My mom always said to us “ Follow JESUS not man “ I thank GOD for that constant saying, when The Lord saved me I said that to my heart, I started going to church and stayed for 8 years there, The Lord lead to get out, because I follow Him I left, because I understood that I follow a purpose a vision, not a church, denomination or pastor, I follow my Lord and Savior, it was a battle that cemented my faith, after everyone pretty much shunned me just for leaving, I don’t resent them I just understand that He’s my enough, He’ll lead me in all my ways if I acknowledge Him is his promise, and that’s where I stand, I love Him more every day and my brothers and sisters in faith, we’re imperfect and instead of resentment I’m thankful for the strength He gave me to go through that, and the lessons made me rely in Him even more, so for that I’m grateful. If you are lead to leave a church, pray and analyze your heart’s intention, then like Pastor Stanley said: “ Obey GOD leave all consequences to Him “
As a pastor’s kid, I’ve seen a lot of church hurt on the inside. My family and the senior pastor’s family were kicked out of an entire town because the senior pastor did a sermon on gossip, which small towns thrive on. They offered my dad the position after they ousted the senior pastor, and Dad chose to stand beside his pastor and friend. That was a very tough season for all of us, and short of sexual abuse, it was one of the worst things I’ve seen happen in a church. But our faith is in Jesus, not the people that claim to follow Him and don’t. If you’ve experienced church hurt, you will not find a perfect pastor or church, because there aren’t any. But there are those who exist who genuinely care and prove by their own steadfastness and love that Jesus is real, and loves you, and it’s not too late. Find Jesus, and find a church family.
I was saved when I was 15. I grew up in foster care so guidance like this wasn’t available to me. I’m so blessed that others are blessed to have access in something God lead you to do for them. When I was saved when I was 15, I often participated in youth. I had a youth Pastor that all of us were close to. We all were like family. Being without a family I felt God had redeemed me with a sense of family in this way. I was really growing. When our Pastor announced he was getting married we were so excited for him. Later idk why but his wife I noticed acted strange around me. I felt this feeling around her I couldn’t explain. Later she spread around the church I was trying to take her husband. I was so heartbroken. The reason I was in foster care was because something had happened to me that took me away from my family. To open up to people was huge for me because I didn’t trust people, especially men. And the thought of that made me sick. I didn’t understand why people were like this. I didn’t understand that way of thinking. I was so innocent & I was so young I felt completely betrayed. I left the church and went back to the streets. But God never left me. God didn’t stop chasing me. Giving me grace. I didn’t trust church anymore. I wanted nothing to do with people who I presumed to be cruel. At least on the streets I knew who an enemy was. I was very young in my walk. I will never be church hurt again. And only the wicked run. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. We are there to praise God because of who He is. By me running my faith was in people not God. Nonetheless, God is amazing and has completely redeemed me and kept me. It is well.
I have no idea what it is like going through something like this, so I will have to say I applaud your bravery throughout this and your perseverance!! If you ever need guidance or to just talk, you can pray to Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, and Holy Spirit!! Amen!! Try to mean what you pray, sometimes it’s hard but it is way worth it!! Amen!! 🙏
I was reading someone's testimony and they said The Lord told them to return to church which they pleaded against due to church hurt, the response they received was "I'm sending you to love others, not the other way around."
I am going through some similar situation myself... It hurts a lot, to confront someone(head of the family) in love, And it feels worthless to keep repeating the fact that they need to look into their ways... It kind of gets in the way of my thinking too... Sometimes I myself feel distanced from God... Sometimes I can't think straight like I could do when I am on my own... I struggle with my personal weaknesses of sin too... which I am very aware of.... well... It's painful but I know that all this pain isn't meaningless... Just as Christ bore our sins, and at the end He Lives and triumphs forever more... I too hope this sorrow will end, with the Joy that cannot be even compared to what we suffer here for our Lord...
I’m a hurt Christian as well. I grew up in the churches were it’s wasn’t healthy. But thanks to the Holy Spirit and sermon videos told me, that’s not how Jesus really is. I cried and immediately repentance. Now, I just want to go back to church and glory god. There is famous quote among Christians which is 100% true. “ if the world hates you because you believe in Jesus, you’re in the right path. However if that person hates Jesus because of YOU, you’re the problem.” Sermon videos education which is biblical truth! The amount of hurt WE get in the churches remember, there will be always enemy planted in the church. Just because we are in father’s house, the enemies aren’t there! Enemies always seeking to divided among us since unity is powerful! I used to think people are the cause of this but in fact it’s the demons behind the plots. I’m not saying not all are from demons since WE as humans have responsible to sins. can’t blame on demons all the time when we’re refusing to change and allowed that particular sin to manifest. Accountability to our sins is also important to take it to Jesus for repentance. 😅 I’m still learning! I’m still baby Christian!
