God already made the Angels before humans were ever made.
Why do atheists come to Christian videos and say negative things... it takes alot faith to tell a believer to be a non believer
im actually american silly Texas raised
harlengabriel Christianity isn't a European religion silly troll. :P
Niko Williams Not at all!! It's a fun thing and (most important) it is good for humanity.
tell that to Stalin and Pol Pot. Those guys loved the atheist idea... I think their followers did too?
Niko Williams Are you asking or are you suggesting? Or are you implicitly ask for grammar help?
Anyway, atheism did never led people to crime. Ideology did. Atheism does not imply any ideology, only the lack of a particular belief. I don't see the connection. However, this does not mean atheists do not commit crimes. The point is that there is absolutely no connection between crime and atheism.
Atheist, thank you, I'm so glad to see all you atheist on here because it's an encouraging sign that you really haven't let go of God. Because of all of your comments, I know this channel MUST be doing something right. I actually might look at some videos. As for you, keep visiting these videos. It brings me comfort to,see your efforts of reaching out to a God you claim you don't believe even exists.
Well it's doing quite the opposite! Seeing you atheist on here is like seeing a dirty rag hit contact with bleach. Just something about it makes me feel like there is hope and some ppl are literally right in reach.
HughJax....I didn't read very much of your comment. You give me a chuckle and I get a kick out of seeing all you atheist on here because its funny how it's Atheist who complain of the proselytizers sticking their religion down everybody it's throat, but here you all are ON A CHRISTIAN VIDEO where no human probably invited you. Maybe it's the Holy Spirit pushing you to come here because your not sure about what you believe. But I'll just say, thank you for visiting the video. The more viewer counts it has the more attention it will get. God bless and I hope you find truth. Genuinely, I do. You're never too far away to to turn back. You're never too dirty to ever be clean again by his grace.
HughJaxident67 I did have one question. Honest question. No tricks here. Why is it that a lot of atheist seem so driven to disprove things that don't matter to them either way? If you can be atheist why can't people be christians? Also why is it that they seem to attack that more often than other religions? I've always wanted to know those things. And no hate here that was an honest question.
HughJaxident67 Hmm some good points. Fist I gotta say (off topic) but I don't agree with taxes anyways. Not only do I think churches shouldn't be taxed but there shouldn't be income tax at all. People work to hard and every dollar made, spent or saved is taxed. But thats another conversation.
So I would like to know where you get your info. I have always learned that men wrote the bible. Just like The Word says we are His hands and feet. So God set up a system that requires Him to use us in order to do His will. A lot of things go wrong and we blame God but He isn't the problem. I like what one guy said, "the gift is perfect but it comes through imperfect vessels." Thats me and you. So I also think things differently than most christians. I do believe God is all powerful however this does not mean He has all authority. Therefore He does not control people with an iron fist like most believe. We have free will. So in a lot of places where you find God doing things that appear wrong in the bible its usually due to human error. Like I recently found out that a lot of why king David and them wiped people out was that most all the people they wiped out were not really human to begin with. You can find in Genesis it talks about the fallen angles mating with human women and out came the nephilim. So they were destroyed not people. Also there is a VAST difference between the old and new testament. Understanding WHY the law had to be is a great help. Also how Jesus fulfilled that law too. So when Paul in Romans talks about this, YES it is Paul writing it but through The Lord.
Also, along the lines of forgiveness. One thing people often miss is that YES while you are forgiven and sins washed away that doesn't give you the right to behave foolishly. Im speaking to fellow believers. Also that you will still have to deal with the consequence of your wrong doing even though you are forgiven. So nothing, in a sense, is with out consequence. Often times people can't except this cause there was something in their life they cannot forgive themselves for. Trying to understand with the mind what was created by The Spirit is also why people keep running into brick walls when it comes to The Bible.
Also what about the sanhedrin talmud and roman historical documents that give account of a man named Jesus being crucified?
Either I'm not here to try and convert or be converted I'm just growing in my knowledge of the Lord. And no matter what the reason I believe isn't cause I blindly follow something and get no results. I think that is kind of dumb. Why would I pray for someone if it didn't work?!?!?! Believe it or not Ive been healed from a broken foot, tooth decay my daughter from really bad allergy infections. My father from almost going blind and so on and so forth. So FOR ME I know this works cause I have seen it.
Maybe one day you will too. But either way stay dedicated. Like the bible says "be hot or cold. Do not be lukewarm." < butchered. haha.
WOW first off awesome info. I have to say I really enjoy talking with you. Your not dumb and just get mad like christians and atheist both do. You are educated and I respect that.
Now of course I can't hold a candle to you on most of your historical facts cause well you are smarter than me on that. The only thing can say is regarding those horrible acts in the old testament.
Im not to popular with christians myself cause I don't like to accept something blindly and walk through life that way. I want to know. And God does say that He will give you answers and knowledge of things to come. So my rule is always this. Whats the beginning of the book about? God having man in a place where there is no trouble of any kind. Whats the end of the book about? God getting us to a place where there is no trouble of any kind. The bible says "He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore." So AS A CHRISTIAN I took that verse as law!
Now as I have approached many "contradictions" with that previous rule of mine in place I was able to start seeing that there aren't really any contradictions. Of course I haven't been able to go through them all yet.
So for instance in regard to old testament. BEFORE the law of moses, people did whatever they wanted. Murder, raping and killing and it wasn't wrong necessarily because there was nothing to teach them wrong or right so there was no concept of either. The Law came to show them what was wrong but they had no means to follow such strict guidelines. By "means" I am referring to the spirit inside us OR how you might identify better, the moral compass on the inside of us. So often times when He would destroy people it was done because there was no way for them without even a "moral compass" to not do the things like rape and murder like in Sodom and Gamorah. Also if you study on the nephilim most tribes of people, all the ones I have found actually, were "infested" with nephilim blood which is why He told His people not to intermingle with any other people. So like I said most killings of "people" were not really "people" with human DNA like me and you anyways.
With the new testament we have a different covenant than they had back then. Different "rules" if you will. So when you study the old you have to refer to the new as well.
Anyways you can argue that its historically wrong and so on and so forth but I challenge you to learn a few things.
The Law. Its purpose. Why and how it came to be. What Jesus did. His purpose here and what He accomplished. Thats something most christians don't even know. And if nothing else it will just help your case in atheism. And study with that "rule" of mine in mind. He is good in the beginning and the end so in the middle all the so called "horrible" things have to be for a good reason.
Also Ill be researching the things you gave me too! Might take a while cause I got a lot of overtime coming up so Ill get back to you when I can.
Instead of saying "everything happens for a reason" people should start saying "good things come out of every bad situation"
Lexie Jordan this is more accurate, but probably worse to say when someone is grieving. No one wants to hear that something good is going to come out of their son's death for instance
Lexie Jordan when it's not forced lol
It may be better to just admit you don't know what to say but that you're willing to trust God in prayer with them through the difficult situation! That's ok to say too!
I like that. Need to start saying it.
Lexie Jordan not all the time
"Everything happens for a reason..."
