@@TheSpaceHobo I don’t disagree with you. But just because you can say the right things for a video doesn’t make you a true believer. Because if you’re messing with tarot cards after being baptized it makes me question your true conversion
@@IMTHEWRETCH I agree with you, i do believe salvation is one process and santification is another. That's why we should be keeping each other in our prayers so we can stop dealing with what causes us to sin
4:52 I wonder if Todd Friel would express himself like that after the Steven Lawson's failure coming out to light. Answer: Of course he wouldn't. Only when evangelicals fail its ok to be sarcastic and criticize. God is exposing you guys (my brethren whom I love) little by little. For your own benefit.
He is not! Brand is a gnostic at best. He is into new age mysticism. Why is it that you cant discern the difference between sound theology and the enemies versions of the scriptures? You lack wisdom. Are you truly born again or will you hear" depart from me I never kbnew you"?
Brand don't know what the gospel is, and neither do the "Christians" who buy into this "conversion" of his. If he actually knew what the gospel is, he wouldn't be wearing a crucifix, as it is a pagan idol.
@@TheRealRenn Ray Comfort DOES NOT! Check your facts before you speak unwisely. Ray Comfort and Living Waters are VERY SOUND BIBLICALLY. SHAME ON YOU FOR BEARING FALSE WITNESS!!!!
Brand is on a journey. I’ve never been a Brand fan but look forward to hearing him every day on rumble for the past couple of months and personally believe he is sincere…..and sooooo funny!!!!! He has a wife and children and I pray they find a good church if they haven’t already….children need to be in church. 🙏🙂
@@donnameahl4516 I raised my children (34 & 36) in the church and neither one attends today.😔 I take my three grandchildren (5,8,14) every Sunday without fail. Their church family and friends are a huge part of their lives, the 14 yo was baptized at 7 (🩷🩷) not the other two, yet. I take care of the baby babies and I do it because I want their young parents to know their children are in safe and loving place so they don’t have to worry. 🙂🙂
Sincere people are wrong every day. Brand is one of them. New age gnosticism is not biblical christianity. Pray for yourself to fill your mind with the word so you have discernment! You are obviously easy to fool.
@@gigiis526 it would appear that you were born a Christian and not only that but a perfect one. Congratulations! You should start, (or do you already have one?), a UA-cam channel of your own so we all can learn from your high ability to discern and cast aside those who are obviously easy to fool. About the only thing you have commented on this topic even close to being accurate is that New age gnosticism is not biblical Christianity. And even that is not completely accurate. Neither New Age teaching nor gnosticism are in any form Christianity...let alone "biblical Christianity". Calm down and have a little self-awareness.
Having served in my local church for 22 years and in various ministries, I have many conversations with members who have "better things to do" or "need to keep their priorities straight" or even "I've done my ministry, it's time for the young families to serve" Making the local body a priority in your walk is one of the most powerful things that you can do for your own walk, and to impact the walks of others.
I watched Steven Baldwin go from party boy to a member of TD Jakes' church to a full fledged Christian denouncing Jakes. It's been amazing to watch Russel go down a similar route of party boy, to buddhist, and now catholic is at least a walk in the right direction. I pray that he continues on to a personal relationship with Him soon. But man! What a transformation from old Russell to current Russell.
@@Taterstiltskin it seemed to me he was saying you can only use your spiritual gifts in the context of a local Church. I disagree. I can use my spiritual gifts at home and I believe it’s possible for believers to use their spiritual gifts in the corporate world. I also believe when I pray for believers in other parts of the world, I am using my gifts for the body of Christ. I just think Church doesn’t fit into a legalistic box, especially at a local church, where we all know it’s not only Christians who attend, and the devil himself can show up in the abuse that has been increasingly common in the local church.
@@HueyThumpI hear ya. But his anti "cowboy Chrisitan" counter cut me deep. I think if your daily "output" is Bible based and Holy Spirit energized, you can be a part of church anywhere, on the go. Or just encourage your church to meet up at different places on church day.
@dnleo I'm with you. There are things that I think Todd gets right, but the way he delivered his statement sounded a bit legalistic. I think that we should not be a sort of "lone wolf" Christian who tries to go through life without anyone else, but that we should be connected to a body of believers wherever we are at to support each other, however big or small the group, but in some cases finding a quality church isn't always possible for a season. Anywhere where believers come together is church.
And its important to remember that Russel is a baby Christian, he is going to make lots of mistakes and hold some bad doctrine. Give him grace and encouragement and pray for him.
@@cat_puncher8539 Yes, I agree. It’s a pet peeve of mine when Christians hold unrealistic expectations to new believers. While I think it’s important to be discerning I’m not sure our response to new confessing believers should be to stand in as judge and jury, but one of prayer and welcome. Not sure that a cold, detached, suspicious disposition toward new converts is Christ-like or even humble. In fact, it’s simply NOT.
@HueyThump true, and if we're being honest, if we applied our own standards to others to ourselves when we were baby Christians we would see a ton of mistakes in the beginning yes God changed us drastically when we converted but we were not perfect
Unfortunately, those churches are few and far between. My husband and I were not raised in Christian homes but we were both born again in our mid twenties. I was at home and had been reading my Bible and wanting to know who God is, and I found Him, JESUS! My husband was also studying and met our Lord. Married, we went out to seek a church. It was a nightmare! They were nothing more than a business. We went to many "mainstream" churches and being schooled in marketing I could see, hear, and smell a "sales pitch" when I saw one. There was not one so called church that was a Biblical example of a Church centered on Jesus. We have moved throughout the country with my husband's career and always went to a local church. It is heartbreaking what we have seen and heard in these churches. But we continue to go to be some kind of a light for our Lord in the midst of such teaching and falsehood that is in the churches today.
There is much joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.Theyre not waiting to see if they get it right .jonah ran.peter denied christ.elijah became suicidal.we don’t know the heart.
Just a thought. Russell Brand may not talk about his serving because of his celebrity status. If he IS serving in church, he may not want to reveal where he worships as there maybe "fans" that just go because of him. Or people may condemn him or the church. Or if it's the lack of, or not serving, he may not even know that belonging to a church is a good thing. Not sure, just my two cents. Though, it is great to see celebrities give there lives to Christ. We'll have to wait and see what happens later down the road. In the meantime, we need to continue to lift them up in prayer.
I'll be honest, sometimes getting really involved in the church on a consistent basis (aside from Sunday mornings perhaps) can be difficult for those of us who need to work two jobs and a lot of hours. Not sure what to do about that.
This is so important man... I need to be in the local Church more than ever before. I'm almost worried about "shopping around" or having that mentality... because I've been to a few that aren't teaching the whole Gospel.
I love Russel and followed him everyday up until i got saved a few years ago then i could not listen to him anymore..... I pray he gets truly saved i have not heard him talk about repentance of sin only acceptance of sin 🚩🚩🚩 and i have not heard him say Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father ‼️ Russel is a words smith good enough to fool even himself, i pray Jesus irresistibly takes a hold of his heart of stone and replaces it with a heart of flesh and frees him from all the false gods, intellectual philosophies and ideologies he is a slave to. God almighty make him a new creature in Christ, raise him from his spiritual deadness make him a faithful servant for your kingdom in Jesus name i pray. 🙏✝️
@@razzled00 yer you only have to go look at his other videos, look at his response to the olympic opening ceremony..... Its completely antichrist, the one true living God is exclusive not inclusive, saying to millions of followers its ok to be who ever you are its noone elses business.... is not Christian and its definitely not loving, leaving people in their sin is hateful not loving, he had an opportunity in that video to call out sin and share the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and he did the opposite its plain as day, it does not take much discernment at all it just take ten minutes to go watch his other videos. I am a recent convert and the thing that has shocked me and absolutely flabagast me is professing Christians lack of discernment...... The only way i can understand it is it must be God allowing it to refine those people and work His purposes in them. We need to be searching Gods word and praying for spiritual discernment and wisdom everyday and also praying that blessing for all our brothers and sisters in Christ everyday. 🙏✝️
This was encouraging. I've been watching Russell's posts and had many of the same reactions. The more I listen to more I hear someone working through the implications of the Gospel message. Hope he does check out your videos.
this is such an important aspect of the christian life Todd. Im so glad you brought it up. I know way too many professing christians who dont commit to a local church. And yes lets hope Brands faith is a saving one.
