Christian Lead Singer Talks Losing His Faith in God (Hawk Nelson)

[@gllaadd]

I'm from Uganda, these people are in our backyard. And that's only one group. All over the country there's lots of oppressed people in the country. My church is looking after 3000 orphans and 5000 widows, so are many other Christians personally or through their local church. I'm sure that's how you ended up there (hearing about their plight and choosing to respond). God is working through us to reach them. I'm blessed to be a blessing whenever I can. When I see someone and can help, I know God is working through me. There's no reason for suffering, it just exists, it's a reality and often a direct consequence of mans sin (who is chasing the Batwa and selling off the forest? Greedy people). Studying the book of Job has really changed my perspective on asking "Why is God doing this?" to "this is happening, how can I help?" You said you should not have a foundation of faith on someone else's experience, the opposite should also apply. Look within, see God within, then you will be able to see him outside. You can't pour from an empty cup and I hope one day, you will come back to the fountain of living water.

[@corinasings5606]

Love this! Many blessings to you!

[@k.t.a.Blessed]

You are shout out to my Africans, you are strong, GOD Bless

[@manuke179]

Very good word. Thank you for your voice

[@nobody-nn5tb]

How can God use people to be a blessing to others if the world was right.

[@sarabethwilliams4829]

I love this response. Beautiful!

[@aydenlui]

To be completely honest, so far as a Christian this has been my life story. I seek for God with my heart, I want him to free me from my bondages to sins, I want to live like a Christian and follow Jesus. And while I know so much about the faith and the Bible theologically, I want a personal relationship with God. But oftentimes it seems like my prayers, my efforts, my seeking has just been ignored by God. It’s as though He’s forsaken me, left me in darkness with no desire, feeling, or Holy Spirit to give me experiences with Him. I look around and everyone else has these personal relationships with Him as I am left in the dust, stale and stagnant. Oftentimes I want to quit. It feels like I’m doing it all alone with no help or guidance from God. It feels like I’m carrying these burdens on my own. These feelings make me want to give up and drop the ball. But there is still something. Something inside of me that tells me to keep fighting. Something inside of me that won’t give up. When you turn to scripture it all makes sense. Faith isn’t about feeling, or experiences. It’s not about how good your life can get if ur a Christian. Faith is a fight. The world will try and tear us down, and oftentimes God may test us to see how strong our faith really is. But if you truly desire Jesus and eternal life in him, you don’t rely on ur experiences, u rely on his works that were done for you on the cross. That is the fight of faith. To all those struggling with the same thing, I don’t know where my life is headed. To be quite honest, I don’t know where my faith is headed either. But keep trusting, keep fighting, keep praying, keep holding on, keep persisting. Trust that Gods spirit will guide you. That little spark within you that keeps telling you to press on, that’s the spirit of God. Jesus said he is with us until the end of the age. Keep believing that’s true. God bless.

[@Hephzibahh]

The bottom line is Gods word...scripture...Jesus defeated satan in the wilderness with scripture not experiences or feelings, that's how people get deceived and lose hope they are seeking spiritual manifestations of some sort instead of trusting what God has already said from Genesis to Revelation...strengthen your faith by studying His creation and learning apologists...God does not abandon His own and we as believers need to take Him at His word.

[@KeleCanberra]

Woahhh 😿🙆

[@A.plus.808]

Great testimony! Look to Cross of Jesus Christ because that’s the basis for our faith.

[@crazyfunnyman1760]

I feel the same way like every time i tried to pray for healing for people they die and none of my prayers were answered i feel like i have no purpose or worth like God doesn't care

[@JFL_JS]

God bless you for sharing. I am honestly in the exact same position, but what you said is so true and I believe God uses these intense valleys to really teach us that the Christian walk is not by feelings but faith: Faith being the absence of self reliance and self trust, but instead trusting Him because He is God. What I have been learning is all the evidence for Christ is there, all the evidence for God's existence is there, and if I trust my feelings, I will only seek God not because He is the way the truth and the life, but because I feel like He is the way, the truth and the life. I don't need to feel to know something is true, that just doesn't make sense, our feelings are irrelevant to what is true. Instead our feelings are always subjective, but His word is objective, therefore instead of trusting myself and the feelings of my wicked heart, I will instead put my faith on the solid Rock. Jesus is more than enough for me, what He did on that cross to save me from my sins is enough, I don't need visions, dreams, euphoric feelings to know He loves me, I believe He loves me simply because He proved it. Point blank! He is the God who defines Himself, and I am the beneficiary of having faith in Him!

[@dkadkins6545]

Doubt is a part of the Christian walk and that is magnified in a social media generation. It's important to note that Jesus didn't rebuke Thomas but offered himself as proof, as He does for all of us. I pray that Jon finds the same Lord he found as a child; loving and forgiving. As brothers and sisters in Christ, it it important to hold him up before the Living God instead of ripping him apart in front of the world. Jesus still seeks for the one sheep who has lost its way.

[@raefordbrewington6927]

You better speak the truth! God bless your Spirit! That's my prayer for brother Jon he is on his journey! Jon is done with religion. Jon wants Relationship and I the Holy Spirit who leads us to all truth has brother Jon right where he wants him. Glory to God 🙏🙌

[@rickyland3984]

Amen

[@udonsayyyy8856]

Amen. We need to cover him with prayer as he finds his way home again

[@shalomforever5154]

I'm glad the wolves in sheep's clothing are starting to reveal themselves. God's Word says that in the last days, there will be massive falling away from the faith. After years of watching prophecy unfold and seeing the Laodicean church emerge in the last 3 or so decades, I am convinced that God is sifting the fake "Christians" from the real ones. And, yes, it's partly because of the social media generation that have been raised in watered-down, run-of-the-mill, pop Christianity that has nothing to do with the Bible and is very worldly in every sense of the word.

[@talktomeaboutlife]

How does Jesus offer the same kind of evidence to all of us as he did Thomas?

[@sherylturnerturner1352]

I left church for 15 years, I lost my faith in western Christianity, especially the health wealth gospel and suggest this is what this young man has indeed bumped up against. I'm almost 60 and have never walked away from Jesus but most certainly walked away from the fake projection of Jesus. I just started reading my bible for what it was on face value. Many of us were in ministry 20 years ago and the holy spirit independently started provoking us separately to seek the truth for what He discloses. I feel for this young man, I sure wish I could speak with Him. And will pray for him. I also provoke ppl to leave the system of church and go deeper into the Word.

[@Tom-iw3zh]

That very same thing happened to me. When the Holy Spirit started showing me how the Old and New Testaments were linked together like puzzle pieces of truth woven like a golden thread from Genesis to Revelation, it blew me away! I went from being confused to rock solid. It is exciting that they found Noah's Ark, Sodom and Gomorrah, and are digging up other proofs in Israel and surrounding areas. Archaeology is proving the bible to be true also. Many decades ago, the Chicago Tribune ran an article that the Walls of Jericho were scientifically proven to have fallen as the bible described them to fall. Also, seeing the Dead Sea coming back to life? WOW!! God Bless!

[@Tom-iw3zh]

I'm in my 60s now. Until I was 54, I was what they called a 20/20 churchgoing believer. I attended church twice a week, belonged to bible studies all throughout all those years, and I was always in ministry (which I love, even till this day, I just do it on my own now.) Then I entered my "time of testing" or as it may otherwise be called "A time of Job" and everything changed. People would greet me and say such things as "Why don't you find somewhere else to go to church?" even though they never met me before. I asked for prayer once and the response was "Well, let's just get this over with." I also noticed that when I asked for fellowship, someone dropped off some food, but refused to fellowship. The worship leader was playing a beatle's song during the worship service at one church. My wife was asked to help out with a dinner for some ministry. She got dressed and was excited because she had been accepted, when she got there the "pastor" said, "Oh, we don't need you, we have enough people." THE church in Paul's day had "all things in common." But, we don't seem to have anything in common with these groups. In our situation, we run into brothers and sisters at Home Depot, Walmart or just walking around who oddly have experienced the exact same thing. One woman told me "I can't even talk about these things without being asked to leave the church." It's weird, I know. But, that's just the way it's been. No longer do we have to sit under Rhema bible study teachers, who were operating in churches which adamantly opposed this teaching. So, how these people were chosen to host? I don't really know. But, I know they are wrong and will not sit under false teachers, as our Lord (John 10) clearly states that His sheep know His voice and will flee the voice of a stranger. Nothing like the "time of testing" to sanctify us in the truth. It shakes every foundation you ever had, and causes you to "seek" exhaustively. Suddenly, you find all these treasures in God's word. Why are they not taught in churches? I can't explain that either. It just does not make any sense. I have no anger about anything. It was just puzzling. But, I learned that the church "organization" is more and more turning away from truth. I can hear it. I've experienced it. And I've learned that the true church still exists, because I've been with brothers and sisters, informally. People I met at random and we literally speak for hours back and forth - as if we've known each other all our lives. It's an unusual situation, but what can I say?

[@leonies51]

Look on Netflix - Doco called American Gospel

[@Zion-jw3gm]

@@Tom-iw3zh Shalom Tom, there are those being called out of denominations into the wilderness to know the truth. The tares grown up around the weat are being separated by the Revelation of Messiah Yeshua. One group being gathered for burning and the other into the Lord's store house. Repentance at this time is required for judgement begins first in the house of God.

[@Tom-iw3zh]

I think you are right. Thank you for your response. God bless and Shalom to you also.

[@ddlfspaff3097]

How many "Christians" walk around with doubts and live a lie? Be honest. We all go through this at one time or another and some of us more than just a few times but because of fear of the backlash from the church, no one says a thing.

[@blackusniggus6249]

I am one sadly. Just grew up with it.

[@elizabethokoe9466]

The enemy loves to mess around with the mind, if he can get into our thoughts then we have opened up to those lies somewhere? Hidden sins, are own words of defeat, etc. We need to walk out our faith with fear & trembling, having a heart that is soft & ready to repent when we go astray. The Lord Jesus came to bring LIFE to you in all its abundance. Just grab ahold of Jesus and don't let go. You can tell him anything, he is gentle and kind, you can get up on his lap and rest your head on His chest and just let His love wash over you Debbie.

