This Video Will Improve Your Discernment GREATLY 

I came across J. Newton's quote "Yet, though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor what I hope to be, I can truly say, I am not what I once was; a slave to sin and Satan; and I can heartily join with the apostle, and acknowledge, "By the grace of God I am what I am." This quote gives me hope.

So convicting. I greatly appreciate this reminder of how the conduct of the believers should be. Lord Jesus, help us be “wise as serpents and gentle as doves”.

“Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted, and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches, and it would be still nearer the truth.” ― Charles Haddon Spurgeon, David Dancing Before the Ark Because of His Election JULY 1, 1888 “Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather, it is telling the difference between right and almost right.“ -- Charles Spurgeon

This is much needed, as we live in this period of history where deception is great.

I discern I have nothing worthwhile to add to this interesting discussion.

What a great man of God, John Newton was ! For any of my American friends visiting the UK I recommend visiting the Cowper Newton Museum in Olney Buckinghamshire Olney is the home of amazing, Grace And also not far from Bedford, where they have the John Bunyan Museum. Excellent places to visit

I hope that all who were quick to judge Alistair Begg will please consider your thoughts and comments after hearing this message.

Wish we could have heard from Justin

Ouch, the "Discernment N*zi" was a much needed punch in the Guts, as I realise that is where I have been heading, so thank you for that, God just used that to bring me to Repentance! I am far too quick to Judge and need to learn to take it slower so I do not Judge Unrighteously, Love and Peace.

This is lovely! Very much needed, and while I have heard these words before from others I maybe havent hear them so eloquently put! Is Justin getting paid by the word or something? 😄I'm sure youre breaking it up into sections, just thought it funny him sat there staring at you for 20 minutes

Thank you both for doing this! I really need it❤

True discernment is a gift of Holy Spirit. It is guided by humility and proper judgment on when it is appropriate to share. If one remains humble and quiet, prayer filled & obedient Holy Spirit can have a prominent place within the believer. A soap box need not be required to convey a message to one or many. Evangelizing sharing the gospel: it is good to have discernment. As an example, to see where or in whom the demon may be. Even if no outward expression occurs. As a gift of from Holy Spirit we know the if, where, when , and the how before engaging in sharing the gospel. May God bless all believers with true discernment in all things, most importantly sharing scripture.

Todd has such "A Great Heart" and truly loves all people... so well!! He is appealing to our "Godly sense of reason" It's so good how Todd, from his Godly sense of compassion and courteousness and kindness as he explains John Newton's guidelines of tenderness and praying for both ourselves and those to whom we may be seeking to correct. See 1 Corinthians 13...... all 13 verses!! Amen. Ted Schempp, Nashville

Todd nice job spanking Justin….you left him speechless. Maybe he will Begg for forgiveness

I have a question why you using Newton on discernment and not God's word? I do agree with alot of this but I would rather it be from the texts please

Justin is a good ventriloquist and great impressionist. I never saw his mouth move and he sounded just like Todd Friel...😂 Just kidding. Great video, love you brothers❤

I think this was a wise suhject to bring up. Many Christians are not very Christian about how they address others whom they don't agree with. From one Christian to another... Take this message to heart

Justin and Todd are two of the best! May the Lord be praised.

Mr. Friel, you did Mr. Peters a disservice by having him in your video, but not including any of his comments. Why did you invite him to participate?

Lord, please temper me that I would not hurt my witness🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I'm withdrawing from medication I should have gotten off of a long time ago. Please keep me in your prayers. For strength and thank you brothers and sisters

This was God helping me discern how to handle a situation I’m having with a church member who keeps giving me the “Judas kiss” and the SLAP! I know in my heart how I’m supposed to handle it (I’m the person’s target of her anger at some medical issues she is facing including her husband), but it has really been an internal struggle for me and the last SLAP was a four-fer last Wednesday including the last one in front of the group I lead. I needed to hear these principles to remind me how I should handle the situation, conduct myself and maintain a Christian attitude towards this person.

