Don't trust your experiences. Trust the evidence

Personal experiences are unreliable, inconsistent, and can validate whatever you want them to. That’s why, if you’re really seeking truth, don’t rely on your personal experiences, rely first and foremost on the evidence. Alisa gives three reasons why in this fantastic video.
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#Reasons #Evidence #FoundationsOfFaith #ReasonsToBelieve #Christianity #ChristiansBelief #True #Truth #Theology #Jesus #Bible #Gospel #Skeptics #Experiences #ExperiencesVsEvidence #Apologetics #CrossExaminedApologeticsTeam #CrossExamined #AlisaChilders

[@austins7376]

Experience is why I became a Christian. Evidence is what keeps me a Christian.

[@jhamilton1007]

Same. 🙏

[@jasonbell6234]

There is no experience in Christianity as it’s a religion of faith and revelation.

[@joshuastoltzfus4910]

@@jasonbell6234 You bring up a great point that faith is above our experience. I would have to say though that some of the most profound revelations and teachings in my walk with Christ have been some of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. Sometimes I just have to put my hands on my head, bite my lip, and grin uncontrollably about just how awesome God is. I've even cried just worshipping Him! We were for the Gospel message, and in that way I think we do want to seek the joy of our salvation and the peace that comes only from the blood of Christ. But! A tested faith is important, and I do think the occasional absence of experience is important. Peace brother!

[@megancrager4397]

Absolutely

[@bayesngays9341]

That is so true and so revealing. You took a leap of faith: now you try to use evidence to justify your beliefs. Nobody would start believing on the basis of evidence as it is weak in the extreme.

[@vmonk1474]

I like it when emotionally feeling good, everyone does, but emotions come and go. I often have to remind myself of what the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) says, and I stand on that. Especially when I don't feel saved. I trust in the gospel, not my feelings or experiences.

[@avafury4584]

I agree! Still nice to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit but we don't always feel it. Sometimes we draw ourselves away from God but the substance of our faith is the gospel. In those times when we don't "feel saved" we have to know that we are saved because God's word tells us. That's why we shouldn't get upset when the hard times come because it's in those hard times, when we are feeling the most distressed, that God's presence does come and comforts us.

[@joshuastoltzfus4910]

Yep, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 is an amazing passage in stressing the importance of evidence. Love that you mentioned it!

[@codeblood2000]

Jesus Christ constantly throughout his ministry stressed having faith. Without the Holy Ghost evidence is meaningless

[@--4729]

Glad to hear I’m not the only one. I try to keep it simple. Trust in what Jesus said, done and His Faithfulness.

[@onehappydawg]

@@codeblood2000 You completely misunderstand. The Holy Spirit isn’t all about “feelings” and “experiences” The Holy Spirit is in us to do the work of God, and to help build up the church. The Holy Spirit isn’t for you to go to a church building and feel good and maybe fall out on the floor. Those things are for baby Christians. Meat eating Christians go out and do the work of God. “…Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God…” Hebrews 6:1

[@DanielApologetics]

Here's a BIG FAT *AMEN* !

[@hansmeisterschulz5941]

“Emotions are meant to be felt not followed!”- Dr. James Merritt Happiness is an emotion, Joy is a lifestyle. Trust in the Lord and praise Jesus

[@jasonbell6234]

How come you believe in mortal human being as lord?

[@hansmeisterschulz5941]

@@jasonbell6234 I trust in the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ alone! Not mere man or any man! I simply quoted a follower of Jesus as to the error of following ones emotions! “Buyers remorse “ is due to doing just that! Hope this helps? Blessings

[@jasonbell6234]

@@hansmeisterschulz5941 Risen? What’s so special? Didn’t Lazarus also raised from the dead? Many were raised to life and walked the streets like zombies according to the bible.

[@jasonbell6234]

@@hansmeisterschulz5941 What’s so special? Wasn’t Lazarus raised by God Also? What about so many people raised from the dead and walking the streets according to the bible.

[@hansmeisterschulz5941]

@@jasonbell6234 how true, only to “die” again and become worm food! While the Lord Jesus IS alive and well seated at the right hand of God, watching our written exchange! Praise Him, that He would allow this occurrence

[@jeffphelps1355]

When I first became a Christian I was compelled to actually imvestigate my faith. I read Lee Strobel s, Ravi Zacharias, and Frank Tureks books, it really helped me solidify my faith.

[@jaswinderkaur2527]

Ravi Zechariah had some secret sins what I came to know about him.

[@hhstark8663]

​@@jaswinderkaur2527 Intellectually, it does not matter. His arguments and reasons are still valid. An argument does not get disproven only because someone was a bad person, haha. :)

[@itsJPhere]

Did you read any opposing views?

[@hhstark8663]

@@itsJPhere Yes, I have. The opposing view´s cases are not convincing to be honest. Even if I was not a Christian, I would not have found them convincing.

[@Columbo-r4z]

@@hhstark8663 What did you read that shows the Old Testament is man made mythology?

[@1godonlyone119]

In order to trust the evidence, I must also trust my experience because investigating the evidence is part of my experience.

[@patrickshadow6598]

Loll yesss!!!! very good comment !!! God bless you !

[@bryter2848]

Great comment

[@rcboy17]

I had days where I'd pray and I'd feel a sensational feeling overcome my spirit and then other days where it wasn't as sensational but, I kept the faith and still believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and that God has to be real by asking myself if man could create all these great things, who created man? How did we come to be? There had to have been a cause, a divine purpose of some sort. And that surely has to be God Almighty.

[@alvarogomez4936]

I would often do the same thing when I was a child. I would sit and try to imagine how big the universe is and then what could be after that. What could be beyond space? And every time I would get to that point I would see a bright light. I will never forget that.

[@Battlescars777]

@@alvarogomez4936 wow that’s powerful

[@marksandsmith6778]

Somethings are just accidents. E.g. People wouldn't be here if a meteor hadn't killed the dinosaurs.

[@avafury4584]

I love how God uses our experiences and questions to draw us to him.

[@avafury4584]

@@marksandsmith6778 lol ok

[@alvarogomez4936]

I believe we have to use both experience and evidence. What we experience should match what the evidence says. With the Bible as our guide and part of our evidence, so to speak, then the experiences that we have should match what it says.

[@Keesha_Hardy]

Agreed.

[@avafury4584]

That's true too. The evidence will match our experiences. Amen

[@caramelunicorn8023]

I absolutely agree. I think its dangerous to have an either/or mindset about it. Why can't our experiences also confirm what we have as evidence.

[@cosmicphoenix162]

Absolutely because without those transcendent divine supernatural experiences, you could just as easily be talked out of your conclusions about the historical evidence. So both are needed and necessary to have and hold a strong conviction and faith.

[@misc.endeavours8343]

I agree with that. God reaches us through evidence _and_ through experience.

[@doctrinalwatchdogwatchmano6854]

As always Alisa, you leave me with so much Good Doctrine to ponder. Amen and thank you.

[@jasonbell6234]

It’s a inferior belief system and it’s unfortunate. A religion of revelation and blind faith. Its biggest pitfall is there is no experience. It talks lots about love but does not teach how to developed it. It also copied lots of stories from older religions.

[@freshliving4199]

Christianity is not a religion. It’s a way of life. Being reborn spiritually is the greatest experience on Earth. You cannot teach someone to love. They must discover Love.

[@maow9240]

@@jasonbell6234 just because the bible was written at a later date doesn't mean. That it copied from what is supposedly older religions. It's very plausible that those supposed older religions simply are telling cultural versions of the same event which God then formed the bible to get the record straight for people to know the truth. It takes assumptions to say that the bible rips off other religions

[@jasonbell6234]

@@maow9240 People are not Christians cause of Jesus. Nope. It’s cause of other Christians... Only difference with other religions, is Christian empires forced this idea on people across the world. It’s a confusing hallow belief system.

[@jasonbell6234]

@@freshliving4199 There is no spirituality in Christianity. It’s a religion which promises everything and fulfills nothing. It supports slavery and racism.

[@childoftheking2214]

This is a wise woman doing her best to bring sanity back to the church. Thank you Alisa.

[@ReyhijodelLeon]

Paul was an awesome experience junkie and he said follow me as I follow Christ evidence and experience go together I would never dismiss real holy Spirit encounters and experiences that change hearts

[@davidleonhardt5907]

Paul was guided through his trials and tribulations, he wasn’t seeking out experiences, he was led by the Holy Spirit. I didn’t get that she was dismissing actual Holy Spirit encounters, she was just saying being rooted in evidence and truth will get you through any doubtful time.

