Christian Music Star Watched His Life Crumble
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Christian music star John James was the lead singer of the Newsboys for twelve years. He shares his story of how his success began to expose the defects in his character and caused his life to crumble around him.
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I so appreciate his vulnerability here. We are all so flawed. We ALL need God's grace and mercy!!❤
Thank you for commenting and listening to his story here with us.
I've "retired" from worship recently. I realized a long time ago (when I was still a worship musician) that worship is only a vehicle to get us to where God really wants us -- working one-on-one with people less well off than ourselves (Matthew 25, sheep/goats). Today I teach Bible to recovered alcoholics and addicts at a city gospel mission.
God bless you Tom you’ve got a beautiful heart.
@@tomsanders5584 similar story here, haven't retired though..
Thank You Lord for the redemptive Blood of Jesus!!! Thank you John for sharing your powerful story! Bless you man! ❤️
Praise the Lord! He is faithful to save!
I’ve been blessed to be in the studio with John these past weeks working hard to release his first album in over 25 years. He’s the real deal and I’m excited to see what God does through this new music and his ministry.
@@TheMixAcademy I loved hearing John’s testimony! It was gut-wrenching honesty and beautiful. It lifted my spirit as I am going through a difficult time right now. Thank you God for bring our brother in Christ back to the fold, now truly living for Jesus. God bless you Mr James!, and your ministry of Christ’s love. ❤️🙏
Thank you for sharing your experience working with him. Thank you for commenting today.
so that's why is he coming now with testimony , to re enter in the fame and succes?
I saw Newsboys and DC Talk live at Bramalea Baptist Church in Brampton when i was 15 (51 now), when they were on their Hell Is For Wimps tour. It was an awesome show! I miss the original Newsboys. Thank you for sharing this testimony and valuable lesson on guarding your heart from the world.
Bless you brother!What a testimony of Jesus GRACE.
John James' testimony is a powerful reminder of Jesus' grace and transformative power. May his story encourage us all to rely on God's grace in our own lives. Thank you for viewing our post! Stay blessed! ♡
I’m crying. Moved by John’s vulnerable honesty and by God’s incredible grace and mercy! Praise Jesus!!!!
There is so much power when we share what God has done in our lives. Truly, we would be lost without His mercy and grace. His love is perfect, and each of us have a calling and a purpose in our lives. Thank you for sharing,
@RobAnderssen. Please feel free to invite others to check out CBN/The 700 Club. May our content be used by God. God bless you!
The so called “Christian” music industry has got to take some blame for this, for not shepherding their sheep. So many stories like this. Bless you bro, amazing to hear of Gods faithfulness in your life.
@@bobdavidbell yes, it became an industry and not a ministry. Fame and riches clouded the minds of many from the scriptures. Thankful for Jesus the king of glory who humbled himself to come and dwell among men.
@@kevinwright5106 I remember my American pastor friend telling me his church was thinking about getting DC TALK in for a gig back in the day. They wanted thousands upfront AND the church to pay for their flights! All about the $$$. Not saying their all in it for the money but I fear many are 😔
It has to take a LOT of blame - as bobdavid said, it's an industry that serves itself, nothing Christian about it. The entire band of Jars of Clay went into blasphemy and the industry celebrated with them.
@@rothweiler Whatever happened to Jars of Clay? I believe they went on tour with Sting on their first album.
Shepherding is the job of a pastor (the two words are even the same in some languages), not an industry.
Praise God in Christ Jesus brother! John James you stayed alive and didn't kill yourself because you were and are a true son of God. Other's would have, and probably died already. But you, you chose to fight to survive. I did the same, I chose to follow Christ instead of of follow the world, where my best friend toured the world on Epic Records, I chose Jesus instead, he was more valuable a greater need in my life when I was seventeen. And when I backslid, like many of us do, I chose to want to live when a almost died of liquor poisoning. When went to work the next Monday after that episode my boss introduced me to them to be the minister to guide my to a fresh new journey the was similar to yours, where I also met my future wife now married since June 25th 1988. Peace in Christ. You inspire me Brother James.
