My Warning to New Christian Apologists
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- Опубліковано 25 тра 2024
- For more information about J. Warner’s books:Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective
Investigates the Claims of the Gospels (UPDATED AND REVISED): amzn.to/42XtJhu
God's CrimeScene: A Cold-Case Detective Examines the Evidence for a Divinely Created Universe:
amzn.to/2kAroVD
Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith: amzn.to/2Bvkyv4
So the Next Generation Will Know: Training Young Christians in a Challenging World: amzn.to/2CftJza
Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible: amzn.to/3nDriN2
"He must increase, and I must decrease." John the Baptist
As someone who has considered starting a UA-cam channel for the gospel, this was great wisdom for me to hear. I have always held back because I know my motives and not pure and that I desire the influence more than spreading the message. Pray that this desire would be flipped, as I would love to one day use the gifts God has given me to promote his good news of salvation for all who believe.
Are you taking opportunities to share the gospel in your daily life-in conversation, in street witnessing (handing out Bible leaflets/starting conversations with strangers), responding with biblically-sound comments to things on social media, etc.? These are needed! I understand wanting to have the right motives, but even the 'best' Christian deals with improper motives from time to time. We are to share the gospel as an act of obedience (see Mark 16:15); ask God for the boldness and humility to simply obey. Know that if you share the gospel of Christ with others, you will likely be accused of bad things/motives on occasion (even by other Christians). This is a part of suffering for Christ's sake. What did Paul say when others were preaching the gospel for less than the best reasons? He rejoiced: What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence , or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (Philippians 1:18).
Are you taking opportunities to share the gospel in your daily life--in conversation, in street witnessing (handing out Bible leaflets/starting conversations with strangers), responding with biblically-sound comments to things on social media, etc.? These are needed! I understand wanting to have the right motives, but even the 'best' Christian deals with improper motives from time to time. We are to share the gospel as an act of obedience (see Mark 16:15); ask God for the boldness and humility to simply obey. Know that if you share the gospel of Christ with others, you will likely be accused of bad things/motives on occasion (even by other Christians). This is a part of suffering for Christ's sake. What did Paul say when others were preaching the gospel for less than the best reasons? He rejoiced: What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence , or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (Philippians 1:18).
Are you taking opportunities to share the gospel in your daily life--in conversation, in street witnessing (handing out Bible leaflets/starting conversations with strangers), responding with biblically-sound comments to things on social media, etc.? These are needed! I understand wanting to have the right motives, but even the 'best' Christian deals with improper motives from time to time. We are to share the gospel as an act of obedience (see Mark 16:15); ask God for the boldness and humility to simply obey. Know that if you share the gospel of Christ with others, you will likely be accused of bad things/motives on occasion (even by other Christians). This is a part of suffering for Christ's sake. What did Paul say when others were preaching the gospel for less than the best reasons? He rejoiced: What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence , or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (Philippians 1:18).
Yeah I was tempted to start a YT channel but didn't and now when I think of it I just see all these faces in little boxes talking endlessly! I listen way too much even though I often walk or do something. Sometimes I catch myself scrolling endlessly. I'm glad I don't have Tik Tok or Facebook. I may have to go to a flip phone because I just seem to want knowledge about sharing the gospel or how to address culture or keto diet or hear sermons from different pastors, or some news/politics. Jesus said in the end times ppl would seek knowledge endlessly. I think this is it!
Bless you, Grant. The conscience is a beautiful gift, keep using it.
Hebrews 5:14
[14] But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
' Stay in your lane ' ..... great advice sir , many thanks and may GOD bless you and yours.
Gilly wife of Mark
Like Phil Robertson says, "When you go somewhere, take your wife and your bible with you."
"We need to be invisible. The message is more important."
I am saved from being a celebrity by my work not being popular. It's not a great situation, I feel. But I think your advice about recognising why you're doing whatever your doing - for God or for worldly results - is good. Perhaps one sound application is: 'Do the right thing, and don't worry about the results. If you're acting for God, the results are his business, not yours' (it's certainly a test of your motivation). Add this principle: 'Stay aware of your limitations, in case while standing for Christ, you fall'.
Good advice. Thank you. “Do the right thing and don’t worry about the results.”
Thank yOuuuu. I needed to hear this so badly. As a pastor this is major and this video has been an answer to prayer in my struggles
Classic example of why I am thankful to have been lead to your channel. Truth and Christ first.
Thank you for preaching this message. May we put God first in all things.
Totally agree on this video message. Been a few days since finding out about you and it's exactly what I was searching for! Your experience and knowledge with true crime helping to investigate the Gospel is a work of art! Thank you. Thank you God for the blessings.
I'm loving the direction this is taking cause I've been thinking about this.
The opening montage sure feels ironic after hearing this.
Great video!