[@talktomeaboutlife]

And many of us leave. I know I did. And honestly? Not even because the church doesn't really accept or deal with disagreement on this level (although that happens). Mostly because there is no real answer. The answer is simply "Believe". But when your whole social network is buillt into the church, there are so many pressures to simply get with the program, but no room, to honestly question the very fundementals of the faith. If the church honestly was accepting of to the bottom open to questions like "How do we know God even exists", things might be different. But I'm not sure the churhc would surivive that level of question from significant levels of people.

[@zzyyxx123]

@@talktomeaboutlife Great comment. I agree. The Church does not want people asking hard questions because it doesn't have good answers. I asked some questions in my Sunday School class that seemed like obvious questions to ask, but no one else had those questions, or any questions for that matter. Most had not even read the Bible that they claim to believe. Reading the Bible generates questions and doubts. Many years ago, my 8 year old son came to me in tears after Sunday School one day because he asked questions in his class that his teacher could not answer. He wanted to learn and he read things in the Bible that made no sense to him. He felt very frustrated that no one else in his class seemed to care about his questions, and that he asked questions that his teacher had never thought of. Sometimes I think that Christianity is set up for those who are not intellectually inclined, but are more emotional and who like feel-good experiences. I prefer seeking after truth, not experiences.

[@icurnvs776]

Doubt is part of faith. Without doubt it would be knowledge.

[@madyliz9633]

Ever since Jon's Instagram post, I have been convinced that he will be this generation's Saul/Paul. He will not only come back to God, but he will be one of God's loudest voices in this world. I believe that God is gonna rock Jon's world in a way that he will never expect and from then on, any doubts and/or questions that may linger will become the fuel he needs to get closer to God. My heart longs for that day, but until it comes, I will wait patiently and excitedly in prayer for Jon and his family.

[@DavidReyes-qn1bq]

This generations Paul? Let’s slow down haha

[@lorrianecarroll8602]

Mady Liz I agree with you. I will keep him and other's struggling with same issues

[@icebough4191]

Oddly optimistic I don’t think you can really compare anyone to Paul😅

[@madyliz9633]

We serve an amazing God and there is absolutely NOTHING that He cannot do. To say that it is "too optimistic" for God to change Jon and his family that way is to limit Him. Maybe it won't happen, but I would rather be convinced that God is going to do amazing things in Jon's life and the life of Jon's family than believe that Jon and his family are too far gone.

[@DavidReyes-qn1bq]

Mady Liz We’re not saying God can’t change Him. We’re saying he’s not the next Paul. Paul was a Pharisee that knew the TANAK inside out. Just by hearing Jon you can tell he isn’t very well versed in the Scriptures. Not to mention the Jon’s songs weren’t even all that Biblical. Can God save him? Of course. Is he the next Paul? No.

[@grahammcnally4799]

100% prefer honesty. You are so loved. You are so cherished by the Christian community. I pray earnestly for God to move his hand and lift you up, Jon. Like, spectacularly.

[@dorcasagbogun9510]

I'm from Africa and these extreme living conditions happen at a closer range to people like me. Jon should know that even in the deep hopelessness that he witnessed in Uganda, God's not absent. From many of these dark situations, stories of divine providence and mysterious interventions are quietly happening that you may not be able to see. And also, Christianity in the West is super comfortable that for people from my background it can many times look very empty. 😊 I pray you find God eventually, Jon.

[@BobLeach_DarkWolf]

The real question is why an all powerful and good god is so willing to sit by and watch suffering; while he quitely and rarely intervenes in any substantive way.

[@markusvhane5087]

Amen!

[@thesaintmustwalkalone708]

Western Christianity is very empty. It is full of false converts. Trials keep us humble and dependent upon the Lord.

[@TatiSaysSo]

Bob Leach Exactly. Why would god sit back for 400 years and watch my ancestors raped and beaten while they built this country for free? Why does the KKK consider themselves a Christian organization?

[@francescaarriola7038]

And that’s what Jesus said. It’s easy for a rich man to go through the eye of the needle. It’s not easy for the rich and comfortable to accept Christ. Not impossible but not easy.

[@LVGirl4]

He says - I don’t take this lightly - but he hasn’t been real or, truthful. He says - if God is real why would I not want to know Him - but He never said he has whole heartedly pursued God & pursued truth & made the pursuit a priority. He says - if u r hurt I’m not defensive or mad at you ... ??? R u kidding me? He ha son right to even say that. It is others who r defensive & mad. He has the audacity to think he’s better than others. Wow. So much pride. Thnx a lot, what’s ur name.

[@michaelvantuinen503]

I understand what he's saying and I've had to really step back and thru my mental health 11 years of hell on earth and as each passing day I have to ask myself is God still my first love and so far yes I'm giving him full control

[@MontgomeryLance]

This interview was excellent. Kudos to both men for demonstrating how to have an honest, respectful and meaningful conversation between two people with different perspectives.

[@hopenation_official]

Thanks, Lance! Thanks for the specificity of this compliment. Your words are meaningful. -Rob

[@TheTom1998386]

Yes! That's exactly what I thought. Amazing job and what courage it takes for Jon to answer so honestly. Mad respect.

[@bdave2049]

Yes, it was an honest and respectful dialogue from both sides. I lost my faith many hears ago and I always welcome good conversation and dialogue on such matters.

[@normancooper2762]

Well said, Lance.

[@estherdiggelmann461]

I have experienced severe trauma when I was a child - 6 years old - when my brother got in an accident that left him braindamaged. It caused pain and confusion and a lifelong disability and questions and doubts and anger and so much more. I, too, did ask the why question - for so long and so many times. Today I'm 31 years old, and I still don't understand why God allows certain things. How God's sovereignty goes together with all the horrible stuff happening. So I don't know, and I won't pretend to know in Mr Nelson's case here. I do know, that I don't know how to get through horrible experiences without God, with no rock, no hope and no comfort. Objective truth is one thing, personal experiences another, but they both point to God. I have been privileged to experience God personally many times - those experiences are important, not to mention amazing! For objective truth, I recommend "I don't have enough faith to be an atheist" by Frank Turek/Norman Geisler, and "The case for Christ" by Lee Strobel. Reading apologetics is so encouraging and strengthening me in my walk in Christ, and important especially in dark times when personal experiences are lacking. For personal experiences I recommend to seek God - for He will be found. The question for me is: If God reveals himself to you, and leaves no doubt that He exists, would you follow and love Him even if you don't understand why He allows XY?

[@noyzynoypi5554]

Preach! 👍👍

[@abashedsanctimony154]

A men sister , there is simplicity of the Gospel, 1 you either believe or you don't. 2 You have believed and then you reject. This is the falling away mentioned in 2 Thess. God bless those whom have not seen and believed 🙏

[@krispin3509]

Yes! Frank Turek's ministries are great! They've helped me quite a bit.

[@kianarose2098]

Hey just wanted to say he makes the things that were used for evil for good. I suffered with schizoaffective disorder, truma, and anxiety for 6 years and was healed 2 years ago! All I wanted was to be a better mom and he gave me so much more and always made a way for me to get to know him better!

[@dbreen733]

I feel so much love towards this man while hearing this interview. If we want to be very honest, there are so many of us who feel what he feels, i know i did, especially when you come from a christian family, you dont know anymore if you really believe or you believe because that is all you know your whole life. Im blessed to have found God personally before i decided to walk out. I remember when i was doubting, what other christians did was show me how amazing their relationship and encounter is with God, and i remember being so jealous. The problem is churches dont talk about this. Instead, if you question something or show that you have a little doubt, youre treated like you commit the biggest sin, so people end up just playing along with their godly game. This man is so honest, and you can tell his heart is still seaking. I have no doubt God will reveal Himself to him in a supernatural way.

[@JessicaJoy34]

His humility and honesty is so amazing. I’m so hopeful that the Lord will reveal Himself to his heart. So grateful for his tender heart!

[@alyssafreeman6006]

I appreciate your honesty so much, how could anyone not love this guy. There's sincerity in truth in what he says and that's a rare gem. I agree with many people in the comments We all go through these doubt struggles and with God there are some things black and white, but there are definitely paradoxes to reconcile. It seems to me from what I'm hearing is that you have had a "shallow faith" your whole life (no judgement by any means, I've been there). I think God is challenging that in your life right now, he challenges all of us to make sure that our faith doesn't stay shallow and that we grow up. As far as reconciling our God Jesus with a tragedy you saw it in Uganda... It's not that God's not doing anything.... God has done something, he's given us to each other, He wants US to do something, oftentimes the answer is God through us. Jesus told us to be the salt and light, he also talks about us feeding and giving water to "the least of these." I am so sorry you're going through this, this must be deeply painful, we will all be praying for you 💔

[@alyssafreeman6006]

Correction **the tragedies you saw in Uganda not a tragedy

[@alyssafreeman6006]

Unfortunately you're going through a crisis of faith and it happens to a lot of us

[@coolnegative]

My heart breaks for this guy. He sounds like he actually honestly is seeking and never really had his true moment with the Lord. That can be so hard. The thing is, his responses sound very Christ centered. Well, the thing to do is to offer love and pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to this young man. He has hope in his heart and he is seeking. God will show himself.

[@morrisonkey9490]

My heart does the opposite - breaks for his past but rejoices for his recent freedom. I guess we cancel each other out.

[@lordheklsmosh9490]

My aunts oldest brother lost his faith in god also

[@morrisonkey9490]

@bigdaveyb ​ @bigdaveyb My brother always used the argument for Christianity ... "I'd rather choose to believe Jesus to and be wrong than not choose and be wrong. If I'm wrong, what have I lost?" This is a mentality based in fear and it enslaves you into living a life devoted to something - something which I and many others feel to be harmful and false. Now let me answer that question ... "If I'm wrong what have I lost?" Then answer in short - Everything. You only have one life to live. If you are wrong and you've dedicated your entire and only life to following false doctrines (I could point you in multiple directions as to why they are false and astoundingly so, but that's for another time) - if you restricted what you do throughout your one and only life; if you live like this life is not the important life - like it's only a tryout for a better life (that is never to come) and you waste every minute on earth refraining from fulfilling your psychological and biological desires... then you have given yourself death before even living. They like to pose the idea of the afterlife as more important than your life on earth... but if life on earth is all you have... do you really want to miss out on anything? Or do you want to live! Living is freedom. At the end of your life of servitude and sacrifice, you will find it was all for nothing. And as far as your "no value/meaning". To paraphrase Albert Camus' Myth of Sisyphus. "If god does not exist, you are god." What gives you more value or meaning than that? Enjoy finding meaning as a sheep.