Great video Todd. Russell does seem to check a lot of positive boxes in his conversion, so I'm hopeful for him. A church is vital and I hope that he has people around him that can direct him/help him find a bible believing body of Christ.
Wow, this is honestly really exciting! As you said, let time reveal whether this is a genuine conversion, or not. Hope for the best! We certainly will hope for the best for Russel.
And if there is no local Bible preaching Church? Then what? Huh? I hear a lot of talk from everyone that we must be a member of a local Bible preaching Church as Christians who truly love God and then the mountain of reasons for it. But the issue that is never addressed in these conversations is that of such a Church not existing in the local area. What do you do then? Because I assure you it is the reality for many of your listeners, myself included.
@@robinlauzon1335 Not everyone has that option either. Sorry, but these over-simplified solutions are not feasible for the majority of people in this predicament.
@@karenschmidt965 That is not how it works, and the fact that ppl think someone can just form a church and expect God to support it only shows how Protestantism isn't any more biblical than Catholicism. Christ said He has only _1_ Church...singular. The psalms say that unless _God_ is the One who builds it, the ppl who form their own churches will NOT have His support. They are building a work of men, deceived men at that.
Will do. One thing you might try is to check out the websites of the nearby churches. You can learn a lot from their statement of faith and other information found there. And you may be able to get a sense of the preaching by watching part of a sermon online. That's one huge advantage nowadays compared to decades ago when you physically had to go to each church to get a feel for what they were all about.
I think a lot of the celebrity “Christians” that fell either belonged to prosperity gospel or WOF and falsely converted and left because it wasn’t real, or did it to gain fame for 15 more min.. sigh.. so sad. Please keep them in prayer 😢 keep spreading the true Gospel because that’s what works!!
I was talking about this with my mom. Our church lost majority of its congregation due to them moving away, some dying etc etc, so they figured it would be best to just go online and sell the building since they couldn't keep up the rent. Loved the church, but at the end of the day I pointed out as was said in the video, a physical church is much more needed for several reasons in the Gospel.
I have been saved since I was 12 years old. Raised Lutheran until my conversion in a Southern Baptist church revival. NO LOCAL CHURCH has EVER given me the support and guidance you just described. I have served in ministries, been in the choir and knowing we are all sinners has NOT been a game changer. EVERY church has clicks and if you aren't in it well you aren't really excepted. So no I will never again be hoodwinked into believing that we MUST belong to a congregation in order to be in obedience to God's order. I read and study my Bible and follow You Tube believers who teach that works for me
The local church as he described doesn't have to be a particular building or organization, but there should in some way be people in your life who essentially serve the same purpose. And while it's fine to appreciate people on UA-cam or what have you, it's not good enough. Much of the polishing he mentioned requires us to deal with people in a way where we have to deal with one another's flaws, and we cannot get that through watching a video.
@@KevinMarshall757 Thank you Kevin I am aware that You Tube is not the answer. I follow quite a few Pastors and use their study tools. Although they are human and sin just like I do for me this works. Too much hurt and no church near me is preaching the word as it should be...line upon line, precept upon precept. Isaiah 28:10.
@@catherinemathias3456 I get where you are coming from, I've been looking for a local church that teaches the bible and haven't found one yet, and I've been looking for a while now. The thing though about watching videos on youtube or following a preacher's content, or even an interaction like the one we are able to have now, is that we only see this small window of the other person's life and that other person is deciding what part you get to see before you see it. That's not to say there is no value in these things, but there are very much things we can only do or get in personal interactions. Thankfully for me I have family members, my dad most of all, who serve much of the same purpose as a church congregation might, and hopefully I am able to sharpen them as they are able to sharpen me. Just the same, I am continuing to look for a good local church because I understand the value and I hope you will as well.
@@catherinemathias3456trying to be as gracious as I can here, yes, churches can be cliquey, and I so get that you've been hurt, but, does that justify you disobeying scripture because you didn't feel comfortable? Don't get me wrong, it's a terrible thing what they did, they did exactly what was warned against in James, that being, showing partiality, but, one sin doesn't justify your sin. You're commanded to meet, and that's the reality of life. Church is meant for OUR BENEFIT, not our burden. I'll be praying for you sister
@@micahm7123 I've said it in several comments ~ the "gathering together" of legit saints described in scripture would hardly look like anything called "going to church" today. Marantha. 💞
Every religion preaches repentance. I don't go inspecting fruit. I trust when someone says they have been born again. I can't condemn someone otherwise I have to condemn myself.
Sorry for not being inside a local church... (Most of the churches here are Catholics, and people are glorifying statues but I know that these are just petty excuses) 😨
If Russell coming to Christ doesnt encourage you, then there is something wrong. You dont get a free pass to hate my Brother in Christ because he was a more well known sinner than you were.
@@troy5659 i agree but i see no reason to look down on him now. Im so glad for Him. He found my Savior. Build him up down tear Him down. You weren’t perfect when you came to Christ and you still aren’t remember that
I'm definitely a sinner in need of a savior that being said you first you have to learn to crawl before you walk & walk before you run a lot of the time you fall & struggle that's where faith in Jesus is so important. I've been so down I have to reach up to touch the bottom as of writing this I'm in the wilderness right now struggling & it's been hard to lean on Jesus but I know he died for our sins & he lover us.
Jesus I LOVE YOU! Lord Jesus please give me strength. Lord I seem to bear the weight of the world on my shoulders as a single mom, I often face challenges that can seem insurmountable especially with raising two children with special needs. I’m trying to balance everything but Lord I’m struggling to make ends meet, to pay bills, and to put food on the table for my children. Jesus hear my prayers and please continue to give me strength.❤️
Psalm 46:10 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
I wasn't going to say anything, but I think I have to. This person, Child of God, may be a scammer. I got jumped on a couple of weeks ago for writing to "her" with dozens of comments about it. I was horrified by their perceived lack of compassion, and I told them they aren't asking for money. Apparently though they are. If someone writes to them out of compassion apparently that's when the harassment starts. I cannot confirm or deny, I just know I have seen this exact poster leave comments everywhere, sometimes a half a page long. I took the risk of writing in the hopes that if this is true someone can be warned before they fall into it.
@@Kepi_Kei I went to her webpage and first thing you notice is a number of ways you can donate to help her out. She does seem to have a flair for drama and a gift for self-promotion which, for me anyway, gets tedious quickly. Best to ask the Lord for discernment which, in my case, meant a hard pass. Thanks for your "heads up".
