Dear sister Melissa, thank you so much for your wonderful words of wisdom and of truth. THANK YOU!!! And may the Lord bless you for what you are doing. I am a theologian belonging to the Orthodox Church (russian jurisdiction) and it feels so good to see western christians like you, though differing in tradition and rite, are coming back to the enssential core of the gospel, that is LOVE, LOVE and nothing but LOVE. Unconditional and limitless for all, for God is Love. Especially when I talk to fellow christians from north American protestant context, the lack of love and the over-emphasis on concepts like hell and damnation fills me again and again with sheer horror and I cannot understand how people who read the Bible so often can actually believe in a god who sends his children into eternal damnation simply because they did "not accept Jesus as their personal saviour". Whatever "personal redeemer" might mean - none of the apostles, none of the "reformators" nobody before the age of so called "enlightenment" would even have the slightest inkling about what they mean by "personal" - that would require the individualisation of protestant ecclesiology and soteriology that accured not before the 18th century. And it is soooo much contradicting the love we all believe in, we all try to make the core meaning of our life, of our entire existance as christians. God is love, God is light and our father St. John Chrysostome explained, that all the pictures about heaven and hell are exactly simply that - nice pictures to illustrate spiritual realities to the people. He further explained, every human sould in the end will stand forever in the love and light of God, all veils will have dissapeared, no filtration anymore existing, we will all be and exist in the endless, limitless, unconditional and unuttarable love and loght of the DIRECT presence of God, who himself is nothing but love and light (I personally was shown in a NDE that Gods light, that I was granted the grace to see, is nothing else but love visible). People like Hitler, Stalin and all those who submitted to hatred and egoism will recieve the light and love of God as a destructive fire that will burn them like a bunch of hay. While those who gave space to love and light in their hearts will revieve it as a nugget of gold, being ignited themselves, being purified from all dirt and glowing, glowing and shining endlessly from "Glory into glory". Is it not beautiful, that we both, although from very different traditions and locations follow the same love and light of God that came to us in Jesus? I am so happy having found your lessons on youtube and you give me so much consolation and solace to go on on the path and especially seeing that truth is not enclosed in a certain church or tradition, and it also not bound into dogmatic theology, but in you God has given me a dear sister from the other side of the world and the other side of christianity. May the Lord bless you, keep you and strenghthen you in spreading the gospel of the kingdom. We gonna meet over there one day. ;) PS: You cat is simply gorgeous. Please give his most cattish majesty a hug from uncle Siluan Swen from Frankfurt, Germany.
Hi Melisa , I’m sitting in a Mental Hospital at the moment and have been struggling with this issue for many years,( which has come to a head in past 6 months). Thankyou So Much. I just stumbled on this video now ❤ ( this is the first time I have ever msg on line).👍
I too am an ex-traditional Christian, and although I decided to search unacceptable information to my Churches teachings, I decided to question everything, to see what I could hold on to. Your videos are great reminders, and you're a very talented presenter, something I would probably have done myself had RU-vid been around at the time. I would liked to have discussed much more (as we have much on common), but due to the subject matter, it's best not talked about here. Keep up the great work. 🙏
You thinking is on the right track I like that, I've always liked that about you, and I like your explanation of the kingdom of God, it is here and now and we enter it now spiritually. Most people think it's about entering heaven in the afterlifebut Jesus brought the kingdom with him and taught us how to enter it by living accordingly. Great talk Melissa 👍
You should checkout Ascended Worship, he teaches the Kingdom within, enjoy! Share what you think on the channel ru-vid.com/group/PLl4P7dboyOtVxWbED9Ozi4aPKyR8qS0cv
Yes! I love this video! Thank you. Amen, sister, preach it! ❤ People are precious. Forgive them, forgive yourself. And when love blooms from that, there is the Kingdom of God.