[@manuke179]

I agree. If he searches for truth with his whole heart he will find it/him, Jesus. Once he has a true encounter with him, he will never turn his back.

[@thinkaboutthatok8129]

Morrison Key Actuality, if there is no God, then life is meaningless, then to love is meaningless. If God isn’t real then evil and good isn’t real it is just your emotions that makes things right or wrong. But, you live in the world view of a God existing, where good and evil exist, where you believe in justice if someone does wrong to others, and when love actually means something. In a world view where no God exists, and good and evil are just emotions, then to do evil isn’t really a bad thing you just feel bad, but it is really not wrong in your view of the world. In your world view of no God, then Hitler wasn’t wrong for what he did, because it’s only your emotions saying that it is. And the same with murder, sexual assault, and other things that are evil, in your world view it’s only wrong because of your emotions, but what about people who’s emotions are not the same as yours. Why would they be wrong in your world view if their emotions were to be different than yourself, and they believe like Hitler believed?

[@ALtheMeek722]

Answering a prayer for a parking spot is not the Christian life or the way of Jesus. If you’re getting the parking spot, someone isn’t. Because many have turned the Christian life into some kind of self-serving thing, does not mean that’s the Authentic Christian life. Transformation is the goal of the Christian life. Not self-gratification and tacking Christ along with it.

[@tiffanyonwudinanti]

Good word! Yes, Jesus wants nothing but for us. But that good has to be a fruit of relationship with him. God wants us relationship with; in that secret place, transformation is an automatic result because you’re spending time with the transformer! ♥️

[@Deusregere]

I’ve designed my decisions around this simple prayer Jesus said in the Garden of Gethsemane: Lord, Your Will be done. It’s amazing how much power is in this simple prayer. It takes my gps for life and turns His on. It doesn’t mean I don’t steer the car but He’s in control of where I’m going.

[@bradrhea]

I would even say the Christian way would be to not park in the closest spot and leave for others less capable of walking farther! Does that make you "more Christian" no, but his perspective is way off.

[@ALtheMeek722]

@@tiffanyonwudinanti Amen, Sister Tiffany!!

[@ALtheMeek722]

@@Deusregere Amen!

[@PatriotMomof5]

May he find his faith again. Everyone has questions and that’s OK. I am 61 and asked Christ into my heart around seven years old. Life has not always been easy I became a widow at 55 and that was very difficult along was experiencing other life difficulties, but one thing I can say I have never once regretted my choice to follow and trust in Jesus Christ. This world is not our home.

[@josephherrera4771]

Jon, seek and you shall find. Don't give up.

[@jeaninepetty4923]

You mean may he find YOUR faith again.

[@smg1fan]

@ I love you as a fellow human and as a child of God. I am not a part of organized religion. I'm just someone who loves God, is loved by God, and may have a lot in common with you. I'm so sorry for the pain that was directed at you but just know that you are loved and not alone. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here

[@ex-christiannowatheist8466]

evilbible.com

[@Rebel4YHWH]

@@ex-christiannowatheist8466 by what standard do you call anything evil?

[@nld8985]

Athiest here. I thought this was extremely honest and well done. Good jobs all around

[@jamaquinabella3378]

There one thing l can tell you. There's no true happiness without God.. You may think you're happy but you're not. God is the epitome of love so until you seek Him, you will be lost and empty.

[@funnyhandle]

@@jamaquinabella3378 it’s people like you that make me a proud atheist. this is the reason why people think christians are condescending, imperious, self-righteous and the type of person I don’t want to associate with. you think you’re pulling people towards your god but you’re actually pushing people further away. it’s embarrassing to witness. you make me glad not to be a christian.

[@funnyhandle]

I like clearly decent, searching, kind people like

[@thewishjar2241]

@@jamaquinabella3378 So why do I feel more happy and free to be myself since I became an ex christian?

[@jamaquinabella3378]

@@thewishjar2241 That's not real happiness. You may feel temporary happiness but believe me it will not last long. The devil is just decieving you..

[@coriemmett1363]

Praying for Jon. My heart breaks for him. I had doubts in my life, but I’ve always known God is real. I had a supernatural encounter with the Holy Ghost several times in my life. It forever changed my life forever. God is so good! When I was dealing with depression, anxiety, OCD, God was there. I will continually pray for him. I like his honesty in this interview. 🙏🏻❤️

[@jakevayda2251]

He is so humble. I am very impressed with his honesty. Opening wounds in front of a camera cannot be easy.

[@Tiffany4Jesus1]

He is exactly where GOD wants him to be. He is hungry for a personal encounter with GOD, just the way GOD wants His servants. Watch this man there are great exploits for GOD through him awaiting for all creation to witness. .

[@TheBeatle49]

Good man.

[@JasonHarris777]

@@Tiffany4Jesus1 I wouldn't necessarily deem the empire successful in light of the Emperor Constantine's belief in a divine sign, omen or oracle that had been common to all monarchs,leaders and potentates that ruled empires,kingdoms,lands and peoples or tribes. It wasn't uncommon for one to believe they received a fortuitous outcome based on superstitious beliefs or thinking in placing deference in a deity or deities.This was a global attribute in all times,places, peoples and civilizations applicable to powerful ruling historical figures, particularly in antiquity. Constantine still held on to his pagan beliefs as did other early Christian figures as there had been an underlying connection to the risen Christ to other venerated dying and rising personal savior gods and demigods of the ancient world specifically related to astro-theological beliefs with the sun and other celestial bodies, hence early Christians were involved in changing the Hebrew Near Eastern lunar calendar sabbath day from Saturday to Sunday based on a heliocentric one. It's all illogical and contrived.I have studied the "Word" wholeheartedly,sincerely and ardently in not seeking eternal life in it but that which testified of Yeshua(Jesus), and I found that ultimately it is not a reliable source for truth except for the scientific method that which comports to reality and in truth.Jesus is the metaphor for a way ,a door, a personification of an aspired eternal life and truth bearer for cracking the code and rite of a new age Jewish cultist universal syncretic faith based system invented by Paul and other messianic Jews of the 1st century. Religion and faith is the panacea and placebo for the fear for the inevitable, fear of eternal death and non existence.

[@jngrimes28]

Very intriguing to listen to. It is hard to believe when you don't have a powerful experience. It is also hard to believe in God when you see the church seems more like the pharisees being judgemental and condescending to non-believers. I love Hawk Nelson's music. I hope all goes well for you.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@@jngrimes28 Yes, and how much different, perhaps, was Paul of Tarsus, with his somewhat simplistic, incomplete and self congratulatory, Romans 1:20, and 1 Corinthians 2:14, precisely? Before leaning hard into his Thessalonians 2 claims?

[@1dylanflowang]

this is a good example on why we shouldn’t build theology on experience, but on the word of God

[@BobLeach_DarkWolf]

Or neither

[@franksmadale]

It should be built on divine experience, tradition, and the on the Word.

[@beckymesky]

Im learning this, at first seemingly for worse but now for better. I had a youth group kid ask me about ‘feeling God’ which she hadn’t and I was humbled by the question... thankfully another leader talked to her about obedience. Makes me wonder of my faith without ‘feeling Him.’ Years later I was challenged if my faith my just emotional and I’ve had to lean on, like you say.. the word. He is a living God but his word is what stands before and after our lives

[@jordandavis3867]

I disagree with your statement. The word of God is more than divine inspired speech. The word of God is a person and the word was made flesh. A person is made up of experiences so in order to flesh it out one must be able to practically apply it through life which requires experiences to do so.

[@dwasserberg]

Well the guy is talking about being jealous of an experience with God. That's the enemy, to have an "experience " with God you need to...hmm, I had to stop and think. God works differently with everyone. Do we need miracles to be Christians? No. We don't. Didn't people follow Jesus because He fead them? And they left when he confronted them.

[@JBConsistency]

Billy Graham, the great evangelist, had a friend named Charles Templeton who was also an evangelist. Templeton left the Christian faith ,but it is said that when he was dying, he saw angels. I believe that God loves Jon and wants him...so let's pray for him. Their are a ton of people who need to hear that God wants them and loves them. This world isn't the final destination. We were meant for the Heavenly kingdom.

[@gemma9507]

Same example came to my mind! Let's continue to pray for all Prodigal Children!🙏

[@defendingthefaith.7889]

Amen. Templeton never believed when he was a preacher. But I do believe he believed in the end. Praise God. Not all who say they believe. Actually take possession of the gift of grace.

[@jc-wx5oo]

Great urban legend there. 👍

[@defendingthefaith.7889]

jc5674 it was documented by a reporter. She interviewed him in his last days.

[@jc-wx5oo]

Defending the faith. I stand corrected. Great documented delusion there. 👍

[@yikesgina]

This is heartbreaking. I grew up listening to Hawk Nelson. I want to say thank you for the jams at camp and throughout youth group and even throughout my young adulthood. Sending you love Jon. ❤️

[@valanme]

I just want to thank you both for having this dialogue. If we’re honest many of us have struggled with similar questions at some time. As followers of Jesus I think it’s important to separate what we feel with what we should know, which is that bad things do happen in this life, but that this current life is just a precursor to our eternal life. The struggle is real because of choices we make, or because of choices others make which affect us. Either way, our mission is to be thankful in all things and let God be God. You don’t necessarily need a feeling to know if you’re a Christian, you just need to trust Jesus.

[@aazhie]

So do you go feed and bathe the homeless and needy? It would be great to see more folks back up all the mystical talk with the real loce and action that Jesus preached about

[@IslandDustin]

Big respect to Jon for his intelligent, from-the-heart interview. Honesty is huge. Lord, bless my brother, whatever he is going through. Amen.

[@SykesMate]

Amen 🙏❤

[@marksutherlandsr]

You're referring to him as "Brother" yet he himself is saying that he is not a believer. Interesting.