Haha! Yes! I mean, I know it's theologically true but no one wants to hear that if their spouse just died or they lost a child or something. Loved this video. It's a nice light hearted look at the modern church and it's goody buzzwords/phrases. LOL
yes exactly!!! PS hope you guys doing well! :D
Thanks man! And I meant *goofy not goody. LOL
Wow Austin nice to see you here I literally just finished watching your last vlog
I love the nive nulls
The Nive Nulls!
That first thing is probably people misusing the verse I listed below. It says that God will not let you be TEMPTED beyond what you can handle, but there are plenty of other hardships that will happen to you that you do need to lean on God for strength because you can't handle them.
"There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
This verse is only talking about sin and temptation and is not every hardship in life.
Whether Christian, spiritual or undecided, I don't appreciate it when *anyone* says "Everything happens for a reason."
Jesus suffered greatly in a cross....for a reason.
I use to think the same thing but with every little thing specially stuff that just pops out like "it was suppose to happen" is kinda ironic. There's a handful of things in my life that was like that. Kinda stuff that happened and kinda laughing way. Idk how to explain it. It's like the phrase "God must think this is funny that's why He did it." Anyways after my experiences and stuff that couldn't be coincidental and my chats with God I know everything happens for a reason. Whatever that specific reason is I don't know. I just know it happens for a reason. It's God's plan. I don't know if every little thing that happens for a reason like something real small I think just happens but there are some things that do happen for a reason. I don't know what God's plan for me is or the reason why some stuff happens but I'm still trying to find out. Whatever His plan, this life He has for me is Hell. It's terrible. I hate life and want to die honestly. A lot if of the junk I deal with is having a drug addicted mother and a dead beat dad who left when I was newborn. We were always homeless growing up with my mom's psychotic boyfriends and whatever few friends she had would do unspeakable things to me and my brothers. We all were eventually taken away by the state. Kinda too late I think cause my brother was 16 and I 14. My brother and I dropped out of high school. We were placed in terrible programs that the staff there did the same things to us as my mom. One of the programs were even shut down by the state cause they went in after a client died. I don't want to go further but I will say this. My life is one huge story. Too much too tell. My life is complete Hell. Almost everybody I ever met used me as a punching bag. I hate life and everything in it and I've been wanting to die since I was like 10 cause of my life situation. I have no control over it. The people who are, cause chaos. I hate feeling depressed cause of other people all the time. The only reason I haven't offed myself yet cause I'll go to Hell if I do. There is no good in the world. It's evil cause of the evil people in it. From my life I came to believe almost everybody in the world is evil and no way religious. I get crapped on all the time for being Catholic. I hate it. I hate life. I wish I could just die tomorrow. Just let me say goodbye to the few people I care about first then I'll gladly go. The afterlife I wish is better than this. I'm afraid it's not gonna be. I'm afraid I'm gonna burn. When I pass I doubt that I'd even choose to go into the light cause of that fear. I think I'll become a sad helpless tortured soul that you always hear about. I don't know what God's plan is for me is but I wish He will end my misery soon. I'll probably find out when I pass.
leonkennedy1259 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; - Exodus 3:7
The Lord knows your sorrow , but you have to seek him with all your heart, I hate to say this but its true , you will never find the true Jesus in the Catholic Church.
He wants to set you free , free from the world of Pharoh (where the rest of the world is) set you free from your pain he is the provider of the Exodus (Escape) , will you follow him ?
leonkennedy1259 please know that you are loved. You are loved by Jesus Christ. You are loved by me, and all the others who have read your story. What the deacon in my church tells me is that, we are living in a dream here on earth, asleep up in heaven. It's a bad dream of course, he says we should do all we can to make it a good dream. But it's easier said than done. Anyways just know that soon Jesus Christ will come again, I know you are in misery, but keep Jesus in your heart and mind please. I hope you are in a better place now than you were two years ago when you wrote that comment. God bless you my friend.
suvarenee I'm a Christian and I hate it when people say that.
Hi Jefferson, I found you on FB from a post on your video "Why I hate religion but love Jesus." You are right on! I am so glad to have been introduced to you. I am in a ministry, God appointed, not man, and I want to always be careful not to come off as self righteous. I was away from God for so long because of the hypocrites in church. But these past 4.5 years Jesus has become my everything. I lost my 20 marriage, adultery (husband then me), soul ties to break, hubby in a mental hospital twice, lost a good job, lost our business, cervical cancer, dying from severe female issues, 3 foreclosures on home, bankruptcy, and to top it off, I had an addiction to porn that went back to being introduced to it at 6. It resurfaced when my husband was using it secretly and affected me. But God intervened and turned my mess around. Not religion. Now, he has given me a ministry that I do not have a page for. Women just private message me saying they feel they God lead them to me because of comments I leave on other posts regarding marriage, singleness and porn. So I counsel without degrees because I let the Holy Spirit lead me. I'm looking forward to gleaning from you. God bless your efforts to get the truth out!
I don't get why atheists take their time to belittle our God. Perhaps God is an insecurity of yours? I just wanna understand. :/
They belittle your God not because they are insecure but because they are irritated by the logical fallacies your God presents, the ridiculous amount of indoctrination that religious people spread, the arrogance of when you say your extraordinary claims are true with no sound logic and evidence to back it up and the insecurities YOU people actually display by believing in such nonsense.
+Jesus Ramos Lol why even watch these videos of go through comments sections if you aren't seeking anything? You're either wasting your time being hateful OR you are actually curious and want to learn. If you are so sure of yourself and you hate our beliefs, you wouldn't bother watching these videos. UNLESS you deliberately come here to spread hate or just to be rude.
iluvMcDees The reason I'm here is to entertain myself with these autistic Christian comments and to hopefully find some I can convert into freethinkers.
+Joanna Baky Im surprised that non-christians are replying to you. What i don't understand is why they take time out to watch and read the comments of a christian video. I know youtube is free and everything but why choose something you don't care for. Just shows me the how God can find his way in people's lives whether or not they want it.
Invisible Joy Why do we reply? Because she said she wanted to understand why we belittle her 'God'. The most logical thing to do would be to respond. Duh.
To comment on no. 3 at my church we solved the awkward forced meet and greet by offering lots of free food like bagels, donuts, coffee, trail mix, fresh fruit and veggies right in the auditorium that they open up after worship. That's the way to let relationships happen in my opinion.
i like that!!! food is always something I show up for and and a great way to make connections! :D
That's cool! We do something like that where at the end of service we almost always have food, and people stay long afterwards and enjoy the fellowship, even during our Thursday evening studies as well, sometimes people are hanging around an hour or 2 after service!
Finalsuspect1468
they should stop saying "love the sinner, hate the sin" if they don't actually love the sinner
Us Christians are also sinners there are some Christians out there who make Christians look real bad and that is not how Christians are suppose to act but of course media only like to show Christians like that and it give people a impression of how we act and there are churches who are just bad and I love my church is open lovely place
Ruby Cupcake21 once we are born again, we are no longer sinners...you are not a sinner, you've been redeemed. Your nature has been changed, and now your citizenship is in Heaven!
