In the US, Christian persecution is when you're being told not to persecute a marginalized group of people.

@UnashamedCaliforniagirl

3 ай бұрын

Unfortunately that's what many Christian preachers seem to think.

@wendwllhickey6426

3 ай бұрын

They love to shove the religious beliefs down everyone's throat,and when you say something they cry that you don't like them

Before you can believe that someone is a Christian, see how the ones calling themselves a Christian follow the teachings of Christ.

@mollyds4528

3 ай бұрын

Or DON'T follow -- as is the case I'm seeing a lot these days.

@jaimesfolly

3 ай бұрын

It's in the fruits

If Christians feel they’re being persecuted, maybe they should STOP PERSECUTING EVERYONE ELSE. I love Jesus. But, it’s not my job to shove my interpretation of his teachings down anyone’s throat.

@PhecdaPlato

3 ай бұрын

❤

@marionopisso212

3 ай бұрын

Yes! It's also not our job to tell people that if they don't agree theologically with us, they stand a good chance that God, who is Love, will burn them in hell forever. I feel that proposition doesn't represent God or Love.

@margaretjones7954

3 ай бұрын

@Melindabell0324 the Bible relss us that we are to spread his word and let others know how much God loves us. . Thats not pushing anything down anyone's throat but if they listen to the latest thing happening to one of our entertainers or musicians its ok to talk about that. You got it all wrong. He says go preach the word and tell the good news of Jesus.

@PhecdaPlato

3 ай бұрын

@@margaretjones7954 see! My gosh I’ was always told you can find god through his children. You are all so wonderful. My agnostic side is lifting. I really can feel a wonderful powerful presence within all of you here. ❤️ thank you. Hope is exactly what this tired soul needed

@Instramark

3 ай бұрын

Literal Biblical Belief makes us just as susceptible to the next Trump who will undoubtedly be much more skilled at using misunderstood Ancient literature against us.

Feeling persecuted and being persecuted are not the same!!

@auntiebobbolink

3 ай бұрын

Seems like everyone should know that, right? 🤔

@timothyoo7

3 ай бұрын

Seems like this group, especially the MAGAts base their beliefs and actions on feelings.

@donaldspaulding6973

2 ай бұрын

They said they feel they are "under attack", not persecuted.

@timothyoo7

2 ай бұрын

@@donaldspaulding6973 Semantics!

I think a lot of "Christians" are confused between Persecution and crossing boundaries with others. I myself am a follower of Jesus, and I've never felt persecuted. Thanks Rev Ed. Appreciate You.

Christianity is under attack more from the inside than from anything from the outside. The more they stray from the teachings of Christ, the more they lose their own members. And the more the people outside the church point out the problems within the church (especially as the Christians try to enforce their beliefs on others more than they do on themselves.) I love that the apostles point out that Christians will be persecuted. But I'd rather be persecuted for sticking to how I respond with love, rather than trying to impose my "rules for living" on others. How God might see me is more important than how many people I've forced to live by my rules.

@taitraining3055

Ай бұрын

You cannot preach Jesus' Gospel without Love. If you do it's just boils down to trying to buy yourself a ticket to Heaven

He was abandoned by those who said they loved Him.

@UnashamedCaliforniagirl

3 ай бұрын

In his darkest hour. I don't know why any of his followers would expect a " warmer welcome" but he is always my light 🕯️ in the midst of my deepest darkness and the friend that I can count on when I am rejected by everyone else.

@AZtea4UnME

3 ай бұрын

I think it was 3 female's who remained with him even when they were under threat. Gosh you know how pesky we women can be. If we decide that we really, really love you we will see you through hell & hi water 😉

Off the top of my head, there is only one everyday Christian I can think of who was persecuted for her faith. She was arrested for giving out sandwiches to homeless people after being warned not to.

@LazyIRanch

3 ай бұрын

I'm reminded of the two women arrested and jailed in Alabama for TNR of feral cats. "Trap, Neuter, Release" is what they were doing, so they were helping a bad situation by preventing more feral kittens, at their own expense. I don't know if these ladies are Christian, but I believe Jesus would 100% support their kindness towards His creatures. The women are U.S. Army veteran Beverly Roberts, 85, and Mary Alston, 61. They were found GUILTY of trespassing & disorderly conduct in connection to feeding & trapping cats (for neutering) on public property, which is not illegal. 😿🤬

@silverghostcat1924

3 ай бұрын

​@@LazyIRanchdespicable isn't it? Those trying to do good are persecuted while those trying to do harm are lifted up as the "good" guys 😡

If I'm not allowed to bully you, then I am under attack.