[@daekwonrose3160]

@@marksutherlandsr Exactly, he is no longer our brother in Christ. Doesn’t mean attacking him or wish evil on him hence we’re suppose to love & pray for our “enemies” however, he’s no brother of anyone that follows Christ.

[@lyss848]

@@daekwonrose3160 he isnt your brother to begin with its your belief

[@alerutrrdr]

Listening to the interview, I realized that what Jon needs to believe is an experience from God. Pray that God gives him that experience.

[@moniquewrites9046]

I often stated that in my upbringing, Black prophetic Apostolic church, I know God exists and nothing I go through will ever take my belief away. I’ve seen the miracles. I have heard and seen God speak what only He knew through people. Paul stated that he wishes that we all prophecy so that the unbeliever would believe. The Christianity some churches bring are powerless simple form and fashion and no demonstration of the Spirit. This is sad for so many. I encourage all of you in the comments to experience church a part from the church you grew up in. Be led by the Spirit but there is more of God than rules and regulations. That’s what I sensed from Jon. He’s burnt out on religion or formalities. He hasn’t seen the true Jesus, the Spirit of Grace. I am praying Jon sees God.

[@abigailbrown2147]

idk about the whole "experience" is king thing... I read in Luke 23, the death of Jesus & I see how God can be right in front of people, even perform miracles, & the same people will still yell crucify him. A crowed staring at the same Jesus dying in surrender & the pharisee, & officer don't see it. People telling him to get off his cross & end the suffering, that they were causing him, and that the government of Rome was causing the Jews, but he stays on the cross to make an end to eternal suffering apart from God. You don't see it unless you believe you need a savior for more than physical things. Until we believe that we deserve hell, we see Jesus as the savior He really is. Until we receive that, we don't begin working out our salvation w/ gratitude to be set apart for God's purpose, instead of just working for salvation to "achieve a lifestyle".

[@richardmarino2732]

God did give him that experience but the fog of pain he's feeling hasn't cleared enough for him to see that. Once he digests & accepts the pain of those displaced people, THEN he will realize the fullness of Jesus Christ. Then he will be moved to use his position to bring awareness & possible action to help those people. Thats when God will become real to him.

[@PSUIVERSON]

Ephesians 2 - You're saved by GRACE through FAITH not by works. Biblical truth. There is NOTHING in the Bible that says "Some of you hard hearted people will need me to give you an experience to open your eyes" - that's not salvation. Period. Please don't fall for these lies - even this interview is an american self absorbed bucket of garbage. This guys ego is the epitome of the modern millennial who is about SELF and not glorifying God.

[@ex-christiannowatheist8466]

jesus can not give inner peace

[@Mrbear211]

His heart is tender and yet he is wounded and hurt by life’s tribulations . I will pray for this precious brother that Jesus Love will fill His soul. One thing that I’m hearing in his language is that he believes that other believers are stronger in Faith except Him . I would say that non of us have arrived in our walk and apart from Jesus we can do absolutely nothing. If anything I would say to Him is this make sure His Family is taken care of and find a time to be Alone with Jesus in a place that God would lead Him and cry out with all His heart mind and soul to ABBA Father to give Him a behold I make all things new experience with Jesus .

[@lolcomment101]

ABBA father, not just father, makes you feel strong and righteous. But padre doesn't? It's just the word father in another language. Language doesn't have power. People are mesmerized by the unknown, many fear it. The allure of new information is easily twisted into being more true than other information, because of the context you learned the information. ABBA isn't more 'father' than the word father, and the idea that christian churches propagate about Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek is dishonest: that knowing words like agape, abba, and parousia help to better understand the context of the words. That is such an untrue premise. How does taking a word out of context help you understand the context? Go read Galatians, and tell me how you don't see where Paul openly professes his disdain for the leaders of the Jerusalem assembly. Oh, you don't know what that is? Your beloved pastor, almighty in his broad and magnificent knowledge of scripture can't tell you what I'm talking about? It's in the first two chapters! How many times have you been instructed to read excerpts from Galatians where Paul states plainly that the Galatian assembly had been turned from the gospel HE preached, and that the leaders of the Jesus movement that HE names James, Peter, and John meant nothing to him, implying they should mean nothing to the Galatians either? How many times did they teach you that? How often have you been shown that Paul, after publicly disagreeing with James and Peter, says to not believe any message from any messenger except for him, even if an angel comes out of heaven, don't believe it. Galatians 1,2. Read your book before assuming you know ANYTHING about Jesus. Paul was a heretic, and his writings became popular because after the Jewish revolt against Rome, Titus Vespasian decreed the Jews in all of Rome to be persecuted. After that, the people who did believe in Paul's message became more prominent, for he viewed the Torah as nothing but 'letters of death chiseled on a stone tablet' while James, the undisputed leader of the Jerusalem assembly called the Torah 'the perfect law of liberty' - all the while christian apologists have tried to justify these opposing views, it's irreconcilable; any of those apologists who want to justify for 'both of those stances to be correct' are blind. Who do you think sent the messengers to Galatia to persuade the assembly to no longer follow Paul's teachings? The devil himself? Ha. James did. But I'm wrong, the pastor's right. I have demons because I don't accept Jesus as God of all living matter, that Jesus created everything, God through him, and the Jews who lived before Jesus just didn't have the full picture yet. Right. You win.

[@noahperez6427]

@@lolcomment101 _Introduction to Galatians:_ "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by *Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)"* _1 Corinthians 15: 2-9_ And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our *Lord Jesus Christ* , Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. After that, he was seen of *James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles* , that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." As you can read, he considered himself least of the apostles and James, because he once persecuted the "church of God" for no other reason but the Truth they where preaching. Also he referred to them as the "church of God", in other words they where of God and the apostles that prophesied where speaking the truth from God. I hope you know that demons are fallen angels right, even Lucifer, or Satan, and that he masquerades as an *Angel of Light* who can therefore deceive people, ascending from heaven and preaching lies which is why he said "even if an Angel comes down from Heaven." This being so we have to test the spirits to see if their from God: _1 John 4:1-5_ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: *Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.* No worries, ask the Lord for wisdom. He'll give it to you. And for clarity, any good Christian would not use the words of their pastor as a foundation, ever! Instead, they should have a personal relationship with God and should be studying the scriptures themselves, asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and clarity, and he will most certainly give it to them. Also Paul rebuked them; he rebuked them just as Jesus rebuked his deciples. Lastly, the reason we like using words that are Aramaic, Hebrew, etc. is because it's inspiring. It's the same tongue that Jesus spoke, and the language the Bible was written in. It intrigues us; it was the language Jesus chose. Just simply ask me a question if I didn't clarify everything...

[@noahperez6427]

Just ignore what the other guy said. He's just a little confused that's all. 👍

[@jonfromtheuk467]

@@noahperez6427 yes, how do you think quoting scripture makes sense and you have the gall to say "any good Christian would not use the words of their pastor as a foundation, ever!"

[@pamnob2259]

If u face tribulations God put you there to strengthen your faith and lift you from the path of bones to pastures.Strengthen faith become transformed christian

[@tammyburkhart931]

I believe the problem is that the “focus” has been too much on an “experience” ...which is the “problem” with the “church” today. I pray this man continues to read the Word of Truth, the Bible (KJV) to find who the Savior, Jesus Christ!! I believe he’s an honest man, and this is an opportunity to really be a testimony in the future to win souls for the Kingdom!!

[@anonymousjohnson976]

Tammy: Why would a god leave a book, of all things, to relay his message to the world? It's a book written by humans, not inspired.

[@Shawn-363]

He may be an example of seed being sewn into rocky ground. Those people are fueled by an emotional response to the word of the kingdom. The foundation of their faith is in how they “feel”, they’re emotional spectrum in response to Christianity. So if hard times come or questions and doubts creep in and they feel something other than joy? “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:20-21‬ ‭

[@avarch7454]

Jon if you read this - hi. Thank you for your genuine honesty in this video. I loved that part about the truth. And that you continue searching the truth. From your words I understood that your faith and relationship with God was based on how you were brought up and taught by your parents...and you are right that's not enough. And you can't base your personal faith only on a testimony of someone else's encounter. Christianity is first and foremost a personal loving relationship with Christ first and through him with God the Father and everyone else. It is you (and only you in your deepest being) who Christ wants to meet. There is no need to rush it. It will happen in perfect timing. When you are ready to receive him. This is your journey... Never stop searching the truth. Regards from a catholic friend x

[@ACyrrock004]

Only Jesus can work on his heart, not religion. But Jesus Christ.

[@jessikam4137]

Amen!

[@markusvhane5087]

Amen!

[@jonoataramai2878]

Niko The context of your reply shows that you’ve got it mixed up. Christianity ISNT religion, but rather a relationship with the real Jesus.

[@jonoataramai2878]

Niko ‘intelligent way’ I assume you mean something that is real, something that captures people’s attention? And yes this is real it happens daily for me and many Christians. I experience The presence of Jesus not religion (works) but relationship(by grace) This is what’s lacking in this guy in the video. However, this isn’t shown by some Christian who base themselves on what they’ve been taught or forced, and instead of knowing the true Jesus they just know of him. Personal experiences is everywhere, just look at the comments on this vid (the true Christians) lol

[@7Logik]

@Niko because they are too many man made doctrines teaching falsely ....that's a problem

[@sittingwithhope1890]

Having doubts doesn’t mean God doesn’t exist.

[@petera.6568]

Well said!!

[@tomreeder2193]

To you, you’re right it doesn't. To him, it probably feels exactly like that.

[@jamesparson]

And having belief doesn’t mean God does exist.

[@4dwyn]

@@jamesparson right. God exists whether we believe or not. Our belief in Him is what saves us

[@kelletttothechad]

How did Jesus respond when John The Baptist doubted prior to his beheading?

[@jasonhutchens5804]

I just want to say I really appreciate this conversation, and learned alot from it. I truly appreciate Jon's honesty, and his sincerity and kindness. And I appreciate your kindness towards him, and your listening and encouraging. I learned a lesson here. The most loving I can do for someone during a difficult time is to listen, and encourage, and support them.