83croissant we do love the sinner, at least i do💗
When most of the time they don't show any signs of loving the sinner. Cringe.
That’s not even in the Bible. That saying.
I would like to hear your thoughts on how we need to build people up instead of knocking them down. I have been bashed by other "Christians" because I believe that by giving my testimony and praying for others (non-believers) instead of just walking away from them. I also believe we are all held accountable and should be responsible for your own salvation through Christ not going out and shoving my belief down throats to offer others "salvation". You have really helped me understand what it is to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Thank you
Yep!!! I find that many, including myself earlier in life, are turned off by God simply because His body, the Church, can be unwelcoming. Not all, but some. God does not focus on where we have been or what we have done in our past, but on what we are DOING - present tense - and will do to renew our minds and lives. Actions speak more powerfully than words; I have been touched more by those who acted in Godly love towards me than those who simply judged me so I hope to reflect that to others in the way it affected me!
Lizzy Tan Thats exactly it! God won't love us more or even less because of something we have said or done. Even when we backslide a bit. That is were grace comes in. He shows me grace, I pay it forward. At least that is my goal every day.
Dude, your book is money! I downloaded it for my flight yesterday and listened to the whole thing. Planning in listening to it again on the way home. It's a great mix of your spoken word poems, Crazy Love, The Circle Maker, Speeking of Jesus, and Blue Like Jazz... Your book made me re-evaluate my motives and current relationships with both Jesus and my wife. I appreciate you brother!
I fully agree with all but one of these. Your last one: "You need to forgive yourself."
I don't think people mean what you think they mean when they say that. Okay, maybe it could be put a little clearer, but to me, it means more "Jesus has forgiven you, but you're hanging on to unforgiveness, and/or you haven't accepted the fact that Jesus has forgiven you."
At least, that's what *I* mean when I say it. Jesus has forgiven you, and that's great, but if you can't accept the fact that He has forgiven you, you're never going to move on.
Otherwise, awesome video. Thumbs up! :)
Graham Downs (Author) what by having fear lol no THANKS
whoah!!! 37,000 views in less than 24 hours?! Thanks guys! Any one of the ten stand out to you?
Attn: Jennifer Hodges.
I totally agree with the "Turn and say Hi to your neighbor" one. It really is nice, in theory, but it is awkward, even more so when you're in the awkward phase of life and don't want to be noticed. :-/
Jesus is my co-pilot one. You covered it very thorough and I like the analogy you used. My fam always cringed when seeing those bumper stickers lol
I haven't necessarily gotten the "Maybe you're blessed with the gift of singleness" statement, But the incredibly judgmental looks I get for being single or even being single and attempting to join a ministry are just awkward. I wasn't aware being single discredited my desire to serve or my eligibility to sit in church. The vibe I get is you must be married, ending a courtship coming into marriage or serving the church & it's members at hr of the day.
Missed one - when Christians say god doesn't love LGBT's - do think you should do a video/spoken word on this..... but otherwise I agree with all of these, ESP the last one :)
Your channel has saved me thank you now I'm walking in a Christians footsteps:)
Jeffs a boss and doing great things for the Kingdom but Jesus saved you not this Channel :)
Jefferson can you do a video on
Being Christian In a non Christian family
The Gospel is simple, the life is hard, man makes it difficult, sin refuses it, the race is long, the salvation is unimaginable, the redemption is breath taking, the hope is to die for, and I love it!!
I thank and praise God that I watched this. I didn't realize that I was actually doing one of these things. Then I remembered the scripture as you were talking, (Matthew 5:37) Let your communication be yea yea; nay nay: for whatsoever is more than these comets of evil. In recent years my husband and I have been invited to attend several churches by people in our community, and I have literally said as my reply: "let us pray about it" and then I haven't responded as I said. I repent and confess my fault now, and I desire to get my heart in line with what I need to do to correct it. Glory and Praise to God for his mercy and understanding, and for continuing to love me and give me knowledge and understanding about what my life is about...Him. And serving Him well.
"Is this a gift? Can I take it back?" Hahaha!
haha!!!
OH MY GOSH THE 60 SECOND GREETING. It is always so awkward.
I'm totally with you on the 60 seconds to say hi to your neighbour thing. So awkward! D:
Hey Jeff! Thanks for all the videos you make! It's great to see someone so boldly reaching out to the lost, especially in light of all the obvious opposition. Keep on doing what you're doing! I will definitely be praying for you and your family as you live out what it means to follow God :) You are such an inspiration. God's doing amazing things through you, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for you!
I really liked the last one. because people told me I just needed to forgive myself. but I felt that I did, and the bad feeling was still there. till I was shown, that I cant grant forgiveness, only God can. so I sought his forgiveness. and received it. that when I felt true to myself again and my family and friends. really like your videos. and hope you keep them going.
HughJaxident67 Friend, you are missing a few steps to your calculation, that is why it is coming up short.
I think the church visiting and saying hi is great tho.. I love that my church does this, its a blessing to communicate and know others of God
agreed!!! :D I love it and have met great people from it! Just was joking that sometimes it's incredibly awkward and forced haha
Haha respect bro
Yeah but visiting a church for the first time is suuuupeeerrr awkward its better that if you by your own initiative identify the visit and go up to them and say hi after the service is over. Its less awkward for the visit and it shows genuine interest and the connection fills more natural instead of force politeness.
Dary Collazo feels*
Dary Collazo I understand, it can be awkward. But for some people they are looking for a church home and they want to feel "welcomed" or "loved"...
NEW VIDEO! Any fun or serious ones you'd add to the list?!
Good points Jeff. Everything doesn't happen for a reason. Some things happen because there is a realm of evil who is given authority by some to kill, steal & destroy. And a lot of things happen because of our own doing i.e wrong choices, impulse decisions, lack of trust. God is Love & God is always good. To say that God is testing you or He allowed misfortune to happen is complete heresy & misunderstanding of our Creator.
Jayne Hunter-Rhys
Jayne, I'm an American, born and raised, and it always bothers me to hear people say, "Oh my god!" I do think it's using the Lord's name in vain, but a lot of people don't consider it so for some reason or a lot of people aren't believers so they don't think of it as the Lord's name. The unfortunate thing is that since I've been hearing it ever since kindergarten, it's become less distressing to me. :/ We need lots of prayer here in America; I think a lot of people become too complacent--myself included--and sin becomes a little issue instead of THE issue.
Jayne Hunter-Rhys
Thank you for your prayers, Jayne! We live in dark times. We should all band together and pray for believers all over the world and that we become vessels God can use to spread His word! :)
What are your thoughts on the end times?
Jefferson, months ago i asked you to mention Gospel in your videos, prayed for happen, and, it happened, The last thing you said, thank you. When people are in pain, and seek forgiveness and God's Grace, we give them the Gospel, not the Law. Jefferson, if i may ask, and you can private message me this also, what branch of Christianity are you, Ex. I'm Missouri Lutheran.
