I love this comment. My pastor played his poem in church and used his testimony to encourage young men to view women in a Godly way. I began following him at the time and he really encouraged my faith during that time. I appreciate him for that.
I honestly have no space to judge Joseph. He was a big part of my growing faith 2-3 years ago. When the pandemic hit my faith has gone down and I’ve been on the fence for the past year and a half. Learning Joseph left the faith tonight was a hard hit for me personally because it was like the Holy Spirit held up a mirror for me tonight showing me where the path I’m currently on will ultimately lead… God legit won’t leave me alone. He reminds me of His presence every single day. I need to grow up in the faith. I hope anyone reading this may come to the same conclusion. Time is running out. Shalom 💕
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 Please stay strong and hold in there. Pray for strength and continue running the race.🙏
@He calls me blessed Please know Holy Spirit is still right there. And He’s waiting, with open arms, for you to turn back to him. Please don’t allow guilt or shame keep you from turning back to the Lord. That’s a trick of the enemy. Confess your sin, repent and come back to the Father. He will lovingly, and joyfully receive you… And without condemnation. Ask me how I know!!! I’ll be praying for you. God bless❤️
@He calls me blessed yup, been there. not feeling the presence of God because of sin was the worst. but i held onto God's word because it is true, that He will neither leave us nor forsake us. and in prayer, crying, and repentance, i held onto God because apart from Him, i know i have nowhere else to go. He alone is our deliverer and our savior. especially with sin, though we be ashamed, we should not run away from God. as christians, sin is not just our battle, lest we be boastful of our own strength. but with sin, we ought to have God fight for us and give us strength to flee from temptations, so that in our weakness, we only boast of God's strength and He alone is glorified. God bless
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 NIV I really pray this will be Joe's journey....
@@APTTMH07 uh the bible says it's like crucifiing Jesus anew to return to the faith he's not a prodigal because he was never really a Christian are he wouldn't have left
"Ain't over til it's over" Absolutely. I was one who "used to be Christian" and turned my back on God. I went into new age and occult for about 10 years. Came back running into Jesus's arms, repenting my ass off. I went out from them because I was never a part of them. Now I am an actual Christian and nothing in this life or the next would separate me from my Savior.
Thank you for being honest because that's exactly what the scripture say. People don't have a depth to their faith, it's all in vain and so they end up falling away because Satan ends up planning tears in their hearts, in the true seeds of God never hold because everything was about appearance in the first place. I came to God in 12, and had no depth of faith myself, and ended up falling away and going into new ageism. He came and rescued me in 2017 and the depth I have a faith right now is deeper than anyone I hung out with before because I did the things that he told me to do. I didn't make my faith vain.
Amen. I struggled with my faith for over 20 years and it wasn't until God broke me all the way down did I truly see His love for me and my desperate need for Jesus.
It’s not easy only when you hold on to your fleshly desires and the cares of this world and going after riches. Jesus said his burdens is easy and his yoke is light
My heart breaks hearing someone else has walked away from faith. Sadly the church has tried to make a walk of faith neat and tidy. We need to do better helping people as they wrestle with their faith and with life. I also think a lot of people get caught up in the doing or the good works and that instead of Christ becomes the thing. I pray Joseph finds his way back
@@ChaseJones75 faith is not messy. 😊Humans are messy, and our path is not neat and tidy. I totally agree with the part that our Church needs to help each other with these struggles, not pretend the problems don’t exist.✝️🙏 God help us.
So true, my Fiancé and I have been reading Rewire your heart by David Bowden and it helped me to realize why I was so frustrated and angry with God. I was caught up in “doing good” that I felt like God owed me things that I prayed about because I didn’t do this or I did do that. After about 6 years of me living in this merit based salvation I literally begin to question God and Christianity because of unmet and expectations. Thank God for his mercy in rescuing me and helping me to see the error of my ways. I have a new respect and sensitivity for non-Christians and those struggling in their faith because I know from personal experience now how easily it can be to walk away from something you grew up believing your entire life.
@@kendrahfoster7372 YES!!!!!! And unfortunately, there are people who will quickly label what you typed as religious or judgmental. But it is 100000% truth. We can't serve two masters. Period.
When we break covenant we put ourselves in a vulnerable position. The enemy is wicked and doesn’t play fair. Praying for you Joseph Solomon. I pray you get the understanding that you need, and come back home. 🙏🏼
The same Jesus who used Joseph to draw us closer to God will draw Joseph back to him. I am not disheartened by the news, I rejoice instead for I strongly believe that a beautiful story of redemption will come out of this. Praying for Joseph and sending him lots of love.