[@ReyhijodelLeon]

@@davidleonhardt5907 I hope we all have experiences what the precious holy Spirit of Jesus then we can't help but to talk about it shout about it, it sets baptists on 🔥 and Catholics leave there idols I'm not against evidence in historical proof it's just obvious to me the majority of unbelievers are converted when the supernatural of God gets manifested because his people are praying and fasting regularly God bless

[@loganwillett2835]

@@ReyhijodelLeon of course we shouldn’t dismiss our experiences. but we shouldn’t use them as evidence to a non believer. because what about mormon’s who claim to have experiences with god? or muslims? or new agers w a tarot card reader? all these people claim to have the same type of experience. what makes yours more valid then theirs?

[@ReyhijodelLeon]

@@loganwillett2835 experiencias with the true living God are incomparable with demonic or any other

[@ReyhijodelLeon]

@@loganwillett2835 also brother we are called to witness with signs and wonders following Jesus said if they don't believe my word they'll believe by my miracles and of course we can use our own experiences if you see me blind for years and suddenly I can see physically I can boldly tell you you should see spiritually now

[@thunderx3005]

Daily reminder Jesus loves you amen 🙏🏾

[@warriorsofchrist1_342]

Why does Jesus loves me?

[@warriorsofchrist1_342]

Im Christian but yall be going around saying "jesus loves me" but the people dont know why😒

[@alvarogomez4936]

@@warriorsofchrist1_342 so do you tell them why?

[@warriorsofchrist1_342]

@@alvarogomez4936 Because he made us in his image and the bible also said "he cannot deny himslef" just how humans look that's how God looks but more holy

[@niclasschulz6142]

@@warriorsofchrist1_342 Jesus loves us because he is loving.

[@zacharynash-pate291]

Evidence is something, but we believe by faith in someone we haven't seen. We're called into suffering for the testimony of Christ. So not every bit of evidence can save us. Personally, no one knows the evidence of my experience that lead me to Christ. Though by my testimony it is spoken. The evidence is something, but if we're using it to try and appeal to people who aren't going to care anyways, the testimonies is what keeps us grounded in faith.

[@festushaggen2563]

I don't see this as an either or but an altogether. Evidence of our faith also comes from the inside out in the forms of a change of heart and character, a growing and lasting love for God, the fruit of the Spirit, good works and a steadfast overcoming faith until the end. Couple that with history, archeology, science and the truth of the word and you have a multifaceted foundation for a faith that will last.

[@Columbo-r4z]

Couldn’t such a change happen by believing in any religion?

[@fangomegawolf1058]

Your lifestyle dose not prove you are saved If it did Jesus sacrifice would be in vain Salvation is of tge LORD not of humans

[@Columbo-r4z]

@@fangomegawolf1058 Many argue that your works are evidence of your salvation without realising just acting out what a book says doesn’t make that book true.

[@festushaggen2563]

@@fangomegawolf1058 You misunderstood. I did not say that works save but that a Christians life is evidence of their salvation. If someone says they're a vegan but they regularly eat meat, do you believe their words or actions?

[@Columbo-r4z]

@@festushaggen2563 So if a Muslim fasts at Ramadan and prays to Allah 5 times a day this is evidence of their salvation. Correct? This is exactly what you’re saying.

[@ndjarnag]

Yes. Let's take evidence over faith.

[@DorrianBridges]

You should clarify that it’s important to have both because when our walk realistically has both. Head knowledge doesn’t change hearts, it changes minds. Both are necessary and important.

[@goshareyourown]

Amen, thank you sister.

[@believewithyourheart5627]

Brilliant, thankyou so much! My experiences confirm a lot for me, but don't help anyone else! We definitely need to know how 'to give an answer to those who ask" God bless you!

[@cosmicphoenix162]

Both experiences and evidence is necessary and needed to have a strong conviction and faith. Even with the highest and best academic scholarly evidence based knowledge and understanding of the Christian Faith without any supernatural divine transcendent experiences an individual could be talked out of there faith and convinced their conclusions about the evidence is not necessarily correct. That just based on evidence alone a sceptical doubting none believer(atheist)could convince such a believer that has no supernatural divine experiences that they don’t have enough data and evidence to come to the conclusion that Christianity is necessarily true, therefore the only rational position to take is to withhold belief and state that you don’t know. The personal experience tips the scales to justify the believer to say “I do know!” Because my belief is not just based on inconclusive evidence, but evidence that has a very powerful suggestion that what I believe is true coupled with my experiencing the truth of it for myself.

[@Beatrizz413]

"You can fall back on evidence in times of doubt" This 3rd point really speaks to me. As someone who is doubting my faith and not having the evidence to fall back on due to lack of studying because of laziness I can honestly say it feels very depressing, lonely, dead, and so forth. Had I had the evidence to fall back on, I know I wouldn't be in this spiritually dead position. Part of me believes the Christian Faith is the one true faith, but my doubts and not having the evidence is weighing on me. Where do I begin in my search of evidence for the on truth faith?

[@Nameless-pt6oj]

What would you like to know? I completely understand how you feel, in fact we’re very similar judging from your comment.

[@theace3164]

The case for Christ

[@incredulouspasta3304]

_"...can honestly say it feels very depressing, lonely, dead, and so forth."_ Be careful about looking for "evidence" in this state. If you feel emotionally dependent on a belief system, it's almost unavoidable that you will interpret the evidence in a way that will lead you to that belief system. _"Where do I begin in my search of evidence for the on truth faith?"_ 1. Cultivate a state of mind that says "I'll be fine no matter where the evidence leads me". Make sure your self-identity isn't attached to what you believe. This makes it vastly easier to discard a belief when the evidence goes against it. 2. Discard any belief that you currently don't have evidence for. 3. Investigate whatever interests you. Rebuild your beliefs based on the evidence. Enjoy the ride!

[@EmilyPloegman]

Thank you for this well thought out video. Excited to share it with youth in our church

[@pat2430]

This can work both ways good and bad. Being a "experience junkie" can lead you astray or to christ. What you should do is take in the experience, let the emotions pass and let it be revealed to you.

[@incredulouspasta3304]

Absolutely! People from many different religions will appeal to feelings of experiencing God through prayer, meditation, worship, reading, etc... Step 2: Beware of confirmation bias! If you are already a Christian, it will be tempting to look at the evidence with rose-colored glasses. Make sure you are prepared, deep down, to change your beliefs if the evidence points elsewhere. True beliefs have nothing to fear from scrutiny.

[@duncanbarnard1832]

Many thank for yet another great video!

[@zunny9040]

0:08 I dont know, me and my brother hearing and seeing an angel opening the door at 10 pm in our parent's room is a pretty good experience to fall back on during times of suffering and doubt. My friend who heard an audible voice that felt like it had so much authority and it was a deep voice, though at the same time did not sound like either a man or a woman's voice and felt like it came from another world to which btw has told me that he remembers the moment in his mind and the description and impact of said voice, still could not replay it in his head. Like his soul remembers everything, but his human brain does not and cannot compute with that moment. Things like these two experiences are well enough to fall back on during times of suffering and "doubt".

[@jackychoi4462]

Very well spoken, thank you!

[@calummacritchie7840]

Many depend on feel good emotions. Whilst being an evidentialist doesn't always guarantee earthly happiness, it will guarantee something better and longer lasting. Genuine Peace and Maturity.

[@herbzabel9117]

Amen, amen, and amen. Worship has a deep impact on our spirit...but it is what we worship that makes that feeling noble or evil. Do we worship the known God Almighty, or do we worship the pleasures of the world.

[@rolandwatts3218]

Experience is one of the processes by which we learn. So the problem is not so much being an "experience junkie", but rather it's being an 'emotion junkie" or a "feeling junkie". Specifically a "good feeling junkie". It's a real problem in the context of theism. I suspect it's a reason why Charismatic churches are growing rapidly. People go to church and have great emotional feelings and assume they are being spoken to by the Holy Ghost. A video explaining how feelings are often manipulated by churches is one posted by Genetically Modified Skeptic and titled:- "Church Services Are Designed to Influence You. Here’s How" ^^ It's not that people set out to deliberately manipulate in order to deceive. Rather they set out to deliberately manipulate to save souls. But the ending is the same. A system to create emotional highs and lows in order to bond people around a common theme - and get them returning week after week.

[@savedbymylovegodthelordjes8394]

praise the Lord and God bless you all glory be to the HOLY TRINITY forever and ever amen

[@cptrikester2671]

Even the demons know Chist is true and real, but that does not make them Christ like. Dear Lord, may my actions demonstrate my faith.

[@jasonbell6234]

In real world, anything worth getting requires training mentally and physically. That’s just how it is. There is no magic pill.

