"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself." Thomas Paine

@unknown5150variable

26 күн бұрын

I once said something like to, None of us are free unless we're all free. My friend showed me a few different quotes with similar sentiment. I must have heard it somewhere. In my case I had probably picked it up somewhere but so many have said something similar so i wonder if its some sort if universal truth I have never heard Paines but it is the oldest and most poetic that Ive seen. Thank you for introducing to Paines version 🙂

@psydd5209

26 күн бұрын

@@unknown5150variable “Most people are not really free. They are confined by the niche in the world that they carve out for themselves. They limit themselves to fewer possibilities by the narrowness of their vision.” ― V.S. Naipaul

@lifeisaprayer

26 күн бұрын

Exactly

@suepall5425

25 күн бұрын

And this is what Donald Trump does not believe. Nor do those who support him. In order to save Democracy we must vote Blue all the way down the ballot to stop this evil from undermining and even destroying Democracy. Regardless of whether we support every Democrat goal. We must put Democracy first and worry about the issues when we once again have that privilege.

"The primary purpose of politics is to punish your enemies and reward your friends." -- Andrew Torba, author of Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide for Taking Dominion and Discipling Nations Neither Machiavelli, Lovecraft, Blatty, Crowley nor LaVey at their most fevered ever composed so horrid a line -- only Göebbels compares. I have a dream, Padre. In my dream the Pope in Rome, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the President of the Mormon church -- all the major players of the faith come together to denounce Christian Dominionism, declares it heretical, excommunicates its adherents, and pronounces as one, "we declare this is not Christianity."

@MarkCook-tl8po

25 күн бұрын

Nice dream

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by." (Robert Frost) Having integrity and loving everyone seems to be the road less traveled. And isn't that a shame.

Love your enemies by giving them all universal healthcare, 5 weeks paid vacation every year, 15 months paid maternity leave and equal representation in every court. This isn't about power or politics. This is about human rights.

@ad-dx9gi

26 күн бұрын

Agree with you.. Everyone needs to be treated Equally.. Also a lot of things and programs that help people shouldn't go to the Supreme Court were talking human rights things that people need..A true Justice of the Supreme Court shouldn't use political party or there personal faith briefs in there decision, they can't be biased they see the law of equality and for all people..the ⚖️ scales of justice are supposed to be equal...We have Christians in government that do nothing for the Homeless problem they treat the Homeless like lepers....

@SurprisedBuffalo-ug3rf

26 күн бұрын

Agree!!

@user-ty1wm3cn7n

26 күн бұрын

Where are YOU 😵‍💫 getting these Weeks / coverage / anything (?) - Nobody I know have any of these benefits.. and I’m 66 ..and retired US Military. Seriously 😐 what’s the deal(?) - Thx

@psydd5209

26 күн бұрын

@@user-ty1wm3cn7n That's Every worker in the UK and pretty much every other worker in the EU although not exact; some have better. Every McDonalds dishwasher and CNA in England get these benefits. Might add Canada and Australia. This is how the rest of the world lives. This is what happens with the government stands up for the population and its workers.

@psydd5209

26 күн бұрын

@@user-ty1wm3cn7n "Copenhagen criteria" specifically illustrates the standards a country has to achieve in terms of human rights protections to become a member of the EU.

We’ll said, Reverend. Today the word “Christian “ is thrown around by people who surly never read the words of Jesus. “Christian “ has become a sort of branding, simply a marketing term or worse an incantation that assures an audience of equally unchristian people. About that ceiling, I sense you are going to have correct some previous work. I take the attitude doing that that I have been given the opportunity to correct something, to make it so that future people, possibly after I’m gone, will not have to do it again. I feel that’s a blessing!

@StringerNews1

25 күн бұрын

Indeed, the way some people use the word "Christian" I don't want to be associated with at all! It _is_ branding, and always has been. If you have to tell someone what you are, because they can't tell what you are by how you act, you might not be that thing anyway. I let my actions speak for themselves. And when someone demands to know what tribe I belong to, I am happy to say "not your tribe."

@MarkCook-tl8po

25 күн бұрын

Unfortunately, these people you speak about give Jesus a bad name and the question needs to be asked, if you were Satan seeking to destroy Christianity, wouldn't splitting they church move toward that goal. Hopefully, more people will come back to Jesus.

