Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:38 {Is God Abusive?} Does a Christian’s relationship with God mirror what an abusive relationship would look like in other scenarios? 2. 18:34 {Are Healings being Hindered Today?} What does James 5: 13-15 look like today? Are we missing something today that is hindering more healings from the Holy Spirit? 3. 25:28 {Is Charity Meaningless Apart from the Church?} A pastor I listen to says that any community service/charity work that is not done through the Church or a Christian organization is meaningless to God. What are your thoughts on this? 4. 32:02 {Does Sin Separate Believers from God?} I often hear that sin "breaks fellowship" or causes "relational unforgiveness" (to quote GotQuestions.org), but is there Scripture to show that sin can, in any way, separate a Christian from God (Hebrews 10: 19)? 5. 37:48 {Are We Called to Love AND “Like” Others?} Do I have to like a brother in Christ? I know I should love my neighbor and not hate anyone, but there are some personalities I don't like. Is that sinful? 6. 42:00 {Who Will be Told by Jesus to “Depart”?} How is it that some people can cast out demons in Jesus’ name but then be told, “Depart from me for I never knew you”? How do I avoid that fate? 7. 44:29 {Removing Shoes on Holy Ground?} What is the significance of people taking their shoes off in the presence of God in the Old Testament? 8. 46:43 {Overcoming the Pressure of Comparison} How do I stop comparing myself to others? As a college student, I’m surrounded by a highly competitive environment and I find myself comparing my grades and career to others. How do I overcome this? 9. 51:27 {Jews vs. Christians - Same God?} Do current Jews and Christians worship the same God? They claim to worship the God of Moses and the saints, but reject part of God. 10. 55:50 {Solomon: Salvation & “The Book of His Acts”?} My question is, was Solomon saved? Did he repent after what he did? what is the Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11: 41)? 11. 1:02:47 (Just for fun!) BONUS Q: In LOTR Return of the King, it is mentioned that 3 days are needed to gather more forces. Before Aragorn leaves. However, only 1 day seems to pass. How do you reconcile this?
Notice how much more careful and gracious Mike is when asked “do Jews and Christians have the same God?” Than he is when asked “do Mormons and Christians have the same God?” None of that nuance when talking about Latter-day Saints, despite Latter-day Saints being much closer to Christians than Jews. I think it’s because people are worried about appearing anti-Semitic, but are proud to be anti-Mormon as Jews are considered a protected class in society, while Mormons are always the punching bag.
The difference is that Mormons do not worship the same God - at the very least their theology is skewed enough to the point that they theologically have very fundamental differences. Jews and Christians share the same God, but Jews only worship God the Father and deny Christ’s presence as part of the Godhead. Yes, still unsaved but not a different God. It’s not a punching bag to poking one out as a false understanding of the truth and the other as an incomplete picture of the truth. After all, Messianic Jews exist.
Haven’t watched the full video, but I just needed to say: My first abusive relationship was with God. He created me, and I cursed his name. He blessed me and I used it to mock him. He gave us laws to keep to insure our prosperity, and we broke them for fun. He gave up his divine privilege to save us and we nailed him to a cross. He rose from the dead Giving us the free gift of eternal life, and we mocked, spat upon, cursed, and blasphemed his holy name. He saved me, and I still run to sin. Yet every Time, he still welcomes me home with open arms. My first Abusive relationship was with God, But God wasn’t the abuser. I was! I abused his Grace, his Mercy, his love. And still, he never Abandoned me.
You are spot on Mike! I was raised JW, started questioning their prophecies & other beliefs in the 70’s as a teen. When I bought a different Bible than theirs my mother was so embarrassed. Ultimately I was and still am “disfellowshipped” and am still shunned. I praise God for it though because now I know the REAL truth of God & his will. My mother, 86 now, is still in JW and the barriers put around them to receive truth can only be penetrated by the Holy Spirit.
I’m currently studying cluster b personality disorders in psychology and this meme expresses the same exact emotions victims of narcissistic abuse feel when under the control of their narcissistic partner. In no way is the God of the Bible the same as a narcissist. Granted many church leaders and members are narcissists but they don’t represent God in their actions. So unless you are a victim of a narcissist as your pastor or something then this should not be the way you feel in your relationship with God. I don’t and I’m still going to therapy for the PTSD I was diagnosed with 8 years ago stemming from my physically abusive spouse. I could not have removed him from my life if it wasn’t for the Lord giving me a new heart and the will to live. I thank the Lord I am free.
That's really nice for you personally, but would you say those poor widows & orphans in Israel and Gaza are also "loved and cherished, full of peace & hope"? Has God 'found them'?
I’m glad that your experience has been beneficial. I’m happy that my loved ones and friends and neighbors and people of various faiths and none all share a common evolutionary history. We all share this planet…and we are the stuff of stars. When I pass babies will still be born, people will fall in love life will continue for others. I hope those of faith traditions can find it in their hearts and minds to join in efforts that support environmental stewardship and human rights. Future generations need our responsible efforts. What are your thoughts ?
@DM-he1ug I just speaking of my path in life, I feel very bad that they must go through all that, but it is not God's will... it's the bad people we surround ourselves with...
Q2. My wife had seizures as a child and as they progressively got worse and closer together, her parents had the church elders anoint her privately in their home and the seizures stopped. That was very uncommon at her church, but at my church the pastor kept a bottle of oil on the pulpit, so if anyone wanted to come, he could anoint them. He would always read James 5:13-16 before having each elder dab a drop of oil on the person’s forehead. Everyone in the church would then pray at the same time for the person. It was very informal and no one expected complete healing every time, but prayer is powerful
Unfortunately, this is very true. Sadly, I can confirm this from my experience in my family. All ex-JWs (parents and siblings) have become convinced atheists and want to stay that way. The damage caused by this sectarian ideology lasts a lifetime... 😥
This is false. I’ve had discussions with JWs quite a few times and the thing that sticks out most is they don't believe in a cruel God that punishes you eternally for a finite amount of sins. From what I understand they believe in eternal destruction or non-existence. I share that belief since that is what Jesus taught. Literally, 99% of the atheists I've spoken to, if not 100% to make room for error, all make reference to eternal torment and damnation being their primary issue with Christianity and a supposedly loving God. So, stop the cap! If you believe in hellfire and eternal torment then you need to face the fact that YOUR preferred doctrine of hell has led to the increase of atheism around the world. Mike has many atheists who visit and comment on his videos and they mainly emphasize the doctrine of hell as being inconsistent with a supposedly loving God and an unjust solution for handling unrepentant sinners who didn't ask to be born and inherited their sinful nature. You all haven't spoken to many atheists is what you're telling me.
@@toreyhorton1789 I don't know if your answer is addressed to me, but if it is, I will tell you that my acquaintances and co-workers, everyone I have talked to, without exception, are atheists, and they are not atheists because of hell. Their arguments are mostly diffuse, but they always point to the desire not to have to explain themselves to some "superior being". To be their own god, to do what they want, to be "free", as they say, without being subject to divine norms. Hell is not the cause of their atheism. They simply reject its existence because they don't want to accept the consequences of rejecting faith in Christ, but it is not the reason for their atheism. It is also interesting that it is precisely the ex-JWs, who already do not believe in hell, who become atheists. And by the way. JWs are not Christians at all.
I thought of JWS IMMEDIATELY. I was one briefly in my early 20s and I started to do research on their background and it opened my eyes . Here I am over 40 years later still shunned ! My sister became a JW soon after me and to this day will not have anything to do with me . Jesus repaired my heart and saved me . I have no regrets . I pray my sister opens her eyes and receives real salvation.
Amen. Recently left one my self. The church only associated w itself. Even extra curricular activities outside of church / worship was only done together w in the group. Only the pastor could interpret scripture and if anyone had a question about scripture, his sermon, or otherwise we were instructed not to speak about it to anyone except to him ( the pastor ) at one point, someone voiced they thought the Lord was leading them elsewhere and the pastor instructed the congregation from the pulpit that before anyone made any life choices they were to consult him first to see where the Lord would have them go / do. Some how the Lords will ( per that pastor) always meant serving him and his family more. Ie: the Lord isn't actually calling u to xyz but to serve me and this church more...you're not hearing God correctly cuz he doesn't speak to us individually...only through His Word and through His annointed. You can't trust yourself re this, your heart is wicked! Now, mow my lawn more often and paint my garden shed. 😡
44:00 Testimony time!! I am on my way home inside my boss's truck and today i was deeply terrified about the depart from me passage and i begged God "father please please comfort me today today please! If possible in dream please! Im terrified save me save my mother my father my sisters my brother please!" And i fell asleep for an hour so far and i just happen to wake up the second this question is asked?! God is so good!!!
You know, sometimes when someone is a true believer, being healed can mean physical death. I'm not saying that you'll just get one healing or another, all I'm saying is that death can be a form of freeing someone from their suffering, especially when they are a believer, and if it's their time to leave, then it is their time.
There are a lot of people who would blame God for deaths, I am not one of them. I personally find it to be a liberation from suffering because our entire existence is suffering. I think of death as a perspective check.
Hi Mike Winger, I grew up Baptist, very legalistic Baptist. And people I grew up with use the same lingo as that post. And yes I would say we were conditioned to not think for ourselves. I had so many unanswered questions because they were not allowed. The teachings while right, the arguments were not biblical or grounded in truth so it hurt alot of people. Anyways just wanted to shed light that this is a real issue in the circle I was raised in and it was a Baptist church that preached the gospel. It 's a daily battle for all my friends.
Do you feel as though you've had a chance to heal from your experience? These types of situations definitely can be damaging. Do you feel like you were able to separate what you went through from God himself ? Or did you struggle with separating the two?
@kladies3021 I actually didn't understand the gospel because of the legalistic environment at the church. Even though they preached the true gospel Jesus plus nothing. They modeled Jesus plus works, so when I walked away from sermons or church camp with a list of things I thought I needed to do better in order to be holy. Missing the fact that holiness comes from the lord and out of thankfulness is where obedience comes from. I feared God in an unhealthy way, I thought I have to "be good" for a week after sinning to be able to pray and get back in his good graces. Things like this. Because of the view of God that was taught to us I was left very confused even though I grew up in church. But at 33 I finally understood the gospel and my life has changed since He saved me. During the time of leaving the Baptist church I grew up in and living I the world, I thought I was saved the whole time and I thought I was a good person, but once that crashed I realized I was a false convert. My understanding of God during that time was that he was chill and ok with my lifestyle, I went from legalism to hippie Jesus, but deep down I didn't have assurance of my salvation. I had zero faith looking back. I have healed now from the church hurt, but my heart hurts for my friends who have left the movement but they are in the same place I was in when I left. It's like church hurt has caused the whole generation I grew up with to just miss the gospel entirely while convincing them they are saved although alot of people I grew up with even pastors kids are atheists. It's hard to reach them and heartbreaking and it's a real problem in the circle I'm in.