I'm going to listen to this entirely, but how is the most prolific church under attack. Christianity is basically writing laws and deciding court cases in the US. I truly fear for this country if djt wins the election.

@ad-dx9gi

3 ай бұрын

Good comment..It is still very important to have separation of church and state, to have a equal balance ... Totally agree church can't just make government decisions... Also in the middle ages Church was government human rights were not there , they had a lot of corruption..The Catholic Church was Judge and jury There was burning at the stake, the Inquisition...there was no due processes of law......If people truly believe in Jesus you shouldn't have a problem...

@ControversialChristian

3 ай бұрын

I don't think it is true Christians writing those laws. Or making state budgets. If they were true Christian there would be laws giving shelter to the homeless yet more and more people end up without homes. There would be enough food available to everyone that there wouldn't be starving children. We would have higher budgets for things people the to remain healthy and secure, our military budgets would be lower than the budget for humane causes. There is a whole sector of people who use what we hold dear to manipulate us into going with the flow Consume destroy consume some more. There are fields of sciences on this idea. This manipulation requires fear, ans anger towards each other. They repeat words that dehumanized whole group of people. The easiest way to do this is through religion, slowly at first, but faster as you get closer. "Give to Ceasar what is his, and give to God what is His" (Mark 12:17). Jesus was referring to the image on coins, and the image we are created in. Christians solve world issues through love.

@michel3691

3 ай бұрын

@ControversialChristian true Christians do as you said, but there are many in power using that label as a shield and sword. Don't misunderstand me. I love everyone who lives their truth, but my truth may not be yours.I should not attempt to force my truth into your life.

@cathymcguire368

3 ай бұрын

Indeed Michel! And they're doing it in violation of one of the most basic tenets of our country bc they lack security in their own religion.

@UnashamedCaliforniagirl

3 ай бұрын

I actually don't see any of that legislation as being either " Christian" or " Christ like" not trying to split hairs. Jesus never told us to try to take over the world 🌎 in his name. He told us to deny ourselves take up our cross and follow him. What the GOP is doing is trying to set themselves up as rulers. They are just using a veneer of " Christian Nationalism" to deceive the populace. Just my opinion.

I’ve noticed those who feel persecuted are those who tell others their way of life is wrong (divorce, LGBTQ, atheist). They think someone telling them to stop judging them is persecuting them. Like it’s taking away their 1st amendment. Those who just live happily and let others live happily don’t have the same perception of persecution.

@UnashamedCaliforniagirl

3 ай бұрын

Many people think that being a Christian means telling others what to do in Jesus name. It doesn't it means living your own life in ways to honor God and helping others when you see a need , fill it. One kind of Christian thinks " Christians should be in charge of everything" the other thinks " when there is a crisis the body of Christ ( every individual believer) should be among the" first responders". One is concerned about legislation and government the other is concerned with being" salt and light "

Rev Ed Trevors, I am withnessing the words of Christ through you. I am hearing you through Christ. You are also withnessing Christ by caring for his flocks. God bless you pastor and your church of Christ.

I am Christian, and I do not feel under attack or persecuted in any way. I do not shove it in others faces, I keep my faith between me and the only one who needs to know - God. Those who feel "attacked" are most likely far-right conservatives, possibly nationalists, and use this as a bullhorn to scream their narrow-minded views. You can disagree all you want, but if you feel persecuted, then you are bringing it upon yourself by pushing it down others throats. Focus on your own life and live by His word, don't bludgeon others with it.

If, as a Christian, you have had your child attacked or house burned down, you have been persecuted. If, as a Christian, you have been chased down and locked in a cage or tied to a stake, you have been persecuted. If, as a Christian, you have had your children removed to be "reprogrammed" by others, you have been persecuted. If, as a Christian, you have had your home, belongings, and your security removed by authority, you have been persecuted. If, as a Christian, you feel persecuted, look at the history of things DONE IN GOD'S NAME to less fortunate people... When you have suffered as much as those who have suffered through Christian "Evangelical pursuits", you can claim persecution.