I agree, amén I say, although sometimes difficult and hard like with any family members but we are commanded to be part of this new family in Christ, is a step of obedience, is a gift from God I would say
I'm rooting for anyone who shows any slight interest in Jesus...let me rephrase, I'm rooting for everyone to find Jesus, Who is our Way our Truth and our Life. Excellent advice on this channel. I'm the epitome of a wretch. I've done some horrible things. I've spat in Jesus face defiled my marriage and have lost everything but He saved me 4 yrs ago this Christmas of all days. I was not raised with religion. I was extremely disabled and strung out on opiates. I could never commit to anything but it all makes sense now. I was relocated back home in VA from PA, was homeless for a year and half. God directed me to a local church 5 minutes away and I dove in the deep end serving Him alone. I have a part-time job on disability and God sent a person that helped me with a cheap place to live... $500 for an apartment in a house. I have a car and I returned to work after 20 yrs. Only Jesus could do all this. I should be dead or still in jail. God bless you folks 🙏
Thank yiu for your beautiful testimony - praise Jesus Christ for working miracles in wretches, of which I was one too.🙌🙌🙌🙌 God bless you, Brother. May Jesus keep you in His mighty hands.💖🛐✝️🙏
I'm so encouraged by the direction that Russell is going. I hope and pray that he is indeed in a solid, Christ centered, cross focused, Scripture confessing congregation. If he isn't, I invite him to join ours... if he wants to move to Willmar, MN. 😬
Well, he already had the beads, and candles, from his NewAge/Eastern/Yoga spiritual mantra meditations... and along with that he's also been sporting a large crucifix tattoo on his shoulder for many many years. Wonder if his RC fans will even notice the tarot cards, yoga poses, new age symbols... smh
We are doing something for the Kingdom of God by getting involved and wirnessing to our neighbors who are lost. Not staying around only those who may already be saved. The churches now are not reaching out to their communities. They are isolating themselves. We were not told to stay isolated within the church four walls. Everyone who has the Holy Spirit has a responsibility to witness to their neighbors. Who does this anymore? I remember going out in groups once a week to witness in the community. What church does this anymore???? Shameful
I’m not looking to any man/woman for answers regards Jesus Christ. What I am doing is praying for the ones searching. Praying they will truly find the answers and that he may find a true mentor for his faith to grow. Please wretched reach out to him and help his growth. He’s a new to Christianity of corse he’s still confused and searching. Don’t judge but love him and help him to find the truth.
"Cage Stage" is real...lock up new believers!!! 😁 I chased away many in my time. As one born again 24 years ago, I can say that today me is sometimes embarrassed by yesterday me. Thank you Holy Spirit for convicting, guiding, and teaching me daily!
On his Instagram channel he’s been asking for Christians to send him scriptures and anything that would help him grow in his faith. At least he’s putting himself out there. I’d just hate to see him get turned away by the nay sayers. We’re to bear patiently with the weaknesses of others.
Do you know I think Todd is right about plugging into a local church. I don't like the war on people who maybe have not yet found a Bible believing church yet I have problems with that. But I have more problems with churches that seem to say that I need help with stuff and then people step up and say hey I'm willing and then they never get a call. Being on a member role does nothing if you can't find a way to serve in the local church and frankly I feel too many local churches are to Pastor focused instead of church ministry focused
You will never be lonely when you're a member of a local church? I beg to differ. You can still be very lonely. I know from personal experience. You can do *all the things* which position yourself rightly to form relationships but ultimately, you can't make people care. You can't make them be your friend. You can't make them make time for you. In my experience, people seem to view their fellow congregants not as actual family members to whom they need to be devoted, but as add-ons that they pencil into their schedules *only* if they have the time after they've spent themselves on their "real" family, aka their children, their 13 grandchildren, etc. For somebody like me with little to no biological family of my own, this is saddening and disheartening.
Yeah I really don't understand why so many people say if you find a good church you'll never be lonely either. Some of the most lonely experiences of my life happened in a church event. It's just like the rest of the world where if you don't have X Y or Z then you don't find fellowship.
And they prefer to spend time with other families. If you are childless and widowed or divorced they don't want your kind. Especially if you lack lots of disposable income to plunk in the plate. Not always true of course. My current church is better than a lot this way.
Whew! I was afraid you were going to rip RB apart! Well done, agree with your point about joining a local body of believers! I am hopeful that RB is indeed the fourth kind of soil.
He's a new believer. Tarot cards are evil but give time to learn. Hopefully by now he gave them up but we should offer him grace in the meantime. Congrats on his baptism though and welcome to the Church.
@@WC3isBetterThanReforged I think one of the abiding questions is... didn't ANYONE bother to tell him what it means to be baptized into Christ? Or are Roman Catholics just sprinkling water on anyone these days? Back in the day... among Lutherans (who have a similar view on Baptism to Catholics), a person was always appointed a sponsor, or in the case of a child, a godparent. It was that person's duty to ensure you were instructed you in the faith and also to watch out for you. So the question is.... where is Brand's sponsor? If he has one, are they watching for what he's posting online and correcting him, or did the RCC just pour water on him the minute he said he wanted to be baptized, not worry about any type of catechism or instruction, and decide he'd figure it all out for himself? Odd circumstance, for sure! At best, it was sloppy for the Catholics for baptizing without ensuring he received at least a rudimentary Christian education: at worst, he's a prime candidate for deconstructing later if he finds out he has to give up spiritism and that was never part of the original deal.
I don't know if he has a local church or not but he is loving regular people in his everyday life. He had a great interview with Tucker Carlson. Prayed with him before the interview and after the interview in front of a packed house. It was pretty cool. He came to belief in Christ after his 12 day old son had to have heart surgery and was helpless to do anything. Rocked him to his core. His son is doing great and Russell is a growing believer. I just hope his relationship grows.
So many "churches" are woke or they're into the type of "worship" that's a band pretending to be rock stars. I've been visiting churches in my area, and it's very difficult to find one. And even the one I think is the best withholds Holy Communion, doing it something like quarterly. Why? It seems to me the early church partook of Holy Communion every time they met. I realize I'm being very negative, but it's been a long weary search after the church I was in for over 20 years went insanely woke during coovy, and I had to quietly fade out of that one. Now I'll be in this one and make connections with fellow Christians and set aside negativity and just try to be a blessing there. God bless everyone who's searching for a church. I know how difficult it can be.
It's probably difficult for such a celebrity to just walk into a local church. He may be concerned he'll be put on a pedestal, distract the congregation etc. I imagine there's all sorts of issues that could come with it. But I'm sure God will lead him to where he needs to be.
I used to get very excited when a celebrity, actors and athletes, but time would show that they were not genuinely converted. Now, I am very leery and wait to see what happens.
This should not only apply to celebrities but to all people who profess their new found faith in Christ. Russell needs to be discipled, like we all did. And it takes time.
Todd I'm glad finally someone addressed Brand. I was hoping Ray Confort would do as well soon. In my honest opinion he is not a christian. Namely he embraces Catholicism (I'm a former RC who heard the gospel and got born again, so I have some knowledge about their doctrine). Mainly I suppose Russell did so to please his wife who is a catholic. He advertises catholic apps for prayers and devotion to saints/rosary etc. Also he stated in some of his videos that we are all children of God, it makes sense with the stance of the current pope. Plus Russell dealing with mysticism is general before leads almost easily to roman catholic practises and scriptural misunderstandings. It would be interesting to make a video analysing his unscriptural statements. Also he doesn't talk about sin, and if he does he does address it with the wound characteristics of once again RC doctrine . He always speaks about his conversion as a realization of the divine, etc, but I dont see the total depravity of sin that waks us up to the cross...Too many evangelicals look at Russell Brand, but I'm afraid, although of course I have no complete certainty he's not an example of true conversion..