" ya aint hearing me"
" can i get a witness"
" you need to get into the Word"
My boyfriend is going through a really rough time. What you had to say about grief and loving someone in their grief really helped me a lot. Sometimes I just don't know what to do to help him but this reminded me I can be right there by his side in his moments of grief and simply be a loving friend who will sit with him in the sad moments. Thank you so much for making this video. You pointed out some absolutely fantastic truths about some stuff we say in church that we might not recognize as untruthful, senseless, or misleading.
I go to a Christian school and my principal always says 'I just need to love on some kids' 😂😂
That is just so grosse!
Ellie Manley Oh Lord, that ain't right!😂😂😂
Side eye fo him...all day everyday
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😉✌👍❤💯%
Ellie Manley lolol ewwwww 😂😂😂😂
If you could talk about what 'you wish you knew as a teen' sort of thing that would be awesome.
Oh now that is major fuel for testimony-time right there! Had I known what I know now as an adult Christian when I was younger, I'd have saved a lot of emotional issues, time and money, right about the time the economy came crashing down.
NO BELIEVER:OOO Christian video...let's hate on That...oo look another one ...Let's Hate ...Why why???
Non*
BP TV Because of intolerance for other's beliefs.
+BP TV (BPG) I'm not hating. I just commented some facts about this sky fairy that you people like so much.
Thewonderfulwizardoftheweb God is not a "sky fairy," & no belittling comments from atheists is not going to change that. People who continue to use such immature arguments are not taken seriously. Have real & mature conversations with someone, not resort to insults & mockery like Bill Maher.
+BP TV (USA #1) And Jesus said "You will be hated by everyone because of me"
I believe that the "Turn around and greet your neighbor" thing is a tactic used by worship teams. If they did not say that, and just walked off the stage, it would be awkward for THEM.
Yea I think its a flow thing to make the service run smoothly. Guys like me who have short attention spans and need to get up and have a break. Actually think its fine ;)
I don't really like it either, but some people DO! I think we can just suck it up for those that are blessed by this tactic. So we are uncomfortable for 60 seconds. Get over it! There are those that would never even be spoken to at church if this wasn't being done. Yes, sad, I know. But if you can't sacrifice your precious feelings for 60 lousy seconds... stays in the parking lot!
I really loved the last things we should never say. I've been struggling with this a lot in my internship as a music therapy student. We talk about improving ourselves, forgiving ourselves, meditating, doing yoga, and looking inward to ourselves (all this new age stuff). I feel torn because God is taken completely out of the picture and I can't do that. They're telling me essentially to make music my god which again I will not do. I think we need to understand who God is and what He has done for us. Once we can wrap our minds around that, we can finally move forward.
Everything happens for a reason- I think we have been given our own free will and our choices lead to the outcome. It's how much we lean on God during our daily lives that's gets us through to the best outcome because it's coming from God who's in charge of your life.
I disagree about the first one. "I will never tempt you beyond what you can bear" 1 Cor. 10:13
withing context its talking about sexuality :)
I take that to mean that if you're a recovering alcoholic, God would not test your faith by tempting you with a drink. He will not give you more than you can bare. If you were to be tempted with a drink, that is of the devil. The devil tempts you, God give you trials. So for example, a struggle with alcoholism is a trial. God wants you to lean on Him to make it through. If while recovering from alcoholism, you are offered a drink, that's the devil trying to tempt you.
but then that would mean god doesn't have control over everything
you see with job, god let the devil do evil against him, you're right god didn't do the evil but he let it happen
Adam Wojtczak to show that believers follow not only through good but through bad im pretty sure.
you missed a key word in that verse "BUT" and also did not cite the whole verse.
"But when you are tempted, he WILL also PROVIDE A WAY OUT so that you can endure it."
great video brother..keep pointing people to Jesus!
why doesn't God point people to Jesus? In fact, why is God always hiding in the clouds? There's no reason he shouldn't be present in our lives.
***** But I mean why doesn't he physically appear to us like in the OT or like he did to the disciples and Paul in the NT?
That way there people wouldn't have any reason to doubt him, and a lot more people would get saved.
***** But Moses saw God face to face (Ex 33:11) and the seventy elders of Israel (Ex 24:9-11).and Abraham did as well (Genesis 12:7).
Also God is all powerful he's be able to make it, so that we won't die by simply seeing him. Wouldn't that be better for all of humanity?
Adam Wojtczak there's the father, the son, and the spirit. Three different people manifested in three different ways. They aren't the same nor are they coequal. Many times Jesus talks about going to Father John 20:17 or lifting up the father. How can you ascend to yourself? Doesn't make sense right? The person moses saw face to face was Jesus not the father. The father is a spirit only seen by Jesus. Jesus intercedes for us to the father so obviously we can't see him. I know this is a very complex topic I'm still trying to fathom it...hope I cleared up some stuff
Mikaela Mirabal How do you know that Moses saw Jesus and not the father? If that fact was well established, there wouldn't be such a thing as Jews. (since they wouldn't be able to deny Jesus' divinity, if it was mentioned in the OT)
Love what you are doing. my 15 year old daughter enjoys hearing from you. Keep up the good work
Another statement that struck me recently in our small group during a healthy debate on our Bible reading, when a group member said, "Let me play Devil's advocate!" - What flooded my mind was, "No, the Devil doesn't need an advocate!" - We shouldn't be an advocate for the Devil, right?!
Anyway, keep doing what you are doing... provides so much growth in our Christian walk! Love you!
I'm a former member of hillsong NYC church. And i love the fact that we have a 4 min to fellowship with that person next to us. 1. Bcuz 60% of ppl go there and feel shy and might not approach to anyone and just leave after the service is done. 2. Make friends 3. If you dont know how to make conversation then you'll have bad time. Ask questions. and lastly who knows who needs another buddy and a christian friend. Specially in NYC, here is a rush, everyone running, so there is no parking-lot.
God helps those who help themselves. I find this to be true actually. I spent years in depression rotting in my house with no occupation...
nothing helped me, not even God, in any way. at least not a help that i felt and was aware of. since I started doing things with my life and having professional people help me it started to get better... and when I did something, you could say that God blessed it. but without taking actions, God never elevated me and made my mood and my life any better. besides that, it all depends on us, even just praying takes an effort from the person himself that does that. and its not easy to pray and to do it regulary as a christian.
If it depended on you to do something, so that God would help you, then that devalues grace which is given freely. The fact that you were able to do something to help yourself out of depression was because of God. And if what you say is true, what about poor people? Most of them can't help themselves, yet God finds a way to send help for the needy.
I think more Christians have to be careful when saying Oh my God. I hear this blasphemy every day
I feel like showing this video to so many people I know....
Agree. Many people use cliches that are scripturally unsound and unfounded. God for one does not cause evil. That is a contradiction of His nature and character. God allows evil because He has given man a free will.
In my church, after praise and worship, we do something called pass the peace. It's where you go around the church and greet everyone ( we have a small church but are expanding). Towards the end, before announcements, we ask the visitors to stand up and we greet them on behalf of our pastors and church. Of course they don't have to stand up. What I'm saying is that it's not so bad.
