After my divorce I went back to my old lifestyle of drugs and left the faith. I didn't stop believing I was just in despair. God never left me and I never stopped talking to him. I couldn't get him out of my head . In desperation I came back and have not looked back. I realized I was an immature Christian and let my circumstance shake my hope. Jesus is always faithful even when you falter. Don't put your faith in people but in Jesus only.
I also realized I was a shallow Christian, after enduring something traumatic, I too returned to a life of drinking and so on....I didn't know how to deal with the pain.But God was faithful and He kept me safe, but prompting me to stop what I was doing. I can so relate. God bless.
My path was quite similar. Twice! Looking back I am torn because I feel like a fool with the choices I made to “put God on the shelf” but I also see how God is using my path to allow me to minister in ways I didn’t understand before. Before I was all “drugs are bad and you shouldn’t blah blah blah” but now I am able to speak with more empathy and say “I understand why you may chose that, let me talk you how God helped me when I was the same way” 🙏 ❤
I find that in every moment that I have doubts, I look back and notice I was committing sins that I know were wrong. My faith is strongest when I am fervently seeking God and being in prayer and in the word, which helps me resist temptation. I pray that we stay strong and finish the race knowing the Lord God is with us all along the way. 🙏 ✝️⛪️❤
My daughter died 5 years ago. I went through the deepest pain of my life. In my desperation and brokenness, I truly believe God spoke to my heart and asked me, “Will I wallow in my grief or will I worship my God?” It was so clear and so gentle. By His grace, I got up from the floor and began to worship. He helped me with my grief and guided me through the valley with so much love from the body of Christ, from His promises, and from His Spirit. I praise Him and now testify to His goodness to those who have lost. Thank you Jesus! Glory to Your name. Hope this encourages you all. You can trust Him, always.
Glory to God for His faithfulness during your loss. I stand with you. I have lost a child as well and remember being brought low in grief and gently led to worship. I look forward to when we are both reunited with them again. ❤️
Thank you for this testimony, it is powerful and needed for all. I completely believe your child is with God and you are a child of God, you will be with them for eternity. I love you in Christ.
I’m in that valley right now. But I was gonna raise my daughter to be Christian, and compassionate, and I will not let that stop because she’s gone. If my Princess is with GOD, then I will trust in HIM. And do my best while I still breath.
Similar experience when I was widowed suddenly 2 years ago. God is so good. Everything in this world is temporary but He is forever! His ways are ALWAYS better than ours, even if we don't see it right away.
They can’t be “brought back” if they were never found. The world seems to be full of people who “think” they are Christians but have never had an actual relationship with Christ. It’s more than just a word. It’s more than wearing a crucifix, a lapel pin, or clutching a rosary. It’s not a club membership that expires. But it also doesn’t mean that there aren’t doubts and crises along the way.
I have talked to a friend who recently turned away and honestly she didn’t want answers to her questions. When they were given she didn’t believe it. When people come to that decision they don’t want to really hear truth. So I’ve been praying for a softened heart for the person.
Christians don't understand the transition that idolatry has undergone. In the Old Testament people worshipped idols made of wood, stone and metal. That lasted up until Christians in the 15th to 17th century laid the foundation for science and technology, and then the old idols were seen as "superstition". Then this old form of idolatry adapted...instead of worshipping things "out there" , atheists began to worship things "in here"...their own thinking and vain imagination.This was called the 17th century "Enlightenment".The arch pagan psychologist Jung called this the worship of SELF and he capitalized the letters to indicate divinity. Now people are their own god, they will prioritize their own thinking and now their own feelings. I tell people the truth, and I call them out in trying to be god for themselves...i give em' both barrels. That way, they can never mistake what I stand for.
@@markanthony3275 with you brother... in their new world, they call the shots, determine right and wrong. They are the new judge and ruler. Their own god...💀
No one chooses what they believe. It's either you're convinced or not convinced. What causes us to be convinced is much more complex. Our life experience is a big factor in this, but also knowledge about the subject, sometimes trust in the person who is talking about it, etc.
I experienced an assault from someone in a South florida church, and the pastor chose to defend the predator because he did not want to give up the parties on the yacht or the big bills in the offering. The pastor told people i was crazy and had a mental breakdown it was the worst part of my life. My faith really started falling. But God placed the right church and christians in my life who helped direct me back. Now, my faith is stronger than ever.
Satan is using greed in North America, and the world in a big way. I'm sorry u had to go through that experience, but why we need to stay closer to Jesus than ever before
If you had a mental breakdown because of what a pastor said about you and this also causing you to have your faith shaken I’m afraid your faith is built on paper machete and will not hold up during heavy persecution which is comming for us all
@@GizzelleBrookes-vs5ecpastors and leaders who are CURRENTLY hurting or troubling people unscripturally or spreading unsound or apostate doctrine need to be exposed!
I lost my leg above the knee then I lost my job. I struggled with staying faithful and ultimately stopped praying and haven't attended church in 4 or 5 years. Thank you for this video i need to do better. I had typed a bunch of other nonsense at first but, only half of it posted. Stuff about my wife of 8 years giving up on us and all that has nothing to do with Christ death and resurrection. Anyway, I've stepped away and need to step back and thanks again for the video it was more encouraging than you know. 😊
Stay strong in the truth! Christ loves you and wants to help you through every struggle and tribulation, to guide you and pour out His everlasting love upon you. Take heart in that if you have given your life to Jesus, you may lose a leg but you can never lose your salvation in Christ, and you can never lose His love! Nothing you can ever do can take His love away from you if you have accepted Him, and He is always waiting for you to return to His loving and welcoming arms, to say "welcome home!" no matter how far or long you've been away! ❤
I am so sorry for what you have gone through. God has not left you nor forsaken you. You are a beautiful child of God and I pray that God gives you the desires of your heart.
My husband told me to “get my eyes off the people and keep my eyes on God.” This is essentially what you have said. Thank you for this clarity in more detail and sharing your experiences with some Christians who were off track. And Yes, Jesus rose from the dead!!
I read a story that I seen recently. A lady went to a church. This lady went one Sunday. And, she started looking around. She noticed that in one pew behind her, a couple of boys were in their cell phone. She looked over in the row next to her and saw a couple of teenage girls were passing notes back and fourth. Sooo, she took it upon herself to talk to the pastor. She sit down and told him what she observed. And, then asked him what can be done. After a few minutes the pastor left and came back with a full cup of water. He told the woman; " I want you to to hold this cup of water and walk around the sanctuary, but don't spill a drop. She was of course puzzled as to why he was having her to do this. But, she did it anyway. She walked around the sanctuary, keeping an eye on the cup. So as not to spill a drop. She finally got back to the pastors office and set the cup down in his desk. He asked her; " Well, did you spill any water?" She replied, "No, not one drop. I kept my eye on that cup while I was walking around the sanctuary." The pastor nodded his head with approval. Then he asked her; "And, did you notice anything orwhat anyone was doing?" She told him; "Noo, I didn't." Sooo, he told herthat he did this experiment to show you that if you keep your eyes focused on the services. Then you won't be noticing what anyone else is doing.
I was having such a hard time dealing with the death of my husband. I prayed to God for help and one morning I had a lightness come over me and it was Him saying to me, "My child, I have heard your voice and feel your pain. I am here for you to lean on and to find comfort in your grief. Come to Me and you will find rest." Since then, my journey through this process of grief is not as difficult, as I know that the Holy Spirit is with me always. I am studying the Bible everyday and finding comfort in prayer. I know that, one beautiful morning I will be with my family in glory. With the Lord and Christ Jesus being by my support, I am truly grateful and blessed.
I, too, lost my husband and cried out to the Lord. He heard my cry. My joy is different these days because I understand He is my joy. Still miss my husband. God cares and understands my mourning and not put off that I cry sometimes. I am grateful my husband is healed and resting with the Lord.
Amen, I have cancer, there will be that beautiful morning for all in Christ Remember, if you fall, get back up,, if you don't quit, God won't quit, God bless you
He had me up until the lgbt part. The Bible clearly states that they are reprobates and reprobates can not believe, so how are they going to be true Christians? If he says otherwise, it’s his word against God’s word. I’ll go with God’s word.
People who claim to have been Christians and have walked away from Christianity are lying to you. If they were true Christians they would not be able to walk away. The fact that they want away from it and deconstructed himself out of it proves that they were never real Christians to begin with. I have scripture to back me up. 1 JOHN 2:19 They have went from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. This verse clearly states that people who claim to be former ex Christians have actually proven that they were never Christians to begin with. The fact that they have time to walk away from Christianity proves that they weren't in it to begin with. Jesus said in Matthew 7 that not everybody who calls him that not everybody who calls Him Lord will make heaven. They will say to him that they were Christians. He's not going to say that he used to know them, he's going to say that he never knew them. University of the Gospel says that Christians cannot be plucked from God's hands. That means other people cannot take you from his hand and you cannot walk away from his hand on your own accord. . Therefore those who have called themselves Christians in the past and have walked away from it have never actually been real Christians. And yes the scriptures I shared and reference prove what I am saying.
I accepted the Lord Jesus at 18yrs old, and I've been through so much abuse in church, and here I am at 60 yrs old, loving the Lord more than ever because when everyone failed me he's always been with there for me. Thank you, my Lord
When my husband left me with two small children ages 6 and 3, I kept my eyes on God. When I was asked why I continued to believe and trust in God after all that had happened to me, I said, "Man disappointed me, not God." My life has not turned out the way I thought it would, but I look forward to my life in heaven with Jesus. I give him all honor, praise, and glory for the life he's given me and his sacrifice on the cross.
One of my former pastors once said, “The question isn’t ‘once saved always saved,’ but ‘was the person ever TRULY saved to begin with?’” Hopefully, they will come back or come to a true receiving of Christ.
Exactly for you are only born again once and tye scripture says the walk with us but they where not of us if they where of us they would have continued in the faith 1john 2:19
Right, that is why I think the "once saved, always saved" doctrine should be avoided in most contexts as it requires more of a "strong meat" understand, yet it is often promoted willy-nilly to Christians still on "milk" which could EASILY give a false sense of salvation...🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
And that's not a good question to ask. Peter denied Jesus 3 times and he was baptized with the holy ghost breathed on him before you get to the book of acts. So don't think people are not truly saved because they abandoned the faith because the word will tell you Peter himself rejected Jesus 3 times and he still was pulled back into his calling by God's grace.
Is that sound reasoning though? Thought experiment: Let's say L Ron Hubbard predicted in the end times people would make fun of Scientology for believing Lord Xenu would rescue all the believers in a fleet of B-52s. Fast forward 100 years and Hubbard was right! People are leaving the religion and scoffing at Scientologists. “Where is this coming of Zenu that was promised?” Is prophecy being fulfilled? How could he have known that people would abandon the faith and scoff at their beliefs?
Thats not accurate. To be more accurate you have to look at how everyone became Christian in the first place and what has changed sense then. Most of us White and Black were slaughtered or enslaved into Christianity. The Inquisition and or the Atlantic Slave Trade are two of the major reasons why Christianity is so popular. Islam is another popular religion and it too has a very violent history. The two most violent religions are the two most popular religions. However, slavery is over and has been over.. So my folks are going back to what they were before the slave master gave them Jesus.. Much of Europe is going back to what they were before being slaughtered by Christians. Oppression and genocide is what made and kept Christianity popular. If the Christians are not going to oppress to maintain their numbers then Christianity will eventual fall. What you did to get herm you must maintain to keep her type of a deal.