But doesn’t all the angels celebrate when one lost soul is found? Usually that point is the start of it all, true repentance and making Jesus Lord. But obviously new or baby Christians will not have all biblical perspectives and doctrines correct at that point. I think the problem with celebrities and those that do have a platform that makes them famous enough, just means that what they get to voice will be judged and condemned openly. But those who aren’t celebrities or have a platform to speak probably have similar takes on things. However because they are not known, no one can judge them openly because we just don’t know. So these guys get the worst end of it Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for making disciples, and strong disciples too. But instead of judging, I feel like praying for them and trying to teach and train them would be the best practice
It’s hard today when the churches are filled with false converts and leaven that has nearly leavened the entire lump. Most have apostatized to the world in their hearts but are still religious outwardly. Not many truly care to live holy and come out from the world and be separate and touch not the unclean thing. The Lord’s judgement is near and I’m afraid only a small remnant is left.
So I guess my question is have you reached out to him. He needs mentors to teach him and pray for him. I also disagree with you on the having to be a member of a church , yes it’s important but it’s it’s not vital to someone being a Christian. Christians in prison , missionaries to far off places don’t have the luxury of a “good church”. So many American churches and all for show and do little to witness to even their surrounding neighborhoods or countries.
My biggest annoyance is the way brothers treat brothers ~ judging/condemning, calling them names, etc. It's not a good look for "The Church" universal or local. If we showed love, the world would know we are "The Church". Todd skirts the edges of doing this, but there are many out there doing it with abandon, and enjoying it. If things between brothers should be addressed publicly, it should be with a broken heart, and kindness. There's no place for being rude to each other.
This was also the fashion in some of our Christian magazines here in South Africa. Very confusing for young people embracing these celebrities as role models, only to be so disappointed later on!
The message at the end about joining church is just like the Roman Catholics used to demand from 300AD to 1500AD or you were considered to be an apostate. The church is not a building or a membership. The church is followers of Jesus, together, regardless of location.
Wrong. You ARE apostate if you abandon the sacraments Jesus left us, especially the Eucharist. “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” And there are no sacraments without the church. This isn’t just make believe. The only place where you can eat the flesh and drink the blood of The Son of Man is in the Church, where bread and wine are transfigured through the priests consecrated hands with His divine mercy. Through partaking in this sacrament you’re a part of The Mystical Body of Christ, also known as his bride, The Church. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”
@@milkovic07 The problem you have is. The bible isn't your ultimate authority. You're getting your authority from a religion of men and popes and cardinals, which is heresy enough. Communion can be taken at home, in the park, at the shopping mall. Communion can literally be taken anywhere. And, you have no place in the bible that demands or commands that communion must be taken in a Church building. Nowhere. This is just one of many examples of why listening to man, instead of listening to the bible, puts devout Catholics in to the place of apostacy.
Seen it happen sooooo many times, all the way back to the 70s. Some have been the Christian-of -the-month (I could make a list), while a few have hung in there, and shown themselves to be the real deal. Always interesting, and always to be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.
Todd maybe I missed it but baptism should be one of the first things after conversion too. Not sure if Russell has done that. Maybe so. Now we all should be praying for him and all of us too.
Have you ever grown fruit trees? It takes a few years for them to produce healthy fruit. They have to be tended to and nurtured by someone while in their seedling years. Marantha.
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins... James 5-20........I say unto you, that likewise, joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance... Luke 15-7 🙏
I have a really good church. They teach AND preach the Bible, have many service positions, and do church discipline. The PROBLEM is I'm housebound. I worked so long and hard to get this church, to be baptized in it and to become a member. But, because of my situation (housebound) I only get a little bit of back and forth through email with one member, and the biggest: a visit from another member once a week. I'm very grateful for this, but feel like I'm missing out on so much. Anyone have any ideas? I cannot leave my home.
I reviewed the verses mentioned in point 1, and find no reference to “church membership” in any of them. I see faithfulness to a local expression of the body of Christ and obedience to His commands in that gathering, but nothing at all commanding “joining the church” so caution as this resembles eisegesis.
We should make sure to keep him in our prayers
@@TheSpaceHobo I don’t disagree with you. But just because you can say the right things for a video doesn’t make you a true believer. Because if you’re messing with tarot cards after being baptized it makes me question your true conversion
Yup. Friel nails it. Brand needs a solid church and undershepherd. Actually, we all do :)
@@IMTHEWRETCH I agree with you, i do believe salvation is one process and santification is another. That's why we should be keeping each other in our prayers so we can stop dealing with what causes us to sin
@@TheSpaceHobo I couldn’t agree more with you. Have a blessed day
4:52 I wonder if Todd Friel would express himself like that after the Steven Lawson's failure coming out to light.
Answer: Of course he wouldn't.
Only when evangelicals fail its ok to be sarcastic and criticize.
God is exposing you guys (my brethren whom I love) little by little. For your own benefit.
The best part about Brand's conversion, whether he deconverts later or not, is that he is openly proclaiming the Gospel to a massive online audience.
Openly proclaiming the Roman Catholic version of Christ mixed with his new age though
He is not! Brand is a gnostic at best. He is into new age mysticism. Why is it that you cant discern the difference between sound theology and the enemies versions of the scriptures?
You lack wisdom. Are you truly born again or will you hear" depart from me I never kbnew you"?
Brand don't know what the gospel is, and neither do the "Christians" who buy into this "conversion" of his. If he actually knew what the gospel is, he wouldn't be wearing a crucifix, as it is a pagan idol.
There is no such thing as deconversion
Are you kidding me right now? Brand? He has zero christian morals. Not one.
I feel like Kirk Cameron is a good example of a celebrity whose heart was good soil
Exactly my feelings
Have you listened to his American campfire Revival
I liked Family Guy’s parody of him
Really....does not Kirk Cameron along with Ray Comfort partner with the reprobates over at TBN?
They do....
@@TheRealRenn Ray Comfort DOES NOT! Check your facts before you speak unwisely. Ray Comfort and Living Waters are VERY SOUND BIBLICALLY. SHAME ON YOU FOR BEARING FALSE WITNESS!!!!
He's a new Christian, let's pray he stays on track...
I really hope his conversion was real and not just a flash in the pan. Time will tell.
In this one short video, Russell does more exposition of the Word than Kenneth "Hallelujah" Copeland does in his "sermons".
@@TM_StoneKenneth Copeland is NOT a Christian, but a false teacher.
@@loiscarteaux9389 Right!
@@loiscarteaux9389 I never said he was.
@@TM_Stone many people follow Copeland and believe he is. Thankful you're not one of them.😊
It is very difficult to find a good local church these days.
Yes.
You're not kidding!
We're out here. Bible preaching and teaching, Sola Scriptura, Trinitarian, Christological, followers of Christ!
That's for sure!!
That’s why I don’t do local churches. I do videos like this
Brand is on a journey. I’ve never been a Brand fan but look forward to hearing him every day on rumble for the past couple of months and personally believe he is sincere…..and sooooo funny!!!!!
He has a wife and children and I pray they find a good church if they haven’t already….children need to be in church. 🙏🙂
Matthew 7:16-20
Grown-ups need to be in church too, especially parents.
@@donnameahl4516 I raised my children (34 & 36) in the church and neither one attends today.😔 I take my three grandchildren (5,8,14) every Sunday without fail. Their church family and friends are a huge part of their lives, the 14 yo was baptized at 7 (🩷🩷) not the other two, yet.