Can you please do a video on panic attacks and anxiety. Love your videos, you and Alyssa are just so amazing.
(from an atheist point of view) What I like about Jefferson is that he acknowledges the fact that the old testament was and stil is something truly awful, as he said in his poem video. He acknowledges the damage that religion can cause, someting i really respect him for. He is also a good youtuber :)
Religion in what way?
I don't think Jefferson was saying the old testament is awful in anyway. He's was making a point that some of those laws and traditions that were in place back then just do not apply now. Since Jesus came, a new way of living and a new life was made through him so the past was washed away meaning that a new covenant was being made. However, the Old Testament is still valuable in understanding the nature and holiness of God. The stories in the Old Testament portray his faithfulness and steadfast love to His people despite their refusal to listen and obey.
"I think god gives us way more than we can handle so we lean and depend on him"
You just described god as emotionally and mentally manipulative.
Well, if we're discussing God, than everything pertaining to existence is a sustained manipulation of a created reality. So...
No he described him like how I would describe a school teacher. Teachers give difficult homework on purpose to see if a student will ask for help to solve the problem of if they'll struggle on their own that's not manipulative that's a test
I see Gods love showing through you , man my husband has to love God soon much and I see that in you ... Keep strong and God bless
Thank you! Thank you! ***** I am so happy the first "Christianese" phrase you addressed was "God never gives you more then you can handle." The scripture that this comes from is one that applies to temptation. God will never give you more TEMPTATION then you can handle. Somehow though, over the many years, it's been morphed into this Christianese line to say when someone goes through something difficult. God has to give us more then we can handle. If He didn't, why then would we turn to Him? We wouldn't need Him otherwise. Our life would be great, even the hard times wouldn't be bad, because we could "handle" them. We need more then we can handle so that God can teach us things, so that in order to move forward, in order to overcome whatever it is that we need to overcome, we'll be leaning on the one solid thing that can get us through. And once we make that decision to lean on Him, it's through that that He teaches us. It doesn't mean our heartache goes away, it might not even mean things get easier, what it means though is that we have a Saviour who feels are pain, who's willing to carry us, who's there when we call, and even when we don't call, and who uses even the bad things in our life for His glory. He makes all things good. In a matter of months at the age of 19 I lost my father in my arms while doing CPR, was in a severe car accident that took away my nurisng career and has left me forever mentally disabled with a severe traumatic brain injury, and shortly after the accident my aunt was suddenly killed in a motorbike accident. That was, and still is, more then I can handle. However, I've made it this far, and only through God's grace have I made it. Only through His power, and His love for me, have I been able to continue to be the person He's created me to be. I think the coolest thing that God has shown/taught me in all of this is about my perspective. I'm suppose to be dead. I'm actually in the 1%, that's how dead I'm suppose to be. I was in a coma for 3 weeks, I wasn't suppose to awake. But through God's grace I did. Having a near death experience, as well as my other life experiences, especially the big ones in that short amount of time, caused my perspective of God of Jesus to change entirely. I've fallen in love with Jesus in a whole new way. My faith has grown in ways it never could've had I not gone through the things I did. Through this growth, I've realized the destruction these one liner christianese phrases can bring to a person. Thank you for posting about this.
Keep up the great work Jeff!!!!
how about this The Most Not Finished Bible Quotes People love to use.
For Example:1 Corinthians 2:9-10
But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. (It doesn't stop there you know)
BUT God has REVEALED THEM TO US through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
Hey Jeff, I was born in a christian family but there are so many things I'm not sure about... I've had this doubt for a while but I feel weird about asking... I just wanted to know if it's okay to name yourself as a christian "because you don't wanna go to hell". I just feel like nowadays in my church there's no real love. Just fear of going to hell... Is it okay? Is it a sin? Preachers here are like "if you don't want eternal death, become a christian" So I feel like people come to church and accept the rituals out of fear...Idk
Hey Luisa, You should read Jeff's book, "Jesus>Religion." He addresses exactly what you are talking about in the book. It's a fantastic read!!
***** You might answer correctly, sir ! How could you say there is Hell when you havn't seen it yet ? Tell me ? I dont trust the Bible, I'm from Belgium but I'm portuguese and all of my family is christian... I'm the one who doesn't believe in that religion.. Sorry for my bad English..
Indeed. Lack of sight is a foolish reason for disbelief. Of course we cannot visibly see Hell, and our minds probably can't even fathom what it must be like to be separated eternally from THE source of everything good, true and beautiful. We see that there is evil in the world, but if there is no God, no judgment, no Hell, then why do we see evil and call it evil, if it's "just the way people are?" I hear a lot of argument for people doing things just because "it's the way they are," but if we honestly think of that and logically extend it, then people can simply steal, kill or rape, because it's "the way they are." Hell is indeed something to fear, but we must understand WHY it should be feared. We, as Christians don't fear it because it's some scary punishment, we fear it because an eternity separated from the Creator is beyond comprehension. Many people think life is hell, but that's simply a life with struggles that can be overcome, and struggles that Christ helps us through. Remove Christ, let man be everything that its depraved, selfish nature demands, and multiply that by eternity. That's the hell we fear: man left without redemption, even by their own choice.
Long story short, there's two types of people. Those who say to God, Your will be done. Those to whom God says, your will be done.
you should believe in God out of love and hopefully people will notice and do so as well, but hell isn't scary because of the pain lasting for eternity, in fact hell is an event not a place, an event where God burns everyone once and for all, so when the bible mentions being burnt forever it actually means being burnt and never coming back not living forever while being burnt, and many Christians don't know that.
By the way I learned that from a CZcams channel called
"POTS Ministries || Studying The Word Of God" he also talks about other subjects that many people neglect, you should check it out.
He also has another You Tube channel called "Johnathan Gardner" although be careful with that one as there are two channels called Johnathan Gardner, one is a music channel the other is religion related which is his other channel.
***** Why become an Atheist? What's the rational explanation for why being an Atheist is an automatic cure-all for all of life's problems?
Commenting on "we have to forgive ourselves" I have actually heard that and that is more focused on finding closure IN ourselves because what if God gives us forgiveness but yet we feel so guilty of the past still that we eat ourselves up in trying to prove to God we feel sorry, we're not saying we're better than God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit, but rather what that does is that it helps us accept the beautiful reality that he has forgiven us by the sacrifice that was made 2014 years ago and finally letting go of the past, I talk out of experience, not boasting of my strength to find closure but to talk about the things I used to do all because I felt guilty and unworthy of God's love, I know I'm unworthy but he doesn't want us to meditate on unworthiness, but rather his freedom and love he has given us
I love how real you are! Wow this explains religious people so much they are literally "pray" about everything and they never pray from their hearts. It's about a relationship not a religion.
Mostly semantical nitpicking, but #10 is very good.
Speaking of nitpicking, he says it's a 5 min video, but it's actually more than 6 min.
And what's with his eternal assault on the word "religion"? James chapter 1 says religion is a good thing. We ought to oppose FALSE religion.
Very true bro! Thanks for sharing!
