What Most Surprised Me About Christians When I Became One

What Most Surprised Me About Christians When I Became One | Rosaria Butterfield

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7 жыл бұрын

Rosaria Butterfield, a former tenured professor of English at Syracuse University and author most recently of ‘Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ’ (2015), on what most surprised her about Christians when she became one.
For more resources, visit: www.thegospelcoalition.org/

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@steflondon88 4 жыл бұрын

So true. "They weren't all cleaned up either". We are all a mess in need of a Saviour. Amen.

@Axisearth 2 жыл бұрын

She was blessed in how Christians treated her once they knew. That was not my experience at all. But I praise God for what He has done for me.

@jocider5698 Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry and sad that you did not experience love from Christians once they knew.

@Axisearth Жыл бұрын

@@jocider5698 thank you

@johnpatmos1722 Жыл бұрын

I had thought the same myself. She was embraced into a body of mature believers... and had social inroads to the Pastor! My guess, too, is that the church saw her as a big catch. All said, we need also to be forebearing one to another in the church, and to those who are weaker and as such might come off as hard or uncaring. We are all working out our salvation.

@michellefrench6617 9 ай бұрын

❤

@Yahweh5995 9 ай бұрын

I'm so glad you were able look unto God . That's an incredible power . I commend you for that. Keep your eyes on the Lord YHWH all the time not bumbling idiots.

@johnpatmos1722 Жыл бұрын

Blessed that you were embraced into a community of mature believers.

@Rikalonius 3 жыл бұрын

Love your story, Rosaria. It humbles me and reminds me to make sure I view new converts with the kind of love you were shown by your church, because they were 100% biblical in their approach, and I salute them for it. God put you where you needed to be, as you rightly say, not all churches would have handled it as well, and you may have lapsed due to their sin. The blood of Christ has reconciled us to one another, despite whatever sin one struggles with, and WE ALL struggle with something.

@tbong9293 3 ай бұрын

Amen!

@KeithThompson52 7 жыл бұрын

Praise God for this testimony. The fact that she lost her life and in doing so found it (Matthew 16:25) is extremely beautiful. This thing of ours (Christianity) is supernatural and testimonies like this remind me of that. God Bless you sister!

@tbong9293 3 ай бұрын

Agree

@aelder5057 6 жыл бұрын

Love her courage. Her beautiful and articulate writing informs me, humbles me and educates me. I cannot even begin to fathom the kind of hate mail this woman must receive. Talk about persecuted for your faith! You can bet she gets a healthy dose. Am I as courageous? Nope. She is an inspiration.

@kurarisusa 9 ай бұрын

"The biggest sin in my life was unbelief..." Man, she got me with this one. How true that often the thing WE consider the worst sin is just a symptom of something deeper that needs to be healed and addressed and changed.

@gowanderlustwithme Жыл бұрын

“The Secrets of an Unlikely Convert” was a compelling and spiritually convicting read for me. I’ve never marked a book as much as this! The book helped me view original and indwelling sin in a new way - it reminded me of the they vs. us attitudes prevalent in churches - as if anyone’s sin is measurable or stratified. We would be better Christians by a hard look inward before looking out. ❤️

@bishopakpan2284 6 ай бұрын

IT DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY.

@jackwalker1822 5 ай бұрын

She is such an articulate person how she explains things. What a great ministry she has!

@tbong9293 3 ай бұрын

Agree

@dalewier9735 10 ай бұрын

I am a baptist pastor, before i was saved i watched a movie called "Chasing Amy". I am not necessarily recommending this movie, but it showed me that for a gay or lesbian to accept Christ (which is NOT what the movie is about)" requires that they lose everything and everyone that IS their life. Thank you Rosaria for your open and honest testimony. I have encouraged everyone i know to watch your videos and learn from your experience. And, in my opinion, i do believe that the church is going to have to reach out, really for the first time in decades, and serving and hospitality appear to me to be the way forward . Thank you and blessings

@jgil1966 2 жыл бұрын

She is such a smart voice that this oworld needs.