@ericdaniel323

14 күн бұрын

The words “I never knew you” come to mind.

Ed, although I’m not a believer, whenever I start to think that “Christians” are amoral powermongers, I remind myself of you and how the messenger isn’t the message. Keep up the good work 👍

I remember an old idea. The idea of "Might for right versus might is right". Basically, we should use any power we have to promote the right idea, not using the power to force our ideas.

If you don't look, you won't see!

@UnashamedCaliforniagirl

26 күн бұрын

Exactly 💯

Rev Ed have fun and good luck on your Bathroom project, ceiling repair..Thanks on this video love your Sermon.If A Christian in politics with Jesus teachings you Love and respect All People And All Faiths then you can govern, Diversity is the spice of Life, that's why We The People work treating everyone equally... God Bless 🕊️

"This is the world we live in/and these are the hands we're given. Never give up trying/to work for a world worth living in." Gensis. The land of confusion. Welcome to where we have been and where we are.

@whoaaanelly65

26 күн бұрын

Huge Genesis fan here. Such a good song - and the video was stellar. Just shows what we're dealing with today has a history. I'd highly recommend the Rachel Maddow podcast Ultra. Season #2 is being released now. Quite an eye-opening expose' on the history of fascism in America. It has almost taken hold a few times. Learning from history and being doomed repeating it, and all that.

@allenlovell1604

26 күн бұрын

I listened to the classic hit “ We Won’t Get Fooled Again!”by the Who, recently again! Although that song is almost 50 years old now ; that song and many,many more I think 🤔 still resonates even in 2024 ! Some songs are seemingly timeless.

@davidrada241

26 күн бұрын

In prose we say what we can. In poetry (lyrics) we say what we must. Interpretation is up to the reader but the overall message remain.

@whoaaanelly65

25 күн бұрын

There's a Christian group, Daniel Amos, and the lead singer and songwriter, Terry Scott Taylor, I've followed since 1982 (He's been around making records since the mid 70's and just put out another this year). Very prolific artist. A song he wrote over 30 years ago - is nearly prophetic. It's on the KZread if interested. Big, Warm, Sweet, Interior Glowing from the album Kalhöun Words by Terry Taylor Music by Terry Taylor, Tim Chandler and Greg Flesch ©1991 Twitchen Vibes/ Brainstorm Artists Int'l.. ASCAP/BMI He will always trust his own vision Could be a dangerous man He's guided by no one Attracted to the sound Of the interior voices He will not listen hard enough To any other man Chorus: He gets a big warm sweet interior glowing He gets a grand elitist superior knowing This convinces us he's infallible - yeah By sheer force of will He leaves a deep impression Self-confidence persuades us that he is a saint Then we watch him tear apart another city Turns it to dust and ash A mighty nation's falling (Chorus) He gets a big warm sweet interior glowing He gets a grand elitist superior knowing This convinces us he's infallible He downs another coffee And the feeling grows He's building monuments so high In his expanding mind He eats a six course dinner And hears the voice of the spirit This voice says "Well done my very good and faithful servant" (Chorus) He gets a big warm sweet interior glowing He gets a grand elitist superior knowing He gets a big warm sweet interior glowing He gets a grand elitist superior knowing This convinces us he's infallible

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.

Thank you Father

Thanks for your messages!

Thank you. Good luck on the drop ceiling rebuild.❤

As a neuro-diverse person, it is easy to be self-consistent around my family. To a fault, even :) I don't remember reading Jesus teach that his followers should be punishers of their neighbours.

@UnashamedCaliforniagirl

26 күн бұрын

Neither do I ❤

@ScottJohnson-tk7ql

26 күн бұрын

@@UnashamedCaliforniagirl 🖖

I was a door to door salesman for a time. We had classes once a week. In those classes l was taught to repeat certain fraises over and over. It's a form of brainwashing. I couldnt do it, well, wouldn't. But I did learn how it works, and well I was going to say I've seen it done. But now, haven't we all?

@scj2117

26 күн бұрын

Seeing it one thing, recognizing it is another.

