Those Who've Never Heard of Jesus, Damage of Seeker-Friendly Church Models & Church Hurt |Q&A Part 8 

Why do they use the word “ preferred?” It should really be “demand.” That’s what they do.

I love the way you carefully word things : and all truth! Thank you for your solid, biblical teaching and perspective. You are inspiring!

What really blows my mind is that after the Millennial Kingdom , when Christ Jesus is physically here to be seen by all, there will be people who still reject Jesus! (Rev 20:7-8). I still can’t wrap my mind around that. I think it was a mistake to call the building that believers gather, “Church” because we are the church and one of the purposes of the church is to spread the Good News to unbelievers. Great video! Be blessed 🙏🏾

This was fire!! Today's Q&A was worded in solid theology and the confidence behind your responses was covered in Spiritual confirmation and grace. Thank you for honoring the call to share truth without compromise. I appreciate you Sis!

Thank you for sharing the truth and answering the hard questions a lot of people avoid talking about.

I pray to Jesus because in Him dwells all the fullness of the godhead bodily. I enjoy listening to Melissa’s skillful oratory. I try to learn from her.

Thank you so much Melissa. I learn so much from listening to your podcasts. I love your boldness in speaking the truth of God's Word. I really appreciate what you said about the seeker sensitive church, who feed their flock weak, watered down milk, where their members never experience true born-again conversion. ❤

Fantastic topics and thank you for making this understandable to all. Great nourishment for the soul! Nothing replaces, reading the Bible, asking God to open it to our souls, and prayer. Just to say that that is what has helped me after my church went woke. Jesus and not the church was my absolute identity. Not saying I’m great, but God is amazing and great! He is the one.❣️🙏🏼

Very good replies and explinations. God has gifted you. Be a blessing. Added: I do not know if you get your questions here but I live in a situation where because of a severe rare physicaal condition I am what we used to call a shut-in. I've invited many Chrstian men over for a cup of coffee and prayer together (not even regarding me). "Oh that sounds great. I'll let you know," is the general response with no follow-up. I do get spiritual feeding by my own indepth research of scripture and prayer, but feel cut off by the faith community. It is a poor testimony for those professing a Christian lifestyle. Also I've noticed in many organized curches today, if you are over the age of 45 (I'm just south of 70) you do not exist. "But we have an on fire (what ever that means) youth ministry. Yet, we Christian boomers are neglected. Believe me we have much in experience to offer, but those in today's places of authority do not want us. I feel a bit like the hermit monk in "Young Frankstein." (Yes it is ok to laugh at that) Anyway, I'd be interested in your thoughts on both sides of this issue. Thanks.

Thank you so much Melissa. For speaking truth and doing it lovingly. God bless you. 🙏🏼💕

Love love love love your college analogy. Can't wait to share

Your knowledge of life is amazing, l believe God has blessed you.

I love listening to you as I work Melissa. God bless.

Melissa, thanks for suggesting SES. (I LOVE Apologetics!) btw ~ I was a member of a church that suddenly went Seeker-Sensitive after the Pastor read Rick Warren's book. We were even told to go out 2 x 2 to survey the neighborhood to ask "what would it take for you to come to church? Questions like less focus on sin, removing the Cross, ect. Later, It became a disaster where he told all of us to not bother him anymore, he wanted ALL his focus given to first time attenders. Anyone in the church who behaved very badly, like beating/cheating on their spouse, was treated as tho they were like Jesus, giving them new titles and placing them on a pedestal. His reasoning was "well, we just need to love them into the Kingdom" I think the Lord makes it clear how the sheep are to be fed, not starved.

Please post more. I was led here by the Lord when I had prayed for Him to show me someone whom I could trust when they speak. Trust is very difficult for me.

The gods are like the angels that submit to the Head God.

I clicked this video cause the title didn't make sense to me. But, I trust you! To explain 😁

What do I think? Wow just amazing. I love your channel, your analogies, your straight forward honesty… I could go on and on! Thank you!