@mary-janechambers3596 4 жыл бұрын

How did she find such a wonderful church? A rare jewel. God bless.

@maryfrankralls9985 Ай бұрын

Wonderful!!!!!!!! This lady is awesome!!!!!! What an example and she is soooo right we are not all cleaned up!!!!!!!

@athb4hu 6 жыл бұрын

Wow, you certainly found an amazing church.

@steflondon88 4 жыл бұрын

the way it should be.

@28102650 4 жыл бұрын

Steffany K exactly. That’s how gospel centred people act. It’s the, dare I say it, nominal Christian, who is usually the one calling for immediate change and other unhelpful responses from the new Christian.

@jgil1966 2 жыл бұрын

lmao yeah

@joycejarrard6958 2 жыл бұрын

I am reading your book, "The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert" right now. The whole story is mind boggling and gives me hope for my atheist son. You met so many wonderful Christians on your journey.

@igloozoo3771 Жыл бұрын

Atheists generally make the best Christians because they cannot be persuaded by religion, but they are only persuaded by the person and character of Christ.

@dharstin 5 жыл бұрын

I have absolutely loved reading The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, and am now collecting my notes to lead a study of it. After reading it, my sentiments are in line with one reviewer who wrote that it makes you want to have a meal with the author and get to know them better." God bless her witness to the Gospel!

@justme-dee6888 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! May we all give Grace like she speaks of to every new believer! Very powerful testimony! Thank you for sharing!

@tbong9293 3 ай бұрын

Agree

@maryvandeusen5554 Жыл бұрын

I can’t exactly point to a “moment” when I “became a Christian “ because I don’t know if it when when the “messy” WILL go away. I fall, I get up, I fall, I get up….. I pray and study and forget, then remember and study and remember and pray, then forget and repent and on it goes.

@joanneholcombe735 5 ай бұрын

Thats the state of being human..sanctification sometimes takes a lifetime...

@tonieder1549 3 ай бұрын

Babies want to walk and fall down numerous times. No one ever ridicules them. Becoming holy as He is holy too is a process. Keep going!! Jesus is our future!!

@bobmester3475 5 ай бұрын

Wow exactly the way it should be and yes, we are all still being cleaned up and it’s joy to walk it out with fellow believers..

@susandsouza3135 6 жыл бұрын

Wonderful testimony....so glad for the wonderful Church.

@lancemarchetti8673 10 ай бұрын

What an extraordinary person...

@richardtimson1361 7 жыл бұрын

I thought "Her biggest sin was Unbelief not her homosexuality ", and that she wasn't a " blank slate" and she wasn't going to get cleaned up in a day speaks powerfully about the relational nature of sanctification. I agree with the finality of Christs once and for all act of taking away our Sin completely and out of grace allowing us to see this in our lives progressively as we diligently pursue and desire God himself . Like her I do not see the complete disappearance of sin in my life at one point , what do others think

@Bibliotechno 6 жыл бұрын

Richard Timson : I agree. I believe the Bible talks about us in a sense: We ARE saved (justification or conversion). We are BEING saved (sanctification or growing in holiness). Then finally WILL BE saved as our final state (glorification or absent from the presence of sin). But being converted or believing in Christ or saved or born again (whatever you wish to call it) is the trigger process that starts us as Christians on the new road and perspective. Somebody said we are saved from the Penalty of sin, then the Power of sin, then the Presence of sin.

@djirate052380 Жыл бұрын

The only truth in the evolution theory is that we evolve into mature Christians as we grow. Its the ONLY change of kind you can find in the evolution theory lol. We are born again once the transformation is complete. I'm currently in transistion to Christianity and I love it more and more everyday. God was chasing me my whole life and now I'm chasing him. God is GOOD! Bless you!

@joanneholcombe735 5 ай бұрын

We will never be completely free of sin..till we get our glorified bodies and we will be like Him...we must continue to confess our sin and ask Him to cleanse us, restore us, renew us and forgive us..