I consider myself Christian, but I've never, ever felt persecuted for my beliefs. Does that mean I'm not a "real" Christian?😉 I didn't learn about Christ from church. I learned from my mother. My mother was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas in the 1950s, until they came out vehemently against school integration and against the Civil Rights movement. She quit going for that reason and never went back, before I was born in 1961. She taught me to know Christians by their "fruits", and to her, Rev. MLK was a Godly man. Not a perfect man, but one who loved God and his fellow humans. She held him up as an example of how we are expected to do the right things no matter how hard it is. I'm not very devout, but I practise the simple truths my dear Momma taught me. "Before you act or speak, ask yourself, 'Is it true? Is it kind?' If the answer is 'NO', then keep your mouth shut and your hands in your pockets, and just smile." She also mentioned that a person going inside a church doesn't make them a Christian any more than a person walking into a garage makes them a car. I miss my sweet mom, she'd be 104 if she was still with us. She went through life with love in her heart in spite of the cruelty she experienced as a child. She was orphaned at age eleven, but her father's family would not help her and her siblings so they went to an orphanage in the 1930s. Her mother, my grandmother, was mixed race. I was told all my life that my grandmother was "Cherokee", but that was a lie. I recently found that she wasn't, and her family was Welsh with black hair, brown skin, and dark eyes. When I can afford it, I want to get my son's and my DNA analyzed to see if it uncovers answers for us. My brother, who hasn't spoken to me since 2015, is a bigot and he told me not to submit DNA for genealogy, because he "talked to other family" and they have all agreed not to. Why not? What does he want to remain hidden?🤔 I knew nothing about Welsh people, but after reading some history I've learned that my family's dark features could possibly be from N. Africa and/or Iberia. Knowing what a bigot he is, he's probably scared that we might have a couple drops of African DNA!😂 Personally, nothing would make me happier than to know I'm not "pure white" (Whatever TF that means). I've always been grateful to my grandmother, I figure she's the reason I tan easily and not burn. I never got to meet my beautiful grandmother who died young in 1932, but I'm proud of her and the sacrifices she made for her children. They were very poor, never even had shoes until they went to the orphanage. She gave her children a wonderful gift though, she taught them to sing four part harmonies and taught them every song she knew! My uncle became a professional gospel singer and composer, and some of my happiest memories are of family reunions at a state park campground back in the 1960s, when all those siblings got together in the evening under the ancient live oaks and sang the old hymns, funny songs, and scary murder ballads that their Momma taught them long ago. We knew when cousin Dale brought out his guitar, the evening was about to become very entertaining! BTW, as we were loudly singing Gospel praises, did any other campers complain or tell us to STFU? Nope, but my family welcomed anyone who wanted to to join us!😇🤪 Besides, after singing a song like "The Old Rugged Cross", the next song might be the funny and slightly naughty song about a burglar and an old maid who threatens to blow his head off with her pistol if he doesn't marry her. Good Times!😊

@silverghostcat1924

3 ай бұрын

What a wonderful story! I don't believe the majority are 100% anything. I've had my DNA done and while my recent ancestry is 98% European, the distant ancestry is a little bit from every continent, there's Asian, S American and African. I was amazed. There might be another reason he doesn't want DNA testing, since it's been used in recent years as a way to track criminals through their family DNA (also used to identify John and Jane Does).

@tianikane3312

3 ай бұрын

Interesting this ancestry thing... If we follow the bible, we are all from Adam and Eve. If we follow evolution, we are all from a group in Africa. So what the hell is ancestry all about? We are all related whichever way we look at it. We all have black/brown/white genetics, even neanderthal thown in... Ancestry tests are quite a rip off and the people running them must be laughing all the way to the bank. Jesus has it right. We must treat others as we would treat ourselves, because all of us are 'ourselves'!

If someone can take away your faith, you don't have real faith. You put your faith in God. Right is right, even if wrong has the majority voice. I saw a video the other day, where a woman said that God needs our help to get Trump re-elected. I wonder if she really thinks Democrats can stop God's will. Not much faith exhibited there.

@margaretjones7954

3 ай бұрын

Well first of all, sick of the debatecabout Trump. All dems want to do is c r itemize. We should be praying and saying God your will be done not ours. God doesn't need us to tell him anything. He knows everything from beginning to the end. mm be

@rochellemcdonald9646

3 ай бұрын

@@margaretjones7954 So, you agree, we should put our faith in God.