I take care of the baby babies and I do it because I want their young parents to know their children are in safe and loving place so they don’t have to worry. 🙂🙂
Sincere people are wrong every day. Brand is one of them. New age gnosticism is not biblical christianity. Pray for yourself to fill your mind with the word so you have discernment! You are obviously easy to fool.
@@gigiis526 it would appear that you were born a Christian and not only that but a perfect one. Congratulations! You should start, (or do you already have one?), a UA-cam channel of your own so we all can learn from your high ability to discern and cast aside those who are obviously easy to fool.
About the only thing you have commented on this topic even close to being accurate is that New age gnosticism is not biblical Christianity. And even that is not completely accurate. Neither New Age teaching nor gnosticism are in any form Christianity...let alone "biblical Christianity". Calm down and have a little self-awareness.
Having served in my local church for 22 years and in various ministries, I have many conversations with members who have "better things to do" or "need to keep their priorities straight" or even "I've done my ministry, it's time for the young families to serve"
Making the local body a priority in your walk is one of the most powerful things that you can do for your own walk, and to impact the walks of others.
I watched Steven Baldwin go from party boy to a member of TD Jakes' church to a full fledged Christian denouncing Jakes. It's been amazing to watch Russel go down a similar route of party boy, to buddhist, and now catholic is at least a walk in the right direction. I pray that he continues on to a personal relationship with Him soon. But man! What a transformation from old Russell to current Russell.
I find it very beautiful.
So far I'm encouraged by what I've seen in Russell. He seems to get it.
Church is not a building, but people.
right. who said anything different?
@@Taterstiltskin it seemed to me he was saying you can only use your spiritual gifts in the context of a local Church. I disagree. I can use my spiritual gifts at home and I believe it’s possible for believers to use their spiritual gifts in the corporate world. I also believe when I pray for believers in other parts of the world, I am using my gifts for the body of Christ. I just think Church doesn’t fit into a legalistic box, especially at a local church, where we all know it’s not only Christians who attend, and the devil himself can show up in the abuse that has been increasingly common in the local church.
@@HueyThumpI hear ya. But his anti "cowboy Chrisitan" counter cut me deep. I think if your daily "output" is Bible based and Holy Spirit energized, you can be a part of church anywhere, on the go. Or just encourage your church to meet up at different places on church day.
@dnleo I'm with you. There are things that I think Todd gets right, but the way he delivered his statement sounded a bit legalistic. I think that we should not be a sort of "lone wolf" Christian who tries to go through life without anyone else, but that we should be connected to a body of believers wherever we are at to support each other, however big or small the group, but in some cases finding a quality church isn't always possible for a season. Anywhere where believers come together is church.
@@dnleo What day is "church day"? I "go to church" every day. I commented about this above. 💞
He is a 'baby' christian and that zeal along with Bible studying will help him mature. I pray he is in good soil.
And its important to remember that Russel is a baby Christian, he is going to make lots of mistakes and hold some bad doctrine. Give him grace and encouragement and pray for him.
Amen! He has exposure that we do not have. Glad he found Jesus and not a ministry where many sincere Christians have been following man and not Jesus
@@cat_puncher8539 Yes, I agree. It’s a pet peeve of mine when Christians hold unrealistic expectations to new believers. While I think it’s important to be discerning I’m not sure our response to new confessing believers should be to stand in as judge and jury, but one of prayer and welcome. Not sure that a cold, detached, suspicious disposition toward new converts is Christ-like or even humble. In fact, it’s simply NOT.
@HueyThump true, and if we're being honest, if we applied our own standards to others to ourselves when we were baby Christians we would see a ton of mistakes in the beginning yes God changed us drastically when we converted but we were not perfect
Unfortunately, those churches are few and far between. My husband and I were not raised in Christian homes but we were both born again in our mid twenties. I was at home and had been reading my Bible and wanting to know who God is, and I found Him, JESUS! My husband was also studying and met our Lord. Married, we went out to seek a church. It was a nightmare! They were nothing more than a business. We went to many "mainstream" churches and being schooled in marketing I could see, hear, and smell a "sales pitch" when I saw one. There was not one so called church that was a Biblical example of a Church centered on Jesus. We have moved throughout the country with my husband's career and always went to a local church. It is heartbreaking what we have seen and heard in these churches. But we continue to go to be some kind of a light for our Lord in the midst of such teaching and falsehood that is in the churches today.
There is much joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.Theyre not waiting to see if they get it right .jonah ran.peter denied christ.elijah became suicidal.we don’t know the heart.
He sounds sincere, but I am optimistically cautious and pray that is real conversion. Like others have said time will tell.
Just a thought. Russell Brand may not talk about his serving because of his celebrity status. If he IS serving in church, he may not want to reveal where he worships as there maybe "fans" that just go because of him. Or people may condemn him or the church. Or if it's the lack of, or not serving, he may not even know that belonging to a church is a good thing. Not sure, just my two cents. Though, it is great to see celebrities give there lives to Christ. We'll have to wait and see what happens later down the road. In the meantime, we need to continue to lift them up in prayer.
I'll be honest, sometimes getting really involved in the church on a consistent basis (aside from Sunday mornings perhaps) can be difficult for those of us who need to work two jobs and a lot of hours. Not sure what to do about that.
This is so important man... I need to be in the local Church more than ever before. I'm almost worried about "shopping around" or having that mentality... because I've been to a few that aren't teaching the whole Gospel.
I wish brother Todd would do an audio bible, in his dramatic voice 😊
I second this 😊😅
I love Russel and followed him everyday up until i got saved a few years ago then i could not listen to him anymore..... I pray he gets truly saved i have not heard him talk about repentance of sin only acceptance of sin 🚩🚩🚩 and i have not heard him say Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father ‼️
Russel is a words smith good enough to fool even himself, i pray Jesus irresistibly takes a hold of his heart of stone and replaces it with a heart of flesh and frees him from all the false gods, intellectual philosophies and ideologies he is a slave to.
God almighty make him a new creature in Christ, raise him from his spiritual deadness make him a faithful servant for your kingdom in Jesus name i pray. 🙏✝️
Glory to God for your exercising of discernment and speaking the truth with love for this man, I hadn't caught those 2 things yet!
@@razzled00 yer you only have to go look at his other videos, look at his response to the olympic opening ceremony..... Its completely antichrist, the one true living God is exclusive not inclusive, saying to millions of followers its ok to be who ever you are its noone elses business.... is not Christian and its definitely not loving, leaving people in their sin is hateful not loving, he had an opportunity in that video to call out sin and share the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and he did the opposite its plain as day, it does not take much discernment at all it just take ten minutes to go watch his other videos.
I am a recent convert and the thing that has shocked me and absolutely flabagast me is professing Christians lack of discernment...... The only way i can understand it is it must be God allowing it to refine those people and work His purposes in them.
We need to be searching Gods word and praying for spiritual discernment and wisdom everyday and also praying that blessing for all our brothers and sisters in Christ everyday. 🙏✝️
I have probably watched all of Russell's videos and pray that he has strong Christian leadership.
he certainly has zero moral values. not even one.
Let us keep him in our prayers even as we rejoice in his conversion.
This was encouraging. I've been watching Russell's posts and had many of the same reactions. The more I listen to more I hear someone working through the implications of the Gospel message. Hope he does check out your videos.
I "stop by" time to time, but wanted to mention today that the grace you show while handling truth is appreciated. Blessings, brother.
this is such an important aspect of the christian life Todd. Im so glad you brought it up. I know way too many professing christians who dont commit to a local church. And yes lets hope Brands faith is a saving one.