@metibaclark5121 Жыл бұрын

Her Church Family needs to be commended. They really showed the love of Christ with patience and long-suffering and true compassion. May we all strive to be a body of Christ such as this. This is a great example of discipleship and love for Jesus and humanity. This is a blessing, and I feel sorry for those who have not been recieved like this.

@mrspsalms Жыл бұрын

Everything I see from Dr. Rosaria is mainly about her conversion but I Love this piece. There is a difference between saved and dealing with flesh and the doctrine of "I'm saved but still living a lifestyle of sin and when God is ready to change me, then I will live a life that produce fruit of repentance" The line is so thin but its not......I deal with young adults and I am still trying to find a way to explain the two, its so hard but this small clip was so so helpful.

@nafost 7 жыл бұрын

Wait a second, a video about the church that's not criticizing it nor telling us what we're doing wrong???

@gillian6526 3 жыл бұрын

Lol

@mariaruiz447 2 жыл бұрын

Sadly the reality is that many churches are so far from legitimate Christianity and we should be able to defend the faith and scriptures and call them out… (with the leading of the Holy Spirit). But if people aren’t doing anything unbiblical it shouldn’t bother them. Eg. it doesn’t bother me about video surveillance in stores because I don’t steal so it’s not a problem… We should welcome truth, and scripture to cast a light on who we truly are (collectively). However we are to speak the truth in love and there are Biblical ways of doing it.

@Sorana44 5 ай бұрын

Amen!! That’s one of my goals to take the time, love and patience to treat others and guide others to the true love of Jesus! Thank u!!!♥️♥️♥️

@radarvan 4 ай бұрын

So appreciate Rosaria!!

@PamelaLoredoPaz 4 жыл бұрын

they are a true image of Jesus, i wish we all could learn to be like him more and more, after all, we are here to save others. that is a beautiful testimony she gave,, truly heart-touching.

@dnaka723 5 жыл бұрын

Grace demonstrates the fact and recognition we All have sin and fall short of the glory of God.

@bria901 7 жыл бұрын

Amen, how incredible.

@debg9190 5 жыл бұрын

Amen. So powerful. Thank for this testimony and transparency 🙋‍♀️

@sugansugan56 2 жыл бұрын

This is so encouraging to hear

@tbong9293 3 ай бұрын

Agree

@JacquelineFrankneeKenyon 8 күн бұрын

Fortunate, I was met with some love but I also received a lot of hostility and still do today. Had I not been born again I would have been sure to fall away.

@cf-kw5qo 10 ай бұрын

So glad to hear your testimony

@misswinnie4.8 7 жыл бұрын

thank you tgc and Dr Butterfield

@EcheveriaStorm 3 жыл бұрын

Aww that's a wonderful story!! I'm so happy you where able to find humble Christians who followed Jesus's example of love. It's really sad that some people get the wrong idea about our God because not all Christians are like this...

@1mihayes 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome testimony! Very encouraging. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

@dannymoore1530 Жыл бұрын

Awesome. Thank you for your words, Rosaria.

@rachaeljenneman8862 4 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful testimony! You are a world changer and a hero. Thank you for being honest and being God's image bearer.

@robertmccully2792 2 жыл бұрын

I was lost but now I am found is what Christianity is all about.

@deidracox489 7 жыл бұрын

Thankful that the blood of Jesus did not "cover" your sin nor my sin, but washed them away! (4:42). See Rev 1:5.

@KeithThompson52 7 жыл бұрын

Amen sister.

@seus2731 2 жыл бұрын

on point, our bigger sin is not that we are layers or adulterous, or homosexuals or judgmental. Our bigger sin is being a nonbeliever. Once we get to know our Lord Jesus, our eyes are opened, and only then do we understand and we repent. Once we find Yeshua, from that point on, we have no other identity but to be a Christian, a follower of the Lord.

@uwagboejayne7871 Жыл бұрын

Glory to God!

@lessofme53 2 ай бұрын

Sometimes, God takes you through your current situation, and sometimes, he takes you immediately out of it. He knows best!