My family had experienced a lot of hurt at church, but one thing we did was forgive and we still are in contact with them. We speak to them regularly ❤. We love them more than what they did. God bless you all❤
I grew up Christian and have been bullied my whole life and out of all places where I got bullied the most was at churches. Its especially hurtful when it happens in a place that’s supposed to be about acceptance and love and that you’d be safe from bullying, but demons exist everywhere and feeling unsafe in a place that's supposed to provide solace is a profound betrayal.
@@kamrenflytrap6138 You’re not wrong, but it’s disappointing when church feels like a place of judgement instead of love and acceptance. If I don’t feel safe at a church, where else can I turn to for solace?
It is very important to forgive. And at the moment I am having a little bit of trouble feeling safe and apart of the family at this PCY (Ponty Christian Youth) group with church. But I am still going because I feel that is what God wants me to do. So we should all keep fighting in our spiritual battles. But what we also got to remember that God has already won! Thank you Lord Amen! ❤
@@serendorey I completely understand where you are coming from. It is very tough when you feel like you’re not accepted or safe in a place that’s meant for love and community. Continue holding onto your faith and always remember that God’s love is stronger than any challenges we face. Stay strong, we are all in this together.
As a newer Christian I always feel like I have to apologize to people I meet for all the bridges that were burned by other believers. Especially since I was burned by churches too when I was a kid. There really are kindhearted and genuine Christians out there, but they seem to be harder and harder to find. And I still get a little torked about Christian persecution and being enemies of the world because we Christians brought a lot of that hatred on ourselves by the nasty ways some of us act towards people. We all need to do better. Myself included.
This is sadly the first time I’ve seen anyone holding those causing “church hurt” accountable. The finger is always pointed at the ones who have been hurt, while grace is given to the ones causing the hurt, which only creates a wider gap. So thank you for bridging it! Instead of gaslighting or shaming those who have been hurt, I believe addressing the core issue is what begins the healing.
@@thenaildoctornola5334 Bless you ♡ I 100 percent agree. We are all flawed human beings and some of us can be so passionate about our faith that we often forget how we can come across as too rigid or too pushy to others. And the really scary thing is the congregation not knowing how to stand up for someone or realizing that they need to break the status quo if the hurt had been occurring for a long time. Nobody likes to make waves, and nobody likes to be retaliated against. Church hurt is really a tricky situation for all involved, that's why we can't blame any ONE person or side.
@@genevievehoskins6829 I agree, the solution can’t be in attacking either side. I find that hurt people usually hurt people, so I believe the healing is in getting to the core of the issue itself. Bridging the gap, instead of creating more division.
I recall reading about how Oli Sykes, the lead singer for the British rock band Bring Me the Horizon was hurt by Christians. As the story goes, he got into drugs, and such a bad addiction to ketamine, he had to go to rehab, but instead, all they tried to do was get him saved, since they knew he was an atheist. He eventually got the true help he needed, but the damage was done. His song “House of Wolves” is a literal gutpunch to all self righteous, religious figures, as right off the bat, it kicks off as “Show me a sign, show me a reason to give a solitary f*ck about your godd*mn beliefs!” Yikes! I honestly can’t blame him, though. Whenever I listen to the song (I am a BMTH fan, btw), as a Christian myself, I don’t feel offended. In fact, I am in full agreement for how he feels. Because Christians can honestly be the worst kind of people you will run into. Believe me, I know.
I have a doubt brother.. There are certain qulaities mentioned for a church leaders,deacons etc in the book of Timothy. What if, the church leader has fallen into a sin such as sexual immorality and some believers have fallen because of this?
If they fall into this sin (while in a position of leadership) I believe they should step down from their position. Especially if this causes other believers to sin from their actions. If they cannot rule themselves, how will they be able to rule the body of the Church?
What people forget is that Church is about God. It isn't about other people. Your obligations are with Him only. Chuch isn't for saints, it's for sinners, so you're bound to find people who will hurt you just like everywhere else. There are no "safe spaces" to avoid pain when it involves someone's free will.
This message is not only for church hurt but also for any other offences that have been committed against us. Honestly it's so hard to close our eyes and forgive the person who has caused us alot of pain, but the Spirit told me something today, it's the same God that wakes you up everyday of your life that does the same for them. Let's just keep being good 😊
Pray for my wife. She was so deeply hurt by the church, she's turned from God. I'm trying to lovingly welcome her back to the faith, but I cannot force it. So pray for her and us.