I always believed that the way to pray, was to God the Father, through your son Jesus Christ, we even use their Hebrews name, as Jesus says in John 14:6 , I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me! And in John 14:13 again Jesus, whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father maybe glorified in the Son, At least that's what I was taught, we definitely believe in the trinity and that all are one God, God bless all 🌈❤

Of course not. It isn't we who need delusion it is they that need reality.

Amazing....we were discussing this in Bible study last night 🫢👌🏼🙏🏻🇿🇦

Jesus transcends death, and he is over the gods, and he governs them.

I’m not sure I understand why pronouns is even a question for believers. We really shouldn’t use them ever…Well said here

Love, "the church is not your proxy bible!"

Good answers for some tough.

I can’t wait til my question is answered lol. 😂it’s been a while. I don’t even remember the question I sent it 😂

Thank you, Melissa! ❤

I had a class like that.

Can you talk about Israel Saldivar, pastor Vlad, and the so called demon slayers?

By the way thank you for sharing His word with us. You’re spot on all the time

The Shephard should feed and protect the flock.

14:02 the altar to the unknown God.

I use they/them pronouns because of how I feel, but I also use she/her pronouns because I am aware of the reality that I am biologically a woman. I don't know how to explain it better than that. I used to try to force people to use they/them pronouns for me (and for a time, I tried to force people to use he/him pronouns for me while I was taking testosterone). I have been through the whirlwind that is society without God for a long time, nearly a decade. I have been making my way back to God and have been jumping head first into apologetics and have been studying my Bible. My mother and I (we re-connected about a year ago) have been reading it together from the beginning and discussing what it says and means, not what we think it means or how we relate it to ourselves. We're both getting a lot out of it! She tends to lean more towards the "life application" version of the Bible and we've been talking a lot about things like that and how most of the Bible isn't very suited for that. I was also raised with the idea of "manifestation", both good and bad things. That speaking them aloud will bring it to reality. There's a lot that I have had to unlearn about the beliefs I grew up with. I don't blame my mom, but I didn't have a legitimate understanding and teaching of the word growing up and after my time away, my thirst for knowledge and truth has been a huge part of my every day life. Your videos have helped tremendously in this by the way! I still struggle though. I struggle to share my thoughts and belief in the one true God of all things because of the friends that I have from before. I have a deep love for my friends and I have no problem sharing what I believe on the surface, but I don't know how to insist on His truth without coming off as a jerkface. I had a lot of pain from past experiences with churches and religious folk, and I never plan on becoming one of those people, but I want to be firm in the truth while also remaining loving. It's just hard because this world has made the truth appear "hateful" when I know it isn't. I just don't want to lose the relationships I've built because I've never been great at making friends. Its especially hard in regards to the two best friends I have. We call each other "The Three Mom-kateers" They're like family to me. I know they don't believe the way I do, but I wish I could be the start of their curiosity that brings them to God without making them feel forced or reject me completely. I also struggle with the fact that I do still use they/them pronouns but that you disagree with this. I'm not saying you're wrong and I'm right. I've learned from the beginning of watching your videos that there are a lot of things you touch on that, at first, make me recoil a little before I look more into it and pray about it. Even some things I know are fully true to God still make me feel a little uneasy, but I know ultimately that His will and His truth is good. I do want to ask however, what is your thought on people like me? Who understand what I am biologically (and in some ways truly appreciate the miracle of what my body can do. My husband and I have 2 kids and another on the way!!) and can accept that overall, but still feel a sense of uneasiness in regards to identifying as a woman? I don't want to betray God with my feelings but I really don't know what I need to change (or why I need to change) when I'm not going against the Bible (as far as I'm aware 😬) by personally choosing to use they/them pronouns. Again, I don't deny the reality of my body, nor do I force people to use what I prefer, I don't make this part of me my entire existence and I don't idolize this part of me. I truly want to learn if you have anything to say or any resources for me. Thank you for your videos, and thank you for touching on the hard topics that people need to learn about and for doing it in a loving way. Take care and God bless!

Amen!

What about the book of Job. No mention of Jesus but people knew God.

Awesome teaching!

