The #1 Thing That Drove Me Into False Christianity.

[@jackpullen3820]

One of my favorite teachers was always saying," don't take my word for it, look in your Bible and verify that what I tell you is the truth."

[@IIBloodXLustII]

Chuck Missler?

[@ST52655]

My mom instilled that in me.

[@OrangeMonkey2112]

Sounds like Chuck Missler. If so cool. If not, well cool anyway lol. Chuck always put his hand out and pointed at it then said "see this here? It says DO NOT TRUST Chuck Missler, but find out for yourself." What's funny about that is Chuck had an off the chart IQ and he was high up in Naval Intelligence. So to hear a smart man who handled the word so well say that made it far more comfortable studying things he talked about. He always mentioned that we Christians should be like the Bereans and research it ourselves. Your comment made me think about him 👍

[@1rocktostandon]

My pastor said the same thing

[@Brendaglam24]

So true

[@edam3549]

"I think it's a type of worship when I actually search for my answers to know my creator better". I felt that!!!

[@warrenjoseph76]

Same! Very well put

[@Katkid0227]

@@samnielsen1272 Not when you actually read those passages in context. (PS: this is exactly the point she's making in this video)

[@Katkid0227]

Psalm 1 is all about this. If you're not seeking a deeper understanding of God's Word and the answers to your hard questions, you're doing a discredit to yourself and the Lord.

[@AThoughtfulSpot]

In 9th grade I started asking my parents and my Sunday school teacher questions. My parents said, “I don’t know.” My teacher said my questions made Satan happy. I ended up going to the library (no internet back then) and found my own answers-ALL wrong. Discovered new age. Grateful I have a relationship with Jesus. My husband and I started teaching our boys apologetics as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Thankful they love the Lord.

[@Jessica_Jones]

Wow, praise God that you found your way back to FULL truth! 🙏🏻

[@HotelCharliHill]

Check out my reply to this post

[@sovereigngodlisaloves9525]

God bless your family to always stride high in Christ!

[@Sarah-iy7uc]

What kind of apologetics? Did he go through a book or something with your kids?

[@jaden_skywalker]

i find it sad that so many of our youth get the same answers. I'm genuinely glad that my church, perhaps alone in my denomination, does elder talks with our youth after they finish that year of Catechism. They discuss their faith, do devotions, and just make sure that there's no lingering questions. Apologetics should be talk from a young age.

[@chronicallycrocheting]

My son used to debated me constantly about God during his teenage years and the beginning of college. I always prayed he would use those skills someday to debate for God and now he is a youth pastor with a Masters in Divinity. I did run out of things to help him with. Then came Steven (his step dad) and he talked to him about apologetics, hermeneutics, exegesis, ect. He went from a secular college to a Christian one within one year. It’s good to question and be ok with it and to have a way to find answers when you run out. 🤗

[@Window4503]

You nailed it. Just being there and willing to listen and try to answer is often all a teen needs to continue in the faith despite their doubts.

[@cat-bg3rv]

He chose the narrow path. That's great! 😎

[@veritasjustus8543]

Please define Masters in Divinity

[@chronicallycrocheting]

@@veritasjustus8543 The Master of Divinity program is designed to provide the minister or Christian leader with a broad base of knowledge to fit the needs of preparing you for a lifetime of ministry. The curriculum includes studies in Bible, Church History, Theology, Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, Counseling, and Missions. This is from the college he went through. I’m sure the word “divinity” can be used incorrectly at times? Unfortunately that is the best I can do. I am mostly bed ridden most of the time now and my brain doesn’t work as well as it used to.

[@jessicah.1828]

@@Afallensparrow let's pray together for her, sister 🙏 ❤️

[@JontheBerean]

A church leader I used to know said to me : "We are not defined just by the answers we give , but also by the questions we ask"

[@joshnjericho]

This is big. It's one thing to approach the Bible with gender inequality questions or the like, but when you finally ask who is Christ, or why did He come, then everything starts falling into place.

[@ericmorrison4188]

Here’s a question…. Why does the scripture say “He that believes And is baptized shall be saved..” and yet so many churches and organizations do not emphasize water baptism.. like the Apostles did.. And another question is.. “If the apostles always baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.. then why do over 90% of Churches refuse baptize that way?”

[@JontheBerean]

@@ericmorrison4188 Why indeed 😅

[@selahr.]

I got burned out by the “happy clappy Jesus weed” Christians seemed to be peddling everywhere (in church, at home, in music, in books, in home decor, etc). There just seemed to be this demand that you had to be blitzed out of your mind and super happy and not have any struggles in any part of your life or you weren’t really a Christian or saved. I had a very abusive and very difficult childhood, utilities got cut off frequently, there were times we didn’t have food, we were shoes until massive holes formed on the soles, life was hard, wanting to be alive was hard, but I had faith God was watching over me and keeping me alive and getting me into a better future… until the blitzed out Christians had this really warped gospel and had a very different God so I started thinking maybe mine was something else because it just didn’t line up at all… and I never felt allowed to be honest and ashamed to be in the church where no one seemed to have problems or struggles and sure never owned any shows with holes in them. They kept preaching if your life was hard or bad things were happening then that was your sign you were doing something wrong. So this God had been punishing me on purpose with abuse and poverty my whole life? Cool, I’m out… and I left for over a decade. I got into Native American spirituality because it seemed a lot more fair and balanced. I dabbled in some New Age but some of that was just as weird to me as the Christians. I finally ended up just getting back into the Bible and trying to figure out what was really in there instead of what the churches had been spinning and misusing in pretty bite size pieces, and finally felt at home. The OT felt like my kind of people. I fit in there. And I met the real God and Jesus in those pages. There I feel at home. Churches? Not so much.

[@roseofsharon7551]

Or equally appalling (to me) sitting with Christians being vulnerable and weeping through their story and them tying their sad story up in a bow with “but I love Jesus, He’s so good to me”. Church, I was told, was a hospital for the hurting. If their Jesus was so great, then why was everyone either so Bedford Wives happy or so utterly miserable?!

[@aw6707]

Sounds like God has shown you His beautiful Word and healing, may He soon show you a new congregation of His people that are like-minded and that can love you. Not all churches are the same. When a poor performance of Beethoven occurs we blame the performer not the composer!

[@kurtnyuli9095]

Sounds like you were in a faith healing prosperity gospel church like Joel Osteen’s. I’ve heard things like what you said from my brother. If our faith is strong enough we won’t ever be sick and we will always have everything we need. That’s just not true. Jesus actually promised that his followers would have trials and tribulations. Find a good church, preferably a reformed one, and get involved there. We all need a body of believers to worship and fellowship with.

[@gunyolk55]

Shoot man, that sounds like a terrible place to be. The most beautiful part of church for me was that people struggled together. Everyone had hardships at different times, but you could talk to each other, and they supported you in whatever way they could. I haven't gone in a while for various reasons, but I hope you and I both are able to find something like that one day in the future.

[@Alcheer]

been in a few of those moments myself. I never stopped believer, but worried all the time about messing up. I like you stepped away for a few years and the Lord brought me back by allowing me to hit bottom at one point. I decided i needed to get a right view of God, instead of the legalistic teachings among other things. I read from beginning to end the bible, and it has broadened my understanding the God and his plans. Like you, I still have not gone to institutionalized religion. Be blessed.

[@briteddy9759]

The greatest commandment is to love God with - all your heart - all your mind - all your strength

[@CharlieKraken]

Amen!

[@Michael-Archonaeus]

Jesus: "The cardinal of all the commandments is: Listen, Israel, Jehovah is our God, Jehovah is one; _and..."_

[@briteddy9759]

The point is we have the freedom to question and search for truth and a command to do so. The mind/brain is not left behind.