To those who have had church hurt… Let’s say you find a book you really like (great author, great book). And you go to the book club and everyone at the book club seems cool but then they get crazy and dramatic and toxic…you wouldn’t say “now I don’t like the book”, you’d say “oh let me go to a new book club” and I think that’s important. Don’t let other people’s trauma and hurt stop you from having a relationship with God who loves you more than anybody else and knows you better than anybody else and truly desires what is best for you. It’s about the relationship with Him, and about your faith. We need more genuine Christians who are Christians because they love & have faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10), not people who promote hate under guise of religion. Jesus loves you ❤ Read the Bible and learn more about His heart for yourself ❤ get to know Him
I, myself, have experienced church hurt from a well known megachurch in Sydney, Australia. Everything you are describing I can relate to when it comes to feeling loneliness, rejected and bullied by certain Bible College students and church staff members. Deep down, I knew that this church wasn’t for me and my family. We moved to a smaller church with a healthier community and biblically-sound teachings. We’re really enjoying the community church! 😇⛪️
We need to do better. We cant hurt or harm whom God had died for. Furthermore, let us be the light and salt here on earth. Whay kind of light are you that brings darkness. Let us do better and live as the Lord Jesus Christ has called us🙏🏿 🙌🏿 ✨️
I will never understand the Christians that think that it is OK to judge other Christians when they sin, they need to remember that no one is perfect and we have all fallen from the glory of God. Besides, as Christians, we need to endure hardships as believers in Christ
When someone decides to judge others (And I don't mean citing the word of God to them in hopes of correction, but proclaiming someone damned) they're playing God. He is the judge, not us. We can't know someone's heart, but he does. That's why we need to be patient and forgiving, as he was with us.
Well, we too can be judgy at times. We can't really condemn people, even for judging others, if we don't know what they're going through. So please go easy on people, they could be hurting too!
Church hurt is so common now, I just stopped going. I’m content with online Bible study, and before you go saying “it’s not biblical”, it is. We are in the last of days and have been fore warned of corrupt churches and the great falling away. Finding a doctrinal sound church is about as difficult today, as finding a golden needle in a hay stack.
The reason that im bitter is because i live by the second part of god’s greatest commandment, i didnt see a lot of that in the church. God is now being used in America to hurt others rather than help. You know the parables, health care? What did Jesus say about helping someone, even if he was different and from somewhere else? Apathy leads to ignorance, Ignorance leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to violence. See where im going with this? I have no issue with you whatsoever, you are one of the exception to the rule because you do what god tells you. You’re not god, and you don’t seem to tell others what to do while ignoring god. Thank you for at least reading my posts. Im kidding, you can delete my posts. Im not an anti-theist.
This is so good, I know many people who have experienced church hurt, I did myself when my pastor was exposed to have cheated on his wife. Luckily the church was able to replace him with a better pastor who has continued to be a blessing for my family.
I went out to eat with the pastor of a church once, it was strangely awkward. We were still nice to each other but coming up with something interesting to talk about between two Christians has been kind of a struggle for me. I guess full conversations haven’t been one of my strong suits in general though…
I got Angry at God because of what was done to me and I have not been able to heal from it it's been 6 years now I still can't believe God Loves me and most likely will never feel his love again so church doing these things deserve more than a slap on the wrist in my opinion. Since they caused me to fall away from my Father they deserve no less!!!
This video will helps a lot of Christian today that they said they love Jesus but they did not love they neighbors. I also experienced of leaving the church because of many issues especially in doctrines. But here's what i learn in continuos growing of relationship in Christ. It's not important who is right and who is wrong (note: it is about the issues of two side. It's not about the doctrines that are indeed wrong.) the most important is loving and forgiving as God forgave us. In Matthew 5:46 it will help us to learn how we love it said that If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? I hope it will help to us. God bless, I love you all❤
I'm sorry guys, but with all my love in respect, I'm not sure if this video is supposed to comfort me or not. My family and I went through so much c@#p in the church that people in the world were much nicer to me and geniunly were trying to help. As for the church, only 2 people were by our sidein a tough time, who I can call true friends and even a family. The rest of the church are just talk how family they are...but in realiry they don't care. It's all about pride, politics, money, boasting how special they are...that is it. Sorry.
If you would like I can pray that you might find a church of loving bretheren in Christ. A church is where any 3 servants of the Lord bend knee in prayer together. Buildings, Organizational structures and denominational statements don't make churches; God's children do.
