Skillet's John Cooper is still asking: What in God's name is happening to Christianity?
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Just before Christmas, I got to talk with John Cooper of the band Skillet about his recent posts about what is happening within the church and the chaos in society. We also talk about his new book, Awake and Alive to Truth, which is a clarion call to Christians to live by biblical truth, rather than cultural norms.
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I used to work at a Bible College in So. Cal., where they would have free concerts for the public during the summer. Almost all the bands that would play had contract riders that included weird or sometimes even crazy requirements for them to play. Some were long lists of foods, requests for no employees to approach the band, a particular brand of expensive bottled water, etc.. Skillet & Christafari were by far the easiest bands to work with. Skillet said they could just eat whatever the students eat in the cafeteria, and wanted zero special attention. And they were super humble down to earth. They have had a special spot in my heart ever since.
How was Christafari?
@@raidrfrk we did an evangelistic concert outreach in Mexicali with them. We had dozens of Bible College students that were sleeping on the cement floor of a church with just blankets and sleeping bags. When the van driver picked them up at the airport he asked them if they wanted to go straight to the hotel. Mark, the lead singer told him they would sleep where the students were. The ladies in the band stayed in the pastor's house. But Mark wanted no special treatment. They were VERY down to earth and loved hangin out with the students. Mark even let one of the students go up on stage during the outreach and belt out some rap. Awesome experience.
The weird contract rider thing had its genesis in stage safety. If you don't have a wine-glass filled with brown MnM's in your dressing room, per the contract, you can't trust the overhead rigging not to fall on your band in the middle of a show, also per the contract.
@@Sledg0matic LOL! You mean it wasn't the princesses demanding french bottled water and strawberry starbursts?
@@markothesharko Sure enough, there's plenty of those as well.
He stopped a show to tell my daughter Happy Birthday on her 13th birthday. He walked over after his 2nd song to walk over and ask her her name and how old she was. A girl told her to yell that it was her birthday to him backstage and she did. He smiled and waved, then he came over during the show to talk to her. She was in tears. She's such a big fan
Attention pastors! James 4:4 "Friendship with the World is Enmity with God!"
@Sabbath 7th dayBelieving in false prophetess Ellen White over the Word of God is idolatry. Living in the law instead of Grace denies the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Nonsda.org
@Sabbath 7th day learn some church history. Even the first apostles already started coming together on the sunday. The sunday was always a special day for the first christians. Its was a celebration day becayse it was Christ's resurrection. Also the gentiles had slaves. It would be impossible for the slaves to not work on the sabbath day. God knew this and his holy spirit lead paul and the first christians to know this
@@CarnivoreChristian777I agree EGW had problems, many problems. Does being wrong about some things mean that you are wrong about everything?
@@menknurlan How do you view the 10 Commandments, are they to be observed and if so how do you personally observe the Sabbath?
That's right a friend to the world is an enemy to God and they chose the world and the things of this world over Christ and I pity them.
A Pastor here, thank you both so much for standing up for Jesus and for truth. So many of us feel so localized with our voice that the message is not getting out. You are helping to amplify the message of Jesus and I support you fully and am right there with you
I feel that one of the reasons Christians 'lost credibility' is even more basic -- Loss of belief in Creation. The Bible correlates purity with recognizing God as Creator. If we dont take the creation account seriously we lose the story of Adam and Eve, We lose original sin. And which parts of the Bible do we keep or set aside? If we write off creation, it makes perfect sense to set aside theology of suffering and hell too, because they are even harder to explain. According to a study by Ken Ham 'Already Compromised', In Christian Colleges and Universities -science majors are more likely to believe in a young earth than religion majors! This is because Christians who are science majors realize how Weak the theory of evolution is. Maybe if we address this foundation, which is cracked and falling apart will have more of an effect than we realize. God bless you
@@micheleh5269 well then why hasn't creation been shown to be true? After all it's been thousands of years and still nothing. Meanwhile in 500 years science has brought mankind countless discoveries. Currently at more than one per day.
@@harrysphincter6496 I love science and glad for new inventions. Inventors and scientists have often believed in creation. According to evolutionists the last couple of major steps in man evolving from ape happened over the last 4 million years. But there were not that many hominids. Here is a quote from Wikipedia on Prehistoric Demography (linked below): "A total of 2 billion to 20 billion hominids that lived during that approximately 4,000,000-year time span.[11]" We currently have 7.8 billion on the earth today. During those 4 million years it would have taken decades to produce 100,000 births. But we have 100,000 people being born every single day now. Yet instead of genetic mutations leading in positive directions we usually see very negative outcomes. We are involved in the special needs community - and several have a 'genetic defect'. And these defects can be something as simple as getting 2 copy of mom's instead of 1 mom and 1 dad in a certain position on a certain chromosome. The results from what seems like a minor mutation can actually affect several parts of a person and on ability to walk, speak, learn, vision...parents of children with genetic defects think evolution is very unlikely. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehistoric_demography#:~:text=Prehistoric%20demography%2C%20paleodemography%20or%20archaeological,and%20hominid%20demography%20in%20prehistory.
@@micheleh5269 " I love science.. " and then make a feeble attempt at misrepresenting it.
Cite the source of your claim that negative outcomes exceed beneficial. How exactly would a random mutation choose?
@@micheleh5269 what exactly is an Evolutionist? Evolution is a field of science and NOT a belief system. Ironically a belief system trying to claim verifiable evidence as a belief while using belief. Are you really that ignorant or that indoctrinated
Never listened to Skillet back in the day, but John Cooper is a rock star for standing up for truth. Appreciate you speaking out, keep fighting for the faith.