To some, my comment might touch a personal area in someone’s life but I’ve been hearing a lot about ex believers who once followed Jesus now walking away from their faith because they came to a breaking point due to doubt without prayer or support. Let’s pray for those (who are out of our reach physically) who are considering to walk away from their faith in Jesus that God will give them great faith through the Holy Spirit and that they will experience some kind of opportunity of available support to speak to someone (one person, or group setting) about their struggles. And let’s also try to ask each other how we are doing health-wise in our faith and also in our personal relationship with God the father and with Jesus. Or also asking them what they truly want. One time a person opened up to me about their struggles and I told them I’ll pray for them and they got really upset and told me, “I’m tired of people saying they’ll pray for me. Why can’t they just ask me what I really want.” So I asked him what he really wanted and he said, “I just want a hug.”
Your last paragraph was powerful. I’ve experienced this as well. Ask me how I’m doing or can you help or whatever else but not just a simple bingo coverall with a prayer if the person is not a believer.
@@busridingchick1063 - Thank you for sharing. I used to ask how someone is doing but ever since a friend of mine told me she doesn’t like it when people ask her how she is doing because she sees the question as fake and as just a fake question to start a conversation going because the person asking doesn’t really know how to start a conversation, I stopped asking. My friend saw the question as coming from someone who doesn’t really care about how the other person is doing, they just want something to start the conversation with. So now I start conversations with something other than asking how they are doing. I ask questions about their opinion on things or start a conversation with a joke or something fun or interesting I assume we can we have a convo about.
Yes, when our dear brothers/sisters are hurting they often are not turning away from prayer but they need Jesus “fleshed” out a little more !! That’s where the body of Christ needs to enter. Lord help , due to COVID is hard for that, but He knows!!!
I am not surprised. I had unsubscribed from him about a year ago when he had a rant about his views on solving the racial issues in our country. When he said that Salvation in Christ for souls was not the answer. Christ Jesus is and will all ways be the perfect answer and solution to every problem with humanity. I realize now that, I should have prayed for Joseph. Lord He needs in prayer
I saw this coming, too. :( All this BLM race stuff has really caused unnecessary wedges in between and within Christians. Jesus is THE only way, and the only answer to the sin of racism and the damage and hurt of racism. Unfortunately us black folks can idolize our skin color, and "our people" and put that before God.
The healthiest church I've been a member of consistently challenged the members to evaluate "How does our Church structure, practices, and worship match with how the church is defined in scripture?" As you mentioned in #4. I think empowering members of the church body to call out non-biblical practices or teachings makes the church stronger, and encourages members to look to the Bible as a source.
When I was a new believer I listened to one of his videos and my life changed so much. I downloaded it and would keep watching it for strength. I really mourn him and pray he comes back to the Truth whilst there is time.
Above turning away from ‘the church’ it’s turning away from GOD. Lord help us to remain connected to you. Despite the desert place! Even if we are in a dry spell where we are away from the church. May we never turn away from GOD, CHRIST, THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I honestly had a season like this I’m only 23 but I’ve been in and served at a high capacity in “THE CHURCH” for a long time I felt that instead of half heartedly serving God and barely believing what I’m telling other young ppl I’d do what Jesus said and be Hot or Cold And the cold season is where God really revealed himself the farther I ran the more he pursued although it was extremely hard to come back it grew my faith substantially and I gained a much stronger foundation and relationship with our lord and savior Jesus Christ …. With that being said we can definitely pray for and love on Joe but ultimately let God finish the good work he started
Idk why I’m sad about hearing this, but I am. I think it’s because I’ve admired his poetry, music, and videos. He has a special voice in many areas. If Joe reads this: God bless & I’m praying for you.
So, I initially thought he was taking the angle of "God never called us to be Christians, He called us to be believers, disciples, followers, " etc. I too had points in which I struggle to understand the character of God, especially when it comes to the challenges that people of color have experienced. I didn't tell anyone how I was feeling. But the Holy Spirit sent a Word to me to stand strong in my faith and that He will reveal more of Himself to me in time and I had to be good with that answer. God cared enough about me to send me and answer and I'm grateful to Him for it. I will be praying for Joseph. I stopped watching him a while ago. But I will pray for him. The enemy is out to destroy believers
Not too long ago, I literally asked God to help me understand how He viewed what happened to those who were affected by the tragic history of America's racism against black folk. We can't just ignore that part of history, especially with how its consequences still affect the world's dynamics today. Who will hold the oppressors accountable? I know that God is a just and righteous Father. He sees everything and there is nothing that escapes His watchful eye, despite what many may believe. I put my faith in that because of what the Bible says and because of my own experiences with Him! I just really want to know what will happen to all those poor souls.. I pray that God will send someone or something to let me know. I've also asked Him to help me understand His character and personality more, and now I am revisiting parts of the old testament that I sometimes struggle connecting to our loving Father. But even though I don't understand everything, I don't want to ever let Him go. *Please* keep listening to the Holy Spirit. Never stop believing in the truth. He *will* take care of you. And in time, I hope He will help you understand exactly what you need to know :) If He said it, He is faithful to follow through. Shalom!