@kriegjaeger yes please please...pray for George and a family to find a good loving church where people not just talk theology but geniunly love and care for one another and treat everyone with love respect. Also, please pray for us to get baptised as we decided not to do it in our current church. Thank you 😊
Thank you for this video, but I honestly can’t go back to a church building. My little family has church at home and that’s more than I got at the church buildings. I feel that most church’s today has wolves in sheep’s clothing.
True but God already foretold this. The tares and wheat He said let grow together that He will separate them in due time. So there is no perfect church. Ask God for discernment, forgive pray and love. Remember that's what Satan wants to have Gods ppl separate and not in fellowship with one another. (Matthew 13:24-30)
I think maybe my ex- friend go to a another religion because of that ! And it's so sad when this happens because this strip your willing to go to the church again
The thing I don't like about attending church is that there's no true fellowship going on. It's all about one person doing all the talking and then music. Plus, I feel more like a customer than a person that any stranger there would want to get to know. Also not a fan of "churchiness" where people put on a persona on Sunday mornings when they're not that person the rest of the week. Why can't we just meet up and talk instead of all these hindering formalities?
i think u shud definitely pray and ask the Lord to help u find a good church thats genuine and doesnt feel fake. and also every church is going to have lukewarm ppl who arent all in for God, but focus on your own walk with the Lord🙏 but i get what u mean😬 the pastor at my old church payed someone to be my sisters friend….. it was hard to make a genuine friend who actually wanted to get to know me. but yeah im still praying that the Lord would bring me a friend!
It's crazy when a church leader isn't even Christian but knows all the right things to say. We see this a lot in some popular mega-churches or from some pulpits where the congregation has "itching ears" and want to believe in things like The Prosperity Gospel (which is no gospel at all) and the assumption is that, if you graduated from Seminary, you must be a Christian but that's not how any of this works. A hugely important thing the Lord taught me when I dealt with my own church hurt (multiple times and I'm sure I'll deal with it again in the future) is that He is not them. HE loves me and HE died for me and they're sinners, just like me, in some cases my brothers/sisters in Christ, though potentially not (and only He can know that unless they just come out and say something overtly and foundationally anti-Gospel), and in both cases He will/has taken care of that sin done against me. Either it was handled on the cross or it will be handled through justice later on when they come before the throne and their sin falls on themselves. In whatever case, HE calls me to be in fellowship with His people, partially to show others the kind of grace and love He has for His people - that our love for each other and for others is different and to His glory - and that people hurting me can't get in the way of what He's called me to. Or, at least, it shouldn't. That's not to say that one can't take time out to heal, go to a Christian therapist, spend more time in relationships with genuine Christians to build up that trust again but our eyes can't be focused on what's happened to us. Our eyes have to be on Jesus and His glory because our lives are not our own and we are not the main character, thank the Lord! He cares for our hurt. He even says that He is hurt when we hurt so He does not dismiss it in any way. But the way in which we love others and spend time with His people, despite being treated, is one of the ways we show the world who He is. And He is worthy.
I left a church when I was young because there was a paedophile at the church. We found out and my family left because other church members acted like it wasn’t a big deal.
Here's my story: I'm a little over fifty, and never been married. I've had a pretty rough life. As a result, I find it very hard to relate to other Christians. Most Christians my age have families, and most Christians I know have had limited struggles. May of last year (2023), I was driven out of my church because most of my friends there were in their early-to-mid twenties. There was no other reason given. What they told me was, I wouldn't be allowed to keep going to the service my friends went to, and I wouldn't be allowed to stay at the Bible studies they went to (I was going to two at the time. One of those was mostly filled up with married couples in their thirties, and even had a guy about ten years older than me.) The Associate Pastor who dealt with me kept going on about how as an older person, I have power over my young friends, which I took as insinuating I'd coerced them to do something immoral - else, why bring it up? (If I had the power to coerce my friends into having lunch with me, I wouldn't have had the struggles with loneliness that I'd already told that AP about.) After a while, I was thinking 'I'm glad I have to leave now; if I stayed with these people, they'd go from insinuation to accusation'. About then, this AP said they wanted me to stay at their church - just not at the service my friends went to. My immediate thought was, 'they've decided I'm some kind of criminal, and they only want me there to keep an eye on me, until they can make some excuse to accuse me of something'. I said no. Once he got over the shock - and he did act shocked - the AP said 'I want you to say that not going to the morning service was 100% your idea', which told me a lot about why he'd asked me in the first place. During the conversation, he told me that church had a policy of mixing people of different ages together. Y'know, while he was kicking me out for mixing with people of different ages. I took the whole thing as dishonest, and sending me several red flags for abusive behavour. I'm now in contact with only one person at that church - I feel like the rest have forgotten me. I haven't given up on Christianity (yet), though it seems like the pastors of that church didn't want somebody who doesn't fit their idea of 'normal' to be Christian. I've been trying a couple of new churches, but I just don't know where I'll end up.
