Food, Covid, and Other Matters - Bill Johnson (Full Sermon) | Bethel Church

Bill Johnson talks about food, covid, and other matters. Sharing from Romans 14 and other scripture, Bill emphasizes the importance of living according to our own faith, while protecting the conscience of those around us. Bill relates it to covid and how we are called to love and honor one another in these times despite differing convictions.
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Scripture References:
1 Timothy 4
Acts 10
1 Corinthians 10
Romans 14
Originally shared at Bethel Church, Redding California, on November 21, 2021.
#BillJohnson #BethelChurch #Covid

[@nadanadie8583]

This is such a good word. I think this is what God began teaching me in the summer of 2020. When the protests were going on. I was a somewhat immature prophetic person and was sharing what the Lord was saying to me regarding what was happening. As the word I was sharing offended other people from my prayer group for political reasons, God told me to be quiet. God began teaching me then that even though obviously what He says is true, there is a time and place that it should be released. Also, sometimes it is for a certain group of people. I know that sometimes God means to share things that offend people, but I am learning to share only what and when God tells me to share.

[@c8smail]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have experienced similar things, but haven't always got it 'right' about when to speak and what to say. I'm getting there! You encouraged me. GB

[@07David28]

That’s good for me to hear.

[@davidsaenz1610]

Went through the same thing… I kept hitting wall after wall and got nothing but trouble but this teaching and seeing the comments is really clearing things up… thank you for sharing this

[@marleneholloway7775]

I don't say anything to someone who has strong conviction or has been fooled i just smile and say nothing. But sometimes i do stand on my own convictions,just to not offend others is not always the best way to go.

[@marleneholloway7775]

So, we don't always tippy toe around others,

[@j.reneewhite915]

Thank you for making it real for our culture right now!

[@stevesmith1493]

I’m gonna need to sit here, with my open Bible, and listen to this video everyday for a month! Soooo rich.

[@mariajordan3650]

You are so intelligent and deep in reaching to the meanings, Bill, it is pleasure to listen to you at any topic from the Bible. thank you, Pastor! And , yes, love and care for others should never make us compromising God's Truth and standards for our own standing, yet it should move us also to be able to embrace others with God's care and understanding.

[@kjc4425]

I’m blown away. The depth of this message is profound! I encourage everyone to save this one. Thank you Heavenly Father, for another day of life, another breath of air and another moment to share.

[@olufunsofamuyiwa7823]

I got hooked to bethel when I heard Bill Johnson's sermon "The Discipline of Thankfulness". Wow...it was powerful!

[@kjc4425]

@@olufunsofamuyiwa7823 Thank you for sharing. I will be checking that out. Hope you’re finding many reasons to smile, my friend.

[@Joshua-mt2nw]

Love you Pastor Bill! Great Word for this hour we are in!! I have my personal beliefs about jabs, mandates and govt overreach but we can’t allow satan do what does best and use us to create stumbling blocks for believer and unbelievers. We have to fully Trust God that in due time those things will come to the light!! I’ll be sharing this word!! Bless you, Beni and your family!!

[@austinsullivan7651]

Dear Brother Bill, this past week, I was faced with a question regarding my apologizing and asking forgiveness of a young Christian, the daughter of a good friend. During an outdoor music festival in our town, she had asked me to watch her purse, to "guard it for her ", and then I was asked to move to another location to do the task I was assigned. I struggled with doing that and walking away from my promise to this young woman. Another member of our group said it would be okay, they would take care of it. In my heart, I thought, but I promised,.... as a result, I decided that I needed to ask for her forgiveness. My promise, compared with the promises of God, were sacred to me and I did NOT want to suggest that it wasn't important. Your message was the encouragement that gave me peace of mind and heart that I was doing the right thing. Thanks for once again being the instrument for God's love and blessing.

[@gingerlanger9551]

Love your humor AND the messages you bring rooted in God’s word. God bless you!

[@swimant0]

Good word Bill! Another scripture that goes along with that is acts 21 where Paul meets up with James in Jerusalem. He shaved his head and subjected himself to the views of other “Believers” that were “still zealous for the law” per James. And Paul’s paid for them and himself to be ritually cleansed so that the other Jews would see that he is a good Jew. All so that the weaker believers would not stumble. Amazing story!

[@lorittaslayton1443]

So powerful! I was raised as a vegetarian through my church. Then Gods work in me brought freedom to eat meat, although I don’t have much taste for it having my taste developed in my early years, but the freedom is great. So I have had to look at this from both sides. My new freedom is challenged from the position of how to relate in love without feeling in bondage to the judgement of someone else. Tricky separating judgement vs a weak conscience. Really appreciate this godly challenge. Thank you for preaching this sermon

[@dianelynn3908]

Wow. What an important message for this time especially!!! Thank you Bill for your awesome delivery of such a touchy subject. It was very convicting but in a good way!