@wendwllhickey6426

3 ай бұрын

You don't base your religion on false gods like trump that just tell you what you want to hear

@silverghostcat1924

3 ай бұрын

If God needs our help to get Trump elected, he's not a very omnipotent god is he?

@jeffreycone7504

3 ай бұрын

God is the almighty. He does not need our help. We need his help. To say otherwise is arrogant.

Hindus Say "All that Exists is One-People Call that One By Different Names".

@donna6348

3 ай бұрын

What about that Siddhis. What do you know about that? Those powers, supernatural powers that Hindus are supposed to attain to.

@ruarifinn

3 ай бұрын

@@donna6348Perhaps it is not what others believe or “know” but what we know, that God is love.

If anything we here in the West and especially we here in the United States have had it really easy to be Christians. We have not been persecuted and in reality if we are persecuted it is as you say because we are Christians because we follow and do what Jesus said.

In Evangelicals living in the States the whole concept of Christianity under attack is about power, not suffering for your faith. Specifically political power. I believe that is what Trump is promising.

I may not be a part of your church, but you are pastor to me.

On Good Friday after our service I met a lady who was from a Baptist church, and she and her husband had come to our church because theirs didn’t have a service. They skipped from Palm Sunday to Easter. The problem is that Easter doesn’t make sense without Good Friday. A triumphalist approach to Christianity fails to prepare people for the reality of having to suffer in this world.

My priest here in Michigan has been saying this for years. I think he is heavily influenced by right wing media, and I have stopped going to mass because his sermons focus on this. The im people in leadership positions are also of the red-hat persuasion. I’m glad that I found you channel and have someone to tune into who speaks in an inclusive and truly Christian way. Thank you. Peace

@tianikane3312

3 ай бұрын

Red hat persuasian. We love that phrase. We were at a protest recently and a lady took off her red hat to other people who were doing a Trump rave, and she tipped it in such a way that it showed it's tin foil lining....

@susanwilcox2165

3 ай бұрын

@@tianikane3312 thanks for your reply😊 I had to laugh at the red hat with tin foil-it makes perfect sense

As long as you’re around, I’m so happy to hear about Jesus again! Thank you 💖🙏🏻

@cheriann6461

3 ай бұрын

That's so sweet. It brings a bit of warmth to my day. Blessings.

I'm glad you brought this up. The book tells us it will happen but it doesn't tell us to take up arms. We are the lamb.

This is lovely. Sometimes, I go into the woods and yell at God. I figure His metaphorical shoulders are strong enough to handle my disgruntlements. He spoke sentences to me from above. ( I was born March 11th in Bethlehem 61 years ago. I'm no spring chicken. I just look young.) God's voice was kind and clear as a bell. He spoke those sentences to me since 8.4.2015. Over several years' time. God sometimes likes to take His time. He's the boss, the Big Kahuna. I can confirm He has a fantastic sense of humor. I am proof of that. Minimally. Sincerely, Amira Malaka Elah.

Wow…thank you Ed….very comforting teaching.❤

Thank you for these kind, thoughtful and wise words.

I am Christian, but the only place I feel persecuted is watching, hearing, or reading extreme right-wing Christians spew their vile views to anyone who doesn't see the world just like them. They are quick to condemn everyone other than themselves. They aren't pointing at me, but to the whole group in general like me who loves the Lord, loves people, our country, and all the different groups in it. We are/were a people that welcomed the immigrants looking for a better future. We should help people in need. I will never change my views on that. That's the Biblical outlook. Thank you Rev Ed for always finding interesting and creative ways to spread your message to make everyone think about their faith walk. Let's start a MANA movement (Make America Normal Again) Mana from Heaven, our daily bread! 😊

I don’t fear, secularism. But I do fear A one world order under one religion

@ad-dx9gi

3 ай бұрын

Separation of church and state right.. Religion in the past can get some corruption, The Inquisition and stoning people..or hateful acts committed during segregation those were so called Christians burning Christian symbols in hatred..We need checks and balances in government and religion....

Following the rules and judging those you don't feel are following the rules, is the act of the Philestines, (who Christ wasn't a big fan of) not the act of practicing Christians.