I'm sorry that it ended up like that for you! To be summarily kicked out for something like that is so wrong! My husband and I, even though we're married, feel like we don't fit in anywhere cuz we don't have kids and aren't the quintessential rich people (you know, having your own house and all, so we can't identify with a lot of people in our area, which is one of the most expensive areas in the country). Heck, we're technically homeless (living in a motel), but even in our better days, we would still be what's considered poor or lower-class. I wish we could move to a less expensive area but my husband has a job here (a low-paying job but at least it keeps us going!) Our problem is we go to churches (several) and they're so welcoming at the first, and we feel like "Finally! We've found a place to belong!!" People will sometimes take us out to lunch and treat us, even though we could pay on our own. But when we hit on hard times or we're struggling in some other fashion, then suddenly they act as if we've become an inconvenience, a bother. It could even be that they resent having to pick us up and drive us over. We don't try to ask for help, unless it gets really, really bad, but we feel like we're treated like lazy and irresponsible (my husband works hard and I can't find anything for me and I've tried!) I don't want to not fellowship or be forgiving, but this happening over and over again has left us feeling shell-shocked and afraid to reach out for fear we'll get chased off yet again for whatever reason. I feel safe sharing with you cuz you seem to be still working through the issues instead of having overcome or immediately defaulting to "forgive or else". I want to forgive and move on, but I'm scared of being hurt again. I don't mind if people are imperfect and make mistakes as long as we can talk it out. I'd want to even do it with those who've hurt us (inadvertently, I'm sure) since it seems that lately we've seen them coming around in our area, I just am leery of going back. A side note - which may get us rejected here - is we consider ourselves part of the LGBTQIA+ community (I am technically asexual and gender-nonconforming, though I easily pass for cis-female and my husband has known he was bi since he was young). We just figure these more conservative fundamentalist churches would throw us out in a heartbeat if they knew that. I don't want to not be obedient to Jesus or not give people a chance, I'm just scared of being rejected again! We both are. I wish I knew where you lived; we'd love to hang out with you, if you'd have us! Thanks for letting me unload, even if you're bored to tears by now, and I hope your situation improves! God bless you!
@@denisemayosky1955 Thanks. I've heard that about couples without kids. Shell-shocked is how I've been feeling too. And trying to deal with the idea of forgiveness and moving on. Sucks how people have treated you. I get the impression you live in the US? I don't, so probably not near you. :/
I am going through some similar situation myself... It hurts a lot, to confront someone(head of the family) in love, And it feels worthless to keep repeating the fact that they need to look into their ways... It kind of gets in the way of my thinking too... Sometimes I myself feel distanced from God... Sometimes I can't think straight like I could do when I am on my own... I struggle with my personal weaknesses of sin too... which I am very aware of.... well... It's painful but I know that all this pain isn't meaningless... Just as Christ bore our sins, and at the end He Lives and triumphs forever more... I too hope this sorrow will end, with the Joy that cannot be even compared to what we suffer here for our Lord... Edit: I am still in the process, I am sticking to God's idea of really wanting me to stay with them.... I don't know about you guys, but try sticking to Jesus.... I think it'll be good for you guys to get to know The Chosen TV series, a show that depicts life of people who had been in the time of 1st coming of Christ, and lived closed to Christ. Their online community is The Chosen Fan Club, from where you can really get loving people to connect with online. The Channel in youtube: www.youtube.com/@TheChosenSeries
We are in a war. Every person is a campaign. Battles are waged every second. Some are won, but others are lost. But this war has already been decided; it was decided on the cross. Our enemy can win some battles, but he has already lost the war. God has won it all for us.
i wouldn't say that you need to go to church exactly, otherwise were not any better then those people who hurt us there. we need to remember thats its not about what building's we go into, but the people we hang out with every day, like our families and friends. ❤🙏
i would say focus on building relationships with strong christians. i meet up with my best friend whos a solid believer, and i always feel encouraged whenever we hangout. we'll also pray and take communion together time to time. so remember that church isnt a building, its the people. and if you find that youre not being fed at a church, try going to different bible studies :)
i second what they said; build strong relationships. that is so huge when it comes to church commitments and it makes it fun!! personally i prefer small group bible studies with people my age
Wow this video truly touched my heart. God truly knows when we need to hear something or finds various ways to speak. I have been going through a time of hurt because of certain situations that have happened in the ministry. I have been asking God what to do and this video helped me see a whole new perspective because even though we are children of God that doesn’t make us perfect.