That's a powerful testimony of faith and redemption, brother! John James' journey reminds us of God's grace and the strength we find in Christ. Your own story of choosing Jesus over worldly paths is inspiring. May God continue to bless you and your family as you walk in His peace and purpose. Many thanks and may God's joy fill your heart! ♡
Two of my favourite Christian albums are “Going Public” and “Take Me To Your Leader”. They had joined with Steve Taylor, whom I also love, to create great music. Given the many Christian artists who have begun to question their faith it is refreshing to see someone be so raw and honest about what the Christian music industry can do to a person. I pray he clings to his saviour and moves forward and grows in his understanding of God’s grace.
He Reigns is still my favorite Christian rock song of all time!
What a story and the faihtfulness of God. He excels in totally restoring the broken. I know. I'm one of them. So grateful!
Thank you for sharing your testimony of what the Lord has done in your life. We rejoice with you in His healing and redemption in your spirit.
Thank you so much for sharing you heart and life with us! They say it's not how well you start but how well you finish! Bravo!! May we all by His wonderful love and great Grace finish well. You are finishing well!! And may you take many saved souls with you when we see Him face to face. Never stop singing, ministering! Never stop!! You are golden!! 🌅🙏
Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words. We are glad that this content has blessed and inspired you. }
What an amazing testimony.
Thank you!
💯
We hope that his testimony is an encouragement to you today. Praise God for His abounding love.
I am not a fan of most CCM because I worked in Nashville in the industry back in the mid 90's and was astounded at what I saw and heard. I wondered how most of them could sleep at night. Kudos to the rest of the Newsboys for telling this guy he had to go. Most of them now hide their members' true lifestyles or worse, outright defend it. I dont know anything about this guy's sincerity but I can say this....I cant help but compare and see the massive differences in this interview with the recent interview with Russ Taff. While this man talks of sin and brokenness and repentance, Taff cursed throughout the interview and never once mentioned repentance. It was all about him and how he had been so abused and mistreated by life. The differences in the 2 attitudes are quite striking and very apparent.
I also heard the Russ Taff interview and seriously had to question if he's saved, since cursing was clearly a part of who he was. When I got saved, I noticed after a little while that I no longer cursed and had no desire to. It would grieve me if I ever did.
Crazy, you mentioned this Russ Taft interview.i stopped watching when he was cursing. I was really blown away. I think I want to still finish it, but I’m not sure.
@@pukaman1 I don't recommend it. His swearing gets worse as the video progresses.
@@GreatDataVideos wow, I grew up listening to Russ Taft. I’m completely blown away. Has anyone confronted him about this out there? Super sad
@@pukaman1 I have no idea. I think the interview was recent. I wish I hadn't seen it, but the man definitely needs prayer. He grew up in a bad situation and it seems to affect him to this day. Very sad.
Brother. I love your honesty and humility. I know that you believe and know you are loved. Keep confessing that and keep expecting God to work
"A little compromise here and there" says it all. It doesn't take much to start the downward spiral. Walk Close to God everyday, as close as you can get ! ☺♥†♪♫ 7-13-24
Amen!!! 💯
Great testimony. So refreshing to hear someone who is willing to admit their failings and serve God humbly after experiencing such fame. God bless you brother
So good to hear this story of redemption. I was a huge Newsboys and John James fan back in the 1990s and was able to attend a couple of their high energy concerts
Thank you for sharing John. The church doesn't have a good answer for all the algorithm's set against families in this and other apps pulling men away from their families. With a lack of discipleship and only one hour a week sermon how will the men survive? They are not. Leader after leader is falling. Ironman a Christian response group is the only thing I have seen that successfully helps. The current structure of the church does not unfortunately only seems to perpetuate the problem with limited access to community, God and pretty options.