@@ryanrevland4333 But Ron Hubbard didn't say that but The Bible did. Not getting what your point is? Also while we are discussing prophecy, can you explain how The Bible foretold the Jews being scattered across the world and then would later come back to the land. No nation in history has ever had that happen to them except for the Jewish people.
@CrusaderZealot You have to understand the context that 2 Peter 3:4 was written in. Let's take a look at it: _in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?_ The author is writing to Christians in the 2nd century who are being laughed at because Jesus said he would return in the lifetime of his disciples and was obviously wrong.
I was at a leadership meeting at a large church. There were around 500 leaders there. I sat up at the altar for prayer in front of all of them, battling deep depression and a huge health crash. None of the 500 leaders, or the guest speaker, even checked up on me. BUT my faith is in Christ, not people or the churches. Jesus predicted evil influences coming into the Church in Matthew 13. Revelation talks about how the lightstands of churches can be removed, so they no longer reflect Him. I went through about a year of feeling completely alone and suicidal, apart from my husband as best as he could be there for me at the time. Only God has been with me through it all, despite it feeling like He's silent at times. When I needed Him the most, He stepped in. God is good, and He also helps me learn and grow.
@@dianetigert1310 Many of these 'Churches' are nothing more than businesses masquerading as Christian...so many folks lack discernment...I believe that it's not by accident that the Teaching Ministry in many is so poor...keep the faith...
Amen! If our hope and faith is in man, even Christian men/women, we'll just be disappointed. We have to remember something we say or do can disappoint others too. So keep our focus on God and God alone!
My dad was a pastor when I was a kid and the church we were at hurt me deeply, especially after my parents divorced. When I was 17, I decided to walk away. After months of pushback, my mum asked me to go to church with her one day and even though I didn’t want to, I went so I wouldn’t hurt her by saying no. I ended up going again and served in that church for a while. Walked away when I was 19 for a guy, we broke up right after I turned 20. The year I turned 21, I went to my friend’s church and Holy Spirit captured my heart. It’s been 10 years now and I have been at the same church ever since. I did briefly struggle in 2018 when I made some choices and ended up having a daughter out of wedlock in 2019. I’m on the worship team, and my relationship with the Lord is stronger than ever. I met my husband at this church and we are expecting a baby in October. I walked away both times because I was insecure in my identity and I cared more about other peoples opinions than I did about what God says about me. I was church hurt for sure, but I still had faith when I left the second time, I just didn’t trust the church for a while. I think if you don’t have the right foundations, you put your faith in people, not in God and it can be easy to fall away because your feet aren’t solid on the Word
Amen sister. I call you sister cause we are brothers and sister in Christ Jesus. Stay with it keep your eyes focused on Jesus. For He is the one that we are to please. And, He is the perfector of our faith.
Thank you brother for sharing this video on youtube. My pastor badmouthed me on my back. But I decided to stay in the church instead of changing the church. And ask God to bring healing into my heart and change the pastor's attitudes toward the people. As you said, there's always people in the church letting you down and I can't keep changing churches whenever I come across this kind of incidence.
Often when people do things like that to you, they are deflecting the attention off themselves because of hidden sins and issues that they may have going on in their own lives. Let's face it, ALL of us are struggling with something. As Jesus said "Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone."
Wonderful you reacted as the Lord tells us to do. God has seen and will fix the problem. Never let go of the Lord's hand..He knows the best of the best for you. Hugs and prayers ❤
The thing is....like shepherd, like sheep. You should find another church where the pastor actually cares for the sheep. Nothing good can come from you staying there.
I became a Christian then converted to another religion it lasted about two days and I felt horrible and came back to Christ and my peace was restored. Some people have mental health struggles but Jesus will never leave you. I feel very sorry for those that die in a state of unbelief that why it's essential we reject Satan and his lies and accept Jesus's grace.
Jesus Christ did not come to bring you into a "religion" but rather a relationship with God the Heavenly Father through the saving blood of His Son Jesus Christ..
I've been listening to Audrey Assad for years. She's actually my no.1 station I listen to on Spotify b/c her voice is soothing and her songs classic. I hope and pray she comes back to God. That's of course what her heart truly needs to heal.
Audrey Assad was instrumental in my growing in faith- it was really heard when I heard she doesn't believe the gospel any more. So so sad. But just praying that the Lord gets her heart.
1 John 2:19 ”They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.“
Once saved always saved is easily proven wrong with the bible. The passage you quote tells us that some were never christians. Are there other passages suggesting that some christians leaves the faith? Well, yeah. Paul spoke about it, and even gave names.
@@LeRoiDansLeCiel John 10:27-29 is very clear. It is clear that they were never Christians in the first place. I am not here to argue that point. It is still sad to see and we should continue to pray for these people that God would draw them to himself.
@shira5438 you missed the point. The truly saved cannot lose their salvation, so once saved always saved. These people were self deceived and were never truly saved. They had a form of Godlyness but yet denying the power.
What a fantastic video. Funny thing, I used to be a Agnostic Catholic and have had so many horrible experiences in my life. Then when I gave my life to Christ 5 years ago as a born again Christian, I’ve been literally attacked and bullied online by so called professed Christians and I never get attacked by Jews over the years ever. It’s very interesting observation but it has never diverted my faith. I remain fervently faithful servant of the Lord. Because of him who got me through some of the most challenging times in my life, he never gave up on me. And here I am HOME! Praise Jesus!
I'm glad you recognize the difference between "self-professed Christians" and true followers of Jesus. There are a lot of people who go to church, know the words to all the songs, and know all the "correct" moves and phrases, but haven't yet surrendered their lives to Christ. Obviously, their thoughts and actions will differ from those who know and love Him.
Remember one thing, NO ONE has a heaven nor hell to put you in. You need no validation by man. If God loves you and validates you, it matters not what people may say or do behind your back.
I did this as well after two divorces, and God never gave up on me. I, like you, did not leave the faith but was hurting and defaulted to my old lifestyle for comfort. I can't say it any better than you did, brother! I came to the same realization and came back. God bless you, brother, for sharing!!
Was born in a Christian home and I did not really experience God till recently. It took me 38 years to truly experience Jesus, and though my circumstances haven't changed, I can say that I am blessed. There ain't no way I'll ever trade anything for my relationship with Him. No matter what happens, I'm going to follow Jesus till the end of my life.
Great video! I was also disappointed with Audrey’s departure from Christianity. Her music helped me so much after the death of my husband. To be fair she has gone through a lot and is just hurt. I continue to pray for her. St. Ignatius says that in times of desolation we should continue to pursue God even if it is difficult. This helps me a lot when going through hard times. God Bless you. Thank you! ❤🙏🏽
Our daughter and her husband were worship leaders. They began reading books that disputed the Bible. It went downhill from there. We are praying & declaring in intercessory warfare for them to not only return to Christ; but to be stronger than ever before!🙏🔥❤🔥🙏
I read books about deconstruction and challenging the faith. It built my faith. Taking the road of faith and using reason and logic only amplified everything for me.
I find that there tends to be a balance issue with people in their research while deconstructing. I hear people read books written by academics against the Bible but never books by academics that are for the Bible. I think that's a perfect example of everyone wanting truth to be simple, yet it is something we must sift through. I went through a deconstruction phase and I interacted with literature that was for and against christianity and I was convinced that the arguments for it were stronger.
@@katerussell5902 That’s how I take it too. YT suggested a video of 2 ex-Christians discussing why they left the faith. Although they had A LOT of head knowledge, they never mentioned seeing miracles in their lives or having a relationship with God. It occurred to me that we people just want to know & understand everything and be gods (with a little “g”)…it goes back to our sin nature. (I’m naturally a questioner and I ask and look up things, and I don’t think it’s a sin, but to need to understand everything and throw out God is a big sin!).
You know, Allen, I’ve decided to just say, “I’m a follower of Christ Jesus.” Using the term “Christian” appears to have taken on a whole different meaning these days. Maybe I should use the term the first church used, “follower of the Way?” Great video! Be blessed 🙏🏾
@@authorityfigure1630 exactly! So don’t get caught up in the denomination. Instead search for a “church” that teaches from the Bible, the 66 books God inspired. If someone is teaching something other than that or have added on their own “supplemental bible,” run!
I’ve been hurt many many times in church. I remember one Sunday walking home crying all the way home.I don’t want to walk away from Jesus because of the people. I understand how people can do that though. It’s very hurtful and confusing
Simple Truth is that people are going to hurt you. Some do it unintentionally. Some focus on self and therefore are willing to hurt other people in an effort to preserve their own self-image. And still others aren't focused on the ministry that they represent and they forget the command Be Ye Holy and All that it entails. The next thing I would say is that we've all forgotten the concept of having thicker skin. Even now I've got someone that occasionally does me wrong and disrespects me, and that's not just my view my wife has witnessed it. But you know to some degree it's how this individual is and to some degree it's because if we ever had a professional working relationship we just would never get along... we're two different people. It's not personal and I just have to have a thicker skin where it comes to my interactions with this person. At this point you're probably saying there's no way you can understand what I've been through and I would say, although different, The attacks on me in the past have been very personal. My father was a pastor for years and our church is deacon board saw me as a way to get to him and attacked me on three different occasions making false accusations. The first time it hurts so badly that I cried for about a half a day. And I know I was innocent but I still ask God why. And that's when I came up with the idea of having a thicker skin and that God gives me the strength to stand up to things like that. My further solution, brush off and let go what you can. And when you can't grab a witness and confront the individual. The latter is are rarity. Not to say I let myself be used or beat up on but I carefully weigh weather really makes a difference in my life before I confront.
Me too, my Pastor bullied me for 19 years. Being a musician, children’s teacher, etc, very dedicated and faithful and God told me to get out. It took me 5 years to obey. I became ill with heartburn and could not play my trumpet anymore. God brought me out! Recently with the past 4 months My husband and I went back to visit per invite from the Pastor, and again The Pastor abused my husband and me for 8 mins before he started his sermon. It took me 10 years to figure out what The Pastor was doing to me and others, I didn’t understand it. We were verbally being abused from the pulpit, and personally.! Our choir had 100 volunteers. We rocked! Our band was extremely amazing. The church grew dark after we left many left after us. We did not talk to anyone about anything. The church fell apart. It is a dead church now!
I love Allen, he is anointed! Keep on serving God by loving and sharing Jesus! Search your Pastor or church for False Doctrine! You will be amazed how many so called faithful ministers female and male are Wolves in Sheep’s clothing!
Thank you very much for your videos. I am rediscovering Christianity and got confused and even appalled by some preachers on yt. Instead of facing the difficult questions they rather scare you for having doubts. Your critical and multifaceted approach makes it possible to understand much more.