Amen 🙏 thank you so so much Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, and Holy Spirit for guiding me and so many others to this wonderful video/channel!! Amen!! Remember to always pray to Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, and Holy Spirit for guidance and to talk!! Amen!! 🙏😊
At one point many years ago I left my faith because of what people did to me in church in the past. And had tried others. Than I was called back. I still fear of being verbally abused again!!!!! Haven't but still fear
One of the church leaders when I was younger was WEIRDLY obsessed with me (I’m a 17 year old girl now) bit, he told me once when I was about 11-12 that he wanted to “tie me in his basement” I stopped going to church for 4 years after that
Cardinal, Bernard law, went to the Vatican after he hurt people. I guess being held accountable for your sins depends on who you are. Kind of like when David Slept with his neighbor Bathsheba. David sent Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband to the front lines, in his war at that time when finding out Bathsheba was pregnant. How did god respond? By forgiving David And Bathsheba’s sins, but then god has all of Davids concubine’s openly raped for everyone to see. God murders Bathsheba's Illegitimate child, only to let a widow and married woman marry David, then have Solomon. Please explain how Mary became righteous enough to be a vessel for a demigod? Who bye the way, was another of god’s children who was murderd for no reason. Im patiently waiting for you to ignor my ‘real’ question. I don’t understand the hypocrisy.
That may be true for small churches. But if the wrong doer is the head of a mega church with plenty of power and money to even turn law upside down? You'll be lucky to not be thrown in jail for mocking the new god, yes, that church head and his archangels, namely money, bank account, bribed police, and bribed judges
My struggle in attending the church runs from years of bullying, pain, trauma, and assault. It didn’t matter how many times I changed churches or attempted to ignore or forgive them. I had gone to adults I was supposed to trust yet I was always alone and they would either allow the ones who bullied and assaulted me to come back or pretended I didn’t exist when I tried to return to church life in an effort to forgive them. So I worship at home until I can find a church where I can belong. Because I refuse to ruin my relationship with God and hurt myself by attending a church where I’m not wanted.
This sounds like abusive language cause when the church hurts me it's not those who cause and did the actions that cause me pain...it's satans fault because of course we can't be wrong in the big picture or even apologies for hurting people. Why is it so hard to get any church member just to say sorry for me feeling and experiencing pain from the actions of the church and the congregation?
You seem nice. Im going to tell you how not to attract people to god. Yelling at them and calling them broken sinners on college campuses, isn’t going to work. (It’s easier to attract flies with honey)
If you can tell, I became an atheist after reading the bible, not before. Im not a hater, i just hate that people use god as a scapegoat to ignore personal responsibility. Isn’t that a righteous thing? It wasn't god that made me an atheist, it was ignorant christians who dont read the bible. People who use god as a weapon, not as a moral guide. Im not unique, many people who were once christians, and were told to read the bible and did, became atheists.
Pretty good video with a lot of truth. Perhaps we can get further down this road toward healing and unity if we better understand what "church" really is in history and in scripture.
the church the real one is us people not just some buildings. Going to one doesnt make a christian just catholic or protestant or even orthodox. Real christians should remember that. We are that "church" and we should be as one not scattered across the world
I know i should go to a church building, i just dont have the transportation beyond the bus and walking. Plus my job really sucks so so taking a sunday off means i lose money and my checks but that shouldn't be an excuse. Ive also had bad experiences with churches and nowadays i wouldn't know where to look to find a decent church. I like to think online church would work but maybe its not. Im not sure...
Oh, we're in that situation now!! I wish *we* could fellowship so we can know there are others like us out there! Until then, being online at least talking with others may help. Here's a hug, meanwhile!🫂
There’s an online church I know of, based in a region about 25 miles across. Really composed of about 20 small churches, who join together for a Sunday service. Many of the individual churches are so small that they find it hard to operate independently. The online service works very well. After the service people are given time to talk to each other, to chat about all kinds of things - it generates friendship and good feelings to each other. It’s run on Zoom software, so you can see on screen the ‘congregation’. It’s friendly and good natured. Each service is taken by a member of a small team of ministers. I don’t know if such a thing is available in your area, but if it is, it might work for you. Sometimes individual churches can be a bit isolated - in a ‘bubble’ and maybe even cliquey, but in a wider ‘community’, this doesn’t seem to happen. I truly hope you can find something where you feel comfortable. I once heard someone say that “God is present everywhere, not just in a church building, so don’t worry if you can’t get to a church building to pray / worship.” Two ministers were present when that was said, and they didn’t disagree. I think that’s true - but just my opinion!