[@rc....]

Fruits of the spirit...

[@dude9318]

@@rc.... yes that's important

[@ralibalyase2531]

So true, thank you for this video.

[@Farsiminister]

I think there is a difference between an experience based on feelings and an experience based on specific answered prayer or miracles. I have heard God specifically give me answers to questions I asked. One person came up to me and repeated words that I had prayed to God in secret. A friend of mine heard God audibly tell him to go to a specific church. Another friend who was a devout Muslim became a Christian through a vision of heaven and hell and through a private conversation with God. These experiences can never be taken away from us. However these experiences should never replace our reliance on God's word. Even Peter who heard God's voice when Jesus was transfigured said that we must pay attention to Scripture's prophetic word (2 Peter 1:19-21).

[@christopherprose3881]

A strong, well-throughout expose and clear explanation of how to defend and rely on the historical evidence for Christianity. I wish this could be taught to all the children in churches today as they will be likely swayed by the secular world-view once they attend public colleges. Peer pressure is so intense there that many fall prey to it and give up their faith which is too often based on experience and not good, sound doctrine or viable apologetics.

[@Columbo-r4z]

But you don’t have any historical evidence. That’s the problem.

[@christopherprose3881]

@@Columbo-r4z I can only encourage you to read the writing of C.S. Lewis if you haven't already. I would begin with Mere Christianity and then perhaps move onto Miracles. If historical evidence is what you feel is lacking in the Christian faith, you might want to do more research in that specific area. As a student of history myself and a natural born skeptic, I can relate to your reservations and/or doubts.

[@Columbo-r4z]

@@christopherprose3881 If you’re a history student then you’ll understand that miracles can never be considered history.

[@christopherprose3881]

@@Columbo-r4z The basis for determining the existence of a miracle cannot be based on history alone. The question, I believe, is whether or not they are even possible, which is why I recommended reading the works of C.S. Lewis as a potential starting point. If you have already discounted the existence of miracles a priori then you might be wasting your time. If there is a God that created the universe and its laws, then I suspect that gives him the option of overruling those laws if deemed necessary. In any case, I wish you well in your research wherever that may lead.

[@Columbo-r4z]

@@christopherprose3881 May I ask how you are defining a miracle?

[@joshuamartinpryce8424]

I believe there is room for both, trusting in experiences and trusting the evidence. Experiences showcase and demonstrate evidence. Evidence bring experience. I would say we should examine our experiences and not dwell on evidence. Experiences are ingrained in the memory of people, they shape who we are and what we believe. Evidence is what product of experiences brings. Evidence can come from thinking and learning and studying, and experience is action based. But technically they are one and the same, and have the same value, and same results.

[@mbkkt9094]

They do not have the same value and results

[@a1productionllc]

Alisa, I totally agree with you. I started becoming acquainted with the evidence back in the 80's, thanks to a radio program, "Point of View," with Marlin Maddox. Also, Josh McDowell's "Evidence that Demands a Verdict," Vols. I & II, from about 1981 (yes, they are falling apart). Marlin featured a lot of Christians on his program who dealt in evidence. The one that struck me most was Luther Sunderland, whose 1984 book, "Darwin's Enigma: Fossils and other problems," I also have. Luther's book shows that evolution is based on hot air and suppositions, NOT evidence. Have a good day!

[@mbkkt9094]

Yes, we should trust evidence in matters of such importance. Which is why I find it so odd that there are so many theists despite a lack of evidence

[@tabunga4669]

17 seconds in and I just wanted to comment... I came to Christ because of my experience. When I felt I had nowhere to go but suicide I asked as a non believer to God "God, If you're the Christian God who sent his beloved son to due for my sins then PLEASE give me proof of your existence in a way that I CANNOT prove to anyone else" He did it not once, not twice but three times. I don't need evidence other than God proving himself to me. He went above and beyond to make sure that without a doubt he is real. I can't not believe

[@niclasschulz6142]

I had the same thing sort of, I mean I never reached out to God like that but a big part of my life and mental issues came from multiple supernatural disasters, ( which happened after I practiced magic when I was like 12 because I was a fan of anime and thought it was cool ). I tried to disprove the experience and find a scientific explanation for what had happened all the time but I just couldn't. Now I know of course it was demons and that God is real but yet I still struggle with doubt. I believe God wants us to not build your faith on signs and miracles but rather on pure love trust and obedience. John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. And I am sure of that because I feel like God has put me through a test and disciplined me to learn more about Apologetics and to build my foundation not on my experiences in the past but on trust love obedience and evidence. Because experiences can be really attacked by the evil. I love you so much and I know but it's still good to have a foundation in faith other than experiences, trust me, I come from a place where even my unexplainable evidence for God has let me down. God bless you. Amen.

[@tabunga4669]

@@niclasschulz6142 dude that's your fault for not believing when you're GIVEN evidence. Most people dont receive evidence. If you struggle with the existence of God after supernatural phenomenon then that's on you. After mine I absolutely have no doubt that God exists. Not once. Not even for a second. I just don't have a reason not to. My faith in God goes toward believing that Jesus (God) died for my sins and that he raised himself 3 days later. I believe and have faith in that alone. That's where faith comes in for me. Not that he exist

[@mach1205]

Emotions can lead you astray but logic can also be faulty. It's important not to ignore ONE and favor the other entirely if you are a Christian. I'm not trying to say you are like that, but I think that is something important to keep in mind. You can say "I am a believer because God gave me a really strong experience going above and beyond to prove that he is real" in a comment section like this, and that is Christianese to other believers. It may as well speak to non-believers, however I have watched many of Living Waters evangelism videos where there are people in this world who don't believe that there IS evidence for the existence of God. It would help be able to say to people like that, "Do you believe that nothing created everything? Because that is the atheist belief system at it's core and it's scientifically impossible." I believe that because when one becomes truly born again of the spirit that they are granted with a new heart loves righteousness, and are endowed with the Spirit, that they experience something that the non-believers cannot replicate. This is think is why it is important to have some evidence to back up your claim that maybe isn't personal to your salvation experience.

[@tabunga4669]

@@mach1205 It's COMPLETELY safe to ignore the emotions when it comes to salvation. How many of those heretic CHARISMATIC preachers who go above and beyond knocking people over by smacking their forehead and telling them they are saved? Even Ray Comfort is a heretic and plays on emotion with a works + faith salvation when it is CHRIST ALONE that saves us. Notice how he says faith alone but in the end he tells them to stop doing sin and start going to church and read their Bible instead of telling them the gospel to try and see if they'll trust Jesus to get saved right then and there? 1 John 5:13-15 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him "THAT YE MAY KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE" its not based off emotion. It's something logical that you understand and accept. Emotion can lead you astray when it comes to salvation

[@therighttoolcompany868]

Thanks for the video I will use it as a tool to help others.

[@sarasandoval771]

Nice, thoughtful presentation. Thanks…

[@Chupie77777]

I struggle with emotions sooo bad though. I rely on evidence to fall back on, but dang emotional damage in my life has made it really really hard to love like God commands... At the end of the day, I can have intellectual faith, and do a bunch of "good" works, but also not have any love or affection, and that makes me nothing (1 Corinthians 13). The Gospel seems to work this way: Savinf faith in Jesus gives us a new heart and a new Spirit, so that our hearts are no longer deceptive or wicked. What is a Christian with a wicked heart? I'm honestly confused, and have always had a terrible time with constant insecurities and doing good works based on fear and not out of love or affection

[@thestace7777]

I’m going through a terrifying time of extreme anxiety, fear, worry, and condemning thoughts. I’m a Christian who has overwhelming thoughts of not being saved. I desperately don’t want to believe these feelings, it is torture!!!🥺 What you just said, I thought was comforting until I remembered hearing other Christian teachers say that Christianity, or being a Christian is not just mental assent. Please, would you help me understand? I desperately need an anchor. Thank you!!

[@fangomegawolf1058]

Condemnation is from satan not God Holy spirit uses identification not condemnation

[@fangomegawolf1058]

What a Christian is NOT a person who lives good Who reads their bible Ect A Christian IS A sinner saved by the death burial and resurrection of Jesus alone You are not saved by turning from sins or being a good person non of that saves you. We are saved only by the grace of God of his Son Jesus alone. Simply believe/trust what Jesus did for you and you will be saved. Once a person is saved they are kept saved by what God has done to be enough.