@Brazilian Goddess what
I listened to them a lot in my teen years and respected them from coming from Memphis lol
@Brazilian Goddess love them 💕
"If you're not WILLING to draw up your sword, then I'll have to draw mine." I just love that quote. It's so relevant in today's world as much as it has always been. Good chats, I appreciate you both.
I attended a mega church for a few months. The pastor declared on New Years he wanted 100k followers on his Instagram by the end of the year. I found that troubling
Lol, that's funny
I would say goodbye to the church forever.
It's important to read the Word and trust in the Lord and not in men. He said it out loud... how many are hiding that desire? But God has a remnant and we can be included in that remnant as we walk by faith.
Gross
What I found troubling is you attend a mega church service, they’re all in a satanic cult organization.
@@kingchris1353 you can't say that because a church is large, that it's satanic. There is truth out there. I would agree that it seems to be looking like the prosperity gospel (which is fake) seems to be attracting huge congregations and seems to be the new and popular norm. I just left a huge church that I learned much from, but they started to get into "racial reconciliation" under the guise of "white people are all, racist."
“Science is going to change what celebrities tell you is going to change But the Word of God will never change.” 🔥🔥🔥
I hope you go back to school and start learning everything including physics and mathematics from the basic.
Science doesnt tell you anything. it just is, it doesnt speak and it doesnt order. The word of God changes. in the old testament it was just one god and now its three in one? Slavery was permitted in the old testament and now it isnt. eating pork wasnt allowed, now it is. Death for working on the sabath, now no penalty. Homosexuals used to be prohibited in churches, in the future, they will be pastors in churches. The old and new testament change so much that its just two different gods. But I dont blame God if he does exist. Chrsitianity and Islam are just man made religions.
hilariously, science has changed its mind about "scientific facts" about 15 times since you wrote this comment.
@@andrewperkins9346 He's not talking about true science, but the fake science being pushed by the Left everywhere you look. Even a lot of the "scientists" today contradict proved science as they force in their political agendas to try and pollute the results of studies and basic common sense.
@@irvingalfaro8735 Boy are you confused! Go and study the Bible with proper Hermeneutics and stop trying to eisegete the Word of God. Islam and Christianity are as alike as feces and Filet Mignon are.
The Bible is a lamp to my feet. I did not like reading the Bible, then I asked God to give me a hunger for it! I would say that I average 5 to 10 hours per day listening to the Bible.
If you are spiritually weak, ask God to give you a desire for His Word. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness." He is the light of the world!
Have you gotten to the part where the Bible condones the owning and beating of people as property and the killing of homosexuals?
@@kyleisaacson4852 Obviously he hasn't then. Even if he is just a NT reader, there's still plenty in there god can give him a hunger for. Such as: Killing trees because they are out of fruit bearing season; drowning innocent pigs; ordering us to obey our slave masters; giving up on our families to follow a cult leader; magic spells like 'walk on water' , 'create food' and 'resurrect'; or the mushroom trip ending. Plenty to go on!
@@kyleisaacson4852 I haven't heard about that why don't you elaborate?
@@Drockninja75 Exodus 21 and 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10
@@Drockninja75 And regarding the killing of homosexuals- Leviticus 20:13
This woman is on-point and solid, and this musician is equally eloquent. What a blessing.
She’s awesome!🙏
"This women" 😆... Your'e in her channel Man lol... Alisa is her name.
They totally are...to hear them talking about truth... It was a breath of fresh air listening to them
The guy is speaking with a christmas tree behind his back (prohibited as a pagan practice in Jeremiah) then they r discussing whats wrong with christianity today..they drifted away from "you the only true God" (Jésus speaking about God) ""I go to my God n your God" drifted away from the chama to the trinity drifted away from accepting the next prophet in Isiah 42 (mountain sala is in todays saudi arabia, n kedar is the arab ancestor of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) drifted away from the Real teaching of Jesus Christ peace be upon him to the teaching of corrupt church injected under the cover of unknown Writers John Matthew..dont blame The Quran for debunking those Who falsified the true message of Jesus Christ peace be upon him.
@@mbarnabeus Hello brother, the scripture verse in Jeremiah is not talking about Christmas trees lol. Ps. it isn't talking talking about trees at all. You took one sentence and ripped it out of the passage that surrounds it. Yes that one single sentence is about a tree, but the verses before are very important to understanding that verse, and the verses IMMEDIATELY AFTER are even MORE important to understanding that verse. We cannot rip sentences out the Bible and make them say what we want. There are 3 rules to proper Biblical exegesis: 1. Context 2. Context 3. Context.
Read 10 sentences before and 10 sentences after and it will be crystal clear it is talking about cutting down the tree, getting a master craftsman who will carve and shape it (who does that for a Christmas tree anyway? Your argument falls apart right there). Then they will paint it with silver and gold....and it is talking about carving IDOLS! and then the flowing verses talk about those idols that were just carved. It is extremely clear if you read it in context
You do know that "verses" are not divinely inspired like the rest of the Bible. The "chapter and verse numbers" were added in centuries later. They were added in so that we could easily and quickly reference the scripture when studying and talking about it to others (this should be common knowlege). The original books - eg. Genesis, Jeremiah, Matthew etc etc - are actually books unto themselves. The Bible is made up of 66 different books. This is vitally important! When you read a book - even textbooks- do you read it sentence by sentence and then derive your meaning on a standalone basis. Of course not! The meaning of each sentence in any book is based on the CONTEXT of the story - especially what comes directly before and after. So we can't just pull a single sentence and make up a meaning for it - especially when the meaning is given directly after that sentence.