It's because black people are the israelites. Look at Deuteronomy 28. Who do those curses fit? That will tell you why black people have the issues that they have. The thing is whitewash lukewarm Christianity will tell you that God is a certain way when he's not that way, and when you find out he's not then you're all upset because you thought this this and that about him. But when Christians start reading their Bibles they will know the truth about god, that he is Holy above all things, that he is righteous above all things and he hates, hates, hates sin and he hates evil even in his own children. He had no qualms about wiping out the world when it was evil. So those people who want the lukewarm Christ are not going to understand the holy and righteous God that doesn't even spare his children and his wrath. The wheat will bow, the tares won't. He told Moses to take off his shoes when he approached him, but many Christians want to approach him like he's their little buddy were there little genie. The truth is God does love us and he wants to be our friend, but if we remain evil and in sin we then become his enemy, and this is the case of the world. They are at enmity with god, and so the days will be like they were in Noah's days.
the spiritual warfare that comes with this journey is outrageous. the difficult storms that we face aren’t just coincidental, have we all not read job? faith is a choice, and a hard one at that. but gracefully God gives us enough evidence to choose Him, even through our doubts and battles. i’m not up to date on joseph’s podcast it just kills me that another brother has left the faith. my question is does he not believe in God anymore ? or has He just chosen not to be a follower anymore. it’s a foolish question honestly but im curious unto if the enemy has truly stolen Gods hand in His life. God is no fool, if we truly seek Him wholeheartedly He’s sure to come through… but only in HIS TIMING.
@Alina i agree with everything you said except the last point 😭.. i’m a a bit confused wym by it’s impossible to be enlightened by God then deny Him? it’s not impossible to deny Him. paul said it’s impossible to be restored if you deny Him.. He’s implying that it is possible to deny Him
@Alina but omg this is a gem.. it’s not Gods fault for any wrong in the world it’s humanities fault. we have free will to do whatever we want. His word is truly one of the greatest blessings known to mankind. without a foundation in it the enemy will deceive us with false doctrines about God etc. i’m so glad you haven’t fallen away. i hope peace love and joy in the Lord multiplies in you. our tribulations are set to better us. many ppl want to stay the same, but we are literally not of God in our natural state and we cannot please Him. without chastening we won’t even try to walk in the new man who was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness (ephesians 4:24).. there is no transformation in thinking the same. we need tribulations for perseverance in the faith. but many ppl like you said would rather everything be there way. or believe any doctrine flown about in the wind. nah bro we stickin with the bible we stickin with Jesus. He’s shown me His love countless times and still my flesh tries to make me doubt. it’s so odd but i will fight till the day i die
@Alina responding to your first response: what’s so critical in the faith is distinguishing between our flesh and our new man created according to God (ephesians 4:24).. yes our flesh sins but our new man cannot sin. many people fail to deny themselves and take up there cross. paul talks about how he has to die daily in 1 corinthians 15:31.. many skip that step. and that’s the first step that affirms us in Christ. now sinning is not a necessity. yet it is inevitably unavoidable according to our flesh. paul states in (romans 8:5-6) that to be carnally minded is death and to be spiritually minded is life and peace. this is so vital. the renewing of our mind is key and not everyone undergoes the process. in romans 13:14 paul says to put on Christ and leave no room/ make no provisions for the flesh. lest we gratify our sinful nature and it become real dangerous. not many will succeed in this walk with Christ, it’s not easy. Jesus said that heaven is a narrow road. we should proceed with caution and all humility. if Gods presence is not our dwelling place i believe it’s impossible to finish strong.
@Alina over what paul said… so we know God is all merciful and is king suffering. God will reveal Himself to those who seek Him wholeheartedly and repent. when we cry out for mercy He gives it and we see the evidence for it. paul’s saying that when God reveals Himself to us through Jesus and we decide to departure from the good news. which is literally the worst choice anyone can make. this is the very same as crucifying Christ on the cross as He once was.. except this time we know who He is. almost the same as judas. well the same if you ask me. and as Jesus said it would be better if that person wasn’t born.
The Bible clearly states that in the last days, there will be massive falling away of believers (Matt 24:10, 1 Tim 4:1). This is simply the end of times. My prayer is just like the hymn, may I not outlive my love for Christ. May I not be part of the mass that will fall away.