[@geoffreybudge3027]

Deu. 6:4 that is the greatest commandment but as humans we are lost to sin without the Ten Commandments. The Messiah did not come to replace the commandments nor did he change the Sabbath day

[@Michael-Archonaeus]

@@geoffreybudge3027 Jesus replaced the entire old testament with a new one.

[@revbud3123]

GREAT video. I had a Sunday school teacher when I was a teen that said we could not question God. I stated that if that were true we should rip the book of Habakkuk out of the Bible. Unfortunately one of the other teens grabbed a Bible and did rip Habakkuk out, which was not my intention. The teacher told my parents I disrupted the class and encouraged another teen to destroy a Bible. My dad was a reasonable and thoughtful man and let me explain and all was well. This experience was one of many reasons I left the faith for a time and the steadfastness of my dad was one of many reasons I came back.

[@suzannemiller6028]

Thank you! Growing up in church I wasn’t allowed to doubt or question. This led me away from God. Thankfully He never left me! He gave us a brain, I think He wants us to use it!!

[@steveprofiler]

Anyone with free will can choose to not doubt

[@Amanda..A]

@@steveprofiler You can choose what to do with doubt but when it comes it's not a choice -- it just happens.

[@Miss.G.H]

Yes! We are to worship God with our MIND.

[@steveprofiler]

@@Amanda..AWhy not choose away your doubt if you have free will?

[@billybayaraa]

@@steveprofiler well doubt is a good thing. It makes us reevaluate our choices and options but doubt being the master of all, now that's sin. Letting doubt consume you and letting it be your master of decisions is sin.

[@hannahdeforest9148]

I came to the Lord through a high school course my mom taught in worldview and apologetics. I was convinced intellectually that Christianity was true. My parents' lives were a huge factor in that decision as well because they really lived their faith.

[@andrewf2741]

Unfortunately, there seems to a real strain of anti-intellectualism within circles that embrace traditional Christianity, at least in my experience. When doubts and/or questions are raised, the person raising them is accused of lacking faith, or imagined heresies. I am really glad that you call this out, please continue to :)

[@marthaj67]

Or they're accused of "too much book-learning, not enough Holy Spirit". Seriously.

[@mettlesomeknight9018]

I’ve felt the same way too. Asking questions and trying to learn and understand, using your brain, is Godly!

[@glenhowell6909]

I was raised a Southern Baptist .....and then I became a Christian.

[@With-one-wing]

I think we have to except the fact that no matter how much we study and search the Scriptures for answers, there are just some things that we are not going to know for sure until we meet Jesus face-to-face. And we also need to except the fact that sometimes friends and family who ask us questions, really don’t want to know the answers, they just want to argue.🎉

[@gravitypronepart2201]

True. However, our job is to proclaim the truth of Gods word. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3 15. Its the Holy Spirit who does the rest.

[@krissyhall2838]

We ultimately can’t lead them to truth only the Holy Spirit can.

[@ForceMaximus84]

Accept

[@With-one-wing]

@@ForceMaximus84 I am legally blind so I do voice to text and sometimes it gets the spelling wrong or chooses the wrong word. Thank you for pointing out the error.

[@ForceMaximus84]

@@With-one-wing I’m sorry about your being blind. Glad I could help.

[@markmorris8410]

The name Israel, means ""one who wrestles with God". All of us that love God wrestle/contend with God in our struggle to follow Jesus. Welcome to the family, and keep up the good work! Blessings

[@Huda-ij1jq]

wow! this comment really spoke to my soul. thank you❤

[@ApostleOfGod8862]

I have received understanding straight from God while contending with something He was showing me. For example, my wife was told that my dad was gone, Jesus had already come for him while he was on his deathbed from cancer. Yet he was still breathing, unconscious on the bed. I grew immediately angry and said, "THEN WHY IS HE STILL BREATHING?" Before my wife could answer the Lord opened my understanding, and I knew I was looking at his empty shell, and that his soul was gone. Even in my anger, contending with what seemed to be some kind of error, the Lord was gracious and spoke to me. He didn't leave me in pain, but spoke to my understanding. It took a few hours for the body to "wind down", and stop breathing. The moment it stopped the Lord filled me with His grace, and I felt no sorrow at all, but instead could comfort others in the room. Keep contending, to the honour and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father.

[@markmorris8410]

@chris neill the term "growing pains" is true, and not just about growing physically! So many, I fear, give up rather than grow up, because they do not want to change. They still want to call the shots on all of the big decisions. Surrender to the will of God, though it didn't come naturally to me for a long while, is where I find joy. Blessings

[@chantalszemenyei4523]

Wauw!!! Wauw, thanks

[@lindsayk3708]

My neighbour helped lead me out of the new age/pagan and to Christ. I had so many questions while in the new age and just felt like people were making stuff up. They had nothing to validate anything I was being told. One thing my neighbour said that stuck with me was that the truth welcomes questions, it has nothing to hide. She set me up with a good friend whom had led a Bible study prior to events of 2020. I've been going to her with all my questions from my Bible in a year study and she like "bring it on". Everything just started to make sense and everything is found within the Bible. Praise the Lord for his word and guidance!

[@gwesley9148]

The truth welcomes questions, it has nothing to hide. Thats a very clear way to put it.

[@LKDoyle12]

How in the world does the Bible make sense from a western Christian perspective?

[@gwesley9148]

@@LKDoyle12 If you mean how is the bible true, it claims to be the inspired word of God, meaning god gave the ideas to the people who wrote it and made sure that it was communicated in the way that he intended. Then it goes on to make several other claims including that Jesus died for our sins and rose again to show that he was our lord and savior and that if we place our faith in him and repent our sins will be forgiven for all time. So the bible claims this to be true and invites us to investigate that claim. Not blindly, not without any wisdom, but with trust and ultimately faith. Seek the lord in sincerity and you will find answers. INVESTIGATE the claims, thoroughly, ask God to reveal himself to you, and if you ginuinely asked him to save you, you will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and then go from there.

[@shirleygelinas2231]

YES!!! This is exactly what I'm going through!!! I have thoughts, questions, and want to understand. But at church, it's just the same 5 bible verses I've heard since I was 5!!! They don't want any debates, no deep conversations about it!!!! AND doing my own research to dig deeper, I found Christian Apologetics and now I'm pretty sure that's what I want to be!!! I love your videos, thank you, God Bless you!!!!!!!

[@BananaSundae82]

Same! I would’ve left the faith if apologetics didn’t exist, but they do and I’m a better Christian now. 😅

[@hartianx1698]

Because trying to go over a 1000 year old book that is written in different languages and contains many allegories and references to the time period is annoying to do but worth it for a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Add in humans being humans and adding stuff in or taking stuff out whether by accident or deliberately if they're wanting to be an ass to build their own power and wealth, feel better about themselves without trying to make a difference in their life, or to just mislead people only makes things more annoying. Edit: This comment was written to someone trying to throw out the normal "arguments" that is now gone

[@gravitypronepart2201]

@@EzioAuditoreDaFirenze99 Im not tracking you. For instance you say that its in the deep emotions that people find answers. What does that mean? Emotions can be decieving, and often are. How can truth be found in emotion?

[@cladkerson8479]

I think many Christians do not know the answers to the questions. Many are shallow and want to stay that way. Asking questions makes them uncomfortable. We also have remember not everyone has a gift of knowledge so they do not have a drive to dive deep.

[@marce.goodnews]

Maybe you can visit other congregations. I love when other congregations have their birthdays, to visit them.