Great video Todd. Russell does seem to check a lot of positive boxes in his conversion, so I'm hopeful for him. A church is vital and I hope that he has people around him that can direct him/help him find a bible believing body of Christ.
Amen, Amen, Amen! Get in a Church!!!!
Wow, this is honestly really exciting! As you said, let time reveal whether this is a genuine conversion, or not. Hope for the best! We certainly will hope for the best for Russel.
And if there is no local Bible preaching Church? Then what? Huh? I hear a lot of talk from everyone that we must be a member of a local Bible preaching Church as Christians who truly love God and then the mountain of reasons for it. But the issue that is never addressed in these conversations is that of such a Church not existing in the local area. What do you do then? Because I assure you it is the reality for many of your listeners, myself included.
If possible, move to a city or town with a good church. The local church is SO important. We moved across the country to be part of a true church.
@@robinlauzon1335 Not everyone has that option either. Sorry, but these over-simplified solutions are not feasible for the majority of people in this predicament.
Don't expect any church to be perfect.
If there isn’t a local Bible believing church, perhaps join with other local Christians in forming a church. God will grow it.
@@karenschmidt965 That is not how it works, and the fact that ppl think someone can just form a church and expect God to support it only shows how Protestantism isn't any more biblical than Catholicism. Christ said He has only _1_ Church...singular. The psalms say that unless _God_ is the One who builds it, the ppl who form their own churches will NOT have His support. They are building a work of men, deceived men at that.
@RussellBrand Hope You See This Video! Praying For Ya
Pleas pray for my dad and I to find a real church. It’s hard to find one
Saying a prayer for you and your father today. May the Good Shepherd lead you into the green pastures he has for you. 💚
Will do. One thing you might try is to check out the websites of the nearby churches. You can learn a lot from their statement of faith and other information found there. And you may be able to get a sense of the preaching by watching part of a sermon online. That's one huge advantage nowadays compared to decades ago when you physically had to go to each church to get a feel for what they were all about.
@@thomascampbell5633 thank you that’s a good idea. I didn’t think of it.
What city do you live in?
I think a lot of the celebrity “Christians” that fell either belonged to prosperity gospel or WOF and falsely converted and left because it wasn’t real, or did it to gain fame for 15 more min.. sigh.. so sad. Please keep them in prayer 😢 keep spreading the true Gospel because that’s what works!!
Why you sad?😂😂
@@celinamilian Because those Celebrities are going to go to Hell, which should Horrify and Sadden us.
Brother Todd: I love your humor. I Thank God for making you free to use it in your teaching. God bless.
Love this... you're speaking straight to me and my doubts ..thank God for nudging me to listen🙏
I was talking about this with my mom. Our church lost majority of its congregation due to them moving away, some dying etc etc, so they figured it would be best to just go online and sell the building since they couldn't keep up the rent.
Loved the church, but at the end of the day I pointed out as was said in the video, a physical church is much more needed for several reasons in the Gospel.
Great message!
The editing of multiple verses that stated what type of a place Church is was genius. Such references are very helpful for study. Please do this more.
I have been saved since I was 12 years old. Raised Lutheran until my conversion in a Southern Baptist church revival. NO LOCAL CHURCH has EVER given me the support and guidance you just described. I have served in ministries, been in the choir and knowing we are all sinners has NOT been a game changer. EVERY church has clicks and if you aren't in it well you aren't really excepted. So no I will never again be hoodwinked into believing that we MUST belong to a congregation in order to be in obedience to God's order. I read and study my Bible and follow You Tube believers who teach that works for me
The local church as he described doesn't have to be a particular building or organization, but there should in some way be people in your life who essentially serve the same purpose.
And while it's fine to appreciate people on UA-cam or what have you, it's not good enough. Much of the polishing he mentioned requires us to deal with people in a way where we have to deal with one another's flaws, and we cannot get that through watching a video.
@@KevinMarshall757 Thank you Kevin I am aware that You Tube is not the answer. I follow quite a few Pastors and use their study tools. Although they are human and sin just like I do for me this works. Too much hurt and no church near me is preaching the word as it should be...line upon line, precept upon precept. Isaiah 28:10.
@@catherinemathias3456 I get where you are coming from, I've been looking for a local church that teaches the bible and haven't found one yet, and I've been looking for a while now. The thing though about watching videos on youtube or following a preacher's content, or even an interaction like the one we are able to have now, is that we only see this small window of the other person's life and that other person is deciding what part you get to see before you see it. That's not to say there is no value in these things, but there are very much things we can only do or get in personal interactions. Thankfully for me I have family members, my dad most of all, who serve much of the same purpose as a church congregation might, and hopefully I am able to sharpen them as they are able to sharpen me. Just the same, I am continuing to look for a good local church because I understand the value and I hope you will as well.
@@catherinemathias3456trying to be as gracious as I can here, yes, churches can be cliquey, and I so get that you've been hurt, but, does that justify you disobeying scripture because you didn't feel comfortable? Don't get me wrong, it's a terrible thing what they did, they did exactly what was warned against in James, that being, showing partiality, but, one sin doesn't justify your sin. You're commanded to meet, and that's the reality of life. Church is meant for OUR BENEFIT, not our burden. I'll be praying for you sister
@@micahm7123 I've said it in several comments ~ the "gathering together" of legit saints described in scripture would hardly look like anything called "going to church" today. Marantha. 💞
I'm always skeptical of celebrity conversions...look for the fruit of repentance.
Every religion preaches repentance. I don't go inspecting fruit. I trust when someone says they have been born again. I can't condemn someone otherwise I have to condemn myself.
@@georgehunter1133 paul certainly was a fruit inspector and told us we would know people by their fruit. this is nonsense.
@@curious011 he was speaking of in that scripture about false teachers.
Totally agree Tod.
Sorry for not being inside a local church... (Most of the churches here are Catholics, and people are glorifying statues but I know that these are just petty excuses) 😨
How do we know He’s not part of a local church?
Excellent vid, thanks.
Celebrities aren't to be worshipped.thats idolatry. Am I right?
Yep!!
Who's worshipping him?
If Russell coming to Christ doesnt encourage you, then there is something wrong. You dont get a free pass to hate my Brother in Christ because he was a more well known sinner than you were.
You're assuming he is truly born again.
Time will tell, actions and persistence are louder than words.
@@troy5659 i agree but i see no reason to look down on him now. Im so glad for Him. He found my Savior. Build him up down tear Him down. You weren’t perfect when you came to Christ and you still aren’t remember that
I've prayed for Russell and trust God is going to do a good work in him. That kid is a rough cut stone, but genuine.
I'm definitely a sinner in need of a savior that being said you first you have to learn to crawl before you walk & walk before you run a lot of the time you fall & struggle that's where faith in Jesus is so important. I've been so down I have to reach up to touch the bottom as of writing this I'm in the wilderness right now struggling & it's been hard to lean on Jesus but I know he died for our sins & he lover us.
Yes a good church is where we grow and learn.
Also studying the Bible and letting the Holy Spirit guide you.
A good church is where you support other people’s ministry in the church by prayer, encouragement and deed.
good churches are disappearing in the west. I really hope there's more ways to grow and learn than just there
there are none left.
Jesus I LOVE YOU! Lord Jesus please give me strength. Lord I seem to bear the weight of the world on my shoulders as a single mom, I often face challenges that can seem insurmountable especially with raising two children with special needs. I’m trying to balance everything but Lord I’m struggling to make ends meet, to pay bills, and to put food on the table for my children. Jesus hear my prayers and please continue to give me strength.❤️
Psalm 46:10 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
This is the confidence we can have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us...