I've been so encouraged by this today. In this last week, I have had to resign my Membership from a beautiful Fellowship and refuse (currently) to take up Membership with my new Fellowship, there's been a series of anxious meetings and letter writing sessions. I have been greatly wronged by my Pastor and our community failed by all who were in a position to support us. I chose, with great difficulty to leave as peaceably as possible, ultimately surrendering these events and the wrongs to Christ. Even as we met to part peaceably we were further wronged and I just kept my peace - The LORD gave me His supernatural peace. He truly is all in all

His sensitivity and graciousness are the result of his mind being set on heavenly things. (Colossians 3) This video convicted me most thoroughly! Thanks!🙏📖😊

16:43 AGAINST not AGIANST (sorry if someone already replied) - does brother Justin speak before this closes?

Thank you Todd for this. It would have been good if you presented Newton’s rules as a series. With each rule, Justin and you can have a conversation and share how we can apply and give examples. That would be a great teaching series and we can share the different rules with people who need them. 😊 Just something for you and Justin to consider. God bless both of you for your courage and the talents He has given you to do this. Both of your ministry have helped me a lot as it is difficult to find good biblical guidance in Singapore. 😢

I'm so hungry for sanity..how about you.

Wow….. consider your audience 👏🏼 that one slapped me in the head! Every time I comment on somebody’s posts or videos on RU-vid I need to remember that hundreds if not, thousands of people read my comments. You never know who you might affect. Good or bad. Great reminder.

Hey where’d you get that cardboard cut out of our brother Justin Peters ?

Come on Friel take a breath i want to hear Peters talk....

Wish we would of heard from Justin too.

"Nobody writes like this now", two hundred year old letter and they tell us we're getting better and smarter? I don't think so.

Looking forward to this video series. Hopefully there will be more of Justin Peters.

Thank you. I am a Christian and of late, I see Christians finding fault with other Christians on the internet. If we are called by God to Love Him and Love our neighbour, then what I see happening at the moment is pretty much the opposite! The Bible says, speak the Truth in Love. If we speak the Truth without Love, it is meaningless and will fall on deaf ears. If we show love, but avoid telling the Truth, it is meaningless also. When love and Truth are presented in humility with kindness and respect, then I think that most people will listen, even if they don't necessarily agree. If we are Christians then we must speak the Truth in Love. Love is God's highest command! If we fail in that, we fail in everything.

I have to say, I have tried tenderness through forgiveness and grace to my abusers, but they see that as a sign of weakness and a green light to continue their abuse, because their was no consequences for their abusive behaviours. So, I am no longer tender and I publicly expose their abuse, just like Jesus did to the Pharisees. Im having more success with that. I note that more real pastors are exposing the false teachers.

So needed today with all the social media, and phones we hide behind. Grateful for these reminders. I hope and pray many see this.

So last Sunday I went to see an old church. I used to go to and the church was no longer there. Me and my daughter were driving around the parking area. And the buildings looking for the church to see if maybe they upgraded their building or something. And we found what we thought was the church. But as we found out it wasn't the same church. But it ended up being really wonderful and very good for us. And we decided to make that our church for a while and see how it goes. And I'll tell you. This came up to me today. Because I was talking about certain things in my life. That had happened to me right away. First thing I did was talk about my problems to them. And not really thinking in my new walk. As a crime Christian, what I was doing and then this video came up today and guess what? You pointed out to me was. I was not supposed to be talking about that to them. That was the first mistake that I made when I went into. That church and now I almost feel embarrassed to go back but. I'll go back and I'll remember this and keep my mouth closed as best as I can. Because I learned how to have quite a gift for gab as I was growing up. So I'm trying to fix that right now. To not have that gift for gab, unless it's for the right reason. And my gift for gab is not for the right reason. It's always talking about. How I've been pained or hurt or abused in my life? And I need to stop with that whole thing. And this today literally reached out and told me watch this video. God told me to watch this video today. And There you were telling me what I was doing was not right and I am so happy that you had this video up for us today. Not just me, but for us. Thank you so much and God. Bless you.