What I have come to understand,is that centrally we are love. As an adage,whatever is loving is true,anything else is a delusion,a misperception and projection unto the world we see. What you see inside it’s what you see outside. Still learning to be what I am. Love!💕. I still project messiness ,regardless I am more aware in love into the world . Namaste peace and love to all.
Hello- LOVE this video, thank you..... feels like it answers questions I have been asking for 30 years! You mention that you made an hour long video that focuses on the Jewish phrophecy of Universal Reconciliation. Could you give a link for that? Warmly, Arthur (just joined your FB group)
Sound biblical exegesis will lead you down this route namely LOVE as we become empowered by the Spirit. What the Spirit has been saying to me is to put Jesus at the centre of all my theology and all my motivation, in other words my heart.
Thank you for these videos! I am rereading the Gospels and seeing them like never before. I am wondering what you think about the parables in Matthew chapter 13. I am seeing them as all being connected-as weeding out all lies about God that are growing in the kingdom (example- that God wants to "punish the wicked" or that He demands sacrifice in order to forgive) so that the kingdom can continue to grow fully into truth, eventually to all humanity. Maybe this is the topic for your next video, so let me know if I should just wait for it!
They Sara! Thanks so much for the question (and for watching my videos!!) I absolutely love the topic of Jesus's parables. Thank you also for sharing your insights! I believe some of the parables in that chapter are a reference to how the kingdom will start small and eventually take over everything (parables of the mustard seed and yeast). Some are a reference to how the kingdom of heaven is within (buried treasure) and far more valuable than what this world system values (money, power, lust, pleasure). Others are about the consequences of those who follow this world system and don't let the kingdom take root in their hearts (parables of the sower and of the wheat and weeds). Another thing the parable of the wheat and weeds might be referring too is the growth process. The kingdom starts small, as a small seed in the heart, and it takes time for it to grow to its fullness. God will be patient and give us the time we need, but those who remain blind will bring suffering on themselves. - could have been a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem (as he clearly states in other places using similar language) or to earthy consequences, or even to some punishment that will happen at the end of the age. Although I obviously don't believe it is "eternal torment" but loving correction - if that's indeed what it's referring to. I still need to do more research on this time period and determine how likely it is that they had a concept of a "hell" in the afterlife before I can come to a firm opinion on that. Thanks again for the question! Feel free to share any time!
Thank you for your response! I especially love the idea of the kingdom being buried treasure within. There's one very short parable that I've always missed before -it's right after the weeds and the wheat, and keeping good fish and throwing back the bad, where it says a scribe who is a disciple (who studies) the kingdom of God is like a homeowner going through his treasures, both new and old. This, tied together with the other two parables directly preceding it is what leads me to believe that we are sorting out the good and true beliefs about God from the bad/harmful, and only the good and true can remain in the kingdom. Like a homeowner deciding which items to keep and which to toss. It makes sense that angels facilitate this process at the end of each of a series of ages. Also the weeds in the previous parable are defined as the children of the devil, who Jesus calls a liar and the "father of lies." (Jesus also refers to the Pharisees who teach a vengeful, punishing God as "children of the devil.") What are your thoughts on this interpretation? Sorry so long by the way..
@@sarapiper6287 Hey! Just wanted to say that I saw this and I really appreciate your insights. What you said about Jesus calling the religious leaders children of the devil was really enlightening to me and helped me make some connections. I'm going to be going over these parables in a video coming up.