[@scotzmnswife]

I am so glad you shared this perspective & about your experience, Melissa. I was truly blessed to grow up in a household where my parents encouraged digging deep into the scriptures for the answers & not just taking the preacher’s word (or anyone else’s) as being the “end all.” My mother was a seminary graduate with her Master’s (this was a rarity in her day), & my dad had grown up being “religious”, but didn’t surrender his life to Christ until he was 21, thinking that he was a pretty good person up until then, not seeing his need for a Savior prior. He always encouraged me & my brother to use our God-given intellect & to search God’s Word as the ultimate authority for which I am truly grateful & can appreciate on a whole different level as an adult. I also have a great admiration for pastors who encourage people to think critically & dig deeper, & not just accept a surface-level understanding. I might add to making some people mad as well by what I’m about to state, & I’ll preface by saying that I’m not any kind of “super-Christian”, as we all have lots of room for improvement in this area, but I’ve observed there are just so many professing Christians who are outright lazy &/or never seem to have any desire to know God any deeper than the day that they were saved, & it really makes me question if they truly know the Lord because they don’t exhibit any desire to grow spiritually or know the God with whom they claim they want to spend eternity! 🤔Only the Lord knows their heart, but I’ve deduced that many can’t hold deep conversations about matters of faith or answer questions because they simply don’t know what God’s Word says about things. It’s a complacency about God & the things of God that I simply can’t understand. I’m reminded of Hosea 4:6 which says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Upon reading this verse, one can see that these attitudes are not limited to our current day, but have existed historically even amongst God’s chosen people of Israel. 😔

[@bucketspree4952]

Amen, Melissa! It can be difficult when we aren't in a community that accepts questions. Jesus didn't shy away from the hard questions, but cut to the heart of the matter. God is not intimidated by our questions or doubting, so neither should we be intimidated or scared of not having answers for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Truth will stand the test.

[@macmac1022]

I have a REALLY hard time to get christians to answer many of my questions. I even did a test and ended up with a 3% answer rate. So, do you really stand by what you said here?

[@bucketspree4952]

@@macmac1022 well it's more a matter of time and attention. If you have something simple to answer that usually doesn't take very long. There are some questions that have answers, and some questions you kinda have to sit with 🪑, sometimes for a while, as you let God dig deeper into what is really behind the question ❓. What kind of questions do you have? Is there something burning in your chest you are wanting answers for?

[@steveprofiler]

How can anything be difficult if you have free will?

[@macmac1022]

@@bucketspree4952 >>well it's more a matter of time and attention. If you have something simple to answer that usually doesn't take very long."" Yep I have all kinds of questions, I can do yes or no answer ones. >>There are some questions that have answers, and some questions you kinda have to sit with 🪑, sometimes for a while, as you let God dig deeper into what is really behind the question ❓."" OH I totally agree. I still have many questions for myself that I still dont have a good solid answer for but am always trying to keep my eyes open to observations that could provide the answer. Its why I am agnostic. >>What kind of questions do you have? Is there something burning in your chest you are wanting answers for?"" Lately I have been asking moral questions as I am trying to answer if morality is objective or not and questions about the holy spirit being a guide. I will just stick with the morality questions for now though. Is it safe to assume you believe in objective morality? Can god command anything that is immoral? Is stoning disobedient children to death moral? Is keeping the virgins girls from a conquered land moral?

[@macmac1022]

@@steveprofiler >>How can anything be difficult if you have free will?"" There are many people and many tests showing how having to choose from too many options can be stressful and difficult. Have you never had a difficult choice to make before?

[@tanjasmit7535]

I'm sending this to my friend who questions a LOT ....and I cannot always answer her..... thanks Melissa...hope she resonates with you 🇿🇦

[@mikenixon2401]

Did you say, "let my brain brain"? I love it. I think the thing that messes up most believers is that it is basically very simple. People want it complicate for some reason. When we confess our sin and genuinely change our way of thinking and surrender to God it brings us back to the basics. I love how my wife puts it, "Christianity is a lifestyle."

[@marthaj67]

Our biblical Faith _is_ LIFE. It is WHY humans were created in the first place: to love God and enjoy Him forever.

[@Adam-ed6vm]

We are saved by trusting in the Lord Jesus death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins! Confessing our sins and surrendering to God does not save us. This practice is no different than that of the Jewish people who believe in God and yet they are not saved. The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ by which we must be saved that we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that our salvation is THE GIFT OF GOD and that we are saved by grace through our faith and not according to the sins we do not commit or the so called good we do.

[@seniorscientist590]

@@Adam-ed6vm Amen, brother! Im saved by that same promise, nothing more;). P. S. I am so frustrated with others not getting the gospel in scripture. Every pastor i have heard for years all add to it, saying things like "repent of sin" or some other nonesense. Great to hear I am not alone!

[@lynebenoit5124]

WHAT!!! CHRISTIANITY IS A LIFESTYLE???? Your joking!!! Jesus Christ didn’t suffer on the cross to give us a lifestyle, he did it so we could be forgiven of our sins and be reconciled to God and have eternal life if we believe in his only begotten son. STOP THINKING AND GO BACK TO THE BIBLE AND BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!

[@gravitypronepart2201]

@@Adam-ed6vm "I tell you no! But unless you repent you will all perish." Luke 13: 3. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. Enstead he is patient with you, not willing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentence. 2 Peter 3:9

[@ashablaine]

Melissa I have been following you for 8 months now and I have to tell you that your conversations are so enticing to me. I used to think (very recently) that in order for me to be a “real Christian” or for God to better see me, was to be involved in serving, Women’s groups, prayer groups, accountability groups, blah blah blah!!! While all of those things are good and in good reason, I felt myself becoming so desperate for questions and an actual relationship with God, not a relationship with these church clubs.. my Women’s group friends would try to “fix me” or view me as a project for them to “bring me to the Lord” when I was already having a relationship with God. It was actually my questioning and my struggles that started to make my church going peers “concerned” for me. I didn’t appreciate it. I have found myself wanting to actually DIG for answers and not just rely on church groups to feed them to me, cuz I wasn’t getting it. I was just getting a lot of “I’m struggling through this… ok I’ll pray for you.” Idk. That’s great to pray for each other, but I guess I also need the deep discussion, the questions, the courage of others to ask the hard questions. I feel that our church culture in American wants to side step these things and everyone pretends they haven’t all the answers, when really there’s a lot that is a mystery. These questions have actually made me a lover of the word of God. Something I used to be terribly far from. Melissa I absolutely love your videos and appreciate your genuine approach to all things Christian.❤️

[@jessicat6073]

Oh boy I could have written this comment! It's so hard when God is speaking to you and you are trying to understand but everyone around you is pulling you down. I'm sorry you were treated this way but I know the Lord uses seasons like that for good. I know my faith is richer due to it.

[@bebakerus]

Hard questions require hard answers (sometimes). People don't want to deal with what they are uncomfortable with so they resort to fear and avoidance. Let us never be afraid of dealing with the difficult things in Scripture.

[@keithsorrels6903]

One fear Christians have is that in exploring difficult issues, their lack of understanding of God's Plan (and their half-hearted Bibical interest) will be exposed. Fifty years ago I stumbled into apologetics and my understanding and appreciation of God's Plan accelerated. I owe a lot to those I studied under, Josh McDowell, Chuck Missler, Antone Holyde and Joe Focht. Will we understand everything about God's Plan? Hardly. But His Plan makes sense and much of it in a broad sense is knowable.