It amazes me how many people call themselves Christian but seem to have never read the bible..or understand what Jesus's words say for us to do and who to strive to be... Love you Rev. Ed for actually teaching Jesus's words...I am a atheist but i have read the bible (several times..several versions) and have a better idea than most of these fools... Ty for your knowledge and underatanding... it is the reason I keep cmn back... I havnt been in a church in almost 35 yrs...but I dont miss any of your videos or miss to many church w/o walls...I dont comment alot...but the community here and the thoughts shared and provoked here are one of the best things I've seen on the internet!❤

@michaellane5381

25 күн бұрын

Honestly it terrifies me more as I approach the faith from a similar approach, an "atheist" whose exposure to the good book is rather specific passages, dry readings of chapters here and there oft as not retold through picture books and other media as a child, interest in understanding a few paranormal believed remedies.... I somehow meet people who claim Christianity as I might claim fandom of a movie I saw once and thought "I read the cliff notes a few times and loved that author." In other words a simple reading cover to cover and a month of adherence should make any Christian more knowledgeable than I on that faith and it scares me often as not I still find entire chat rooms who still sound less informed while claiming it is their faith. Ed's approach reminds me more of the spirit I recall from the actual readings of the sourced material and might have called me into the faith had I heard them as a child and felt I could approach "god" with anything less than full conviction. As it is I do try approaching others loosely based around judeo/Christian teachings and empathy, but I would never claim the religion unless I believed every story 100% and fully understood a denomination... Which I do not and do not expect to happen at this point.

@AlyraMoondancer

24 күн бұрын

@@michaellane5381 Thank you for your words; they really touched me. I think many of us are in a like situation. I think what's in our hearts makes more of difference than how we label ourselves, or anything we intellectually understand. Maybe the faith we need is to trust that if we follow our hearts, doing what we can to love and support those around us, we'll find the right path in the end. And although I don't call myself a Christian, I consider the words and life of Jesus an invaluable guide.

If we love each other and love our enemies, we are the image of the Lord Jesus ❤ Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world☮️🙏

Hi Ed, life long athiest here. Never miss any of your KZread videos. While I disagree about how you got there ( ie Jesus is god ) thing. I do appreciate the message. Now the reason for my comment, you do know that no matter how you spin the Christian Nationalist ... rant ( love your friends, punish your enemies ) that's literally what they want to do. They are not rejecting this premise but embracing it.

@mamiemartinson4649

26 күн бұрын

AND Christians calling the Nationalist Movement out on this egregious misinterpretation of the message Jesus preached takes the wind out of their sails the best. People need to hear Christians saying THIS IS NOT THE WAY. Like Trump trying to use the SCOTUS as a get out of jail free card. ALL Americans need to speak the truth. AND people who know the law most of all.

@paulabenson8675

26 күн бұрын

That’s exactly right. That is how they want it and labeling themselves as followers of Christ has to be painful to God and Jesus.

Howdy do, gentle folk.

Being a good Christian and being involved in politics (without forcing your beliefs on others) is truly the hardest test of a lifetime! But I love living in a country that gives me that freedom of choice! ❤😊

As a Quaker AKA the Society of Religious Friends, and this may not apply to all Quaker Friends, that being directly involved in politics as politicians to be problematic. This goes back to our early Colonial experiences in America. Just briefly, the colony of Pennsylvania was started as a land grant from William Penn to the Quakers with Penn becoming a member himself. This was to be a safe haven from persecutions in other colonies. So this colony was seen as a place for them to govern themselves as their faith called them too. However they found that holding power requires actions that were in contrast to their faith along with non Quakers beginning to settle into the colony. This led to Quakers pulling out of politics for the most part and concentrating on more activism and lobbying actions to sway those in power. This is just a short explanation of Quakers in politics, but shows how we had seen the dangers of trying to bring any kind of religious authority/mandate in to our Government. Look forward to any constructive comments.

@tassey

26 күн бұрын

I have a lot of time for Quakers. I like the word you used "problematic". Not "evil" or "sinful" which are judging words. Just an opinion based on experience that this is an activity that tends to lead to problems and dilemmas. I know we had some theocratic governance in early colonial America, but over time, most religions did the same as the Quakers. For the same reason: it is problematic. This was certainly the status quo post World War II. Americans are some of the last humans on Earth to actually stand for theocratic governance. We are a nation of immigrants, and who mostly immigrated here were rebels and troublemakers.