So if you read the paragraph before and after that verse you will clearly see that it is talking about making idols out of wood. Once you cut the tree down it says they get a master craftsman and he carves it and covers it in silver and gold (exactly like the idols the other nations were making)
We also understand scripture in context of the rest of scripture. and the "paint them silver and gold" is found in another place in the Bible (the verses are clearly referencing eachother) and that other verse is ALSO talking about idols. It's as if they were interpreting eachother (how about that!)
And then the sentence right after that (amd before that) it talks about worshipping the idols that were made out of that tree. It is describing idols it is so clear but you have to read it IN CONTEXT.
I grew up as an atheist I was a flyleaf fan I didn't know that they were a Christian and when I was a teenager strung out on drugs and in 2012 I got backstage passes to meet the band and Lacy Sturm led me to Christ.
amen
Fantastic 👍👍👍
That's awesome!
That’s so awesome! Glad to have you in the family.
WHOA. Never heard a story like that before. I always knew Lacy was the real deal.
What a marvelous conversation. As a Christian homeschool mom of 3 now-teen-aged sons, it's so encouraging to hear testimonies of a mom's influence reading the Bible to her kids. God's Word truly does not return void! I'll be watching this one again with them. 💗📖🤗
"the devil makes lies sound so much like the truth". Amen. This was a great interview.
It's like bizzle said, study the lie and they can make new lies up, study the truth and you'll know when the lie comes.
And we all know the only truth is the Bible. Study it, know the lies when you see them. Wokeness is strictly anti Christian. Christianity is about personal responsibility and wokeness and socialist communism is about it's everyone else's fault whatever happens to you. There is only one justice, social justice is a mockery of Christianity.
I love that
I was at an extreme low in my life. I was not suicidal BUT I had my toes hanging over the cliff. I felt hopeless, no joy...and in my desperation, I called out to Jesus. The restoration in my life is amazing. I am now married to my 1st boyfriend. We have a very happy life. He will restore the years the locust stole. Thank You Jesus!!!
Amen 👑
I accepted Christ in 2012, the year that you said things started getting relative in American Christianity. It’s encouraging because 2012 is when I heard the clear Gospel, not sugarcoated or watered down. Sometimes I feel like the one of the only young, newlywed women who submits to the Word of God. Thank you for standing up for Truth
Right there with you Cara!!!!
So many Christian bands stopped singing about Jesus and are now paying the price.
I am not familiar with very much contemporary christian music, save for the songs "Our God is an awesome God", and that one song by a very deep base singer of 3rd Day (i think), and that is about it. Please elaborate on what christian bands are singing about. I hear that many of these songs are rather empty with much repetition of the same words.
@@xyz-bz1fc about the early 2000 many Christian labels where bought by the big 3 record labels and asked artists to drop Jesus and you will make more money many of them did . They found themselves in debt marriage broken a mess.
I'm not gonna name anyone but many have repented and are changing direction.
@@trueworshiplife
Thanks, I did not know that.
The follow up question/observation I have; is how much were they into Jesus if they can just drop Him for the sake of making more money?
@@xyz-bz1fc The songs have definitely been watered down.
*Awesome God* was written and sung by my friend Rich Mullins.
He was killed in a car wreck, my friend Mitch McVicker was with him and we almost lost him too.
Rich hated "Awesome God", or thought it was not one of his better songs and said he thought it would "fall out of use". But that's the one Rich song everyone knows. You must listen to the verses too though, churches seem to just like the chorus.
Reich's music... I can't think of much that's been that good, especially in the last (yikes, this will be 24 years, feels like yesterday) years. I was so sad recently, put Rich in "random" and just had myself a mini concert a few nights ago. It was just the best time! A lot of Mitch's music is really good too, his life show is fantastic, I always encourage people to see him live.
Skillet is the band that is unparalleled in both bolstering me and tearing me down. No other music I have heard disarms me, lays me raw, and builds me up as much as theirs. It is so wonderful to hear how grounded John is. "Read a book!" No kidding! "Read the old dead guys!" Yes! I was raised on Miles Stanford, Ruth Paxon, and J.B. Stoney. Thanks for having this interview, and thank you, John, for being real and being out there. Love to the band!
I absolutely love John Cooper and Skillet. It’s great to see a local guy (Memphis, TN) make such an impact for sound theological thinking. This Northeast Arkansas gal is so proud!!! Kudos
As a 62 year old man, stuck on old blues tunes, I may just go out and get some Skillet! You rock dude!
Just please pray and research first. It doesn't take too much discernment, about 5 minutes. We are all sinners saved by grace, but conversely you will know them by their fruits.
I hope you like their stuff, Skillet is one of my favorite bands, and hearing Cooper speaking out as he has been had only encouraged me more to support them. He has been speaking out against the watered down truth of Scripture! Unleashed is a solid and my favorite album, Comatose was my first album I heard by them.
They were my jam,in the 90's.
Good for you, Brother.
@@gaylechristensen6285 Looks like good fruit.
Maybe you should listen to them, too.
@@chivalrousjack I have. I'm glad you enjoy them. Blessings!.
I was in a band called Zoa back in the mid 90’s and we were playing a festival with Rez Band when Sparrow records came out to see us! They said we sounded great but we need to rethink using the J-word so much in our music, because they were looking for crossover potential. We said absolutely not! Jesus got us to where we are and we’re not going to deny Him in our music! Needless to say! They didn’t pick us up! Glad you stood up to the very tempting offer!! Blessings to you both!