[@007Tinkins]

I just came across this video while I was scrolling through, looking for something to watch, and the title intrigued me. I have never heard of this band nor this singer (I am 63), but I want to thank him for his honesty and for being willing to share his questions and struggles with others. He makes some EXCELLENT points which we would do well to pay attention to and really hear. The interviewer did a fantastic job of not asking “leading questions” in order to manipulate an answer but let the guest speak for himself. Well done! There is so much humility and good content in this discussion I feel comfortable sharing it with others who have walked away or fallen away from the faith they professed as children and teens. Thank you both.

[@93DCristo]

Unfortunately, many believers are going to the same way due to the church’s fundament. It’s sad that today many CHURCHES worries more about the shows and being so cool outside than being strong inside. God is not a religion, it’s a relationship and commitment. I know that feeling bro, God bless you.

[@Meshakdann]

I believe God would meet you in a way you’ve never experienced before. Love you brother.

[@laserbeam-fx9qv]

I highly appreciated his honesty and sincerity without bashing Christianity. A great interview that I hope many people listen too. I believe he highlights the struggles many people grapple with when making sense of the world against what we are taught in church.

[@sweetsisters__]

Such a good interview with meaningful questions that allowed honest answers 🌟

[@vickiebach8701]

If God is real, he better hang on because if God says "challenge accepted", he's going to have a wild ride.

[@abashedsanctimony154]

🤭

[@SandraRodriguez-sn7xq]

Exactly what I thought, maybe because his life as a Pastor Son is been so easy for him, he haven’t had the necessary of a miracle from God, he should be grateful for that, I don’t judge him and I hope God show him with Love what it is to believe in him even when we can’t see him.

[@jamesparson]

So Pascal’s Wager?

[@aramdg]

Then if god loves his children so much and would hate to lose them, why is there an "if" there? Shouldn't it be "yes of course"? Seems like your god has favorites.

[@a_mannamarak4568]

Adrian ramirez God had already gave His son to save us and it's up to us whether we believe Him or not but He has no fav. But friendship is important. He make all things then How can He dislike His own creation 🤷

[@Tony-5000]

I was where he is! I came to realize that I was believing what I was told and taught to believe. I came to realize I didn't know what I, myself believed. It took a long time of searching with all my heart. Then, it happened: God showed me my sin through His eyes. My heart broke and I cried like a baby. Suddenly, all the contradictions in the Bible disappeared. All those confusing verses made sense. I realized the Bible is written as Jesus spoke (in code like parables). My faith is stronger than ever. My relationship with Father is strong. When he learns what he himself believes, he will have the "amazing" testimony he always wanted.

[@smg1fan]

Now i finished the video and I totally get it even more and have sympathy and empathy. I can see the hurt and longing for hope even as this video ended. As someone that is finally coming back to Christ I fully get it. You are not alone brother. I'm here, to talk, to vent, to share perspective. But no matter what, you are in my prayers, you are loved and God allows us to wander but He also leads us back home. I love you brother and will continue to pray

[@emmzzz5380]

I was a false convert , so I totally understand how this guy feels. It was not until I reached my bottom point and searched for God again. I found apologetic's and that changed my view on Faith and who Jesus was. I walked away but the Truth of the word changed my heart. I was hurt by the ppl in the church and I came back.

[@mdghazwanahmedkhan8092]

interesting may i know where did you go away from church's faith?

[@emmzzz5380]

@@mdghazwanahmedkhan8092 the old church I used to go to was very legalistic and they made it seem impossible to get close to God I also never read my Bible it really tried. I tried more to fit in then I ended up focusing more on man than God

[@mdghazwanahmedkhan8092]

@@emmzzz5380 untill you read scriptures and find the truth a nd follow it,you won't be able to live peacefully!

[@michaelseeker9680]

@@emmzzz5380 Amen you would be surpised how many "Christians" never read or study the word.

[@yikesgina]

I left church for a LONG time. Slowly finding my way back through the church that I work for in their daycare. I was in a Baptist church for a long time and it got traumatic and after I left I went to a nondenominational church. Now I’m back in a…Wesleyan church but they omitted Wesleyan from their name and it’s been fantastic for the last month.

[@kianarose2098]

It sounded like a religious duty. Duty over relationship would make anyone walk away from any relationship.

[@alexhutchesion4562]

Indeed

[@jeffcmolik]

Very well put

[@ronaldmendonca6636]

Judge not...

[@vealatiume455]

@@ronaldmendonca6636....keep reading that verse. Don't stop there

[@ronaldmendonca6636]

@@vealatiume455 I DID!

[@katrinadarby7405]

He looks like he had been been crying or something. I feel so sad for him. Praying he has a true and radical encounter with Jesus someday soon...

[@ronaldmendonca6636]

Um...or, maybe people should actually reach out and show him the only love that we know we have: Love for each other.

[@jakebrandystapleton7062]

Prayers for Jon. God can change people , I've seen in

[@DerekMatthewCoverSongs]

Pray for me as well if you can. I’m done

[@DerekMatthewCoverSongs]

Jake & Brandy Stapleton pray for me too I’m close to walking away

[@DK-kg1fe]

@@DerekMatthewCoverSongs I will pray for you.

[@truthfulteachingsautorepai5475]

God answered my prayer when my son was dying drowining in the water be low the surface ! He gave me him back because I asked the Lord from the bottom of my heart and with all my soul! He lifted him up from the deep deep waters . And this is a true experience this is not a joke ! He was only 2 years old .

[@johnramirez3247]

There are a lot of unbelievers that got saved from drowning, what's your point? It's just luck and the early response that got him saved.

[@truthfulteachingsautorepai5475]

@@johnramirez3247 think what you want to think but I know for a fact God saved my son . I don't need to prove it to your or anyone else . But I do know if you ask God to reveal himself to you he will God bless you .

[@lyss848]

​@@truthfulteachingsautorepai5475 i think crystals do that for me....

[@coriemmett1363]

Praise Jesus 😢

[@lyss848]

@@coriemmett1363 can you guys please stop with these christian stuff he has a reason you have no logical proof which is why i dont believe

[@amyhagan5667]

Loved hearing what you had to say Jon! I think it's wonderful for people who are questioning faith to speak out and not feel shame in telling people what they are going through or what they believe now. I know that can be very hard and it's hard to not feel judged by those that have been in your church community for so long. I hope that when people find out that you don't believe in the same thing, they come to you with questions and eager to learn and have a great conversation instead of judging what you choose to believe. We are all on our own journey! :)

[@GodsKingdomStudios]

That was beautiful wat he said at the end "if God who they say he is then this has a happy ending....if He is there he will reveal himself" We must pray for this young man, he is talented and seems like such a beautiful person. May the Lord indeed reveal himself and shower him with supernatural experiences. God bless you all

[@SykesMate]

Amen 🙏❤

[@zoesmith1063]

If He truly belongs to God, he will come back. This part of his journey. He is humble and honest; God is close to the humble. He has a lot of questions that he needs answers, but at the end of the day; he has not left God. He has known God through knowledge and a Christian upbringing and lifestyle, but he has not truly experienced Him personally. He just want to finally meet the person his been reading and singing about all this years. God is good, understanding and compassionate. He just needs a good hug from Christ. He also has not experience real hardship that drove him to seek God. He is seeking and questioning; which I think is healthy

[@ohuntermc9321]

@@zoesmith1063 why do Christians always hang on about the nice god and miss out the condoning slavery and genocide yahweh

[@zoesmith1063]

@@ohuntermc9321 Because when you know and love someone you will trust them. Get to know the Lord and know His true nature, then you will know that He is the definition of good.

[@jakebrandystapleton7062]

He'll go back to God , I feel bad for anyone that doesn't have God in there life. I just pray for others

[@szbarz]

he is still on a very long journey, God is not done with him yet.

[@markusvhane5087]

Amen!

[@dewbye63]

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28

[@taiwoash1388]

Yes and amen! He has a good heart.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

So he wants to torment him some more?

[@socksumi]

There is no evidence that a god exists and is working on him in the first place.

[@mliljegard19771209]

I like the rawness in this interview.

[@hopenation_official]

Thanks, Madeleine! -Rob

[@EphemeralProductions]

i think Jon has been around enough to know that "realness" is the most beneficial and best way to be. He also seems like a very sweet and compassionate guy, so I am not surprised.

[@maxonmendel5757]

@@stevenrivard9246 you missed the first minute of this interview

[@stevenrivard9246]

@@maxonmendel5757 Yes, I did see the 1st minute of the interview... What SPECIFICALLY are you trying to imply by saying that I did not see it? I can take a guess, But I'd rather you tell me directly. My Guess: You are trying to imply that he had a false conversion by simply saying a "sinners prayer" instead of truly repenting and putting his faith in Jesus. You probably think that he regarded the "sinners prayer" as some type of magical words that automatically makes someone a Christian... then went on to work really hard... then fell away when times got tough like the famous parable of the sown seed on different types of ground. If that is the case, then I don't really understand the snarky post towards me. My post included all types of links explaining how one is truly saved. Not only that, But it also included valid answers to specific questions that he was struggling with. So please explain a few things to me: 1. What exactly did you mean in your post that was directed at me? 2. Why does it appear to have a negative vibe to it when I was clearly trying to help? 3. What should I have done differently in your opinion?

[@facesizeburger7690]

With this level of honesty, humility, and empathy, along with compassion for children who are not your own. Jon, your walk away from the faith now actually brings you ever more closer to the truth than many of us are. You've prayed for a tempest, a turmoil, that hits you so hard that you would need to forsake everything in order to cling on to the truth. Well, Jon, your prayer is now answered, this is where the true pursuit begins. I encourage us all to learn from Jon, to not be afraid to ask the hardest questions, and to not shy away from having our faith challenged, as "doubts are what keep the faith alive". As long as we continue to be honest, humble, and compassionate like Jon, if God is real, if God is true, if God is the truth, then He will find you in your pursuit for Him for Truth is self-seeking. Don't worry Jon, Christian or non-Christians, just like you, we are all looking for Him. Never stop, even if He has found you, never stop. Thank you Jon, for sharing this first part of your testimony, I'm very encouraged. Thank you for being so brave and honest. Looking forward to your testimony part II!