I hope you don't mind me throwing in my two cents. I have often been told and pointed to the scripture that points to the Apostle Paul who made a comment to a group of people where he had taught them the gospel... and yet he now warns them about receiving "another" gospel. Much of NDE's and people who speak with the dead was not allowed. So I looked and searched for the scripture about Paul telling what the gospel is. And I found it. 1 Corinthians 15 1 Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which ye have also received, and wherein ye continue, 2 And whereby ye are saved, if ye keep in memory, after what manner I preached it unto you, except ye have believed in vain. 3 For first of all, I delivered unto you that which I received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, 4 And that he was buried, and that he arose the third day, according to the Scriptures, 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. 6 After that, he was seen of more than five hundred brethren at once: whereof many remain unto this present, and some also are asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James: then of all the Apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen also of me, as of one born out of due time. Ok... so based on Paul's definition... here is what I believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. First of all the word Gospel means Good News or Glad Tidings. 1. You are saved if you (keep in memory) remember what I preached to you.. and you received it, yet... you have not believed it. (This would be about the resurrection) 2. Christ died for our sins. This is according to the scriptures. Of course you have to ask... what scriptures? Not the New Testament.... it had to be the old testament. Isaiah 53:12 (ESV) 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. 3. And that he was buried, and that he arose the third day, according to the Scriptures, Hosea 6:1-2: Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. 5-8 he now speaks about the resurrection of Jesus and shows them by telling them who saw Christ alive after his death. If you look at what Christ taught... and what Paul taught... you would find a difference: Christ teaches us the works (not grace) that make for our salvation in the Beatitudes (Matt 5,5&7, Lk 6:20-49) and most elaborately in Matt 25:31-46 but Paul preached that salvation is by grace (unmerited gift) in Ep 2:8-9, a concept that Christ never mentioned or even implied. But you have to remember this. Paul was also preaching against the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses was all about works only. 613 rules that they had to follow. These people where trying to get the new male converts to the church to be circumcised like the Jewish men were... and then join the church. Many of the Jews would not let the law of Moses go. It was totally ingrained for 1,500 years before Christ came and said he was fulfilling the Law of Moses. All those 603 laws (The 10 commandments remained) were no longer required to be followed. But it was hard for them to stop. Of course after the temple was destroyed... sacrifices disappeared as there was no temple. Yet Paul was teaching and teaching and teaching them to let go. It had been reported to Paul that some individuals in Corinth were teaching that there was no Resurrection of the dead (see 1 Corinthians 15:12). As one of the many eyewitnesses of the risen Lord, the Apostle Paul clearly and powerfully taught the Corinthian branch about the reality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and of all mankind. Since the epistles to the Corinthians were likely written before any of the Gospel narratives, Paul’s references to the final events of the Savior’s life and to His Resurrection (as found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 15:3-8) are probably the earliest accounts of these events recorded in the New Testament. Paul explained that the practice of baptism for the dead would have little meaning if there were no Resurrection (see 1 Corinthians 15:29, 55-57). Paul also taught that there are three kingdoms of glory, which he compared to the sun, moon, and stars (see 1 Corinthians 15:40-41) and that one would receive a body of glory that would determine which Kingdom of Glory would one would be assigned to. As Paul concluded his epistle, he encouraged the members in Corinth to collect a generous donation to send to the poor Saints in Jerusalem (see 1 Corinthians 16:1). He also encouraged the spiritually faltering Corinthian Saints to “stand fast in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13) So that is about the Gospel.
I agree with all that’s obviously a good way to be. But I also think that people might think if I go about doing good for others then is my heart in the right place if people see it. How do you do all good things in secret? Plus I love watching videos on RU-vid of others doing charity. It brightens my day.
HE taught that G O D IS. LOVE , and this love is unconditional , HE expressed to us GOD’s grace which is UNMERRITED , OF GOD’s faithfulness that endures forever , JESUS taught us of GOD’s tender calling us to HIMSELF , JESUS TAUGHT US to love one another, . HE TAUGHT us not to fear , HE taught us that HE will return , HE taught us to pray to HIS FATHER ( exclusive ). HE taught us to trust in GOD and in HIM , HE taught by example , during HIS ministry , while in flesh , subject to earth and existing government HE NEVER FLINCHED ! He JESUS surrendered HIS DIETY through HIS ministry , trusting unto even death both flesh and. Spirit in HIS. Father . JESUS through HIS ministry taught us that HE did not come to , accuse , condemn, judge , destroy, BUT. TO. SAVE 🙏🏻 ALLELUIA. YAH
Always wandered why the gospels - except John - in the first pages talk about Jesus sharing the gospel without any hint to the cross. If it is the way like you explain, that makes sense.