[@Window4503]

I think it’s also a lack of confidence. If someone isn’t regularly reading the Word or studying or answering their OWN questions, they often think “I’m not qualified to help this other person.”

[@pije23]

Or maybe it's the same as what Paul writes about eating meat or not. We should also be careful that others don't loose their fait because we have this need to ask questions for our faith.

[@steveprofiler]

There is no hard questions for people that believe in free will.

[@steveprofiler]

@@keithsorrels6903 Christians that believe in free will can choose to never fear

[@ricksteen935]

It has amazed me how the me and again that I asked questions of a pastor, elder, deacon and have been put off, dismissed or ridiculed just for asking a question about the Faith that supposedly we share (this is within a number of given fellowships). Much of what I asked was about traditions that have no Scriptural backing. It was like Al king to a deer in the headlights.

[@susankelseyville1035]

Thank you Melissa, I find that my brain brains too, but when I try to talk to many Christians, they shut down completely. I have found, through much seeking and reading, that the scripture answers even my deepest questions. So outcaste or not, I have to follow God’s word. It is my prayer and hope that the church will step up the challenges of today and the questions the newest generations will have!!

[@KM-zn3lx]

My husband answers his new Christian friend's answers about Christianity because his mom won't or gets agitated even though she prayed for her son to be saved!

[@scotzmnswife]

@@KM-zn3lx , I was just reading your comment this morning, & I’m not saying this lady necessarily fits into this category, but I observe quite often of how so many people want the benefits of salvation (the future in heaven with God, escaping/being saved from the Father’s wrath & eternal judgment, etc.), but they don’t want to have to submit to His Lordship. They want Jesus as Savior, but not Lord, & seem to want “fire insurance “ for themselves or their loved ones, but sadly appear to be content with a very surface-level kind of Christianity that requires nothing of them. It’s quite baffling to me. 🤔 And I’m not saying that every conversation under the sun has to be about God & matters of faith, but I find it odd that some professing Christians NEVER want to talk about God, what He’s doing in their lives, what they have heard from Him recently through His Word, & even seem turned-off when other Christians are excited about these things. I often think to myself, “If they’re like this now, they’re REALLY going to be miserable in heaven!” Haha! 😂🤣😁

[@scotzmnswife]

@Susan, AMEN! 🙌✝️🙏🏻

[@inconnu4961]

They are very similar to the questions of old! Very little has changed with human nature in thousands of years.

[@trackydoo]

This is why I LOVE having biblical conversations with my parents. (Even though I'm 34) Whenever I have questions, I know I can, no matter what it is, rely on my parents to either know the answer or help me to find the answer any way they can. They never belittle me or make me feel guilty for any questions I have. They really help dive deeper into true biblical truth.

[@karenramnath9993]

@BibleTalk101 praying.

[@TruthforRecovery]

Thank you for exercising critical thought, and being willing to admit it. 😊

[@pastorrandy]

@3:10-"I had the impression that some Christians in some organized religion didn't want to think." You are/were correct. In the minds of many Christians, thinking = doubt or lack of faith or unbelief. I found this to be true in 40 years of pastoral ministry. People don't want to think because it is too much work. People make decisions based on impulse and emotion, not on deep thought and reasoning. For evidence of this, just look at the multiple millions of dollars spent on advertising each year. Have you ever seen an ad that limited itself to well reasoned out points to purchase a product? Not hardly ever. The same is true in faith, unfortunately, and if you ask questions, you are considered the enemy. I think part of the reason some people don't want to hear the questions is because they don't want to be embarrassed by having to admit they don't know the answer, or don't know the full answer. I also think the Bible doesn't always give us all of the details about everything we have questions about, and that leads to more questions. Whenever I come to a conflict between what Scripture says and what my brain tells me, I try to admit that I don't understand and that something is lacking in the information I have available to me to come to a conclusion about the issue. There are some difficult questions in Scripture, especially in the Old Testament. The way i have learned to deal with them is to filter my questions through my understanding that: 1. God is the Creator and Source of all life, including my own. 2. The spiritual realm existed before the physical realm was created and there were things going on in the spiritual realm that have not been revealed to us. The things that affect us have been at least partially revealed to us, although not totally revealed to us. 3. In those cases, we have to deal with what we've got and not be afraid to admit our limitations in explaining and understanding things. 4. As the Creator, God is the final authority. He gives us our lives and He has authority over our lives. It took 13 years for everything bad that happened in the life of Joseph to make sense, but at the end Joseph was able to say, "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good to the saving of many lives." 5. When I have exhausted my ability to reason I say this, "Let God be true, and every man a iiar."

[@savannahmax3500]

I'm of the mindset that those who don't ask questions will never have any depth in Christ. Asking questions and receiving answers has brought me from shallow waters into oceans deep.

[@Jonty161]

Im an agnostic... I love what u said abt truth... I often say that to flat earthers, Truth has no reason to dodge and dive, it stands its ground bcos it can.

[@ashleehouse5204]

You are right about trying to communicate with people. It's so hard to have a conversation with people, everyone wants to just name call and walk away. No discussion, no debate, it's so frustrating

[@marthaj67]

They don't want to hear the Truth because they are being steeped in a morally relativistic culture. They have been taught that what is true for me is true _FOR ME._ What it true for you is true, FOR YOU. But there is only ONE Truth. Jesus Christ is THE Way, THE Truth, and THE LIFE.

[@inconnu4961]

@@marthaj67 Nah, its more complicated than that! What is truth? Is truth knowable? is it provable? Who can know this truth? Who can prove this truth? Ask some random person on the street (and answer this yourself) is Nuclear power safe? yes or No, and why? How do you know? Do you EVEN know how nuclear power works? The point of my question is: this is NOT just a problem with biblical knowledge, but its a problem with ALL knowledge! Just how much do you want or need to know about how electricity works, electrons etc in order to turn on your light switch to have light in your home? Some people are content to ask & trust an electrician, while others want to know how it all works!

[@kelizabethg1]

This is my story! I’m always asking questions and wanting to talk about things that make others uncomfortable. I would ask these things at church and became a frustration to most of the churches I was in. I’ve finally found a solid church that welcomes my quirkiness and my desire to go deep and ask hard questions. I’ve also made a few friends that are rooted in Christ, but comfortable pondering what we are reading in God’s word…in the pursuit of truth❤️

[@purpleheart1836]

Enjoyed the conversation immensely. My issue is that I’ve experienced so many Christian apologetics that don’t seek “intimacy” with the Creator, but continue to expound upon God as an idol than a father

[@gravitypronepart2201]

God cannot be an idol. An idol is a thing made to be worshipped. God was not made. He is the eternal God and must be worshipped. And he is the Father of all who call on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[@Jessica_Jones]

I suppose that is the potential danger for those who are more deeply studied and educated, especially in a world lacking critical thinking, one might be prone to pride and a superiority complex for knowing more than others rather than compassion and a heart for teaching them. We must pray for and gently call those people out as brothers and sisters in Christ.

[@purpleheart1836]

@@Jessica_Jones Well said and noted. Joel 2:17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

[@ruthannjohn8353]

LOVE THE LORD YOU'RE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART!ALL YOUR MIND!ALL YOUR SOUL!!! IDOLATRY IS LOVING ANYONE OUR THING!!! MORE THEN YOU LOVE GOD!!! GOD THE FATHER!!! GOD THE SON,CHRIST JESUS!!! GOD THEY'RE HOLY SPIRIT!!! ARE NEVER SEPERATE!!! GOD IS TO COME 1ST...ABOVE ALL!!!