And yet he calls people's applied critical reasoning and logic invalid if they don't come to the same conclusion as he does unless they have spoken to an expert apologist. In fact, he concedes that some things you just have to take on faith even if you don't understand them. He leaves out that science, medicine, avionics and the like are things we put faith in only after the theories and concepts we are relying on have been objectively tested rigorously against the empirical evidence. That is not how Faith, theology, or apologetics works. Just because somebody had a bad experience with someone else in the Church does not mean that Jesus didn't rise from the dead. Saying I have faith doesn't mean that he did. You have to do better than that and you cannot call somebody else's viewpoint invalid because they don't accept that.
Just found this post BY ACCIDENT..or so i THOUGHT. Your message is so powerful. The people sharing their life experiences brought me to literal tears. The Holy Spirit was finally able to speak to me on questions i have had so long. THANK YOU for this honest and POWERFUL POST! 💗so so THANKFUL God lead me here. 💗🙏
It’s also important to note that : A lot of worship artists may not be true Christians to begin with. Often times, they initially try to make it into secular music but are not successful, so some turn to Christian/Gospel music to make ends meet assuming that it’s easier (which is not always true). A shocking survey years ago stated that 98% of Christian worship artists are not Christian (I only heard this from someone, but I don’t have the source, statistics is convoluted in itself anyway so idk). That’s why when some shocking news or scandal comes out about a famous worship leader, we shouldn’t be completely taken aback. It’s getting worse and worse. Amazing video, brother Allen!
"they then turn to Christian/Gospel music to make ends meet" Your comment assumes that it is easier to make a living playing Christian music than it is playing secular music. Not true at all. If that were true, all the unsuccessful secular artists would be turning to Christian music. They are not. And one "shocking survey" with that extreme statistic of 98% is meaningless with no link to it. I've been a worship musician for decades and met and worked with many many others, the majority are sincere committed believers. That 98% statistic is total BS. FYI, exaggerating the truth is the same as not telling the truth.
Exactly…spot on!!! Or, like Jon Steingard, who also deconstructed, some grow up in the church and just followed their family into it as young people, but never developed their own authentic faith. Then people find out they have a musical talent and throw them in the front the church based on talent and never confirm if they have a submitted heart! And once things start to falter in their lives, or the popularity fades, without a real love for Christ, they go and blame it all on him. This is a sad reality that the church just keeps on perpetuating!
Not ultimately and finally at least. But temporarily it’s possible just as we might say Peter and the original disciples lapsed on Friday and Saturday, but restored to faith by Sunday. (Contrasting Judas, whose “repentance” was really showing that he thought the sacrifice of his own unworthy life could atone for his sin and Jung himself so that “He could go to his own place.” Acts 1:25. Hence that’s why none were ultimately lost “Except the son of destruction *that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.”
So not 1 person can fall away and return? Life is hard. Mental struggles are REAL! Just because YOU think your faith is un breakable means nothing. You sound like the typical self righteous and deluded person this society has produced by the millions
Allen, I have never seen one of your videos before. I am a pastor in central Minnesota. If you are ever in the area I would love to have you speak to our church. God will use your podcasts, videos, books. You are a great thinker and seem to have a heart for the Lord! Blessings
I almost fell away myself. It was due to whole hearted unanswered prayers. I thought if I prayed according to God’s word and His will, then He would always answer my prayers. I had a pretty large prayer request for my myself and my family that went unanswered, and I was mad at God. I had a friend ask me, “do you think God is supposed to give you everything you ask for?” I hated that question at the moment, but then I realized that I was dead wrong. God is sovereign, and He doesn’t need my opinion on how He should be God. His yes is for our good, but His No is for our good as well. That was a tough pill to swallow, but His grace and mercy kept me through my dark place. God is goooood!!! Be encouraged body of Christ. Be encouraged those who have walked away. He is patient and kind and keeps no record of wrong doing for us. He is able to handle our questions and doubts. He is not mad at us. God is love and that’s why I serve Him.
My husband died 6 yrs ago. in May. Some use that to fall away from God & ask why did God let that happen to me. I held tight to God & He restored my soul!! It's still hard sometimes. But thanks to God l'm doing very well!!
my first wife passed away almost 20yrs ago when our daughter was about 4months old. i went through it too. but God does restore, just not always the way we think He will. glad you found where God's grace was leading you
@@lrdmiddlefinger once you can't find _evidence_ to back the claims in your bible, it's time to leave, which is exactly *_why_** there's a mass ex.odus from the cult!* Unless of course if the truth isn't important to believers, lol.
Thank you so much for forgiving those who were horrible to you and for staying the course. You are a blessing to the Body. Blessings to you and your family. ❤
Well said my brother in Christ. I do believe that this video should be seen by every believer. You definitely hit the nail on the head. God bless you for making this video. ✝️
Sometimes churches & pastors can sin so deeply against church members. A pastor physically attacked my child, and they blamed her and shamed her for being to godly & pretty. Then the same pastor cheated on his wife & physicaly abused her. He then ran away with the worship leader. We had to walk away from all that diabolical nonsence. Thankfully our faith was grounded in God and we are a still serving God. The hurt was ongoing by the telling of so many lies, it seemed to never end. Do not let any man and their sin, turn you away from God.
My experience is SA with a cross on my child. God was testing my faith whether I go to the police or trust in God. Then I’m called a devil turning my back on God by seeking vengeance against his people. I left the cult.
This sadly is more common than most people think and it breaks God’s heart . I am so sorry you experienced all of those things . I am very glad you held on to Jesus and know he is a good God.
I absolutely love that song too… and was so sad to hear she deconstructed. My daughter and I were just praying for Audrey a few weeks ago. Thank you Allen for making this video. Praying that those who have been deceived in this way will come to true saving faith in Jesus. 🙏🏻
Wow! Thank you for your transparency and for tackling such a difficult conversation. Well said my friend! May the peace of God rest on you. Grace to you dear brother!
Immediately when I saw this video I thought of the parable of the sower. In Mark it literally says people will fall away due to trials and tribulations, or because of the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things
The fundamental truth of that parable is that ONLY the seed sown on the good soil resulted in "fruit" = salvation. NONE of the other soils were truly saved at all, even though there was some outward "manifestation".
Shows how gracious God is that He gifts talents and skills to all people, even those who hate Him, ignore Him, or turn away from Him. 😢 He gifts them so that we would use them to point to Him.
I have to say that I agree with you, but yes, they are Christians. They are what we call backsliders. Whiteny Huston was the same way. Until she got really fames and got hooked up with the wrong people.
I stumbled across this video through my recommendations - and im glad i did. This video had some great advice for people who has experienced church hurt. Thank you!
Glory to God for your strength, discernment, leadership and courage to help those around you/the world! Your words are generating, encouraging, relatable and relative! Thank you for persevering! I had a couple revelations watching this which was awesome! Praise the Lord
A pastor and church we attended kicked my daughter with Down Syndrome out of the nursery. So many parents of children with special needs are treated so badly by the church. Good news is that we’re attending a different church now!
My heart aches for you having had such a difficult situation. So glad you have found a church family that loves and supports you and you dear daughter.
That is awful! Our church assigns all special needs kids 'Special Buddies' who help them so they can enjoy coming to church too. O am sorry your family had to face this.
Thank you for the video. I'm an amateur worship song writer from Indonesia, and this video is a self reminder to me, that writing a song about Jesus is not the same thing as experiencing Jesus personally. More than any talents that we have, any ministry or activity that we do which related to God, we need to stay connected and have a personal relationship with Jesus, as "The Vine" (John 15:8). God Bless You
God bless Br. Allen for this video. Lately I’ve been feeling a call to apologetics because it is true. Sometimes it’s not enough to have the super emotional visceral reaction to faith in Christ. It has to connect to the mind and the heart. If we don’t conceptually believe that Christ is risen, all the emotions are for nothing. But when it does connect, even when things in life turn sour, we KNOW that the tomb is empty and He is risen. I thank God that our faith is not abstract and based on feelings but historical evidences and fact🙏🏾
What’s the “historical evidence “? There is a huge difference between theology and history. You will not find resurrection in any authoritative history book.
The empty tomb of Jesus most historical scholars agree on and even secular scholars like Bart Ehrman. Also their is evidence of a actually historical Exodus during Rameses II reign at the cite of Avaris. We also have Sennachrerib prism that speak about the Assyria's failed attempt of conquering Jerusalem then they play it off like nothing happened. (A angel kills most of the Assyrians invading Jerusalem) There's plenty more evidence but you need to be humble with what is out there. Evidence lead to the truth but it won't say in plain words it's true.
@@dariussullivan7430 The empty tomb is a claim. The claim is different depending on which of the gospels you read. No historical evidence for 2.5 million people leaving Egypt. No evidence of 2.5 million people wondering around the desert . No evidence that “angels” exist or killed anybody. These are theological claims not historical facts. But you are free to believe whatever you want.
@@horridhenry9920 I know it can be tough to wrestle with many of the OT events. Trust me, I can definitely understand that. However, I’m just focusing on Christ. It was documented that Christ lived as well as the apostles. It was documented that they were martyred. I don’t think these people would willingly die for a lie. I also don’t think 500 people can claim to have seen him alive after His death if they knew it was a statement that could lead to them losing their lives. And the light of the resurrection gives me assurance for everything else in scripture. I hope this makes sense.
@@isaacpcharles Who documented that Christ lived? The Gospels are anonymous and consist of stories passed down by oral tradition. We have nothing written by Jesus and the Apostles. How many of the Apostles were martyred? Even Christian New Testament scholars only say with any confidence that 4 were martyred. And there is no evidence that they were given the opportunity to recant. Who are the 500? Only Paul mentions 500 and we don’t know a thing about them. The only thing we know about resurrection is that the dead stay dead. We have billions of confirmed examples of this.
How about the category of Christian who are told / taught / shamed into ignoring some sins for the sake of unity, when they are clearly sins? A lot of people are leaving traditional churches b/c a lack of adherence to the Word.
I was out of the church for years because of church hurt. But I wanted to be in church. I just couldn’t figure out how to be a part of the body. My friend Kristy chased me down when I tried to run from a small group meeting at her house & she sat with me while I cried many times over the years. Stop so thankful for that ❤️
Your online ministry has been, and is, such a blessing for me. I thank you. May God bless you and your family, 11:43 in Jesus Christ's Name. Amen ❤ 12:16
Hello! This is my first time seeing a video from your channel and I was very blessed by what you shared. Thank you! This is a somber topic. My heart cries out, preserve me Lord! I am so grateful you overcame the adversities you faced, and that you indeed start this RUclips channel!
I have nothing of value to add, but will gladly comment to get this pushed up in the algorithms. May God bless you all, and keep you on the path to salvation. Don't ever quit, nothing in this world compares to the "crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
In the last days, they’re gonna be a great falling away if I leave the Christianity, where would I go if I stop believing in Jesus what do I start believing in law of attraction the universe
"...where would I go if I stopped believing in Jesus what do I start believing in..." Well for starts I'd take a look at my physical situation and ask myself what I can do to better what I can control. examples being something like better pay at my job, or weight loss, or muscle gain, or better spending habits, or re-arranging a room if I dont like where the furniture is.
Agreed. Those who truly build a relationship with Christ would overcome to rocky seasons of doubt. Many people build a relationship with religion, instead, which doesn't hold through the trials and tribulations warned to us.
I think that people don't realize, we do not need church, we need a personal relationship with God. We are the church,we are not a building, but a community... We NEED an altar,we need to spend time in scripture daily. We need to pray daily.