[@c8smail]

So so good. Have already thought this and lived this out. Sometimes my problem is when others don't seem to see this. It so grieves my spirit.

[@gingerlanger9551]

I have a friend who is a staunch supporter of the Biden bunch. The sad thing is main stream media influences more people than I realized. I will not bend or bow to the communist agenda the Democratic party is trying to shove down the throats of the American people. If they don’t love America and support or freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, feel free to leave. I’m done with lockdowns and mask mandates. Ain’t doing it

[@lizab8400]

Me too, especially when they are dear Christian friends .... it's nice to know I am not the only one 😉

[@karynbiffer60]

A message for such a time as this! Thank you Bill Johnson & Bethel Church Community!

[@honstfdbk]

Excellent message. We must follow our faith on these issues. Respect and protect those who choose to believe differently but YOU do your own homework and do what HOLY SPIRIT leads YOU to do. Let LOVE be our goal and may we always put pleasing YOU above others.

[@LadyNolaJ]

Every time we obey man when their demands conflict with His, we have allied with a world and the things of the world which are and will always be at enmity with God.

[@marleneholloway7775]

But exactly what is meant by protect.

[@terryo9105]

Good that he's attempted to tackle this issue. To me he's saying, don't let our opinions on either side of any issue separate believers.

[@jewels2149]

We are living in a time when the remnant WILL be separated from the deceived sheep. There is a cost to following Holy Spirit.

[@lizab8400]

Finally a pastor was courageous enough to put forth the truth. Blessings ❤️

[@Crave228]

John MacArthur had and continues to have the courage to speak this truth. This guy just sees that there is societal change occurring and thus palatable to speak this way.

[@TheEverestRegionProject]

Beautiful, wise and loving counsel. Thank you 🙏.. I’m not a member of Bethel, but a part of His Body , His Bride. Thank you for standing up and making a clear decision and sound of a trumpet but tempered in love and scripture.. Awesome.

[@faithbuller4086]

It’s so good to hear reminders of responsibility. Responsibility to live freely in grace while protecting and defending others. This is relevant in any day or season. We have to bring this foundational truth into all situations, including our mission or purpose for today. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS BILL. GIVE BENI MY LOVE ❤️

[@sylviaflancia7894]

L

[@5Kiefers5]

Wonderfully done, Pastor Bill! Always walking in love to build up one another. Beautiful.

[@alex_jd]

I’ve needed this. Such a wise view on complex issues. I’ve had this view on my heart but never had the language for it until I heard this message from Bill. Very refreshing.

[@tamaramartin3468]

I love y’all so much 🙏🙏🙏

[@YosemiteLee]

Excellent sermon for these times, the best I’ve heard as far as developing a scriptural stance and godly heart in the midst of the pandemic. Pay attention all.

[@angelakittell7009]

One of the best teachings I have heard during this season.

[@raisingamazingkids]

So good!! It's not about being right it's about protecting the flame. God this is so profound and so needed to be heard in the church! We have judged by the knowledge of good and evil bringing judgment on the weak instead of bringing life by lovingly protecting their conscience. We are life- giving spirits. Living by the knowledge of good and evil brings spiritual death. Speak life not judgment over those who are weak in faith.

[@amandaparler2080]

"Don’t blame Jesus for your opinion “ YES!!! Lord, may we discern humbly and by Your grace what is divine Truth and what is human opinion. May we make every move and every statement rooted in Love, free from fear and preferring others more than ourselves.

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing??

[@yafah1]

Well said! People convictions oftentimes are very strong no matter what! An understanding of the original language is very important - especially for those who are teachers !

[@pollackmorgan3149]

@@yafah1 Where are you from if I may ask?

[@yafah1]

@@pollackmorgan3149 originally from Paris, France!

[@pollackmorgan3149]

@@yafah1 I'm currently in key west Florida

[@lydiathompson7371]

Amen a thousand times over!!!❤

[@nicolapayne8669]

Great teaching! Amen... not condemning one another, but protecting each other in love

[@marleneholloway7775]

So we are to be all things to all men. In the meantime do we understand who we are, and exactly what we stand for.

[@22blessed4words]

So good! Beautiful exhortation from these verses! May we all be better guardians over each other’s consciences, walking in His love!

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing??

[@wakethegiant9705]

Thank you this has brought healing to me. I have been condemned by others for my choices. You articulated what has been in my heart. Well said!