I don't tend to travel in circles where this is a problem, but no I do not use plural pronouns for singular people. If they insist on not being called the pronoun that aligns with the gender they are (not what they want to be) I will simply refer to them by their name or just stop talking to them entirely at this point. You will not force me to indulge your lies.

Ummmm... The old testament saints KNEW that the Seed of Eve would crush the Evil One and restore what was lost in the Garden. Genesis 3. Abraham knew this promise, and was looking for an Eternal City.

Thank you!

What if someone refers to themself as they/them because the person has dissociative identity disorder?

they’s

Hi Melissa, I actually live in the same neighborhood that you do. If I may ask, what church do you go to? Thanks

There's only one God...

1:24 depends on how close that friend is. Paul refused to eat pork around jews when trying to reach them, even though he didnt *believe* he couldnt, I dont see this as being a different situation. Adjusting to the culture youre in does not denote promotion of that culture's values, its simply a bridge to be a light in their world. You *shouldnt* believe it, but if it reduces conflict in order to reach people, then its worth it. 2:57 see I can 110% agree with that. That's why I hate this ideology, its just not true... But you know, as was the jews being still chained to the old law, that wasnt true. And yet Paul, to the jews was like a jew. I do think, if you have a close friend, and they are in this ideology, then that's when you tell them its not true. When they probably already know on some level that's how you feel, and they are still friends with you, that's when you can reach them. I think. I honestly dont know what that point is myself... but im sure its there.

You don't use their language. Using the language of the ADVERSARY is giving these abominations credit for their madness and opening a door to accepting their agenda.

10:32 I have sometimes wondered. Jesus is the only way to God yes, but is there more than one way to Jesus, given this concept of general revelation? If someone praises the sun or the stars what if they where praising God for making those things? Just a thought ive sometimes went over. I know its kind of close to heretical, but you know. I imagine what would make the difference is they would hear the story of Jesus and immediately make the connection and say "oh so that's who ive been praising this whole time! I am excited to learn more about our creator!" I suppose it would be similar to the golden calf. They meant to be praising God by praising that calf, but you know, it wasnt God, it was a gold statue.

I absolutely won't use preferred pronouns. I use sex based pronouns unless I'm unaware of the sex of the person or animal I'm referring to. I know it might hurt them but mostly pronouns are used when speaking about someone and not to them. I can use their name. I won't lie to them or others or indulge in their delusions, because it hurts them more to go along with a lie than it will to tell them the truth. Don't lie to people.

Thank you so much for this. One of my adult children wants me to use pronouns other than his true gender. I gently told him that I have never lied to him, and I was not going to start now. Now he will have nothing to do with me. Other parents in my situation have told me that I must accept his "truth," or I will lose him forever. If I participate in his lie, it puts both of us in danger of being lost to God forever. No matter how much it hurts (and oh! It does hurt!) I have to hear and listen to my Father's voice and obey Him, even at the cost of relationship with my son.

Definitely would like to see more videos about church hurt, as it's something that I encounter quite often when talking to people about religion...a very common pattern is someone who grows up in a more legalistic church and either doesn't fit in well (like they have a different personality or something) or they do something or question something and then are disproportionately castigated for it. My personal theory is that these groups are ruled by fear, which leads to them instituting a lot of rules to try and control the fear, which just sets people up to fail, which leads to people pretending, which leads to hypocrisy. Also an over-emphasis on obedience to authority, which can lead to people getting taken advantage of.

I’m 50 and I’ve learned more from your channel/content than I’ve ever learned in church. Keep up the good work Melissa and I wish you all the best as you complete your Master’s in Christian apologetics. Can’t wait to see what future holds for you! 😊

My Dad just passed and as we are preparing his Celebration of Life the question the pastor asked about him was his Christian walk. When he became a Christian, all of us agreed he went to church read the word. The issue was he was never discipled, after nearly 50+ years he finally understood and learned to forgive and reconcile with many. His story the Pastor learned was one of healing. Stating he see so few families get healing during the person's life. The Holy Spirit is working through all of us, to heal the past pain and we have forgiven each other. Even I was asked when I said I was a Christian, were you raised as such. I said yes, but I didn't understand the theology when I was young. I walked away for 25 yrs. When I came back, going to church helped a little. Then I listened to God's Word and my life changed at that moment. I'm still working through my sin nature, but the Lord is with me. Thanks for talking about the Church's lack of Discipleship, fortunately there are Church's that are doing these things as well.