During the Exodus each day people had to gather Mana for their food, this was a daily work that was required but on the day before Sabbath God would provide a double portion so they did not have to work during sabbath. God not only told us to take a day of rest, but that HE would provide. You don't have to work 24/7 if you're relying on God for your daily bread. That doesn't mean to be lazy of course, but we should take a break weekly and rest in the Lord. Pray to the Lord for Guidence and listen to your conscience on the matter on what is acceptable. I would say regarding commandments, we are not commanded to observe the sabbath. The commandment was to the Hebrews he took out of Israel to remind them he had taken them out of Israel and an aspect people often forget or do not mention is those violating the sabbath were to be stoned. NO ONE upholds that part of the command, which is great because we are no longer under the law but under grace. So it's not a command, but a good thing to observe in a way God tells you is acceptable.
I have had a lot of church hurt. I met my now ex husband in church when I was 16. We started dating when I was 17 and I got pregnant soon after graduation high school. My families church senior pastor and her husband shunned me and ousted me. Saying such hurtful things. I had asked to volunteer for our youth soccer camp and was told it would be inappropriate because I was pregnant out of wedlock. I was also told that my baby didn’t ask to be born and that I was a selfish person for getting pregnant out of marriage. They spoke about me behind my back. It made going to church very hard when it seemed like they started focusing sermons around my sins. I left that church after my son was born. Tried a few other ones. But it isn’t easy going alone and even harder when your own family didn’t see anything wrong with how they had treated me. I go with my mom occasionally to that same church. And now 10 years later, they act as if nothing happened. Its been difficult trusting in a church again. So I haven’t really gone in years.
I'm so sorry! You shouldn't have had to deal with that. It was very hurtful! I'm like you, trying to learn to forgive and trust again. But maybe talking on here to others helps? I wish we could fellowship so that we can find a way to trust again! Till then, will virtual hugs do?🫂🫂🫂❤️
Hello, if I may interject. Those feelings always boil down to an attack of the enemy to steal your faith. And if you feel like disclosing, why is it you feel that way, what's going through your mind when you have those thoughts?
@dariusdefour5365 I'll start with Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of thus dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." NIV My answer to you is this, we're in a time where we want to be on the right side of God, and to first do that, we need to get to know His heart. His intentions for us, His will for us, why He loves us etc etc. I would recommend, by start, reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), if you feel up to the challenge, read the entirety of the Bible but start with the new testament first and go on to the old. I would start these studies with a prayer, inviting God into your moment, for his peace, and his understanding. I think it's okay to listen to others opinions because it shapes our world views, but I don't think it's fair to our God if we base our knowledge of him from someome else who doesnt care or love Him. This is my suggestion. ultimately, you decide what your faith will be, but I pray you choose God ❤️✨️
Hi, God has called me to donate to Edo state Nigeria. I’m a 14 year old who lives in the USA. How do I turn American dollars into Nigerian dollars, because I don’t know how to donate from one country to the other. Does anyone know how I could do it?
My siblings have left the church and I don’t really know why, and when they see people who they know go to church and they are rude, that discourages them more.
Keep in mind that the church is us, not a building! We are to assemble together. The church is commonly misidentified. Continue to keep the unity because the devil wants to divide and conquer.
Ive gone off the rails as a Christian. I’ve seen 3 of your videos just now and I’ve been the one in the wrong in each of those videos. I’ve been living in sin for months now and I don’t have anyone to turn to about it. It’s hard being alone as a Christian.
Remember that you're never alone, God's with you each second If you need to talk face-to-face with another christian I hope you can find a community, even if it is a virtual one... that would really help you. God loves you, I send you blessings from Argentina 🫂❤🩹
How can Christians believe that Christ paid for our sins? Can you not see that Christ has been created to enjoy life even as we have been created to enjoy life? Christ has been created to be a blessing and blessed on earth even as we have been born to be both blessing and blessed, for this is the nature of God revealed in His creation. If you remember that "what you truly believe," is what you get, so can you not see that the belief in Christ paying our sins will bring you nothing but misery? Believe in punishment and punishment is what you will get. Believe in killing and destruction as being the right way to reach God, and that is what you will experience-killing and destruction. If you are hungry and thirsty, it is because you are turning away from God within you-within everyone. By indulging your fearful thoughts, anxieties and feelings of hopelessness, you are creating the very conditions you want to rectify. You are doing all these bad things to yourself.
Wow, it hit me hard to hear that as Christians we should have a community and a church and not be my ourselves since we are targets for demonic attacks! Thanks, I needed to hear this cause I am a newborn Christian since October 2023 but since this day I have not found (or even searched) a church! But I truly want to and I think about this a lot lately! I think this could help growing in faith soo much!