[@kathrynnewton8721]

So good Bill, part of my own journey in health and vaccine etc with my own family. Thank you it’s not about me and my opinions!

[@yahndidee-nay8792]

Yesss the kindness of Jesus comes through you. Let's keep the flame growing with our love

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing👋👋👋

[@monicabrown9399]

Thank you for this word, Bill! Such important reminders and teachings for our day right now.

[@edb5317]

Thank you for the treatment of these topics that are very Relevant now!!! SHALOM Blessings in Living for our BELOVED ABBA Y's 1st Son- 👑🔥💖🌈

[@artishabeard2507]

Pastor Bill, thank you for sharing this message, it is so timely and needed.

[@stephaniefortney22]

This was so good ….everything through love and faith… thank you for a great sermon.

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing? (

[@LawnCareLady]

I am completely humbled by this message. Thank you bill.

[@connielipp8648]

Thank you Pastor Bill....

[@AtHomeWithLulu]

"I am captivated by the truth that is BEHIND the obvious truth." Pastor, for this reason alone, I adore you. Seriously. About 15 years ago I found your teachings when I was very sick with Lyme disease and seeking a real "If it was to be found" God. I needed healing and I was desperate for real displays of God's healing. I came across a book of yours in the Life Center Church's bookstore and bought it and it changed my life. I'm sure you don't remember, but about 15 years ago, I met you a few times over my time at Life Center in Harrisburg, Pa, and literally filled my heart with your teachings. What captivated me most about you, was exactly what you describe in the few words of this message... you look for the truths behind the obvious truth. I would watch as you spoke and were always looking, seeking, noticing, observing.... the Holy Spirit. It was so clear to me. And I'm sure to many others. There are so many wonderful teachers but this set you apart to me. And although I eventually left Life Center and organized church and in many ways questioned Christianity in general, so many of your teachings about Jesus and God and the bible, stuck with me. One of them was when you were teaching about the scripture that says, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, it is the glory of kings to search it out." You said that you believed that it is in the searching it out that we come into our kingly (or higher) position in the kingdom. You also said that you believed that the things of God are hidden FOR us, not from us. Both of those statements were so powerful to me. There are many others, but I just wanted to pop on here to let you know that your desire to know the things of the Spirit, and the deeper truths behind the obvious truths are a true asset and a gift to an often, superficial world where we want the quick, surfacey, instant gratification truth. We want drive-thru spiritual (and literal) food. I so appreciate your hunger and thirst for the deeper truths and the ability to dig for them and to share them with those around you. Btw, I am gradually finding my way back to Christianity as there isn't anything else that comes close to bringing the genuine peace that it does. Believe me, I've looked. Much love and many blessings to you.

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

thank you for your wonderfully kind words. massive blessings to you in your journey . . . unto Jesus. He is worth of it all.

[@1christianGal]

This is so good. Thank you, Bill!

[@tinadavecooke303]

Romans 14 is such a helpful meditation at this time - thanks for your very respectful, thoughtful talk, (a dash of humour too! Always helps).

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing👋👋👋

[@Elizabeth-cj1hk]

Thank you.

[@alicekimanzi]

C'mon pastor Bill 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾 So good!!

[@paulandrews4582]

This is such a bold clear word and a modern application of God’s timeless principles. Well done, Mr Johnson.

[@jimvantol1798]

Thanx so much Bill ..we love you here in surrey bc Canada ...your wisdom in these matters and the extending of Gods grace and love 💕 is so encouraging....we stand with you in the truth of “ faith working through love”. 🙏

[@wernerklotz8207]

And we love Bill in Abbotsford as well! We love how Bill is expressing God’s wisdom.

[@emmagwata3615]

Best Best on this I have listened to... amen 🙏

[@janetchaulk3895]

Thank you this is so important at this time , of Covid , let’s please love one another- he who saves his life will lose it ! Let us not judge we have a great protecter Jesus Christ - Yahshua ! Let us show the World and that is how they will know us by our love for one Another !!!

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing ?

[@newsongarise]

Lord Jesus, Let love rain, like sweet mercy from heaven. Let mercy flow like waves and waves flowing richly from the heart of God. May love arise ... may mercy come forth ... may love and mercy bring forth hearts of compassion. Compassion for the lost, compassion for the thirsty, compassion for the hungry, compassion for the poor, compassion for the homeless, compassion for others. Not in just words or deeds done, but from the depths of the heart seeking to give Glory to God through open arms embracing the needs of others. May we look with the heart of God. May we see with his eyes or mercy and compassion and may we do all things to His Glory. For the river of God is love, may it flow richly through us. For the river of God is sweet mercy, may it flow richly through us. For the river of God is compassion, may they see it in our eyes, hear it from our hearts and see it through open arms embracing the needs of others. May we place others before ourselves and love like Jesus.