I know I’ll thinking about this one for years
Wonderful insight Mr. Wallace.
It’s should always be about what Jesus did on the cross for all of us. ✝️ 25:11
I saw a video on YT where a well-known teacher walked on to the platform and as he was approaching the lectern the entire congregation rose and gave him a standing ovation - before he had even opened his mouth. I have said to others that if that ever happened to me (chance -> 0) I would turn round, walk off and never go back to public speaking..
That seems like you would miss a golden opportunity to instruct them on why they shouldn’t stand and clap for you…. Which I think would benefit them more than walking away in what may appear to be a self-righteous statement.
Some things cannot be avoided. Whole towns turned out to see Jesus. And people tried to worship the apostles. Can’t quit the message. Just keep it real
@@ricksonora6656I think it somewhat shifts the focus and from the perspective of a speaker it may also unintentionally gradually cause sense of self importance with , with continual flattery&applaud one is more susceptible to pride . I think it may also create a fertile ground for Narcissts.
I not so much worried by that as I am teachers/preachers who glory in the adoration, those who court it. I have been to conferences and talks where the keynote speaker or other prominent teachers are applauded because of the work they have done in the service of Christ. Ppl are appreciative of that. There were no applause signs or ppl prompting the audience, it is often a outpouring of genuine respect, love, and thanksgiving for how that individual has helped a person grow in their Christian walk. It can get out of hand at times because we are fallen. But to not welcome and applaud someone for their impact on your life is not very Christian.
@@ricksonora6656yes
I appreciate the heart behind this and I think that those experiencing temptation/conviction should do what J Warner-Wallace is doing. I believe the advice to be very cautious about these areas and submit them to God, preferably with accountability in these areas (and any temptation or potential temptation) is wise. However, the reality is that the genuine expertise of people like J is his/your “trusted authority” in this field. Without knowing who you are, sir, I would not know of your expertise. How you present yourself is something to wisely keep an eye on but to withdraw yourself visually from the ministry will not, for many, increase the focus on the ministry but to lessen the authority of the message.
I used to do prison ministry and the men would listen to me in a way they did not if another member of the team would say the exact same words. Why? Because I am in a wheelchair so they identified that I know life is difficult. The same words were heard differently because I said them, not because of me but the circumstances of my life. The same is true here.
Sir, if you see this, please reconsider the degree to which you follow this unless you feel a temptation and/or conviction that you should continue. In this case it is not for me to suggest otherwise. However, please be aware that it is only by knowing your expertise that people will hear your message. You refer to this but then dismiss it. You may be ok with people not knowing you but you have the platform because God has given it to you. Guard against the dangers, yes, absolutely, but don’t withdraw due to what comes across to me as self-consciousness. Preach against the dangers, amen, but I will be sad to see this ministry (or any other) losing any of its potential unnecessarily. You are not the ministry and this ministry may now be well known enough to still be a draw but you can be a link, even a representative to an accountable degree, to draw people to the ministry without being the ministry itself. Please don’t lose that distinction. Be wise to the dangers, ensure accountability and any protective measures needed and regularly remind people it is not about you but you do not need to remove yourself from being a face for the ministry in order to not become it and I believe that to do so lessens the platform God has given you. I hope I have not overstepped by saying this.
Second thought afterwards.
There is a channel on YT about car repair. The creator does not show his face. He goes to great extremes to not show his face. It all about the repairs.
Now he may do that so he can go through and not be recognized. Be normal. It doesn't take an hour to get a gallon of milk. No autographs. No pictures to be taken. No conversations with strangers.
The Dooo, a guitarist channel, only shows his hands and has no face view, or uses a mask.
This is a great reminder even in our everyday lives.
“First you get the money, then you get the power, then you get the women.” Scarface.
Mr. Wallace, anyone who listens to just a few minutes of your broadcasts or reads a single chapter of one of your books will discern two things: that you love Jesus and that you are a humble man. This discussion is so necessary in today's Christian culture. So many megastars, megachurches. Thank you for your teaching, your love of Christ and your humility. God bless you, your wife and Jimmy. 🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️
Mr Warner, I am grateful that you love Jesus and serve his church.
God loves the humble, but resists the proud.
Satan is all about pride.
I think that the biggest mistake that I see defenders of the faith make is in trying to answer questions (usually from mockers or scoffers) that we cannot answer from scripture (either specifically or generally).
My heart sank when I became aware of Ravi's situation. But we have to remember that when one becomes "famous", Satan will tempt us to step off the "side of our lane". It will seem innocent to us at the time, but ultimately destroy our influence. We must use DESCERNMENT throughout our whole lives, ESPECIALLY in these last days. Hold on to the scriptures and keep them in our hearts and minds. It will keep us, guide us, in all we do. ❤❤❤❤
It's amazing to me that a man of your credentials and expertise does not get the same amount of views as a meme video. What a society we are living in, but I can attest to what the scriptire says about men like you, great is your reward in heaven. Thank you for all of the work you do, I just today bought 3 books of yours from amazon, I am excited to read your books.