Where can I find yalls music?? I’d love to listen
@@glitchfaith0076 look for the band Zoa and the cd “The Storm” or “Vexed” our two studio recordings. There are a few other bands named Zoa but if you search with the CDs name you should find us. I also have some videos of our reunion we had in 2009 on my UA-cam site ... they aren’t the best quality lighting wise but the audio is ok! When you don’t have a label backing you make due with what you’ve got! Thank you so much for your interest
Do you mean Zao?
@@spottedsaint957 no Zao was a Christian core band we were Zoa a Christian rock band. The word Zoa was from the Greek and was used to describe the 4 living creatures that stood before the throne of God in the book of Revelation
@@Matzoa07 that's cool. My dad was in a small rock band in his youth before he was saved. After that he always wanted to start something or do praise and worship at his church but never really got the chance sadly.
His book is amazing! Read it in 1 day. His podcast is also great and full of biblical truth. Oh, and the music is awesome!!
Me being a parent of 5 boys and raising them up in the admonition of the Lord your testimony John is a real encouragement, it is my desire for all of my children from a young age to follow Jesus till the day they take their last breath...
I’m so thankful God led me to ask hard life questions and really seek out answers from my early teen years. Now about 20 years later, I feel like all that struggle pays off, because I have my head in straight and can discern lies from truth.
I feel exactly the same way. I never knew why I had it so hard and everyone else was getting blessed. God had to lead me through some tough things to make me who I am today, by his grace and his grace alone.
Yes! This is exciting! We need to get back to basics: repent and live right, so we can hear God again.
Take your medications and you won't hear any fictional characters of mythology
@@harrysphincter6496 I was looking for a comment like this. So predictable 😂
@@heavnxbound glad you agree they need mental health care. After all it's the 21st century
The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
Amen!
An old hymn goes like this
Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.
All may change but Jesus NEVER, glory to His name.
Glory to His Name Glory to His Name. All may change but Jesus never, Glory to His Name.
Are you saved from your sins?
Jesus commanded the apostles after His resurrection, to preach repentance and remission of sins, in His name, beginning at Jerusalem, and to wait for the promise of the Father, in Jerusalem. -Luke 24
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
--
And on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was poured out [Acts 2]
And they spake with tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.
And Peter preached the gospel unto them and they were pricked in their hearts, and said, men and brethren what shall we do?
And Peter said, Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This is how the bible says a man is to be saved.
This is why Jesus said, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned -Mark 16
Acts 2:
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Jesus also said to obey your earthly Masters. So remember to listen to your masters since Jesus never changes.
@@kyleisaacson4852 As long as it does not conflict with the law of God.
@@nathaniel3004 I guess you're right. The Bible condone slavery so I guess I should obey my masters.
@@kyleisaacson4852 Well a slave is not a bad thing. Depending on the master..
But in the scripture it says servants obey your masters
Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
Also a servant can be different than a slave.
Wow. I'm ashamed to admit that I just now found the channel, and I am not familiar with Alisa. I've seen what John has done over the years (who hasn't) but really didn't keep up with what he was/is up to. Incredible discussion, my respect for you both is great. We need more people like both of you. Keep fighting the good fight ✊
Welcome! You're gonna love her! She's an articulate, intelligent defender of the faith.😊
The following is something I would like to add to this conversation, and was something I had been pondering for a while now. I humbly submit it here.
(posted Jan 20th)
Ive been giving a lot of thought lately to the first half of the Book of Psalms, Skillet's frontman's public comments on worship leaders in the church, and the notion of authenticity within the Body....
I hate vocalizing this.... but I am starting to believe that the reason so many pastors and worship leaders are falling away lately is because we as a Body refuse to give Authenticity it's due, we are focused on always keeping the bright and shining face, the public face, the face that tells others in their despair and trials to "let go and let God"....
We dont pray like David prayed. We honestly wouldnt allow it in church. Someone walks in, broken, shattered, in deep grief..... and we automatically tell them to "give it to God" or "have more faith" or "dont lose heart".... we rail on Job's friends, yet fail to see how at least Job's friends sat with him for 7 DAYS in silence because their friend's grief was so great.....
we abhor authenticity in the church now days. and because of it, we are half people.... refusing to actually be real and honest (not just with us, but with God)
If someone came into our churches today and prayed like David in Psalm 28.... we would immediately start praying over him, declaring victory and triumph.... all the while failing to see that God wanted us to be real... vulnerable, broken..... for a season.
brokenness (hard as it may seem to accept) can be a blessing.
but these pastors and worship leaders who fall away, fall away because they are only half a person. They have never developed that brokenness, that authenticity, that vulnerability, that brokenness.
and such a life...... is rightly not to be viewed as complete.
Wisdom
Very profoundly stated. For His power is made perfect in weakness.
So well said. Thank you for taking the time to say it
Beautifully stated, and so much Truth. Hosea 6:1-3 bears this out
I've never liked it when I go to one of my pastors and say "pastor, I'm lost. This and this are piling up. I need you to help my find God's will because I'm so buried I can't hear Him clearly" and all I get back is "just trust God." While it is good advice, it's not helpful to hear when someone feels lost. In my head, this somehow ties into your statements on the church not really "accepting" that people can be Christian and be broken.