We appreciate you for watching this and for sharing your thoughts with us. May the Lord continue to gie us wisdom and may the Holy Spirit guide us always. }
@@HappyTrails1 it’s scriptural to work out your own salvation. All of us, leaders included, must guard ourselves and be personally responsible for our own walk with God. His Word is full of truths and direction. 🙏🏻
What a sweet humble man.
God is so so wonderful 🙌Thank You Lord for loving us so much that You never give up on any of us....ours is to yield to Your will....Yes, submitting to You 🛐
We are so loved by Him. Remember "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 Jn. 4:18)
God bless and help John James. Thank you for your willingness to share your story. God bless you, your family and your ministry.
That’s great news Man. Blessings in the Lord hallelujah. God is good.
Thank you James for being so vulnerable and real.. Your testimony of brokenness and repentance is greatly needed in the worship ‘focused’ community. The lure of fame, success and recognition could creep into our lives in the name of worship leading or ministry. Thank you for your great example and I will be sharing your video to many of my church mates later!
Matthew 19-9 clearly says
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
What a powerful and truthful testimony, Praise and Glory to God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit! He is Sovereign and merciful, and will reveal Himself to all who come to Him in repentance! Thank you Jesus! 🙏✝️🙏
Please join us in prayer for the Lord to continue to work and bring healing in his life.
And why are the Newsboys not talking to him anymore? This guy is a repented man. Bring him back.
@@mattboyles3590 sounds like he is where he needs to be. And they have a new lead singer
Lord knows America needs missionaries. God bless you. God is good.
Imagine a world where the destructive person restores bc they came to Christ! Especially the men, fathers!
Of John Baptist and his message to repent: ‘He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the sons, and sons to the fathers…..’
What we define as "success" can devastate people. It is not success that is bad. It is our ability to handle or not handle it that will make or break us. Christianity is about losing your life to find it. What a GREAT story of restoration. He IS the GOD of creation and restoration, the One who is faithful and only true.
Thank you for following his testimony here with us. We hope that it has encouraged you today.
Christian music and success were not the problem. His own personal choices were. Peter Furler never had these problems.
Please join us in prayer for the Lord to work in his life and bring healing and growth in his faith.
I grew up in Uganda in the 90’s and I was a big Newsboys fan. I always wondered where this brother went!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We hope that this testimony is an encouragement to you today.
@@700club Yes it absolutely was! I am glad he is well and still serving the Lord. Thank you 700 Club for continuing to bring us these inspiring testimonies to encourage our walk with the Lord!
Thank you for your honesty and transparency, brother John. I've followed your journey for decades and wept hearing your precious testimony. HE is the God who Sees! May HE continue to give you and your wife wisdom as you share Him with others. ❤
It takes courage to share and be transparent. Thank you for your kinds words for John. God bless you, @jlieneke7352.
Echoes of the story of Daniel in this testimony. God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for listening to his story. We appreciate you following with us here today.
God is so good. Thank you so much for this testimony.
Yes, appearances can be deceiving. Even *this* appearance. If JJ had learned anything good from his journey, he wouldn't be on UA-cam right now. So, if God is again merciful, JJ has another hard fall coming. I hope he learns something good from it.
It’s his vulnerability that God decided to meet him and then build him back up to be used again. Glad he found his way to Him.
Thank you for sharing your testimony. We serve an awesome God!🙏🙏
We certainly do serve a mighty God. Praise God for His unending and unfailing love for us.
🙏❤️🔥💪🛡️🕊️🙌
Thank you for your humble honesty. God bless you.
Thank you for following his story with us. We hope that his story encouraged your spirit today.
This is awesome!!! I’ve been listening to this band since their very first album in the U.S. and I remember hearing John James and band open for Petra back in the early 1990s in Medford, OR. It was a great show !
GOD!!! IS!!! GOOD!!! All!!! THE!!! TIME!!! BE!!! BLESSED!!!🕊🤍
He is so good and all that He does is good!