Boy, do I need this!!! Yowza I really love sarcasm I better re-watch this & take notes.

My most earnest Prayer for myself, friends & family, is for discernment from The Holy Spirit. Beware of well meaning family & friends who want you to defend yourself…we are all guilty of spewing “righteous indignation” for our loved ones.

Every Christian should consider Newton's advice. Christian online behaviorvtoward other Christians is appalling. So many believe that belief or "truth," is all that matters. They may be shocked on Judgement Day. Respect is NOT compromise.

So sad that brJustin not spaek on this video ,He is so humble! GOD BLESS YOU ALL

That letter also reminds me about removing the log in your eye before trying to pick out a splinter from someone else's eye.

I think Justin Peters really hit the nail on the head with his comment in the video...

Was Justin Peters going to speak?

What about wolves who are perniciously ripping sheep to shreds leaving them spiritually shipwrecked?

Will you please judge the wisdom of supporting Donald J Trump as Christians? You seem to stay far from making judgments when doing so may be detrimental to your own popularity.

Brilliant, if only people today could communicate so fluently. This video reminds me of a verse I pray daily, so as to not forget my place. *_Mat _**_10:16_**_ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves._* *_KJB_*

I have no respect or find no edification in Justin Peter’s continued critical and judgmental videos. Justin is the complete opposite of John Newton. I am praying He will repent of the damage he is doing to the body of Christ.

Unfortunately, many known people come on without discernment, consideration or prayer and the prioritising number of videos/views they can garner by being more than giving just biblical opinion, often with no shame. to reiterate Robyn's comment, this is much needed, and a breath of fresh air to the viewer. thank you both.

This is the most hypocritical video ever… this guy and the others never follow ANY of these rules. Yet, here we are listening to this ridiculous video. Just plain terrible. Follow your own video advice.

I have great respect for Todd F. Considerable truth and wisdom. Hope Justin P. was paying attention.

Glad to hear from Justin.

Ironic fir this to air weeks after the Allister begg controversy and other calvinists construing other theologians with labels which do not enable discussion.

I understand why John Newton would leave this one important reason to consider you audience out because he was a theologian and not a prophet. The point he left out was that many unscrupulous so-called "Christian brothers", will pick up your arguments, rewrite them, practice their most sanctimonious look in front of a mirror for ten minutes, then post their own video on RU-vid for no other reason than getting clicks. They know who they are.

Where would I find a written copy of this letter by John Newton?

I am thankful to the Lord, hearing this morning ( from India), that I am taught these great considerations.

Justin Peters will be at the Bible Belt Conference in April, Lord willing. There are still early bird discount tickets for those interested.

I was about a Bible study and gave my opinion that I thought the tv show the chosen was wrong for us to watch and gave some examples. A guy got up, looked at me and said “don’t judge lest you be judged” then walked away. It was uncomfortable. Even though I didn’t feel I was in the wrong, I called him the next day to apologize. I didn’t know him well so I had to ask som on for his number. I kept thinking of the verse “ blessed are the peacemakers”

Yes, there is a lot of arrogance and just nastiness in our circles. The principles beautifully elucidated here are rarely followed. One reason I stopped going to certain conferences.

Wow, Justin Peters never spoke. I'll catch him at his next conference.

Thank you so much! I needed this so much. I'm going watch again and take notes. In Jesus Name

Why was Justin Peters invited to this debate if he was never asked to say anything?

I am assuming Justine get to imput in the next one 🙏✝️

Excellent advice! My takeaway is that I should centre myself in Jesus before I commit to writing a commentary to identify and to correct a wrong. If I don’t get myself out of the way of Jesus, then my prideful flesh will dictate the narrative and I will achieve nothing. The truth is eternal and Jesus is the only way to the truth. Praise be to God for His eternal wisdom and faithful loving mercy.

So good. Thank you❤️

When does Justin speak???