@lynebenoit5124 2 жыл бұрын

The church were I became a Christian was not at all like the one she talk about, it was cold and heartless but because I just fell in love with Jesus I didn’t see anything wrong with the church, everything and everyone was beautiful food tease good the sky was bluer then before nothing was wrong, thats what happens when you finally see Jesus Christ nothing else matters because the beauty of Jesus just blinds you to everything else, nothing compares to him and I left all my old life behind and seek Jesus that all what mattered to me, to hear his voice and feel his presence was all I seek for 🥰

@josueorgoaway Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing all this. Now I know more of what we can become in order to help others know Christ.

@marcelniles342 3 жыл бұрын

That was so beautiful...❣❣❣

@geoffstokes 5 ай бұрын

Sanctification is a process. This is a great example of that.

@mollynoneofurbuisness3099 7 жыл бұрын

This video makes me happy.

@MaxRandall 4 жыл бұрын

Good advice for how to treat Kanye West.

@janc460 17 күн бұрын

Praise God

@cruzcastroE Жыл бұрын

This is so helpful.

@dandathomas6852 Жыл бұрын

This is disgusting. She “lost” a lot? She was going to miss her lover? Clueless. She was coddled by unfaithful foolish people. Unbelievable that people read the crap she writes and “learn from it.” Sickening. She has made lots of money off her past sodomy…that’s about it. Shameful.

@tbong9293 3 ай бұрын

Agree

@samwilt5620 7 жыл бұрын

nice.

@justinaacuriouswanderer1496 2 жыл бұрын

1 Timothy 1:15 "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom *I am* the worst."

@light-pn5kp 3 жыл бұрын

Let love lead

@josephbrooks2862 2 ай бұрын

With the exception of the VERY rare jerk or uncomfortable comment, I've had the exact same experience ever since I came to faith (about 4 years ago).

@jesusthebranch4965 5 жыл бұрын

John 8:11 “She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

@MrPumppaintballer 3 жыл бұрын

This is beautiful, wish this had more views

@EmilyTanblackfox Жыл бұрын

That's what my church, Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang is like for me. I wasn't a very good Christian. I felt like I was losing Jesus and I did for a moment felt bored with my faith. I thank God I found such a wonderful church like the church Dr Rosaria mentioned. I pray that there will be more if such churches around the world. Everyone in this world need to find somewhere they belong.

@EmilyTanblackfox Жыл бұрын

*More of such churches

@joshuaowens7829 Жыл бұрын

That's good. Godspeed my sister.

@kwidmayer 4 ай бұрын

Exactly!

@daniellecurtis5 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, new believers are not blank slates with issues that wouldn’t be cleaned up in a day.

@larssonnicoleify Жыл бұрын

You given me such hope and courage. Truth is worth pursuing regardless of who perceives it with you or not. God is worth having 1st place in our lives. I don’t want to hurt the people who are still on the path we once walked on together. I’ve chosen another one and I can see their hurt. It’s awkward. I’ve explained the best I can but I can’t compromise. Thank you for sharing your story. You’re tenure, lesbian community of givers and University life are monumental compared to the minor things I’ve walked away from. There was far less invested on my end but never the less, you’ve given me courage.

@CSUnger 3 ай бұрын

"I learned that the biggest sin in my life was my unbelief and not my homosexuality" Heavy. It is perhaps the most difficult thing to get a homosexual to see that this is what you are trying to get them to see when in a conversation with them. They are predisposed to be defensive, and it takes considerable patience not to be drawn into the argument they want to have with you about their homosexuality.

@brianbannon6746 2 жыл бұрын

Romans 4:5; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14

@AutocorrectPrimer 5 ай бұрын

When you have Jesus Christ you never want to be apart of this world. Praise Jesus Christ

@karendavis8764 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Rosaria! I've read your book. It broke my heart that you needed to write an article about why Christians hate gay people. I realized our message was so far off if you felt that way. You have helped me learn how to share the gospel with friends who are lesbian. What a blessing!