Outstanding stuff. You packed a tremendous amount of wisdom in this video.
I'm in my 60s, about to start a Bible-based channel here. Won't be like anything else here, and definitely not a celebrity. I don't care about any of that. I'll stay in my wheelhouse and we'll see what happens.
Thanks!
I agree, concerning the "celebrity" risks, HOWEVER, it is VERY helpful to me perusing UA-cam's wasteland to be able to weed out the chaff from the good stuff by seeing your picture, (or David Wood's, or others I trust) picture, on the thumbnail: "This guy puts out good stuff", vs. after watching other thumbnailed providers, I know when I see "that guy'"s pic, "Nah, I"m not wasting my time on that one." Yes, I could get used to looking for Cold Case Christianity references, but even seeing your pic on someone else's video thumbnail can lead me into wider horizons with their content. My 2 cents....
I appreciate the wisdom and humility in this decision. I just say though that I’m the jungle of content it’s easier to sift through seeing who the content is from.
Haven't clicked on your videos in a while, but saw a different thumbnail and it caught my attention 😂 bless you brother
Jim, this is true for all ministries and kinds of service. We should all focus.
Thank you!
Praise the Lord for your humility. Thank you for sharing your gifts for the purpose of giving glory to God alone.
Thank you for sharing your talents.
Right on!!! ;)
Amazing and brutally honest video. I love it! 💯💛👏
While I completely understand the concerns with celerity culture and personality cults within Christianity, I'm not convinced that removing your face from thumbnails and content branding is necessarily the right answer. I think this for 3 reasons:
1. Even if you remove your face from video thumbnails, as soon as someone clicks on a video, they will see you speaking and delivering meaningful content that helps them. And so this will result in them recognising you and still potentially idolising you. Unless you turn ALL your videos into pure animated graphics, your face and personality are still there. Would you also then need to anonymise your books? Etc. Eventually, people will work out who you are. 🤷♂️
2. It's just human nature that we desire to connect to other humans. That's why thumbnails with faces attract more attention. We want to feel like we can relate and connect with someone on the other side of the screen. This is not necessarily a bad thing but rather an important aspect of human connection. I agree that the overly dramatic, ridiculous, and clickbait thumbnails are stupid and drive me crazy. I hate them. But I think the answer is not necessarily removing your face altogether but rather using an authentic, appropriate image because, again, people connect with other people. 🤝
3. In Scripture, many of the people God used in significant ways became 'celebrities' and known throughout the region. Some people idolised them to the point that people like Paul had to address it in his letters. I feel like this tendency with people is unavoidable. Pauls response wasn't to make himself anonymous and hide his face, but simply to correct the people's thinking and challenge them to do better. This might be the more balanced approach? 🧐
Either way, I completely understand the concerns and dangers raised here. They are significant and especially relevant in today's celerity culture. But I just think that any meaningful ministry that impacts the world requires the people who are learning to interact with those who are teaching, and there's simply no way to avoid being elevated by others in such contexts. The nuanced answer to this might be to learn how to manage the attention, to redirect people's focus and affection back to Jesus, to stay submitted to the Holy Spirit, and be accountable to others. ✝️🙏🕊
I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts on this... ? 😉👍
It is good to see that you are being careful about fame. God can lead us away from and protect us from temptation if we ask for it in prayer. And we can all pray for God to protect our favorite UA-camrs, and give them clarity and wisdom.
Timely message. And spot on!!
Yes! From Philippines
Thats amazing that this man spoke those thumbnails, when i see those christian content creators in their every thumbnail i click the dont recommend channel anymore, i appreciate his honesty and that he is going to repent of this and let this video speak for itself, thank you and God bless you brother. I never came across any videos of your but im looking foward to watch them and share them with my brothers in ministry 🙏
Thank you
For me, fame is not a problem in the sense that I don't even consider chasing it. The issue is probably more along the lines of whether I'm using that position of trusted authority properly. It's something that I definitely want to keep in mind.
This teaching condemns me while revealing that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me.
Excellent rant. Struck me as sincere and action oriented.. well done
A powerful and timely word, brother.
Very important message, Jim. Thank you very much for such a reminder.
Duck Dynasty family has great humility in presenting God’s grace, I love their testimonies, I believe they are truly serving Jesus.
I watch you on Dateline too though. Ha
The RZ situation broke my heart. He taught Sunday school for adults when i was very young and not sure when but my dad ( who was an honest upright man) was SS superintendent
I respect your decision, brother. Please keep fighting the Good fight.
The Unashamed podcast is great. I've listened to several dozens of episodes, but I haven't tuned into an episode in several months now.