[@Mals2244]

Yes! I experienced the same. No one I asked even knew the answer to my questions because they were in the church but not in the Word. I was a kid, 12-18 asking questions but eventually I left the church bc I didn’t have the biblical foundation of my faith in Jesus. The televangelists opened me up to the ideas of new age and new age just made more sense to me. Thank God I met my now husband who was able to not only answer my questions on the Bible but also pull me out of pseudoscience (“quantum physics”, crystals, energy work etc) bc he’s a scientist.

[@SweetiePieTweety]

Thank you Melissa! Lots of cups of many truths here! And being an older woman I so miss the days of respectful debate in all forms be it at the family gathering the workplace out on a social event people truly used to be able to respectfully discuss debate disagree and walk away remaining family and friends but today it seems almost completely impossible it’s either you’re on my side or you’re my enemy you’re either with me or against me and blocked and out. I have found myself on an island Being cut off from everyone for even minor beliefs or speculations or hypothesis or ponderings not to mention the ones regarding faith those have most definitely and it almost every relationship despite my best efforts to express my believe with respect for the other persons belief I finally gave up and that’s sad. Don’t give up keep doing what you’re doing don’t let them wear you down the devil is in that wearing down of the faithful. Being a woman that leads towards the Asperger’s ADHD spectrum I have a deep desire for truth and seeking out confirmation of truth with research and very deep dives and needing to feel that connection with a truth and yes the New Age movement takes advantage of that quite easily and effectively but eventually if you keep going you realize it’s not truth

[@scribadibdib]

Ive recently started taking my walk more serious and the church we found is incredible. I’ve been messaging the pastor and some of the elders with a million questions I’m having and they answer with so much patience, love and humility and of course always citing bible verses for their answers.

[@txelmore]

Your response is the first I have read that even mentions their pastor as a source of inquiry, when it should be our first and foremost source. While it is true that God’s Word is the ultimate source of knowledge, pastors have the training to properly disciple his congregation. That’s assuming he is knowledgeable himself, and if not; leave, and find a church that has one.

[@inconnu4961]

I am sure they enjoy it as well, as we all benefit by these tests/questioning.

[@horatio8764]

Ask why they worship on Sunday? Sunday is not the Sabbath Fourth commandment, don't break it.

[@ProdigalDaughter71]

Absolutely!! I think that's where my family ran off the track of God and where I was led so far away from him for a while. I was taught to question, but I wasn't taught how to find the "correct" answers... just the answers that "felt" good.

[@therealkathytincler]

Wow. someone with the same struggle....yes thought I was alone in this! Thanks so much for sharing these awe3some things when your brain acts up lol. Any church I've ever attended does not want to hear it.... go away little girl you bother me etc. etc. I don't have a single soul in my life to talk with about any of this stuff. I'm 74 and have asked our Father to send someone into my life as a true spiritual friend who gets it. Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@karenramnath9993]

Same here! It’s difficult to find people who want to talk about these things and don’t freak out or withdraw 😂 Mike Winger is an excellent channel for questions, anything by C.S.Lewis is good... It’s still not the same as direct human interaction though. I’ll pray for God to send you people. Maybe young ones with their own questions, and they’ll be glad that you don’t freak out or withdraw from their questions. 😉👍🏻

[@tiffanyms2881]

I don’t know how I stumbled upon this, but I needed this for so many reasons. Thank you.

[@billsimmer4583]

The strongest Faith is forged on the anvil of doubt - Augustine

[@Niki-mo1wf]

I really like your videos Melissa. I've shared you with our teens at church. You've got so much to offer and I thank you very much for all your hard work!

[@juliamilford1979]

You left out the lovely quote "rebellion is a s the sin of witchcraft" which I got told when I was excommunicated for asking questions.

[@wingabouts]

Thank you for putting this video up. I too have that deep yearning for spiritual conversations that seems unmet. But I diagree that you've got ALL the questions - cuz I know I've got quite a few too! 💞 I did a deep dive through Acts once - and haven't ever wanted to even read through it since. 😢 It gave me soooo many deep questions that are just scary for others to even hear. I have a document on my computer titled, "Acts Questions"... Honestly, sometimes it scares me too. On a side note, I sadly met a young man once who told me I was the first Christian he'd ever met who wasn't saying "just believe it" when he asked questions. We need to do a much better job of defending our faith with critical thinking skills... You know, let our brains brain! 💞

[@juanitaglenn9042]

I am intrigued.....I am a questioner as well! Was it Solomon, called the quester? He was also the wisest. I would actually like to hear some questions of yours, if you are comfortable to put them out here:)

[@wingabouts]

@@juanitaglenn9042 well... My first question isn't very unique. I know there are others who have wondered about this... Why did Peter feel he needed to choose another apostle? Jesus had given him instructions to wait in Jerusalem, nothing else. It seems like there was division on who it should be because they had to cast lots to decide between 2 men. Yet the text says they were all in agreement. Matthias being the 12th made it extremely difficult for Paul to be accepted as a legitimate apostle. He constantly had to prove his calling was from Jesus. Matthias was not called by Jesus. If we can just cast votes to get apostles, we can have thousands of them all over the world. I believe Peter was in error when he made this decision but a lot of folks put him up so high on a pedestal that they can't see him as human any more. I also have several questions about Paul's actions. The most glaring error for me was when he went to the temple and took a vow, then later returned to fulfill that vow. I can't understand why he would do this. The Old Testament system was replaced with the coming of Jesus. What is Paul doing by making/keeping a vow? He seems to be saying the OT system is still valid. But, just like with Peter, you can't talk to anyone about Paul being wrong without them going nuts. I also think Paul was being stubborn about going to Jerusalem when it seems God was giving him several warnings to not go. For example, the people at Ephesus all begged him to not go, yet he went. Weren't they true believers who had the Spirit leading them? Why is he ignoring everyone around him saying "don't do it"? If I jump out of an airplane without a parachute, does that make me a martyr or a fool? I also have questions about the disciples of John the Baptist who weren't baptized "correctly"... What's going on there? These are the few I remember off the top of my head... I know that the list on my computer is longer than this. They all seem to boil down to the fact that Luke wrote this book to record historical facts and not to comment on the rightness or wrongness of those actions. In that sense, Luke leaves us in the dark and completely clueless. Unfortunately, these issues can't be debated or discussed because these men are all "heroes of the faith". I greatly admire them and appreciate their impact on Christianity, but only Jesus was perfect. I wish it were OK to discuss these men's questionable behavior. I think there is much to learned, but maybe not. If it were so, the good Lord would have probably made it more obvious. Thanks for listening...

[@emettderek4536]

@@wingabouts God bless you! I do love a good theological discussion, of course assuming we are doing it in love for one another, and in respect for God. I believe the Bible is God's word but of course the humans in it apart from Yeshua the Son of God are only human. I have thoughts on these matters, which result partly from many years of Bible teaching which I believe has blessed me with some insight. However, I will not elaborate this evening as it is getting late. Also, I recommend asking the Lord for answers to questions, and also reading the whole Bible, as it is extremely 'cross-referenced'.

[@cary4603]

Yes! The shunning is so prevalent now for being willing to step outside of our circle to reach understanding and challenge doctrines of thought (not scripture), and it is so debilitating to our development as mature Christians with strong discernment.

[@andrefranklin2311]

“Pleasure Island experiences that ultimately were not easily maintained” Wow! This 💯 I’ve experienced this on many occasions growing up in the charismatic faith. Thank God I’ve been able to go on this journey and have experienced God in a totally amazing way through His word!

