Amen❤

Dear Pastor Greg, thanks so much for exalting Jesus consistently over the name of the church. It's so refreshing and Christ centered! I hope alot of churches would view it that way.

I used to be a servant of God in riyadh, saudi Arabia (Muslim country). no one can enter the church by walking in. what we do is pick-up the church goers by car bring them in, go out and pick-up again. and if the garage is full we need to go around until the garage is free. we have this lamp post that lights on if the garage is full. very dangerous but the church survive with the help of our God. and secrecy of members.

I grew up in a large Baptist church (ultra-conservative) with a minister for a father. Yet myself and my brother are both gay (my sister is not and married with a 23 year old daughter). I struggled with this "cross to bear" for years and not until age 43 (I'm 62 now) did I finally come to terms with this when I met someone whom we've been in a loving and monagomous relationship for nearly 20 years. While I didn't explicitly tell my parents about this (we live several states away but remained close with my sometimes monthly visits up north the last 3 years until they both passed during COVID at 87), they "knew" from parents intuition, and actually loved my male parter as he was very professional, respectful, and they treated him like part of our family. (They also quit asking me who I was dating and going to marry once we met! LOL!). I retired early at 57 and my parter did a couple years prior at 59, mostly to help out my parents in their assisted living accommodations as he also assisted his parents in Florida. (He had 3 older siblings, who were too busy living outside NYC to see about his parents with their kids and grandkids. Quite sad; his parents died in his home a few years apart while he took care of them with paid nursing care when he was traveling.) Looking back these were wonderful years, and it was a joy helping my parents and others in the assisted care facility as well, as many families did not have visits from their children or others. I sometimes wonder if that's why God made me and others gay, as we tend to help our parents (Ex 20:12) out as we have no other family of our own to tend to (i.e. kids etc) and have more time on our hand. I traveled nearly every week for work as did my partner, or could work remotely when not, so it helped seeing them so often. The point I'm making is none of us "chose to be gay". You either are or not. In my generation it wasn't even talked about much so people lied about their sexuality and even "macho" guys such as football players or wrestlers got a girlfriend as a front, even marrying only to "come out' and/or divorce years later. Others including some men in the church (now United Methodist and accepting) are secretly bisexual for this reason, having been brought up with this stigma their whole life and had to marry for appearances and even have a few kids. I dare say there are secretly gay members in every extended family, if not kids, uncles, aunts, grandparents, step kids, etc, if not married neighbors and friends that are gay or bisexual but not "out of the closet", especially older generations. You'll probably never know if they keep it a secret, especially from their spouses, but the stigma from others and especially the church makes it impossible! I never chose to do get married to a woman and while I dated women a bit thinking I would grow out of it, I never felt truly connected and never had a serious relationship as a result. Prayers did not work anymore than asking a blind many for site. I honestly didn't (and still don't) think it's fair to the woman to be deceived this way, and especially in a marriage, even if was secretly acceptable to the man. I truly believe the church in general has missed their opportunity with the gay community at large and that's why so many gays reject the church with some unfortunately displaying outrageous behaviors to it among other things. My parter and I don't live as part of the "gay community"; we just happen to be gay and fortunately today in 2024 my neighbors of over 20 years, and new found church community of two years are year open an welcoming. Being gay is just a small part of our otherwise happy life. Many straight people offend gays unknowingly or make them feel less than a person by asking simple questions, such as "who are you dating", "why having you gotten married - you're over 30 years old!", who did you go on vacation with, why don't you have any photos on your desk of your girlfriend etc. Any you wonder why many gay people stay in the closet! Who I pray, would want this type of lifestyle; I surely didn't ask for it with so much ridicule and embarrassment by questions such as above from co-workers, church goers, complete strangers on cruises etc? I've studied the Bible (brought up with it from my minister Dad), took a Bible class in University in understanding the context of it's time, and recently read Adam Hamilton's thought inspiring book "Making sense of the Bible", which we actually had a weekly mens group about this a chapter at a time. Definitely the key word in studying the Bible is "Context". Context of the time. Just maybe the Bible isn't made to be taken literally as it was passed down over thousands of years, (Hearsay so to speak, and or possibly misinterpreted in its multiple translations.) The New Testament was written over 60 years AD after the birth of Christ (who was crucified around 33 AD) , while the Old Testament was over 2,000 years before it with the old Jewish laws which people quote in Leviticus, but leave out the restrictions such as eating pork in Leviticus 11:7 for example. Or the New Testament examples of Ephesians 5:22 " Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord". (Does this apply to abusive husbands to the women today?). Or In Ephesians 6:5-8, Paul states "Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ". Does the Bible condone slavery? Again context, but somehow the few references to homosexuality are listed without context such as Sodom and Gomorrah and others. As you said Pastor Greg, Jesus never mentioned homosexuality anywhere in the Bible! He did command us to "Love one Another"! We now belong to a United Methodist Church that is welcoming to all people, which is the way I think Jesus would have done, seeing that he associated with sinners of the day as well as the disciples. Jesus is called a friend of sinners (Matt. 11:19; Luke 7:34). Them and us. Finally, and sorry to be so long winded, but if you weren't born gay, you would simply not understand this. For straight people such as yourself Pastor Greg and others reading this, honestly ask yourself "At what age did I decide to be straight?". I imagine you would say like most people something like, "I didn't decide, I just was always straight!" Bingo, same answer for many gays, with the big difference being (at least older generation gays like myself) who denied being gay even to ourselves. This often results in a miserable or bullied childhood for suppressing ones feelings for women, perhaps playing sports, not understanding or having to agree with men's comments (many times vulgar) about women in high school years, etc. Today it's both easier and worse being gay, with all of the social media available, and kids are coming out earlier, and while more accepting are also bullied many times because of it. I can't speak for trans-gender and I really wish it wasn't included with the term gay (as you could do nothing and still be gay), but in my humble opinion "Trans" is a conscious and physical decision to change their sex, which I don't think is in God's plan not to mention genetically possible. Sorry, finally two, All in all though, ask yourself 'Why did God make some people blind, or deaf, or with other physical impairments or diseases? Why are some people, white, Asian, Black, Hispanic? Not that there is anything wrong with any of the above, but do you think people can change this? (well Michael Jackson tried to become white, while other whites pretend that their black, or Senator Elizaebeth Warren thinks she's an Indian!). Or in John 9, the Pharisees ask Jesus whose fault it was a child was blind from birth. The child's fault or his parents? Certainly couldn't say that about my minister parents why I was gay, it just took me years to realize that I was gay like it or not. Fair or not fair it's the way it is. I look at parents in my church today with their kids and think that's wonderful, but at the same time secretly wish I could have this joy as a parent which will never happen, and have no male figure to carry on the family name after so many generations. I have been blessed in other ways though as I have volunteered for Make a Wish and other organizations helping out others that don't have time to do so. So perhaps everyone, don't judge people thru your limited and often out of context scripture verses of the Bible. I often wonder why it's acceptable for hetero couples to live together without marriage (even some church going people) but are often critical of gays. Matthew 7:1 Thanks for listening to my comments, and God bless.