This video was just suggested to me and honestly had no idea of this announcement. Thank you for this wisdom, it can be so discouraging to see someone turn away from the faith but it makes me want to serve God even more. The enemy's plan is so evident in these times, we need to keep going and "not get weary in doing good". Lord help us all!
If someone turns away from their faith, they probably didn’t have real faith to begin with.. once you taste the Lords goodness there is no going back. There are times when someone who does have genuine faith starts to doubt and push God away but a person of genuine faith always comes back to God.
Always. But it’s a dangerous place to be. I’ve been there myself. You can feel the Holy Spirits convictions and promptings the whole time. However, id say that if someone is going so far as to publicly leave the faith then sadly I don’t even know if you can even pray for those people. Doesn’t that bible say it’s impossible for them to be restored? 😢
@@TheHowellFamilyy Ma'am, you can always give your life to Christ no matter what you've done or how many times you've denounce Jesus. You're referencing Hebrews 6-4:6 that speaks on people who ultimately rejects the Holy Spirit ( the only unforgivable sin). People who've been exposed to the gospel and who have seen the works of GOD'S hands while at the same time keeping their backs turned to Christ up until death. As long as the Most High GOD sees fit to fill your lungs with air you have another chance at eternal life.
@@tolatola5891 ok Thanks! I will look into this more. I used to think that I committed the unforgivable sin over and over again. Because my sinful flesh would just think blasphemous thoughts out of the blue.
That's why people who aren't spiritually mature shouldn't lead. This was said by Paul. Because they can't stand the course. The moment you decide to stand up for Christ all hell will unleash on you , you have to be strong in your identity in Christ and spiritual warfare. You have to know why you believe. Because your fall will weaken the young believers following you. Paul said I walk in fear and trembling so that after having taught you about Christ , I don't end being left behind. If you love God but you are not spiritually mature. WAIT! DON'T RUSH TO SERVE. And pastors should do the same with young gifted people. MAKE THEM WAIT.
Agreed, this journey is not easy but one must stand firm in Gods word that's where the strength is. I think those who leave allow the flesh to take over, they use Christianity to gain popularity and fame then get full of themselves and leave to pursue other fleshy ventures
Man I was broken when I learnt Joseph had denounced the faith. He may never know how much he impacted me in my early years of salvation. He explained everything so simply in a way that I clearly understood. I hope he comes back to Christ
It's actually easier to commit apostasy than people think. I did. It's the mercy of God that kept me. Yes, the church must listen to people. Abuse, sexism, racism, oppressive and even exploitative leadership are some of the reasons that make people leave. Sometimes too, people just don't understand why they believe. We need good teachers who can be led by The Spirit to break God's word down to the people. One of the reasons I left the church was because the concept of salvation made no sense to me. When I got saved, it sank in (with the help of Derek Prince's teachings). PS I pray Joseph Solomon finds his way back home. The story of the prodigal son springs to mind. I speak that outcome over him, in Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen.
I’ve always found myself back sliding and went into lukewarm Christianity… I’ve recently felt a calling to God and I’ve been trying hard to stay on this path but of course it is hard! Even still I can never see myself walking away from God!
Great points made in this video! But I think one factor that makes this deconversion story unique - and much more difficult for many to process - is the fact that Joe shared so much on his platform about wrestling with doubt and overcoming it. For many struggling with doubt, watching his videos (and especially his poem "Shadow of a Doubt") gave hope that they could make it out still believing. His videos were certainly very encouraging to me a few years ago when I went through a period of agnosticism. Right now, his leaving the faith isn't really perturbing to me, but I'm not sure how I would have handled it then. At that time I feared that exactly what's happening with him would happen to me, and I figure many feel now that Joe's story is a preview of what's down the road for them. I think this points to a greater need for the church to support to those who are struggling with their faith, both spiritually and emotionally. It's an extremely difficult process to go through, and something like this can be a a catalyst for believers who are a breaking point without prayer and support.
I totally agree. The onus is especially on Christian leaders. That is why I, personally, love the scriptures. Ever think of Tom Tom, I mean, Thomas the doubter. Those stories are particularly important because it shows us that Jesus cares about those who doubt too. And he is willing to meet them in that place. I believe, with all my heart, Joseph will be restored. Or maybe I can say, Jesus will meet him at that place. Let's pray for our dear brother. I love him so much.