[@kjc4425]

Awesome message!

[@janvoelzke7866]

Good word for this season. Setting people free.

[@marielouiseweeksb33attitud33]

This had to be said. Amen. Love is paramount. Also in Hebrews 11 Hall of Fame we read that by faith some escaped the edge of the sword whilst others by faith were slain.

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing??

[@JL_Batman]

Love his description about a statement being true in the physical in order to carry weight in the spiritual. Well said and I will add that. The way I've stated it in the past is "God never uses a small lie to illustrate some greater truth". If he says something, he doesn't say something wrong in order to get at some hidden truth. So for example, if he says "I never knew them" it isn't His nature as a spurned lover. He means they were never his. We've made it into a "how you lose your salvation" religious conversation, but he outright says he never knew them. There are a number of scriptures like this and what Bill says here that are directly saying a truth, and yet people try to get around that with their religion.

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

I love the way you say it. Thanks

[@snowboardslider24]

Yeah, what if the God of all eternity took His Word seriously? Maybe we should too. I'm seeing a trend in us humans and it's to adapt God to our wicked darkened/understanding. He in Mercy, of course, meets us there #the cross, but allows us to choose Him still. As one who teaches children skiing, this is profoundly illustrated. I have the authority from, and in agreement with, the head of the ski school to share the mountain and all the experiences of friendly association I've had with fellow skiers/riders over the years. In an hour and a half lesson. . . It's like how I understand God sees us. Our life as a moment (though 70 some odd years or 120 if you're Kenneth Copeland ;-] ) is one He wants to enjoy with us. Bringing it home: the kids that start skating up the hill and don't acknowledge me won't go to the 'big mountain' me. Am I inconsiderate? No, I'm not going to take them anyway (and be guilty of kidnapping, te he) or infringe on their free will. Salvation as John recorded Jesus saying, is to have eternal life = to know Him.

[@michaelsnider2462]

@@snowboardslider24 I found this to be so wonderful. thank you

[@michaelcerafan1]

i for one think it’s religious to state that there can be a single human on earth that god doesn’t legitimately know. “hmmmm wonder how they plopped into existence who are they?” he is the beginning and the end after all, he saw everything transpire before it even transpired, that includes the birth of every human being wich are equally a child as much as one who believes in him. the ones who don’t know god or reject him have simply not woken up or choose not to wake up to the love he has for them.

[@sophielooker8935]

@@michaelcerafan1 The work know loses meaning in English. I can know someone without KNOWING someone. In OT, KNOW God is an intimate word, ( psalm 46:10) It's the same word in Hebrew( YADA) as the word used in Genesis when Adam KNEW his wife. It's a point of deep Intimacy. Same as when Jesus said it. Hope I'm making sense

[@heyfred7263]

thank you so much for articulating a timely word

[@theresapuckett7431]

Amen Pastor Bill Johnson 🙏

[@crownedhairsalon]

Thank you for this Word. Bless you.

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

Thanks for listening

[@waveryders77]

Well done Bill, thanks for bringing it back to 'not us'.

[@atiwatope]

Very good Papa Bill! 🙏🙏 IHOP KC (Forerunner Church) preached frm exact passage (Rom 14) 11/28!!!

[@sahndrastarnes8402]

Right on. Dead Center. I really appreciate your message.

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing??

[@boluwarin]

One of his best

[@tanyadurant1016]

Pastor Bill, this is my 1st time hearing any of your messages. What a great message to hear! Thank you for letting the Holy Spirit use you to deliver this message, may it be well received! 🙏🏽❤️

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

You are very welcome

[@560546]

thanks for such a wounder full preaching - just what we needed to hear blessing to you

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing👋👋👋

[@brianmead5102]

Wow awesome, thank you

[@denisehandy1354]

Really good!! Thank you sir!!

[@marybremer7392]

After reading the responses to the message, I just feel I need to be sure that in my desire to be right I don't miss the truth. There is a lot of emotion around the subject. When did we decide that wearing a mask to keep from spreading germs was wrong?. Every surgery done the doctors wear masks and I am thankful for that. We have had vaccinations for my whole life time. They have kept smallpox, measles, polio, and a ream of other diseases at bay and for that we have all been grateful . Social media and the internet is full of misinformation and conspiracy theories that we need to step back and make sure the things we promote are correct and from a pure heart. Satan would love to divide us and call each other weak faith. But if we can combat that by praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us in love for each other. Concerning the other person's life more important than ours. Love is sacrifice. Jesus said the greatest love is that we lay down our life for our brother. Without sacrifice there is no love. The greatest command is to love your neighbor as yourself. God is love!