Thank you, dear Pastor Parr, for staying the course and helping us with our beliefs and standing firm in the faith. I love Jesus and know that He died for us. Praying for anyone who is struggling with unbelief.
There is a sad movement in the American Church 2day . Pastor Worship , that leads to " NO BIBLICAL ACCOUNTABILITY for Pastor's and that leads to NO CHURCH DISCIPLINE. We need to keep our eyes fixed upon Christ alone through the CROSS ... HE IS FAITHFUL.....
That’s why I love Presbyterian churches. Presbyterian pastors are considered teaching elders and, as all elders are, are overseen by a presbytery. I attend an amazing PCA (Presbyterian Church in America) church in my area. I don’t consider myself a 5-point Calvinist, but I love the expository preaching and the exegetical approach to understanding scripture. The Gospel and the Word of God is front and center.
"""""We need to keep our eyes fixed upon Christ alone through the CROSS ... HE IS FAITHFUL....."""" That is a very bold statement and you seem to be asserting that it is factually true so would you be kind enough to explain to me exactly 'how' you personally established that it is 'actually' true? Or is it just your own personal opinion?
This needs to be seen and heard. Thank you so much for this. I “gave up” after my grandmother went through the horror of Alzheimer’s and watched what it did to the entire family. I have found my way back for many reasons, and it will help now that my father has been diagnosed with early onset of it. 🙏🏻
Honey I'm so sorry for your experience. It runs very strong in my mom's side of the family, all her brother's and sister's had it but one. My mom was in the nursing home 5 years before she passed. It's an ugly disease but the Lord will walk with you through this. Jesus said in this world you will have trouble, this is so true. Blessings to you.
Thank you for this video. It definitely gives me another way to approach individuals who are struggling with their Chrstianity. While I may not agree with every discussion you have posted, this one truly gave me a better vocabulary to have a more direct discussion. Thank you again.
I would be very cautious of reaching out to those who have left the faith by explaining to them how their views and their experiences are invalid. People are leaving the faith in droves not because of individual encounters with church leaders and fellow parishioners involving hypocrisy and judgmentalism but because of an ongoing shift in the body of Christ towards these things which Jesus spoke out against extensively while saying nothing about sexual orientation or abortion. Within much of the Church community, this gets a pass or an excuse, such as, " well that's why they're in church". How about finding a congregation that does better and speaks up against this hypocrisy. How about letting the spirit of God transform you. Let your faith make you a better person and make sure that the person that you are through your faith make the world a better place. That is what gives others a reason to believe.
This is why I don’t force my kids beyond what they are ready for. Everyone has to believe for themselves. I strive to be a light and an example and a teacher and the rest I leave to God.
I had two sets of children, with the ones I let stay home from church, all three do not go to church now, but will pray. With the set we always take to church and also have a short family devotion of 5 to 7 minutes reading one chapter or 20 verses as well as take to Christian Education during pre college years, all seem to love Jesus, attend church on their own even for the older college age one.
Yes, it is the parents job to train them up as they go! Definitely makes a difference. My children are 8 years apart, mybolder one we ALWAYS were in church and a part of everything going on. With the second one, we went and were a part but let him skip if he had practice or something come up. The older one is very strong in faith and attends church with their family. The other goes occasionally and is not raising their family in church. Do your work and GOD will do His!
Don’t force them into a false profession of faith but def keep them in church and raise them in admonition of the Lord, kids ain’t exactly equipped to make eternal decisions on their own without knowing the word of God. Shoot most adults ain’t equipped enough to make eternal decisions like that outside of faithful church membership and bible study.
Oh no! This is so heartbreaking! I love Audrey and her worship music brought me through so many hard times and turned my eyes to God. It always seemed so authentic to me. Hoping God calls her back to Him.
My late husband had a PHD in Philosophy and apologetics and had many conversations with folks going through faith crises. After my husband suddenly died, I have had many low days and asking many questions why, and had many Christians hurt me deeply. However, God has reminded me he has this mess of a world in His hand. I may have trust issues with other people, but I know, I can trust Gods plan. This side of eternity for us is not pretty. Look what Jesus went through to save us. I hang on to what Jesus suffered for me. He didn’t have to do it, but He did! This is my hope.
This is an AMAZING video!!! Well thought out, explained and discussed. Your sensitivity came through while standing for Jesus. Keep doing what you're doing. Well done!
God answers every prayer. All of them. Just because we don’t get what we want doesn’t mean anything. This is Gods will, on earth as it is in Heaven. Trust God, his plan for your life. I can’t imagine putting all of my trust in anything else but God. Think of Peter walking on the water with Jesus, he began to sink when he started looking at the waves. The waves are all around, but we are not to take our eyes off our Lord.
More often than not, what people call an unanswered prayer isn't that at all rather a "no." But imagine if a kid asked their parent for something and when told no, the kid said "why don't you answer me?" Instead of recognizing that he just didn't get the answer he wanted.
Audrey Asada greatly surprised me. He music was so thought out and worshipful. I actually listened to it, among other Christian music artists while going through a very difficult and dark time in my life. I will say during that time span, I remembered the promises that God gives us in the Bible. I also remembered that God comforts us when we are discouraged and suffering. I had to remind myself everyday that no matter what, God is still good. I could've stopped believing in God because of what I was going through and the circumstances, but I had to cling to His Word.
I believe she is gay. I think her sexuality and her beliefs, conflicted. it is usually ALWAYS sin that causes Saints that were once close to God, to fall away.
Bingo. 4 people I served on the praise and worship team with left the church for that lifestyle. One telling me they don’t believe in God anymore. It truly breaks my heart.
This guy does not know what he is talking about but revels in the joy of putting fallen christians down. It ain't easy to be a christian. Jesus himself warned us that christian life ain't easy coz the devil targets christians. You need to pray everyday. I find this guy is trying to monetize his dumb videos to make money. Don't judge fallen christians. Just pray for them.
![NLE Choppa - Or What ft. 41 (Orchestra Mix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/biOFASEgSOM/mqdefault.jpg)
After my divorce I went back to my old lifestyle of drugs and left the faith. I didn't stop believing I was just in despair. God never left me and I never stopped talking to him. I couldn't get him out of my head . In desperation I came back and have not looked back. I realized I was an immature Christian and let my circumstance shake my hope. Jesus is always faithful even when you falter. Don't put your faith in people but in Jesus only.
Oh WOW, what an awesome testimony!!! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾
I also realized I was a shallow Christian, after enduring something traumatic, I too returned to a life of drinking and so on....I didn't know how to deal with the pain.But God was faithful and He kept me safe, but prompting me to stop what I was doing. I can so relate. God bless.
That means not putting your faith in a religion but in Jesus, Jesus never left us a religion.
My path was quite similar. Twice! Looking back I am torn because I feel like a fool with the choices I made to “put God on the shelf” but I also see how God is using my path to allow me to minister in ways I didn’t understand before.
Before I was all “drugs are bad and you shouldn’t blah blah blah” but now I am able to speak with more empathy and say “I understand why you may chose that, let me talk you how God helped me when I was the same way” 🙏 ❤
I love you testimony it's a perfect example of God's love for us. ❤
I find that in every moment that I have doubts, I look back and notice I was committing sins that I know were wrong. My faith is strongest when I am fervently seeking God and being in prayer and in the word, which helps me resist temptation. I pray that we stay strong and finish the race knowing the Lord God is with us all along the way. 🙏 ✝️⛪️❤
My daughter died 5 years ago. I went through the deepest pain of my life. In my desperation and brokenness, I truly believe God spoke to my heart and asked me, “Will I wallow in my grief or will I worship my God?” It was so clear and so gentle. By His grace, I got up from the floor and began to worship. He helped me with my grief and guided me through the valley with so much love from the body of Christ, from His promises, and from His Spirit. I praise Him and now testify to His goodness to those who have lost. Thank you Jesus! Glory to Your name. Hope this encourages you all. You can trust Him, always.
Glory to God for His faithfulness during your loss. I stand with you. I have lost a child as well and remember being brought low in grief and gently led to worship. I look forward to when we are both reunited with them again. ❤️
Thank you for this testimony, it is powerful and needed for all. I completely believe your child is with God and you are a child of God, you will be with them for eternity. I love you in Christ.
Childloss is a very difficult path.
I’m in that valley right now. But I was gonna raise my daughter to be Christian, and compassionate, and I will not let that stop because she’s gone. If my Princess is with GOD, then I will trust in HIM. And do my best while I still breath.
Similar experience when I was widowed suddenly 2 years ago. God is so good. Everything in this world is temporary but He is forever! His ways are ALWAYS better than ours, even if we don't see it right away.
Let's pray for all these lost souls that God will bring them back for His Glory
They can’t be “brought back” if they were never found. The world seems to be full of people who “think” they are Christians but have never had an actual relationship with Christ. It’s more than just a word. It’s more than wearing a crucifix, a lapel pin, or clutching a rosary. It’s not a club membership that expires. But it also doesn’t mean that there aren’t doubts and crises along the way.
I have talked to a friend who recently turned away and honestly she didn’t want answers to her questions. When they were given she didn’t believe it. When people come to that decision they don’t want to really hear truth. So I’ve been praying for a softened heart for the person.
Makes you wonder if they were every really saved or if they are really seeking after Truth.
Christians don't understand the transition that idolatry has undergone. In the Old Testament people worshipped idols made of wood, stone and metal. That lasted up until Christians in the 15th to 17th century laid the foundation for science and technology, and then the old idols were seen as "superstition". Then this old form of idolatry adapted...instead of worshipping things "out there" , atheists began to worship things "in here"...their own thinking and vain imagination.This was called the 17th century "Enlightenment".The arch pagan psychologist Jung called this the worship of SELF and he capitalized the letters to indicate divinity. Now people are their own god, they will prioritize their own thinking and now their own feelings. I tell people the truth, and I call them out in trying to be god for themselves...i give em' both barrels. That way, they can never mistake what I stand for.
@@markanthony3275 with you brother... in their new world, they call the shots, determine right and wrong.
They are the new judge and ruler. Their own god...💀
No one chooses what they believe. It's either you're convinced or not convinced. What causes us to be convinced is much more complex. Our life experience is a big factor in this, but also knowledge about the subject, sometimes trust in the person who is talking about it, etc.
@fyl24 of course you choose.... we choose everyday what we will and won't believe
I experienced an assault from someone in a South florida church, and the pastor chose to defend the predator because he did not want to give up the parties on the yacht or the big bills in the offering.
The pastor told people i was crazy and had a mental breakdown it was the worst part of my life. My faith really started falling.
But God placed the right church and christians in my life who helped direct me back. Now, my faith is stronger than ever.
Satan is using greed in North America, and the world in a big way. I'm sorry u had to go through that experience, but why we need to stay closer to Jesus than ever before
I’ve heard these stories before, I’ve been to many churches throughout my life I can honestly say the Lord was only in two of them.
God bless you brother
I live in south Florida and attend church here! Please tell about what church it is so I can be sure to stay away
If you had a mental breakdown because of what a pastor said about you and this also causing you to have your faith shaken I’m afraid your faith is built on paper machete and will not hold up during heavy persecution which is comming for us all
I got food poisoning once. I didn't quit eating. I just learned not to eat corn dogs from the Pigeon Forge Food City! You live and learn...