On the flip side of things when it comes to "praying over him, declaring victory and triumph", I would think that that is the pastor(s) trying to help in the best way they know how and that is their first instinct--which is a good one to have. My first reaction when someone comes to me with a problem is to ask "how can I help", even if I know there isn't much I can do BESIDES pray for them
Wow, I loved this broadcast!! I always liked Skillet but I never imagined that John was such a mighty man of God and I can see that it's because of his humble spirit. This was so edifying. God bless your channel and his ministry.
You know the verse, " In the last days they will be a great falling away. "
Yes, so many false prophets out there. UA-cam is full of them.
"Falling away" means people stop being Christian. Progressive Christians are still Christian, just like Quakers, Catholics, and Anglicans are still Christians.
@@justyouraverageyoutubeacco256 True biblical Christianity is not the same as religious Christianity. Religion is nothing but a man-made effort at righteousness and to be born again, a person needs to put their trust in God and in His Son, Jesus of Nazareth. Then He will lead you, if you are willing more and more away from religion and into His own loving care. But He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; nobody comes to the Father except through me."
@@ibealion1 In your opinion, what is the difference between the two? Why do you feel they are distinct groups?
@@justyouraverageyoutubeacco256 Well, I would be mis-representing myself and the Bible if I claimed it as my opinion. In John 3, the Lord Jesus said that in order to see and in order to enter the Kingdom of God, a person must be born from above. He then spent the rest of His earthly ministry preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and pointing out to the pharisees and religious leaders the error in their effort to try to establish religious rules and regulations. It would be too much to try to put it all here, but I think if you read the gospel of John and the gospel of Matthew, you will see it yourself. But then the books of Acts and Romans in the Bible offer further insight and clarification to what we saw take place in the gospels. Especially Romans 1-4 show that any righteousness that is established by the law is no righteousness at all. In fact, it says that true righteousness on our part before God can only come through faith in Christ and it's by His "one act of righteousness" that our lives will be preserved when we stand before God in judgement and will have NOTHING to do with our good and evil deeds. (Note: I'm not saying that our good and evil deeds don't matter, but that's a very different and very long discussion.) Religion is about our righteous acts. True Biblical Christianity is founded upon His One Righteous Act.
John is putting into words what I have been feeling, but couldn't pinpoint what I'm feeling. This is so confirming and clarifying.
We have a generation that wants to be spoon-fed instead of searching a matter out
EXACTLY!!!! Instead of doing the studying and research and following inner guidance, they want to be told what and how to think.
Are you saved from your sins?
Jesus commanded the apostles after His resurrection, to preach repentance and remission of sins, in His name, beginning at Jerusalem, and to wait for the promise of the Father, in Jerusalem. -Luke 24
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
--
And on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was poured out [Acts 2]
And they spake with tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.
And Peter preached the gospel unto them and they were pricked in their hearts, and said, men and brethren what shall we do?
And Peter said, Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This is how the bible says a man is to be saved.
This is why Jesus said, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned -Mark 16
Acts 2:
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The problem is that Christians haven’t been taught as new Christians how to search out anything,. We’re missing disciples in the church today.
@@peggycarson8960 Well , I would not say that the churches are the church, since all of them preach different doctrines, all contrary to the doctrine of Christ.
The base principles of the doctrine of Christ, they leave out, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Some buildings, will preach how to be saved from your sins, by obeying the gospel.
Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
But leave off holiness, and continue in sin etc. or teach that God became a man, or that God is a trinity.
The bible says that Jesus is the Son of God.
God came upon Mary, and she conceived, and bare a Son, and his name was called Jesus.
It does not say that the Son of God, came down and entered into his own mother's womb.
But that the Holy Ghost came upon Mary and she conceived a bare a son.
And God cannot die, yet Jesus died on the cross, and God rose Him from the dead.
Jesus was born from God, this is why He called Him his Father, and that he is the only begotten of the Father.
God is in Him.
Jesus said that God is a Spirit, and those that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
Yes, and their parents let them waste their lives on cell phones and on school buses. >:( WHERE WERE THEIR PARENTS??
Thank you
Both of my children are wandering spiritually(14&12), I feel like I failed in so many ways.
I am a sinner I know it clearly, my example has not been good.
Now I'm trying to repent &change. In the midst of 2nd divorce, feel deeply sad and guilty about my choices and how they've affected my children.
Gods good all the time! Keep trying to put one foot in front of the other.
Thank you John for being a man. A man of integrity and wisdom. A strong man of God who is not afraid to stand up for God with love, passion and valor. May God greatly bless you!!🕊🙏
Wow my mom just died from cancer and I found all my hope, strength, and peace in God. He is still good no matter the circumstances. I really enjoyed this podcast. I love Skillet's music by the way.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Praise the Lord. Have you obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ yet?
I love the part where he says “go read a book” ( about how the sovereign God of the universe can have hell involved in His plan) so true!
I've missed hearing about your band and your faith. I was watching your group and saw you live several times. I was working as a resource officer in the public school system. Your music in the first albums helped me so much in my work and dealing with all of the problems of the day. God allowed me to talk about God, faith, and what I saw as truth. It was amazing doing the work Whew, I'm retired now and don't see anyone doing the work I did or anyone doing the Christian work much at all. God bless you all trying to share the truth. As you are saying, no one reads or knows the bible it seems. I'm 62 and my time has passed working with the youth and it hurts to see everyone so lost. I still pray and read the word and I thank God for folks like you all.
Skillet is an amazingly talented band. Their songs are so good. Thanks for having John on your show.
We've lost the ability to suffer for a greater good. It's apparent in secular people, but, unfortunately, these habits also engrained themselves strongly in modern-day Christians.