[@heatherbugnacki6689]

Years ago, I had the privilege of hiking to Machu Pichu, Peru, in celebration of getting through a difficult yearlong treatment for stage three breast cancer. To be free to go on this much needed adventure, I had to be vaccinated for a few dis-eases (Yellow fever, Dengue fever and Malaria). These vaccinations opened the door for me to enjoy this trip of a lifetime, which in turn gave me much hope to press on once I returned home. I was reminded of this months ago, when I was faced with the decision of whether or not to get the Covid vaccine. Getting the vaccine would allow me to see my dad who is in a nursing home. It was a bit scary at first, but I knew I had to trust that God has me in the palm of His hands. He’s got me and He’s got you. I pray that “God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to do what pleases him.” Follow His lead. You’ll know what to do…one way or another. He gives wisdom to those who ask. Ask and then listen. He is faithful to guide us and help us rise above it all.

[@marleneholloway7775]

So many drs and scientists who differ though or do you only believe the ones on the tv are the correct ones.

[@marleneholloway7775]

Sounds all good but would you lay down your life for someone who doesn't believe exactly the same as you regarding the injection.

[@marleneholloway7775]

Masks for surgery are not for viruses.

[@marleneholloway7775]

So you are the one with the truth, why are you on the internet if it's full of misinformation and conspiracy then just wondering. Q

[@davidleebrown3956]

That was an amazing message concerning “the one,” but not the nation, let alone your state. Shall we let the weak brother tear down the whole house? If messages like this were preached in the 1700’s, America would still be British... I hope the kingdom balance is proclaimed from a kingdom ministry along side this message for “the one.” Distinctions must be made with regard to this. Especially because of your international platform.

[@L7doll]

32:53. "There are mountains we should take a stand on."

[@LonestarEventPro]

Stay British and have slavery end decades earlier with no civil war?

[@pasnthru7]

Thank you!!!!

[@SingingEagle1]

EXCELLENT!!!!

[@mrfisch2]

Great message Bill!

[@stickybudsgardens6942]

All of Bill's messages are good but this one is great! Thanks Brother! Cheerz!

[@sanityscove8917]

Good word.

[@stevesmith1493]

There is no “special” grace. There’s just grace. Watch out for the word “special”.

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

all grace is special - and yes, I will watch for that word and give thanks

[@AtHomeWithLulu]

Just finished the message. Just wow. Thank you, Pastor Bill. You just helped me find my true north again. My goal is to be the defender of their flame, not to be proven right.

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

well said - thanks

[@marleneholloway7775]

What exactly does defender of the flame mean?thanks.

[@alisontrombley2436]

Such clarity for this time…thank you

[@joeandersen6553]

By chance yesterday while taking a walk in the woods, my grandson and I found a beachball. It was a short time that it got a small hole in it.

[@lettiedikgale4174]

Thanks, brother Bill but in our case is not the matter of Faith or conscious, we are forced to vaccinate. Blessed

[@kaykalda9674]

I wish I could have 'liked this a million times! Thank you so much!!

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

You are so welcome!

[@melinda6024]

Read Romans 14:2 He who is weak eats only vegetables. So true, when I was a vegetarian I got so weak I could barely walk.

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing??

[@delwoodkelp8590]

Melinda, you have shown a good example of how individuals can twist the meaning of scripture to fit their own concepts. Try reading another interpretation Google--- Romans 14:2 (philipps) Good chance to see how confused you are.

[@dawnmiller8461]

Let me preface this by saying, I love Bill. I attended Bethel Redding for 3+ years and it radically changed my life for the better. But this, I cannot agree with. It astounds me, that eating meat/veggies is being compared to what’s going on rn. The point is, it’s not about a mask, and it’s not about a vaccine. I don’t believe people were locked in their homes, fired from their jobs, put in quarantine camps against their will, etc. etc. etc…for eating meat or refusing. Yes, we are to love others no matter their choices…but there is also a time to take a stand (WHILE) walking in love, when people are being tricked, fooled, bullied and enslaved. Where is the sermon, that talks about standing up, when everyone else is cowering. Where is the sermon, that advices people to stand in faith and not cower to fear regarding this scamdemic? The church for the most part is completely skirting the big picture of what’s going on rn. Saddened and grieved by this.