You show a lot of mercy and forbearance for those that have decided themselves to be the enemy of what you believe. The fact that they claim to follow the same faith only makes it more challenging to react with love and not anger or fear. You turn your enemies into friends that way. Estranged friends, maybe, but still friends. By their fruits shall you know them... I like the fruits you show, and hope I can learn to grow similar ones myself, one day.

This is a difficult time to be alive in the world.

Thank you, Ed, for saying it out loud; to follow Jesus will mean suffering what He suffered. Those who cry aloud about the "church's" being persecuted have forsaken The Savior for a savior that is of this world and promises to advantage its worshippers. That "savior" is an idol, a false God and whether in the form of a government or an individual is evil and an enemy of the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

Christian American here. Happy to say I have experienced no attacks of any kind.

Such a good reminder of what we are to do. Your message is always love.

I’m an atheist and former Christian. But I love Christians like y’all. the non- judgmental and loving Christians world that I came from.

Thank you Reverend.

Only Him can help us. He controls everything.

Has anyone considered that church attendance is faltering because several branches of the Christian church are rotting from the inside - it’s an inside, not an outside, job.

Thanks Ed I just had to giggle as I watch this. I’m reading Bonhoeffer “the cost of discipleship “and I’m truly truly grateful that I don’t seek cheap grace.

Never doubt the power you have within yourself, and how that power is always there when you need it most. I follow no religion, however I believe and always will that we are here to help each other.

Perhaps I'm mistaken (or it's because of the church communities I grew up in), but I've long thought we miss a couple of subtle contextual clues to "the world hates you because you love Jesus" in the 1 John passage. First (actually second in the passage) the writer doesn't say it will happen, but "if" it happens. The world isn't automatically going to hate those who love Jesus, but that's not what I heard in church. The second, and I think is more important point is the writer warns us not to be "surprised." To me, surprise comes when an outcome we don't expect occurs. If I'm hateful, I really rather doubt I need to be warned not to be surprised if people hate me back. I also know that when I am surprised, I'm not often able to respond the way I would if I were better prepared. It seems to me the writer is reinforcing the notion that we are to love, but that doesn't mean love will be returned. Someone who loves, but is hated, might lash out from the painful surprise they experience. If we are prepared for that seemingly illogical response, we are better equipped to respond with love (and maybe say in them midst of our pain, "Father forgive them . . ."). It makes me wonder at times how often our "persecution" is just people responding honestly and logically to us being jerks.

@UnashamedCaliforniagirl

3 ай бұрын

This right here is the hard truth many Christians don't want to face. Sometimes we are not actually being " persecuted" we are behaving like entitled jerks who want to " boss people around" and instead of being humble enough to admit to our own wrong doing we act like it's a " badge of honor" to be " called a jerk for Jesus" when Jesus told us to treat everyone as we would wish to be treated regardless of how they might treat or act towards us. It's not easy to face the fact that you just might have privileges that those who are not in the " majority religion" of your nation do not. I am often reminded of this when I think of how much I criticized Barack Obama when he was in office for trying to be inclusive of those from other faith traditions. The truth was that I wasn't really thinking critically about the subject but repeating " talking points" from religious leaders. That's why I was glad when I found Beau while I was homeless. He challenged me to reconsider a lot of things that I had thought about the way the world 🌎 works before truly falling on hard and desperate times. "Beau of the fifth column" kept me sane during my stay at the shelter. A lot of homeless people don't even have a temporary shelter like I did and the system is far from ideal. When I became " housed" Covid hit and after my husband passed away last June I started watching Beau again. That's when he recommended Reverend Ed Trevor's channel. I am glad that he did even though I am a regular church attendant there's something about the way the Reverend talks about spiritual things that is different than what one might hear from a " stereotypical preacher" perhaps for me as a Pentecostal charismatic I am comforted in hearing a preacher offer " the balm of Gilead" rather than " Brimstone and fire" type preaching. To me both has it's place but my first Pastor was a quiet soft spoken gentleman by the name of Paul Fliflett. He spoke at my cousin's funeral ( that was the day I became a Christian my cousin was only 3 when she passed away and I was nine) and my grandmother Mary's funeral when I was going to community college. Reverend Ed is more scholarly in his approach but that same " calm gentle demeanor " draws me in every single time. ❤❤❤

Maybe 3rd time is a charm. After watching Nishop Rachel yesterday, I felt O had to come back and apologize to you. If I am terrified, or if I can't seem to get to the place of forgiving those that are tearing at the fabric of my life, even though Christ is asking that of me, perhaps I need to realize that I should do one of 2 things, or both. Keep my angers and fears to myself and decide if I am strong enough to be a true Christian. So thank you for opening my eyes to my true self. I have lots to think about. This morning Bishop Rachel spoke about real evil. I realized I am terrified that is what I am facing, and it would seem I don't trust in God enough to think all will be well.