@michaelwaterworth9899 2 жыл бұрын

The blood of Jesus Christ, does more than covers our sin it CLEANSES us....from all sin. I John 1:7, 9.

@lindalegg9816 10 ай бұрын

I don't know what to make of your ending statement. Your new friends didn't think suddenly you would be all cleaned up, they're not telling you to "move on", and yet, when you think of these friends, you're thinking to yourself - you're not all cleaned up either. Ok, we're all sinners, but this is kind of an odd thing to say.

@paulasalgado8603 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder what was the wonderful church community she attended.

@JRRodriguez-nu7po 5 ай бұрын

Christ said He came for the sick. As a physician, healing takes time, care and at times the patient seems to get worse before better. What cannot be allowed is pride in being a sinner. To identify as a glutton, thief, homosexual or whatever, rather than as a singular Christian trying to improve, cannot be tolerated. This is the same woman who calls out against Revoice and Cru.

@bobharms8787 5 ай бұрын

The love of Jesus is pervasive...I love you with that love Jesus has forgiven me. I pray still for those who in the 70's were a part of the lesbian family. They taught me how horrible men can treat women, and the damage condemnation can cause. How different is the love of our God, thank you Jesus. John 3:17

@michaelwaterworth9899 2 жыл бұрын

Are unsaved, unregenerate folks really image bearers of a Holy God? When the apostle Paul says, such were some of you? 2:13. Of video. I thought only redeemed men and women have the Holy Spirit and are temples of God?

@theophilus46 2 жыл бұрын

to your 1st Q: yes. God gave you soul & spirit at conception, and from that point on, you do have the image of God within you. In Genesis when God said: "Let us create man in our image", that is precisely what we have. The next step is to acknowledge our Creator and not turn away to our own lusts or contrary ways. To ''believe'' in Jesus Christ is a full acceptance of, trust in, reliance upon for WHO He is, and on His terms. Having the image of God within is about creation. Having the living God within is what happens when you are Born Again by the Spirit of God. Your reference to Pauls saying "and such were some of you" had to do with those who became "believers" and were infilled by the Holy Spirit. Keep reading your Bible every day. become familiar with Proverbs, Johns gospel, and Romans to strengthen your mind heart & soul

@jsigur157 Жыл бұрын

How do you know that the ppl that wrote the bible did so under some sort of pure revelation spirit? That is never addressed by devout Christians. The given is "the bible is the pure word of God" and of course if it isn't, then nothing in there is above being questioned or challenged. Rosaria seems like a nice enough person boarding on religious political

@genehart8088 3 жыл бұрын

Perhaps your view of Christians was always wrong!

@johnny2303 7 жыл бұрын

What do you mean by an image bearer of a holy God.? Our Image is corrupted.

@conferenciateologicasolasc8636 7 жыл бұрын

Yes, but is still there. More than any creature in the Universe. We (saved and not) are the only beings that can have this image renewed.

@markie10ful 6 жыл бұрын

Johnny does it not say we are made in the image of God ?

@holarc 5 жыл бұрын

does that exact phrase/term "image bearer" come from the bible? or is it some newer religious-intellectual version?

@holarc 5 жыл бұрын

@@markie10ful does that exact phrase/term "image bearer" come from the bible? or is it some newer religious-intellectual version?

@hairyairey 4 жыл бұрын

@@holarc Genesis 1:27. Not exactly difficult.

@howlinluke Жыл бұрын

This is sad

@holarc 5 жыл бұрын

There is some contemporary intelligence here, but this was essentially made for the benefit of very traditionally religious people to watch. At about 4:30 or 40 she just dives into words about 'the blood of jesus', as if everyone watching this youtube video is going to get that and be right with her. Not helpful.

@rebekahealy8594 5 жыл бұрын

Hi holarc, are there any questions you have about the things Rosaria shared that I might be able to help find answers for?