[@SS-gs6tg]

Furthermore, let's just say we do agree with him, I have yet to find one single person taking a vaccine or wearing a mask bc of consciousness or bc they feel that's what GOD is telling them to do... no, it is always always 100% of the time out of fear or bc they are following man. Not once have I heard someone say they heard from God and feel they need to get Vax or mask.... so what with those people then? I can compare those to those that don't that are deceived and need for me to help them see the truth. Just like someone doesn't believe in Jesus.... I would agree with him if someone truly truly heard from God, but it's just not possible bc the mask does nothing but control and the v only makes them money and is potentially harmful. This doesn't work and I have loved Bill and was excited to hear this massage based on the title... but it's almost like he's going against what he has said in his past sermons... maybe big pharma got to him and paid him off too

[@darlaheflin9227]

Yes. Thank you. I was looking for this kind of comment. Glad I’m not alone.

[@LonestarEventPro]

The only people tricked, fooled, bullied and enslaved are the ones denying their responsibility to their neighbor in the face of this virus. To be clear, we've always had this responsibility during the flu season, but we remain ignorant of the care required for the elderly and immunodeficient. Followers of Christ are not to be given into slander, gossip, conspiracies. Failure to vaccinate and to mask, is a failure of character and conscience. You reject Christ and the scriptures. You test God as you lead with arrogance and selfishness. You worship politics rather than have proper love\care for you neighbor. This is literally the luke warm water that makes Jesus vomit.

[@marleneholloway7775]

@@LonestarEventPro sorry you think people who do not get injected are not like you.

[@marleneholloway7775]

True, i have problem understanding him.

[@tawannalov71]

I really needed this, thank you!

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

You're so welcome!

[@kjc4425]

“Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” -‐-‐Albert Einstein.

[@elainecox3376]

Please pray for victorians in Australia, the unvaccinated are not allowed in the normal church services. Some churches cater for this by having Night services or online.

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

yes. praying

[@JJ-1020]

The unvaccinated are also not allowed in shopping malls and are being denied medical treatment, as I was today

[@Churchofthelostsheep]

Yeah and you Have good old Bill not wanting his tithe money hurt with actually having to take a stand, while your literally being forced into camps in Australia. Hang in there sister, we love you and are praying for you…

[@denienlamone3432]

This message is so timely, something that we so need to hear..

[@karlasnyder9856]

Why is it the minute I’m hearing this I can think of about 3 people to send it to???? Oh human heart!! 😂. It’s for ME… you know the one w that log in her eye!!! All joking aside now. I will share w those 3 but w a totally different heart and mind. Thank you Bill. Always the voice of deep wisdom.

[@BillJohnsonMinistries]

Thanks - merry Christmas!!

[@seasonwolfe326]

I fully believe that this is the time to surrender the right to give up being offended to more more swiftly in the gifts God gives us conformation scriptures 1 Peter 2:9 Hebrew 5:6

[@pollackmorgan3149]

Hello how are you doing👋👋👋

[@preciousmike34]

Thank you for this message! It's unfortunate how many have made this message about the vaccine, when it's about unity. There are many issues that have caused division among the people, families & countries because how we choose to segregate those who chose what is different to what we believe or think. We choose to eat from the "good & evil" instead of eating from "life" .

[@michelle7697]

I agree on most of the points he made, but one question remains: Jesus is the example and the goal is to become more like him. He never made a detour around anyone, or kept his distance, or was afraid of getting sick (although the disease he was close to was much more contagious and deadly than Covid and the quarantine was a lifetime - like leprosy). While I understand that we cannot require such beliefs from all believers, shouldn't we communicate the standard anyway? Yes, we want to be considerate, but we should still communicate the goal that we actually want to achieve and encourage each other to do so ...?

[@meteomage]

I think the point of the message was about defending other people's faith and conscience, which Jesus did. If someone had faith that they had to touch his cloak to be healed, he honored that even though He could heal at a distance. He commended the Centurian for that (called him "strong" if you will) but for those who didn't have that kind of faith, he never argued with them or tried to correct them. Not sure if this is a good example, but its the only thing that came to mind.

[@L7doll]

I think part of the answer is the discerning of spirits. If you discern that someone's dimly burning faith cannot handle hearing the full goal of that kind of faith, then yes you should keep it all at the level they can handle. But that is very Spirit-led, not a blanket statement. I believe letting your faith sing out should be the norm, along with staying sensitive for what to say at any given time. For example, personally, I've had a solid knowing type of belief that I wouldn't get sick from the beginning, but I wear a mask regularly to be tender with the feelings of those who are fearful. And yet I'm not afraid to state that I know I'm not going to get sick with it. But if I were to discern that this issue messes with someone so strongly that simply by stating that I believe I will not get sick it would influence them to go against their conscience, then I wouldn't state it. I hope that helps.