Why do you delete only some of my posts? I understand the paul thing, but why god’s instructions for how to treat unreachable people? Jesus does say to shake off your feet as you leave. If people want to keep their faith, they shouldn’t be talking to me. I completely understand what God said, and why he said it.
Dont worry my friend. Im not going to be ‘that guy.’ Im sorry, ill give you peace now. Ill only talk to people who misunderstand what they read, or with wring/no context. The thing that angers me more than anything, was being told that i cant be moral without god. Im literally being told by someone who looked down with contempt on me because i hold myself personally responsible for my actions, not scapegoat someone. Im moral, empathetic, understanding, forgiving, and responsible for things i do and say because i love people, not because im commanded too, just because i do. Im basically telling people here not to talk to folks like me, but if they do, i wont lie to anyone, as far as i know, what ‘truth’ is. But i will definitely change my mind if i’m shure that im wrong. (Rare commodity these days). I could talk all day about the bible, and god, and the history of that part of the world, and the bible. I find it fascinating! I could only say what I believe to be true, even if it makes me uncomfortable. Thats a character flaw. Lol. Ill be nice in the future. I just found you, and i like that you teach the bible correctly. Im sorry if I stressed you out, it wasn't my goal.
"Why do you delete only some of my posts?" It's possible he didn't. There has apparently been a widespread problem lately with Google randomly deleting posts, only for them to reappear later.
I wouldn't say you *should* - but I wouldn't say you shouldn't, either. Don't let it influence you in the wrong ways, and keep in mind there are going to be some very anti-Christian artists in that genre - but there's nothing inherently wrong with most genres (outside porn). That said, I personally find CCM almost always trite and unlistenable. it's written by people who think life automatically become good when you become Christian. (There are exceptions, of course.)
I just moved somewhere new. Me and my family have tried going to this church for about 2 years. I tried doing everything I could think of. Inviting people to lunch after church, volunteering my time and money, and going on all the church trips. I just can't seem to make any friends. Am I doing something wrong?
you need to find a church where the people will put effort into you the same way you do for them. its not fair to you or your family to put in so much effort to get nothing back. that’s not a sign that you did anything wrong. sometimes people are friendly but aren’t looking to make friends.
Good day everyone, my life was in shambles when my parents couldn’t make it out of a car accident,it was the darkest moment of my life I thought all hope was lost then God happened! God has really been greatful to me I now have a nice house and a weekly $278k returns,Glory be to God for he really has been good to me and has washed and made my life whole..
The scripture says in Ephesians 2:7-8. that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus
please excuse me is this for real? How is that really possible am really struggling in finance how's that possible? Glory to God for his works on your Life
Just watched this on RU-vid for the first time. Just thought of the first family that I knew who went to church when my parents and I started going to church in Marysville, which now attends a different church. I just wish that they could come back to church. We or I love them as neighbors and as brothers and sisters in Christ. More importantly, I miss them, whether it's going to Men's Retreat every year, late August to early September, playing with their dog 🐕 even liking or interested in their daughter, Amy, as a Single person myself. I miss seeing her face, smile, and yes, her eyes, her very pretty eyes. But I know, my time ⏲️ and my woman 👩 will come. God doesn't want us to be separate, no power of Hell or scheme of Man. He'll bring us together so we can be together forever and for all eternity
When you started out talking on this video you sounded like you were talking about my old church. This 5 tips were helpful to hear. They were very practical by way of application. ❤ It's nice when saints can talk out differences and forgive, embrace, and move on.
Thank you for your work Brothers. There is also the command, that we HAVE TO flee from false teaching. Chruch is not about a building and a community which is focused on "their own goals". Chruch is not a place, it's not a conglomerate of people who are confirming more to things of this world and refuse to listen to or even read the Holy scripture themselves. We are living in times of seperation and seperation is not always devision - the enemy screams devision but Jesus whispers selction. And to seperate from a indoctrinated church, which is not allowing biblical warning or criticism of the obedience to worldly / political issues, rather supports and defends it, is biblical backed up. Of course you meantion it in a small passage but the so called "unity" is more so often used as an instrument to false accuse reborn believers of hate speach and judgmental behaviour, so be aware of whom you unite with. The chruch is the body of christ and to have community with fellow believers is not bound to a modern building with professional concepts and event like sunday morning services. Where did the chruch meet in the bible? In the Temple? In some buildings officially called chruch? No, they met humbly and sincerely in someones home. Consider making a painful decision instead of pleasing men. Huge blessings and Maranatha, our LORD is comming soon.