@holarc 5 жыл бұрын

hi @@rebekahealy8594. first, do you have a sense of why i wrote that she 'made this for the benefit of very traditionally religious people'? also, why i wrote of how "she just dives into words about 'the blood of jesus', as if everyone watching this youtube video is going to get that and be right with her."? tell me why you think i may have focused on and written of those things.

@rebekahealy8594 5 жыл бұрын

@@holarc I believe I do have a sense of what you are getting at. There can be a sort of "Christianese", if you will, or a specialized language that Christians use and are used to hearing. This pattern of speaking may be confusing or off-putting to individuals outside of church circles, as they may have no context for phrases like "washed by the blood of Jesus" or "the body of Christ". Is this close to what you meant?

@holarc 5 жыл бұрын

@@rebekahealy8594 yes. it is. thnx.

@holarc 5 жыл бұрын

@@rebekahealy8594 maybe she should do videos for people outside of the church? i dont agree with her though that same-sex love is against christs teachings. when people say he came to fulfill the old testament, to me, fulfill means being the prophesied christ, being the new seed, and going further than than the old testacle prophets! too, christ had to deal with the times and culture he was in. he said we can do 'even greater works'. let's be more compassionate and wise.

@holarc 5 жыл бұрын

god's truth is only in the bible (esp old testament) in a limited way. god speaks most fully now and today, through the holy spirit. listen to your true heart.

@paularrowsmith9980 3 жыл бұрын

The Lord Jesus authenticated Old Testament scripture when He quoted it authoratvely. God is the author of His word - both Old & New Testaments - He is not the author of confusion, and the Holy Spirit as part of the Godhead does not contradict the written word of God. God's people are required to test (evaluate) the spirits, whether they are true or false. Sadly, many folk make claims for what they allege the Holy Spirit showed or told them, contradicting God's word as they do so, sometimes blatantly and sometimes subtly. As the OT puts it, it's the entrance of God's word that gives light. The Holy Spirit makes the Holy word alive in our hearts and minds. Without the Bible, we would have no bedrock for understanding or for discernment. Hoping these comments are helpful.

@theresaguide8363 5 жыл бұрын

Lost a Lot? Lost a lot of sin.

@steflondon88 4 жыл бұрын

Have compassion to the fact that though it was sinful lifestyle, she lost relationships and community and friendships.Stop focusing on your judgement and ask God to see things more deeply then you do.

@Loctician 2 жыл бұрын

Yes but let’s not forget before people come to Christ they don’t view it as sins but things they like so when she says she lost a lot she isn’t saying she loves sin but she gave it up for a better life that’s we gain in Christ

@nickgagnon3626 2 жыл бұрын

Shes lying to herself.

@hag_13 2 жыл бұрын

poor woman was brainwashed

@tothetimbotothewall 6 жыл бұрын

This woman only furthered my deconstruction from Christianity. #EmptyThePews

@mypuritanicalopinion3332 4 жыл бұрын

Rosario Jezebel.

@steflondon88 4 жыл бұрын

God help you, your blind. She embraced Jesus Christ, maybe you should too.

@stonewhall 4 жыл бұрын

Rosario might be her brother ... this is Rosaria ;-)

@sequencerman5 4 жыл бұрын

Pretty much. She's certainly fooled a lot of the gullible pew-warmers.

@sequencerman5 3 жыл бұрын

@@idlybye5002 Why not? My opinion of her remains the same. She's a phony. Oh dear, am I repeating myself?

@scooter59wyo61 3 жыл бұрын

@@sequencerman5 : Who are you to judge when Jesus forgives?

@ckyung1312 3 жыл бұрын

Wow. She was always straight just 😕confused. She doesn't speak for people who are GLBTQ just because she decided to submit to men's authority and their privileged gibberish.

@NJ-yd8hj 2 жыл бұрын

So it is a choice.

@mentilly_all 5 ай бұрын

are you not willing to listen to what she says for herself tho?

@theresaguide8363 5 жыл бұрын

Social gospel won't save a soul. Only God can change the heart through His Gospel. Stop dwelling on your lost sin.

@steflondon88 4 жыл бұрын

huh