Forgive your enemies, value your friends, love everyone

Boy you sure could preach this message in the halls of congress of the USA God Bless you

Thank you for your ministry. I feel like I grow a little more after viewing your videos. Be blessed.

Wow! Remind me of finding the newsletter and use it to wrap up fish in.

Lead by example, vs with authority.

I agree but some people don’t understand that. Thank you ❤🙏

As you said that line, "Reward your friends, and punish your enemies," I thought, This has nothing to do with justice! Such a mindset, if I follow it, reduces justice to serving my own agenda and doing what feels right to me at the moment. It leaves little room for mercy unless my enemies grovel to get it. With the idea "reward your friends and punish your enemies", I would take bribes and give bribes, and imprison the protester who criticized me for dealing in bribery. Along with the idea of the narrow path of love, there's this: "What would it profit you if you should gain the world and lose your soul?" I believe that in gaining the White House the way they did in 2016, and in how they planned to keep in in 2020 and plan to regain it in 2024, the Republican Party has lost its soul.

@franbailey

25 күн бұрын

More and more are fighting for the soul of the Republican Party! Republican Voters Against Trump shares stories of former Trump supporters explaining why they no longer support him. Please share their videos!

The arrogance of people who believe it's their duty to "bring about the kingdom of God" is astounding.. So is the idea that it's our duty to punish the "sins" of others or keep them from committing those sins. Those are all God's jobs.

@maryseflore7028

26 күн бұрын

Great point. It's like they're trying to play God or something...

Amen. And I'm not even a Christian! Thank you, Rev. Ed.

Rev Trevors is right. U. S govt was estab w 3 equal branches to coop, and as a check on each other. Group discussion and coop was the basis for govt, as well as that for any community govt. Christians have a right to particiipate to maintain those standards, and protect the community and nation. Too many politicians use an adversarial outlook to rationalize selfish ambitions and to stay in power. Zotiotes. a minister in the past, no doubt using Solomans time and place, emphasized, Even in time of nec war, the aim should be to make a friend of the opponent?

One thing I often think about is that it's mighty nice of these people to help out God in such ways - I mean, I know they think that they are doing it "right" but it sure helps God as well I think!! You're a better person than I - I don't think I could get through one sentence of the article to be honest ........ I might pray for them, but I can't abide hearing their words 🙃

Such a hard concept to follow. I am trying to figure out how to get my heart to treat trump addicts the same as people like you. I am becoming okay with watching my tongue, but taking the thoughts captive to the mind of Christ? Not as successful...yet. Keep the messages coming

@Hopeful_One

26 күн бұрын

I believe in you!! It is possible, my friend -- and _sooo_ worth it, on so many levels. You got this. (Love is ~always~ the answer 🤍) ~Respect the Process~

@desmondjones8517

26 күн бұрын

My friend and my cousin is a Trumper, just got to love him.

@franbailey

25 күн бұрын

Some Trump supporters can be reached! Share this channel. Republican Voters Against Trump has stories of former Trump supporters explaining why they no longer support him. Share their videos!

I agree with you. I do not agree with the Christian Nationalists. I believe in letting people choose for themselves and freedom. I do not believe politics should be brought into church and visa versa.

Oh Pastor 💜💙💜

This is a good message, but if they justify the “punish your enemy, reward your friends,” with the outcome of money and power and the promise of a Christian Theocracy that benefits them… love doesn’t have a chance, no matter what Jesus tells them.

Silly me. I thought that politics existed to protect the rights of everyone within a Nation including my " enemies" .

@wolfe6220

25 күн бұрын

Oh you sweet child....😉 If only things worked that way!

"For my friends everything, for my enemies the law." - Marshal Óscar R. Benavides, former president of Peru

The law of Christ should be written on our hearts. I love the OT scripture that basically says: if you see your neighbour with his ox cart in a ditch, do not pretend that you do not see. Go and help him solve his problem. There is no fooling God.

Amen! This was an excellent talk.

Do I not destroy my enemies by making them my friends?

@tammystockley-loughlin7680

25 күн бұрын

Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times.

@AlyraMoondancer

24 күн бұрын

That is the best strategy! Emphatically, YES!