@@danehartley6684 i actually preached a lot about small groups. small groups and 1-on-1. when i became more serious about my faith, i went to a small church of maybe 70 people and walked closely with my pastor, while i was in seminary studying for a Masters in Relgious studies. after that, for several years, i belonged to a house church that had only maybe 20 members at our location. i lived in a discipleship home with my pastor for 3 years, who’s a humble legend in chicago. i brought all my doubts and struggles to my pastor (s) and to my brothers and sisters regularly. biblical literacy was not the issue. i studied the Bible quite deeply for understanding and practical application, which what attracted many people to my channel early on. ive read countless books on defense of the faith, watched countless debates, studied apologetics while at seminary, the whole 9. i actually taught quite thoroughly on videos and conference workshops on how to wrestle through doubts in the context of intimate christian community. and even with all that, my experience was just as much emotional and spiritual as it was intellectual. so the solution is not so simplistic. i think that’s probably been the um… i guess.. most misunderstood part of this whole ordeal. everyone seems to be offering quite simple explanations to sum up my experience, when in reality, those who know me, or have followed me closely for years, know that ive fought deeply against doubt and questions for many years with many tools and many tearful prayers. this was not a simple or quick decision.
@@danehartley6684 ironically seminary was one of the most challenging experiences against my faith and yet one particular class emboldened it a lot. very mixed bag of emotions in seminary. i’m not offended by your comment. just trying to clarify for people. i’ve heard so many suggestions as to why i walked away that really oversimplified my experience. so far, out of the dozens and dozens of explanations, not a single one of them is something new to me that i did not deeply consider and search out while in the faith.
@@Andrew.chomba I hear you, but…why do we think Christian leaders themselves are not wrestling with doubt? We place a lot on the “church” (code word for church leadership), forgetting they are also humans like us.
Great video. This one hit differently. Like you, I found Joseph Solomon's channel early on and found his perspective and vulnerability refreshing, especially as a Black man who is in love with Jesus. I dont know Joe personally but hard to hear this news because that was my dude: A thought provoking Christian. Love your video and feel like it gave a very complete perspective.
So glad that someone is speaking into this, thought I was quietly mourning the loss of a brother who helped me so much in my faith but turns out there are others praying for him too. This topic gives me Rise and Fall of Mars Hill vibes. Thanks for talking about it
This is the same as losing a brother to the world… the end video of Joseph singing praises has me crying. I will continue praying for my brother to come back to life💙
NOOOOOOO! This made me sad. I am not judging tho.. Just hurting. The thing is " God said that he will leave 99 for that one sheep". The journey isn't over.
I recorded this last night, then this morning I listened to a podcast this morning about a very similar story. Josh Harris (who i mentioned in this video), author of I kissed Dating Goodbye, recently left the faith as well. He shares his journey on the latest episode of the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast. It's definitely worth a listen. Link in description!
For me it’s saddest when it’s a personal friend or mentor who abandon faith or have a massive moral failing. I appreciate your balanced take on the issue. Don’t give up praying for his return - I had a friend return after 15 years.
When I heard this news I was very upset, I didn’t know how to react to it, I’m thankful for you and this video, you helped me really be able to understand and think biblically rather than want to lash out or erase him mentally. That line you said “ if it was easy being a Christian everyone would do it “ really made me remember why I can’t let this discourage me. God bless pastor
I think ppl of faith (religion) struggle with being faithful (maintaining their religion) more than anyone. It is a choice of lifestyle that you cannot always see happening. A lot of the reward is spiritual and since society is so use to materials (things we can see/use) that we lose our appreciation for the things we can’t see/use. Especially if you’ve known the religion all your life. It’s likely you will be in and out of believing before coming back to the final conclusion that God is real and someway somehow, you should figure out how to praise him (religion or personal relationships outside a church)
Whatever he is searching for, he won’t find. He will come back eventually unless he never knew God in the first place. If he truly knew God, and is running from him, he will either go crazy, start doing drugs, or die before he was supposed to. You can’t run from God. His voice will not be quiet and it is impossible to drown out for longer than a season. GL to him. If he never knew God in the first place, he will probably just meander through life and fall asleep spiritually. Live your own life and follow God on his path for your life. Can’t worry about what others are doing.
This is such an awful statement. Especially that second sentence, why are you wishing that bad things happen to him and claim the spirit of Christ dwells within you? If anything just pray and hope he returns
@@taii_chii6782 It isn't awful. It is true. I know from personal experience. Christianity isn't about being "nice". It is about being truthful. Give your head a shake.
Leaving the “church ⛪️ ” isn’t same as leaving Christianity. At a point he was leaning towards leaving the church ⛪️ . It’s ok to leave a church ⛪️ if it’s choking ur faith and promoting false teachings. Many leave Christianity because they couldn’t leave a church ⛪️
Mmmm I think it's dangerous territory. The enemy wants you isolated, so the first thing he'll try do is change your view of the church, and get you to leave. I agree if a place is bad or toxic, then move. But leaving the church as a whole is never the answer. Get community and people of faith around you! We were made to do this journey together.