Not sure what to think I pray his repentance is real . He is an amazing singer! And very gifted . He needs a male Accountability partner so bad and yet will he find one . Cause the church has no programs and is more worried about its reputation than redemption and healing to have a good program for fallen men or struggling men !
He shows true signs of repentence and healing. A man sometimes has to go through wilderness alone.
Needed to hear this similar journey myself
We are glad this was helpful for you. May the Lord peace be with you. God bless you!
John James. Really appreciate his being humble and sharing. The Newsboys albums from Not Ashamed onward are excellent.
Thankyou for sharing your life experiences and brokenness, John James. When someone or something replaces God, our character changes, our purpose changes, our love changes... fame, money, houses, cars; all Fade, Jesus will always be relational.❤🙏
Back when the Newboys ROCKED...not the watered down mess they are today
The Newsboys were the only Christian band I could stand.
I thinking why has he got an Australian accent....Iam from Australia and always thought they were from USA.
😘💕💕💕
Oh man, old school Newsboys were the best. Growing up my dad was a sales manager for a Christian radio station, so all we listened to was Christian music: Newsboys, DC Talk, Skillet, Audio Adrenaline, Third Day, Delirious, Reliant K. We went to concerts all the time like Jesus Northwest which eventually became Creation Fest. Such nostalgia and such a positive, incredible message. Thank you for being a positive influence on my childhood.
John, you don’t know Christ. That’s evident by the kind of music you performed, and by your lifestyle. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Titus 1:16) You need to truly repent of your sin, and turn to Christ in faith. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19)
Hell is for Wimps is awesome! Thanks for your gift. I understand fame exposes things we don't want others to see. However, you impacted so many in a positive way. Repent and forgive yourself. God is amazing and can use any circumstance to bring Him glory.
Thank you for your encouragement for his life. Praise God for the healing and redemption we have in His name.
Christian music “star”…that’s where things went wrong
We all need to hear and respond to this profound message. Humbly come to the feet of Jesus and confess your sins and repent. Stay in God’s word and seek His will.
There is healing and forgiveness when we come in humility.
Love this. I was a young fan and had three newsboys cassettes. ❤
This channel and Delafe have and are changing the lives of millions. Thank you so much! Se you all on the other side
Glory to God, the Lord our God, merciful and gracious. Dare to hope in Him. His compassion for you will not fail. Trust in Him and you to will see the goodness of God in the land of the living.
Thank you for commenting. We are so loved by Him. Remember "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 Jn. 4:18)
Beautiful Mate! I love to see God’s restoration and redemption at work!
Thank you for following his story with us. Praise God for His healing and redemption.
Raised my kids on the Newsboys. One of the few concerts I went to at the Fox theater in Detroit the “take me to your Leader” tour. The kids were jumping so much that the upper deck was moving.. so fun. I know the music industry in general can be very problematic. Glad he came full circle! ⭕️
The Bible warns not to put a novice in leadership, they are done wrong when that happens. It exposes them to temptations they're not ready for, when they haven't had a chance to grow roots, learn humility & God's word. They don't belong on a platform or in a pulpit, they need mentoring and time in church & with God. Their soul is more important than any ministry.
Please pray with us for the Lord's healing and leading upon his life.
Wow, such a heartbreaking and inspiring story. I always wondered what happened to him after he left the newsboys.
Thank you so much for sharing this !
Brings back memories of listening to the newsboys where I was a teenager and I won tickets and went with a good friend of mine to see them live at Kings Island in Ohio . Take me to your leader tour. We had a lot of fun.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are glad to hear that his story was an inspiration to you today.
God bless you!!!! ❤️🙏
Wonder-full testimony.
My late husband was a very well-known Christian musician. At the outset, we were taught that if it's not happening at home, it's not happening anywhere. Phew! And, a song challenged him in that 'you may have a revered public position'... but do you love your wife?
I'm astonished the band sacked you rather than help you, and that your 1st wife left rather than go through it with you, but as you say, Father took you out to make you whole.