I only have ONE enemy, he lives within

Thank you, Rev Ed. You give me balance in the strangest of times.

Thanks again for actually preaching/practicing what the book indicates. Much respect. What is happening here is clearly the power hungry have weaponized religion and ignorance. This is where evil begins. Please keep doing what you’re doing although Im afraid the ignorant will only respond to fear mongering and ignore your words of courage. Appreciating atheist.

@franbailey

25 күн бұрын

Some Trump supporters can be reached! Share this channel. Republican Voters Against Trump has stories of former Trump supporters explaining why they no longer support him. Share their videos!

What Trump says appears to replace what Jesus said. Woe, unto them. John. 15. [10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Matthew 5:43-45, which says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven". Look like I should work on loving Trump. That's going to take some Holy Ghost power. I need help with this, Lord.

I enjoy your talks here! Thank you for your insight.

I could listen to a preacher like you.❤

I want a bumper sticker that says Jesus was a socialist liberal

@lynnebash2278

26 күн бұрын

He also had dark skin and dark hair

Excellent message Reverend 🎉🎉🎉 💙

Loving enemies also doesn't mean agreeing with or submitting to them. It means trying to understand their feelings and motivations, struggles and fears. It means recognizing the humanity behind their actions.

Thank you for this message. I was recently told by a Christian who was supporting Trump that "The ends justifies the means." I asked her "Really? Are you sure?" And she said "Yes." Firmly. We were disgussing the abandonment of living and following the principles of Jesus to love our brother as ourselves.

@franbailey

25 күн бұрын

How sad. Christian Nationalists and Trump are destroying Christianity.

Forgiveness is done to lighten your load not the load of the one you’ve forgiven.

But, Ed, who are our “enemies”? People who we disagree with? No. My political opponents are not enemies. We have to stop thinking that way! We’ve lost the cooperative relationship needed for governance and replaced it with an adversarial attitude that does no one any good.

Equivalent exchange: we have states that ban atheists from holding office. Same ban should apply for religious people

Look at the verbs used in Scripture with regard to God's Kingdom - it usually says, receive it, welcome it, join it - we step into the work that God has already begun.

Another wonderful talk. The path of love is indeed hard follow. Never so hard as when you've taken down your first ceiling tile and get dust in your eyes, and covered in old insulation... and is that a mouse turd?? Blech!

Thanks man!

Morning, Rev. Just dealing with politics, life, grief, and other things.

@tammystockley-loughlin7680

25 күн бұрын

Same. Take care. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times.

Shalom man of GOD and many blessings to you and to your beautiful families (personal/ministries). I agree with the truth you have shared. And since this particular statement is a widely used "motto" in the political world, we as born again sons and daughters of The Most High should know that we are accountable for giving language to the opposite. The Messiah Jesus Christ/Yehushua Hamashiach sets the exemplar for us to follow. We do not handle the dispositions of enemies with contrary influences that come from the fallen nature. We deal with our enemies through the The Holy Spirit and through the fruit of The Holy Spirit and through The Most High's wisdom. Because we are in this earth to help souls come into genuine experiences with change. Because before we embraced this walk with Christ, we were enemies to The Most High. Because we chose to live life through darkness, disorder, and destructive behavior patterns, belief systems and corrupt mindsets. And The Most High does not identify with that life nor with that image. His Kingdom operates under a holiness that protects life and the value of the human soul. So if a person (who professes Christ) is going to approach the realm of influence that deals with government and politics, then that person must make it their business to understand the difference between the two (government and politics). And that person must also study how The Messiah and The Most High approached that particular realm of influence and how He used His sons and daughters within that realm. We are not suppose to adopt "mottos" and secular patterns that hinder the productive building processes hosted within nations and within the government structures those nations are under. That "motto" ("bless you friends and punish your enemies") does not give room for people identified as "enemies" to come into real experiences with redemption and change. It keeps those regarded as "enemies" in a position to continue in activites and practices that promote disorder, destructive outcomes, which all show a disregard for the value of human life. I am aware that there are those who are bent on being set in their ways and who refuse to adopt a character that favors the establishment of divine order and constructive processes that build human lives in a fruitful and healthy fashion. But there are those who are deemed as "enemies" but are open for life changing experiences with redemption, regeneration, healing, restoration, and change. There is a particular historical event in The Most High's Word that I love. It inspires me deeply. It is one event out of many that I try to keep in front of me. It is the event in 2 Kings 6:8-23. The prophet Elisha disarmed an entire army with an intimate experience with servanthood, hospitality and ministry. The king of Syria warred with The Most High's people. Now in the chapter prior, prophet Elisha was involved in an event which allowed the captain of the host of the king of Syria to come into a life changing experience with healing, which was Naaman. As the king of Syria was warring against Israel in chapter 6, Elisha instructed the king of Israel about the king of Syria's next move. The king of Syria found out and went after Elisha. Elisha was in another city. The king of Syria came to that city with his army. Elisha prayed and asked Adonai to smite the king and the army with blindness. He did this so he could lead them out of that city. Elisha was focused on preserving human life. He was not looking for anyone to become casualties of war, especially the people who made up the army of Syria. Elisha led the army of Syria and the king into another city. The king of Israel saw the vulnerability of the king and the army as a chance to destroy them all since they placed themselves in the position to express the nature of an enemy. Instead Elisha chose to build a table and minister to the needs of the Syrian people through the distribution of nourishment. Elisha fed those who chose to be his enemies, the enemies of The Most High's people. After the Syrians saw Elisha did not take advantage of their vulnerable disposition in a hostile and destructive manner, they had a real experience with The Most High's disposition in redemption. Elisha asked Adonai to restore their sight and he fed them. He led them safely into another city without harming them. Because Elisha understands that The Most High is about changing lives through redemption. He creates room for people to come into experiences with power that brings restorative and productive change. GOD Bless you man of GOD and thank you for allowing me to share this. Shalom unto you and to your beautiful families.