Before I was saved, I could’ve posted the same thing as the meme. I believed it. This morning, I was reflecting on how much God liberated me from when I was saved. He ripped me out of a relationship that was quite literally killing me. My eyes were opened in a moment, like a switch flipping that I needed to get out without looking back. It’s been 4 years since I left that and the way God has radically transformed my life in that time never fails to make me want to cry. I came to Christ about 2 months after I left that situation. God has so much mercy on me when I was still walking in darkness. I’m forever grateful for how He chose to redeem a life that didn’t deserve it in the slightest.
Hi Mike In my teens, I was involved with JW for nine months. At the time I thought that God was cold and heartless. Fortunately I found God (2 years later at a church youth group). Given my low self esteem at the time, it was reasuring to learn that GOD IS LOVE. From that basis, everything else about God fell into place. My low selt esteem didn't matter as much because God accepted me for who I was. In surrendering to Jesus, I felt a huge burden lift.
It seems like the MEME writer is suffering fall our from a cult. That explains their black and white perspective. I feel sorry for people who caught up in cults. They need our prayers and compassion. Sure, it might be narcisistic to believe that you can be self sufficient. But the deeper issue is most likely a lack of trust. So, I feel for this MEME writer and pray that he or she finds GOD. I really appreciate your efforts to raise awareness on such a crucial topic. Simon Gottwald
Came here to add this too. According to Wikipedia, also Judaism, Holdenman Mennonites, Mormons, and Catholics (before 1983), as well as Scientology, Sikhism, and Baha’i. Not that I did deep research.
@@AsYouWishMama I’m Mennonite and we don’t practice shunning. We do practice excommunication (very rare), but that is not the same as shunning. Maybe horse and buggy Mennonites (very similar to Amish in a lot of ways) practice shunning but that is not the majority of Mennonites.
Yeah I was going to say the same thing. I live in an area with a lot of Amish, driving Mennonites, and horse and buggy Mennonites. Even in this one area, every single church group is different in how they handle things like shunning. It's probably not even very common among horse and buggy Mennonites anymore.
Can I get you all to give an opinion on these scriptures? To me, it appears that Paul is instructing or even admonishing Christians to distance themselves from a person who claims to be a follower of Christ but lives a life that violates Christian morals and Bible standards. Is this advocating for what is referred to as “shunning”this individual? Or, am I not reading it correctly? *1 CORINTHIANS 5:9-11* I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. 1Co 5:10 - In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world. 1Co 5:11 - But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. What is Paul conveying here about someone who claims to be a Christian yet is proven to be living an unrepentant sinful life? I may not be clear on the definition of shunning so let me know if not associating with or even eating with someone describes shunning them.
I was listening late, and question 5, about loving people but not liking them. When I feel this way, I ask God to show me his love and appreciation for those people. He has given me some compassion, and shown me compassion and appreciation for people I didn't like.
Thanks for the practical advice about loving others. I think my favorite definition of love is willing and working for the good of the other. I totally agree that as we learn to pray "for" and not "about" others then our hearts begin to change. Bless you and your ministry. 😊
I’m atheist but I agree that’s good advice. It’s also wise to consider just being thankful for what one has. A heart of caring and appreciation ….that’s wise and wonderful.
Something my youth pastor from my teenage years says that has really stuck with me through the years, is "Love is an action, not a feeling. Especially Biblical love."
I finally found perfect relationship with God His love is unconditional He gives perfect guidance He gives me the ability to choose He is interested in me He meets all of my needs He is faithful to me He is joyful He is patient He is kind He is good He has self control He is gentle He died for me Could I ask for anything else?
It's conditional unconditional love (as long as you worship him, and if you don't and he ends up torturing you in hell, then you need to call that loving torture), and guidance that when it fails you have an excuse that it was his will or something, he gives you the ability to choose like someone with a gun to their head, he doesn't care about you or meet all your needs (but you have an excuse for that), he's not always good or kind (like to the praying kids who get abused for years), so basically, he's one giant gaslight. What a perfect relationship of fantasy.
@@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessrthat's not true It isn't "you didn't like me so here's some torture". Rather it's "hey, you've egregiously broken the law, but I will save you and take your punishment myself. All you have to do is accept my sacrifice.". When we don't accept God's sacrifice for us and refuse to be saved, shocked, we are t saved. We suffer a punishment for our own actions (sin). Thus, we do receive punishment bc we committed crimes and refused for God to be the payment for them, so we must pay for them
I have been a Christian for 50 years. He is my loving heavenly father, my best friend, someone I can talk to about everything, He has forgiven my sins, He gives me salvation, He has given me eternal life, He has given me spirital gifts, He has given me a career that I have fof 30 years, Christian friends, He is with me in all situations, never leaves me or forsakes me, gives me self worth, He always made sure I have food, clothes, and shelter, among many other things. But I never have thought of Him being abusive.
We set up a females one a few years back and has been great for sisterly guidance and support. (Not linked to Mike directly) Defo set one up for connection and encouragement.
Excellent stuff Mike! Meeting the Lord taught me what RIGHT relationships look like. Without Him, we are feral, deranged and know nothing of how to love ourselves or others.
You seemed very peppy and healthy today, Mike, so I’m thanking God that your new schedule appears to be working for you. I continue to pray for your health and grieving, that you’ll be comforted and strengthened. I’ve just finished re-watching all the Romans series and am starting, again, the Mark one. I’m teaching a women’s Bible study on Wednesday mornings and will be including your Romans 12:1 video two weeks weeks from now; I think it can be life-changing to my class (as it has been for me). I was excited that one of the elder’s wives listened to it, shared it with her husband; and both loved it. This is exciting to me because the Church of Christ sometimes can be a bit rigid and suspicious about anything not produced by Church of Christ members-so this is huge. I’m a cheerleader at heart, so maybe this will be an effective entrance into your teaching, beyond my continual encouraging people toward it. Thank you, once again, for your daily input into my life; I don’t go a day without listening to at least one of your videos. I thank God for you every time I pray. Blessings, Kathy Alba
I really love Mike’s answer to the question about comparison, about choosing to rejoice and rooting for others. I have found that helpful many times in my life and it’s a good reminder. I wanted to add that finding our confidence in God rather in ourselves is super important and helpful. By that I mean reading in the Bible about His characteristics and seeing that He holds up. Choosing to sing songs of praise to Him in moments of insecurity to both give Him what He servers and also remind ourselves that He is secure, we can have confidence in Him. I find that comparison often comes from lack of confidence in ourselves, and that putting others down in our minds to try to feel better often comes from a strange attempt to try to find that confidence. In our humanity we think if we can somehow get better and do better than so and so, we will have more confidence, we will feel better about our placement in the comparison race, like that’s ever actually worked. That race is always about being ahead of another person so that we can have self confidence and it’s a never ending bad cycle. But there’s something to accepting our human limitations and not trying to be so confidence in ourselves but find our confidence in the One with no limitations! And the more we think about Him, the more we become concerned with His will and the more we start thinking in accordance with Him. That way we are also quicker to rejoice with others.
Oh and I should add, that does also make us confident for real, like what people would describe as self confidence, but we know it’s just us understanding that what God has given us is enough to do through us what He wants to do. It’s a really freeing feeling.
Thank you so much for all your work. You have honestly helped me more than you can know in my walk with God. And I give God the glory for the work he has done in you and your ministry. I may not always agree with certain views, but you have an amazing gift for teaching God's word. Not only can you explain things in a way that's so understandable but you also help people learn to analyze and study the Bible better themselves. You are doing an amazing job and I pray you keep giving God glory, stay humble (not that I think you don't this already) and that you keep looking to God for the comfort and strength to preserve. ❤
Living in Christ all things are permissable but not all things are edifying. The man in Corinth who was conducting immorality with his mother in law was cast out of the church due to his unrepentant behavior but was accepted when he did repent. You have more freedom under Christ because you are no longer a slave to sin, to vices and to the flesh.
@@kriegjaeger Interesting comment. When you say he was 'cast out of the church', what exactly did that entail? And interestingly, where in Corinthians does it say that he was repentant?...
@@DM-he1ug Not to keep company with fornicators (Christians, not the world, that would be impossible) and to specifically "Deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" 1 cor 5:5 There's other explicit reference to church discipline the last step if someone refuses to listen to friends trying to help them, respected people and friends, and standing before the church, they are excommunicated. 2 cor 2:1-11 the punishment the man had received was sufficient and now they aught to forgive and comfort him, lest he be swallowed up with sorrow. That as they were forgiven by Christ, so too now should they forgive.
@@kriegjaeger Thanks. So specifically, what does 'not keep company with' mean? What does excommunication mean? Where does it say in 2 Cor 2 that he was repentant?...
Not only are we getting the same number of questions, mike is doing more time overall. He had to speed through lots of them in the biweekly 20 but now this video has time to focus more on the later questions
I was in a church that shunned me because I stopped going there when someone’s husband was agreeing with me about my response to Bible study question’s no one else in the group could answer. People started treating me like I was sinning. So I left and then when I saw them in public they would act like I didn’t exist. I was so hurt by this Baptist church I didn’t go anywhere for over a year. Then I found a church through prayer that helped me heal. I was able to grow and flourish after that, but still had battles and attacks against my character, but learned God was my defender of my reputation.
We absolutely have value ! Christ came and paid our debts! He would of came even if it was for one sinner ! For God so loved the world. We are made in His image & He wants no one to perish but for ALL to turn to Him! He loves us all dearly, He is our creator and we are His creation.
First question and answer made me think of this.... "Two wonders, here, that I confess My worth and my unworthiness." -Keith and Kristyn Getty / 'My Worth is Not in What I Own'
Taking your shoes off before entering a holy space is likely rooted in the custom not wearing outdoor shoes indoors, least you bring the dirt from outside inside. For example of you were visiting someone's tent you would take your shoes off before stepping on their carpet. It can be found in the customs of some Churches where you remove your shoes either upon entering or before receiving Communion.
Thanks for being such a good and honest pastor and not letting the haters from the internet atheist spaces get you down and keep you down. I know it can be a hit to the ego because they like to make people look dumb as best they can. But you are telling the truth, and therefore you have nothing to worry about concerning your opposition. So thanks
My mother always told me that if I was a better Catholic, I wouldn't have the problems I was having, which was actually. caused by her physical, mental, and verbal abuse. I have forgiven her but I wish I could forget.
Once you forgive her, you should forget, that's part of forgiveness..people are only human..they make mistakes.. don't hold it against her any longer...put it out of your mind and your heart...God bless and keep you always...
When people aren't asking for forgiveness, Forgiving anyway is for you. Unforgiveness is like portable attacks on your mental health, you'll physically leave the person and the bitterness in your heart will still be damaging your life wherever you go. I see people that make great names for themselves. In their acceptance speech, the day of their glory, the people that hurt them get mentioned too.😢 People are crappy, do not forgive them because they're only human, forgive them because it takes energy to collect debt😅. And God has forgiven us of bigger things. Btw forgiveness doesn't mean reconciliation. You can forgive and remove yourself from a place of potential future attacks.
@@lookingatdaisies9901 I had Christian mennonites very much have the opinion that you should stay in the abusive environment. They had a pretty solid theology too. It worried me about Christianity as a whole. Now I've embraced that Christianity at its core is toxic.