Notice how Allen did not name the pastors who were cruel to him.
based tennessee enjoyer
So, stay away from Food City's corn dogs?...good to know. Their chicken tenders are good, though😂
That was likely a one-time incident.
@@GizzelleBrookes-vs5ecpastors and leaders who are CURRENTLY hurting or troubling people unscripturally or spreading unsound or apostate doctrine need to be exposed!
I lost my leg above the knee then I lost my job. I struggled with staying faithful and ultimately stopped praying and haven't attended church in 4 or 5 years. Thank you for this video i need to do better. I had typed a bunch of other nonsense at first but, only half of it posted. Stuff about my wife of 8 years giving up on us and all that has nothing to do with Christ death and resurrection. Anyway, I've stepped away and need to step back and thanks again for the video it was more encouraging than you know. 😊
Stay strong in the truth! Christ loves you and wants to help you through every struggle and tribulation, to guide you and pour out His everlasting love upon you. Take heart in that if you have given your life to Jesus, you may lose a leg but you can never lose your salvation in Christ, and you can never lose His love! Nothing you can ever do can take His love away from you if you have accepted Him, and He is always waiting for you to return to His loving and welcoming arms, to say "welcome home!" no matter how far or long you've been away! ❤
I am so sorry for what you have gone through. God has not left you nor forsaken you. You are a beautiful child of God and I pray that God gives you the desires of your heart.
God bless you
Praying God takes the scales from your eyes. And opens them to see the grace and love that shines from him God bless you!
🙏🏼🙏🏼for your renewal and recommitment!
My husband told me to “get my eyes off the people and keep my eyes on God.” This is essentially what you have said. Thank you for this clarity in more detail and sharing your experiences with some Christians who were off track. And Yes, Jesus rose from the dead!!
Amen !!! ❤️❤️
I read a story that I seen recently.
A lady went to a church. This lady went one Sunday. And, she started looking around. She noticed that in one pew behind her, a couple of boys were in their cell phone. She looked over in the row next to her and saw a couple of teenage girls were passing notes back and fourth. Sooo, she took it upon herself to talk to the pastor. She sit down and told him what she observed. And, then asked him what can be done. After a few minutes the pastor left and came back with a full cup of water. He told the woman; " I want you to to hold this cup of water and walk around the sanctuary, but don't spill a drop. She was of course puzzled as to why he was having her to do this. But, she did it anyway. She walked around the sanctuary, keeping an eye on the cup. So as not to spill a drop. She finally got back to the pastors office and set the cup down in his desk. He asked her; " Well, did you spill any water?" She replied, "No, not one drop. I kept my eye on that cup while I was walking around the sanctuary." The pastor nodded his head with approval. Then he asked her; "And, did you notice anything orwhat anyone was doing?" She told him; "Noo, I didn't." Sooo, he told herthat he did this experiment to show you that if you keep your eyes focused on the services. Then you won't be noticing what anyone else is doing.
You have a wise and loving husband
I was having such a hard time dealing with the death of my husband. I prayed to God for help and one morning I had a lightness come over me and it was Him saying to me, "My child, I have heard your voice and feel your pain. I am here for you to lean on and to find comfort in your grief. Come to Me and you will find rest." Since then, my journey through this process of grief is not as difficult, as I know that the Holy Spirit is with me always. I am studying the Bible everyday and finding comfort in prayer. I know that, one beautiful morning I will be with my family in glory. With the Lord and Christ Jesus being by my support, I am truly grateful and blessed.
I, too, lost my husband and cried out to the Lord. He heard my cry. My joy is different these days because I understand He is my joy. Still miss my husband. God cares and understands my mourning and not put off that I cry sometimes. I am grateful my husband is healed and resting with the Lord.
Amen, I have cancer, there will be that beautiful morning for all in Christ
Remember, if you fall, get back up,, if you don't quit, God won't quit, God bless you
He had me up until the lgbt part. The Bible clearly states that they are reprobates and reprobates can not believe, so how are they going to be true Christians? If he says otherwise, it’s his word against God’s word. I’ll go with God’s word.
People who claim to have been Christians and have walked away from Christianity are lying to you. If they were true Christians they would not be able to walk away. The fact that they want away from it and deconstructed himself out of it proves that they were never real Christians to begin with.
I have scripture to back me up.
1 JOHN 2:19
They have went from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
This verse clearly states that people who claim to be former ex Christians have actually proven that they were never Christians to begin with. The fact that they have time to walk away from Christianity proves that they weren't in it to begin with.
Jesus said in Matthew 7 that not everybody who calls him that not everybody who calls Him Lord will make heaven. They will say to him that they were Christians. He's not going to say that he used to know them, he's going to say that he never knew them.
University of the Gospel says that Christians cannot be plucked from God's hands. That means other people cannot take you from his hand and you cannot walk away from his hand on your own accord.
. Therefore those who have called themselves Christians in the past and have walked away from it have never actually been real Christians.
And yes the scriptures I shared and reference prove what I am saying.
@notyourtypicalcomment2399 I know ow it's been awhile since you made this comment, but I don't quite understand what about his message offended you
Its amazing how so many believers are turning away, yet so many non-believers are coming to faith. God is good, He can never fail.
It just shows faith isnt about being raised in church but about who wants God or not
I left Christianity because I realised the God of the Bible is a dick and I want nothing to do with it.
"believers"
They weren’t really believers then
Your god failed when jesus was crucified and revealed that he was a false christ.
I accepted the Lord Jesus at 18yrs old, and I've been through so much abuse in church, and here I am at 60 yrs old, loving the Lord more than ever because when everyone failed me he's always been with there for me. Thank you, my Lord
When my husband left me with two small children ages 6 and 3, I kept my eyes on God. When I was asked why I continued to believe and trust in God after all that had happened to me, I said, "Man disappointed me, not God."
My life has not turned out the way I thought it would, but I look forward to my life in heaven with Jesus. I give him all honor, praise, and glory for the life he's given me and his sacrifice on the cross.
One of my former pastors once said, “The question isn’t ‘once saved always saved,’ but ‘was the person ever TRULY saved to begin with?’” Hopefully, they will come back or come to a true receiving of Christ.
Exactly for you are only born again once and tye scripture says the walk with us but they where not of us if they where of us they would have continued in the faith 1john 2:19
Amen
Right, that is why I think the "once saved, always saved" doctrine should be avoided in most contexts as it requires more of a "strong meat" understand, yet it is often promoted willy-nilly to Christians still on "milk" which could EASILY give a false sense of salvation...🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
@@CCD_106 Agree 100%
And that's not a good question to ask. Peter denied Jesus 3 times and he was baptized with the holy ghost breathed on him before you get to the book of acts. So don't think people are not truly saved because they abandoned the faith because the word will tell you Peter himself rejected Jesus 3 times and he still was pulled back into his calling by God's grace.
last days many people will turn from their faith just like Jesus told us, however "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord"
Is that sound reasoning though? Thought experiment: Let's say L Ron Hubbard predicted in the end times people would make fun of Scientology for believing Lord Xenu would rescue all the believers in a fleet of B-52s.
Fast forward 100 years and Hubbard was right! People are leaving the religion and scoffing at Scientologists. “Where is this coming of Zenu that was promised?”
Is prophecy being fulfilled? How could he have known that people would abandon the faith and scoff at their beliefs?
Thats not accurate. To be more accurate you have to look at how everyone became Christian in the first place and what has changed sense then. Most of us White and Black were slaughtered or enslaved into Christianity. The Inquisition and or the Atlantic Slave Trade are two of the major reasons why Christianity is so popular. Islam is another popular religion and it too has a very violent history. The two most violent religions are the two most popular religions. However, slavery is over and has been over.. So my folks are going back to what they were before the slave master gave them Jesus.. Much of Europe is going back to what they were before being slaughtered by Christians. Oppression and genocide is what made and kept Christianity popular. If the Christians are not going to oppress to maintain their numbers then Christianity will eventual fall.
What you did to get herm you must maintain to keep her type of a deal.
@@ryanrevland4333 But Ron Hubbard didn't say that but The Bible did. Not getting what your point is? Also while we are discussing prophecy, can you explain how The Bible foretold the Jews being scattered across the world and then would later come back to the land. No nation in history has ever had that happen to them except for the Jewish people.
@CrusaderZealot You have to understand the context that 2 Peter 3:4 was written in. Let's take a look at it:
_in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?_
The author is writing to Christians in the 2nd century who are being laughed at because Jesus said he would return in the lifetime of his disciples and was obviously wrong.
For thousands of year people have said it’s the end times and every single one of them was wrong but yeah I’m sure it’s the end times now.
I was at a leadership meeting at a large church. There were around 500 leaders there. I sat up at the altar for prayer in front of all of them, battling deep depression and a huge health crash. None of the 500 leaders, or the guest speaker, even checked up on me. BUT my faith is in Christ, not people or the churches. Jesus predicted evil influences coming into the Church in Matthew 13. Revelation talks about how the lightstands of churches can be removed, so they no longer reflect Him. I went through about a year of feeling completely alone and suicidal, apart from my husband as best as he could be there for me at the time. Only God has been with me through it all, despite it feeling like He's silent at times. When I needed Him the most, He stepped in. God is good, and He also helps me learn and grow.
You came through a tough trial triumphant! Proof your Faith is genuine. He is faithful.
a room full of hirelings....John 10
I'm so happy you didn't give up
@@dianetigert1310 Many of these 'Churches' are nothing more than businesses masquerading as Christian...so many folks lack discernment...I believe that it's not by accident that the Teaching Ministry in many is so poor...keep the faith...
Amen! If our hope and faith is in man, even Christian men/women, we'll just be disappointed. We have to remember something we say or do can disappoint others too. So keep our focus on God and God alone!
My dad was a pastor when I was a kid and the church we were at hurt me deeply, especially after my parents divorced. When I was 17, I decided to walk away. After months of pushback, my mum asked me to go to church with her one day and even though I didn’t want to, I went so I wouldn’t hurt her by saying no. I ended up going again and served in that church for a while. Walked away when I was 19 for a guy, we broke up right after I turned 20. The year I turned 21, I went to my friend’s church and Holy Spirit captured my heart. It’s been 10 years now and I have been at the same church ever since. I did briefly struggle in 2018 when I made some choices and ended up having a daughter out of wedlock in 2019. I’m on the worship team, and my relationship with the Lord is stronger than ever. I met my husband at this church and we are expecting a baby in October. I walked away both times because I was insecure in my identity and I cared more about other peoples opinions than I did about what God says about me. I was church hurt for sure, but I still had faith when I left the second time, I just didn’t trust the church for a while. I think if you don’t have the right foundations, you put your faith in people, not in God and it can be easy to fall away because your feet aren’t solid on the Word
Amen sister. I call you sister cause we are brothers and sister in Christ Jesus. Stay with it keep your eyes focused on Jesus. For He is the one that we are to please. And, He is the perfector of our faith.
Amen!!