[@fangomegawolf1058]

Jesus saves anyone wo will listen to the gospel which is in 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4 That alone is what we are saved by. Ephesians 2: 8-9 It is by Grace you are saved through faith and that NOT of yourselves, it is the gift of God NOT of works least any man should boast. Salvation is free and gift of God Repent just means to think to change your mind, it has nothing to do with sin

[@thestace7777]

@@fangomegawolf1058 thank you. I want to overcome these feelings and thoughts, I just don’t know how.😔

[@matthewbauerle7153]

@@thestace7777 I had similar concerns. I would ask Jesus to save me and was obsessed with sinner’s prayers and was worried if I messed up once or had an errant thought while saying it that is why I wasn’t saved. I kept wondering why I didn’t “feel saved.” Turns out that I fell victim to what was described in the video. Once I realized that Jesus had already saved me the first time I asked I could deal with the underlying issue that was OCD. Whenever I hear someone terrified about the Christianity isn’t only “mental assent” thing that tells me that the person might have scrupulosity (religion based OCD). Other issues that might indicate it are an extreme fear of mental sins or of doing something unforgivable.

[@drummermomcjs]

Great video. God is real, and his reality stands, regardless of our changing feelings and thoughts.

[@davidlakvold8789]

Great video.

[@sorenpx]

I think a via media (middle way) approach may be best. In the same way that someone can be talked out of their experience, people can also doubt the evidence when confronted with conflicting evidence and rival claims that also have evidence to back them up. I think we need to know the intellectual arguments but we also need to see the fingerprints of God through his supernatural working in the world.

[@praisegod1514]

Amazing thanks for the video 🙏🙏😊

[@janicewoods9166]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise God all creatures here below Praise him above ye heavenly hosts Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost Amen Philippians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. Acts 5:3,4 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

[@davewatt28]

Thanks Alisa, it’s a brilliant vid

[@godmakesallthingsnew2626]

Blessed are those who have believed without seeing - Jesus

[@jonathanverdugo1694]

TRUST THE WORD OF GOD. Stay in prayer read the word and evangelize that’s what makes a great and healthy believer .

[@Qui_Gon_Jinn_76]

I can tell you this, before Christ I loved AC/DC and Metallica, G n R and Prince, now, that music makes me feel so uncomfortable that I get nauseated when I hear it. It is absolutely horrible. And when I listen to Gaither, I feel Almighty God all around me and I can't get enough. I haven't listened to secular music in years. And hearing God's name taken in vain makes me afraid and hurt. I want to serve Him better every day and before Christ, I didn't even consider Him at all. Paul Washer said that the moment we're saved some things stop immediately and some things gradually cease over time and with great struggle.I believe that. The point is there's evidence for Salvation. We must examine ourselves and look at what the evidence points to.

[@Bc232klm]

I did that, and thus became an atheist.

[@johnholpp6794]

Well said... it's all fun and games, until you pick up your cross and follow Him. Then it's serious. Cut your hand off if it causes you to sin... That's NOT metaphorical, because you don't enter the kingdom metaphorically maimed.

[@philblagden]

Okay, you clearly missed the point of Jesus teaching here and elsewhere. The point is that you need to stop temptation at its source before it takes hold of your desires. Our hands and our eyes do not cause us to sin anyway. It is our wicked hearts that do this. Jesus did not intend for his followers to go around eyeless and without hands to do work.

[@johnholpp6794]

@@philblagden Is that right. So it has nothing to do with entering the kingdom maimed. You obviously hold a watered down western Christian view. You heard it said of old Thou shalt NOT commit adultery, But I tell you (commandment) you so much as look at a woman with lust you are guilty of death. Remember all liars will be cast into the Lake of fire (Rev 21:8) Remember many are called but few are chosen, so make every effort to enter in the narrow and difficult way.

[@danmarley2886]

Paul said that our faith should stand in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power along with his preaching. Jesus told a man that he would not believe unless he saw a miracle. God gives you a reason to believe, he knows what it takes to make you believe. Christians try the spirits whether they are of God. Grace and Peace!

[@gerryquinn5578]

I meet all kinds of people from different Christian denominations. Many claim a personal 'experience' of some kind which convinces them that they have the truth. I simply ask them why their experience should be accepted and all the others rejected.

[@leonerd1401]

Experience for personal faith... Evidence for gospel...

[@MattHalpain]

This is a super important video explaining my testimony in Christ to me about evidence vs. experience. Saul become Paul had duel conversion he saw and heard Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul's experience of seeing Christ reinforced his knowledge of Christ. Saul believed he was acting for good on God's behalf by persecuting, imprisoning, and killing Christians. Saul had a conviction of God before he become Christian from his experience of seeing Christ on the road to Damascus.

[@hansdemos6510]

I am a bit surprised, but in a pleasant way, that Ms. Childers gives good examples why personal religious experiences, or our own feelings should not necessarily convince the individual in question that their faith (whatever that might be) is true, and then tells her audience to examine the evidence, while we all know that if we do that honestly, no faith will stand up to scrutiny. In this context, it is funny that Ms. Childers references Paul, who's faith of course was famously kindled by exactly the kind of personal religious experience that she tells us we should not fall back on...

[@Columbo-r4z]

Just a hilarious own goal here. It’s like she’s giving instructions on how to leave this rubbish. 😂

[@Ethan-bn5vr]

We know that Paul's experience was true because what followed it was biblical and in accordance with the rest of scripture. She's saying that you cannot rely on experiences like that to justify the validity of the Christian faith. And honestly why would you want to? We have all the evidence we need right in front of us. Some other religions, for example, when confronted with something that contradicts their beliefs usually fall back onto their own experience and that they "know" what they believe is true because of what they feel. But when tested with the word of God, it is a clear contradiction. Our experiences are falliable because they stem from us. Why wouldn't we want to solely rely on the knowledge that is given to us by God in the Bible that we know for a fact is true. And Paul didn't fall back onto his experience when preaching, although his experience was accounted in the Bible. Instead, he preached the Gospel. While we all may have some of those experiences, they should not be a foundation for our faith and, as a result, we shouldn't try to make it other people's foundation either when spreading the Gospel.

[@drawingdragon]

Paul literally went blind and then had "scales fall away from his eyes" when the prophet came to heal him. Even if you want to pretend that Jesus Himself speaking directly to Saul and the light from Heaven knocking Saul off his horse was "just an emotional experience", how do you explain away a literal physical blindness as "not evidence"? I'm 99.99999% sure Saul could reasonably scientifically test to make sure "yep I'm blind now."

[@hansdemos6510]

@@Ethan-bn5vr I don't think anything of what you said was rational. You said: _"We know that Paul's experience was true because what followed it was biblical and in accordance with the rest of scripture."_ First of all, your interpretation that something is in accordance with your favorite book does not make it true. Secondly, whether Paul's experience was "true" or not has nothing to do with Ms. Childers' argument that we should not let our faith depend on such personal experiences. You said: _"We have all the evidence we need right in front of us."_ No you don't. You do not have all the evidence you need to be rationally convinced, because otherwise you would not need faith to make up the difference. Whether you apply a standard of "beyond reasonable doubt" or "the preponderance of the evidence", there is most certainly not enough evidence for any religion, Christianity. You said: _"Why wouldn't we want to solely rely on the knowledge that is given to us by God in the Bible that we know for a fact is true."_ ...Well... because you do not know for a fact that the Bible is true...? That is a dogmatic belief; you assume the Bible is the word of your deity on faith, not on any objectively convincing evidence. A Muslim could make the exact same assumption about his own holy book and come to the exact same conclusion as you without changing the argument; if he tests your claims against the word of his God, then you are obviously wrong, and you couldn't argue against his methodology, because it is the same as yours.

[@hansdemos6510]

@@drawingdragon First off, you just assume the Bible stories about Paul's conversion are true. Why? Would you believe the same story if it was in the Quran about Muhammad? Muhammad was traveling to Damascus, saw a light, fell, and heard God talk to him, afterwards he was blind for three days. If you were truly considered about the evidence, then you would treat the Bible stories with the same attitude you would treat a story from the Quran, or from any other ancient document. Second, you answer your own question. Paul sees an intense light and goes temporarily blind. Or: Paul falls to the ground and goes temporarily blind. You don't think these things happen? Why should something as simple as (for example) an internal swelling pinching the optical nerve be taken as evidence for an encounter with a deity? That just does not make sense. Also, why should blindness be a sign from God at all? If you were God Almighty, would you make somebody fall and then go blind as a sign of your existence? That seems both silly and ineffective. Thirdly, if Paul's experience was not personal, then why did his companions not have the same experience? We meet these companions only as props in the story to give the audience perspective, but after they have served their purpose, they just vanish. Apparently, whatever they saw or heard was not impressive enough to convert themselves, or even just stay with Paul in Damascus to care for him. Finally, you don't seem to be well acquainted with the story of Paul's conversion. I urge you to reread the passages again. In my Bible, there is no horse, and there are discrepancies between the different versions of the story that may lead some to doubt its veracity.