One day, we played Robin Mark's version of The Father's song. My husband wept and wept. He had 2 fathers who never wanted him for a moment, but the Father of fathers made him whole, too. Yay.
All of heaven's love and blessings to you and yours.❤
Thank you for sharing your family's story with us. We pray the peace and comfort of the Lord over your husband's heart today. Thank you for sharing your testimony with us today.
@@700club He went home to his heavenly Father. X
I had a vision of all the homeless giving their lives to god
Phil. 1
18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
It is too bad that so many of these Christian artists were so worldly behind the scenes and some have now complety apostacized.😢 Nevertheless, in His mercy, the Lord Jesus Christ used them in the lives of many young people, who like me have grown up to raise Christian families who we trust will faithfully, by His grace, bring Him glory in the next generation. I look back fondly on my younger days when I listened to the Neesboys.
I am so grateful to hear of the sanctification in this brother's life. May God be glorified!
Praise God for His mercy. Thank you, John, for your openness.
Thanks for listening!
God bless you, John, for that amazing testimony. Love you, brother!
Deeply touching and moving story! Always wondered what the story was behind you leaving the Newsboys and glad to hear you're doing wonderful!
Praise GOD for HIS goodness. I cried overwhelmingly when stepped away ❤✝️
It’s simple. This entire “praise and worship” nonsense is of the flesh. It cannot feed the New Creation so it just feeds those elements of our human psychology that, if not held in check by genuine Faith, metastasize into complacency and backsliding.
What I will always remember of John James & the Newsboys was the fresh, extraordinary style of music that brought us all right into the center of the arms of God. The lyrics were always spot on and the energy of the music breathed life into the church. I often return to enjoy these timeless songs on my playlist. As a youth leader back in the 90's we were a part of many of those amazing concerts that remain secure as a special place in time where we all shared together in our journey with the Lord. In each season of life, we all have built our own kingdoms of fame in the ministry, but in the rise we can forget our First Love. The church of Ephesus is a constant reminder that we are not alone. The rebuilding process is a baptism of fire, a sanctification that reveals a pure finished product because of the grace of God and His great desire for us at a very personal level. That's when you become GOLD. The fall is always a means to being rebuilt into what God had already had in mind before we were ever born. The human element is no surprise to Him, yet when we find ourselves back on the potter's wheel His amazing love continues to astonish us. His measure of success is fully realized in knowing Him and the power of His resurrection.
Character is built by the righteousness of God; NOT RELIGION. The church is using people to portray false analogies on character!!!! Don’t buy into these lies!!!!!
I grew up (70”s) listening to Rock / metal , parents had me in Catholic Church I totally believed in God and the existed before I became born again, and knew in my heart 1 day there would be cool Christian Music. When I heard of the Newsboys I thanked God I didn’t have to listen to secular music anymore. Thank you for creating the Newsboys. Peace & blessings in your journey. Baruch Haden Adonai! God is SO SO Amazing!! I still listen. ❤️
Thank you 4 this testimony. ❤
Thank you for listening to his testimony with us. It is amazing to see what God can do to redeem and restore.
Beautiful story of Repentance & Redemption!
God’s Grace and Provision is so incredibly MORE THAN what we can ask or think!
We are the seed… God’s Holy Spirit causes His plan to grow into a heart that is willing to receive… into the TREE we are meant to be.
John you are an amazing man of God who is exactly that an imperfect person serving a perfect God. Thank you for being so open all these years and truthful with your story and the courage it must have taken😊 I will always have the upmost respect for you from the time I met you in Corpus Christi Texas performing at the local skating rink that I worked at and now own for over 25 years! Thank you, thank you thank you for sharing your story and never backing down from being open and vulnerable to not only respect, but also those who continue to shame on you. You are an amazing person and wish you nothing but the best in life God bless.😇
Praise God!
Bless John for his willingness to share his story. We in the church bear much of the responsibility for what has happened to so many "Christian musicians." It's a business and it has a bottom line that is profit.