The pastor I currently am under often preaches this message. It is the truth. We have to tell new Christians it is not always going to be easy to follow Christ. As far as real persecution, the North American Church has hardly been touch so far. If you look at history , church history , often one group of Christian persecute another group even to killing them. Looking at the former guy supporters who claim to follow Jesus , history may repeat itself.

We know from history what paranoia run amok can do. 🥺

Amen, Amen and Amen. Did I say Amen. Which really goes to show that most of these people who call themselves Christians have no idea what the Bible says, who they are in Christ and who God is. And that really is the most frightening thing when we watch what is happening in our country.

I am concerned about managing my dislike of Trump. It makes me feel like I'm not Christian enough because I don't want to respond with love to this guy at all! I'm filled with disgust about Trump.

I'm not a Christian, but i do enjoy hearing Rev Ed. I believe all paths are tue just not one is complete. I do and have known Christians who live their very lives by example. Unfortunately I do and have known Christians that wear their Christianity as a shield to demean and even harm others in the name of their faith. They are usually the loudest so it seems there's more of them. I try to remember that they are not. Its hard to do but i work on it.

I just love you, Rev. Ed. You are a BEACON. And a beautiful channel of God’s love. One day, my brother. The time is here to give our gifts. You inspire me… so, job done!❤️🏳️‍🌈thanks.

This was a really good subject and video...First being a real Christian there's no labeling people.. Since Christianity began are we really following Jesus, that's what's wrong with a lot of Christians today, what does the Gospels really say , love your neighbor don't judge..Who are people to say the left is ungodly that's false judgement,that's breaking a commandment... Government and religion are becoming very fanatic..... Separate church and state.... Looking back in history first before Christianity there was Jewish law people were stoned to death, if you did that today that's manslaughter crime against humanity..In Middle Ages The Catholic Church was the government we had burning at the stake, the Inquisition..There was no due process of law....In my city different religions live together diversity....Some of these type of Fantic Christians need to stop being such Babies and stop judging and read the gospels the right way.... God bless

I listened this yesterday and I was thinking that although persecution is to be expected when we live as Jesus taught us to, we are often our own worst enemies and draw the well-deserved ire of our enemies on our heads by our actions that are less than Christlike.

I found, early in my Christian life, persecution. I found it though, quite ironically, by the hands of other Christians. I was persecuted, and asked to leave, because I had the audacity to ask serious questions regarding my newfound faith; things to this day I still consider as teachings that are an anathema to the story of Jesus and God's ultimate intention with mankind. But that's another story. As with Jesus, though much of his physical abuse came at the hands of the Romans, their impetus for doing so was because those of Jesus's own faith entreated the Romans to do it "for them" so their hands would be (in their minds) free of it. History tends to repeat itself and, as then, and perhaps also during the Crusades, what I see today is Christians of one stripe entreating a Government entity, who has more power than he should, and a party who supports him, to crucify anyone who doesn't believe "their ways of believing" shouldn't be legislated upon them. They should believe it even when real evidence to the contrary says they are wrong in their conclusions. That is the church, a vast, but not complete number of them, doing the persecution here: not the other way around. Edit: And I will add, though it is not true within my household, nearly every Christian I know of the aforementioned mindset, are packing heat. They have all decided to live by the sword.

@auntiebobbolink

3 ай бұрын

F

@auntiebobbolink

3 ай бұрын

From your keyboard to God's monitor,! Well said,!