[@lrmclinn]

Drops in the ocean was the catalyst that jumpstarted my relationship with God and really started opening my eyes to His Love and Glory. It makes me sad to hear that traumatic experience have lead him to losing the faith but at the same time i can understand 100% what he is going through because when i was an atheist i thought about the same exact things and the answers i was given weren't satisfying to me either. I eventually came to understand that some things i can't understand. But during those times that we don't understand we just have to trust that God has always been Good and he always will be. Not everyone is cut out for faith and that's ok but we as Christians should still pray for those who don't believe because at the end of the day we should still love them just as much as we love a brother or sister in faith because that is what Jesus would want.

[@forgingfire5831]

Same here

[@saintfreezy6914]

You were not an atheist if you chose Christianity, or at least not a well learned one

[@lrmclinn]

@@saintfreezy6914 or maybe the love of a savior willing to step down from his thrown where He was worshiped day and night unceasingly to come down to this disgusting cesspool we call a planet, die one of the most horrible deaths imaginable for people who hate Him and to pay for the horrible things I've done despite His innocence. It's enough to warm even the coldest heart.

[@saintfreezy6914]

@@lrmclinn No it’s not good try. God sacrificing himself to himself to serve as a loop hole for rules he made instead of just forgiving us doesn’t warm my heart

[@saintfreezy6914]

@@lrmclinn and that’s the problem you’re going off emotions not facts like Jesus isn’t the messiah the Jews looked for and the idea of the devil changing overtime

[@MontgomeryLance]

Wasn't sure what to expect from the comment section of this video. I was so glad to see comments that are in tune with the interview - respectful, thoughtful, meaningful. When I scrolled into the comments part of me was expecting harsh judgment, like I've in other forums, but this was a breath of fresh air.

[@manuke179]

It's because these people have the heart of God.

[@texanbritt]

As a believer of God, I love his honesty, I love the way he is discussing this, if we as Christians shun any person who has these very deep emotions, then we are not pleasing God at all!! We will further drive them away from God if that's all the only level Love we're prepared to share....We are commanded to walk in love, and its Kindness that leads to repentance. Remember that he also said that he is "open to feeling different..". But I can see how much pain he is going through this, he said, He is "not going to shut God out if He is there". As he also said, "people are asking these same questions", this is so very true!! We need to love these people with the same love that God called us to live out.

[@lesliemendez8393]

Hoping and praying he finds his way back. He genuinely seems like he wants to find answers. Unlike Marty Sampson, he doesn't come off as bitter or angry.

[@steveroberts3713]

I have no clue who guy is on TV but I do think the way the world is set up and church culture is alot of the time isn't by God's design which sets people up, and Especially when money is Involved, people r put on a Pedestal, it sets these people for a fall. Jesus is the one and only to be on a pedestal. I respect this guy's honesty, and he shows strength to be honest were he is. God can meet him were he is now that he has stepped out from spotlight. At end of day, what is important is a personal relationship with Jesus that loves this man. That's what is important the rest truly isn't important. I pray God will make Himself real to him in God's perfect timing!! Great interview

[@jenniemckinney8054]

I’m watching this and a song came to mind that I believe will resonate with your heart. ❤️ "Do Something" I woke up this morning Saw a world full of trouble now I thought, "How'd we ever get so far down?" And "How's it ever gonna turn around?" So, I turned my eyes to Heaven, I thought, "God, why don't You do something?" Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of People living in poverty, Children sold into slavery. The thought disgusted me. So, I shook my fist at Heaven, I said, "God, why don't You do something?" He said, "I did." Yeah. "I created you." Now listen. If not us, then who? If not me and you? Right now. Well, it's time for us to do something. If not now, then when? Will we see an end To all this pain? It's not enough to do nothing. It's time for us to do something. I'm so tired of talking About how we are God's hands and feet. But it's easier to say than to be. Live like angels of apathy Who tell ourselves, "It's alright: somebody else will do something." Well, I don't know about you, But I'm sick and tired Of life with no desire. I don't want a flame, I want a fire. I wanna be the one who stands up and says, "I'm gonna do something." If not us, then who? If not me and you? Right now. It's time for us to do something. Yes, it is. Come on. If not now, then when? Will we see an end To all this pain? Well, it's not enough to do nothing. It's time for us to do something. We are the salt of the earth. We are a city on a hill Shine, shine, shine, shine. We're never gonna change the world By standing still. No, we won't stand still. No, we won't stand still. No, we won't stand still. No! If not us, then who? If not me and you? Right now. It's time for us to do something. If not now, then when? Will we see an end To all this pain? It's not enough to do nothing. It's time for us to do something. It's time for us to do something. It's time for us to do something.

[@seth2750]

Do something by Matthew West. Here are two more songs. Jesus in Disguise by Brandon Heath and Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath.

[@spencergroup]

I found it interesting that he sort of waited until he knew he was financially stable before he decided to address certain questions about faith he had in his life. I also feel like he missed an opportunity in Uganda. Instead of questioning why God would allow displacement and stress on certain people there, why didn't he come to see God showing him an opportunity to help them and share God's love with these people? Please know that in no way am I trying to attack him. I'm just being honest about some of my observations. One other thing, it seemed he put a lot of emphasis on not having experienced a profound encounter with God. It also sounds like he interprets that as some sort of out-of-body experience and that is where I think the confusion is for him. Not every Christian has a physical, metaphysical or visceral reaction to connecting to Christ. I understand many have and that's okay, but please understand it's more the faith and knowledge and assurance that Jesus is real that matters here. I happen to understand this since I share the experience of being saved at a very young age like John was. It's not too late for him to seek a connection with his Creator. God's always willing to hear us if we seek Him out.

[@seekjesuschrist713]

Perfectly well said. His money comment made me raise an eyebrow bcz i feel like it showed his own heart

[@MatthewMcBrayer]

Agree. If we’re not being the hands and feet of Jesus and going and making disciples of *all nations* like we’ve been commanded then why are we surprised when we see injustice or darkness where light hasn’t yet reached?

[@Demigodking]

Sorry but showing these kids God isn’t gonna help them not die

[@UltimateTi9er]

@@Demigodking No, but it will give them hope, which is very valuable in other countries.

[@Lostsummernight]

Where do you hold Christ in your mind... he's interventional, so he spares your house in a tornado you you thank God that he spared your house... as several of your fellow parishioners in your church lose their house and their complete livelihood... how does one have the stomach to say that God was who saved their house, in front of their fellow believing humans... Rob simply saw an injustice done by the one person this huge problem in Uganda could deal with and fix, and saw no intervention, no relief... and now your blaming Rob for not realizing that he is supposed to clean up god's mess... how do you stomach saying THAT!?

[@hope.n.wilson]

I also love the grace, patience and understanding the interviewer exudes

[@hannahthomas5609]

He has no concept of who God is and how He loves. I see his brokenness. He seems to need signs to validate his faith. I believe that the Lord will continue to pursue him and will let Himself be known.

[@truthavenger2596]

This might be the type of former christian who will go through the tribulation. Very sad though.

[@DavidReyes-qn1bq]

Truth Avenger very true

[@Soviet_Saguaro]

Trying to tell someone that they have no concept of who God is is next level arrogance

[@asiimweronald3194]

I love this man's heart. I am from Uganda and a Christian and this man's emotional story has moved my heart. He is talking about real problems faced by real people in most of the African continent. I am sure he is a believer, he is just detaching his association with a religious group i.e. Christianity BUT I believe his heart reflects the heart of Jesus. Praying for you, Nelson. Thanks way nation for putting up this interview

[@JF-tb6iy]

"I'm honestly looking for the truth" Awesome. God says seek and you will find. However, He does not say you will accept what you find. Press on, don't give up on your search.

[@andrewhandelsman834]

Ya this is the dishonesty of religion, basically im right and I cant be wrong.

[@JF-tb6iy]

@@andrewhandelsman834 Unclear on what you are saying....

[@andrewhandelsman834]

@@JF-tb6iy this guy lost his faith is it his fault or God's fault?

[@JF-tb6iy]

@@andrewhandelsman834 Hey, that's a great question! Thanks for the clarification! To the point: I don't know that finding "fault" will help. What I do know is that God is perfect and showed His love for us by living a life we should be living, dying a death we deserve, and defeating death to save us from our sin....should we choose to surrender to Him. "For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!" and "We love Him because He loved us first" This is important because Hawk Nelson is not beyond the reach of God....but God is not a dictator demanding our love. He loves us enough to give us free will and to discipline us. We choose which way we will go in life. If you have a Bible, read Matthew 13:1-22 (or see it here www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013&version=NIV) This explains why people "loose their faith." Another great explanation is in Romans 1:20-23 (www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1&version=NIV) These are deeper passages but help with understanding. Jesus' own disciples needed the same questions answered so Jesus answers them in Matthew 13, while God speaks through Paul in the book of Romans to help bring further clarification into the heart of man. One way or the other, the main point is when we lose focus on reality, we wreck. Just like in driving, the things we choose will protect us or, on the extreme, kill us....but it is our choice. Hope this helps! Thanks again for the response! Awesome!

[@JF-tb6iy]

@@andrewhandelsman834 Hey, no worries! Honesty is a great starting point! So a question: In your mind, at what point does truth no longer "hold any weight"? At what point is wisdom no longer wisdom? In your response, you said "2000" years. What about 1000 or 500? 100 years and newer or ? I'm sure you can see there are numerous problems with this. Truth spoken yesterday is the same truth spoken 2000 years ago. For example, Plato, and Socrates are both authors from 2000 years ago and came up with some great quotes. Just because they lived long ago, doesn't mean their statements are invalid or less applicable. Like Nelson, what you focus on you will believe in, even if what you believe in is as silly as everything was created by nothing and nothing created everything. Blaming is much easier than self-reflection.

[@ericawhyte3903]

The Lord says if we seek him we will find him.

[@taiwoash1388]

Yes Erica!

[@jeaninepetty4923]

The BIBLE says that.

[@LVGirl4]

Erica whyte Yes, but if you aren’t seeking ... then ...

[@samael5782]

Of course we do. In psychology we call this confirmation bias.