[@MichaelWilson-ep8pc]

Amen

[@buckaroobonsaitree7488]

I was raised in the church, went to Chicago public school, became an atheist because of the lack of evidence for the existence of God and the validity of the Bible. In a low point I cried out for a sign, (in the backseat of my parent’s car) opened my eyes and there was graffiti on an overpass that said trust Jesus. I was cautiously optimistic. Then I really looked into the evidence for the validity of the Bible and existence of God. I became a Christian because of the evidence, not the experience. I believe if one honestly searches out the evidence they have no choice but to admit the Bible is true. Whether they submit to Jesus Lordship is up to them. I did not want it to be true, but I cannot deny that it is true. Jesus is Lord of all

[@jacoblee5796]

I used to be an indoctrinated Christian, for over 30 years I was believer. When I started having doubts I went looking for evidence and I found nothing. I found it incredibly lacking. So please share this evidence that convinced you.

[@bradharford6052]

I think there is a balance between evidence and experience. If we cannot trust our heavenly Father to protect us in both our feelings/experiences, and our evidence/knowledge, then can we trust Him at all? Yes we can.

[@bransrubar]

Great video

[@doarbiblia]

Correct ! 🙏🙌💖

[@nrcarl00]

Great video!!

[@jolookstothestars6358]

Should we share are testimonies? I recently did with my boss then he shared his testimony with self-realization. Now I'm back pedaling out of imotionalism and then need to tell him his experience was not from God but from satan. What do you think?

[@hhstark8663]

According to J. Warner Wallace, if your testimony also includes the historical evidence for the resurrection and the evidence for god, then yes.

[@jolookstothestars6358]

Ok thank you.

[@hhstark8663]

@@jolookstothestars6358 By the way, this is why other religions are false, in case you did not already know. :) *This is why these religions are false:* 1. Rabbinical judaism is false because of isaia 53 (among others) in the Old Testament. 2. Islam is false because of the islamic dilemma (qurannic dilemma) and its textual evidence is very weak (see "cira international" or "pfanderfilms" for more information). Mohammed did not even exist! 3. Buddhism is false because if true it would result in an infinite regress. 4. Polytheism in general is false because their gods are *internal* of time and place and as pantheists they posit that the universe does not have a singular beginning (which is NOT in alignment with the empirical findings from the 20th century). 5. Mormonism is false is because they only have one eyewitness, namely Joseph Smith himself, and Smiths motives are questioniable which gives credibility to it being a conspiracy theory (he wanted money, sex and power - and got it). 6. Jehovas witnesses is false, because the trinity can be deducible form *their own* translation. By process of elimination, you are left with Christianity. *These are the six facts pertaining to Jesus that the majority of historians - atheist or theist - accept:* 1. Jesus died on the cross and was put in a tomb 2. Next day the tomb was empty 3. Claims of post-mortem experiences of Jesus by the apostles 4. Enemies of Jesus (James and Paul) were converted. 5. Violence endured by the apostles, 4 of which we know historically died as martyrs. 6. Jesus´ messiaha movement is the *only* movement that continued after his death. When other fake messiahs were crucified, their movements stopped. The resurrection is the only explanation that can account for all those 6 facts. For more information, see the book and website and youtube channel "Cold-case christianity".

[@Kevin-lw2gl]

Experience I believe is necessary for some but not to others. That's why Jesus said "Blessed those who have not seen and yet still believed." We must understand that the Gospel was spread out through the miracles Jesus and the disciples were performing and so people believed. I became a Christian through some pretty vivid experiences which confirmed to me that everything in the Bible is true. But of course, scripture is what has supported my experiences as evidence.

[@dylanandfriends443]

Amen!

[@Melody.Joy.23]

When I finally decided to look at the evidence and take a critical look at the Bible, I became agnostic. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@tylerharvey3688]

I had mine through Christ. I still have experiences in other areas they are just in some way shape or form Faith based. Discernment is key here. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

[@patrickshadow6598]

The experiences with God are 100% different… Only God can make you feel REAL peace. But people that didn’t had experiences with God cannot know how it is and how it feels. satan cannot offer what God can. God is a God of love. satan can try to imitate love, but the true love comes from God. I saw no satanist happy and full of love and peace. I saw christians full of love, happiness, peace, and basically fulfilled with God. The experiences could sound like they are same, but someone who experience both of them, from God and from satan, could tell the that what God shows you and makes you feel is different. Is on another level. Not every good feeling tho is given by God neither every bad feeling is from satan. We could be sad for example and that emotion could be good for our lives, it could maybe stop us from doing something that could’ve been bad for us. Some things we categorize as bad and some as good but Bible says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,…”. So we could call things bad but they could actually be good. And i really think that we should search for evidence to prove easier that God exists. It’s like a tool for us. God bless you 🙏🏻♥️💪🏻 !

[@patrickshadow6598]

I get her point though and respect her opinion. But we should know that the first thing that keeps us knowing the truth and the ONLY ONE WE SHOULD TRUST is the HOLY SPIRIT of Jesus ! That’s the first and most important thing. The rest is not essential but it could come in handy sometimes (both experiences and evidence)

[@rc....]

Definitely, a Buddhist or Muslim too can quote their version of miracle or experience.

[@mharzmhason1787]

Help me!!! I told everyone about the same thing about this in the church that I’ve been with. They blacklisted me!!!!!!😭😭😭😭😭 they call me all sort of names. They even brought up a negative judgement about my past just because I was former atheist.

[@gricketts6534]

37 years gathering the evidence. Then, my burning bush moment and became a Christian. All 37 years of academic and scientific evidence lead to Jesus.

[@jasonbell6234]

Lol

[@cyberfilmproductions8987]

We chose to believe in Jesus because we believe what he says is true, and we trust in him and love him, and put our faith onto him, not ourselves. If we have a spiritual feeling, we need to make sure it leads us to Christ, not to ourselves in his place

[@icecoolguita]

Hi I'm having a tough time understanding what evidence means in this context. I've been brought up relying on my personal encounters in Christ and seeing God's work in other peoples lives. I think you make some good points I really need to think about, so I'm wondering if evidence is referring to something like Romans 1:20? "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Or is it historical evidence? Studying apologetics? Or something else?

[@vumeran]

I've thinking about this lately, I was born in a christian family and have been a christian for as long as I can remember, but recently I realised that I've never had what you would call a transcendent moment, and that got me to doubt about my faith. I've looking for evidence instead like you said, but haven't yet found evidence for Jesus being the one true God, could you share some with us?

[@hhstark8663]

I have described the evidence below. I hope it helps. (the list is not exhaustive by the way, there are more reasons) :) *This is why these religions are false:* 1. Rabbinical judaism is false because of isaia 53 (among others) in the Old Testament. 2. Islam is false because of the islamic dilemma (qurannic dilemma) and its textual evidence is very weak (see "cira international" or "pfanderfilms" for more information). Mohammed did not even exist! 3. Buddhism is false because if true it would result in an infinite regress. 4. Polytheism in general is false because their gods are *internal* of time and place and as pantheists they posit that the universe does not have a singular beginning (which is NOT in alignment with the empirical findings from the 20th century). 5. Mormonism is false is because they only have one eyewitness, namely Joseph Smith himself, and Smiths motives are questioniable which gives credibility to it being a conspiracy theory (he wanted money, sex and power - and got it). 6. Jehovas witnesses is false, because the trinity can be deducible form *their own* translation. *These are the six facts pertaining to Jesus that the majority of historians - atheist or theist - accept:* 1. Jesus died on the cross and was put in a tomb 2. Next day the tomb was empty 3. Claims of post-mortem experiences of Jesus by the apostles 4. Enemies of Jesus (James and Paul) were converted. 5. Violence endured by the apostles, 4 of which we know historically died as martyrs. 6. Jesus´ messiaha movement is the *only* movement that continued after his death. When other fake messiahs were crucified, their movements stopped. *This is why Christianity is true:* 1. The resurrection has no valid alternative explanation anymore. (The attempted alternative naturalistic explanations are not valid. It was NOT a hallucination, since hallucinations cannot be in groups. ) (see below for the facts, or the channel "Cross Examined" or "Cold-case christianity for more information) 1.5. The resurrection is potentially also corroborated by Tacitus and Josephus. 2. God is *external* of time and place, which is in alignment with modern cosmology. 3. The textual evidence that exists is really early; almost at the time of the event. Thus, it´s NOT legendary. 4. Does not result in an infinite regress. 5. Fulfills isaia 53 in the Old Testament. 6. I can note that Christianity is the *only* religion where God came down to Earth and the only religion where you do NOT have to do any works to achieve salvation and is the only religion in which its founder claimed to be divine (other only say prophet). 7. Claims that universe has a singular beginning (which is in alignment with modern cosmology as evident by the findings of the 20th century). 8. The characteristics of a conspiracy theory (money, sex and power) do NOT apply to the apostles, since they died poor and got tortured and never recanted. 9. More than one claims to have been eyewitneses of the resurrection while never recanting, namely James and Thomas and Peter etc. 10. The gospels include embarrassing accounts of the apostles that puts them in bad light (e.g. they were cowards and deniers), which heighten the sincerity of the authors of the gospel (since if the narrative would have been a later construction, you would have removed those embarrassing passages - but they are kept in indicating a degree of sincerity and transparency).