Right now, I'm thinking of a difficult person...praying FOR him to be healthy and successful...and asking God to help me have the right attitude toward him, or maybe not think about him so much.
I relate so much to this first question... I was raised in a cultish church (not JW but shunning exists in other cultish organizations) and we were not taught healthy applications to Biblical principles. There was spiritual and other abuse that crushed me and I walked away for a long time. I dedicated my life to Christ last October and before I did I struggled with the idea of this first question. There's a comic strip where Jesus is knocking on a door and says "I'm here to save you"... and the people on the other side ask "From what?" Jesus answers "From me, if you don't love me." It DOES seem both absurd and abusive to people who don't believe. Ultimately I felt the evidence was strong enough that I needed to move forward but I still struggle with the idea of non-believers going to hell and, personally, I struggle with anger towards God for creating us in the first place. How dare I? I know. The created shouldn't question the creator but the pain and suffering of billions of people just don't seem like a reasonable choice when God KNEW it would happen that way. Why am I sharing? 1. So that people will know that the first question isn't one borne of rebellion but of deep hurt, and 2. That if you feel so led, you'd pray for me to have peace about this. It makes trusting God REALLY hard.
I think God is okay with big questions like that, so long as we don’t conclude he has bad character based on our finite knowledge. Take Job as an example. It’s not one to one, but he was a righteous man and a man in great anguish. People often point out how God rebuked him for impugning his character, but people forget that God actually chastened Job’s friends, saying Job spoke rightly about him and vindicating Job. Job had to offer sacrifices for his friends because Job’s big question wasn’t offensive to God the way his friends’ blanket answers were. (edit: Job is a great book and I recommend it if you haven’t read it yet). I think this illustrates the importance of allowing big questions to be big and painful and bringing them to God, but not all of us want to go so far as to have God question us.
Thanks for sharing your struggles. They’re more common than many think. Just a few thoughts: Your comic strip is a caricature of Christianity. Jesus didn’t come to save us from _Him,_ but from _ourselves._ He is the Great Physician Who has come to cure us of a disease called spiritual death, which we freely took on ourselves way back in the Garden, and which can only be cured by trusting in His finished work on the Cross. Consider: If you went to a doctor and he said you have an illness that will kill you unless you take this medicine, do you think he’s trying to save you from _himself?_ And if you refuse to take the medicine he freely offers you, can you then blame him if you die? Also, you don’t have to _love_ the doctor to get well, you only have to _trust_ him enough to take his medicine, and you will be cured. That’s hardly an abusive doctor, is it? Especially since the doctor won’t _force_ anyone to take the medicine he offers, even though it’s free. For to work, it must be _freely_ taken. Hope that helps!🙏✝️
@@levifox2818i love Job recently, I've gone from focusing on God as a child, to studying the devil's and his friends behaviours. Fascinating, how in the world does anyone show up at someone's house, still covered in diseases and grieving dead kids and servants, to tell them your two cents about why they were suffering... At one point one of them even said the kids sinned and died for it. 21st century, we have people telling those that are suffering that it's because they didn't have enough faith or didn't tithe enough 😬
Concerning question 3 I agree with Mike Winger. Charity by any person is meaningful. Reminds me of the sheeps and the goats in Matthew 25. Who is the goat? The pagan who feeds the poor, gives them clothing and heals them? Or the believer shouting in the church "Lord Lord , I love you!" and letting the poor outside starve and without help? It seems Jesus judged by deeds and not "faith alone".
Great to hear your great teachings. I just marked in my calendar every Friday 4pm eastern time so i dont forget Evangelist Roger Mansour missionary to HAITI
Yes, but it doesn't say they were rejected because they supposedly trusted in their works. That's just something Christian faiths that promote no-works salvation claim to bolster their position. However, that is not what the text says. Also, Jesus never told anyone they didn't have to do any work. Never!
@@toreyhorton1789 yeah unfortunately people end up justifying a believe that obedience is a "work" and thus they don't need to obey, even when Jesus plainly says otherwise several times the ones who Jesus knows are the ones who "do the will of my Father" and those who "hear these words of Mine and does them". thus the ones who Jesus tells to depart from Him are the ones who do not do the will of His Father, and hear the words of His but do not do them - they are likened like a fool who built their house on the sand, and it fell, and great was its fall. its so plainly there in the text anyone should be able to see it. obedience is not a work, its a requirement. in fact Hebrews 3-4 warn about disobeying like those wandering in the desert and such. it equates disobedience to unbelief even.
@@toreyhorton1789Despite not being one myself, adherents of sola fide generally *do* believe Christians are commanded to do good works. However, they believe good works are a fruit of their salvation rather than the root of it.
Yes, but the scriptures indicate a Christian or servant of God is justified by their works and the only place this phrase is used is to reject the notion that “faith alone” is all that is required to be justified and gain salvation. The phrase “faith alone” has been bastardized and misused to promote the false belief that simply making a claim of having faith (UNSUBSTANTIATED at that) is all that is required to gain salvation. When in fact the only place that phrase appears in the scriptures is to convey something contrary to how it's been CORRUPTED. *_JAMES 2:24_*
Q-3. I left a church that taught that if we do ANY type of charity or help anyone financially but have not tithed that week, God would not recognize it. I tried to question him about that(privately) and some of his other teachings, but he seemed to get enraged that I would question ANYTHING that he taught. So I left his church
Reminded me of what I had heard from the Mormon kids on missions that questioned anything that didn't make sense. Everything you went over, one young man or another had dealt with. It was heartbreaking.
Pstr/Dr. FRANK TUREK: "If a musician played Beethoven badly, would you blame Beethoven?". Its so heartbreaking when ppl reject/hate God bc Christians/CLAIM 2b Christians, "do" Christianity badly.
#4 - "Doncha know?" I hear a pastor of my prior church every time (Pastor J. Schaeffer near Cleveland). "Doncha you know you are a temple of God?" Then, the passage you message about Jesus being our first love, the Petra "First Love" pops into my head. I find I remember verses better when it is something silly or a song.
I'm glad you said the thing about "luck". There's a guy in my husband's church who I have said he was lucky as in he didn't break his leg in a fall and he pointedly said I don't believe in luck. He did this another time too, as if he were greatly offended. This made me avoid talking to him!
Question 1: could be IFB- some can be very controlling and authoritarian. They tend to be very unbalanced. Also very legalistic. 😢. Many people leave those churches and will never step inside of a church again
Hey Mike... I grew up in a very fundamentalists evangelical church (which was abusive) and many people shunned me when I left... and that word was used. It is in the evangalical world as well. This might have origined in JW world... but the word is used in evangelical world also.
Yeah, I don't think that "shunned" is a unique enough word to say that it points to JW ideology specifically--it didn't hit me that way, at least. In any case, it's highly possible that the writer was legitimately hurt by a religious group, whether JW or evangelical or otherwise. It happens. There are plenty of groups that are Christian in name only and have wacky doctrine or surface-level teaching or power-hungry people, that could lead someone to come away with an understanding like the person in the meme. It's very sad. If that is the case (although we don't know the whole situation, of course), I hope and pray that one day this person will come to learn that the people who hurt them don't represent God, and also receive compassionate reassurance that what happened to them was wrong.
@@dubblebubbletoilandtrouble6646 Yes. I recognized some of those statements as things I said about the church community I left (being called worthless, not being able to ask questions, etc). I also assume that this was made by someone who - like me - was treated this way in the name of God and attributed those feelings toward Him. I also hope that they will be able to separate those people from God. It is. alot of work and isn't easy.
Can I get you all to opine on this scripture? To me it appears that Paul is instructing or even admonishing Christians to distance themselves from a person who claims to be a follower of Christ but lives a life that violates Christian morals and Bible standards. Is this advocating for what is referred to as “shunning”this individual? Or, am I not reading it correctly? *1 CORINTHIANS 5:9-11* I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. 1Co 5:10 - In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world. 1Co 5:11 - But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. What is Paul conveying here about someone who claims to be a Christian yet is proven to be living an unrepentant sinful life? I may not be clear on the definition of shunning so let me know if not associating with or even eating with someone describes shunning them?
@@toreyhorton1789that is shunning too, but anyone can shun, evil people can shun a good person, bullies can shun a victim, good people can shun an evil person to stop them harming everyone else. There are people who were dwelling in their sin and trying to change biblical doctrine talking about being shunned for a "difference in opinion". Then there are people being shunned because the church has now developed an unbiblical doctrine but is licensing biblical authority to make people adhere to their man-made distortion.
I love my older brother. I remember the times when he has been a great companion, and a strong man. But he has fallen, in the last few years, into the same sin and despair that I was once in. I love him, and I love what I know he can be, and what he has been, but I cannot bring myself to like him. He has abandoned his strength and faith for hedonism and a surface level idea of womanhood. I pray for him every night. He has no hope where he is now, and he knows it. I always pray that he will find peace.
I know many former Christians who would gladly use the term “shunned” during and after their deconstruction/disbelief/doubting process. And frankly I know many unhealthy Christian communities that do reject anyone who chooses to no longer believe. I agree that Christian doctrine is nothing like being removed from a former JW/Mormon/Scientologist community but it does help for Christians to reflect how they treat those around them with doubts and what their witness conveys when they abandon those who turn from God.
God bless you, Mike, even if we get some things wrong due to our imperfect comprehension and interpretation and exegesis, I trust that the Holy Spirit mediates and intercedes for us, and that if we are saved by faith, not of our own works, then it is not by our perfect doctrines or hermeneutics, rather by the perfect work of Christ
Mike, just so you know these 10 question videos haven’t been coming up on YT Music app, which is what I mainly use for your Q&As. Not a big deal, as I can listen here or other platforms, but just wanted to let you know. Thanks for your wonderful content brother!
#7 The way I always interpreted taking one's shoes off on holy ground was 1) shoes are dirty and 2) they put something between you (your feet) and God (holiness of the ground). That's probably too literal and naive of an interpretation, but that's how I explained it to myself as a kid; and I've never questioned it too hard. 🙈
Answer to 3 question Matthew 25:35-40 New King James Version 35 (A)for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; (B)I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was (C)naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; (D)I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, (E)inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Shunning happens in any spiritually abusive context, because anyone who recognizes and pushes back (or flees) the abusive leader/culture will be a danger to that system. So... they are labeled "rebellious, divisive" and other members will be warned to avoid them and their influence. Shunning is a fruit of a culture of fear and lies, which is carefully curated in the abusive church in order to maintain control of the thoughts and actions of those who remain in the abusive culture.