@@247worship …if u read closely to my point, church today is ⛪️ (a place/building). Any gathering in the name of Jesus is church. Not today!!! Today, church is mostly a social gathering. If u ask any backslider why he/she withdrew from their faith in Jesus, the underlying reason is ‘church’. It’s not the enemy/devil. More people are leaving the faith or lukewarm today. That’s troubling!!! Most people I know that left a toxic church ⛪️ are doing better and healing
In the last days, many will depart from the faith... ...But when you see the abomination of desolation spoken by the prophet Daniel, stand in the Holy place.
Very well spoken my brother. I actually never heard of Joseph Solomon until this video but man you did him justice. May God bring him back home in due time. #prodigalson
Whaat oh nooo 🙈 thanks for being so respectful of him! I looved his videos but noticed changes and couldn't watch anymore sometime ago...but this is gutting news! We need to pray more for our Christian bros and sisters.
Amen. I was just talking to the Lord about it this morning. It shocked me when I heard the news of it and wondered what led to his decision. Then deep down, I had some ideas as to why he walked away. I'm believing God for his return to Jesus Christ one day soon. I choose to continue to watch his videos because I watch others on RU-vid who do not follow Jesus. My love for the brother won't change just because of decision. This video spoke on some things that I was thinking about. God bless you, Sir! Grace and Peace fam.
Pastor Chase, I've been quite a big fan of Joe's for years...from P4CM. And I thought about the exact same thing when you mentioned Joe singing Come Thou Fount on his video. I watched all his videos. Is actually a hymn he uses frequently in his videos. Definitely praying for him.
One of my consolations: "Though in my heart I have questions, EVEN FAIL TO BELIEVE, still God is faithful, faithful to me". If we can experience the goodness, the presence and faithfulness of God in our lives, that He has not abandoned us in our unbelief, our doubt, our questionings, then that to me is all that matters. Praise Jehovah! Jah indeed, is our Keeper!
In the last days here will be a great falling away. I experience narcissistic abuse from church leaders so I understand but Jesus paid such a high price therefore I hold on to my King, The one who truly loves me.
God is faithful I was once a backslider for more than 20 years and thank God I came back now I'm walking with God faithfully for more than 20years.It is not about the church it's our personal relationship with God.Know God for your self I am praying for all who has gone back we that are in must know it is God's grace and mercy that is keeping us.
Joseph Solomon, if you come across this comment, I want you to know that God still has His hand open for you; He’s still reaching out and is willing to help you through whatever you’re battling through. Through all our struggles the Lord is with you. I pray that He may surround you with people who truly love and care about you, and provide you with a loving and supportive Christian community. We love you. God bless you, and I have prayed for you. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 NRSV
Love this video. So glad it popped on my feed. Discovered Joseph Solomon a year ago and love his music and art. Appreciate the authenticity and love coming out of this. Praying. Glad I found your channel, Chase!
Thank you for being real about the subject brother! We have to call a spade a spade these days. Time is growing WAY TOO SHORT! The road is narrow. I will pray for Joseph as well, he's a great talent and soul.
Thanks for your reflections on this. I followed joe back in the chasegod webisodes days and looked up to him a lot since he was one of the few solid Black Christian voices online. I'm sad that he's endured the suffering he has from trying reconcile things. And him being smarter than me tempts me to follow suit, as I'm also wrestling qith things and sitting with unresolved tension. Your reflections are supportive of my faith and I'm glad you shared the things you did. #prayingforjoe
Well if you look at people youll fall away, but if you keep your eyes on God then you won't. You need to decide who you serve and from my understanding it sounds like Joseph served people and not God. It's not a culture, it's not a lifestyle, it's not an appearance. Current Christianity is so vain, whitewashed tombs full of dead man's bones, they could never stay in the Lord because there's no strong foundation there. Even if a man has wisdom, as Solomon did, he still married tons of women and ended up having 666 talents. And the conclusion of it all was fear God and keep his commands. This is really not the time to want to turn away, because there are really really bad things that are going to happen in 2022, and the only thing that you will want to be around is God, because I'm talking about falling angels walking this earth and taking people out. This is the end of days seeking those when he can devour. Which is why this gummy bear Christianity isn't going to stand because it's leaves believers ill equipped to fight him.