thank you for caring about discipleship.

May the Glory of God be with you 🙏❤

Young Brenda Anderson Timothy Moore Mary

Davis Scott Anderson Carol Young Carol

Lopez Barbara Johnson Deborah Smith Jeffrey

Lee Barbara Thomas Frank Miller Ruth

Pastor you have neglected the rewards of patience

Praying from Nepal 🇳🇵❣️🙌 Thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏 My Dearest GOD and in heavenly Lord Jesus almighty Name AMEN 🙏🙌🙏🙌❣️❣️❣️

God’s timing is perfect. was able to offer Pastor Dave’s message to encourage a friend that sometimes it comes down to just you and God.

Pastor James is such a gifted Bible teacher. It’s been so neat seeing him grow over the last few years. ❤

Amen

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Hey, Pastor Greg! Been trying to watch SBCC services online...sometimes, I can connect and watch...other times, I can't connect at all.😢 I've gone to Barbara's Catholic church with her a couple of times. They were not very welcoming...at all. They could REALLY use a Greeting Ministry! I watch SBCC services on my phone but, my old cell sometimes doesn't "cooperate". I am really missing SBCC and all my Family & Friends "back home" in Gardena/SoCal.😢 Please pray that things will get better for me...🙏😢 Thank you... --Cary Mizobe