[@LarrySanger]

Hey Melissa, long time listener, first time writer. I fell away from my LCMS upbringing in my teen years in no small part because I had a highly inquisitive mind, so much that I went on to becoming a nonbelieving Ph.D. philosopher. It was only after I read the Bible as a 50-year-old, cover to cover, and seeking answers to all my questions (whether I believed them or not), that it got through my thick skull that theologians had thought through all of my questions and more in great detail. And when I considered the system of the Bible I found my faith again after over 35 years. But my main mode of study aside from doing philosophical theology is to systematically ask all my questions, even tiny detailed ones, about the Bible. After 18 months I’m almost done with Genesis, having written well over 500 pages of Q&A. I *know* that if I were to just let loose in most church settings in the way I do in my own head (or on paper), it would freak most people out totally. It makes fellowship hard, frankly.

[@steveprofiler]

Why did you choose that if you have free will

[@emettderek4536]

I enjoy studying the Bible (as opposed to listening to one person teach from their perspective). I like your comment. Did you find answers to the questions raised by Genesis? How did you find the answers? Did you use the rest of the Bible to help find answers? Do you believe God's Spirit helped you, or was it entirely an intellectual process? I think I personally am sometimes too cerebral about things, when I actually need just to trust in God promises.

[@theecharmingbilly]

Because he has free will.

[@steveprofiler]

@@theecharmingbilly Can you proove it?

[@tmorganriley]

I understand your plight. Thankfully, after only moderately finding my way in college, in grad school I fell in with the right crowd (at a program which happened to have a strong Christian fellowship; even my grad-student Sunday-School teacher was one of the engineering professors!), and discovered the great tradition of Christian intellectualism, one that is fathomless, and have not fallen away since.

[@alaskanbassethound]

Melissa, I was that Christian who was comfortable in my complacency. I remember asking a question in Sunday school was I was younger and I was shot down by my Sunday school teacher. I think that’s when it started. I didn’t want to ask questions. I just needed to believe. When my dad died, I didn’t ask questions. I just believed. I never got any deeper in my relationship with Jesus. Not until recently when I had to start facing those questions and really give an account for what I believed.

[@sadie2299]

I'm so thankful you made this video!! Something that's been concerning me a lot lately is a lot of people talking about how bad deconstruction is. There may be those that have hardened their heart to where no matter what they won't believe but I believe most people are seeking answers to deap questions and my concern is when they're told they are wrong for this rather then hearing them and their questions they have put a (you're a sinner) label on them. That just pushes people away. A video like this is so encouraging and a really good testimony! If you're seeking answers to questions and they are answered think how much stronger your faith will be! If you're going on blind faith your growth could become stunted and I believe then could blind you from truly seeing others.

[@carriestout6422]

The Church at large needs to expect questions from new Christians and even growing and mature Christians. As I studied in Bible College, I came to understand that we as brothers and sisters need to do better at listening with patience as the questioner asks the question! I'm sorry people did not treat you with Christlike love. Even I get questions and I have been saved since 1980. I have a few mentors who have helped. I think mature Christians should offer mentoring to those asking the questions, to have coffee and listening skills with love, grace and understanding! Grace and Peace to you Sister! I like your podcasts!

[@danikac7206]

I see the "I will choose fitting in over thinking critically and questioning" in most arenas of life and it's heartbreaking. Food & diet, activity, sexual health, sleep health, what we watch & listen to, religion, fashion, makeup, even how we decorate our houses and lawns. The need to feel loved, accepted, and approved of is so overwhelmingly strong. I feel if people had a belief in the true Jesus (not these false religions of which you speak), they wouldn't care as much. Well, that's what happened to me anyway: I was always striving (and sad and lacking for not making it) and now I'm SO comfortable with who I was made to be - faults and all. I hope others can find the comfort I have...

[@jenniferwilliams3408]

Yes and Amen! I agree with you that your quest for information is a form of worship and a beautiful one at that. Thanks for this Melissa.

[@marinanasef1891]

Thank you for voicing this- helping so many people!!

[@jaynaketner2281]

Thank you, Melissa. That's pretty much how I got sucked into new age junk too. Just sitting through a traditional church service every Sunday is like spiritual tapis to me. I leave hungry. People like us who really want to know, please, and serve Jesus can be ripe pickings for pseudo-Christian theology. Your videos are wonderful. I love how you witness in love and truth.

[@coryburns9161]

My wife got into a new age religious group we were married 27 years she divorce me she has plans that don't include me all of the sudden I'm 63 she 62 what a time to get divorced

[@lloyannehurd]

@@coryburns9161 Your wife thinks she is enlightened now. The powers of evil divide to conquer. Pray that she wakes up to the truth.

[@steveprofiler]

Why did you choose to get sucked in?

[@rebeccaa.4992]

This was helpful for me. My daughter is a critical thinker and you gave a clear gentle answer for why we need to welcome questions. God is big and wants us to know Him. He can handle our big questions. Thank you.

[@BernardoRojasdeLuna]

Your perspective is valuable and helpful! As a church we need to grow up. Even in dark roads of people throwing hard questions we need to trust in our Lord! He is really capable of guiding us. We just need to stop being so afraid of anything that goes out of the mold. We have the armor of God already! Fear of man is a trap! bless you!!

[@conniebernal6741]

I wish I had a friend like you to talk to. I feel exactly the same way. There is literally nobody in my church that I could have deep conversations with.

[@Mitzi13]

Thank you for this. It was because of my desire to learn more and ask questions and find answers, that lead me to realize that I am no longer Catholic. Without questioning what I had been taught my whole life, I would still be on the wrong path. And it’s exactly as you said, if it’s the Truth, it should hold up to questioning. People have to sometimes set their ego aside when asked a tough question, and instead of feeling attacked they could say “you know, I don’t know the answer to that but let’s try to find it together.” That way you both learn in the process.

[@AudioEpics]

Please take a look at some of these Catholic KZbin channels: Word On Fire, Pints With Aquinas, Reason and Theology, Brian Holdsworth, Catholic Answers. Check out people like Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jimmy Akin, Bishop Robert Barron and Dr. Peter Kreeft. You are correct in your intuition that the truth holds up to questioning. And the Catholic faith is the truth. Even if most Catholics are terrible at defending that truth or living their faith. God bless you.

[@mastershake4641]

Catholics are the epitome of what she is talking about. Literally wouldnt translate the bible into a language people could read because then they would realize catholics are teaching it wrong.

[@albertito77]

I too have experienced the hearing the same things over and over and falling into the background of my mind. Engaging in regular prayer is how I deal with it.

[@gracealone11]

This is what I really value about the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. An intelligent faith. Welcoming questions. Open to mystery.

[@weedeeohguy]

Hmmm,…

[@Adam-ed6vm]

But do they trust in the Lord Jesus death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of their sins without adding other requirements? We are only saved by trusting in the Lord Jesus death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins is the Gospel by which we are saved that we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that our salvation is THE GIFT OF GOD and that we are saved by grace through our faith and not according to the sins we do not commit or the so called good we do.

[@chareekoy1212]

Not my experience. MO synod Lutheran launched me in NA

[@Window4503]

@@Adam-ed6vm Yes. They’re Lutherans lol. They’re the OG Protestants who value exactly that. Same with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod which I’m a part of.

[@Adam-ed6vm]

@@Window4503 That’s good because most denominations today sadly have believed in a false gospel that saves no one! The tragedy of the last days church is in that they have not trusted in the Lord Jesus death, burial and resurrection alone for their salvation, but instead they have added other requirements or works to the Gospel that we read in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

[@starlightmckennah5241]

I relate. I am an all in believer I'm Jesus but still have questions. I want to continue surrounding myself with other curious Chrisitians who welcome deep and sometimes difficult but stimulating conversations

[@erinmariebaker712]

YES! My situation is quite similar. I wish we could chat. I am now in a confessional lutheran church that welcomes my questions. :)

[@dh605x]

To Melissa: You are right on the money on this one. From my past experience, if you start asking questions and others either discourage you, get irritated at you, or even blacklist you in a way - then keep digging. A negative reaction to fair and honest questioning usually means you are on to something.