I'm going to talk about it here into his and vanity I'm talking about the race thing as well. It doesn't matter about race in the kingdom of God. Let all the Black culture go, let all the false Christian culture go and just turn your face to God. Fast pray and seek him
@@jpement how can you not be a gummy bear Christian if you left the faith? The scripture say a man who builds his house on a strong foundation, when the winds and the storms blow it will not fall. Gummy bear Christianity is about appearance, where true Christianity doesn't give such credence to your appearance, but to the spirit. I saw in Joseph that he very much struggled with vanity, and I even think he said he was struggling with lust. Often times vanity begins to us, because we covet appearances, and therefore we lust after appearances. I heard him on some Instagram talking about loving yourself and he had this bright red hair. I told him well if you love yourself why do you feel the need to dye your hair? His house was built on the shaky foundation concerning appearances. I'm not just pulling that out my butt, or the me mean, I spent years as a model and the photographer, so I know all about vanity, and that it destroys houses. The father shook me of everything, my hair my makeup my jewelry etc because all I was doing was focusing on how I looked. It's very clear from 1 Peter 3:4, one Timothy 2:3, and proverbs 31:30 that God is not one for those things. So when we partake in them we're leaving the door open to Satan. There was also Samuel whom God told him not to look on a handsome man's appearance because he has rejected him. God doesn't judge my appearance, but my heart, but the heart is not right if it walks away from God. God has rejected Joseph, because Joseph rejected him. He loved the world more than he loved God. Joseph needs to repent, stop hanging out with the people that he's hanging out with, get out of the falls Church system, the gummy bear false Church system and come into the truth.
@@lboogy85 not sure if you followed him much, but Joseph dove deep in a LOT of theological issues. I don't know if he'll ever release those videos again, so you'll have to take others' word for it. But basically someone with the knowledge and insight he had most definitely wrestled with God for years and couldn't find reconciliation with what he saw in scripture and our world. He has yet to show full transparency on those issues, but he has hinted at inerrancy being a concern. That doesn't sound like the "gummy bear, do-it-for-show surface christian" you seem to be describing. When someone backslides that doesn't automatically mean their previous years of worship/service were disingenuous and the person faked it. Would you agree with that?
“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 it might become plain that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:19 ESV
Exactly. I agree with you @Theohybrid. Someone who had been struggling with his faith does not necessarily come across as one of those who "went out from us because they were not of us". It looks like they really want to make a firm decision for the Lord but somehow, can't. This is different from those who were never a part of us. Judgment should be aligned properly.
This was really good! We always should be discerning of the culture and recognize that the Bible has the answer for ALL of this….there is nothing new under the sun.
Thank you for your display of gentleness and yet holding fast to the truth. I just found out today about his decision and it is sad. Yet, God is faithful and He hears the prayers of His saints and that are interceding for Joseph.
Hi Pastor Jones I’m new to you channel but really enjoyed listening to your commentary on church planting. As my wife and I are in the midst of walking thru this phase. Thanks
I'm a muslim woman, but I learned a lot from this video. I feel like this can speak for all abrahamic religions sinse we are all similar at the end of the day.Nearly cried,this is touchy and thank you for being sensible towards people like Joseph.I definitely be fighting with my faith ,not because Islam - Islam to me is perfect.I mean like fighting my inner battles with nafs (soul).Thank you for this brother, May Allah bless your whole week.
Religions are not all Similar. There is only One True God and His Son Jesus Christ. if one doesn’t believe that Jesus paid for their sins and accept that payment by Faith in Gods only Begotten Son , then one will not have eternal life , thus , will be sent to hell on Judgement Day. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal Life. He is the only way that mans sin debt can be forgiven. There is no other way but To Believe On The Son of God and Recieve everlasting Life. Jesus Loves you.❤️
@@GodGirlP We both are abrahamic religions. respectfully ,to me islam is the perfect Religion.not comparing it to other religions,just saying it’s perfect to me in my eyes because i’m a born muslim and been raised as a muslimah.we do believe in Jesus but not as God ,just as a wise prophet. But Thank you still,i love jesus too❤️
@@Ihavemadeit999 Islam is A Satanic Religion. Satan is the god behind islam. You must Repent of Your sins and Believe The Gospel In order To Recieve Eternal Life.❤️ Romans 10:9 says “ if You Confess with your mouth That Jesus is Lord and Believe in your heart God has raised Him from the dead , you shall be saved.” Jesus is the only way to God the Father. Without Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you will not go to Heaven when on Judgement day , but instead Hell.
@@Ihavemadeit999 It’s Satan that your worshipping. I hate him. He’s trying to take you to Hell with him. Please Repent of your sins and Believe The Gospel.❤️ I LOVE YOU! Jesus The Savior of the whole world loves you. He paid your Sin debt. Please Accept HIS Payment. Because without the payment you won’t enter his kingdom nor have eternal life. PLEASE BELIEVE AND KNOW THAT Jesus Christ Died for your Sins to Bring you to God.❤️ HE IS THE ONE AND ONLY WAY TO GOD. There’s no other way.
Thanks so much for this Pastor Chase- the turning from faith of artists who have stirred my heart has been weighing on me this year, and I needed to hear all this from you!