Addressing the meme. Thank you for your perspective Mike. Now in my mid 50s, Ive struggled deeply with religion abuses. The over emphasis of worm theology where a person is only capable of filthy rags with nothing but decietful thoughts convinced me I have no value. Trying to relearn that God sees enough value in me to die for me, has been a serious challenge. "Worm theology" gives little attention to "made in the image of God". I was always taught to sit in the pew and keep quiet. Questioning authority was a straight way to discipline and being shunned as a "trouble maker". I'm not saying that we arent born dead in our sins or that we dont need Gods amazing love, forgiveness, and holiness. I am saying that I understand why people are falling away from church and why this person may feel value-less. At my age, the hurt is secondary to the battle I engage to unlearn man-teaching and re-learn my value to God. Jesus finds me valuable. So much so that he chose to be tortured to death to buy my freedom from sin's curse. Im wanted by Him. The balance between "made in the image of God" and "born in our trespasses and sins" is complex. I wish more church people would shed their personal, learned perspectives and dig into the Love AND Holiness of God. This (perhaps JW) may not have said some things in the best way. Maybe I haven't, either. There are abuses on every side as part of our "nature". But, this guy has a point about "religion". Mike, thank you for opening the subject and not conforming to to this world but pushing ahead to the renewal of mind that is only found in Christ Jesus.
Love your podcast Pastor Mike. Special request - please put a low-end filter or EQ out the extreme low-end on your audio. It's almost certainly a setting you can turn on in your recording/editing software. Sometimes you hit the mic, or the table, or something, and it (literally) nearly blows out my subwoofer!
Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. (1 Kings 11:11-12)
As someone who was abused my whole childhood, the first one is tricky...people often dismiss the experience assuming you want to sin (by basic worldly things like partying and having premarital sex or wanting power etc) which is just not at all the truth in my case. You can honestly seek God, want to live a moral life and be absolutely tormented by how God has treated you. What if the desires are speaking your mind and not having to repress everything you think is right and valuable, being allowed to be blameless when you are not the one who's the problem, being allowed to want affection, wanting a job that doesn't make you spend your free time crying in bed for years and years and years? You can stay in Christianity despite Christians having sucked all joy out of you, and still not find comfort in God. I don't meet Christians who are committed to solving real issues like religious abuse and who are actually willing to help with problematic things that do make God seem abusive. Help is impossible to find contrary to invalidation through quick assumptions...but not wanting to be too harsh in my criticism, since the people who would post things like that on Facebook might just have very banal sinful desires which makes them reject God.
I find most people who say that they are angry with God, when asked why, they always site their problems with religious people. "This evil person did this to me." Well, maybe that was sinful man and not God, eh? We can't let men dictate who God is to us; only the Bible can do that, and if men contradict the Bible, we reject what they say, and accept the Bible.
God does not abuse. Humans abuse, but God is not small enough to focus his energy on abusing. I recently felt the love of Christ, but before this awakening, I was angry with God at times (out of frustration for questions not answered). After my awakening, I do not focus my energy on my sins because I accepted I will continue to miss the mark of perfection and that is fine. It does not mean I have desires to go out of my ways to do things to hurt myself.
God gave human beings freedom of choice. Literally - God Your Creator - is the only One who actually Loves the human race - as individuals and as His Creation. Even Angels only love you because God Loved you first. It would serve the human race much better to understand this completely before you blame God for your troubles. 🙄😇
"Conditioned to..." sounds like it came from whatever religious or non-religious person shadowed over him when he was small. Those are traits he is describing of a human influence, not of a God who lives outside of our limited understanding.
That meme in question 1 reads like a 3 year old who is upset with his parent for not letting him eat candy for dinner. The amount of hubris that we would know better than God is striking.
Regardless of what group the Q1 meme poster belonged to, the principles Mike talks about are the same. Also, one family deciding that shunning is biblical is not the same as it being endorsed by a whole church community or denomination.
Mike I deeply respect your work. I am working my way through Alisa Childers' 3rd book. I think you may have missed it on the first question meme. I suggest reading it again from the perspective of the deconstructing exvangelical. I suspect it is a meme attacking evangelical Christianity. Rev. Dr. Robert Castro
Brother Micke, I watch you videos and learn a lot from you, you are answering so many of the questions I have and they are biblical, thank you so much for your time to help us understand the world of God. The question about taking your shoes off, I think it has something to do with the world and our behaviour and attitude before we came to know the Lord Jesus. Going places where everything they do is ungodly, We went everywhere the unbelievers would go and did what they did, so the shoes resemble our old life, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and told them to keep on washing their feet meaning repentance every day of what we have done unknowingly or knowingly, and remember that we belong to Christ and live a holy life. So take your shoes off is to everyone that comes to Jesus in repentance, leave your old life behind you and come follow me and I will wash you from your sins and your feet from all the dirt/deeds that you or I collected from the world and I will give you a better life and take you to the place I choose for you to glorify me. Moses life has changed after he took his shoes off when he met with the Lord and Joshua too and my life also changed after I met with the Lord. Thanks God. That’s what I believe “take your shoes off” means. God bless you
For anyone that has gone through spiritual abuse at the hands of a church. Jesus can heal your broken heart and through him you can have a reassurance of safety and be set free from the bondages that you encountered through false teaching. In the passage about Jesus being the Good Shepherd he talks about how the hired hand doesn't really care for the sheep but he contrasts his genuine concern for the sheep. He's calls himself the "good" shepherd for a reason. He wants to assure you that your in good hands and that he truly is a good shepherd that looks after the sheep. Jesus is the answer friends. Just like the man who was distressed and went into the cave because of his sufferings due to demons. Jesus searched for him and Jesus delivered him and he was in his right mind. Jesus can heal and restore our minds to be sober. Be encouraged family!!
I can confirm it's true for the UPC although I will add a caveat that the shunning aspect varies wildly between churches and even individuals. I was not shunned when I left, thank God. But I know of someone who was shunned by direction of their pastor for attending another UPC church that held different standards. Not sure the state they moved to would have even had a church with such strict standards. It broke my friend's heart.
@@nonyabidness5708 I wasn't officially shunned either. I don't "think" the pastor had a syndicate or anything, but honestly, it's so covertly preached to stay away from "negativity" that they just do it instinctively. My peace is a challenge to them even though I avoid arguing about theology. They are just to scared too question the status quo. The pastor where I went starved the neighboring churches though. He used busses and vans to bring people in from other districts rather than plugging them into nearby churches. It's so odd.
I initially was thinking Calvinism with the bad relationship with God.. Even with the shunning... well...they weren't "really" of "us".... And the non questioning....how dare you question God? Plenty of people throwing out the baby with the bathwater whether they were in the water with the baby or not.. GOD'S Only Son Permits Eternal Life! 😇🙏💪
For the Jews vs Christians question, I would say look up "Jesus in the Talmud" to know how the community that crucified him believed then and afterwards. Israel uses the Talmud as a holy book of the nation, as Bibi said himself. This is not a matter of hate or cultural narrative, just clarity for Christians being affected by things in the world. Don't be taken advantage of. Much love Mike great stream.
I’m a new born again believe. I came to Jesus around a year and a half ago. I just finished reading the Bible for myself with my fiancé cover to cover for the first time but I don’t have a deep sense of theology yet. However, my father figure ( uncle) is very reformed and he thinks I need to change churches to a reformed church etc. Is it fine if I don’t pick theology yet even if my current church is pretty large none dem church.
I recommend watching Mike’s videos on Calvinism. Pray about this and research in scripture specifically on this topic. My thing is God commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30) so, if Calvinism is true that should have forced everyone to be born again. Rather it seems, the burden to receive is on us.
We are glad to hear you have come to know Christ! I partially follow reformed/Calvinist theology, and I believe it would be good to study, but if you’re a new believer, it would be best to focus on growing in your knowledge of things that are universally agreed upon by Christians. Feel free to study Calvinism vs Arminianism, but don’t let it distract you from the bigger picture of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Be in prayer, look at both sides, and be open to wherever the Spirit leads you. Don’t let a “secondary” issue like Calvinism vs Armenianism distract you from your growth in Christ. There are good Christian churches on both sides of the debate, and I personally would feel comfortable attending one on either side. As long as your church is teaching the Word, that is what matters
I’m atheist. You express an interest in being responsible about knowing and following a new faith tradition. You also mention having a fiancé. It seems to me that sharing a journey of discovery and faith is a wonderful opportunity for you and your partner at this time. Have you talked with your partner about it? Anyway, I wish you both well …love, peace and prosperity!
@@cipherklosenuf9242 Hey ciph, I’m just wondering- what’s keeping you an atheist? Thanks for being respectful and I find it interesting you are willing to offer advice in such a specific place as this, spend your time here, why?
@@orandegellogaming4793 Great question oran… I come from a conservative Christian family whom I love. Christian faith was an important, influential and very significant part of my life. A real God knows the facts and fears not the truth. Honest examination over many years …long story…agnostic now. Anyway, I appreciate the opportunity to discuss with Christians, it helps me practice for my family. I am also deeply concerned for Christians..given Christian Nationalism in the U.S. I know that many Christians share my concerns, and many are reevaluating their faith tradition. I wish you all the best…thanks for the thought provoking question. What are your concerns about Christian Nationalism?
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:38 {Is God Abusive?} Does a Christian’s relationship with God mirror what an abusive relationship would look like in other scenarios?
2. 18:34 {Are Healings being Hindered Today?} What does James 5: 13-15 look like today? Are we missing something today that is hindering more healings from the Holy Spirit?
3. 25:28 {Is Charity Meaningless Apart from the Church?} A pastor I listen to says that any community service/charity work that is not done through the Church or a Christian organization is meaningless to God. What are your thoughts on this?
4. 32:02 {Does Sin Separate Believers from God?} I often hear that sin "breaks fellowship" or causes "relational unforgiveness" (to quote GotQuestions.org), but is there Scripture to show that sin can, in any way, separate a Christian from God (Hebrews 10: 19)?
5. 37:48 {Are We Called to Love AND “Like” Others?} Do I have to like a brother in Christ? I know I should love my neighbor and not hate anyone, but there are some personalities I don't like. Is that sinful?
6. 42:00 {Who Will be Told by Jesus to “Depart”?} How is it that some people can cast out demons in Jesus’ name but then be told, “Depart from me for I never knew you”? How do I avoid that fate?
7. 44:29 {Removing Shoes on Holy Ground?} What is the significance of people taking their shoes off in the presence of God in the Old Testament?
8. 46:43 {Overcoming the Pressure of Comparison} How do I stop comparing myself to others? As a college student, I’m surrounded by a highly competitive environment and I find myself comparing my grades and career to others. How do I overcome this?
9. 51:27 {Jews vs. Christians - Same God?} Do current Jews and Christians worship the same God? They claim to worship the God of Moses and the saints, but reject part of God.
10. 55:50 {Solomon: Salvation & “The Book of His Acts”?} My question is, was Solomon saved? Did he repent after what he did? what is the Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11: 41)?
11. 1:02:47 (Just for fun!) BONUS Q: In LOTR Return of the King, it is mentioned that 3 days are needed to gather more forces. Before Aragorn leaves. However, only 1 day seems to pass. How do you reconcile this?
thank you
Ty for time stamps
Thanks for all you Sarah and Mike
Notice how much more careful and gracious Mike is when asked “do Jews and Christians have the same God?” Than he is when asked “do Mormons and Christians have the same God?” None of that nuance when talking about Latter-day Saints, despite Latter-day Saints being much closer to Christians than Jews.