[@justtanja7327]

The church has failed us period. I'm so glad I didn't grow up in the church, that way I wouldn't have been programmed at a young age. I was saved in my late 30's. And can see exactly what you are talking about. Everything you are saying is refreshing to hear someone else saying what you're saying. Our time here on earth is coming to and end soon. God wants us all to go deeper with Him. Edit: I love your lighting. How do you create your lighting? It's so calming.

[@gravitypronepart2201]

I grew up in a christian church and was able to reason through the scriptures with the help of my parents, and the church. I questioned the bible regularly but was always provided with not just answers but also practice in reason.

[@cat-bg3rv]

I grew up attending church and have no regrets although now, I would of chosen a different church(s). It was the path my parents chose. I have learned from it and moved on. The Lord led me out of unsound doctrinal churches. If I had not attended church at all, I do not think I would have had the same lifestyle. And for that, I am grateful.

[@Netsren]

I’d like to say that the problem isn’t solely from the so called "churches", it’s also due to the lack of understanding of what the church actually is, for instance it is not a building, together as christians, we are the church, the body of Christ. The idea that we should go to a building every Sunday or so to learn about YAHUAH (being our creator’s beautiful name) by doing nothing but listening and then go on with a worldly life as soon as we step out is quite strange, yet quite the common misconception. The Holy Spirit sent by the Father in Yahushua’s name (Translated to Jesus) already teaches us the ways of our Father in heaven as we read the Word. "But the Comforter, which is the Ruach Ha'Qodesh (translated to the Holy Spirit), whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." -(John) 14:26 את CEPHER The church is meant to be seen through our way of life, taking care of the poor, edifying one another in the Word and most importantly, loving our Elohim (translated to God) by keeping His commandments. Here is ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:1-16‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ for what I think can provide a better understanding. Unity of the Spirit «Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men.” (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.» I hope this helped, we all keep learning everyday.

[@lukec.872]

Neglected to say which church…

[@garethifan1034]

The pseudo church has failed..not the true Church. Look for a Church (Cap. 'C') where the word of God is opened and preached faithfully and consistently, where the pastor is a Minister and servant of that word, no more, no less.

[@darrelllee2107]

I love that you pointed out that searching for answers is actually a form of worship. It absolutely is!

[@garyp.9073]

Agreed, Proverbs 25:2

[@portalstoourpast6366]

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” - Proverbs 27:17.

[@jennifertrudeau4553]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I can’t love this enough. Am I being naive hoping for a community like you described, where we all trust that the truth is the truth and we can all be on this journey together, challenging each other but still respecting each other and never backing down from the pursuit of understanding and the truth? Thank you for this.

[@samuelcarley7245]

It's really amazing how life changes when you love the truth.

[@karenprescott1841]

So many good thoughts here. I came to follow Jesus from the Catholic faith so I had many questions too. I ran into many people who seemed to be saying that I should check my brain at the door. I'm ok if people don't want/need to find answers to thorny issues, but could it be their faith is so thin that questions rock it? They'd rather shut up the questioner than think for themselves. God can handle honest doubt and questions, but we don't seem to be able to.

[@VoxWolf]

Thank you for always uploading such amazing content Melissa! I am so happy I found your channel :)

[@bethz6729]

Love this!! Reminds me of Hugh Ross when he talked about starting to encourage people to ask him questions, especially within the scientific community. His scientists peers were so supprised that he was even willing to discuss his beliefs in a reasonable, logical way. Since most athiests he talked to shared experiences of being yelled at or just shut down for questioning believer's reasons for believing the Bible.

[@ChristinewithaC]

Thank you for sharing! I love how you used “brain” as a noun and a verb. 😂 I’ve raised my son in church his whole life. The older he gets, the more questions he has. Like you he has felt silenced, even judged for seeking to understand the truth! When he goes to church it seems like it’s all about emotionalism and he doesn’t get into that. As a result we’ve been studying the Bible at home and I think he’s learning more that way!

[@Faith-fm2cl]

I’m thankful, when I was in high school, I started going to youth group with a friend and we went to a lot of events that focused on apologetics. So before I even knew I had questions, I was being taught the answers to stuff a lot of people struggle with. As I grew up, apologetics and asking questions just seemed like a normal part of Christianity.

[@kidkratoski3778]

Jesus IS The Answer to all the questions we can ask. It's ok to ask.. good for you M.

[@bethanydorsey9028]

Amen! Growth requires some discomfort and challenges. We should all welcome questions and critical thinking to edify each other, even though it’s difficult at times.

[@Sarah-sophia80]

I didn't know the term "new age' until about a year after I came out of it. Like you I thought I was just going higher in Christianity until I got to a point where I was questioning whether I was even a Christian anymore.. not long after God took me through a frightening spiritual experience that showed me the truth of my path, I had no clue how far from Christianity I went seeking answers. But my prayer was always to find the truth with so many spiritual paths, I just truly wanted Truth.... funny, kinda, when I turned back to Christianity and read that Jesus revealed he is the Truth, I cried.

[@KymmKruger]

I just came across your videos and had been struggling for YEARS in the same situation! About 10 years ago I started researching the Catholic Church. Hear me out, not trying to convert anyone, but if you are seeking deep intellectual thought and historical documentation… that is where you will find it. I was the SAME, seeking, searching… and once I found it I haven’t needed to look anywhere else. I still find something new to learn everyday! It seems like so many looking to let their “brain brain” as you say, end up there. I still struggle with some of the teachings but there is just sooooo much there. Give it look? God Bless!!!

[@rockandsandapologetics7254]

My story. I grew up in a Pentecostal Church, but I still went through the same things. My dad was a supply minister, meaning he would fill in for a pastor an hour or so away because that pastor was sick or taking a much needed vacation. My dad would take me with him and that car became my university of sorts. I could ask him all sorts of questions and he'd give me great answers. I went to a Christian college of our denomination, and there were times I really felt let down, but there were other times when a professor would visit me in my dorm room and start the conversation with "What's up?" and a time me and some friends were trying to work out the outline for Revelation, and a notable professor came in. We told him what we were trying to do and he took an envelope and wrote the entire outline of Revelation on it. After graduation I realized there were things I'd learned wrong about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. In our denomination it's literally written down that the initial physical evidence of the Holy Spirit was speaking in tongues. I'm sure that's what happened on Pentecost, but that's not the reason for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. You find that in Acts 1:8 as well as Luke 24:48. Both speak of POWER, and the Greek word here is "dynamis" where we get our word for dynamite. That was back in 1974. I was almost 21. Through reading the Bible and letting God lead me, my Christianity is my own, directed by God's Word and His Holy Spirit. I say all that to say I've joined with another brother to form an apologetics team in this tristate area. We'd appreciate your prayers.

[@RobinMorrisSvgCoop]

I had the same problem with my church - I asked questions and was told I was a pot stirrer- so I’ve turned to puritan teachers for sermons - but made me sad about church

[@sarahbrown1890]

Your right, I would also add that I’ve also found churches (in general) to be terrified of people who’ve had supernatural experiences. (My mom was healed of MS, I have friends who’ve seen angles or have words of knowledge and they are shunned by traditional churches.) The churches are afraid of the ‘unknown’ and treat people with experience with those things outside their church building with fright or contempt. Instead of trying to understand these people they get shut down or put out of the church. Those people who’ve had supernatural experiences also get into the new age since it offers an ‘explanation’ for those things. The Bible does too, but no many want to go there either.