Some of the guys in my church group say the heart cannot be trusted. I know this to be untrue but don't know where the idea originates from. Much like money, the Bible is also a tool that you cannot take with you when you die. But you can put the wisdom you discern from these tools and put them in your heart and take that with you when you die. Ty for your video insights, sending all my love. ❤
Greetings my beloved, If I may offer some thoughts... The struggle a person will face when they come to faith is that they will not submit to the miracle that FAITH in and of itself is...because of this many "Christians" will understandably in their carnal (natural limited state) desperately desire to live "Holy" lives still thinking this is accomplished in the flesh...doing rather than being. To "be" holy is not to "do" Holy.... God IS love...thus to BE Holy is to BE as God IS....full of light and love. This is a spiritual message the life that is IN US.... Thus a person will either read the following passage or have the passage read to them in church and suddenly, by their limited carnal natural mind....they are thrust into a man made belief.... Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV - “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? On this verse alone, hate has entered into the hearts of mankind.... Yet if one takes the time to even read the chapter....slowly. Meditate on all of it.... Pray and ask God, who has drawn you, what does he mean.... In the preceding two verses....directly before.... Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV - “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. God is appealing to Jeremiah about the human condition.....out inner battle with ourselves...it is the quest God has given us to experience all things... God created out His love and i believe our existence in bodily form is an essential component of God divine plan for establishing divine consciousness within us...knowing love. I pray this helps my beloved... Reach out if you wanna chat... Love and Peace to you and to your family... ❤🫂❤
i find that the background music makes it really difficult for me to listen for more than a minute. it really does interfere with my brain's ability to follow what you're saying. could you consider reuploading some of the past videos you think are most important, but without background music?
Yes, Jesus said the pure in heart shall see God but He ALSO said they must keep the Law in Matthew 5:17-19 if they are to be great in the kingdom of God😉
The Jews were stuck in the mud of their own traditions of "works" so much, that the idea of grace had become a foreign concept. But there are actually multiple passages in the Old Testament that speak of God's grace. But the Israelites are so obsessed with their "works" and trying to impress God, that they don't even notice God's grace in any part of the Old Testament whatsoever. Lovers of their own traditions while taking pleasure in their boasting, self-righteous behavior. 🤢 🤮
Jesus said to love God with all your heart, mind and soul, and your neighbor as yourself. But HOW do we love God with all our heart, mind and soul, if He is IN us, as you said?
You don't believe that Jesus being inside of us would move us to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul?? I would think it would be Satan within you who would move a person to NOT love God with all their heart, mind, and soul. Are you insinuating that Jesus is on Satan’s side?? Sure sounds like it.
Greetings my beloved, This is a great question if we receive it in love with a desire to provide an answer in love.... If we are to firstly trust (for the sake of this conversation) in the Gospel accounts)...when Jesus was asked about the greatest commandments He referenced two passages from the Law (Torah for those with Hebraic understanding...Gods innstructions), in Deut 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18... In both cases the command is love and the subjects are God and people....love God, love neighbour... However, when Jesus came to sit with His disciples to have their Passover supper (later), He said.... A New Commandment I give to you...to love one another as I have loved you.... I believe this is to signal what takes place for everyone who truly comes to the understanding and belief by faith that we are all made in His image, all His children, all loved by Him....the inevitable destination of this is the following... The only way to love God.....is to love people...His children. And I believe God gave us His witness on earth... 1 John 4:20-21 NKJV - If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. Blessings to you all and to all that God will bless you to meet and have encounters with.... ❤🫂❤
Also would love to hear about Jesus message about abuse as I am a victim to domestic family violence. In church its preached that the victim must forgive and turn the other cheek but that's really caused a lot of damage. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this in a video
Thank you so much for the suggestion! This is a topic I've been wanting to tackle in a video. I think so many of us can relate - there was a lot of spiritual abuse in the circles I grew up in too. What's crazy is that religion turns Jesus' teaching on it's head to protect the oppressive systems he spent so much time calling out.