I wasn't going to say anything, but I think I have to. This person, Child of God, may be a scammer. I got jumped on a couple of weeks ago for writing to "her" with dozens of comments about it. I was horrified by their perceived lack of compassion, and I told them they aren't asking for money. Apparently though they are. If someone writes to them out of compassion apparently that's when the harassment starts. I cannot confirm or deny, I just know I have seen this exact poster leave comments everywhere, sometimes a half a page long. I took the risk of writing in the hopes that if this is true someone can be warned before they fall into it.
@@Kepi_Kei I went to her webpage and first thing you notice is a number of ways you can donate to help her out. She does seem to have a flair for drama and a gift for self-promotion which, for me anyway, gets tedious quickly. Best to ask the Lord for discernment which, in my case, meant a hard pass. Thanks for your "heads up".
I agree, amén I say, although sometimes difficult and hard like with any family members but we are commanded to be part of this new family in Christ, is a step of obedience, is a gift from God I would say
He could be just staring out to understanding. Nothing is always right the first time. But! We’ll still see depending on his progress.
100% agree with this wise counsel.
I'm rooting for anyone who shows any slight interest in Jesus...let me rephrase, I'm rooting for everyone to find Jesus, Who is our Way our Truth and our Life. Excellent advice on this channel. I'm the epitome of a wretch. I've done some horrible things. I've spat in Jesus face defiled my marriage and have lost everything but He saved me 4 yrs ago this Christmas of all days. I was not raised with religion. I was extremely disabled and strung out on opiates. I could never commit to anything but it all makes sense now. I was relocated back home in VA from PA, was homeless for a year and half. God directed me to a local church 5 minutes away and I dove in the deep end serving Him alone. I have a part-time job on disability and God sent a person that helped me with a cheap place to live... $500 for an apartment in a house. I have a car and I returned to work after 20 yrs. Only Jesus could do all this. I should be dead or still in jail. God bless you folks 🙏
Thank yiu for your beautiful testimony - praise Jesus Christ for working miracles in wretches, of which I was one too.🙌🙌🙌🙌 God bless you, Brother. May Jesus keep you in His mighty hands.💖🛐✝️🙏
@@TSeeker1 thank you and God bless you 🙏
I'm so encouraged by the direction that Russell is going. I hope and pray that he is indeed in a solid, Christ centered, cross focused, Scripture confessing congregation. If he isn't, I invite him to join ours... if he wants to move to Willmar, MN. 😬
ANOTHER RC PRAYS HIS ROSARY AND HALLOW RC PRAYERS
Well, he already had the beads, and candles, from his NewAge/Eastern/Yoga spiritual mantra meditations... and along with that he's also been sporting a large crucifix tattoo on his shoulder for many many years. Wonder if his RC fans will even notice the tarot cards, yoga poses, new age symbols... smh
i *think* he mentioned seeking or finding a local church, but it makes a lot of sense he's not going to just announce where he's going.
We are doing something for the Kingdom of God by getting involved and wirnessing to our neighbors who are lost.
Not staying around only those who may already be saved.
The churches now are not reaching out to their communities. They are isolating themselves.
We were not told to stay isolated within the church four walls.
Everyone who has the Holy Spirit has a responsibility to witness to their neighbors.
Who does this anymore?
I remember going out in groups once a week to witness in the community.
What church does this anymore????
Shameful
I’m not looking to any man/woman for answers regards Jesus Christ. What I am doing is praying for the ones searching. Praying they will truly find the answers and that he may find a true mentor for his faith to grow.
Please wretched reach out to him and help his growth.
He’s a new to Christianity of corse he’s still confused and searching.
Don’t judge but love him and help him to find the truth.
As a "Baby Christian", Brand is to be given time and direction, not to mention prayer from us.
"Cage Stage" is real...lock up new believers!!! 😁 I chased away many in my time. As one born again 24 years ago, I can say that today me is sometimes embarrassed by yesterday me. Thank you Holy Spirit for convicting, guiding, and teaching me daily!
Mat 7:16-20 ...........Thus you will know them by their fruits.
@@Tom67X amen same here bro
On his Instagram channel he’s been asking for Christians to send him scriptures and anything that would help him grow in his faith. At least he’s putting himself out there. I’d just hate to see him get turned away by the nay sayers. We’re to bear patiently with the weaknesses of others.
Do you know I think Todd is right about plugging into a local church. I don't like the war on people who maybe have not yet found a Bible believing church yet I have problems with that. But I have more problems with churches that seem to say that I need help with stuff and then people step up and say hey I'm willing and then they never get a call. Being on a member role does nothing if you can't find a way to serve in the local church and frankly I feel too many local churches are to Pastor focused instead of church ministry focused
You will never be lonely when you're a member of a local church? I beg to differ. You can still be very lonely. I know from personal experience. You can do *all the things* which position yourself rightly to form relationships but ultimately, you can't make people care. You can't make them be your friend. You can't make them make time for you. In my experience, people seem to view their fellow congregants not as actual family members to whom they need to be devoted, but as add-ons that they pencil into their schedules *only* if they have the time after they've spent themselves on their "real" family, aka their children, their 13 grandchildren, etc. For somebody like me with little to no biological family of my own, this is saddening and disheartening.
Yeah I really don't understand why so many people say if you find a good church you'll never be lonely either. Some of the most lonely experiences of my life happened in a church event. It's just like the rest of the world where if you don't have X Y or Z then you don't find fellowship.
And they prefer to spend time with other families. If you are childless and widowed or divorced they don't want your kind. Especially if you lack lots of disposable income to plunk in the plate.
Not always true of course. My current church is better than a lot this way.
Whew! I was afraid you were going to rip RB apart! Well done, agree with your point about joining a local body of believers! I am hopeful that RB is indeed the fourth kind of soil.
Not long after he was baptized in the Catholic Church the following day he shared a video on his Twitter account using tarot cards.
Ikr. He's joined the catholic church. So has Candace Owen's. Smh
He's a new believer. Tarot cards are evil but give time to learn. Hopefully by now he gave them up but we should offer him grace in the meantime. Congrats on his baptism though and welcome to the Church.
@@WC3isBetterThanReforged I think one of the abiding questions is... didn't ANYONE bother to tell him what it means to be baptized into Christ? Or are Roman Catholics just sprinkling water on anyone these days?
Back in the day... among Lutherans (who have a similar view on Baptism to Catholics), a person was always appointed a sponsor, or in the case of a child, a godparent. It was that person's duty to ensure you were instructed you in the faith and also to watch out for you. So the question is.... where is Brand's sponsor? If he has one, are they watching for what he's posting online and correcting him, or did the RCC just pour water on him the minute he said he wanted to be baptized, not worry about any type of catechism or instruction, and decide he'd figure it all out for himself?
Odd circumstance, for sure! At best, it was sloppy for the Catholics for baptizing without ensuring he received at least a rudimentary Christian education: at worst, he's a prime candidate for deconstructing later if he finds out he has to give up spiritism and that was never part of the original deal.
Russell Brand needs to get up off of that yoga mat. I'm very happy that he was baptized. Keep praying for him.
I don't know if he has a local church or not but he is loving regular people in his everyday life. He had a great interview with Tucker Carlson. Prayed with him before the interview and after the interview in front of a packed house. It was pretty cool. He came to belief in Christ after his 12 day old son had to have heart surgery and was helpless to do anything. Rocked him to his core. His son is doing great and Russell is a growing believer. I just hope his relationship grows.