I’ve seen God work abundantly in my life and found that He gives me peace & joy when I use His ways and not my own ways to resolve conflict/tension with others. Following God’s command to pray this prayer of blessing is really amazing and will allow everything in life to go smoothly. God will bless you in your obedience to his commandment to love one another Here's how to pray and ask God to bless those you have tension with/are jealous of/hate: --Ask God for strength to pray that prayer. --Ask God that all the blessings He would have blessed you with would be given to that particular person and it be overflowing. --Ask God to bless that person in their finances, health, family/relationships, work/grades, etc. Ask God that every aspect of their life would prosper. --Ask God that all the things that person desires would be given to him/her even if it is disadvantageous to you. ----Only ask God to BLESS and not curse or for God to change that person. When you are reminded of that person, keep praying again and again asking Him to bless them. Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to love one another and to do so for the people we don’t get along with is the most difficult. But we don’t need to use our own strength/ways to resolve conflict as we should ask God for His strength and way instead. His way is to pray and ask Him to bless that person/people we don’t get along with. What causes conflict is the ego/pride in all of us but we are called to deny self and carry up the cross. This means our ego/pride needs to lessen daily. This can be done by praying for those we don’t like or don’t want to be around. When our ego/pride lessens we are able to get along with those around us.

I’ve seen God work abundantly in my life and found that He gives me peace & joy when I use His ways and not my own ways to resolve conflict/tension with others. Following God’s command to pray this prayer of blessing is really amazing and will allow everything in life to go smoothly. God will bless you in your obedience to his commandment to love one another Here's how to pray and ask God to bless those you have tension with/are jealous of/hate: --Ask God for strength to pray that prayer. --Ask God that all the blessings He would have blessed you with would be given to that particular person and it be overflowing. --Ask God to bless that person in their finances, health, family/relationships, work/grades, etc. Ask God that every aspect of their life would prosper. --Ask God that all the things that person desires would be given to him/her even if it is disadvantageous to you. ----Only ask God to BLESS and not curse or for God to change that person. When you are reminded of that person, keep praying again and again asking Him to bless them. What causes conflict is the ego/pride in all of us but we are called to deny self and carry up the cross. This means our ego/pride needs to lessen daily. This can be done by praying for those we don’t like or don’t want to be around. When our ego/pride lessens we are able to get along with those around us.

33:52 “tu faww”😑 🥰 Loved that! I love Johnnys sense of humor!

So much small talk and a few points thrown in. Not an efficient use of my time.

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This was an amazing message hits home in so many ways thank you pastor Dave!

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I have such admiration for Japanese culture n manners..very Godly people in a quiet way when they come to Christ.

Mans religion always says, Jesus, plus you need to do this or that, when it's GODS grace and mercy through Yeshua blood Alone!

This was the message I needed to hear today. Just last night, I cried to the Lord and question why good ppl go through some of the worst things. I've reminded in this message that even "good" people will go through a season of struggle. But find God in those hard moments so you don't remain in resentment. In the seasons of struggle, it WILL be just you and God. God Bless you pastor!

Wonderful message my brother.we are praying and looking for your coming to India sir.please bring your teaching to india.your teaching is very needed sir

Great sermon today really enjoyed it

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Thanks for posting this video on KZbin. Great message and encouragement!

This johnny is spreading false gospel (easy believism), completely ignoring the teaching of works produced by faith as if they have the license to sin. The blind lead the blind situation.

LOVE the cat - cow (praise - prayer request) idea!!

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." - Numbers 6:24-26

Love this thanks Pastor Dan, been SOAPing I love it and looking up reference scriptures.

Johnny thank you so much for helping people and the world for telling your story we love you. God bless you and your family Amen. ❤️🙏

❤❤❤❤❤ Wow ‼️That brought me to tears… a beautiful house of worship ❣️💒 Bless the Lord 👏🏾🥰 Training myself to be Still & Trust 🥰

28:30 best moment 😂😂😂😂

Praise God 🙏🏼

Thank you Pastor for the balanced view on forgiveness and your testimony 🙏

Awesome message Pastor Dave 🙏

Refreshing 🙏

Good word 🙏🏽❤️

Amen ❤️ 🙏

Amen I love you my Lord Jesus Jesus Christ❤❤❤❤