Really dig Skillet. I'm an old rocker & they rock ! At first I did'nt know they are Christians but got to listening to the lyrics & enjoy John, Jen, & band that much more. God bless them each. Keep up the good work !! Thanx for ur sound. Love ya ! Steve R.
Many of us asked questions honestly in the early 90s but were shouted down and given no answers. We were mangled by those we trusted. We left these churches, worked through our questions in private while being chastised for forsaking "fellowship"..... came back stronger and then watched the youth group leaders and "spiritual giants" collapse when nominal christianity died and they finally were FORCED to deal with though questions.....and still couldn't.
I'm so sorry that was your experience. I'm glad you persisted through the questions. Your story is a good one for leaders to heed. How much better to be open to the questions in God's house and wrestle with them together!
@@liesl7485 It seems that they hadn't really examined their own faith and that since it was smooth sailing for them and wanted nothing to do with hard questions. Also, to make things 1000x worse I was in a charismatic church. Most of them went on to K.C. or Toronto NAR and I see why I thought they were crazy or faking it....they were. Talk about having to unlearn a lot of bad theology!!!! Prophesies that didn't come true...things that didn't line up with the Bible....I would bring up election and ask how that fit in with God giving us commandments and choices and the sinners prayer. That was squashed quickly instead of encouraged. I was just asking sincere questions and was too easily brushed off. When I read serious theologians I can see that they understood how serious those questions are. I agree that we should encourage people to hammer out theology...it's tough stuff and good exegetical preachers are a huge help.
I can totally relate to John's testimony!! I was saved when I was 4 from my sister, and got baptized at I believe 5 or 6. I have always been a Christ follower, and never fell off from the Lord either, although I definitely have had some struggles. Love him, and their music!!
Bingo. They want all the virtue of God but none of the sacrifice or hatred from the world for it. Nope. They can't have it.
Give examples of how the world hates you personally.
@@GeoffBosco If you have the courage and honesty, you can be my example. How about that?
@@lkae4 I'm not pretending to be better than you. I live a comfortable American life and sometimes people say mean things to me on the internet. I'm not being oppressed for my faith. I'm not being jailed. I''m not being mocked and attacked in public like the Apostles.
We have no clue what it means to be hated for our faith and that aint the fault of some "weak pastors."
I take full responsibility for that. It's my own weakness-of which I have many.
But, I have chosen a path beneath contempt. I can say what ever I want because I have made myself nothing to the world. They don't hate me because of how low status I am. I aint afraid to o offend anyone and I aint afraid to offend you either.
@@GeoffBosco f you have chosen a path beneath contempt, are you following Jesus? Or is Jesus wrong when he said you will be hated by everyone for the sake of His name? Or did you find some cheat code to follow Jesus and not be hated? Or are you even more humble than Jesus?
@@lkae4 That isn't quite what I said, but I wasn't exactly clear either.
I meant that my own moral failings and my low status both contribute to the fact that the world doesn't hate me (the latter because the world and the church both idolize the status hierarchy and no one in the Church seems to ever mention that in their "what's America coming to?" sermons).
I never claimed to have reached anything only described the path I'm on.
Danggg, renewed respect for Skillet
This video is becoming more and more important as this country and world are falling deeper into Satan’s hands.
Speak for yourself.
@@TMPreRaff I take it you’re not a believer. If you were, you’d agree with me.
Yes amen! Heavens gates are closing and hells gates are opening
@@TMPreRaff No he’s speaking on society. And it’s true. Statistically and you can feel it.
As long as pastors/preachers/teachers/priests earn their living in the church there will be problems like this. The Gospel was never meant to be a money-maker. We are meant to preach to each other, it shouldn't be a job. That leads to efforts to stockpile money for the future, growing prideful in celebrity, or temptations toward efforts to maintain your position like the Pharisees. Find a church where the congregational leaders are not paid and you will find the Church.
That's been my experience...
Oh that story about his mom😭 when she said, "John, you can't be mad at God if He chose not to heal me." That's really impactful.
Oh man I had to pull over the side of the road just to cry 😭
I started talking to my Grandson about Jesus when he was 4. I feel so bad for the people who will never know what it is to have Christ in your life. Can you Imagine that? Going through this life without knowing Christ? I'd rather be tortured! And these woke Pastors..... the church has really failed its public.
John and Alisa, thank you so much for this! Everything you two spoke about resonated with my heart, especially the last bit where John mentioned the struggles at home after his mom died!
Thank you, thank you thank you!
Just became a Skillet fan lol love this guy! PTL for his boldness!
I needed the honesty of you two. Thank you so much.
Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does what is evil continue to do what is evil. Let the filthy person continue to be filthy. Let the righteous person continue to do what is right. And let the holy person continue to be holy."
"Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:10-13
we are told that there will be a falling away and the heart of the church would go cold...judgement is coming
Thank you UA-cam for bringing me to this Zoegirl was one of my first cds growing up and I saw skillet in 2012 🖤
John Cooper was tempted the same way Jesus was: "I'll give it all to you if you bow down and worship me." But John resisted. Good for him! Satan can indeed make a lie sound so good.
Good to hear someone promote Shelby Steele, he's a courageous man standing up to his critics. Props to John Cooper for standing up for truth
I've always liked John Cooper; he has always stood up and spoke his mind since the first time I saw Skillet in 2002. He preached the same message for Jesus in a club in LA filled with non-Christians I'm grateful for him saying what many Bible believing Christians needed to hear but haven't from these pastors. I no longer respect many of them because they are befriending the world and not following the word of God. I agree that the lay people have to hold this false doctrine accountable. I'm on Facebook talking about celibacy because it's rarely mentioned by many pastors these days; they don't teach repentance or holiness, so I heard God tell me to step up and do it since I'm abstaining for him until marriage. I also liked Alisa when she was with Zoegirl because they spoke up for modesty and Godly living. Too few Christians follow the Bible these days. I'm thankful for both of you John and Alisa. God bless you both!