[@michaelm254]

I was not seeking but He came into my life ... Forgive … it's in our Prayer that we pray to our Father ... Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” And right after that prayer … Matthew 6:14 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” Matthew 6:15 “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 18:21-35 Mark 11:25 “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:26 “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Elohim for Messiah's sake hath forgiven you.” Colossians 3:13 “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Messiah forgave you, so also do ye.” Forgive All of everything … To be Forgiven of everything … Everything … I am 64 around the age of 7-10 years old I was molested. Something that I never told anyone for 43 years. It was my Hell because you feel guilty for it. I always said if anyone would have done that to my children, I would have shown them no mercy ! NO MERCY !!!! Back then I was not saved and lived in the high mountains of Colorado. I have twins a boy and a girl. At about the age of 57 I was at my bottom at least for me. I had lost everything … From being a world class skier, having a wife and two children and a house that I built on twenty acres on a side of a mountain with a 100 mile view …… But I was a sinner and Elohim had a plan for me. I was a catholic till I went into the Army at the age of 18. But being a catholic just was not me. I knew that there was a God and Jesus but they don't tell you much more than that. I had committed adultery I was hooked on crack cocaine and addicted to porn ever since I was molested. Anyway, on the bottom, I knew that I had to leave Colorado or die. Finally I decided to forgive everyone …. Of everything …. Even the man who had molested me 50 years before. 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄𐤟 came into my life then but I still was not saved. I know He was in my life because He took my drug addiction away. I mean it was gone ! Anyone who has had an addiction knows to just quit and not have the urge is a miracle. It would be one more year before I would buy a Bible. Now all my life I believed in God and Jesus but I did not know them. I had a hunger for sexually gratification ever since I was molested. And that was daily. I had always known that it was not right but I could not stop. Now people say just do it well they have never had the devil have hold of their life. With the DESIRE in me and continuous prayers to help me, He took the burden from me. IT WAS GONE ! ! That was a horrible yolk to bear. Hallelu YAH !!! Now I also chewed tobacco since 1980. And I knew that the Holy Spirit could not be in me if I did that to my body. I tried to quit but the devil had a hold on me. One night at a tiny church building my wife and I went to hear some Gospel music and before the end the preacher asked if anyone needed anything I guess like a alter call. Praying never hurts so I went up but I did not pray to stop chewing. God, just as He says, knew what I needed. THE URGE WAS GONE TO CHEW ! ! ! Anyone who has or is addicted to Nicotine knows what a hard time it is to quit. I am 64 and hired in the 11 hour And there is so much more to my life story that I now can see how 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄𐤟 has been there from as young as I can remember. And satan cannot cast out satan. The moral of My story is. FORGIVE EVERYONE OF ………. EVERYTHING TO BE FORGIVEN OF …………….. EVERYTHING EVERYTHING ! ! ! I pray that this is a blessing to you. Bless you

[@gingerknight1973]

Very thought provoking. He is really being honest and I appreciate that. I will pray for him as he seeks the truth. Jesus says that if we seek Him we will find Him. I believe he is seeking Jesus while going on this brand new journey.

[@poppyozark]

In my 56 years I have tried to make God mad enough to respond to me when I craved His attention. I got His attention and it wasn't what I wanted. I was also raised in Pentecostalism and thought if I wasn't feeling this emotional stir all the time then something was wrong. It took many years of difficulty to realize my problem was my foundation. I really didn't walk out this life with faith. I was always expecting something and standing there with my hand out. When I grew up in the faith and started living for others God opened my eyes. This is about Jesus and others. We cannot live for ourselves always expecting a handout from God. There will be difficulties and things we will not ever understand. He has given us every tool we need for righteousness and He expects us to serve with those tools, not stand there like a spoiled brat with our hand out all the time

[@alexhutchesion4562]

Amén

[@summermemories3087]

@UltArcRanger And that's exactly the reason why He's not going to reveal Himself to you. You don't believe now, yet how much do you really want to bet that if He did somehow reveal Himself to you, you still wouldn't believe? The Pharisees had Jesus right in front of them yet they still denied Him and cursed Him. If God were to stand right in front of you right now and say Here I Am I bet you still wouldn't believe because it seems impossible. I've been exactly where you've been and when I learned to let go, He's revealed Himself to me in many ways I honestly can't understand how. He's definitely real. Without even a doubt. If you seek Him with all of your heart, you will find Him. And this means with ALL of your heart. I'm assuming you can't be hanging onto your own dreams and stuff and then still be expecting God to show Himself to you. Put Him first, and ask Him tonight to show Himself to you, and He will. But you must be willing to seek Him. You have to be willing to have a relationship with Him. Not just "I love you God but," No. He must be first. I know God exists and I've experienced many of His wonders before and blessings. And if I were you, I'd honestly ask Him to come into your life, because everything that the Bible says that's going to happen in the end times is happening right now, especially with the Mark of the beast which is going to be the upcoming vaccine they're going to force everyone to take. And without it, you won't be able to buy or sell stuff, just like the Bible states in Revelation. I don't know, how you cannot believe, when the evidence is literally all around you. Bill Gates himself said that he wants to put a micro chip in us and wants to take on a new cashless system (Mark of the Beast), and we already have a pandemic going on (just like the Bible prophesied would happen). I don't know how you can look at yourself and think that you came here just by chance, and how there's literally Satanism and soul selling practiced in Hollywood (which many celebrities even admitted themselves such as Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson), yet you still turn around to say God doesn't exist. He does. And knowing Him isn't just religion. It's far more than that. It's an actual relationship. A beautiful, loving, and enduring relationship. You cannot sit around and expect someone to prove the existence of God with science. Because He is far more wonderous and divine than science. He is too much for science and He can't be explained with science. You may think there's no proof, but that's because you choose to ignore His existence. He will not reveal Himself to people who choose to ignore Him. Open yourself to Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you and that you want to know Him, and He will. Trust me, He will. I was raised Christian home and used to doubt and stuff as well and I'll admit I even now and then still struggle with my faith, but I know for a fact He's there. I recently got saved and He's reveals Himself to me more and more everyday.

[@zoesmith1063]

@UltArcRanger There is is no greater testimony, but a personal one. But don't worry, talk to God, ask Him who He is and to help you in your disbelief. A lot of people in the Bible has asked Jesus to help them believe. Believing in God the revelation comes from Him and He is the one who imparts the amount of faith you are going to have. You either belong to Him or not. The Bible said that we are chosen before the foundation of the Earth. I am hoping that that you are going to be my brethren in Christ! God Bless You OXOXO

[@maribeljimenez5428]

@ poppy ozark. I am 50 and was a Cristian for 30 of those years. Unlike you, from the beguining, I understood what the bible said God required of me, I gave my all, my youth, my strength, my time, my children (both of them are pastors). I had, what you call, a strong "relationship" with God. I saw his "hand" in every single thing that happened in my life... until I saw the response of part of the church to a president that was immoral and cruel. I thought to myself "surely anybody that reads and knows their bible and God can see how wrong this is", but they didn't and that opened my eyes to how individualistic the interpretation of the bible was. Anybody read what they wanted to read and molded their beliefs to whatever tickled their fancy. It was then that I decided to really take a hard look to everything I had read in the bible and my eyes were opened to the cruelty of a supposed loving God. All these years I had justified the events of the bible as something that was "beyond" my understanding but now I could no more. The destruction of complete cities is understandable if we think of people that had a completely different moral compass, one that matches the time period, but it is not justified of a timeless god. God could have told his chosen people: you are not to rape, you are not tu enslave, instead what he worried about was what kind of clothes they should wear? I know that the explanation is that God made a new pact through Jesus and that the old testament has been fulfilled and now only the golden rule applies, if this is true then were did Jesus said that homosexuality was a sin? If this is not true and the law still applies why are we not stoning our children when they misbehave? I am not saying that God does not exists, all am saying is that after taking an unbiased look at "the word of god", if he exists, he is not the God of the bible. And now I have taken responsibility over my life, and I feel like I have stepped out of a gray world into a world full of color, my feelings are more real my pain is stronger, but so is my happiness. I realize that I was afraid and that God and religion were like the training wheels of my life that I did not want to let go. I am now in peace with myself.

[@kirubasuthan]

@@summermemories3087 , Would you explain what GOD has revealed himself to you? So that I can understand too

[@michaelleejames6596]

He seems genuine. I wonder if he really hasn't experienced God or was riding on the blessings of Godly parents. There is a protection from God that can be different for many. He'll be brought to his knees and God will step in and show himself.

[@miller8084]

Great dialogue. I would encourage everyone to study the teaching of Jesus. So much confusion here as it relates to expectations and experience that is centered in our satisfaction. The idea of Creator/Creation distinction is misplaced and confused like it was in the garden. It is sad that he didn’t have people in his life who processed subjects like the ones covered here.

[@user-bb3ci3gn7s]

Hey Jon, if you are reading this... I loved you... And I will continue to love you irrespective of where you are with regards to faith. As for your struggle with seeing those children, dying naked and afraid. My uncle is a pastor that ministers in among the slums of Northern India where there are people that have no clothing, dying of starvation etc.. I know it hurts his heart to see this first hand but I feel God lets him experience this horrifying yet enlightening experience so that my uncle can start change! My uncle had very little income but seeing the need, he moved to Northern India, right where the poorest and the most needing people were. He got donations to build a Christian school, orphanage, he got clothes to those without clothes, he fed the hungry etc.. I visited my uncle a few years ago and he showed me all that has changed and all he is working on and people and lives that have yet to be reached. So.. as a person.. not necessarily a Christian if you don't choose to be... I believe you have a responsibility, as do all of us, to help those in need til you heart stops hurting for them. Maybe God showed you all that was happening that day because he wanted YOU to be initiator of change there! Thank you Waynation for this program. May God Bless us all

[@manuke179]

Wow. Thank you for sharing.

[@gospelballer33]

Really sounds like he based his Christian walk on experiences. Also from the conversation it seems he has a incomplete view of who God is and his character and attributes. I pray for him.

[@Lightman741]

Iron Mike Missionary Guitarist how should he base his Christian walk

[@gospelballer33]

@@Lightman741 Honestly, it's based on what the word of God says. We are saved through faith alone in Christ alone by grace alone.Ephesians 2:8-10 paraphrased. If we base our walk off experiences we are no different than any other religion. Christianity isn't based off our experiences but what Christ experienced and accomplished on the cross for us.

[@JCJPL2520]

You are so right. His faith in Jesus is so shallow .

[@The_Villi]

Props for being willing to come on WAY Nation and being honest Jon Steingard. My heart breaks for you bro.