Yeah it was difficult to process, yet I don't think it affects my faith, only establishes it more. God's word mentions how people can do MANY great things in His name, yet never knew Him and how in the end, there will be lots of apostasy. I can't trust myself and I try to analyze the main goal of different directions. What is the end of self? What is the alternative directions? Trade absolute truth for subjective? We need Christ and accountability daily.
This is tragic to hear as I have really loved his worship Mashups. I'm gonna listen to the podcast to see his reasons. Deconstruction is from the enemy but God can use it to bring us closer to Him. Praying Joseph finds his way back home before its too late.
Thing is, I get it! I don’t know his full reasoning and didn’t watch is video to see all of what he said. However, I recently left my church home and had a lot of time to reflect and from my experience Christian culture can be very performative, become who is the holiest, controlling and manipulative. It was as if the earth would open up and swallow us if we did anything outside of going to church. It felt more like bondage, than freedom in Christ. There was so much hurt, and covering of things amongst the congregation that it became toxic. Once anyone left no matter the reason they were excommunicated from the same people they served with for years. I always I left a church and not Christ. I still believe I just question the culture.
I was so touched by the end of this video. You playing that clip of him singing at the end almost brought me to tears. This video reminded me of why I started following Joseph. I loved his style of teaching; I believe he was gifted to teach. When he stopped putting out teaching videos, I stopped watching him. I never listened to any of his cover videos, so I wasn’t aware that he had such a beautiful singing voice. I don’t even recall listening to any of his poetry, but I’m sure it was good. The man is truly talented and gifted.
My question is are people really leaving any more than before? I've seen many leave but they weren't famous so "no one noticed." I'm glad you pointed out that Christianity isn't easy. The parable of the weeds shows a 25% stay rate.
I love what you said from 4:18-5:04. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4 to speak the truth in love. The two camps express a lack in either love or truth. The camp confirming one’s rejection of the faith lacks truth. The camp condemning one’s rejection of the faith lacks love. We must demonstrate both.
This is such a great video my brother. Very articulate. Very wise. Balanced. Truthful. I felt your heart and truly relate with everything you said. I share the same sentiments as you. God bless you 🙏🏾
I never heard of him, or you. I just came across this video and it piqued my interest. All I'll say is thank you for speaking of him with grace and being generous in your suggestions for Christians who followed him on social media. There's always an opportunity for us to learn, grow, hurt and heal. As long as he's drawing breath, there's room for grace. I hope he is able to reconnect with God in a way that produces peace.
In the last days the devil will wear out the saints and it says that the saints will scarcely be saved. These are pressing times family keep pressing for the mark of the prize . God says he prays that our faith faileth not. Stay Blessed
We gotta have that faith and prayer for him. We gotta keep him in our prayers and believe that he will come back to God! And when he does we need to be here with open arms. Like the prodigal son! I know he will be back, God bless him
This is what happens when you have a really good religion yet lack true relationship and sonship. Everything else ceases to make sense. If the only reason I’m staying is to avoid going and it’s not because I’ve been captivated by His love and forgiveness for me... Gripped with a holy fear of the realities of His existence... As well as HIS ever present presence in my life then slowly I die within.. When rises up is the dead, dry and decaying grass will begin to look greener and what I once “reasoned” to be true loses its sensibility in light of the lunacy of that great deceiver. By JV Jr.
I agree Chase. There's been so many times when I've just wanted to throw in the towel, but even if I let go, Jesus won't let go! I'm glad that He doesn't. I grew up in church since I was born and I can agree that it did affect me in both a negative and positive way. So much so, that I've contemplated before, multiple times, leaving "Christianity". In reality, my heart never wants to leave Jesus, however, it has been hurt by "the church" and not necessarily the Church (with the big C) and I had to come to the realization of that. I'm still walking through a process of healing in that area. However, I know that it wasn't God who hurt me, it's been broken (imperfect) people. I've seen it hurt people's lives, especially close loved ones. I don't stand for that kind of church, but I do for the Church and I pray that the true Church shine out in these times, even outside of the four walls into the home, my home. Amen 🙏
@Joseph Solomon, praying for you Joe, it's difficult but God knows what is at the core of you and the messiness of what stands against you. God knows what is going on in your heart. Every layer who God is, is made of the same fiber that is at heart of Jesus. God will always leave the 99 for that one lost sheep. For Him this battle has always been about you. Your struggle doesn't mean that the fight is lost, it means that the fight is still going. And you are not alone. Praying for you Joe, that Jesus will help you and that you know that you can come back to Him with no fear cs He has not turned away. Psalm 25:22 "Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles"
I'm sad to here this. I've been subscribed to him for years, but I haven't been keeping up with his videos. God will still chase after him. All hope is not lost. I understand the struggle of especially black people to stay faithful to God in this world.