Hey guys! You can get my audiobook for free right now at jeffbethke.com/audible
Number 11: "Relationship not religion" Bam!
How about a video over the age of accountability. It's a topic not many people I know try to cover.
No Body Wants That Book. Bro
HOPE Jones I would get it it actually, but I don't have a credit card
elakociak Age of Accountability? its the point in time where you can stop saying "Oh he's a kid, he just picked that up" or "He doesn't know any better."
Basically when someone can't use inncocence as an excuse.
Like as an 18 year old, you punch someone, you know, and everyone else knows, that's wrong.
But a 5 year old punches someone, they have to be told, "no, that's wrong" and it's kind off let go, because the kid didn't know it's wrong
Also, I dunno about you saying it's not helpful to say everything happens for a reason. I can't speak for anyone else, but I do find that comforting when I'm going through trying times. It reminds me that God is still in control and will fulfill His promise to make everything turn out for good (cf. Rom 8:28).
My dad constantly says "we'll pray about it" when he is saying no to something. The problem with this statement is that it is his way of saying "well my answer is no, but this way if I tell you I prayed about it, it's not just me saying no, it's God saying no so you can't argue with that". 100% of the time he has said this whatever he is saying no to is something that is of God, and whatever path he is choosing to follow instead is one of hurt and pain. So really, "I'll pray about it" is one of the emptiest of statements.
I would love for Alyssa to make more videos!!
lol that Is like the rastas "jesus is my co-pilot''>>>actually God is the pilot, Jesus the co-pilot and the flight attendant is the Holy spirit lol. At-least that makes more theological sense don't it?
Well said!
There is something about working through forgiving yourself about things you have done. It's a healthy process to go through.
#1 reminded me of TobyMac's "Beyond"
I might be outmatched, outsized,
the underdog in the fight of my life
Is it so crazy to believe that
You gave me the stars, put them out of my reach
Called me to waters a little too deep
Oh, I've never been so aware of my need
You keep on making me see:
It's way beyond me
Man, that single one couldn't be more true XD I'm 22yo and have never been in a relationship, all the while these guys I know are entering relationships, some of which are getting married. I'm just sitting here like "Don't be sad that you're single... It's God's will... don't be sad... *sniff*... DON'T BE SAD 😭" lol. Someone approaches me like, "God has blessed you with the gift of singleness" or "embrace this 'season' of singleness!" I'm a Christian so I can't punch that guy in the face XD
You forgot using Jesus name in vain. You bumped your head to a door and they like Oh Jesus that hurt. slip on a banana oh Jesus. Get what I mean.
That's not what it means to use God's name in vain. not from the original hebraic perspective given to moses on sinai.
I think "taking God's name in vain" is proclaiming to be a Christian on the outside, but continuing in your sinful lifestyle and acting like you're not saved on the inside. Just my thoughts. What are yours?
Airwane Gaming
Taking the Lord's name in vain does not mean... Not saying God Damn....
The Hebrew meaning is "Misuse"...
Therefore The Commandment means to not use God's name for an unjust cause....
Such as the Ku Klux Klan or the Catholicism...
You should make a video on how annoying it is for Christians to talk as if they're still living in the 17th century King James era. I hate it when Christians try to preach to each other and especially sinners like that. It creates the impression that the we (the Church) are fake, churchy, traditional, and unreachable to the sinner which pushes them away form God.
It's 2014 TALK NORMAL!!!
Whats wrong with Christians preaching to one another and are traditional?
Redeemer Page You could reread what I typed because I think you misunderstood me.
Yeah I read it again.If people get the impression that Christians are traditional nothing is wrong and why do you hate when Christians try to preach to each other
*normally
Redeemer Page It does sharpen the skills!
Remember to be tactful, put yourselves in the shoes of the person who you are talking to, and also be aware of the situation they are in.
I see a few who disagree with the first point, the verse has been used to tickle the ears of those who are going through hard times but this verse points to one thing and that is "temptation" 1 Corin 10:13 "...God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able..." If you see a brother or sister whose fighting temptation perfect to say "God will never allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle" Thought I should share that with you guys. With hard times perfect to say "The Joy of the Lord is our Strength" and more ha Love you all God Bless =]
I love on you Jefferson
😁
How about being judgmental? Cause I've had two girls from my church judge me.
art universe read ur bible
Like this?
James 4:11-12
"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
Or John 8:1-8...
Or Romans 14:1-13
Peace!
art universe YES.
art universe they are probably not really Christian just playing the part , but if they didn't say anything directly that was rude then it was probably god bringing you conviction , it's not always sunshine and rainbows we go through trials and tribulations , and god will bring you conviction to grow stronger in his word and become a better Christian , hope it helps
As a former evangelical....you folks, and the things you say (including the key phrases that identify you as born again)...is highly annoying.
I never felt better when I ceased going to services. Shortly after that I realized I didn't even believe in a God anymore.
One of the BEST conclusions I've ever had in my life.
Bless you!! Your words have helped to understand what the Lord is saying! I grew up in a small Baptist church .. felt drawn to help others.. to spread His message.. and at a young age I went up to my pastor and told him I wanted to be a pastor! He laughed and told me only men are supposed to be pastors. Long story short it crushed me and I then strayed from the word fir years! He came back fir this lost sheep! What are your thoughts on woman as pastors and spreading the Word? ..
I sometimes cringe when a friend of mine at church, or on Facebook says "I covet your prayers." Technically, coveting is a strong desire for something or someone that doesn't or won't ever belong to you. But, you forcefully believe in your mind that it should be yours.
+Rawk4Life I never heard that! Must be a regional thing or particular denomination or something.
At the 4:30 mark, you claim that god helps the downtrodden and those who have no ability to help themselves. Is that so? Observe the following passages from Matthew 6:31-33:
*31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.*
The above passages clearly indicate that Jesus takes care of the needs of his faithful. With these passages clearly in mind, pull up a map of world hunger and poverty rates. Then pull up a map of predominantly Christian nations and juxtapose the two maps. You will find a significant overlap. Everyday, thousands of the people in these nations, including children, will starve to death. These are people who worship the very same god that you do. My question to you is this: Why hasn't god helped these people who are clearly downtrodden and can't help themselves?
Dustin Zilbauer Stupid socialist commie! People who not help themselves do not deserve from anyone to begin with.
Dustin Zilbauer So you know these people personally? you know inside of their hearts? You can tell that they love the Lord their God with all their heart and all their soul? Which is the first commandment with Promise! Only God knows the heart of man. I can tell as a person who has known Missionaries and people who have come from some of these countries, that Yes, God feeds the hungry that are serving him, while people all around them perish.
Young Turks, A very good & difficult question. One of ways God feeds the hungry is through other people. Unfortunately many Christians in the West have not helped as they should.... And our nations continue to exploit the poor through capitalism. You raise a very good point. There is so much injustice. Jesus bore that injustice on the cross and He knows what it is like to experience that on a level beyond understanding. He went through suffering. And I know that He comforts those who believe in His name who suffer (I experience illness & know and experience that, though I don't live in a 3rd world nation). We still live in a very much broken world... Jesus also did not deny that hunger/suffering exists: "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied." - Luke 6:21. Any of His followers who do suffer hunger or thirst will be rewarded later.