loved the professor example!! I had a professor my first semester of college, he had a huge auditorium of students, he was popular, not handsome, but entertaining and funny, never taught a single thing from the text book, I took notes feverishly, tried to understand the text book, ended up failing the class because none of the tests reflected any of the lectures, nor did I remember anything from the textbook. What class? Anthropology. Over the summer I retook the course with a female teacher, much smaller class of about 20, she taught both from the book and her own material, got a B. Her tests were exactly on her lectures and the textbook.

God bless you and your ministry, Melissa! You have made me feel so much better about switching churches. My first church was like my first love, but as I became a deeper christian, my church did not. I voiced my concern that I was ready for meat instead of milk to a pastor and was told "that's what groups are for." Ok! So I started attending every group that I could attend (with my work schedule, not all were possible). It seemed like all of them in my time requirements were the kind you satired. I gleaned what bible knowledge I could from life application and fitness groups. I asked the same pastor for help getting biblical content and was told, out of 12 or so groups, *one* was bible study. It met at 10am on Tuesday mornings. When I was on midnights, I could not stay awake that long (I tried more than once to attend, only to be nudged repeatedly for sleeping), and when I switched to days, I was working at that time! So, after trying really hard to study on my own for close to three years, I made the decision to leave my church. It took a a while, but I found a church that teaches straight from scripture, has a choice of bible study classes directly before Sunday service, encourages prayer partners, and a pastor that has no problem sitting down with me after a frantic email asking if I interpreted scripture wrong. You just convinced me that it wasn't *just* me that had the issue about my discipleship. I have been feeling like I unjustly divorced a spouse this whole time. I still love my first church, but I was starving!

My grandmother, who was a believer, always said God is a fair God, and no one who doesn’t deserve Hell will be there. She definitely was not saying that as long as you’re good you’ll go to Heaven. She most definitely believed that people who know or hear the gospel must then choose to become believers - or not. I have also read the theory that persons who have died without the gospel will, at the time of the resurrection (or at some point after their death) be given the gospel and will have the chance to accept Christ. Is that something you find plausible?

Regarding pronouns: 1. I speak English and use the appropriate pronouns according to the grammar of the language. As we already knew years ago, some folk use the "they them" set of pronouns in certain contexts indeterminate of number or sex, in the same way mathematicians use the plural to mean "one or more". Sometimes such usage is employed awkwardly or incorrectly because of lack of skill or uncertainty, rather than to make a political statement. But if I speak of John, I will use "he, him" because that's what/who he is. 2. We of course can know that people legally may be regarded to have whatever name each chooses, provided actually uses the moniker that way and intends to be so known. People acquire all sorts of names, nicknames, stage names, and the like, many of which may seem sexually ambiguous (e.g. Dale, Lynn, Aubrey, Marion, Adrian) with no intent to apoear the opposite sex. So if a man is called Alice or a woman George, well, so be it. These are proper nouns, not pronouns. 3. We will encounter, indeed certainly have encountered, people who present convincingly as the sex opposite to which born. I hope we all may be excused for following the presentation in such cases; other observers often may be less confused that way. These are cases where we don't know or may not know other than what we see and hear. 4. Exactly as you say, I have no obligation to, and may have an obligation not to, enter into someone else's fantasy about what he/she imagines is a preferable way to exist. This could indeed be co-dependent/enabling, which is harmful, and is untruthful, which generally is wrong. 5. We do need to remember that there are a number of chromosonal anomalies found among humans, although rarely. These include multiples of either X or Y, and also chimerism. Some of these do not manifest visibly. Usually the presence of a Y will produce the appearance of a male. And yes, a few individuals here and there may manifest ambiguous genitalia. My point in mentioning all these is for awareness, for a sense of compassion for those so afflicted - and also to point out that MOST issues of "gender dysphoria" stem from entirely other causes. We need to take reasonable account of the odd case (just as we do of ectopic pregnancy in respect of abortion) without letting it define the narrative.