[@SS-gs6tg]

Not one single person I have met wears a mask or gets a Vax for God. Not one. And if someone comes on here saying they are you're deceived. Every single person getting Vax or mask is doing it out of pure fear or following man. Come on Bill, you know you don't believe what you just said... gas big pharma got to you too?

[@LonestarEventPro]

@@SS-gs6tg I do as do many followers of Christ. It's dumbfounding how a group continues in arrogance and pride, slandering the knowledgeable and give a pretense that God informs their decisions. You have to dismiss and demonize the vast majority of doctors and scientists. Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

[@marleneholloway7775]

@@LonestarEventPro he said to follow your faith .my faith is different to you.

[@dgluhovski]

Amen

[@chrisbassett8940]

I love Bill and I love his heart for reconciling different sides. However, the logic does not follow in several places here. First, no one is demanding their rights to say whatever they want. They are demanding rights to bodily autonomy - to be free from government intrusion and mandates of a medical nature. Second, those rights are not just individual but corporate - just as are the responsibilities. No one is shirking responsibilities, although those declaring that some are, are doing so stating that we have a responsibility to one another to wear masks or get the shots. I agree with Bill, if we are saying that those wishing to impose a vaccine mandate on all of us - a mandate not from Judaizers or fellow Christians, but from a secular, Christ-hostile government - should not impose such a mandate. Third, Paul never catered to fear. It is one thing to say that we should protect those who are weak in the faith in relation to eating meat, but a whole other thing to say we must protect those who will "mutilate the flesh" to add to salvation what Jesus' sacrifice already gave us by faith. Catering to the fear of those around us is not the same as stewarding the conscience's of those weak in faith. If someone carries guilt due to a certain faith practice, whether participating in it or feeling convicted not to, that is one thing. However, do we not have a corporate responsibility to speak truth about a government hostile to faith that wants to force a vaccine upon us, shut down our economic system, and stop church worship, all while using the fear of a low threat virus? Is that a matter of standing on rights, or a matter of prophetic responsibility? Are we not responsible in a Republic to speak truth and to live by it, even in defiance of governors who are trying to usurp the power of the people with false science? At what point do we just roll over and take the mark of the beast because we will not be responsible to our rights against government intrusion? Lastly, this is not a matter of "things God has made." This is a matter of something man has made and wants to force into our bodies by coercion (if not eventually by force). No one was forcing people to eat meat sacrificed to idols from a free marketplace. No one had to purchase, cook, or consume anything. In this case we are being compelled by government to purchase (no, it is not free) a vaccine, believe that the unknown ingredients are only good and not harmful, and to take it on faith that the consumption will heal and not hurt. So yes, I agree that we must steward the conscience's of others whose faith is weak. However, this is far from the subject in our culture, presently, when it comes to vaccines. Yes, we must use spiritual discernment, which includes discerning the times and seasons - which may well include whether or not we are being expected to cooperate with an antichrist government. I am not saying the vaccines are the mark, but as Bill has said himself - "It is definitely a dress rehearsal for the mark." How much do we steward of a weak brother's conscience before we are catering to their fear? At what point do we disabuse them of their fears so that they can walk in fullness of faith? Paul didn't have a problem calling the Galatians fools in order to uproot them from the fears the Judaizers had added to their original confession of faith. At some point, we must call out the fear in our brethren to keep them from greater sin - and perhaps from the loss of their health due to a poison shot intended for ill by an increasingly fascistic government. At some point, we must engage the rights that generations of Christians before us secured with blood and treasure that we might live free. The stewardship of our rights is as much a corporate responsibility as anything else - paying taxes, volunteering in our communities, raising good children, joining local corporate worship. The reason North Africa and the Middle East today are enslaved under Islamic oppression, and have been since 610 AD, is because Christians did not stand up for and secure the rights their faith had won. How many have been sentenced to Hell for that failure of the early Church? And are we willing also to let this nation go that way because we eschewed our rights and stewarded the fears of a nation being led by the nose ring to its slaughter?

[@nadanadie8583]

So the point I would make to your argument is where is your heart? My experience when I ask God what to do has been to be humble and fight in the spiritual realm not in the physical. It is each person's responsibility to follow the Bible and through faith do what God is saying to do. Private prayer time is very important in these times.