The question is: Are you/am I willing to believe in a God who I don't fully understand? And trust that God is good?
Jefferson, stop making money off of people's ignorance. Lose your support/ donations button. You probably make enough off viewers views. Where is all of this money going to? Stop being so greedy , start showing evidence to support your position instead of empty words.
Hsn 111guxswad
One of the ones you didn't mention which i really hate is the STUPID saying - "God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve" Well God didn't create things like modern medicine like antibiotics or machines like pace makers and life support machines either but that doesn't mean we cant use them and have them in our modern day lives.
But im guessing you probably agree with that particular saying and dont believe gay ppl can have loving and meaningful, long term relationships that aren't just about sex, Christians often say you shouldn't have sex before marriage, well thats why many gay ppl want the right to get married and thank fully now most of us can...
HughJaxident67 Yes you can religion is ONLY an ideology, THATS IT. You can be Christan and gay, heck you can be Christan and budist for all I care. Stop using the stupid no true Scotsman fallacy. Because modern day Christans compared to Christans in the far past would be considered "no true christan" So back off, this is comming from an atheist.
fulleffects boy do no worry you are as much of a Christman as everyone else...
Phraja Nickolis
God created Man for the express purpose of mutual relationship with him, but gave Man the power of choice and free will. Man chose to break that relationship and has been trying to find his own way by inventing religions and cults of all kinds in an effort to replace that void left by lack of relationship with his Creator.
But relationship with God cannot be found through religion. In fact, religion is the biggest roadblock to seeking a relationship with God. Religion is simply Man trying to reach out to God by doing something that he thinks will please God. “If I can do enough, say enough, pray enough, give enough, sacrifice enough perhaps God will show me favor”. Every religion is based upon this “works theology”.
“But my denomination teaches…” Do you really believe that God favors your denomination over others? Quite the contrary, if your denomination professes to be “the only true way”, I can pretty well guarantee that it isn’t! Do you think that God’s intention was to have dozens of different denominations of His Church? They can’t all be right, and more than likely they’re all wrong.
Old Testament shows you several references and Jesus Christ Himself said concerning religion.
Isaiah 1:13-14 states, “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies…it is iniquity…Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.”
Amos 5:21 says, “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell (the odors of their sacrifices) in your solemn assemblies.”
He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
Glenda McLachlan Im no christan. Im atheist...
HughJaxident67 No one cares, like I said, compared christans in the far past, you yourself would be seen as "no true Christan"the same way you rezent progressive Christians, past christans would rezent you. Manyt things u accept now the past christans didn't accept.Your situation no different than mormons who suddenly are ok with black people in the church. Religion's culture changes its views to keep up with humanity, otherwise it would die.
It just a religion NOTHING else but a simple belief system which literally ANYONE can have, a belief system that is. Your religion is like santa anybody can interpret it WHATEVER the way they want the same goes with other religions and idelogies.
“There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but
God is faithfull, who wil not suffer you to bee tempted aboue that you
are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that
ye may bee able to beare it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 1611 King James Version (KJV)
I agree with all ten of these! Thank you so much for putting into words, what I've been trying to express for years. My pet peeve has always been hearing people say "God helps those who help themselves." Thanks for setting that straight! Be blessed!
Tricia Alessio
Offcourse you hate that word! Because you are a commie
I would suggest that one important thing that Christians should stop saying is that Christianity is Truth, that the Bible is Truth and the Resurrection is true. The reason for that is that Christianity is just a Faith based religion with beliefs in stories, just like Islam is. I do fully support everyone's right to have whatever beliefs they choose of course, and I think having beliefs and Faith is wonderful and perfectly fine. The words Faith, belief, conviction and trust, all indicate a level of uncertainty and doubt, and by definition none of them need any real evidence. But Truth specifically has the definition that it MUST conform to Reality and facts, and Truth MUST have real solid evidence and proof.
Outside of the very stories in the Bible that claim the Resurrection happened, there is NO evidence it did happen. There is not one word from anybody written at the time it was claimed to have happened, and the early Christians wrote their stories decades later when they were starting up their new religion. There are NO written accounts in existence by ANYBODY, that were actually written in the entire span of time from Jesus' birth to death, and even to say 5 YEARS after he was buried, that even mention his name, let alone any Virgin Birth, miracles, or any Resurrection. That is easily verified at any major Library, or by speaking with a member of Clergy who has had proper Bible History training at a Seminary or Divinity College.
So Christians, be happy in your Faith in stories, just like the Muslims are. But to claim Truth, you would need real proof your God exists, and real proof the Resurrection happened, and you would then ALSO have to throw your Faith and belief out the window, because instead of mere Faith, you would have the solid verifiable as proof for all to see. For a Truth like the Sun is hot, you do not say,"I have Faith the Sun is hot, or "I believe the Sun is hot." you say you KNOW the Sun is hot. Big difference.
I am not an Atheist by the way, nor a Theist, nor an Agnostic, but just an ordinary man content to live in Reality with no need for any religious labels
Wishing you Love, Truth and Peace.
Brendan Scott If you have confusion perhaps I can help. Are you having difficulty telling what is real from what is not? You are not alone in that, and many people prefer to stay confused if it suits their needs. I can respect that choice.
Brendan Scott I don't think babies are that shocked, because all experiences are so new to them figuring out what feels good and what doesn't. It's odd that after struggling to get out so vigorously, most guys seem to spend so much time trying to get back in many years later. Yes, we are transient, so all the more reason to value the time we have to make the most of the journey with the other transient beings we share LIFE with.
You will be so proud of me!
I'm going to see a Bible movie tomorrow.
peace
Brendan Scott I have certitude, but not absolute certitude. I have many certitudes concerning Reality. Sexuality is part of that reality as well, in all it's manifestations and possibilities.
Being born is not an absolute though, and the majority of human LIFE forms never reach that stage. But so far death has been a reality for everything with LIFE in it.
Individuals die, yet LIFE itself is virtually Eternal as is reality from our limited perspective.
Brendan Scott You say I am confused because I have some certainty? Does that make sense to you?
You are not absolutely certain you are alive either, yes? That's the basic Matrix paradox. We have degrees of certainty in the reality that we are able to perceive, and we have established definitions and guidelines for living in that Reality, and whether it is Absolute or not is irrelevant since we have no other option.
I see no confusion in that. Do you find Reality confusing somehow?
Brendan Scott The first step of indoctrination is telling the prospective customer they are uncertain and lost, to subjugate them psychologically. Well done!
Your addiction is still in control, trying to control others.
You remind me of John Lennox, trying to twist meanings and definitions to suit your agenda, but you don't have his skill level and are much more obvious. Did you forget that I teach English?