God bless the two of you and everybody watching this video! 🙏
Our world and the church isn't largely interested in teaching critical thinking.
I don’t think religion alone wants us to be critical thinkers. Bible wants us to remain ignorant like children?
@@M4TALMAN I wouldn't say ignorant but innocent as children.
Nailed it.
Oh my goodness!! How did I miss that Lisa Childres was in Zoe Girl!?! I knew she looked familiar! Too cool❤! I went to a Shout Fest as a kid where both of you performed!
All of us that call ourselves Christians are responsible for this. Dont hit at the darkness, turn on your light. Believers are supposed to be the light of the world.
I like that you said believers. It seems the house is judging itself which is as instructed as judgement starts at the house of the Lord. Christianity is far from clean evidently.
We are to be the light of the world BUT we also have to take a stand against evil! Jesus confronted the Pharisees and Saducees on a daily basis.
Thank you for being real, John Cooper, Thank you Sis ‘n’ Christ, Alisa, this is so encouraging, So insightful, I LOVE AND APPRECIATE BOTH OF YOU !!!
I am a proud Agnostic/Atheist. I have deconstructed my faith as a former Roman Catholic. I’m happy not being religious anymore and all I can say is not force your beliefs onto others. Respect that.
This was a great interview. There is a remnant. God always has His remnant
@Sabbath 7th day so salvation is null and void if i worship on Sunday?
@Danno sorry man. I dont watch Servus Cristi. He is an illustrated sermon for having a plank in his eye and pointing out the speck in everyone else's.
@Sabbath 7th day Jesus is the Sabbath. Everyday is a day to worship God. Paul said, one observes a day as unto the Lord and another does not observe it as unto the Lord. What matters is a new creature in Christ.
So encouraging. May God continue to strengthen and guide you all.
Woah... she's from Zoegirl?
My wife's favorite Christian band. She danced at our church to Beautiful name.
I recently went through some old ZOEgirl music again because I'm obviously following Alisa on youtube now. A lot of suuuuuper early 2000s-style music. But tbh Beautiful Name has aged the best. I feel like lyrically Christian artists don't write quite like that anymore at all. It's obviously going on my spotify.
Seek and exercise God’s will daily plant seeds of Christ to unsaved friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and through social media.
Romans 10:14-15 📣
Mark 16:15
Luke 10:27💕
I don’t believe they left the faith, they were never of the faith.
Not true. There were 10 virgins 5 let the oil burn out of their lamps. Sadly many are called but in the end few continue to follow. We have a responsibility to stay in the spirit.
@@joecitizen6405 Jesus does not lose any of his sheep. He is the good shepherd.
That I am sure feels good to say. But is not scriptural. God gives us free will. The scripture is repleat with those that have followed and fallen away. Its a relationship. We have to continue to build it and work on it. Yes Christ will always follow to save us as a good shepard, but if we keep running and ignoring the spirit that is on us. The parable of the seed is also another that says there will be those that accept but wither. That is Christs own words. Both examples are. The virgins and the seeds.
I may be wrong, if I am please show me a scripture that says once saved always saved so that I do not continue in error.
@@joecitizen6405 we can do nothing to earn salvation, it is a gift. Why then would we be able to lose it? Once God has caused rebirth, if true conversion, stemming from repentance, and regeneration has occurred God does not take that life from us. That said, if true regeneration has occurred the sign of it will be the fruit of the spirit. The sign that there is life, is that there will be growth. Blessings brother.
Love his comment “don’t listen to the 20yrs old cause they’re pretty” 😂 Amen to that!!!
2 Thessalonians 2:3, there must be a falling away first and the son of perdition be revealed... we must be getting ready for the soon return of the Lord, Praying, listening and reading the WORD, walking in Love with all people's of the world.
I always loved skillet their song monster and hero really spoke to me ....i am so glad that fame didn't get in the way of your love for God keep speaking the truth !! Christian's should have righteous anger abt the things going on inside and out of the church. When u spoke of ur mom it was beautiful but then when u said ur dad remarried 2 months later my heart broke. I'm glad u have mended things w ur dad and I pray for ur continued growth in the lord. God bless u both 🙏
Looking for the place where I can click “like” over and over and over again.
So spot on, I have been asking, "how do you emulate somebody that you do not know?" in the context of Bible study and getting closer to God.
Awesome from Reading pa we need to stand on truth bless you
This is such an important, and necessary conversation to have. Thank you for using for voice to speak out. The word of God has never changed, and will never change. Jesus said himself that no one is good except for His Father in heaven.
People get confused cauz they think 'majority' is people not it is God. So what matters is what He thinks of us not Instagram and FB followers.
I so agree with this message. My Spirit grieves when I see believers pleasing man over God.
His preshow, where he talks about getting tempted to get to more people by not saying Jesus proper or involving Jesus reminds me of Red's path. Their reason for straying from Christian rock was essentially just these words.
Appreciated this convo. Big fan of this podcast and all the work Alicia has done particularly with responding to the deconstructing conversation.
My only critique is that I think this convo could have used a bit more nuance. Someone like KB from Southside Rabbi would be great on this. I felt like John Cooper generalized a lot when it came to his thoughts on the problem of the “social gospel”. No disrespect intended, but on that point he sounded much more like a Republican than he did just a Christian examining the convo. Just my thoughts.