[@SS-gs6tg]

This sermon would only work if the people getting the Vax or wearing masks were not deceived, that is not from God. Also, have you met one single person doing this things for God? No, all out of FEAR AND TO FOLLOW MAN. This was out of left field... not sure why he felt to speak on this. Def out of context

[@chrisbassett8940]

@@SS-gs6tg I know a few people who feel that God has given them release to take the vaccine for specific reasons, particularly for missions trips. However, most of those I know have gotten vaccinated strictly for pragmatic reasons - to keep a job, to be able to travel and go to venues and events in our area, or (a better reason) to protect themselves because they are in a high risk medical situation. I agree that we should not judge them for their choice. Rather, we should be prepared to pray for healing for them when the vaccine takes its toll on them, and we should be ready to extend grace to them when they do realize it was a mistake. I agree that there is a great deception going on around the vaccines, but each must use his or her discernment to the best of their ability.

[@williameberle4250]

Thanks for taking the time to write out what I was thinking.

[@bendrumming]

@ChrisBasset: 🎯

[@Enhancedcarpetcleaning]

❤

[@DIYContractor]

Love the meat joke! Lol

[@lanadahl9072]

and a year later.....now that we have millions dying.......perhaps, if we had known what we know now, we would have had giant prayer groups all over the country praying for the safety of our people

[@christurner4878]

What does it look like to protect when one side considers the other side a lie or disobedience

[@c8smail]

The problem is how you handle your heart...

[@jeanconsiglio6723]

Proverbs 2526 if the godly give in to the wicked it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring

[@BigBudde]

Good message. I understand how we are supposed to protect other people's conscience, and other people's "flame" But isn't it our responsibility to share the TRUTH with people if they are literally going to die or to be sick if they get the vaccine? Isn't that a good shepherd? or should a shepherd just let his flock do whatever... because it isn't specifically addressed in the Bible?

[@annemoore6161]

This is my question as well! I have had this dilemma with my our son, the only one in our family who chose to be vaccinated. I gave him all the information and research, yet he still was vaxed and even told us proudly that he was boosted. I continue to love him and accept his choice because he is my son and because I believe he did it to protect others. So his motive was right, but I believe he has been deceived. He is away from the Lord, so I don’t know how much discernment or faith he has left. But I pray every day that the Lord protects him from any side effects. Now his girlfriend, who has done what he has, got Covid over Christmas. I am praying this might have opened their eyes. God is our protector and healer!

[@yahushuasmessenger2236]

HE IS A FALSE TEACHER PASTOR! and this is more proof! their flames are being removed NOT barely lit from getting these snake bites

[@aalyiah3037]

Does the verse talking about food being sacrificed to idols apply to halal meet?

[@AngelaVincentkent]

I have always believed so. If it is served to you then eat it for the sake of the person who is serving it to you. It might be weirder to think you needed to buy only Halal meat as a Christian!

[@jennyliew801]

Halal is satanic, it is to tax Muslim & non-Muslims for Muslims only, only! It was prayed to allah aka satan, so non-Muslims cannot eat the halal things!

[@seasonwolfe326]

Mather 7:1 -6

[@HavenLis]

I really don't understand the ultimate application of this. Does he consider the one who wears masks/gets a vaccine the one who is weak in faith or strong in faith? Because the application of this makes a difference. If he considers himself strong in faith, does that mean he should limit his own freedom and go ahead and get the vaccine and wear a mask all the time for the consciences of those who are fearful if he's not vaccinated? Or the other way around - that vaccinated people should respect the right of those who don't want to be vaccinated and think it is unethical for them to do so. It really is more confusing than helpful.

[@beticolson]

I think that it could have been intentional that he didn't specify that because those on either side could consider themselves the strong or weak one. Rather than labeling people he wants us to understand the importance of being supportive of others and walking in love, and the difference between biblical fact and opinion.

[@marleneholloway7775]

Agree with you maybe it works both ways

[@marcasmacleoid8041]

@@beticolson Or, to take a more cynical approach, he doesn’t want to offend any of the church’s donors because he doesn’t want to lose money. Skirting around the issues makes certain that he remains a millionaire!

[@marleneholloway7775]

@@beticolson seems about right.

[@jewels2149]

@@marcasmacleoid8041 whatever pastor Bills’ reasoning, this message is very unsettling. His congregation remained very quiet. Wondering if they support this. And what about when shot number 666 rolls around? We need to discern the times and warn others to trust God, not the false science...

[@leslieachord2849]

FYI all grass fed beef and lamb sold by Safeway is halal; sacrificed to Allah when they kill it. I was getting ready to cook one of their roasts and I clearly heard the,Lord ask me "Where did that meat come from?" So of course I had to look into it. There was a strange mark on the pkg. so I called Safeway.

[@vitality999]

14:30

[@williameberle4250]

Jesus was smart enough to leave the subject alone.

[@marleneholloway7775]

What subject

[@erictheawesomest]

Did you even read the comment moderator?