Nice work Reverend You’re spot on

The ends DO NOT justify the means. Often, the means make it impossible to achieve any compassionate ends.

Thanks, Rev!!🙋🏻‍♀️💝🖖🏽

Thank you for your excellent message today. I agree with most, but here's a couple of my thoughts. If we attain that goal of love for all, which I do believe God wants for us, then that love IS power. In fact it is the most powerful force in all of creation and will change things. Yes? It's just not the power that I've ever seen in politics. It's far too impractical. We, mankind, just can't see this path because it is so contrary to our human nature. Also, nations, which all operate politically, DO operate under the premise of "reward friends, punish enemies". If you agree with that, then you have to agree that there is no such thing as a Christian nation and never has been. I heard a politician today calling out to tear down the Pride flag and erect the Christian flag in its place. And the crowd cheered. How ironic. We will stop one thing God oppopses by employing multiple attitudes that God opposes in the same chapter of Romans. "Love never fails."

The CEO of Gab, Andrew Torba, is looking forward to the annihilation of every other faith tradition or those of no tradition. He said so by quoting some "church father", and I clipped it. He's a monster.

Amen brother! Spot on

Amen, Rev!

Awesome message! Thanks.

Amen and Amen!

You always have a great message i can lean on all day long. What a GREAT reverand! Thank you! I think somebody else gave the advice on the remodeling--take the attitude you have opportunities to correct some else's work--is also great advice. I worked on a 130 yr old house for as long as i could and attitude you take to the remodel is important. There are TONS of great metaphors hidden inside the work of remodeling or repairing an older building. You probably already know all this. Best wishes on your remodeling.

Most Politicians are Pay To Play, this Dude is not a Christian

I hadn't realised you podcast from your church office - I had thought it was home. That office is so cool. Could you do a tour of the books and things you adorn you work place with. I imagine there are some great stories behind many.

Amen 🙏 thank you ❤

Thank You Rev. Ed! The World can't be reminded enough of this.

Amen!❤

How did the teachings of the Master turn into instruments of control ?

I want to reflect on "loving the enemy." I once heard a non-Christian from an Asian country talking to someone who was making an attempt at spreading the Word -- and he said something like this: "Oh, you are a Christian! ... I have heard that Christians are taught to love their enemies.. yes? ("yes...") Well, think of how much more you can love me -- who is NOT your enemy. In my "inventory" of my heart today, I can't think of anyone who is my enemy. All humans carry the "spark" of the Almighty -- and that puts hatred out of the question for me.