CHURCH IS NOT A BUILDING
Praise our Lord Jesus Christ!
So many "churches" are woke or they're into the type of "worship" that's a band pretending to be rock stars. I've been visiting churches in my area, and it's very difficult to find one. And even the one I think is the best withholds Holy Communion, doing it something like quarterly. Why? It seems to me the early church partook of Holy Communion every time they met. I realize I'm being very negative, but it's been a long weary search after the church I was in for over 20 years went insanely woke during coovy, and I had to quietly fade out of that one. Now I'll be in this one and make connections with fellow Christians and set aside negativity and just try to be a blessing there. God bless everyone who's searching for a church. I know how difficult it can be.
How did it go "insanely woke"? I'm just curious as you said you were a member for 20 years, that's pretty big flip in short period of time.
@@epiphoney2he means progressive views
He’s always been fantastically articulate, but I am hopeful. As a longtime fan of his, I truly feel this is always where his journey was gonna end
Instead of criticizing- let us pray for Russel he gets closer to Jesus and His Word.
I hope he can find a church with the maturity to look past his notoriety and treat him as he needs to be treated.
It's probably difficult for such a celebrity to just walk into a local church. He may be concerned he'll be put on a pedestal, distract the congregation etc. I imagine there's all sorts of issues that could come with it. But I'm sure God will lead him to where he needs to be.
I used to get very excited when a celebrity, actors and athletes, but time would show that they were not genuinely converted. Now, I am very leery and wait to see what happens.
Thank you
This should not only apply to celebrities but to all people who profess their new found faith in Christ. Russell needs to be discipled, like we all did. And it takes time.
Its def why they need to be under church leadership and learn a few yrs b4 putting anything out there. It helps avoid errors and spreading error.
Those people didn't convert the way Russel did. Sometimes reformed are so smug.
Todd I'm glad finally someone addressed Brand. I was hoping Ray Confort would do as well soon. In my honest opinion he is not a christian. Namely he embraces Catholicism (I'm a former RC who heard the gospel and got born again, so I have some knowledge about their doctrine). Mainly I suppose Russell did so to please his wife who is a catholic. He advertises catholic apps for prayers and devotion to saints/rosary etc. Also he stated in some of his videos that we are all children of God, it makes sense with the stance of the current pope. Plus Russell dealing with mysticism is general before leads almost easily to roman catholic practises and scriptural misunderstandings. It would be interesting to make a video analysing his unscriptural statements. Also he doesn't talk about sin, and if he does he does address it with the wound characteristics of once again RC doctrine . He always speaks about his conversion as a realization of the divine, etc, but I dont see the total depravity of sin that waks us up to the cross...Too many evangelicals look at Russell Brand, but I'm afraid, although of course I have no complete certainty he's not an example of true conversion..
Greetings Todd, you may be in a better position than most to get to chat to him over a cup of coffee.. No cameras!....No recordings!
But doesn’t all the angels celebrate when one lost soul is found? Usually that point is the start of it all, true repentance and making Jesus Lord. But obviously new or baby Christians will not have all biblical perspectives and doctrines correct at that point. I think the problem with celebrities and those that do have a platform that makes them famous enough, just means that what they get to voice will be judged and condemned openly. But those who aren’t celebrities or have a platform to speak probably have similar takes on things. However because they are not known, no one can judge them openly because we just don’t know. So these guys get the worst end of it
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for making disciples, and strong disciples too. But instead of judging, I feel like praying for them and trying to teach and train them would be the best practice
It’s hard today when the churches are filled with false converts and leaven that has nearly leavened the entire lump. Most have apostatized to the world in their hearts but are still religious outwardly. Not many truly care to live holy and come out from the world and be separate and touch not the unclean thing. The Lord’s judgement is near and I’m afraid only a small remnant is left.
He’s still the a discipleship process
So I guess my question is have you reached out to him. He needs mentors to teach him and pray for him. I also disagree with you on the having to be a member of a church , yes it’s important but it’s it’s not vital to someone being a Christian. Christians in prison , missionaries to far off places don’t have the luxury of a “good church”. So many American churches and all for show and do little to witness to even their surrounding neighborhoods or countries.
Because wolves, people with predatory instincts, are leading too many churches.
My biggest annoyance is the way brothers treat brothers ~ judging/condemning, calling them names, etc. It's not a good look for "The Church" universal or local. If we showed love, the world would know we are "The Church". Todd skirts the edges of doing this, but there are many out there doing it with abandon, and enjoying it. If things between brothers should be addressed publicly, it should be with a broken heart, and kindness. There's no place for being rude to each other.
This was also the fashion in some of our Christian magazines here in South Africa.
Very confusing for young people embracing these celebrities as role models, only to be so disappointed later on!
The message at the end about joining church is just like the Roman Catholics used to demand from 300AD to 1500AD or you were considered to be an apostate. The church is not a building or a membership. The church is followers of Jesus, together, regardless of location.
Right, and that's the point. You need to be with the followers of Jesus, regardless of location. That's called "joining a church." 😃
Wrong. You ARE apostate if you abandon the sacraments Jesus left us, especially the Eucharist. “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” And there are no sacraments without the church. This isn’t just make believe. The only place where you can eat the flesh and drink the blood of The Son of Man is in the Church, where bread and wine are transfigured through the priests consecrated hands with His divine mercy. Through partaking in this sacrament you’re a part of The Mystical Body of Christ, also known as his bride, The Church. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”
@@milkovic07 The problem you have is.
The bible isn't your ultimate authority.
You're getting your authority from a religion of men and popes and cardinals, which is heresy enough.
Communion can be taken at home, in the park, at the shopping mall. Communion can literally be taken anywhere.
And, you have no place in the bible that demands or commands that communion must be taken in a Church building. Nowhere.
This is just one of many examples of why listening to man, instead of listening to the bible, puts devout Catholics in to the place of apostacy.
Seen it happen sooooo many times, all the way back to the 70s. Some have been the Christian-of -the-month (I could make a list), while a few have hung in there, and shown themselves to be the real deal. Always interesting, and always to be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.
"in particular" ... the "figure of Christ" Russell says at first of this. I will watch and "listen".
Todd maybe I missed it but baptism should be one of the first things after conversion too. Not sure if Russell has done that. Maybe so.
Now we all should be praying for him and all of us too.
He did get baptized apparently. You're right though.
He was baptized by immersion
well said!
Have you ever grown fruit trees? It takes a few years for them to produce healthy fruit. They have to be tended to and nurtured by someone while in their seedling years. Marantha.
I look forward to reading my Bible every day……
Which bible?
@@Dingolia NIV ESV NLT
Treat it like Kanye, celebrate cautiously.
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins... James 5-20........I say unto you, that likewise, joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance... Luke 15-7 🙏
What happened to the Wretched Radio playlist? Appreciate the video by the way.
I think you over estimate the power of the local church.
his reasons for joining the local church almost sounded mythical if not hyper idealized.
I have a really good church. They teach AND preach the Bible, have many service positions, and do church discipline. The PROBLEM is I'm housebound. I worked so long and hard to get this church, to be baptized in it and to become a member.
But, because of my situation (housebound) I only get a little bit of back and forth through email with one member, and the biggest: a visit from another member once a week.
I'm very grateful for this, but feel like I'm missing out on so much. Anyone have any ideas? I cannot leave my home.
I reviewed the verses mentioned in point 1, and find no reference to “church membership” in any of them. I see faithfulness to a local expression of the body of Christ and obedience to His commands in that gathering, but nothing at all commanding “joining the church” so caution as this resembles eisegesis.