I love your music. John, so much of what you say is very much what my church teaches. My pastor isn't main stream church where anything goes
I agree with his thoughts on lukewarm Pastors and Christians. The time for this fence sitting and using Jesus as a crutch to continue sinning without repentance is done. Jesus actually told us he came to divide especially in these times. Great Interview! We need more people like you both speaking strong righteous indignation! Everyone seems to forget the Psalms of King David against his enemies and evildoers.
wow...this was great...thank you.
Thanks so much, great interview.
I didn't know John Cooper is so smart.
I know right? He's gained my respect (besides my initial respect I had for his music)
Praising God that He has raised some people up to speak truth.
I just became a Christian 3 years ago through NYSTV. I know none of these people. I do know that the Bible is the foundation. I do know that it is plain silly to not think. Yahweh gave us a brain to use. Please use it people.
Amen and Amen! Too many people don't really search out truth and fall for deception. You are so right....He gave us a brain for thinking, not to take up space in our skull!
@Israel Jennings Dear Israel, Please excuse my ignorance. I'm not sure how 2nd Tim, although always important, is applicable to my comment. Again, I'm not arguing. I'm asking. (I also agree with your second verse.) Seriously. I do think that it is evident that God gave us laws to follow, there it's leadership throughout the Bible beginning with Adam and Eve, the first sin begain with transgression. Jesus followed these laws, including those of family. It is also evident that to whatever capacity He has blessed each of us we are expected to use our intellegece to study His word. That was all I was saying. Teachers are good. However, I'm a researcher and for years before I became i Christian it was evident that a major pitfall of mankind had always been that of not thinking for ourselves. We have the greatest source material ever. We need to use it. Thank you for your response to me. I appreciate it- with love❤️
Blessed are you! Good choices. Great is your reward! Jesus over the world! Never lose your soul over material junk. Thanks for sharing. 💜
I've been cutting down the middle of the line... no wonder my tables look like crap
Lol I used to make those mistakes too
I loved this, I am 24 and I honestly cant listen to most of these online new preachers. I will be honest I used to before the pandemic but now I am like this is not feeding me spiritually I just listen and read the dead guys if I want to be exhorted or taught. I am sorry but some of these cool pastors don't even preach sin or hell its all about us having the right mindset and being positive which is not okay. I get sometimes you incorporate those messages in a sermon but ultimately you need to go back to the gospel you need to give people the truth you also need to give messages that does not encourage or negate lukewarmness. It is just scary the times we are living in you really have to be in the word for yourself or you will just be deceived. I have been to churches where they never really spoke of repentance and thats like a biblical foundation.
.".....but they don't know anything about anything" -- so true! I vividly remember the moment in college that I flashed on how very LITTLE I knew -- and that was a huge revelation at the time (ha!):-)
Excellent exchange! 👏🏾👏🏾🙋🏾♀️
Just as God destroyed all the FALSE gods of Egypt, He is shaking this world and it's false gods. God is our healer, not medicine. God is our protector, not our government. Jesus is our Savior, not political leaders. He deserves our worship, not Hollywood and sports. If we are not clinging to God while worldly things crumble around us, we will fall.
The word clearly tells us to love the LORD your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. This was God’s ONLY request to the Israelites AND to put no other God’s before him, idols. Reference is Joshua 23 and 24, others but this is what God showed me.
You are correct! We are to trust and abide in God and God alone, it’s ALL about Jesus not government, president, money, disease. Its about knowing that we are sinners and fall short and he sent Jesus to pay FOR US period. He deserves our HEARTS, true repentance and commitment to having him sift us like wheat and change us. There are 2 types of Christians and we MUST choose wisely, very wisely!
Grace is a gift not to be mocked. We are called to pray and stand firm on the only truth, God’s word the Bible. He said it so that settles it, it is the ONLY truth that will save our souls.
Be girded up he calling for soldiers who will patiently endure until the end. Blessings of grace and his peace to you 🙏❤️
My advice to everyone is to keep your mouth shut, unless you are around people you absolutely trust. Stop buying music, movies and get off all social media. But stay on UA-cam, there is still a lot of great Christian channels on UA-cam. And cancel your cable or satellite TV subscriptions. You can get local news and classic TV with a set of rabbit ears. And build up a supply of emergency food.
This is sooooo amazing! So incredibly spot on!!!!
I did not understand your video but your words are good to me.
I've heard of Skillet; never heard their music, but I appreciate what Cooper has to say. I could very well be wrong, but it seems that these people who are renouncing their faith had a very shallow faith to begin with, and come out of backgrounds where sound, expository teaching and preaching of the Word is secondary to the show, the experience. In fact, I remember hearing one of these young women state that she grew up in a wild, crazy church.
Sadly, falling away is going to happen. I hear preachers talking about the imminent, worldwide revival that is just waiting out there, but the Bible teaches that in the last days there will be a great apostasy, a great falling away, and maybe this is what we are seeing.
The one who really shook me and brought me to tears is Amy Grant. I cannot believe what she said.
I am saddened and shocked...... :' (
9:49 Amen. John may not be a pastor but it's really apparent the more you listen him that he's more well read than most people who are.
Mercy Christmas to skillet!
John Cooper is so solid and straight forward. Not just a good man, but an unapologetic man of God. Thank you for this interview.
Thank God John Cooper’s mother told him the truth of Jesus! Thank you for sharing what is going on out there…