Great point. The one thing they can’t change is chromosomes. It’s all based on chromosomes. The Emperor‘s New Clothes is a great comparison!

Love your no-nonsense answers balanced with love and compassion. I almost always “share” your content.

if you accept that someone can change their gender, you are saying that God made a fault, which we know He never does. Changing gender construct is blasphemy and should not be tolerated by Christians. God made you who you are the way He wants you to be. Celebrate it!

You’re a very strong Christian content provider who I look to for guidance and wisdom. Thank you for serving God. 🙏

I love the examples you give, and how you don't compromise the truth to avoid offending people.

Newly (within the last decade) “saved” and I pray to Jesus.

excellent Melissa!! Thank you for making these videos. You really get me thinking and diving into the Bible more, and really understanding how to respond or act in this day of so many confused gender ideology and false gospels.

I agree with everything you said. It's not easy being a Christian, in the world today, the bible says we're to live in the world, not of the world. I prey that those who watch, will grow in there faith.ihope you have a blessed day! ⛪😊😊

Seeker friendly. Wow!! I can think of so many churches who do this. I also know of some churches that have died ( closed the doors) because they would not do this. I agree with you on the they/them pronouns. I appreciate all I have learned from you.

Haven’t watched yet but the answer is no. We’re told not to lie. It also doesn’t help the individual to play along in their delusion.

I pray to the Father through Jesus in Jesus name because Jesus said pray like this "Our Father" Jesus is ok I believe because they are One. As long as we sont pray to Mary and the Saints.

I Love you and this channel. Your silliness, geekiness, and solid Theology are the reasons I tune in (as well as the occasional awesome art piece). It struck me that the loose model for group therapy might work for those considering deconstruction or who believe in God, but who carry wounds from churches, like I have. If people had the opportunity to hear others' experiences, as well as were led by a Godly moderator, either a pastor or a Christian counselor or both, they would gain a deeper appreciation and knowledge of their faith, especially in light of who God is, and who they are in Christ, with the Holy Spirit in them. It might be something I'd be interested in doing. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and would Love to get more knowledge and possibly credentials in theology (from Hillsdale or some other reputable school). I'd also Love to minister abortion-vulnerable women and girls in the church and elsewhere.

I’m in the process of leaving a seeker friendly church and it occurred to me recently that it creates “church hurt” so I’m glad to hear someone else make that connection 🙏 love your work

Q: Responsibility of the Church: I can relate to this completely. It’s impossible to find or even connect with anyone in church who wants to really study and dig deep into the Bible. I’ve asked my pastor twice and both times he evaded the question. I can only assume he doesn’t know of anyone or doesn’t want to pair me up with anyone. Both of these are conjecture of course but there it is. Thanks to Melissa and other RU-vid apologists I have been able to learn what my church does not provide. 😢

Why would CHRISTIANS be asking about this pronoun stuff? It's mind boggling. If you're a dude, you're he/him. If you're a chick, you're she/her. That's it!

A great resource for overcoming church hurt is the book titled, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson & Jeff Van Vonderen. And a big AMEN to the fact that as the church is made up of only believers… the church is FOR believers. A church seeking to be Seeker- Friendly is a church willing to compromise on biblical principles. And another great resource on being led by the Holy Spirit as opposed to the flesh is Baptism & Fullness: The Work of the Holy Spirit Today by the late John R W Stott.