I think it’s because people are worried about appearing anti-Semitic, but are proud to be anti-Mormon as Jews are considered a protected class in society, while Mormons are always the punching bag.
The difference is that Mormons do not worship the same God - at the very least their theology is skewed enough to the point that they theologically have very fundamental differences.
Jews and Christians share the same God, but Jews only worship God the Father and deny Christ’s presence as part of the Godhead. Yes, still unsaved but not a different God. It’s not a punching bag to poking one out as a false understanding of the truth and the other as an incomplete picture of the truth. After all, Messianic Jews exist.
Haven’t watched the full video, but I just needed to say:
My first abusive relationship was with God. He created me, and I cursed his name. He blessed me and I used it to mock him. He gave us laws to keep to insure our prosperity, and we broke them for fun. He gave up his divine privilege to save us and we nailed him to a cross. He rose from the dead Giving us the free gift of eternal life, and we mocked, spat upon, cursed, and blasphemed his holy name. He saved me, and I still run to sin. Yet every Time, he still welcomes me home with open arms.
My first Abusive relationship was with God, But God wasn’t the abuser. I was! I abused his Grace, his Mercy, his love. And still, he never Abandoned me.
I get this, nice share
This is brilliant. Have a blessed Resurrection Day. ❤
AMEN
You are spot on Mike! I was raised JW, started questioning their prophecies & other beliefs in the 70’s as a teen. When I bought a different Bible than theirs my mother was so embarrassed. Ultimately I was and still am “disfellowshipped” and am still shunned. I praise God for it though because now I know the REAL truth of God & his will. My mother, 86 now, is still in JW and the barriers put around them to receive truth can only be penetrated by the Holy Spirit.
Praying for your mom right now!! God Bless!!
I’m currently studying cluster b personality disorders in psychology and this meme expresses the same exact emotions victims of narcissistic abuse feel when under the control of their narcissistic partner. In no way is the God of the Bible the same as a narcissist. Granted many church leaders and members are narcissists but they don’t represent God in their actions. So unless you are a victim of a narcissist as your pastor or something then this should not be the way you feel in your relationship with God. I don’t and I’m still going to therapy for the PTSD I was diagnosed with 8 years ago stemming from my physically abusive spouse. I could not have removed him from my life if it wasn’t for the Lord giving me a new heart and the will to live. I thank the Lord I am free.
Amen mike amen, I was abused and full of hurt and pain UNTILL God found me, now I'm loved and cherish full of peace and hope...
That's really nice for you personally, but would you say those poor widows & orphans in Israel and Gaza are also "loved and cherished, full of peace & hope"? Has God 'found them'?
@@DM-he1ugIf they seek they will find peace.
I’m glad that your experience has been beneficial.
I’m happy that my loved ones and friends and neighbors and people of various faiths and none all share a common evolutionary history.
We all share this planet…and we are the stuff of stars.
When I pass babies will still be born, people will fall in love
life will continue for others.
I hope those of faith traditions can find it in their hearts and minds
to join in efforts that support environmental stewardship and human rights.
Future generations need our responsible efforts.
What are your thoughts ?
@DM-he1ug I just speaking of my path in life, I feel very bad that they must go through all that, but it is not God's will... it's the bad people we surround ourselves with...
@@cipherklosenuf9242 yes I agree..I pray for all the world to turn from evil and love one another
Q2. My wife had seizures as a child and as they progressively got worse and closer together, her parents had the church elders anoint her privately in their home and the seizures stopped. That was very uncommon at her church, but at my church the pastor kept a bottle of oil on the pulpit, so if anyone wanted to come, he could anoint them. He would always read James 5:13-16 before having each elder dab a drop of oil on the person’s forehead. Everyone in the church would then pray at the same time for the person. It was very informal and no one expected complete healing every time, but prayer is powerful
God is awesome...
Praise God!
As an EX JW, I can honestly say that no religion breeds more atheists as Jehovah witnesses do.
Except mormons.
This is heartbreaking to hear.
Unfortunately, this is very true. Sadly, I can confirm this from my experience in my family. All ex-JWs (parents and siblings) have become convinced atheists and want to stay that way. The damage caused by this sectarian ideology lasts a lifetime... 😥
This is false. I’ve had discussions with JWs quite a few times and the thing that sticks out most is they don't believe in a cruel God that punishes you eternally for a finite amount of sins.
From what I understand they believe in eternal destruction or non-existence. I share that belief since that is what Jesus taught.
Literally, 99% of the atheists I've spoken to, if not 100% to make room for error, all make reference to eternal torment and damnation being their primary issue with Christianity and a supposedly loving God.
So, stop the cap! If you believe in hellfire and eternal torment then you need to face the fact that YOUR preferred doctrine of hell has led to the increase of atheism around the world.
Mike has many atheists who visit and comment on his videos and they mainly emphasize the doctrine of hell as being inconsistent with a supposedly loving God and an unjust solution for handling unrepentant sinners who didn't ask to be born and inherited their sinful nature.
You all haven't spoken to many atheists is what you're telling me.
@@toreyhorton1789 I don't know if your answer is addressed to me, but if it is, I will tell you that my acquaintances and co-workers, everyone I have talked to, without exception, are atheists, and they are not atheists because of hell. Their arguments are mostly diffuse, but they always point to the desire not to have to explain themselves to some "superior being". To be their own god, to do what they want, to be "free", as they say, without being subject to divine norms.
Hell is not the cause of their atheism. They simply reject its existence because they don't want to accept the consequences of rejecting faith in Christ, but it is not the reason for their atheism.
It is also interesting that it is precisely the ex-JWs, who already do not believe in hell, who become atheists.
And by the way. JWs are not Christians at all.
I thought of JWS IMMEDIATELY. I was one briefly in my early 20s and I started to do research on their background and it opened my eyes . Here I am over 40 years later still shunned ! My sister became a JW soon after me and to this day will not have anything to do with me . Jesus repaired my heart and saved me . I have no regrets . I pray my sister opens her eyes and receives real salvation.
“Don’t you dare to think for yourself” is the mark of every single cult out there.
Amen. Recently left one my self. The church only associated w itself. Even extra curricular activities outside of church / worship was only done together w in the group. Only the pastor could interpret scripture and if anyone had a question about scripture, his sermon, or otherwise we were instructed not to speak about it to anyone except to him ( the pastor ) at one point, someone voiced they thought the Lord was leading them elsewhere and the pastor instructed the congregation from the pulpit that before anyone made any life choices they were to consult him first to see where the Lord would have them go / do. Some how the Lords will ( per that pastor) always meant serving him and his family more. Ie: the Lord isn't actually calling u to xyz but to serve me and this church more...you're not hearing God correctly cuz he doesn't speak to us individually...only through His Word and through His annointed. You can't trust yourself re this, your heart is wicked! Now, mow my lawn more often and paint my garden shed. 😡
44:00
Testimony time!!
I am on my way home inside my boss's truck and today i was deeply terrified about the depart from me passage and i begged God "father please please comfort me today today please! If possible in dream please! Im terrified save me save my mother my father my sisters my brother please!" And i fell asleep for an hour so far and i just happen to wake up the second this question is asked?! God is so good!!!
You know, sometimes when someone is a true believer, being healed can mean physical death. I'm not saying that you'll just get one healing or another, all I'm saying is that death can be a form of freeing someone from their suffering, especially when they are a believer, and if it's their time to leave, then it is their time.
Amen, this is true!❤
There are a lot of people who would blame God for deaths, I am not one of them. I personally find it to be a liberation from suffering because our entire existence is suffering. I think of death as a perspective check.
Hi Mike Winger, I grew up Baptist, very legalistic Baptist. And people I grew up with use the same lingo as that post. And yes I would say we were conditioned to not think for ourselves. I had so many unanswered questions because they were not allowed. The teachings while right, the arguments were not biblical or grounded in truth so it hurt alot of people. Anyways just wanted to shed light that this is a real issue in the circle I was raised in and it was a Baptist church that preached the gospel. It 's a daily battle for all my friends.
Do you feel as though you've had a chance to heal from your experience? These types of situations definitely can be damaging. Do you feel like you were able to separate what you went through from God himself ? Or did you struggle with separating the two?
@kladies3021 I actually didn't understand the gospel because of the legalistic environment at the church. Even though they preached the true gospel Jesus plus nothing. They modeled Jesus plus works, so when I walked away from sermons or church camp with a list of things I thought I needed to do better in order to be holy. Missing the fact that holiness comes from the lord and out of thankfulness is where obedience comes from. I feared God in an unhealthy way, I thought I have to "be good" for a week after sinning to be able to pray and get back in his good graces. Things like this. Because of the view of God that was taught to us I was left very confused even though I grew up in church. But at 33 I finally understood the gospel and my life has changed since He saved me. During the time of leaving the Baptist church I grew up in and living I the world, I thought I was saved the whole time and I thought I was a good person, but once that crashed I realized I was a false convert. My understanding of God during that time was that he was chill and ok with my lifestyle, I went from legalism to hippie Jesus, but deep down I didn't have assurance of my salvation. I had zero faith looking back. I have healed now from the church hurt, but my heart hurts for my friends who have left the movement but they are in the same place I was in when I left. It's like church hurt has caused the whole generation I grew up with to just miss the gospel entirely while convincing them they are saved although alot of people I grew up with even pastors kids are atheists. It's hard to reach them and heartbreaking and it's a real problem in the circle I'm in.
Before I was saved, I could’ve posted the same thing as the meme. I believed it.
This morning, I was reflecting on how much God liberated me from when I was saved. He ripped me out of a relationship that was quite literally killing me. My eyes were opened in a moment, like a switch flipping that I needed to get out without looking back. It’s been 4 years since I left that and the way God has radically transformed my life in that time never fails to make me want to cry.
I came to Christ about 2 months after I left that situation. God has so much mercy on me when I was still walking in darkness. I’m forever grateful for how He chose to redeem a life that didn’t deserve it in the slightest.
Hi Mike
In my teens, I was involved with JW for nine months. At the time I thought that God was cold and heartless. Fortunately I found God (2 years later at a church youth group).
Given my low self esteem at the time, it was reasuring to learn that GOD IS LOVE. From that basis, everything else about God fell into place.
My low selt esteem didn't matter as much because God accepted me for who I was.
In surrendering to Jesus, I felt a huge burden lift.
It seems like the MEME writer is suffering fall our from a cult.
That explains their black and white perspective. I feel sorry for people who caught up in cults. They need our prayers and compassion.
Sure, it might be narcisistic to believe that you can be self sufficient. But the deeper issue is most likely a lack of trust.
So, I feel for this MEME writer and pray that he or she finds GOD.
I really appreciate your efforts to raise awareness on such a crucial topic.
Simon Gottwald
Being shunned is something that happens in Amish communities, too.
Love your teaching, Mike!
Came here to add this too. According to Wikipedia, also Judaism, Holdenman Mennonites, Mormons, and Catholics (before 1983), as well as Scientology, Sikhism, and Baha’i. Not that I did deep research.