At the beginning, Mr. Friel said this was just a small portion of the entire discussion. I can’t wait to view the finished product and believe that Justin will appear more prominently in that version.

Why is Justin Peters even there? 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

I love these guys, but 4 minutes in and nothing yet from God’s word, our source of discernment. I pray for a practical unpacking of Scriptures like this: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14, LSB)

Funny how calvinists are mentioned as being particularly critical... glad he included the superiority complex.

Justin was speechless!

How gentle was Jesus with the Pharisees?

Narasistic use to weaponizing empathy, ive forgive and tried continuously to save souls 🙏😇 but everyone close and love I feel a failure and had to make a drastic decision and walk away their depraved heart's. I use Christ as walk with and show by liberated from my desires, material thing's and delivered from demonic's spirit's, humble daily Psalms 51 : 1-6 reminding my sin. Gave all thing's that became a master of me, but other's and family can't understand or recognize my anointed decisions.😇 So i pray for all enemies 🙏🙌😇 who i love.

I appreciate the video. Great, and needed, advice. It could be that it is coming, and this was essentially just an introduction, but I think it would have been better if each guideline was delivered with Scripture backing it up. Either way, still a good addition to my Friday night, thanks.

I wish that I would have watched this video before I responded to an individual who regularly attacks both Justin Peters and Dr. John MacArthur - Here is how it went: Me - "You are the same as the "Judaizers" in the Galatian church by "bewitching" people with your false doctrine." HIm - "You wish! Rather than be a worthless keyboard warrior and troll making a baseless accusation, why don’t you say what the false doctrine is that you think I am supposedly teaching?" Me - "Your false doctrine is that you intentionally omitted the fact that when Dr. John MacArthur unknowingly baptized a homosexual and then later found out they were still living in that lifestyle, he called them into his office and confronted them to which they admitted it, so he ask them to repent (that means to turn away from) or leave the church - they (the homosexual) left. You either need to research the facts more or realize that you are not as smart as you think. You posted a video a year ago titled: Justin Peters and Collin Miller Smear Tactic Lies Exposed - YOU my friend have just been exposed - Hypocrisy on full display". I should have shown Grace instead of disdain...

Shows the Holy Spirit upon John Newton. Good counsel.

Unsubcribing from your website...Scripture is the source, not John Newton....Bugsy

I'm halfway through this, and haven't heard a peep from Justin Peters. Todd is being wretched, indeed. Unbelievably self-centered, unaware, and rude!

We are called to give a defense for the hope we embrace but it is the Holy Spirit of God that wins their hearts over, not our persuasiveness or or cleverness of speech or intellectually superior argument. It's all Him who does the work, not us, and He will NOT share His glory with anyone! We don't have to convince them of the truth of scripture. God, by His Spirit, is well able to do this and completely dismantle all arguments contrary to His truth. Our confidence is in Him ALONE and Him ONLY and not our efforts to 'win the lost'. The best, most effective, thing we can do is to PRAY for them and for God to work in their heart, "who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" --1 Timothy 2:4 ESV

According to your Calvinism we can't become discerning unless God MAKES us discerning and MAKES us do it right. But, of course if He MAKES us do it wrong then why would you want to teach against His Decree to do it wrong. Calvinism is way too confusing for my little mind which God ordained for me to have. Love you brother, but Calvinism is unlivable.

This is so true, each one of us can learn from what todd has quoted from the letter by john newton what a eye opener this has been for me when i thought i knew it all i found out how little i did know, it is not a sin to be wrong but to be wrong and not admit it weights on our hearts if we are a true child of god, to say the leased i will rethink the words that comes out of my mouth and be sure that they are words from the heart the heart that jesus said i will give you a heart made of flesh and take away the one that is of stone, i pray that everyone will get a chance to see and hear this god filled message, and to jesus christ to which i owe everything to please forgive this old sinner such as myself and help me not to forget that your word and your word alone is and always will be true. In jesus name i thank you dear father for saving a sinner like me. AMEN.