@margaretjones7954

3 ай бұрын

whoa Anneliese I don't trust in what man says or does. If I have questions I go to reference BIBLD AND BOOKS. Men doesn't have all the answers but Gods word does

@LazyIRanch

3 ай бұрын

I left church 25 years ago, I thought I'd never go back. My 7 year old son and I were attending a Baptist church, one Sunday I was pulled from my Sunday School class to "deal with" my son's "misbehavior". "Oh no" I thought. Did the little dork call someone a doo-doo head? Did he eat too many cookies? Did he smuggle his pet mouse to church, AGAIN?? What?? No. They were learning about Noah's Ark, and he had lots of questions! How could millions of different animals fit on one boat, how did they carry enough food? How did they keep lions from eating other animals? Why did God kill _everyone_ except one family? God killed babies inside their mommies, not even born yet, and newborns who couldn't have committed any sins. Why did God kill all those animals who didn't have the capacity to sin, since they didn't know what it means? If God made a mistake by creating life, then why didn't he correct the mistakes instead of killing everyone? THAT was the big one! How dare he suggest that God made a mistake! "If it wasn't a mistake, then why did He kill everyone and start over?" "GOD DOESN'T MAKE MISTAKES!" His Sunday School teacher was visibly furious with him for asking questions and scared him into crying by telling him he sinned against God for asking _any_ questions! That rubbed me the wrong way, so I showed her Genesis, Chapter 6, which says: *5 The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.* *6 The LORD **_regretted_** that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.* *7 So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created-and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground-for **_I regret_** that I have made them.”* I told her that I'd like to hear answers to his questions too. That's when it was suggested that perhaps this was not the right church for us. Good! We have something we all agree with! BYE! Five years ago, I found a UMC church that I love. They have a very different philosophy, and questions are encouraged. They also welcome everyone, no matter their race, politics, or gender. The female pastor is a former actress/stand-up comic, and very knowledgeable about Bible history and other religions. I've learned so much from her and Rev. Ed. A cousin told me this pastor will only lead me to Hell, as the Bible prohibits female pastors and priests. The Bible "prohibits" lots of things that modern Christians choose to ignore. Just the other day, I saw a preacher wearing clothing made from MIXED fibers! He probably has also been known to consume shellfish, and even CHEESEBURGERS! Consuming meat with milk products is a huge no-no according to Scripture.😏

@silverghostcat1924

3 ай бұрын

I don't understand why some present day Christians want to insist on us following rules that were meant for a totally different group of people who lived completely different kinds of lives.

Rev. Ed thank you for a word of wisdom and truth in our present time of confusion in the Church. My first Pastor, Dick Bieber warned us of all of these pitfalls back in the 70's. It was during a time of revival in Detroit as many young people came to believe in Jesus. I am so thankful that I was a part that movement. You are speaking just as he spoke 50 years ago. He was a Lutheran Pastor and opened his church to everyone and he discipled us and cared for us as a good shepherd would.

sending love to all here

Writer HST said it best. "Buy the ticket; take the ride."

@LazyIRanch

3 ай бұрын

Hunter S. Thompson is one of my favorite authors, along with Kurt Vonnegut. “No sympathy for the devil; keep that in mind. Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it up to forced consciousness expansion: Tune in, freak out, get beaten.” That describes my 62 years on Earth pretty well. I also relate to his quote: “You better take care of me Lord, if you don't you're gonna have me on your hands.”

Respect everyone's religion

Wow. Thank you for taking that idea and just running with it. Such a fresh approach. And the truth of it comes flying out almost from a blind spot! Thank you Reverand Ed. For covering our blind spot.

Pick up your cross and follow our King Jesus.

Welcome being an apostle of Christ. We have so many lost souls.

Long ago, Rev. No physical crucifixion this day, but just ridicule and scorn. Up my alley.

A true Christian walks in Jesus' footsteps, not His shadow!

Thank you for these sobering yet compassionate words.

What you said about Jesus never crying out to worldly powers to save his is true and reminds me of Christian nationalism here in America. They are crying out to the government. Oh you must step in and do such and such to save the morality of our country. We want the government to be our moral compass and tell everyone the way they must live their lives in accordance to our interpretation of the Bible. God bless reverend Ed!

It is not the violence that sets men/women apart. It is the distance he/she is prepared to go.... Lawless/Tom Hardy

Amen.

Thank you for your insightful and truly Christian insights. I am a transfemale who is a Christian (although unable to attend church due to some prejudice). I have been trying to find Christians out there who are more respectful. Listening to you has provided that connection I have been missing.

Nothing but the truth, AGAIN. Thanks, Rev. Ed.