@@AsYouWishMama I’m Mennonite and we don’t practice shunning. We do practice excommunication (very rare), but that is not the same as shunning.
Maybe horse and buggy Mennonites (very similar to Amish in a lot of ways) practice shunning but that is not the majority of Mennonites.
@@kalakady8 is Holdenman Mennonite its own sect? They are the ones listed on Wiki. 🤷 I don’t know very much about the Mennonite Church personally.
Yeah I was going to say the same thing. I live in an area with a lot of Amish, driving Mennonites, and horse and buggy Mennonites. Even in this one area, every single church group is different in how they handle things like shunning. It's probably not even very common among horse and buggy Mennonites anymore.
Can I get you all to give an opinion on these scriptures?
To me, it appears that Paul is instructing or even admonishing Christians to distance themselves from a person who claims to be a follower of Christ but lives a life that violates Christian morals and Bible standards.
Is this advocating for what is referred to as “shunning”this individual? Or, am I not reading it correctly?
*1 CORINTHIANS 5:9-11*
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.
1Co 5:10 - In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world.
1Co 5:11 - But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.
What is Paul conveying here about someone who claims to be a Christian yet is proven to be living an unrepentant sinful life?
I may not be clear on the definition of shunning so let me know if not associating with or even eating with someone describes shunning them.
I was listening late, and question 5, about loving people but not liking them. When I feel this way, I ask God to show me his love and appreciation for those people. He has given me some compassion, and shown me compassion and appreciation for people I didn't like.
Thanks for the practical advice about loving others. I think my favorite definition of love is willing and working for the good of the other. I totally agree that as we learn to pray "for" and not "about" others then our hearts begin to change. Bless you and your ministry. 😊
I’m atheist but I agree that’s good advice.
It’s also wise to consider just being thankful for what one has.
A heart of caring and appreciation ….that’s wise and wonderful.
Something my youth pastor from my teenage years says that has really stuck with me through the years, is "Love is an action, not a feeling. Especially Biblical love."
I finally found perfect relationship with God
His love is unconditional
He gives perfect guidance
He gives me the ability to choose
He is interested in me
He meets all of my needs
He is faithful to me
He is joyful
He is patient
He is kind
He is good
He has self control
He is gentle
He died for me
Could I ask for anything else?
God is dead???? 😮
It's conditional unconditional love (as long as you worship him, and if you don't and he ends up torturing you in hell, then you need to call that loving torture), and guidance that when it fails you have an excuse that it was his will or something, he gives you the ability to choose like someone with a gun to their head, he doesn't care about you or meet all your needs (but you have an excuse for that), he's not always good or kind (like to the praying kids who get abused for years), so basically, he's one giant gaslight. What a perfect relationship of fantasy.
@@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessrthat's not true
It isn't "you didn't like me so here's some torture". Rather it's "hey, you've egregiously broken the law, but I will save you and take your punishment myself. All you have to do is accept my sacrifice.".
When we don't accept God's sacrifice for us and refuse to be saved, shocked, we are t saved. We suffer a punishment for our own actions (sin). Thus, we do receive punishment bc we committed crimes and refused for God to be the payment for them, so we must pay for them
I have been a Christian for 50 years. He is my loving heavenly father, my best friend, someone I can talk to about everything, He has forgiven my sins, He gives me salvation, He has given me eternal life, He has given me spirital gifts, He has given me a career that I have fof 30 years, Christian friends, He is with me in all situations, never leaves me or forsakes me, gives me self worth, He always made sure I have food, clothes, and shelter, among many other things. But I never have thought of Him being abusive.
Great as always! I’d love a Mike Winger community discord or online group platform
Yeah that'd be dope
We set up a females one a few years back and has been great for sisterly guidance and support. (Not linked to Mike directly) Defo set one up for connection and encouragement.
Check the live chat. There are 2 Discord groups in there! 🎉
@@alannahquiniones3695 Wdym? Like people sent like to discord groups via the live chat
Excellent stuff Mike!
Meeting the Lord taught me what RIGHT relationships look like.
Without Him, we are feral, deranged and know nothing of how to love ourselves or others.
What joy to listen to biblical reasoning week after week. Thank you. The Lord bless you and watch over you always 🙏🏻❤
Hey Mike's back! It looks like he enjoyed this 10 Questions again. Missing the cats though.
You seemed very peppy and healthy today, Mike, so I’m thanking God that your new schedule appears to be working for you. I continue to pray for your health and grieving, that you’ll be comforted and strengthened. I’ve just finished re-watching all the Romans series and am starting, again, the Mark one. I’m teaching a women’s Bible study on Wednesday mornings and will be including your Romans 12:1 video two weeks weeks from now; I think it can be life-changing to my class (as it has been for me). I was excited that one of the elder’s wives listened to it, shared it with her husband; and both loved it. This is exciting to me because the Church of Christ sometimes can be a bit rigid and suspicious about anything not produced by Church of Christ members-so this is huge. I’m a cheerleader at heart, so maybe this will be an effective entrance into your teaching, beyond my continual encouraging people toward it. Thank you, once again, for your daily input into my life; I don’t go a day without listening to at least one of your videos. I thank God for you every time I pray. Blessings, Kathy Alba
I really love Mike’s answer to the question about comparison, about choosing to rejoice and rooting for others. I have found that helpful many times in my life and it’s a good reminder.
I wanted to add that finding our confidence in God rather in ourselves is super important and helpful. By that I mean reading in the Bible about His characteristics and seeing that He holds up. Choosing to sing songs of praise to Him in moments of insecurity to both give Him what He servers and also remind ourselves that He is secure, we can have confidence in Him.
I find that comparison often comes from lack of confidence in ourselves, and that putting others down in our minds to try to feel better often comes from a strange attempt to try to find that confidence. In our humanity we think if we can somehow get better and do better than so and so, we will have more confidence, we will feel better about our placement in the comparison race, like that’s ever actually worked. That race is always about being ahead of another person so that we can have self confidence and it’s a never ending bad cycle. But there’s something to accepting our human limitations and not trying to be so confidence in ourselves but find our confidence in the One with no limitations! And the more we think about Him, the more we become concerned with His will and the more we start thinking in accordance with Him. That way we are also quicker to rejoice with others.
Oh and I should add, that does also make us confident for real, like what people would describe as self confidence, but we know it’s just us understanding that what God has given us is enough to do through us what He wants to do. It’s a really freeing feeling.
Thank you so much for all your work. You have honestly helped me more than you can know in my walk with God. And I give God the glory for the work he has done in you and your ministry. I may not always agree with certain views, but you have an amazing gift for teaching God's word. Not only can you explain things in a way that's so understandable but you also help people learn to analyze and study the Bible better themselves. You are doing an amazing job and I pray you keep giving God glory, stay humble (not that I think you don't this already) and that you keep looking to God for the comfort and strength to preserve. ❤
I’d rather be enfolded into the flock and standards of God than unleashed and “free” into the world of human nature.
If we read Lam 2, how would we compare 'the standards of God' with 'the world of human nature'?...
Living in Christ all things are permissable but not all things are edifying. The man in Corinth who was conducting immorality with his mother in law was cast out of the church due to his unrepentant behavior but was accepted when he did repent. You have more freedom under Christ because you are no longer a slave to sin, to vices and to the flesh.
@@kriegjaeger Interesting comment. When you say he was 'cast out of the church', what exactly did that entail? And interestingly, where in Corinthians does it say that he was repentant?...
@@DM-he1ug
Not to keep company with fornicators (Christians, not the world, that would be impossible) and to specifically "Deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus"
1 cor 5:5
There's other explicit reference to church discipline the last step if someone refuses to listen to friends trying to help them, respected people and friends, and standing before the church, they are excommunicated.
2 cor 2:1-11 the punishment the man had received was sufficient and now they aught to forgive and comfort him, lest he be swallowed up with sorrow. That as they were forgiven by Christ, so too now should they forgive.
@@kriegjaeger Thanks. So specifically, what does 'not keep company with' mean? What does excommunication mean? Where does it say in 2 Cor 2 that he was repentant?...
Not only are we getting the same number of questions, mike is doing more time overall. He had to speed through lots of them in the biweekly 20 but now this video has time to focus more on the later questions
Great….program, Mike!! Thank You for speaking Truth.
I was in a church that shunned me because I stopped going there when someone’s husband was agreeing with me about my response to Bible study question’s no one else in the group could answer. People started treating me like I was sinning. So I left and then when I saw them in public they would act like I didn’t exist. I was so hurt by this Baptist church I didn’t go anywhere for over a year. Then I found a church through prayer that helped me heal. I was able to grow and flourish after that, but still had battles and attacks against my character, but learned God was my defender of my reputation.
We’re really enjoying 10 questions every week! Thank you so much for all you do!
We absolutely have value !
Christ came and paid our debts! He would of came even if it was for one sinner !
For God so loved the world. We are made in His image & He wants no one to perish but for ALL to turn to Him! He loves us all dearly, He is our creator and we are His creation.
First question and answer made me think of this....
"Two wonders, here, that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness."
-Keith and Kristyn Getty / 'My Worth is Not in What I Own'
That bonus question was a nice touch at the end much needed laughter and reflection on human life to seek enjoyment. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
"Too many neurons firing . . . . or not enough . . . . or both" The latest Mike meme that belongs on a T-shirt
Taking your shoes off before entering a holy space is likely rooted in the custom not wearing outdoor shoes indoors, least you bring the dirt from outside inside. For example of you were visiting someone's tent you would take your shoes off before stepping on their carpet. It can be found in the customs of some Churches where you remove your shoes either upon entering or before receiving Communion.
Thanks for being such a good and honest pastor and not letting the haters from the internet atheist spaces get you down and keep you down. I know it can be a hit to the ego because they like to make people look dumb as best they can.
But you are telling the truth, and therefore you have nothing to worry about concerning your opposition. So thanks
Wonderful prayer at the end. Excellent video! Thank you. I needed it today!!!
Great detective work on that meme and breaking it down biblically. As always, well done!❤🙏Thanks for sharing.
I just wanted to let you know that I really like doing 10 questions instead of 20 weekly. Thank you for your ministry.
My mother always told me that if I was a better Catholic, I wouldn't have the problems I was having, which was actually. caused by her physical, mental, and verbal abuse. I have forgiven her but I wish I could forget.
Once you forgive her, you should forget, that's part of forgiveness..people are only human..they make mistakes.. don't hold it against her any longer...put it out of your mind and your heart...God bless and keep you always...
@@debragarell1367 Way to put the burden on the victim when the bible says if you don't forgive then God won't forgive you. You are fine Joy.
When people aren't asking for forgiveness, Forgiving anyway is for you. Unforgiveness is like portable attacks on your mental health, you'll physically leave the person and the bitterness in your heart will still be damaging your life wherever you go.
I see people that make great names for themselves. In their acceptance speech, the day of their glory, the people that hurt them get mentioned too.😢
People are crappy, do not forgive them because they're only human, forgive them because it takes energy to collect debt😅. And God has forgiven us of bigger things.
Btw forgiveness doesn't mean reconciliation. You can forgive and remove yourself from a place of potential future attacks.