Melissa, with reference to the "never heard of Jesus" crowd, from what I understand of Scripture, the humble acknowledgement that a creator must exist by even the most basic of observable evidence--moral and natural, as you said--is enough for ANYONE to respond one way or another to truth. Even the most embryonic of moves toward, rather than away, from the truth that has been revealed to anyone up to that point, is itself an exercise of faith. For example, Cornelius, in Acts 10, "feared God." Now up until he met with Peter, his knowledge was incomplete. Nonetheless, because he had already responded positively to the truth he HAD received up to that point, more truth was revealed, in that Peter was sent to his home to give him a more complete picture of God that included His son, Jesus. Same with the disciples at Ephesus in Acts 19. Their hearts and minds were already directed to God, but until Paul's visit, they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. Since they already actively sought truth, more truth was given. I think Matthew 13:12 about wisely using resources could also be applied here. "For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." Thank you for what you do, Melissa!

Loved this, Melissa....excellent explanation of salvation and I thought the "business model" of church quite excellent too. You really love the Word. I came across this verse a couple of days ago that reminds me of you...Ps 119:162 "I rejoice at Thy Word as one who findeth great spoil."

REALLY solid! I've been in full time ministry over 20 years, and your answers hold up with scripture AND lived experience.

I’m a nurse at a clinic mainly with pregnant patients but my clinic also see patients for gynecology. We are seeing patients wanting to be called male when they are female. My co-worker who is catholic was having a hard time because she would call the patient female but the doctors would correct her and say she has to call them by preferred pro nouns. It’s difficult because it’s our job to care for these patients. My advice for my coworker at the time was to just address the patient as the patient. Is their any other suggestions?

My favorite is to hear brothers pray to Jesus in Jesus’ name! Really? Our prayers should be thought out and theologically accurate and not gushing waters from an undisciplined mind!

Why are we here? We are here to prepare for Eternity. Those who do not prepare go to the other place by default. Christianity is not just about living your own way and doing your own thing and deciding for yourself what is right and wrong; Instead of repenting and letting the Person of the Holy Spirit change you and teach you and purify your hearts and cause you to produce the fruit of the Spirit in your life. It is about being convicted over your sin and mourning over it and being ashamed and wanting God to show you your heart and being willing to examine your heart and change it. It is about truly believing in Jesus to the point that you repent and obey, and reverence and obey the Holy Spirit who is God. It is about loving other people enough to declare the truth to them and want to see them saved too. It is about dying to your own self will and rights over and over again. It is about mercy and truth and compassion and kindness and genuine concern for others well-being now and their eternity. Being a Christian is not about having a respectable job, house, car, two kids and a white picket fence and driving to church on sundays to hear an inspiring and relevant ear tickling message, and great music that produces nice feelings. And reading a devotional that warms the heart every morning, and listening to your favorite speaker on tv. It is not about public appearances and having everybody love you. No it requires work, a change in your heart, a change in what is important to you which should be obeying Jesus and loving people and purifying your heart before God. Getting right with God. Reading lots of the Bible daily and do not examine and twist and shred it to pieces. No read several chapters at once slowly and carefully considering what it says with the intent to obey and learn and submit. Being a Christian means the world will not love you. Being a Christian means you minister to others and are moved with compassion and concern for them and their needs but Especially about where they will spend eternity. On earth people go to work and get money and are concerned soley with providing for themselves and their immediate family. Shelter and food and health needs for them and theirs for the most part even though some will give to charity and do volunteer work, Their life is mostly about themselves. However if they are thinking you can only care that you make it to heaven and that is all you are concerned about and none of the above. You just want your merry easy life and a verbal profession of faith and church/club attendance but you heart has never changed and you are not concerned about the eternal fate of others and consider that their problem if they suffer eternally and you only obey Jesus when you feel like it; and you are ashamed of Jesus and His Words; You will arrive and find out you didn't make it. Consider that the people you think are worthless and useless that Jesus came from heaven to earth and died on the cross for people just like them. So does Jesus think the people that He shed His blood for worthless? John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed 2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal

I love these videos Melissa, your answers are always rooted in Scripture and they make me think deeper about my faith. I'm not sure if you answer questions from youtube comments but I have one for you: Do babies go to heaven when they die? I know that babies are not able to comprehend concepts like sin and salvation, but if we are born into sin, does that mean that babies are condemned to hell? This question has plagued me for quite some time and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. God bless :)

Thank you Melissa for being such a good student of the word. You explain everything so well and your use of scripture shows not just knowledge, but a relationship to the word as well. I’m older and am looking for God to heal some wounds, to lead me through repentance and forgiveness, and for growth that I was unable to experience much of my years in the church. Keep on making these great videos. God bless.