Thank you. My opinion: as CCM got bigger, its music became more commercialized and less cutting edge. At the same time, too many Christian artists put career above Christ. And too many Christians put spiritual and idealized demands on people that were musicians, not desert saints. Emotional and spiritual trauma has been the result in too many cases. I am glad you found healing through humility and repentance. God bless you, your wife, and your family.
I’m so glad God isn’t like people. What a happy ending.
Oh so relatable! I too am a worshiper/musician, and if Jesus stops being the main thing, you’re toast…it’s so easy to get caught up in ego, lifestyles and people pleasing - Jesus help us keep our hearts and eyes fixed on You!
Anyone who wants to follow Him MUST pick up his cross (that is, must be willing to die on it) if not, He says you are not worthy to follow Him. So, if you're willing to pick up your cross, He will help you carry it till the end!
The story is redemptive but I don’t agree with him remarrying. It is in unbiblical.
@John316is4u God hates divorce, as it clearly is stated in the Word. My personal view is because It hurts His children, and that breaks His heart. Remarriage isn't a terrible thing in most cases, I'm thankful for this man's testimony which has been shaped by sin, bad choices and his renewal to serve and honor his Heavenly Father. True repentance is wonderful, and someone sharing their journey from the spotlight to a fall from Grace inspires others to seek forgiveness, and that is ALWAYS good! We can all learn from those around us. We need to pray for him and judge less...none is perfect, except Jesus.......
@@KarenBryan-ek4gc I’m not here to try and debate or share my opinion but rather share the biblical truth that is often disregarded by the Christian world. Covenant marriages are for life and marriage outside that is considered adultery.
“So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.”
Mark 10:11 NKJV
I have no hate to this man but the truth is that remarriage after divorce is adultery and it’s dangerous to promote that.
@@NormaHF it appears you decided to choose the takeaway from my comment despite the first part of it. “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!”
Romans 6:15 NIV
I pray you walk in conviction. Don’t take advantage the grace to do what you want.
yeah i heard it was alcohol that brought him undone and why he was fired from the newboys, really weird
I am so thankful for the healing for someone whose music I still enjoy and whose musical testimony made a difference in my life. God bless your humbleness brother to be real. I pray that you continue to truly prosper.
How are you ever gonna fix a guy like me. I love this so much.
Only Jesus is able to change lives
Praise the Lord for the redemptive love we have in Jesus Christ. He alone can save.
Amen, @Canyon77-sc, Jesus changes lives. There is no one like Him.
Thank you for sharing your testimony and giving God the Glory! May it touch others that need to hear it! ❤
❤
Praise Jesus brother
Thank you for following his testimony with us.
Thank you so much brother John James. Your testimony is very helpful and inspiring. God bless you.
We are so happy to hear that his testimony blessed you!
Thank you for sharing this
That was wonderful !
Even just hearing a testimony like this second hand is such a testament to God's grace. Makes it feel all the more real!
Thank you for following his story here with us today. We are glad to hear that his testimony has encouraged you today.
What a beautiful testimony! Thank you for sharing so honestly ❤️ God's love and goodness are so amazing!!❤
Thank you for listening to his testimony with us. Please join us in prayer for the Lord to grow him in faith.
Thank you for sharing your journey. So uplifting to know how our Saviour will go further and further to bring us to Himself. Blessings to you and your family and the ministry Jesus has for you both 🙏✝️🥰
@lorrainekruse5588, thank you so much for taking the time to comment and watch his testimony. Amen! Jesus runs after us because He loves us. He wants us to know Him more and more. We are moved to hear God used this story to encourage you. Blessings!
Did he repent or was he biding his time to get back to America?
I do believe in true repentance, but upon hearing his testimony, it really sounded like he wanted to get back to his old ways to me.
Thank you for listening to his story with us. Please join us in prayer for him that he will find healing and total redemption in Christ.