[@hhstark8663]

I have described the evidence below. I hope it helps. (the list is not exhaustive by the way, there are more reasons) :) *This is why these religions are false:* 1. Rabbinical judaism is false because of isaia 53 (among others) in the Old Testament. 2. Islam is false because of the islamic dilemma (qurannic dilemma) and its textual evidence is very weak (see "cira international" or "pfanderfilms" for more information). Mohammed did not even exist! 3. Buddhism is false because if true it would result in an infinite regress. 4. Polytheism in general is false because their gods are *internal* of time and place and as pantheists they posit that the universe does not have a singular beginning (which is NOT in alignment with the empirical findings from the 20th century). 5. Mormonism is false is because they only have one eyewitness, namely Joseph Smith himself, and Smiths motives are questioniable which gives credibility to it being a conspiracy theory (he wanted money, sex and power - and got it). 6. Jehovas witnesses is false, because the trinity can be deducible form *their own* translation. *These are the six facts pertaining to Jesus that the majority of historians - atheist or theist - accept:* 1. Jesus died on the cross and was put in a tomb 2. Next day the tomb was empty 3. Claims of post-mortem experiences of Jesus by the apostles 4. Enemies of Jesus (James and Paul) were converted. 5. Violence endured by the apostles, 4 of which we know historically died as martyrs. 6. Jesus´ messiaha movement is the *only* movement that continued after his death. When other fake messiahs were crucified, their movements stopped. *This is why Christianity is true:* 1. The resurrection has no valid alternative explanation anymore. (The attempted alternative naturalistic explanations are not valid. It was NOT a hallucination, since hallucinations cannot be in groups. ) (see below for the facts, or the channel "Cross Examined" or "Cold-case christianity for more information) 1.5. The resurrection is potentially also corroborated by Tacitus and Josephus. 2. God is *external* of time and place, which is in alignment with modern cosmology. 3. The textual evidence that exists is really early; almost at the time of the event. Thus, it´s NOT legendary. 3.5 The New Testament is the historical document that has the most amount original manuscripts in the world. Therefore, we know what the original text said with certainty, since discrepancies can be detected and amended the more manuscripts there are. 4. Does not result in an infinite regress. 5. Fulfills isaia 53 in the Old Testament. 6. I can note that Christianity is the *only* religion where God came down to Earth and the only religion where you do NOT have to do any works to achieve salvation and is the only religion in which its founder claimed to be divine (other only say prophet). 7. Claims that universe has a singular beginning (which is in alignment with modern cosmology as evident by the findings of the 20th century). 8. The characteristics of a conspiracy theory (money, sex and power) do NOT apply to the apostles, since they died poor and got tortured and never recanted. 9. More than one claims to have been eyewitneses of the resurrection while never recanting, namely James and Thomas and Peter etc. 10. The gospels include embarrassing accounts of the apostles that puts them in bad light (e.g. they were cowards and deniers), which heighten the sincerity of the authors of the gospel (since if the narrative would have been a later construction, you would have removed those embarrassing passages - but they are kept in indicating a degree of sincerity and transparency).

[@RobertA-oi6hw]

Hearing your story makes me wonder a few things. please don't take this as an insult. I am simply trying to understand the situation. So my first question would be have you not experienced any type of revelation or filling of the Holy Spirit? The Bible says that when we make Jesus Christ the Lord of our life that his Holy Spirit will come and dwell within us. Have you never experienced that? My second question would be what kind of church do you go to? You mentioned you grew up in a christian home. Just curious.

[@hhstark8663]

@@RobertA-oi6hw The historical evidence is enough. See my comment above.

[@vumeran]

@@RobertA-oi6hw I dont know how to answer the first one, I have believed, that should be enough, but Ive never really been an emotional person, the second one, well, a christian church, and Im still attending that church

[@georgehilario3544]

She's a beautiful godly woman

[@hhstark8663]

I have described the evidence Alica Childers is talking about below. I hope it helps. (the list is not exhaustive by the way, there are more reasons) :) *This is why these religions are false:* 1. Rabbinical judaism is false because of isaia 53 (among others) in the Old Testament. 2. Islam is false because of the islamic dilemma (qurannic dilemma) and its textual evidence is very weak (see "cira international" or "pfanderfilms" for more information). Mohammed did not even exist! 3. Buddhism is false because if true it would result in an infinite regress. 4. Polytheism in general is false because their gods are *internal* of time and place and as pantheists they posit that the universe does not have a singular beginning (which is NOT in alignment with the empirical findings from the 20th century). 5. Mormonism is false is because they only have one eyewitness, namely Joseph Smith himself, and Smiths motives are questioniable which gives credibility to it being a conspiracy theory (he wanted money, sex and power - and got it). 6. Jehovas witnesses is false, because the trinity can be deducible form *their own* translation. *These are the six facts pertaining to Jesus that the majority of historians - atheist or theist - accept:* 1. Jesus died on the cross and was put in a tomb 2. Next day the tomb was empty 3. Claims of post-mortem experiences of Jesus by the apostles 4. Enemies of Jesus (James and Paul) were converted. 5. Violence endured by the apostles, 4 of which we know historically died as martyrs. 6. Jesus´ messiaha movement is the *only* movement that continued after his death. When other fake messiahs were crucified, their movements stopped. *This is why Christianity is true:* 1. The resurrection has no valid alternative explanation anymore. (The attempted alternative naturalistic explanations are not valid. It was NOT a hallucination, since hallucinations cannot be in groups. ) (see below for the facts, or the channel "Cross Examined" or "Cold-case christianity for more information) 1.5. The resurrection is potentially also corroborated by Tacitus and Josephus. 2. God is *external* of time and place, which is in alignment with modern cosmology. 3. The textual evidence that exists is really early; almost at the time of the event. Thus, it´s NOT legendary. 3.5 The New Testament is the historical document that has the most amount original manuscripts in the world. Therefore, we know what the original text said with certainty, since discrepancies can be detected and amended the more manuscripts there are. 4. Does not result in an infinite regress. 5. Fulfills isaia 53 in the Old Testament. 6. I can note that Christianity is the *only* religion where God came down to Earth and the only religion where you do NOT have to do any works to achieve salvation and is the only religion in which its founder claimed to be divine (other only say prophet). 7. Claims that universe has a singular beginning (which is in alignment with modern cosmology as evident by the findings of the 20th century). 8. The characteristics of a conspiracy theory (money, sex and power) do NOT apply to the apostles, since they died poor and got tortured and never recanted. 9. More than one claims to have been eyewitneses of the resurrection while never recanting, namely James and Thomas and Peter etc. 10. The gospels include embarrassing accounts of the apostles that puts them in bad light (e.g. they were cowards and deniers), which heighten the sincerity of the authors of the gospel (since if the narrative would have been a later construction, you would have removed those embarrassing passages - but they are kept in indicating a degree of sincerity and transparency). __________________________ For more information, see the youtube channels "Testify" and "Inspiring Philosophy" and "Cold-case christianity with J. Warner Wallace". See also the books "The creator and the cosmos" by astrophycisit Hugh Ross and "The resurrection of Jesus: A new historiogeographical approach" by historian Mike Licona.