I,m an Adventist separation of Church and State just like the Israel of old the king and the priest separation that GOD way

Good message, Rev Ed. One thing I wish is that no one ever said Jesus used the word enemies. (It's a poor choice of words for the Prince of Peace.) It's a shame that the dichotomy for christians became friend or enemy. That a word of warfare has remained in the christian lexicon- to this day- is a sorry reflection of their lack of progress toward a more love-focused doctrine. If everyone has the kingdom of god within, how can one have enemies?

@suetrublu

26 күн бұрын

Jesus did talk about THE enemy though: Satan (and was extremely hostile to the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were not practicing what they preached!) Jesus also said "I am not coming to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34.). And haven't we seen over and over again how His message makes lots of people very angry!

Separation of church and state protects the church as well as the state.

Amen 🙏🙏🙏

Amen ❤

Christian nationalism is nothing different than Islamic republic of Iran..its just christian

I would partially disagree, the path of love is not narrow but quite broad, as love is broad and not narrow but fully open to all. It is anger and hate that is narrow and focused on a few. It might not always be easy, but I believe that is a different matter.

Obedience is better than sacrifice. Take the narrow road

@psydd5209

26 күн бұрын

“Most people are not really free. They are confined by the niche in the world that they carve out for themselves. They limit themselves to fewer possibilities by the narrowness of their vision.” ― V.S. Naipaul

Agree 💯

I get it to a degree. There's a delicate balance. If we're IN THE WORLD (We'll be here until he takes us home.) BUT NOT "OF" the world, exactly where is the line drawn????? Regarding words with that begin with that "POLIT" root & we know in the ultimate sense, our CITIZENSHIP is in heaven, Philippians 3:20 (#4175 POLITEUMA), how do we avoid the extremes?????

@lifeisaprayer

26 күн бұрын

It is not with "us"on one side and "them" on the other. That's the only part I am confident of

God would never tell us to hurt or manipulate people to gain His favor. If we did, we would have to honestly admit to ourselves that we do it for our own benefit and pride. Nothing Godly about it.

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Amen!

You have made known the Path of Life, in your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand pleasures forever more . ✝️🙏🏼🙏🏾 Psalm 16:11

Thanks for this message. I am a former Christian and an atheist. I am constantly encountering the message of intolerance and hatred being spread in the name of Christianity here in the USA. I just don’t get it. I have read the Bible and it is clear to me that this directly contradicts the teachings of Jesus. There is something seriously wrong when an atheist understands this and Christians do not.

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How many Christians were listening to the sermon on the mount? Was it a Christian wedding where Jesus turned water into wine? Were those Christian fishermen that Jesus told to cast their nets when he walked on water? There is a prosperity gospel. It exists in Native American Animism and I can see hints at it in the teachings of Jesus. No one should be hungry if a Christian eats. No one should be poor if a Christian is rich. No one should be cold if a Christian has two coats. It is sinful to be prosperous when others suffer. The true prosperity gospel is that you should ensure the prosperity of those around you, Christian or not. I have been prosperous. That’s why I sent off two $10,000 checks last month to Pride organizers in two cities where I once lived. That’s why my nephew, who just started college, recently found out that it is already paid for and then some. That’s why my mother just flew back to Iowa for the summer from her home in Arizona. That’s why my brother lives in a house he doesn’t know I bought. That’s why I pay for three homeless shelters out of my own pocket. That’s why a carry a wad of $20 bills for the people who are begging for spare change. I could go on and on about these things. If the name on this account was mine, I wouldn’t have said this much. You wouldn’t know me if you walked past me on the street. You can do better. Jesus said so.

So, he wants Christians to be like Conan the Barbarian? "Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of the women."

They need to get in the real world

Check out the teachings and writings of Thomas Merton.

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What is the passage he mentions around 9:25? “What is I ask of you?…..”

@revedtrevors4961

25 күн бұрын

Micah 6:8

No matter how we try to twist it, scripture is truth and cannot, without consequences, be made to fit the worlds agenda and methods. Politicians chase after worldly power for control , prestige, and riches. Honesty and humility are not in the book of politics. There are few that enter politics to serve. Perhaps some do but somewhere in the process things and people change. Jesus came to not be served but to serve. Not to hate but spread the love.