@@lookingatdaisies9901 I had Christian mennonites very much have the opinion that you should stay in the abusive environment. They had a pretty solid theology too. It worried me about Christianity as a whole. Now I've embraced that Christianity at its core is toxic.
@@lookingatdaisies9901 If forgiving is just a self-help tip for you, then why does God put eternal torment on the line about it.
Right now, I'm thinking of a difficult person...praying FOR him to be healthy and successful...and asking God to help me have the right attitude toward him, or maybe not think about him so much.
I relate so much to this first question...
I was raised in a cultish church (not JW but shunning exists in other cultish organizations) and we were not taught healthy applications to Biblical principles. There was spiritual and other abuse that crushed me and I walked away for a long time.
I dedicated my life to Christ last October and before I did I struggled with the idea of this first question. There's a comic strip where Jesus is knocking on a door and says "I'm here to save you"... and the people on the other side ask "From what?" Jesus answers "From me, if you don't love me." It DOES seem both absurd and abusive to people who don't believe.
Ultimately I felt the evidence was strong enough that I needed to move forward but I still struggle with the idea of non-believers going to hell and, personally, I struggle with anger towards God for creating us in the first place. How dare I? I know. The created shouldn't question the creator but the pain and suffering of billions of people just don't seem like a reasonable choice when God KNEW it would happen that way.
Why am I sharing? 1. So that people will know that the first question isn't one borne of rebellion but of deep hurt, and 2. That if you feel so led, you'd pray for me to have peace about this. It makes trusting God REALLY hard.
I think God is okay with big questions like that, so long as we don’t conclude he has bad character based on our finite knowledge.
Take Job as an example. It’s not one to one, but he was a righteous man and a man in great anguish. People often point out how God rebuked him for impugning his character, but people forget that God actually chastened Job’s friends, saying Job spoke rightly about him and vindicating Job. Job had to offer sacrifices for his friends because Job’s big question wasn’t offensive to God the way his friends’ blanket answers were.
(edit: Job is a great book and I recommend it if you haven’t read it yet).
I think this illustrates the importance of allowing big questions to be big and painful and bringing them to God, but not all of us want to go so far as to have God question us.
Thanks for sharing your struggles. They’re more common than many think. Just a few thoughts:
Your comic strip is a caricature of Christianity. Jesus didn’t come to save us from _Him,_ but from _ourselves._
He is the Great Physician Who has come to cure us of a disease called spiritual death, which we freely took on ourselves way back in the Garden, and which can only be cured by trusting in His finished work on the Cross.
Consider:
If you went to a doctor and he said you have an illness that will kill you unless you take this medicine, do you think he’s trying to save you from _himself?_
And if you refuse to take the medicine he freely offers you, can you then blame him if you die?
Also, you don’t have to _love_ the doctor to get well, you only have to _trust_ him enough to take his medicine, and you will be cured.
That’s hardly an abusive doctor, is it?
Especially since the doctor won’t _force_ anyone to take the medicine he offers, even though it’s free.
For to work, it must be _freely_ taken.
Hope that helps!🙏✝️
@@levifox2818i love Job recently,
I've gone from focusing on God as a child, to studying the devil's and his friends behaviours.
Fascinating, how in the world does anyone show up at someone's house, still covered in diseases and grieving dead kids and servants, to tell them your two cents about why they were suffering... At one point one of them even said the kids sinned and died for it.
21st century, we have people telling those that are suffering that it's because they didn't have enough faith or didn't tithe enough 😬
Concerning question 3 I agree with Mike Winger. Charity by any person is meaningful. Reminds me of the sheeps and the goats in Matthew 25. Who is the goat? The pagan who feeds the poor, gives them clothing and heals them? Or the believer shouting in the church "Lord Lord , I love you!" and letting the poor outside starve and without help?
It seems Jesus judged by deeds and not "faith alone".
I like the new format.
"I'm gonna ask you to think biblically here with me"
Great to hear your great teachings. I just marked in my calendar every Friday 4pm eastern time so i dont forget
Evangelist Roger Mansour missionary to HAITI
Amen Mike, you are right on again! ❤
Good one as usual Mr. Mike
Thank you Mike for your work for the kingdom of God!
I view the "depart from Me" passage is about people who are trusting in their works rather in the Savior.
just read the passage, it says who its takling about both before and after in Matthew 7:21-27
Yes, but it doesn't say they were rejected because they supposedly trusted in their works. That's just something Christian faiths that promote no-works salvation claim to bolster their position. However, that is not what the text says.
Also, Jesus never told anyone they didn't have to do any work.
Never!
@@toreyhorton1789 yeah unfortunately people end up justifying a believe that obedience is a "work" and thus they don't need to obey, even when Jesus plainly says otherwise several times
the ones who Jesus knows are the ones who "do the will of my Father" and those who "hear these words of Mine and does them".
thus the ones who Jesus tells to depart from Him are the ones who do not do the will of His Father, and hear the words of His but do not do them - they are likened like a fool who built their house on the sand, and it fell, and great was its fall.
its so plainly there in the text anyone should be able to see it.
obedience is not a work, its a requirement. in fact Hebrews 3-4 warn about disobeying like those wandering in the desert and such. it equates disobedience to unbelief even.
@@toreyhorton1789Despite not being one myself, adherents of sola fide generally *do* believe Christians are commanded to do good works. However, they believe good works are a fruit of their salvation rather than the root of it.
Yes, but the scriptures indicate a Christian or servant of God is justified by their works and the only place this phrase is used is to reject the notion that “faith alone” is all that is required to be justified and gain salvation.
The phrase “faith alone” has been bastardized and misused to promote the false belief that simply making a claim of having faith (UNSUBSTANTIATED at that) is all that is required to gain salvation. When in fact the only place that phrase appears in the scriptures is to convey something contrary to how it's been CORRUPTED.
*_JAMES 2:24_*
Great analogy, Pastor.
#5 so vital, our words matter , Matthew 5, Ephesians 4 and 5, to grow in Christ Jesus, to have His mind I must submit to the Word, all of it.
I love you and how God made you so unique. I’m so happy to hear you encourage new creators.
Q-3. I left a church that taught that if we do ANY type of charity or help anyone financially but have not tithed that week, God would not recognize it. I tried to question him about that(privately) and some of his other teachings, but he seemed to get enraged that I would question ANYTHING that he taught.
So I left his church
Reminded me of what I had heard from the Mormon kids on missions that questioned anything that didn't make sense.
Everything you went over, one young man or another had dealt with. It was heartbreaking.
Pstr/Dr. FRANK TUREK: "If a musician played Beethoven badly, would you blame Beethoven?".
Its so heartbreaking when ppl reject/hate God bc Christians/CLAIM 2b Christians, "do" Christianity badly.
#4 - "Doncha know?" I hear a pastor of my prior church every time (Pastor J. Schaeffer near Cleveland). "Doncha you know you are a temple of God?" Then, the passage you message about Jesus being our first love, the Petra "First Love" pops into my head. I find I remember verses better when it is something silly or a song.
I'm glad you said the thing about "luck". There's a guy in my husband's church who I have said he was lucky as in he didn't break his leg in a fall and he pointedly said I don't believe in luck. He did this another time too, as if he were greatly offended. This made me avoid talking to him!
My dad used to call the potluck dinners at church, "pot providence" dinners! Just as a joke!!
Question 1: could be IFB- some can be very controlling and authoritarian. They tend to be very unbalanced. Also very legalistic. 😢. Many people leave those churches and will never step inside of a church again
Question 2. My belief is that prayer may not change your circumstances, but it changes you. Prayer always brings you closer to God.
Love these Friday night shows with Mike
Hey Mike... I grew up in a very fundamentalists evangelical church (which was abusive) and many people shunned me when I left... and that word was used. It is in the evangalical world as well. This might have origined in JW world... but the word is used in evangelical world also.
Same! "Shunned" was a very common word in the abusive "Christian" community I was in for years.
Yeah, I don't think that "shunned" is a unique enough word to say that it points to JW ideology specifically--it didn't hit me that way, at least. In any case, it's highly possible that the writer was legitimately hurt by a religious group, whether JW or evangelical or otherwise. It happens. There are plenty of groups that are Christian in name only and have wacky doctrine or surface-level teaching or power-hungry people, that could lead someone to come away with an understanding like the person in the meme. It's very sad. If that is the case (although we don't know the whole situation, of course), I hope and pray that one day this person will come to learn that the people who hurt them don't represent God, and also receive compassionate reassurance that what happened to them was wrong.
@@dubblebubbletoilandtrouble6646 Yes. I recognized some of those statements as things I said about the church community I left (being called worthless, not being able to ask questions, etc). I also assume that this was made by someone who - like me - was treated this way in the name of God and attributed those feelings toward Him. I also hope that they will be able to separate those people from God. It is. alot of work and isn't easy.
Can I get you all to opine on this scripture?
To me it appears that Paul is instructing or even admonishing Christians to distance themselves from a person who claims to be a follower of Christ but lives a life that violates Christian morals and Bible standards.
Is this advocating for what is referred to as “shunning”this individual? Or, am I not reading it correctly?
*1 CORINTHIANS 5:9-11*
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.
1Co 5:10 - In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world.
1Co 5:11 - But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.
What is Paul conveying here about someone who claims to be a Christian yet is proven to be living an unrepentant sinful life?
I may not be clear on the definition of shunning so let me know if not associating with or even eating with someone describes shunning them?
@@toreyhorton1789that is shunning too, but anyone can shun, evil people can shun a good person, bullies can shun a victim, good people can shun an evil person to stop them harming everyone else. There are people who were dwelling in their sin and trying to change biblical doctrine talking about being shunned for a "difference in opinion".
Then there are people being shunned because the church has now developed an unbiblical doctrine but is licensing biblical authority to make people adhere to their man-made distortion.
I love my older brother. I remember the times when he has been a great companion, and a strong man. But he has fallen, in the last few years, into the same sin and despair that I was once in. I love him, and I love what I know he can be, and what he has been, but I cannot bring myself to like him. He has abandoned his strength and faith for hedonism and a surface level idea of womanhood. I pray for him every night. He has no hope where he is now, and he knows it. I always pray that he will find peace.
I know many former Christians who would gladly use the term “shunned” during and after their deconstruction/disbelief/doubting process. And frankly I know many unhealthy Christian communities that do reject anyone who chooses to no longer believe. I agree that Christian doctrine is nothing like being removed from a former JW/Mormon/Scientologist community but it does help for Christians to reflect how they treat those around them with doubts and what their witness conveys when they abandon those who turn from God.
Amen! This was so helpful. Thank you.
Really great response to #5 in ways of dealing with people you don't like.
God bless you, Mike, even if we get some things wrong due to our imperfect comprehension and interpretation and exegesis, I trust that the Holy Spirit mediates and intercedes for us, and that if we are saved by faith, not of our own works, then it is not by our perfect doctrines or hermeneutics, rather by the perfect work of Christ
Mike, just so you know these 10 question videos haven’t been coming up on YT Music app, which is what I mainly use for your Q&As. Not a big deal, as I can listen here or other platforms, but just wanted to let you know. Thanks for your wonderful content brother!