Currently, I've been binging DWood and Sam Shamoun's content, as well as trying to read and study my Bible, and watch other things. Just haven't allocated enough time. Perhaps a time will come where I binge it again.
Expedition Bible is a recent favorite discovery of mine. I love biblical archeology.. But his videos don't get uploaded on a quick regular schedule. Associates of Biblical Research is another under-appreciated one, as far as content.
Dropping one for the algo.
Wow! I like it.
Many people elevate "the bible" to celebrity status which seems like a good thing, but its purpose is to point to Jesus.
A relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit with fellowship and communication, is life transforming, yet we often get sidetracked into all manner of peripheral things.
Be blessed in your walk with God and man and may we be blessed and take to heart your words in this video.
Thank you.
Galatians 6:6 Whoever preaches and lives by the Gospel deserves to be paid.
He isn't contradicting Paul's statement that full-time ministers of the Gospel should be able to feed their family.
I think the point being made here is not to make celebrity pay as a goal for preaching/teaching/evangelizing/etc. A stipend is not unreasonable especially when it is a primary source of income.
My pastor worries is now worried about screens and talking heads. He is taking his image out of his videos, too, as much as possible.
What you said about publishers mainly concerned with celebrity rather than content confirms what I have long suspected. This is why so much of what is written is mediocre and ghost writers do the dirty work for celebrities. You’re work is anything but mediocre but I mainly read your books because you were a former atheist turned Christian and this was relatable to me.
Remember also that ANY man or woman who is serving God effectively has a big bull’s-eye painted on his or her back that the enemy aims for. He always tries to bring down God’s servants in order to discredit His word. We pray for the Lord’s grace and forgiveness and correction for those who succumb to satan’s fiery darts, while not excusing their actions. And it’s very important not to allow their succumbing to temptations to cause us to discard the word and works of God that have come through their ministries.
Mr. Wallace, your message is dully noted. But the truth is, YOU and the way YOU approached Christianity is the reason why my faith is a lot stronger. All glory to Christ yes and your humility is evident, but unless you can find anything there critical Christian detective, you are the face of Cold Case Christianity. 😊
I believe. N I trust n jesus.
I some much enjoy this channel.
I stopped at a minute and change. When the news of Ravi broke.....it broke the hearts of so many. He was a good teacher. It's a shame that his presence has been removed.
David from the bible was not without major flaws. Yet he is held in high esteem. Rightfully so. His faith was unwavering.
Martin Luther of the 95 these is regarded as a great Christian. His later writings and behavior, however, were far from Christian. Yet that is glossed over.
Okay, back to the presentation!
It's strange that you're talking about "Christian celebrity" bc it's an issue I've dealt with more recently. I have a friend who seems to have fallen prey to it b/c he is charming & sort of a mini-celebrity locally & it feels like it's slowly corrupting him. And I feel like other people are blinded to the problem b/c there's this idea that if you're a celebrity, then you've "made it" as a Christian. But really, that is judging by the world's standard of success, not God's. (Also, Sunday before last I visited my friend's church, which is a satellite of Jentezen Franklin's, and he spoke on this same thing as well!) Basically, you've confirmed my worries for my friend have at least some foundation, and I need to pray for him more earnestly.
FEEDBACK
I just realized that if people are looking for your official UA-cam channel, then leaving your faces on the banner might actually help. In that situation, it is a user friendliness issue.
Remember that you are in that position to glorify Jesus Christ, not your own ego or agenda. I'm still shocked and hearbroken, even angry at the double life that Ravi Zacharias led. I'm embarrassed for his wife and children and the people that he fooled.
I still love his teachings and learned a lot. I was painfully disappointed but not surprised. Beware of "celebrity" teachers and pastors...power and fame is often the downfall, regardless of theology. Humility is key.
A lot of great Christian men started out with no money anything except love of God that’s it. Wesley,Moody in Victorian England working with dirt poor outcasts . In my humble opinion this Mighty men of God mentality modern mentality is the main root cause of the rot that’s seems to set in.
J Peterson...all about him. Doesn't seem to be fully on-board with Christ as Lord. Seems not to care about anything beyond this life, no eschatology
If you make yourself invisible, THE AUTOMATED PROCESS, will remove your ability to preach the Gospel, to have your message heard.
It's not people in charge. It's an automatic process.
I do not recommend this step, as an experienced marketer.
Jesus Christ is Lord. Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Joel Osteen would never make such a video!
Jesus was crucified and died for our sins. His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus was buried. Jesus was raised from the dead by God. Jesus left the tomb. Jesus was seen alive by Mary Magdalene, Peter, the twelve, over 500 brethren at once, James, all the apostles and Paul.
Why do they call it apologist? I DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR THE TRUTH!
look up the definition of apologia
Jesus is the Son of God who came in the flesh through the virgin Mary who conceived by God. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.