Thank you brother for sharing this video on youtube. My pastor badmouthed me on my back. But I decided to stay in the church instead of changing the church. And ask God to bring healing into my heart and change the pastor's attitudes toward the people. As you said, there's always people in the church letting you down and I can't keep changing churches whenever I come across this kind of incidence.
wow, how heartbreaking. Im happy you got through it (:
Often when people do things like that to you, they are deflecting the attention off themselves because of hidden sins and issues that they may have going on in their own lives. Let's face it, ALL of us are struggling with something. As Jesus said "Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone."
Wonderful you reacted as the Lord tells us to do. God has seen and will fix the problem.
Never let go of the Lord's hand..He knows the best of the best for you. Hugs and prayers ❤
The thing is....like shepherd, like sheep. You should find another church where the pastor actually cares for the sheep. Nothing good can come from you staying there.
True, except that maybe you cd be a light in the darkness. 🕊
I became a Christian then converted to another religion it lasted about two days and I felt horrible and came back to Christ and my peace was restored. Some people have mental health struggles but Jesus will never leave you. I feel very sorry for those that die in a state of unbelief that why it's essential we reject Satan and his lies and accept Jesus's grace.
What had you converted to?
Jesus Christ did not come to bring you into a "religion" but rather a relationship with God the Heavenly Father through the saving blood of His Son Jesus Christ..
@@mazvitaselemanidoes it matter? It was a false religion which is every religion except Christianity
You l surely miss Jesus if u turn another religion 😢
❤
I've been listening to Audrey Assad for years. She's actually my no.1 station I listen to on Spotify b/c her voice is soothing and her songs classic. I hope and pray she comes back to God. That's of course what her heart truly needs to heal.
Audrey Assad was instrumental in my growing in faith- it was really heard when I heard she doesn't believe the gospel any more. So so sad. But just praying that the Lord gets her heart.
I love listening to her music too. Same here.
1 John 2:19 ”They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.“
Once saved always saved is easily proven wrong with the bible. The passage you quote tells us that some were never christians. Are there other passages suggesting that some christians leaves the faith? Well, yeah. Paul spoke about it, and even gave names.
@@LeRoiDansLeCiel John 10:27-29 is very clear. It is clear that they were never Christians in the first place. I am not here to argue that point. It is still sad to see and we should continue to pray for these people that God would draw them to himself.
@@LeRoiDansLeCielDon’t just say “there are many verses”, instead actually post them.
@shira5438 you missed the point. The truly saved cannot lose their salvation, so once saved always saved. These people were self deceived and were never truly saved. They had a form of Godlyness but yet denying the power.
Look at the context. That verse was about antichrists. Not Christians
Just want to say…I’m SO glad you didn’t allow discouragement to take root. God uses your ministry in mighty ways. And I am so thankful for it!!!!
What a fantastic video. Funny thing, I used to be a Agnostic Catholic and have had so many horrible experiences in my life. Then when I gave my life to Christ 5 years ago as a born again Christian, I’ve been literally attacked and bullied online by so called professed Christians and I never get attacked by Jews over the years ever. It’s very interesting observation but it has never diverted my faith. I remain fervently faithful servant of the Lord. Because of him who got me through some of the most challenging times in my life, he never gave up on me. And here I am HOME! Praise Jesus!
Amen! I’m so sorry you were mistreated by those who claimed to follow Jesus. So glad you came to know and love Him!
This was informative and encouraging Alan. Thank you so much for speaking Truth and always bringing your listeners to Jesus.
I'm glad you recognize the difference between "self-professed Christians" and true followers of Jesus. There are a lot of people who go to church, know the words to all the songs, and know all the "correct" moves and phrases, but haven't yet surrendered their lives to Christ. Obviously, their thoughts and actions will differ from those who know and love Him.
Agnostic Catholic? Those are contradictory.
Remember one thing, NO ONE has a heaven nor hell to put you in. You need no validation by man. If God loves you and validates you, it matters not what people may say or do behind your back.
I did this as well after two divorces, and God never gave up on me. I, like you, did not leave the faith but was hurting and defaulted to my old lifestyle for comfort. I can't say it any better than you did, brother! I came to the same realization and came back. God bless you, brother, for sharing!!
Was born in a Christian home and I did not really experience God till recently. It took me 38 years to truly experience Jesus, and though my circumstances haven't changed, I can say that I am blessed. There ain't no way I'll ever trade anything for my relationship with Him. No matter what happens, I'm going to follow Jesus till the end of my life.
By Gods grace and help,he will help you follow him
Wow. Awesome testimony. May God keep you steadfast in faith always.
❤❤
Amen!
Love your content brother Allen, so uplifting and without fear of telling the truth.
Great video! I was also disappointed with Audrey’s departure from Christianity. Her music helped me so much after the death of my husband. To be fair she has gone through a lot and is just hurt. I continue to pray for her. St. Ignatius says that in times of desolation we should continue to pursue God even if it is difficult. This helps me a lot when going through hard times. God Bless you. Thank you! ❤🙏🏽
Our daughter and her husband were worship leaders. They began reading books that disputed the Bible. It went downhill from there. We are praying & declaring in intercessory warfare for them to not only return to Christ; but to be stronger than ever before!🙏🔥❤🔥🙏
I read books about deconstruction and challenging the faith. It built my faith. Taking the road of faith and using reason and logic only amplified everything for me.
I find that there tends to be a balance issue with people in their research while deconstructing. I hear people read books written by academics against the Bible but never books by academics that are for the Bible. I think that's a perfect example of everyone wanting truth to be simple, yet it is something we must sift through. I went through a deconstruction phase and I interacted with literature that was for and against christianity and I was convinced that the arguments for it were stronger.
@@katerussell5902 it was during a time of crisis in our church. Glad you stayed strong in your faith.
@@banmancan1894 It's good that your faith is strong. Strong enough to get you through the toughest of times.
@@katerussell5902 That’s how I take it too. YT suggested a video of 2 ex-Christians discussing why they left the faith. Although they had A LOT of head knowledge, they never mentioned seeing miracles in their lives or having a relationship with God. It occurred to me that we people just want to know & understand everything and be gods (with a little “g”)…it goes back to our sin nature. (I’m naturally a questioner and I ask and look up things, and I don’t think it’s a sin, but to need to understand everything and throw out God is a big sin!).
You know, Allen, I’ve decided to just say, “I’m a follower of Christ Jesus.” Using the term “Christian” appears to have taken on a whole different meaning these days. Maybe I should use the term the first church used, “follower of the Way?” Great video! Be blessed 🙏🏾
Where did the Church go that called themselves followers of The Way. Which denomination is that church now?
Yes, I agree. The umbrella of Christianity houses so many false, unbiblical narratives.
@@authorityfigure1630 in the book of Acts they used that title. Not sure where it went🙏🏾
@@cjohnson2159 There’s so many denominations now. Which one is the correct one?
@@authorityfigure1630 exactly! So don’t get caught up in the denomination. Instead search for a “church” that teaches from the Bible, the 66 books God inspired. If someone is teaching something other than that or have added on their own “supplemental bible,” run!
I waited to click the "Thumbs Up" button, until he said "You ultimately want to be your own God". LIKED immediately!
Ha, I know what you were thinking! I had already like it and started thinking about pulling it back but then that same line got me through it.
@@jamesr1021 @AuroraDAmicoMusic he has a great sense of timing!!
God has proved himself over and over again in my life. He has been so good to me.
Same,he never disappointed me in everything i ask. Except for those things he doesn't allow
This left me heartbroken too. 😥I love the music, words, and her voice, so very lovely. The words go so deep into the heart. I pray for her. 🙏😥💗
Having found the truth, I'm sure your prayers are the very last thing she would welcome.
@@waggyquack974the One true God, Jesus, the Author of Truth...begs to differ. But you have the will to agree with the father of lies.
Me too! I did not know she'd walked away before watching this video. I love her music!
I’ve been hurt many many times in church. I remember one Sunday walking home crying all the way home.I don’t want to walk away from Jesus because of the people. I understand how people can do that though. It’s very hurtful and confusing
Simple Truth is that people are going to hurt you. Some do it unintentionally. Some focus on self and therefore are willing to hurt other people in an effort to preserve their own self-image. And still others aren't focused on the ministry that they represent and they forget the command Be Ye Holy and All that it entails.
The next thing I would say is that we've all forgotten the concept of having thicker skin. Even now I've got someone that occasionally does me wrong and disrespects me, and that's not just my view my wife has witnessed it. But you know to some degree it's how this individual is and to some degree it's because if we ever had a professional working relationship we just would never get along... we're two different people. It's not personal and I just have to have a thicker skin where it comes to my interactions with this person.
At this point you're probably saying there's no way you can understand what I've been through and I would say, although different, The attacks on me in the past have been very personal. My father was a pastor for years and our church is deacon board saw me as a way to get to him and attacked me on three different occasions making false accusations. The first time it hurts so badly that I cried for about a half a day. And I know I was innocent but I still ask God why. And that's when I came up with the idea of having a thicker skin and that God gives me the strength to stand up to things like that.
My further solution, brush off and let go what you can. And when you can't grab a witness and confront the individual. The latter is are rarity. Not to say I let myself be used or beat up on but I carefully weigh weather really makes a difference in my life before I confront.
Here's a virtual hug. 😍 I'm so sorry. Please don't let people's lack of love walk affect yours.
Me too, my Pastor bullied me for 19 years. Being a musician, children’s teacher, etc, very dedicated and faithful and God told me to get out. It took me 5 years to obey. I became ill with heartburn and could not play my trumpet anymore. God brought me out!
Recently with the past 4 months My husband and I went back to visit per invite from the Pastor, and again The Pastor abused my husband and me for 8 mins before he started his sermon. It took me 10 years to figure out what The Pastor was doing to me and others, I didn’t understand it. We were verbally being abused from the pulpit, and personally.!
Our choir had 100 volunteers. We rocked! Our band was extremely amazing. The church grew dark after we left many left after us. We did not talk to anyone about anything. The church fell apart.
It is a dead church now!
I love Allen, he is anointed! Keep on serving God by loving and sharing Jesus!
Search your Pastor or church for False Doctrine! You will be amazed how many so called faithful ministers female and male are Wolves in Sheep’s clothing!
God is cruel
Wow. Just wow. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences with leaders in the church. You are appreciated!
Thank you very much for your videos. I am rediscovering Christianity and got confused and even appalled by some preachers on yt. Instead of facing the difficult questions they rather scare you for having doubts.
Your critical and multifaceted approach makes it possible to understand much more.
Amen. Praise God.
Yeah having critical thinking and logic is a good thing
And yet he calls people's applied critical reasoning and logic invalid if they don't come to the same conclusion as he does unless they have spoken to an expert apologist. In fact, he concedes that some things you just have to take on faith even if you don't understand them. He leaves out that science, medicine, avionics and the like are things we put faith in only after the theories and concepts we are relying on have been objectively tested rigorously against the empirical evidence. That is not how Faith, theology, or apologetics works. Just because somebody had a bad experience with someone else in the Church does not mean that Jesus didn't rise from the dead. Saying I have faith doesn't mean that he did. You have to do better than that and you cannot call somebody else's viewpoint invalid because they don't accept that.