Our church has issued. Wish I saw this sooner and we could learn from it. Thank you so much.

My brothers and sisters, I do have a question. - How do I approach a person who is a female pastor or pastorette? There is someone I’ve known for almost 3 years, and they have a seminary degree (or so I think). The Bible says for there to be a male pastor. How do I approach this person in humility and love because they profess by their actions that they are Christian.

Justin Peters, why don't you let him speak....Not good...Bugsy

Very helpful. Thank you Todd,

I'm not defined by my past. I am what God says I am. I have what God says I have. I can do what God says I can do. Scripture admonishes us not to pass judgement upon others, in a critical sense but we are called to be fruit inspectors. AND make no mistake about it, God can and will give you the words that will challenge them to question their beliefs held deep within their hearts and minds, though they do not reveal this to you. God's love and truth can and will conquer their ego and strongly held beliefs in what they perceive as the truth. He WILL reveal Himself to them thru you. Just love them and be merciful and patient. He doesn't call you to prove your beliefs as superior to theirs. He does call you to relate lovingly the living hope within your heart set forth in Scripture.

How does this line up with Voddie Baucham's critique on the eleventh commandment "thou shalt be nice"? To be honest, I am not convinced your perspective is sound. Of course we shouldn't rebuke in unbridled rage, but it is perfectly fine to hurt someone's feelings for their error. Even mockery is not off the table, think about the priests of baal, the toilet sitting god.

Amazing!!! Great news.

you may want to adjust the spelling of the word "against" displayed on the screen with this minor, irrelevant, common, letter swap @ around time mark 16:44

I like you, Todd, but I also like Justin. I was very surprised and bewildered that you didn't allow Justin to interact with you on this video. It was weird and uncomfortable to see the camera only shift to him occasionally to capture his expression. What were you thinking? This was at best, rude.

Good advice, but it’s hard to listen to Steven Furtick declare himself the Almighty or Andrew Womack tell congregants that if they’re not healed it’s their own fault. Cuz maybe they don’t really believe or have in confessed sin in their life. I do cut critics some slack.

The biggest problem with the church "machine" is that the ground crew that run it pass judgement on issues they have not gone through themselves. The biggest concern of those in the machine is not the restoration of those who have experienced unimaginable hurt and loss being in process, but " what's it going to look like" and "what will people say" The machine is becoming increasingly out dated and in effective to tackle the tough issues of our times. Not so with Jesus, The Holy Spirit and The Bible. The rate of people leaving the "machine" and not Jesus is alarming.

How many Pastors are leading from the pulpit? How many have declared from the pulpit Abortion is murder ? Or have addressed it more than once a year? More than once a month? Is that because of the tax exemption churches enjoy from the state? Christians need hear it often. That It’s the murder of another human being , the most innocent of us. Most vulnerable. 1 of the sins God hates. He said He abhors. “The shedding of innocent blood. “

Wonderful reminder for these times, thank you and God bless you.

This is wonderful advice for today's online arguments.

We must be as sure we're judging others no harsher than we judge ourselves. (Pick the log out of our own eye first - see Matthew7:3-5)

Isn't this item a set of internal doctrine and church disciplines that "yes" as you stated at the beginning, should be dealt with in the body proper. Yet the whole of the western world has called out with so many hypocrisies and compromises, that some of the most gracious seem hard as Moses' tablets. The world is so corrupt that even being joyful and kind is met with hostility.

Hi, I am a new, believing Christian I would like to go what church go to I don’t know which one is the right church and the house bad is for any other I do live in Philadelphia. I love God so much I really do go to church but I haven’t found a right one

I thought you and Justin would both speak...🤷🏻‍♀️

🤔pulling a weed growing next to the flower may disturb the flower that would cause the flower not to flourish as it was intended. As well it might cause the flower to become more vibrant. In fact there are no weeds, they are all plants from God. Choice of discrimination may be the root of the issues. Grow where we are planted. 🤔