[@danielfriis9262]

1.1 you are relying on a claim made in the old testament, not evidence of it. 1.2 you base this on what? not believing the claims made in the quran? 1.3 only if infinite regress is a problem requires to be solved. Don't see why it needs solving. 1.4 objection is irrelevant and contains assumptions to make them not fit 1.5 Pauls motived are also questioniable the one eyewitness Jesus. 1.6 the originals don't exist, so what interpretations and interpretation of translations is all that can be done. That doesn't tell us which interpretation is the correct. 2.1 why should Jesus be put in a tomb, that goes against the Roman tradition. 2.2 questionable he was even put in a tomb, so irrelevant. 2.3 1 eyewitness and others had visions. 2.4 irrelevant for the truthfulness of the story. 2.5 same as 2.4 2.6 ignoring islam now? 3.1 there was no resurection and he was discarded in a mass grave. 1 person had to have a hallucanation. the story of a group is an over exaggeration added later. 3.1.5 one is a description of the Christian faith and the other is a known interpolation. 3.2 God is claimed to be. But something being external to time and place, it shares the same properties of something that doesn't exist. 3.3 the early text of New Testament are at best 20 years after the death of Jesus. Plenty of time for it to be changed or misremembered. 3.4 irrelevant. 3.5 irrelevant. 3.6 Claimed to have come down to earth. That is not evidence that God did that. 3.7 what was before the big bang is unknown, that it truly is the beginning is not known. Also irrelevant as to Christianity being true. 3.8 the apostles disapeared after their writings, so that they got money sex or power is not written. But text says that people should give money to the holy men. So they do ask for money. 3.9 were they really eyewitnesses? 3.10 irrelevant. I really like Inspiring Philosophy as he takes the text and attempt to make it fit with the truth. Like Noahs flood being reduced to a logical size in a local area in the middle east, not the impossible global flood. J. Warner Wallace is laughable by the assumptions he has to make to make his case.

[@hhstark8663]

​@@danielfriis9262 1.1. This particular aspect is theology. This is a theological defense for the attributes of the messiaha as described in the Old Testament. This theologically disproves rabbinical judaism. 1.2 I already said the islamic dilemma (qurannic dilemma) and its weak textual evidence, which means they were written downs centuries after-the-event. Look them up, for more information ("cira international" and "pfanderfilms"). 1.3 If infinite regress is true, a positive progression time would never occur (as in, today would never arise). 1.4 Yes, the universe philosophically and empirically has a beginning. That, and polytheists commit god of the gaps fallacy. Big Bang is still the theory of the universe that has the most amount of evidence and has acquired concensus. 1.5 Paul did NOT get money, sex or power to become a disciple. On the contrary, he persecuted christians and was already a respected high priest. It would make more sense for him to stay a high priest. 1.6 We can deduce what the original said based on textual criticism and comparing manuscripts. The New Testament is the document that has the most amount of original manuscripts in the world, and therefore we can find and amend discrepancies to a greater extent. Translations have nothing to do with the original manuscript. Even the atheist historian Bart Ehrmann claims that textual variants do not influence anything essential. Yes, it is possible to critically examine the theology of a denomination. 2.1 Whether a mass-grave or a normal grave was used, a resurrection can still occur. But yes, the romans did allow normal grave to be used, since the roman empire was multi-cultural. 2.2 The historians who claim that Jesus was not put in a tomb are in a MINORITY. Only want to highlight that. 2.3 Even without the Bible, we know from Josephus and Tacitus that the early christians and James claimed to be have seen the risen Jesus 2.4 Yes, it is important that a former enemy and denier changed his mind radically, while not acquiring money or sex or power for it (the apostles were poor and politically and societally insignificant) 2.6 Mohammed claimed to be a prophet. He never claimed to be a messiaha. For more info about the origins of islam, see "cira international" and "pfanderfilms". 3.1 Already adressed this. 3.3 The New Testament is more reliable than the biographies of Hannibal and Julius Ceasar who were written down *hundrends* of years after the event. No, it was not a telephone game, because the oral transmission would only be inaccurrate if we assume that (1) the apostles shortly after the death of Jesus did NOT publicly proclaim the gospel. We know that the apostles *did proclaim* the gospel publicly from Acts and Paul´s letters for at least a few decades after Jesus´s death and that reaches us right at the door-step of when the gospel of Mark was written. It also assumes (2) that the authors of the gospels lacked a desire to filter out false narratives. We know that they *had that desire to exclude false narratives and keep eyewitness narratives* , because information in Paul´s letter and in gospel of Luke are the same and because Matthew´s gospel and Luke´s gospel include the same information as in Mark´s gospel (which is the earliest gospel) and because Papius acquired his information from an associate of John during the 1st century (a few decades of when the gospels were written). 3.7 Any causal profile for the cause of the universe must transcedent the domains of space, time and energy, and result in a change from nothing to physical. We know that. Quantum cosmology is another suggested cause, but the problem with that it still gives theistic implications as math would only exist in the realm of mind, implying at least philosophical idealism.

[@danielfriis9262]

@@hhstark8663 1.1 objection still stand. 1.2 the defence that christians make with they have a dilemma of their text. "its taken out of context" or "god works in mysterious ways". 1.3 that does not follow, time will still progress regardless 1.4 empirically? nah, you cannot prove that. Big Bang is an expansion. The assertion that it is "The beginning" is purely speculative. 1.5 how can you be sure Paul did not? 1.6 no original manuscripts. I will grant you most copies of manuscripts. But that doesn't add to the truthfullness of the claims. You are relying on translations when originals don't exist or copies of the original in its language don't exist. no matter what the textual variants, miraculous claims are still never accepted historically. 2.1 no it can't. But the story that they actually know the body to be missing would be more convicing over being unable to find the body in a mass grave. But no reason to believe Pilates allowed for such. 2.2 argument from popularity... not evidence. 2.3 a claim isn't evidence. 2.4 money or power, again baseless assetion. 2.6 if he was claimed to be a prophet or messiah is irrelevant. 3.1 you did not address the 1 person hallucinating and not a group. 3.3 what makes the new testament more reliable. Hannibal and Julius are being referred directly by known historians. telephone game? nah memories can be incorrect in very less time than a decade, or the story to changed to make it sound more impressive. plagerisation doesn't make the story more valid. 3.7 theistic implications, how so?

[@jonathandenson2716]

I don't know. Maybe swap personal experience with emotions, then you probably have a good point. As it was framed in this video, I'm afraid you've just muddied the water. For example, the 12 disciples, among many others, had to use their own personal experiences to identify Jesus as the messiah. By the way, Proverbs 3:5, which was mentioned, is antithetical to your point. Usually feel like you're right on point, but this would be an exception to the rule. All the best, but wanted to share some constructive criticism.

[@MegaAce54]

I never read the Bible. l never investigated the claims of Christianity. I couldn't have cared less about GOD prior to my born again experience. GOD reached down and gave a transcendent experience I will never forget and to which I never recovered from. I am now a born again believer, a Christian, and I haven't read one Bible verse yet!

[@philblagden]

I am fine with people saying that there is good evidence to support our faith. I am also fine with people saying that we should not trust in our subjective feelings to guide us. However it was not evidence or even reason that brought any of us to faith even though they may have grabbed our attention. It was the grace of God regenerating us while we were dead in sin. It was an experience from God that brought us to salvation through hearing the word of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14 "The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned". Reducing Christianity to argumentation and philosophy is just as dangerous as being guided by subjective feelings instead of being guided by the word of God. True religion is both experience and doctrine which nourishes us as the Holy Spirit causes us to be changed us we read the word of God. Yes, we have evidence for our faith, but we rely on the power of God to change hearts always, otherwise we fail to give God the glory and trust in our own efforts instead of the Holy Spirit.

[@jasonbell6234]

Can I get some experience of Christ’s resurrection?

[@philblagden]

@@jasonbell6234 If you are saved then you already have. Your salvation was accomplished by Christ through his death and resurrection and applied to you in time by the Holy Spirit causing you to be born again and bringing you to faith and repentance. If you don't have this experience but merely believe in the resurrection as a historic truth, that is not enough.

[@TheMidnightModder]

"Because I feel good after going to Church."

[@revolutionarie]

I like this idea, but what does an evidential investigator look like on a day to day basis?

[@Columbo-r4z]

Long rain Mac with the collar up looking through a huge magnifying glass.

[@mi-ka-eltheguardian3837]

Ok but here's one question: if I shouldn't trust my own mind, why should I trust whatever conclusion my mind produces about the evidence I'm examining? In other words: If by looking at the evidence I come to the conclusion that yes, Christianity is real, why would I trust my own deceptive mind?

[@piegros]

Good video

[@daniapowell180]

Halleujah

[@johnford8931]

How do you learn the evidence. I have been relying on the Bible as my source of information about the truth of God. Are there other sources I can draw from that also agrees with the biblical evidence?

[@johnharrison6745]

Try the 'Cold-Case Christianity' channel, for starters.

[@hhstark8663]

Yes. There is *historical evidence* for the resurrection. I believe Frank has already gone through them in previous videos. See the books "Cold-case christianity" by former atheist J. Warner Wallace (and the youtube channel with the same name) and "The case for the resurrection of christ" by world-expert historian Gary Habermas.