@@kaitlynlee7070 I believe when the catholic church and Roman government combined and "holy war" was sanctioned things began to go downhill. I was listening to something on this subject recently...I'll have to try and find it.
read the gospel of the holy 12. it is the actual version that they got the 4 gospels from. his message is about loving one another and doing unto another that which you would want them to yourself.
Hey Kaitlyn! I usually quote from the NLT in my videos because it's so easy to understand. When I'm studying I compare multiple translations and check the interlinear to make sure I understand correctly.
@@LoveCoveredLifePodcast me too I have a few translations myself! NRSV and ESV are great translations in my opinion cause they use the correct terms for what are usually called hell in translations like NIV and NLT. :)
@@kaitlynlee7070 Hi. Do you believe in hell as a traditional place of endless punishment? I believe hell is simply the common grave of mankind. What are your thoughts? I'm a truth seeker. Would you like to be spiritual friends and text about these things?
What the Urantia book also says that Jesus taught, it was so simple: We are all brothers and sisters and God is our Father. Our Father gives us the gift of eternal life for free. A life that continues after we leave the earth. A life in which we are lovingly taught to become more and more like our Father.
I am so completely amazed that you figured out everything you believe without having to read it. I know I am babbling on and on about the Urantia book, but you figured out exactly what it teaches. You will surely love to read how the Kingdom is described in the book. If you believe it, the Universe is filled with life. 6 trillion inhabited planets. The book describes how we progress upward and onward through the different ‘levels’ of heaven. There was a small system where Lucifer lead the worlds astray and we are part of that system, the system is called Satania. We were cut off from God by this rebellion. Jesus came to bring us back into the greater universe of God’s Kingdom where rebellion has not ruined everything. He came to take us out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light: a Universe of Worlds where he is the King. A universe of Worlds we would call heaven even though it is not actually part of it. We have to change this world into the image of heaven. That is what we are here for. How do we do it? Through love. By releasing his will upon the Earth. This world is not how it was meant to be. We will eventually end up as a sphere of light and life, but we have to change and then be the change the world needs. Love is the key. Love is the only currency of heaven. It is the only way to do this.
The Urantia Book is amazing! While I don't agree with everything in it, it has been a very helpful book in getting me to understand Jesus! Another good book is the Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ. It matches spot on with NDEs. Its worth a read.
No offence but I’m a Christian and my step bro is the grand puba of the nights of Templar and I was curious if you have done any research about Jesus aside from the bible ? I ask this because if you look in history the only people referred to as disciples are the students of yoga and this goes way back if you look you can find so much and no actual swami or yogi has sexual assaulted anyone that anyone knows of the true teaching and reason he died is because he told the Pharisees that neither their methods or the Romans ways were adequate ways of reaching the divine Jesus was a yogi I am not saying that the bible is all wrong but for sure all the parables are I am only saying this because you read and misinterpret scripture or do yoga and experience the divine the best thing ever would be when the church admits the truth about Jesus if you do meditation in a few short months you will be in a place where you learn everything from within and will understand the things that Jesus said would expose the false faith , please don’t be offended I did bible study and you name it and when I found in old scripture absolute proof about what he really taught and it was science of the body Yoga I love u please take a real look and you will honouring him and helping the. Hole world cuz you can’t use love and. Embrace love and. Be in the dark yogis , can tell you anything and I can now bc go right into the kingdom of heaven you can believe or know believing limits your ability to know cuz it draws a. Line and takes a side yoga is. Pure consciousness and that is what god is
So, what you're saying is that prosperity gospel was the prevailing belief at the time. Great, we've come full circle, with Christians believing one of the very believe Jesus dispelled. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go bang my head against a wall.