The adjective "positive" is called an absolute adjective, and it takes no other adjectives, and has no degrees like a comparative or a superlative. Two other adjectives similar to it that might make it more clear are the adjectives "dead" and "pregnant." You can not be more dead, more pregnant, or more positive. You are either positive or you are not. There is no "absolutely positive" either, nor any "most true", nor any "higher, or lower, or medium Truth,"
But in the common vernacular you will hear those expressions misused in a careless way as I do myself sometimes. Like Lennox you hope your twisting of words will succeed to deceive and confuse, as you did in the comment above.
I can not be "absolutely" positive any more than I can be "a little bit" positive. If I am "almost" dead, that means I am alive, not dead, and if I am positively pregnant, then I must be dreaming, because I am a man.
I have no need to move forward to join you in the land of make believe, because it offers nothing real, or fulfilling, and has nothing that can bring real happiness or real peace, mostly because it fails to be Truth.
Should you be the first Christian in all of History to show show your Faith and belief is actually a Truth with verifiable solid evidence, that would be a "miracle." Or instead you could remain happy in your Faith in stories. That is the wider, more familiar path, which is probably more comfortable for you.
Things to do and people to visit, have a good day, sir.
I find this guy kinda creepy
that's just rude
Me your creepy tf
1. Do not claim to hate religion when you Idolize Jesus and the Bible.
Religion, in the most basic understanding, is what man does to get close to God. Christianity, with this understanding of the definition of "religion", is not a religion because Christianity is all about what God has done by his own grace to bring us back to him. It's the complete opposite of religion, is more of a relationship than a religion. Sure there are the same aspects that you find in religion like having faith and conforming your moral compass but Christianity is completely different than any other faith.
Cameron Lopez
God was never lost in the first place, so any man-made attempts to 'Find God" are based upon a false premise. Everyone and Everything in Creation has both a Personal and Impersonal Relationship with God, or Life----otherwise they would not even exist in the first place.
Jesus & God Are one.
Jesus said " I am in the father and the father is in me, those who have seen me have seen the father"
Pigette West Everyone and everything are One with God or they would not even exist in the first place. If you choose to worship God in the form of a 2000 year old male homo sapien that is up to you.
dagoose109 How do you know for sure that mere existence automatically equates to oneness with God?
In the context of "God helps those who helps themselves" this in my mind means that once you put the effort to get something done, God will give you the strength to do it if its in accordance with his will. As opposed to someone who would not make the effort and just sit and wait on God to hand them everything that is needful to the flesh in their laborsaving hands.
Appreciate the video Jefferson. Some folks probably won't like this, but I'm a student at a state university and honestly, I don't even like calling myself a "Christian." Not because I'm not, but because of all the bad connotations associated with the term. A lot of people I know find "Christians" condemning, condescending, unrelatable, smug, always treating non-Christians as projects and never as just people or friends. Therefore, those people (totally understandably) don't want to be around someone like that. I never want to be seen as one of those people so that's why I don't like to use the term. I love Jesus and I want to share his love with people and I never want something as minuscule as a title to get in the way of that. I want to be a counselor and I want to be there for people of all backgrounds totally fairly, so I want to steer clear of any unnecessary terms or behaviors that will get in the way of that.
There are SO many opinions on a book that was supposedly written by an almighty deity. I feel sad for you all.
dont need the pity, it would be boring if there werent different opinions as long as the main doctrine is the same
What God did YOU end up choosing? Or did your parents choose your God for you?
No my parents believed in the god of science, i do not i believe in the God of the Holy Bible, Jesus Christ
I am an Atheist until someone can prove one of the gods to be true. 👍
+InRealityWeTrust do you believe evolution, i will believe in evolution when someone can actually prove that and not just make more theories and assumptions
no offense, but you are listening to what you're saying right?
What is it that you find weird or wrong about what he is saying?
11. Christians should stop denying historical and scientific facts.
We don't deny them. -____________________- chill.
When have Christians denied that stuff?
Giovannie Fontanez We Christians do deny evolution and billions of years stuff. I was replying to the main commenter who said Christians deny historical and scientific facts, which we don't.
DaGerminator To deny evolution is to deny scientific facts.
***** No....not really. That's denying someone's opinion. Denying scientific fact would be saying that adams don't exist or water doesn't evaporate or something. THAT's science.
2 others things:
1. When a youth pastor asks, "would you open/close us in prayer today?" I really do not like that. I would be fine with praying loud, but whether someone is new or an ongoing member, they might not be ready. Ask for volunteers instead. And if no one volunteers, pray yourself.
2. I have been to a church where the worship team said "raise your arms in praise if you love the Lord." EXTREMELY awkward for people who feel uncomfortable to do that. They either feel really out of place not doing it (which rarely happens) or they do it out of force (more often) which is fake and only based on outward appearance. Some people can have a closer relationship with God by not raising their hands in praise. But everyone might look down upon them.
Matthew 12:36-37
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Thank you so much for these tips. I'm glad I'm not the only one at church feeling awkward with the "Say hi to your neighbor"request. They give us 4 minutes to fill and it's sometimes overwhelming.
he just hooked me when he addressed the forcing of saying hi and shaking hands. Ive got serious social phobia and this keeps me from going to church
Topic: Chuch Attendance. Example "I don't need to go to church to be saved" vs "You're not a real Christian if you do not attend church." What is the balance, where is the line, and which side is true, or the closest to being true?
I think giving time to say hi to your neighbour during church is amazing. At out church you say hi to everyone around you and when I first stated attending that's how I met a lot of people. So it's really not awkward of dumb at all if you do it/use it right.
The phrase "God helps those who help themselves" means that he helps those who try. He helps those that put forth effort. If you follow him, if you are a good stewart of your life, your home, your family, he helps. It doesn't mean that you actually go out and get it. It's one of those things that are taken out of context or repeated so many times that the meaning is forgotten or twisted.
Being single, someone once told me "oh, that's beautiful". . . and then he went to talk to someone else and bragged how wonderful of a wife and kids God gave him.
Radkon Psygami It happened to me also, don't feel bad, some people like to tease, I'm sure he didn't meant to hurt your feelings and someday you will be like him. No worries ;)
Oprea Iulian - I think you mean well, but I'm not getting any younger. . .realities of life are knocking on my door. . .and apparently Jesus went out for lunch and hasn't come back.
Love your delivery of God's Word!
Some doctrinal topics that might help people with clarity.
1. Predestination
2. Once saved always saved
3. The Rapture
4. Spirituals Gifts
5. Law of Moses or law of Jesus Christ
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Why is awkward bad? Just because something is awkward doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. I think sometimes we need to do awkward and uncomfortable things. Sometimes we need to be willing to cross socially awkward boundaries to reach people. I am going to go all Ecclesiastes 3 on this and say there is a time and place for this. Not saying you shouldn't be considerate of others and putting them in awkward situations but I don't think it's necessarily a good reason to be against something like asking people to greet one another during the service. Btw I agree with the first part of point 3. I really like the premise of this video and points 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10. Per usual work Jeff.
You said that you should never say "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." But in 1st Corinthians 10:13 it says "God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. "
I absolutely love the way you speak God's word! It's so simple and on point! It speaks to me every time. Every single time.