Just found this post BY ACCIDENT..or so i THOUGHT. Your message is so powerful. The people sharing their life experiences brought me to literal tears. The Holy Spirit was finally able to speak to me on questions i have had so long. THANK YOU for this honest and POWERFUL POST! 💗so so THANKFUL God lead me here. 💗🙏
It’s also important to note that : A lot of worship artists may not be true Christians to begin with. Often times, they initially try to make it into secular music but are not successful, so some turn to Christian/Gospel music to make ends meet assuming that it’s easier (which is not always true). A shocking survey years ago stated that 98% of Christian worship artists are not Christian (I only heard this from someone, but I don’t have the source, statistics is convoluted in itself anyway so idk).
That’s why when some shocking news or scandal comes out about a famous worship leader, we shouldn’t be completely taken aback. It’s getting worse and worse.
Amazing video, brother Allen!
I’ve heard about this many times. Kinda makes me wonder if the songs I listen to come from a real place
"they then turn to Christian/Gospel music to make ends meet" Your comment assumes that it is easier to make a living playing Christian music than it is playing secular music. Not true at all. If that were true, all the unsuccessful secular artists would be turning to Christian music. They are not. And one "shocking survey" with that extreme statistic of 98% is meaningless with no link to it. I've been a worship musician for decades and met and worked with many many others, the majority are sincere committed believers. That 98% statistic is total BS. FYI, exaggerating the truth is the same as not telling the truth.
You must be god since you can judge their hearts.
Are you concerned about Christian Nationalism too? Christian Nationalists support right wing political ideology in the name of Christ.
Exactly…spot on!!! Or, like Jon Steingard, who also deconstructed, some grow up in the church and just followed their family into it as young people, but never developed their own authentic faith. Then people find out they have a musical talent and throw them in the front the church based on talent and never confirm if they have a submitted heart! And once things start to falter in their lives, or the popularity fades, without a real love for Christ, they go and blame it all on him. This is a sad reality that the church just keeps on perpetuating!
First rate video, Mr. Parr.
Very much welcome.
I believe if you truly found God, you could never turn away.
True but that doesn’t mean Christianity perse 😊
@@Doxansq yes, it does 😁
@@jjwallnutts nope :)
Not ultimately and finally at least. But temporarily it’s possible just as we might say Peter and the original disciples lapsed on Friday and Saturday, but restored to faith by Sunday. (Contrasting Judas, whose “repentance” was really showing that he thought the sacrifice of his own unworthy life could atone for his sin and Jung himself so that “He could go to his own place.” Acts 1:25. Hence that’s why none were ultimately lost “Except the son of destruction *that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.”
So not 1 person can fall away and return? Life is hard. Mental struggles are REAL! Just because YOU think your faith is un breakable means nothing. You sound like the typical self righteous and deluded person this society has produced by the millions
Allen, I have never seen one of your videos before. I am a pastor in central Minnesota. If you are ever in the area I would love to have you speak to our church. God will use your podcasts, videos, books. You are a great thinker and seem to have a heart for the Lord! Blessings
You should email him ❤
Email him ❤
I almost fell away myself. It was due to whole hearted unanswered prayers. I thought if I prayed according to God’s word and His will, then He would always answer my prayers. I had a pretty large prayer request for my myself and my family that went unanswered, and I was mad at God. I had a friend ask me, “do you think God is supposed to give you everything you ask for?” I hated that question at the moment, but then I realized that I was dead wrong. God is sovereign, and He doesn’t need my opinion on how He should be God. His yes is for our good, but His No is for our good as well. That was a tough pill to swallow, but His grace and mercy kept me through my dark place. God is goooood!!! Be encouraged body of Christ. Be encouraged those who have walked away. He is patient and kind and keeps no record of wrong doing for us. He is able to handle our questions and doubts. He is not mad at us. God is love and that’s why I serve Him.
I know God answers prayer, what loving Father would not talk to their child. God is great and worthy to be praised.
If you’re praying for one of his promises and it never comes to fruition, I don’t think you’re being unreasonable.
Or you won't like his answers. After all you might think you can't go to sleep, but David saw it as God sustaining him
That's a big one with me. Too many prayers for myself and others not answered how I wanted. Still hard to pray.
Don't forget some blessings from God can also make us arrogant and prideful and not only turn us away from God but bring our testimony into disrepute.
Dang brother! Keep up the great discussion. Blown away. One of the few things I am excited to put on screen for my kids! (17, 14, 12, & 10).
My husband died 6 yrs ago. in May. Some use that to fall away from God & ask why did God let that happen to me. I held tight to God & He restored my soul!! It's still hard sometimes. But thanks to God l'm doing very well!!
2.5 years for me. He rains on the just and the unjust. Never ask why. Not an answer I even really need.
I'm glad you are doing better. This is my husband's email, I'm Shelley
my first wife passed away almost 20yrs ago when our daughter was about 4months old. i went through it too. but God does restore, just not always the way we think He will. glad you found where God's grace was leading you
❤
Thanks Sandra...
Unfortunately mine passed this year.
Without God I would have been lost, he kept blessing me.
Job lost most of his family.
Don't ever leave Jesus.
Amen
@@crisl9079biggest mistake with really negative outcome both here
and eternal consequences
Too late.
Never. Under any circumstances.
@@lrdmiddlefinger once you can't find _evidence_ to back the claims in your bible, it's time to leave, which is exactly *_why_** there's a mass ex.odus from the cult!* Unless of course if the truth isn't important to believers, lol.
I’ve played on Worship teams for many Churches for many years and it just made me closer to God. Thank you Jesus for letting me play for Your Church!
Wow I haven't experienced the same. Most of the time the dynamics really hurt me
This was well organized & put together video. Thank you for sharing this. I always wondered why people left Christianity myself & this video helped.
Thank you so much for forgiving those who were horrible to you and for staying the course. You are a blessing to the Body. Blessings to you and your family. ❤
Well said my brother in Christ. I do believe that this video should be seen by every believer. You definitely hit the nail on the head. God bless you for making this video. ✝️
Sometimes churches & pastors can sin so deeply against church members. A pastor physically attacked my child, and they blamed her and shamed her for being to godly & pretty. Then the same pastor cheated on his wife & physicaly abused her. He then ran away with the worship leader. We had to walk away from all that diabolical nonsence. Thankfully our faith was grounded in God and we are a still serving God. The hurt was ongoing by the telling of so many lies, it seemed to never end. Do not let any man and their sin, turn you away from God.
❤
My experience is SA with a cross on my child. God was testing my faith whether I go to the police or trust in God. Then I’m called a devil turning my back on God by seeking vengeance against his people. I left the cult.
Despite all what we may go through in this life, no matter how hard and long the journey, it does not change who God is and his love never fails.
Thank you for holding on to the Lord. Man will fail you time and time again but Jesus never fails you.
This sadly is more common than most people think and it breaks God’s heart . I am so sorry you experienced all of those things . I am very glad you held on to Jesus and know he is a good God.
I absolutely love that song too… and was so sad to hear she deconstructed. My daughter and I were just praying for Audrey a few weeks ago. Thank you Allen for making this video. Praying that those who have been deceived in this way will come to true saving faith in Jesus. 🙏🏻
Wow! Thank you for your transparency and for tackling such a difficult conversation. Well said my friend! May the peace of God rest on you. Grace to you dear brother!
I don’t really understand how electricity works, or how plumbing works, but that doesn’t stop me from believing in it!
Who cares ?
Obviously not you, but maybe I do?@@maxtryme1508
The difference is that there is actually evidence that those two things are real
@joestaton1998 yep and there's none for god!
All of those things are PROVABLE and have LOGICAL explanations. Queue the “you can’t apply logic to god” in 3..2..1
Immediately when I saw this video I thought of the parable of the sower. In Mark it literally says people will fall away due to trials and tribulations, or because of the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things
well said!
The fundamental truth of that parable is that ONLY the seed sown on the good soil resulted in "fruit" = salvation. NONE of the other soils were truly saved at all, even though there was some outward "manifestation".
Thank you for this message tonight. Its sorely needed in the world we are living in today. Please keep this particular line open!!
Didnt expect this video to end up as good as it did, I'm genuinely impressed by how you tackled the last one
It's not easy
Life can be so hard sometimes
I just thank God everyday and put one foot infront of the other having faith in Christ
I wonder if they were Christians to begin with. Such beautiful voices and it’s sad how they turn away.
Shows how gracious God is that He gifts talents and skills to all people, even those who hate Him, ignore Him, or turn away from Him. 😢 He gifts them so that we would use them to point to Him.
I have to say that I agree with you, but yes, they are Christians. They are what we call backsliders. Whiteny Huston was the same way. Until she got really fames and got hooked up with the wrong people.
No true Scotsman!
@@tiffanydaniel8996yup this is one of my favorite things about God - how intentional He is ❤❤
Hey 👋🏽. I said the same thing. I dont believe a truly born again believer falls away. Hebrews 6:4-6 explains well to me.
I stumbled across this video through my recommendations - and im glad i did. This video had some great advice for people who has experienced church hurt. Thank you!
Glory to God for your strength, discernment, leadership and courage to help those around you/the world! Your words are generating, encouraging, relatable and relative! Thank you for persevering! I had a couple revelations watching this which was awesome! Praise the Lord
A pastor and church we attended kicked my daughter with Down Syndrome out of the nursery. So many parents of children with special needs are treated so badly by the church. Good news is that we’re attending a different church now!
My heart aches for you having had such a difficult situation. So glad you have found a church family that loves and supports you and you dear daughter.
I am sorry to heard this. Children with down syndrom are sunchine ❤God bless you and your family
That is awful! Our church assigns all special needs kids 'Special Buddies' who help them so they can enjoy coming to church too. O am sorry your family had to face this.
Name the church to warn others....
Thank you for the video. I'm an amateur worship song writer from Indonesia, and this video is a self reminder to me, that writing a song about Jesus is not the same thing as experiencing Jesus personally. More than any talents that we have, any ministry or activity that we do which related to God, we need to stay connected and have a personal relationship with Jesus, as "The Vine" (John 15:8).
God Bless You
God bless Br. Allen for this video. Lately I’ve been feeling a call to apologetics because it is true. Sometimes it’s not enough to have the super emotional visceral reaction to faith in Christ. It has to connect to the mind and the heart. If we don’t conceptually believe that Christ is risen, all the emotions are for nothing. But when it does connect, even when things in life turn sour, we KNOW that the tomb is empty and He is risen. I thank God that our faith is not abstract and based on feelings but historical evidences and fact🙏🏾
What’s the “historical evidence “? There is a huge difference between theology and history. You will not find resurrection in any authoritative history book.
The empty tomb of Jesus most historical scholars agree on and even secular scholars like Bart Ehrman. Also their is evidence of a actually historical Exodus during Rameses II reign at the cite of Avaris. We also have Sennachrerib prism that speak about the Assyria's failed attempt of conquering Jerusalem then they play it off like nothing happened.
(A angel kills most of the Assyrians invading Jerusalem)
There's plenty more evidence but you need to be humble with what is out there. Evidence lead to the truth but it won't say in plain words
it's true.
@@dariussullivan7430 The empty tomb is a claim. The claim is different depending on which of the gospels you read.
No historical evidence for 2.5 million people leaving Egypt. No evidence of 2.5 million people wondering around the desert .
No evidence that “angels” exist or killed anybody. These are theological claims not historical facts. But you are free to believe whatever you want.