[@ailene_e]

That’s so true. I started listening to a Christian podcast recently that isn’t afraid to dive into supernatural phenomenon but is still very biblically sound, not hypercharasmatic either. As someone who was save out of the new age, it’s very refreshing because you’re right, a lot of Christians are generally uncomfortable talking about those things. It’s called The Sword and Staff if you want to check it out!

[@robertj5208]

Well stated! Let us all be more attuned to those with questions...always having a reason for our hope.

[@LeahKoahal]

"I wasn't looking for an exit, I wanted answers" love that. I'm stealing that.

[@LaCurlySue562]

This has got to be my favorite video of yours! I was the exact same way when I made the decision to come to Christ, fully. I was sent to various different church members when they couldn't answer all my questions and eventually went to the co-pastor, who was also the youth pastor along with his wife at that time. He helped a lot, along with much prayer and reading of Scripture. My questions have never stopped, though and, I agree, not everyone in the church is ready for questions and I dare say, not equipped to answer them a lot of times. It can be frustrating for the hungry soul. But, I thank and praise God that He promises to give wisdom to all who ask for it and has helped me along my journey these past 11 years. 🙌 Hallelujah!!!!!

[@Michael-Archonaeus]

You are so right, the ability to entertain different points of view, without feeling threatened has really gone by the wayside. I have experienced this personally and with other Christians, when encountering different beliefs. For example Most Christians will just dismiss anything uttered by a Jehovahs Witness offhand, and most Protestants will act like nothing about Catholicism has any merit (I used to be that way), and recently when I started looking into Islam, and corrected some common misconceptions about Islam, other Christians got angry, as if being willing to recognize the good parts of another religion and being unwilling to lie about it is somehow a threat to their faith. I think this is really a sign of weakness in our faith, not strength.

[@megatonhammer4723]

It’s baffling that you would look into Islam as it’s everything Antichrist. I honestly wonder who and what source you seeked that ‘corrected misconceptions’ about it. Very soon you’ll be saying PC stuff that pleases all liberal atheists and become a universalist, if you aren’t already one.

[@mstrgnnr11m65]

WOW! Do I get this! I especially recall being called a Pharisee. In discipleship training class. In front of others. By a pastor. And I was a brand new Christian. I went (slowly) from asking out loud to wondering silently. Unfortunately, it wasn't the last incident. Never fully shook it.

[@dianaespinoza7644]

The same thing happened to me in catholicism. I would ask questions and was told "you will know when u die"

[@faustomadebr]

Can you give an example? Thats totally different than my catholic life.

[@lukegroves5506]

Fausto. I think what she is saying is the Catholics could not answer any of her questions

[@paru-chinbaka5214]

🥺

[@gabepettinicchio7454]

@@paru-chinbaka5214 The only ones that ever leave the Catholic faith are the ones that know nothing about it. Not always blaming the person. Many times it is the CC that drops the ball ... poor catechesis! Sometimes parents do not do their part. Sometimes cool friends, nice music, and a great-sounding preacher influence them to join a really fun church.

[@gabepettinicchio7454]

@@faustomadebr The # of thumbs-ups amazes me, because the statement itself makes no sense, w/o an answer to your question. Being accepted by others is imperative. It insults the Bride of our Lord. Many would rather be accepted by a faith that suits their life, rather than by the *One* that counts. Protestantism, or any new name they want to call themselves, is the most inconsistent & hypocritical of groups. All totaling 30000+ groups ... all in disagreement, but calling themselves the one (actually 10s of 1000s) truth. Thanks, Luther!

[@pennyc8572]

This is why I appreciate Dr. Michael Heiser so much. And Chuck Missler. They go there.

[@nashvilleguitaracademy4773]

“It’s a kind of worship when I search for my answers rather than just turn my brain off”. Love that!

[@titusax]

Asking questions has only brought me closer to God, made my faith deeper and further opened my eyes to see how awe inspiring God really is. Every good relationship requires us to learn about the other individual, that is how friends grow closer, how spouses grow closer, and how we will grow closer to our God.

[@dako_inspiro]

I entered the catholic church after pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus over the past 5 years and it’s been so much to learn and always humbling and challenging my perspective. Keep questioning and learning and it will bring you to the Truth ❤️

[@huskermmc]

I too have run into this in various fellowships. Often it came from asking a question that was challenged their particular sacred when it was challenged with scripture. Many of these "doctrines" they held to didn't have scripture to support or they had scripture taken out of context. There are a lot of sacred cows (dispensationalism, calvinism, pretrib, mid-trib, pork, sabbath, etc) that should be subject to robust discussion as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. I am thankful now for their unwillingness to discuss these things as it has caused me to dig deep into the scriptures, ask for help from the Father who then sends the teacher, the Holy Spirit. I also have found a wonderful group of whole Bible believing Christians, because it takes a whole Bible to make a whole Christian, who are willing to dive deep together.

[@JFlower7]

I am Catholic and as such had a classical education as did all my kids. Your brain definitely will not be shut off with this education. If your mind is truly open, go through The Great Adventure through Ascension Press. it goes from Genesis through the Good News of Jesus Christ. It does not go through every single book but is chronological showing the story of Salvation. The best thing that made the gospel make sense for me.

[@faustomadebr]

Yep. Many commenta here talking about how the Church "failed" them, but evwn tough some group or some priest failed somebody, the Church is not the issue, but the man.

[@suzanneroberge494]

Keep addressing this. God willing people who are now where you used to be will hear & be drawn to the truth. God bless.

[@JK23111]

I had the same sort of thing. I knew there was more to the Bible that my church just couldn't teach me. But instead of turning new age I turned Baptist. Probably like the second best decision I ever made.

[@triciaburcell3241]

Girl!! “I think it’s a type of worship when I actually search for my answers to know my Creator better.” 🙌🏼💯♥️ What a beautiful description of part of what it means to contend for the faith!! 😍

[@lesliemonty31]

Melissa, I love what you said that searching God is worship. That is how I view it too, and why I think He says to pray without ceasing.

[@KeithGiles]

THANK YOU for admitting what drives so many of us into Deconstructing our faith. The lack of conversation and disallowing questions and doubts is a huge driver for many Christians who find themselves going through the Deconstruction process.

[@bruciehibma6498]

God loves it when we question and search. Even to an argument with God. God is not moved to dismiss but to engage .

[@seanodom1554]

Hope you have found a church where they are willing to answer those questions and hear questions. Thanks for saying this. Many churches need to understand this.

[@ericp8834]

“I think it’s a form of worship to actually search for my answers and know my Creator of better.” Amen and amen. I couldn’t agree more.

[@beverlypasco262]

We are all wired so diffently! Some of us have more questions than others. I can so relate to her because I have a million questions, and love to discuss ❤ Some find me intense, others find me engaging and agree with everything I throw out there. Others are polite and prefer to cut conversations short. Some challenge me and speak truth with love. I have found my inner circle, and better than that I have found Christ who offers Peace. 😅❤❤❤ True Shalom!!!! The beginning of wisdom begins with silence…..Mother Theresa

[@emilyclester7221]

This is exactly why I went down the same path.

[@amoleis61023]

Oh I feel this so much as a kid who loved math and science! I wanted to talk about the Bible and evolutionary theory, but couldn't find anyone to discuss with me until college. And I want to be challenged, but like you said most people don't and so these conversations get shut down so quickly.