2:19 i dont do pronouns i do names only.

Just seems like it would be offensive to God to call someone the wrong gender from that which He created them. As a stone carving artist, I would not want someone to demean my artworks in any way. How much moreso would that be important to God whose creations are so much more impressive! Plus the point about not making our ownselves as liars in this way is such a valid point.

Solid Melissa! Another Gospel by Alisa Childers can help those hurt in the progressive church -

As someone who used to be an occultist who turned to Christ, I really relate to a lot of your content. Having a deeper philosophical context to who God is after leaving behind self-worship and idolatry is something many people don’t understand. You really eloquently explain these kinds of things and make solid arguments to people who want to relate Christianity to these false teachings and false gods. After I gave my heart to Jesus, and began learning about the Word of God, I was so shocked by how many people have no actual understanding of the theology and how much society has led people to believe these lies about Christianity. Thank you for all of the wise words.

Getting you to use preferred pronouns is one way the enemy bargains with you to compromise on the truth. Once you agree to lie, they know you will eventually be theirs.

I only use those pronouns when I'm in the carpool lane, so when I get pulled over I just let the officer know I'm in the plural. (and yes I stole that idea from the Babylon Bee).

I loved it hope you just keep preaching more your pure word

This pronoun business is only an issue in the woke english speaking world. It doesn't translate to other languages. 😂

I prefer to be identified as a blonde haired, blue eyed, African American from Japan.

Thank you for saying God doesn't send anyone to hell, they're already condemned.

No we should not use those pronouns (they/them) to erase male and female which God created. That doesn't reflect reality; it would be lying to appease a demon. Speak the truth in love.

I love your owe-brows. I want them. Thank you for your research

Yes!!!!! It is a major problem in our churches.

Thanks as always, Melissa! Your work is a blessing. I've given a lot of thought to the pronouns issue and have several friends/acquaintances who use pronouns in a non-traditional manner and am currently settled into 2 conclusions: 1. Truth. I won't lie about what I believe. 2. Be loving. Not everyone is ready to face what underlies pronoun usage. I will actively avoid hurting people when it does not compromise adhering to truth. More than anything, I see the changes in pronoun usages as an assault on basic reasoning. Nobody has their own third person pronouns (that's what first person pronouns are for). I refer to someone in the third person according to the way I see them because that's what referring to someone/something means.

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A related question to the question "should we use preferred pronouns?" You mentioned using 5he persons name. Well unfortunately nowadays in addition to pronouns, is this narrative that they no longer use their birth name. They claim it's their "dead" name and often go by another name and get upset if you call them their birth name because it "hurts" them. What do you think about this? Should we use their new name? I feel like this is manipulation as well and feeds the delusion.

I highly highly recommend 'The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse' written by Jeff Vanvonderan and David Johnson. Jeff comes from a counseling background and gives many examples of people who have been abused in church. Personally, we were hurt at a previous church where we had a narcissistic pastor. It was a horrible ordeal and we read this book and watched Jeff Vanvonderan's videos which can be found on his website. We are now in a place of searching for a biblically sound church which is a challenge in our area. We want to enter back into a community of believers. We had done a aller home church model for a time. I'm so thankful these two men wrote this book. Another great one was 'The first will be last' by DC Robertson. Hopefully this will help someone that has been hurt. One thing I'd caution on helping those with church hurt is not degrading their story or minimizing their hurt. Being heard is highly therapeutic. Sometimes I think people need time away from the institution of church to heal as well. Just so long as they don't stay away for too long. It's ok to take time away to heal. ❤

If you feel like your church has dropped the ball in terms of equipping the saints, that may be the Holy Spirit leading you to begin a ministry there.

Really really love your videos, as a newbie, they help me a great deal.

God, please help us! ❤

Very well said-- great teaching-- thanks 🙏