[@Columbo-r4z]

No there isn’t. Not for the divine or miracle claims. You are simply believing what the bible says. Just like Muslims believe what the Koran says.

[@Columbo-r4z]

@@hhstark8663 Nonsense. There’s no evidence of the resurrection.

[@hhstark8663]

I have described the evidence below. I hope it helps. (the list is not exhaustive by the way, there are more reasons) :) *This is why these religions are false:* 1. Rabbinical judaism is false because of isaia 53 (among others) in the Old Testament. 2. Islam is false because of the islamic dilemma (qurannic dilemma) and its textual evidence is very weak (see "cira international" or "pfanderfilms" for more information). Mohammed did not even exist! 3. Buddhism is false because if true it would result in an infinite regress. 4. Polytheism in general is false because their gods are *internal* of time and place and as pantheists they posit that the universe does not have a singular beginning (which is NOT in alignment with the empirical findings from the 20th century). 5. Mormonism is false is because they only have one eyewitness, namely Joseph Smith himself, and Smiths motives are questioniable which gives credibility to it being a conspiracy theory (he wanted money, sex and power - and got it). 6. Jehovas witnesses is false, because the trinity can be deducible form *their own* translation. *These are the six facts pertaining to Jesus that the majority of historians - atheist or theist - accept:* 1. Jesus died on the cross and was put in a tomb 2. Next day the tomb was empty 3. Claims of post-mortem experiences of Jesus by the apostles 4. Enemies of Jesus (James and Paul) were converted. 5. Violence endured by the apostles, 4 of which we know historically died as martyrs. 6. Jesus´ messiaha movement is the *only* movement that continued after his death. When other fake messiahs were crucified, their movements stopped. (see "The resurrection of Jesus: A new historiogeographical approach" by historian Mike Licona, though it may be too academical) *This is why Christianity is true:* 1. The resurrection has no valid alternative explanation anymore. (The attempted alternative naturalistic explanations are not valid. It was NOT a hallucination, since hallucinations cannot be in groups. ) (see below for the facts, or the channel "Cross Examined" or "Cold-case christianity for more information) 1.5. The resurrection is potentially also corroborated by Tacitus and Josephus. 2. God is *external* of time and place, which is in alignment with modern cosmology. 3. The textual evidence that exists is really early; almost at the time of the event. Thus, it´s NOT legendary. 3.5 The New Testament is the historical document that has the most amount original manuscripts in the world. Therefore, we know what the original text said with certainty, since discrepancies can be detected and amended the more manuscripts there are. 4. Does not result in an infinite regress. 4.5 The enemies of Jesus knew in what tomb the body was placed in, which is why Pilate put guards up there. 5. Fulfills isaia 53 in the Old Testament. 6. I can note that Christianity is the *only* religion where God came down to Earth and the only religion where you do NOT have to do any works to achieve salvation and is the only religion in which its founder claimed to be divine (other only say prophet). 7. Claims that universe has a singular beginning (which is in alignment with modern cosmology as evident by the findings of the 20th century). 8. The characteristics of a conspiracy theory (money, sex and power) do NOT apply to the apostles, since they died poor and got tortured and never recanted. 9. More than one claims to have been eyewitneses of the resurrection while never recanting, namely James and Thomas and Peter etc. 10. The gospels include embarrassing accounts of the apostles that puts them in bad light (e.g. they were cowards and deniers), which heighten the sincerity of the authors of the gospel (since if the narrative would have been a later construction, you would have removed those embarrassing passages - but they are kept in indicating a degree of sincerity and transparency).

[@MLeoM]

What if you experienced what the evidence says?

[@His-Story.ForHisGlory]

Don't trust either. TRUST GOD'S WORD!

[@101Hiphop1989]

I give Thanks to our Lord Jesus and Father in heaven God, and the Holy Spirit for each and everyone of you. I listen alot to Podcasts from Alisa or Frank and many Others. I read the Bible myself with that included. Its helps me to Believe in Him, not just becouse it "Feels" right. But becouse the evidence is there to back it up. If i would believe just becouse it Feels right, i would build my house on a Sandie beach like a fool, and when a Storm is rising it would flush my house away. The evidence is the foundation wich will make be build my house on a Solid Rock were a cross has been placed on for my sins. Even in doubt it shall never fall, becouse Jesus has Risen.

[@Matthew_Holton]

Yes rely on the evidence. The discipline of the scientific method does this. It is self correcting and a much better guide to reality than ancient books of fairy tales that you just want to be true.

[@hhstark8663]

Can you get history using the scientific method? :) (No, is the answer.)

[@Matthew_Holton]

@@hhstark8663 well its much more reliable than just believing a fairy tale.

[@hhstark8663]

@@Matthew_Holton Are there atheist historians who accept the New Testament as historical source material? :) (Yes, is the answer. )

[@Matthew_Holton]

@@hhstark8663 Strange question. I do not know the religious affiliation of every archaeologist and historian who has published on the subject or who is currently studying it. I do know that even christian and jewish archaeologists have cast doubt on the veracity of claims in the Bible regarding the Exodus, the kingdom of Solomon etc. It only takes an understanding of physics, geology and biology to know that biblical stories such as Eden, the Noachian flood etc are just myths and the scientists saying so are often theists. The majority of the people who accept the theory of evolution are theists, and evolution alone refutes the Adam and Eve myth. Archaeology does not support very much in the OT so the stories therein have to be seen in this context. I suggest you read 'the Bible Unearthed' by Finkelstein and Silberman.

[@cliffordbodine5834]

4:10 It's much better to say that the heart is desperately wicked, not "sick". Sickness is involuntary. Wickedness is evil and something for which we're responsible before God.

[@lucianseekinglove]

What if being an evidential investigator and studying Christian apologetics leads me to doubt Christianity even more and lean more towards agnosticism, as it did to numerous other people who studied Christian apologetics and ended up agnostics?

[@alphabeta1337]

Christianity is the best belief

[@Bc232klm]

No it's not. It's on equal ground with the thousands of other religions.

[@thunderx3005]

Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven amen 🙏🏾

[@alvarogomez4936]

Amen!

[@pixelbit0897]

Ya investigated that?

[@jaxonrood7533]

Probably not

[@somerandom3247]

Its been a long time since you have made a video that I agree with. Thank you for dismantling the "personal experience is the evidence" argument. Personal experience is a terrible form of evidence, as you showed quite well.

[@DevinAdint]

If there are feeling but no reality then you have delusion, if you have reality but no feelings then you have no heart, no conviction, you have nothing. It is when reality and conviction come together that there is transformation. Yes look for the evidence but also consider its implications let the heart consider and weigh its significance.

[@joemeriana8259]

Imma walk by faith and not by sight. Evidence is great of course but I don’t put my faith into that. Faith in Christ Jesus

[@jasonbell6234]

Like most of Christians. Blind. I know cause I was one of you.

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

Just make sure your experience matches what the Bible says. It's not either/ or.

[@diggy1108]

We ALL fall short of the glory of God. Different types of sins are lying, stealing, coveting, using God’s name in vain, dishonoring your parents, looking at someone with lust, having other idols/god(s) beside God, and more. You can’t be a good person to get into Heaven because you have already sinned at least once and there is no work YOU specifically can do in order to be saved. Sin is so serious in God’s eyes because sin is evil. It is the cause of all pain, suffering, and death. Yet God STILL sent His Son Jesus Christ to willing die on the cross for all OUR sins and then Jesus rose from the dead three days later, that we may have eternal life. God did all of this because God loves EVERY SINGLE one of us . If you repent (to be sorry of and turn away from your sinful life, and to change your mind and recognize that God exists and that Jesus Christ is the Lord our God and Savior), turn to Christ, and trust in Christ that He will save you ONLY because of what HE DID for us on the cross and rose from the dead 3 days later, then God will save you from your just punishment of hell and give you the gift of eternal life with Him!!! (“by grace you have been saved through faith, and know that of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, less anyone should boast.” -Ephesians 2:8-9). Once you have been saved, make sure to turn away from and forsake all your sins (but don’t just say you wanna stop sinning, actually make a change. Otherwise your are playing the hypocrite. And you can only make a change with God’s help and strength, ask Him for it), live for God for your entire life, and always love God more than anyone or anything! God DOES NOT hate you, GOD LOVES YOU and wants to SAVE YOU!!! And don’t wait either because you can die tomorrow, tonight in your sleep, or even in the next hour! And once you have died and you haven’t repented and turned to God, it’ll be too late. God loves you more than you can even understand. He DOES not want you to perish, but have everlasting life with Him!!! And He is waiting for you to come to Him, even RIGHT NOW!!!!! “For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” -2 Corinthians 6:2