May God bless you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Question 3, I thought "that's ridiculous!" right before you said it.😂
#7 The way I always interpreted taking one's shoes off on holy ground was 1) shoes are dirty and 2) they put something between you (your feet) and God (holiness of the ground). That's probably too literal and naive of an interpretation, but that's how I explained it to myself as a kid; and I've never questioned it too hard. 🙈
Mike your hair cut looks good
Answer to 3 question
Matthew 25:35-40
New King James Version
35 (A)for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; (B)I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was (C)naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; (D)I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, (E)inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Shunning happens in any spiritually abusive context, because anyone who recognizes and pushes back (or flees) the abusive leader/culture will be a danger to that system. So... they are labeled "rebellious, divisive" and other members will be warned to avoid them and their influence.
Shunning is a fruit of a culture of fear and lies, which is carefully curated in the abusive church in order to maintain control of the thoughts and actions of those who remain in the abusive culture.
Addressing the meme. Thank you for your perspective Mike.
Now in my mid 50s, Ive struggled deeply with religion abuses. The over emphasis of worm theology where a person is only capable of filthy rags with nothing but decietful thoughts convinced me I have no value. Trying to relearn that God sees enough value in me to die for me, has been a serious challenge. "Worm theology" gives little attention to "made in the image of God". I was always taught to sit in the pew and keep quiet. Questioning authority was a straight way to discipline and being shunned as a "trouble maker".
I'm not saying that we arent born dead in our sins or that we dont need Gods amazing love, forgiveness, and holiness. I am saying that I understand why people are falling away from church and why this person may feel value-less. At my age, the hurt is secondary to the battle I engage to unlearn man-teaching and re-learn my value to God. Jesus finds me valuable. So much so that he chose to be tortured to death to buy my freedom from sin's curse. Im wanted by Him.
The balance between "made in the image of God" and "born in our trespasses and sins" is complex. I wish more church people would shed their personal, learned perspectives and dig into the Love AND Holiness of God.
This (perhaps JW) may not have said some things in the best way. Maybe I haven't, either. There are abuses on every side as part of our "nature". But, this guy has a point about "religion". Mike, thank you for opening the subject and not conforming to to this world but pushing ahead to the renewal of mind that is only found in Christ Jesus.
Love your podcast Pastor Mike. Special request - please put a low-end filter or EQ out the extreme low-end on your audio. It's almost certainly a setting you can turn on in your recording/editing software. Sometimes you hit the mic, or the table, or something, and it (literally) nearly blows out my subwoofer!
It is written; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.
(1 Kings 11:11-12)
Your shoes touch defiled ground. You remove them to prevent it from defining holy ground. It also removes the barrier between you and the holy ground.
As someone who was abused my whole childhood, the first one is tricky...people often dismiss the experience assuming you want to sin (by basic worldly things like partying and having premarital sex or wanting power etc) which is just not at all the truth in my case. You can honestly seek God, want to live a moral life and be absolutely tormented by how God has treated you. What if the desires are speaking your mind and not having to repress everything you think is right and valuable, being allowed to be blameless when you are not the one who's the problem, being allowed to want affection, wanting a job that doesn't make you spend your free time crying in bed for years and years and years? You can stay in Christianity despite Christians having sucked all joy out of you, and still not find comfort in God. I don't meet Christians who are committed to solving real issues like religious abuse and who are actually willing to help with problematic things that do make God seem abusive. Help is impossible to find contrary to invalidation through quick assumptions...but not wanting to be too harsh in my criticism, since the people who would post things like that on Facebook might just have very banal sinful desires which makes them reject God.
Jesus Christ said" I didn't come to condemn the world but to save it,the sick need a physician"God bless you all 🙏
I find most people who say that they are angry with God, when asked why, they always site their problems with religious people. "This evil person did this to me." Well, maybe that was sinful man and not God, eh? We can't let men dictate who God is to us; only the Bible can do that, and if men contradict the Bible, we reject what they say, and accept the Bible.
God does not abuse. Humans abuse, but God is not small enough to focus his energy on abusing. I recently felt the love of Christ, but before this awakening, I was angry with God at times (out of frustration for questions not answered). After my awakening, I do not focus my energy on my sins because I accepted I will continue to miss the mark of perfection and that is fine. It does not mean I have desires to go out of my ways to do things to hurt myself.
Just want to throw this out there, ‘shunned’ is a term I’ve heard all my life outside of the church. It may be a regional thing.
Love your channel!
God gave human beings freedom of choice. Literally - God Your Creator - is the only One who actually Loves the human race - as individuals and as His Creation. Even Angels only love you because God Loved you first. It would serve the human race much better to understand this completely before you blame God for your troubles. 🙄😇
"Conditioned to..." sounds like it came from whatever religious or non-religious person shadowed over him when he was small.
Those are traits he is describing of a human influence, not of a God who lives outside of our limited understanding.
Love your haircut, Mike!😂🥰😜🥸
That meme in question 1 reads like a 3 year old who is upset with his parent for not letting him eat candy for dinner. The amount of hubris that we would know better than God is striking.
Regardless of what group the Q1 meme poster belonged to, the principles Mike talks about are the same. Also, one family deciding that shunning is biblical is not the same as it being endorsed by a whole church community or denomination.
Mike I deeply respect your work. I am working my way through Alisa Childers' 3rd book. I think you may have missed it on the first question meme. I suggest reading it again from the perspective of the deconstructing exvangelical. I suspect it is a meme attacking evangelical Christianity.
Rev. Dr. Robert Castro
It definitely could be
Brother Micke, I watch you videos and learn a lot from you, you are answering so many of the questions I have and they are biblical, thank you so much for your time to help us understand the world of God.
The question about taking your shoes off, I think it has something to do with the world and our behaviour and attitude before we came to know the Lord Jesus. Going places where everything they do is ungodly, We went everywhere the unbelievers would go and did what they did, so the shoes resemble our old life, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and told them to keep on washing their feet meaning repentance every day of what we have done unknowingly or knowingly, and remember that we belong to Christ and live a holy life.
So take your shoes off is to everyone that comes to Jesus in repentance, leave your old life behind you and come follow me and I will wash you from your sins and your feet from all the dirt/deeds that you or I collected from the world and I will give you a better life and take you to the place I choose for you to glorify me.
Moses life has changed after he took his shoes off when he met with the Lord and Joshua too and my life also changed after I met with the Lord. Thanks God. That’s what I believe “take your shoes off” means. God bless you
Re: qu. 4 Jesus washed the discipline's feet, they were already clean/forgiven but he just needed to wash feet/forgive the little things
For anyone that has gone through spiritual abuse at the hands of a church. Jesus can heal your broken heart and through him you can have a reassurance of safety and be set free from the bondages that you encountered through false teaching. In the passage about Jesus being the Good Shepherd he talks about how the hired hand doesn't really care for the sheep but he contrasts his genuine concern for the sheep. He's calls himself the "good" shepherd for a reason. He wants to assure you that your in good hands and that he truly is a good shepherd that looks after the sheep. Jesus is the answer friends.
Just like the man who was distressed and went into the cave because of his sufferings due to demons. Jesus searched for him and Jesus delivered him and he was in his right mind. Jesus can heal and restore our minds to be sober. Be encouraged family!!
Mike, everything you said about JW is true for the UPC and the IFB and FLDS.
I can confirm it's true for the UPC although I will add a caveat that the shunning aspect varies wildly between churches and even individuals. I was not shunned when I left, thank God. But I know of someone who was shunned by direction of their pastor for attending another UPC church that held different standards. Not sure the state they moved to would have even had a church with such strict standards. It broke my friend's heart.
@@nonyabidness5708 I wasn't officially shunned either. I don't "think" the pastor had a syndicate or anything, but honestly, it's so covertly preached to stay away from "negativity" that they just do it instinctively. My peace is a challenge to them even though I avoid arguing about theology. They are just to scared too question the status quo.
The pastor where I went starved the neighboring churches though. He used busses and vans to bring people in from other districts rather than plugging them into nearby churches. It's so odd.
Q4: I think the term you’re looking for is “the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation “
I initially was thinking Calvinism with the bad relationship with God..
Even with the shunning... well...they weren't "really" of "us"....
And the non questioning....how dare you question God?
Plenty of people throwing out the baby with the bathwater whether they were in the water with the baby or not..
GOD'S Only Son Permits Eternal Life!
😇🙏💪
For the Jews vs Christians question, I would say look up "Jesus in the Talmud" to know how the community that crucified him believed then and afterwards. Israel uses the Talmud as a holy book of the nation, as Bibi said himself. This is not a matter of hate or cultural narrative, just clarity for Christians being affected by things in the world. Don't be taken advantage of. Much love Mike great stream.
Thanks for these!
I’m a new born again believe. I came to Jesus around a year and a half ago. I just finished reading the Bible for myself with my fiancé cover to cover for the first time but I don’t have a deep sense of theology yet. However, my father figure ( uncle) is very reformed and he thinks I need to change churches to a reformed church etc. Is it fine if I don’t pick theology yet even if my current church is pretty large none dem church.
I recommend watching Mike’s videos on Calvinism. Pray about this and research in scripture specifically on this topic. My thing is God commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30) so, if Calvinism is true that should have forced everyone to be born again. Rather it seems, the burden to receive is on us.
We are glad to hear you have come to know Christ! I partially follow reformed/Calvinist theology, and I believe it would be good to study, but if you’re a new believer, it would be best to focus on growing in your knowledge of things that are universally agreed upon by Christians. Feel free to study Calvinism vs Arminianism, but don’t let it distract you from the bigger picture of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Be in prayer, look at both sides, and be open to wherever the Spirit leads you. Don’t let a “secondary” issue like Calvinism vs Armenianism distract you from your growth in Christ. There are good Christian churches on both sides of the debate, and I personally would feel comfortable attending one on either side. As long as your church is teaching the Word, that is what matters
I’m atheist.
You express an interest in being responsible about knowing and following a new faith tradition.
You also mention having a fiancé.
It seems to me that sharing a journey of discovery and faith is a wonderful opportunity for you and your partner at this time.
Have you talked with your partner about it?
Anyway, I wish you both well …love, peace and prosperity!
@@cipherklosenuf9242 Hey ciph, I’m just wondering- what’s keeping you an atheist?
Thanks for being respectful and I find it interesting you are willing to offer advice in such a specific place as this, spend your time here, why?
@@orandegellogaming4793 Great question oran…
I come from a conservative Christian family whom I love.
Christian faith was an important, influential and very significant part of my life.
A real God knows the facts and fears not the truth.
Honest examination over many years …long story…agnostic now.
Anyway, I appreciate the opportunity to discuss with Christians, it helps me practice for my family.
I am also deeply concerned for Christians..given Christian Nationalism in the U.S.
I know that many Christians share my concerns, and many are reevaluating their faith tradition.
I wish you all the best…thanks for the thought provoking question.
What are your concerns about Christian Nationalism?