@@horridhenry9920 I know it can be tough to wrestle with many of the OT events. Trust me, I can definitely understand that. However, I’m just focusing on Christ. It was documented that Christ lived as well as the apostles. It was documented that they were martyred. I don’t think these people would willingly die for a lie. I also don’t think 500 people can claim to have seen him alive after His death if they knew it was a statement that could lead to them losing their lives. And the light of the resurrection gives me assurance for everything else in scripture. I hope this makes sense.
@@isaacpcharles Who documented that Christ lived? The Gospels are anonymous and consist of stories passed down by oral tradition. We have nothing written by Jesus and the Apostles.
How many of the Apostles were martyred? Even Christian New Testament scholars only say with any confidence that 4 were martyred. And there is no evidence that they were given the opportunity to recant.
Who are the 500? Only Paul mentions 500 and we don’t know a thing about them.
The only thing we know about resurrection is that the dead stay dead. We have billions of confirmed examples of this.
How about the category of Christian who are told / taught / shamed into ignoring some sins for the sake of unity, when they are clearly sins? A lot of people are leaving traditional churches b/c a lack of adherence to the Word.
I am very sorry you had such bad experiences. I appreciate your videos. Thank you and God bless you.
I was out of the church for years because of church hurt. But I wanted to be in church. I just couldn’t figure out how to be a part of the body. My friend Kristy chased me down when I tried to run from a small group meeting at her house & she sat with me while I cried many times over the years. Stop so thankful for that ❤️
I always think..
Before the throne of God he's going to say ..yes but what did "I "do to you.
I have to say Allen Parr, those last words are the best words I have ever heard. You keep doing what you are doing I feel it is the LORDS work. Amen.
Wise words, brother. Shower of blessings from Brazil!
Your online ministry has been, and is, such a blessing for me. I thank you. May God bless you and your family, 11:43 in Jesus Christ's Name. Amen ❤ 12:16
Hello! This is my first time seeing a video from your channel and I was very blessed by what you shared. Thank you! This is a somber topic. My heart cries out, preserve me Lord! I am so grateful you overcame the adversities you faced, and that you indeed start this RUclips channel!
I have nothing of value to add, but will gladly comment to get this pushed up in the algorithms. May God bless you all, and keep you on the path to salvation. Don't ever quit, nothing in this world compares to the "crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:12-13 ESV
Excellent commentary, as usual!
I agree 💯👍
Thank you for posting this!!!! 👏🏻🙌🏻❤
In the last days, they’re gonna be a great falling away if I leave the Christianity, where would I go if I stop believing in Jesus what do I start believing in law of attraction the universe
It's my thoughts exactly 💯. I'm going through a rough period of my life currently, but I think if it weren't for Jesus, I would be totally hopeless.
Are you staying in the belief out of fear of hell if you don’t believe anymore??
@@Helloitslina13 You know these folks will believe anything to side step hell
Norhing
"...where would I go if I stopped believing in Jesus what do I start believing in..." Well for starts I'd take a look at my physical situation and ask myself what I can do to better what I can control. examples being something like better pay at my job, or weight loss, or muscle gain, or better spending habits, or re-arranging a room if I dont like where the furniture is.
At the core, much of this represents the fruits of *False Religion* and what that does to a person and where it leads them.
Agreed. Those who truly build a relationship with Christ would overcome to rocky seasons of doubt. Many people build a relationship with religion, instead, which doesn't hold through the trials and tribulations warned to us.
Some wicked people with hateful speech will not be passing through the pearly gates. "Lord, Lord..."
I think that people don't realize, we do not need church, we need a personal relationship with God. We are the church,we are not a building, but a community...
We NEED an altar,we need to spend time in scripture daily. We need to pray daily.
Thank you, dear Pastor Parr, for staying the course and helping us with our beliefs and standing firm in the faith. I love Jesus and know that He died for us. Praying for anyone who is struggling with unbelief.
There is a sad movement in the American Church 2day . Pastor Worship , that leads to " NO BIBLICAL ACCOUNTABILITY for Pastor's and that leads to NO CHURCH DISCIPLINE. We need to keep our eyes fixed upon Christ alone through the CROSS ... HE IS FAITHFUL.....
That’s why I love Presbyterian churches. Presbyterian pastors are considered teaching elders and, as all elders are, are overseen by a presbytery. I attend an amazing PCA (Presbyterian Church in America) church in my area. I don’t consider myself a 5-point Calvinist, but I love the expository preaching and the exegetical approach to understanding scripture. The Gospel and the Word of God is front and center.
"""""We need to keep our eyes fixed upon Christ alone through the CROSS ... HE IS FAITHFUL.....""""
That is a very bold statement and you seem to be asserting that it is factually true so would you be kind enough to explain to me exactly 'how' you personally established that it is 'actually' true?
Or is it just your own personal opinion?
This needs to be seen and heard. Thank you so much for this. I “gave up” after my grandmother went through the horror of Alzheimer’s and watched what it did to the entire family. I have found my way back for many reasons, and it will help now that my father has been diagnosed with early onset of it. 🙏🏻
🤗♥️⚓️🙏⚓️🙏⚓️🙏
Honey I'm so sorry for your experience. It runs very strong in my mom's side of the family, all her brother's and sister's had it but one. My mom was in the nursing home 5 years before she passed. It's an ugly disease but the Lord will walk with you through this.
Jesus said in this world you will have trouble, this is so true. Blessings to you.
Thank you for the truth. Glad I came upon this message today.
I am going to watch this video over and over again! So helpful for equipping us saints! Thank you Allen!
Thank you for posting this video.
This was very needed and very powerful. Wonderfully done. More grace for you and the work you do. Good bless.
Strong, true and brave words!
Thank you so much ❤️🙏
Brother, your church hurt experiences blew my mind. 🤯 I am so so sorry. 🥺
Praise God for his Grace to persevere. Very thankful for you and this video.
Thank you for this video. It definitely gives me another way to approach individuals who are struggling with their Chrstianity. While I may not agree with every discussion you have posted, this one truly gave me a better vocabulary to have a more direct discussion.
Thank you again.
I would be very cautious of reaching out to those who have left the faith by explaining to them how their views and their experiences are invalid. People are leaving the faith in droves not because of individual encounters with church leaders and fellow parishioners involving hypocrisy and judgmentalism but because of an ongoing shift in the body of Christ towards these things which Jesus spoke out against extensively while saying nothing about sexual orientation or abortion. Within much of the Church community, this gets a pass or an excuse, such as, " well that's why they're in church". How about finding a congregation that does better and speaks up against this hypocrisy. How about letting the spirit of God transform you. Let your faith make you a better person and make sure that the person that you are through your faith make the world a better place. That is what gives others a reason to believe.
This is why I don’t force my kids beyond what they are ready for. Everyone has to believe for themselves. I strive to be a light and an example and a teacher and the rest I leave to God.
I had two sets of children, with the ones I let stay home from church, all three do not go to church now, but will pray. With the set we always take to church and also have a short family devotion of 5 to 7 minutes reading one chapter or 20 verses as well as take to Christian Education during pre college years, all seem to love Jesus, attend church on their own even for the older college age one.
Yes, it is the parents job to train them up as they go! Definitely makes a difference. My children are 8 years apart, mybolder one we ALWAYS were in church and a part of everything going on. With the second one, we went and were a part but let him skip if he had practice or something come up. The older one is very strong in faith and attends church with their family. The other goes occasionally and is not raising their family in church. Do your work and GOD will do His!
Don’t force them into a false profession of faith but def keep them in church and raise them in admonition of the Lord, kids ain’t exactly equipped to make eternal decisions on their own without knowing the word of God. Shoot most adults ain’t equipped enough to make eternal decisions like that outside of faithful church membership and bible study.
Oh no! This is so heartbreaking! I love Audrey and her worship music brought me through so many hard times and turned my eyes to God. It always seemed so authentic to me. Hoping God calls her back to Him.
My late husband had a PHD in Philosophy and apologetics and had many conversations with folks going through faith crises. After my husband suddenly died, I have had many low days and asking many questions why, and had many Christians hurt me deeply. However, God has reminded me he has this mess of a world in His hand. I may have trust issues with other people, but I know, I can trust Gods plan. This side of eternity for us is not pretty. Look what Jesus went through to save us. I hang on to what Jesus suffered for me. He didn’t have to do it, but He did!
This is my hope.
Amen Monica! 😊♥️👏⚓️🙏⚓️🙏
Thanks for discussing this topic. So many are walking away from the faith and we need to talk about it.
And it's no wonder when we get such dishonesty from so-called pastors as displayed here.
Awesome video pastor Allen thank you makes so much sense God bless you and your family ❤
We have to keep praying for them to come back home.
This is an AMAZING video!!! Well thought out, explained and discussed. Your sensitivity came through while standing for Jesus. Keep doing what you're doing. Well done!
This is solid. So helpful. Thank you for your ministry
Sometimes we just get weary .. years and years of unanswered prayers can do that to a person 😢
That’s true! I stoped praying for certain things, I figure God knows.
God answers every prayer. All of them. Just because we don’t get what we want doesn’t mean anything. This is Gods will, on earth as it is in Heaven. Trust God, his plan for your life. I can’t imagine putting all of my trust in anything else but God. Think of Peter walking on the water with Jesus, he began to sink when he started looking at the waves. The waves are all around, but we are not to take our eyes off our Lord.
Very tru but it’s a choice to stay or walk out 😢
More often than not, what people call an unanswered prayer isn't that at all rather a "no." But imagine if a kid asked their parent for something and when told no, the kid said "why don't you answer me?" Instead of recognizing that he just didn't get the answer he wanted.
Yes 😢
Great video and will be praying for all these situations in the comments. God bless.
"Nobody's gonna be watching your videos?" Whoa, whoever that was was wrong. Love your videos, and this is another great one!
That's why God always gets the last say so, Not man ever.
Right? As of now, there are 71460 nobodies.
Audrey Asada greatly surprised me. He music was so thought out and worshipful. I actually listened to it, among other Christian music artists while going through a very difficult and dark time in my life. I will say during that time span, I remembered the promises that God gives us in the Bible. I also remembered that God comforts us when we are discouraged and suffering. I had to remind myself everyday that no matter what, God is still good. I could've stopped believing in God because of what I was going through and the circumstances, but I had to cling to His Word.
I believe she is gay. I think her sexuality and her beliefs, conflicted. it is usually ALWAYS sin that causes Saints that were once close to God, to fall away.
does it make any more sense that she was catholic ? I love her music too.
Yes me too. I can’t even enjoy her music anymore and I loved it so much!
@@markohakkola5180please explain this?
Bingo. 4 people I served on the praise and worship team with left the church for that lifestyle. One telling me they don’t believe in God anymore. It truly breaks my heart.
Powerful and mighty word, brother! Thank you for this video and for this powerful, God-inspired message!
Thank you Mr Paar. When i listen to you I'm amazed on how well you speak God's Word and how simple to understand. God bless you!
This guy does not know what he is talking about but revels in the joy of putting fallen christians down. It ain't easy to be a christian. Jesus himself warned us that christian life ain't easy coz the devil targets christians. You need to pray everyday. I find this guy is trying to monetize his dumb videos to make money. Don't judge fallen christians. Just pray for them.