Back when I was a very active member of Xenos Christian Fellowship of Columbus, OH that gathering included many Chinese and missionaries to China who told that the Christians in China pray that Christianity in the USA might come under true persecution to separate the real from the false and to grow the numbers of the real and strengthen the ones who already are. As a real one, I don't have to like their line of thinking to agree. Similarity one of the two founders often told us a parable about allied bomber pilots during World War II They didn't know when they were close to some structure of importance to the Nazis until they came under AA fire. Similarity a sign that one is of threat to Lucifer is to come under his fire. Conversely if one does aknowle Yahweh's reality but is living a very comfortable, carefree life then take warning and check your threat level.

Next up I can't serve this couple: why? It's against my religious beliefs.

Thank you for your clarity, Reverend.

Amen

Amen.❤

Thank you. I think that many of those who condemn Christianity are comparing scripture with contemporary Christian behavior and attitudes, especially in politics. But they are comparing scripture with reality. Isn't that what we want? They are focusing on scripture. As did Paul in the new testament. Give them time. As Bob Dylan sang" I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. We may come out of this crucible for the better.

Pastor Ed I feel that the persecution comes from listening to the deliberate prevarication from the " right" & failure to follow the 11th commandment (Jn15)!

Donald Trump: I had to destroy Christianity to save it.

The 'persecuted Christian' avoids that nastiness suffered when they were of small numbers by becoming dominant. And it's the fear of losing the long-enjoyed supremacy that engenders a lashing out. Proving a weakness of faith.The concerns of the mortal body in the here and now supercede the spiritual. Prosperity gospel and a cleaving to such an un-Christian as Trump speaks most loudly to this perversion. Now we see an almost frenetic overcompensation by way of religious laws being shoved down the throats of a majority who don't want it. Thus hastening and amplifying antipathy toward the God botherers. Of course the irony is lost. Everlasting contentment in Heaven is not a good enough reward. The eyeblink of time here on Earth must also fit with their corporeal needs and desires, leading to intolerance and hate of the other.

Thank you Reverand Trevors. The martyrs didn't run to the government in an attempt to lord their religion over everyone else. I try harder as a Christian believer to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I strongly believe in Jesus Christ! I try to live my life following his ways. However, if I could force everyone who disagrees with me to follow my Catholic religion, I would not! I chose my religion, they have the right to choose theirs. And as someone once said, you may be the only Bible anyone ever reads. My goal is not to force others to obey a law they do not believe in but to shine forth as a practitioner of the shining Truth of Jesus whose way was to set the example.

Bravo

Thanks for your message!

Amen 🙏❤️🙏 Enjoy Sunday blessings dear Reverend 😊

Steven king's the stand, relatable.

amen

Beautiful message❤

Amen ✨️ 🙏

Beautiful sermon/talk Rev Trevor's 🕊️

Christianity is a life style that a person chooses themselves. Christianity is on the rise in places like China and Iran. If they can do it, we can too! Yup! Not the easy road… sheep and goats…

Amen 🙏 thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤

From my perspective the church / Christianity isn't being persecuted as they claim. It's other people in our society that are being persecuted in the name of the church and Christianity. Other than that I love you and your message Rev

Ultimately, what happened to Jesus is that he was reunited with his Father in Heaven and raised to sit had the right hand of God.

the "fine print". Matthew 5: 11-13 "11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, AND PERSECUTE YOU, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and BE EXCEEDING GLAD: for great is your reward IN HEAVEN: for so persecuted they the prophets which were BEFORE YOU.

Thank you for these short video sermons. I consider you my new revered. I feel lucky to have found this channel. 💙

I hope I don't get lambasted for this, but I'm going to share it anyways. I've always had a great deal of respect for genuine Christians, and the teachings of Christ. While I may be a practicing Chasidic Jew, I still feel Naches whenever I see Christians following in the example of Yeshua. And while aspects of our theology may differ, we're all children of G-D. And that fact, at least to me, makes the world just that much brighter. Shalom.

Thank you. My daily inspirarion!

To be "a Christian" we must follow Jesus. Was He persecuted???? Lots of would be christians have never read the book and don't know the true Jesus!!!! Great video, by the way.......

Good teaching - thank you.

John 16:33, my life verse.

AMEN thanks Rev Ed, Loved your message ♥️

I don't think I will ever understand the whole "persecution complex" thing that a lot of Christians have.

Thank you

Coming from privilege, equally looks like persecution.