What she is trying to say is that God's spirit is already within us and Jesus already fulfilled the Law, so we are free and don't have to jump through those ridiculous self-righteous hoops. We can relax now, which is apparently something you know nothing about.
@@michaelj.frazee9043 Just because Jesus fulfilled the Law, that means WE don't have to? I see no where, where Jesus says because HE fulfills the Law, no one else needs to. He never said, "Just believe in me, and then, you don't have to keep the Law since I already did."
@@pattyclifton7905 Law did exactly what it was meant to do, which was to make people sin more than they would have without it, and to make them realize that they can't do what God wants, so that way they will relax and enjoy the grace of God and Jesus Christ.
@@pattyclifton7905 If you want to fulfill the old law then that puts you in the self-righteous pharisee camp. There is 613 law regulations and if you break one you break them all. Good luck!! 😜
@@pattyclifton7905 The two most important commandments are to love God and neighbor, and as long as we do that, the rest will work itself out naturally. Grace and peace ✌
@@wkdgrneyes I understand and thank you but my question is who is the Jesus you know, is he a different person is it a concept is it a creation of your mind?
@@bluwng No he is real being misrepresented in religion. It's that simple. So not a "different" person but same person being misrepresented. Hope that helps...sorry on my bad wording earlier.
You should checkout Ascended Worship, he teaches the Kingdom within, enjoy! Share what you think on the channel ru-vid.com/group/PLl4P7dboyOtVxWbED9Ozi4aPKyR8qS0cv
Here's what Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-19. "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For assuredly I say to you, til heaven and earth pass away, one not or one tittle shall by no means pass from the law, til all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does, and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." I am wondering why you gloss over Jesus' words here so quickly. He is telling people to keep, and teach, the Law of Moses. If you are going to present what Jesus taught by using the gospels as your source, then perhaps being specific in what he taught, would be important.
Jesus fulfilled the law so that we wouldn't have to. The law made people sin even more and become self-righteous. God doesn't want self-righteous boasters in His Kingdom. Jesus commanded us to follow the 2 greatest commandments, to Love God and neighbor. (Matthew 22:37-39) And as long as we love God and neighbor, we can't lose. It's that simple.
No offense, Melissa, but there is nothing in your message that qualifies you to be a teacher of the Word of God. Of course this is your RU-vid channel and you can do with it what you wish. But, you are a student who is still learning much, and not a teacher. A lot of what you have interpreted is incorrect. I know you are doing your best, but the number of errors in your message is significant and, sadly, people who don't study the Word of God will believe you, rather than seeking truths in His actual Word because most people won't go through the effort of testing the accuracy of your message in His Word. I would just ask that you not put yourself out there as a teacher and mislead people based upon your own opinions and then, as a result, misleading them. I watch many of your videos and I think you're a wonderful and loving person. I believe that you are gifted in loving people. However I do believe that you are treading in waters that are too deep for you to navigate. I ask that the Lord will continuously guide you and all of us through the wisdom and discernment that we receive by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and our Beloved Savior. This is a truth that we have learned and been convicted of as this is written in His Word. Thank you for your channel and for always trying your best.
Where did Jesus say that his words can only be understood by some mysterious interpreters, you are not identifying? In the very typical church fashion you are discriminating people into the true believers (us) and the false believers (them). You can find that in most religious organizations with centuries of brutal consequences. However, there is no us and them, as we are all one 🙏🏼
Greetings my beloved, I pray this message finds you well and rejoicing in the Gospel of the Kingdom.... It has been 2 years + since you commented... I was wondering whether you maintain your viewpoint as you did then. Has anything moved for you since... I hope to hear back... Blessings to you and to those God will call toward you.... ❤🫂❤