[@michaelvantuinen503]

I've been thru hell for 11 years but cannot find a reason to turn my back on God I just can't

[@EvolvingLark]

It's been over two years since I saw this video posted after seeing it on Instagram. I didn't want to watch this, but it's been in my Watch Later. I have not watched it until now, but my mind still goes to: I see he didn't make it through the fire...

[@hairspraymama]

THANK YOU THANK YOU for this interview!! I am a believer and am praying that God does show himself to you and that you truly see Him as your parachute, not a old sweater that you no longer need. You shouldn’t and I don’t expect you to fake being a Christian. Your story will be used. I believe that this is a big part of your journey. THANK YOU for being willing to walk in humility. Refreshing conversation.

[@coolnegative]

Its actually easier to fall away when you're raised and surrounded by it. Especially if you're not truly decipled and never taught apologetics. I grew up in church and youth groups always surrounded by the gospel. I never really knew Christ or God until I started reading the word (even methodically at times) and being obedient to that.

[@NathanMcCabe88]

Same

[@peternorton5648]

Agreed.

[@chriss780]

you realize for many of us reading the bible is exactly what turned us away from christianity? and many of us learned apologetics intently, we just didn't find the arguments convincing

[@coolnegative]

@@chriss780 well......I guess that is your path to follow. I just personally know more people raised in church who have turned away than those who have stayed. And for me personally, I just lived what I was taught until I realized that much of it didn't seem to make sense in the real world with real people. I began actually reading the new Testament alone and seeing all the assumptions and extrapolation made by so many modern churches. Once I started reading everyday.........things in me changed without me trying or forcing them. My anger and yelling faded away, I started seeing prayers answered. Not to say life is all of a sudden awesome, cuz it's not.....and it never will be with sin nature in this world. I'm truly sorry that your search didn't turn out how you had hoped. I hope someday you find your reason to believe........either way, I hope you have an excellent life. Stay safe.

[@chriss780]

@@coolnegative thank you for the kind words, and im glad it brought you some peace

[@gcassara76]

Ahh man his eyes looked so conflicted and sad. He genuinely wants something real with God. As a pastor's wife the pressure sometimes to have to be "on" all the time can be exhausting and lack sincerity. Some days I'm not full of joy and I have a bad attitude or feel totally confused and in the middle of my own fight...that isn't always accepted by the people even though its part of our humanity. Every character in the Bible had questions including Jesus...even he looked up to his father in his darkest moment and thought he had been forsaken. Life is remarkable and painful all at the same time. Keeping it real is a real fight. I believe he will get that deep encounter he is looking for and come back around filled with the kind of faith that can't be easily shaken.

[@2Peter3Nine]

Just because I used to think this too, Jesus was actually not asking God why He had forsaken Him! "My God My God, why have You forsaken Me?" is actually an allusion to Psalm 22. Go read it to gain understanding as to the full message Jesus was depicting. Love and blessings to you and any who read this 🥰

[@josephherrera4771]

@@2Peter3Nine Good to know.

[@Maewtwo]

You feel like that because you’re living a lie. There’s is no god, no Jesus and you know it now.

[@taiwoash1388]

Wayne Clark true!

[@gcassara76]

@@2Peter3Nine thank you for the insight...if that was not the best example of Jesus expressing his humanity then I will refer to the moment he wept over Lazarus' death...even though he knew he would raise him from the dead he still mourned with those who mourned. My point was only to acknowledge this guys struggle and that those struggles as off as they may be are real and more common than some are willing to admit. My deepest moments with God have been in my most ugly and honest moments...the moments when I am naked and desperate. I just think he is coming to the end of everything phony...the place where real transformation happens. thank you for your kind response.

[@Joel-j8x2t]

We all question God but with out him there is no Hope. What's the choice? I will tell you that because of your music my son became closer to Jesus and it gave him hope. So maybe there isn't a God but I believe there is and he used you with my son and others. That is a miracle in itself.

[@bekaboo_]

John, when you saw those children and you’re heart broke, God provided a opportunity for you to take your walk with Him to a new, life-giving place. You’re broken heart is the fuel to start a ministry for them to help them. He could be calling you to leave behind the comfy North American Christian life, take up His burden for these children. Congratulations! You had The Experience that so many long for. When God gives you this kind of burden, he also gives you His strength to carry the cross for it. Don’t run away! Run to it! Go back to them! They need you! I felt your burden for them. I would financially support your work. Be His hands to these little ones. Praying for you!

[@jonfromtheuk467]

Beka........and you completely MISSED his point. Why would a loving God allow this to happen in the FIRST place????? and lets not ever forget , God is omniscient, he knows in advance a four year old at this very moment is going to be kidnapped, raped and then killed but still allows it to happen. He closes the door and says carry on, but BOY are you going to be in trouble 50 years from now. Meanwhile , help yourself to another victim. God watches on whilst we kill each other over rival text. You and I are more moral that the God of the Bible.

[@charlesmangum3108]

My mom and dad have been through war, depression, sickness, persecutions, and many other things, but they kept faith in God.

[@tmoon9297]

Good for them. Everyone's journey is different. So we need to respect that.

[@roberteaston6413]

@@tmoon9297 Prosperity and the good life seems to be more harmful to God's people than hardship.

[@emmanuelsson7941]

I think one of the issues is he came to God for a good life and he also probably doesn't know the bible or understand it. He was also taught to disregard the bible in many different ways. When we try to conform to the world than we question the actions of God. It's not an issue of respect. Charles I love your comment because it's true and honest. The foundation of your parents is different from his. He had no root and your parents have a root. Is your life built on Jesus or does Jesus compliment your life? One leads to hell because you have not given your full faith, allegiance, trust, investment, and your entire being to Him but you have rather just added Him to your life. We must repent of our sins and put our full faith and trust in Jesus like we do a parachute. I think the issue of suffering didn't hit home for him either becuase he doesn't understand the severity of his own sin. If he did than we would understand that it is the tremendous mercy of Yahweh that causes all on this world to still live so that they may find life.

[@johnramirez3247]

That's just natural for humans. It's a coping mechanism because the reality of life is very harsh and hopeless.

[@dinotherugger4040]

@@johnramirez3247 It’s not a coping mechanism; it’s a real solution. I’ve seen people who had no hope with terminal illnesses find miraculous healing in Jesus Christ. In my own life, I’ve seen Jesus move in the most impossible scenarios, where He has shown me that He is real. I hope you and Jon Steingard both truly experience your Creator, because His love is the most real thing you can possibly experience in life. The hope that comes from knowing Christ is life-changing. God bless you, John.

[@imgmakr]

I love John's honesty, humility and openness. As he said what he is wrestling with is nothing new. As matter of fact it is the #1 reason why Christian end up in disbelief. As God's idols (image bearers) we share His heart. God is an emotional God. He loves, He weeps, He angers. It is because of that we also are emotional and moved by those emotions. Often God uses those emotions to carry out His will to righting wrongs and help bring justice to a broken world. I can't help but feel that the very thing that John is weeping and questioning God about is the very thing that God is calling him into to show His love.

[@RestlessMonarch]

Angels and animals have emotions to.

[@CarlosMontes-nl7lo]

Still love his music. He's questioning the faith which I believe only will help him. He still on his faith journey we all have are ups and downs. I to question sometimes and Have to take a step back. #betransperant #bereal

[@sethwalrod4190]

Over my childhood Jonathan, I listened to so much of your great music. Drops In The Ocean was my favorite one. I would listen to that song over and over again. I really like it that you were very honest with yourself to your fans of what you thought of God. We all have questions with him that we don't get answered off the bat which makes us feel alone but we are not alone. I hope in the future that God will grant you hope and show you what he really is and I will pray for you as much as I can. Stay in there and hold on hope will come soon.

[@priscillaafriyie7482]

This is a great interview first off. God bless you. I appreciate this brothers honesty and he makes perfect sense 100%. You can tell from the way he's talking that he wants to find God. He wants to experience God for himself and he has hope. He mentioned that at age 4 his father had him say the prayer for salvation. At such a tender age o dont think kids can really grasp why they are giving their life to Christ. Giving your life to Christ is a thing you do on your own from your heart not when someone tells you to. It's by your own will. So when you take a look at it this whole time he actually doesn't know Christ. He hasnt come to Christ yet that's why he hasnt experienced him from him self and hasnt really understood why things happen the way they do in this life. I will be praying for my dear brother that God will surly reveal himself to his just as he asked. That the enemy wont steal him and push him away completely. love you bro!! ❤

[@hethr91]

Thank you for reaching out and for letting us share in this journey. Many prayers guys!

[@laurarafter5925]

So you went to Uganda, your heart deeply broken, then you went home questioning your faith and decided to not believe? God moves our hearts to be broken of the things of the world as he is, so that we take action and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Brother, he IS speaking to your heart and asking you to move into action not to withdraw. We all question our faith. During these times press in. You have first hand seen what many of us do not see. Raise awareness for the least of these in Uganda.

[@jadennichole]

Amen

[@mischellepinnell9702]

Laura Rafter wonderful post!❤️

[@RoseStream83]

Wow! Amazing! Thank you 😊

[@matthewhunter9154]

I was thinking this exactly. God put John in a unique position to address the "unreached" issue, and bring awareness to the suffering in that area.

[@dhLord64]

So god makes millions of people suffer for someone to bring awareness to an issue that God created in the first place. This is beyond inhumane.

[@olivajimenez1748]

I’m wondering how often he was reading his bible. How strongly you connect to God is dependent on how invested you are in getting to know God not just through prayer but through reading His Word. It’s really easy super ridiculously easy to get distracted by the world. We as believers need to encourage each other to stay dedicated to readying our bibles. We have them. Use them! We need to love God first with our minds for a stable foundation. That is how you love someone through knowledge. You appreciate them more.

[@angelinagbui]

Amen. Those who read their Bible less often doubt more.

[@joalrycarrefe3856]

I agree Oliva that we need to draw near to God through His Word, and it lessens the focus in our mind that our identity is on social media or what people say about us rather than what God says to us.

[@morrisonkey9490]

Reading the bible less is not something that happens out of choice. It's a reaction to reading the bible. At least that was how it was for me. The more I read the Bible - the actual full thing and not just pieces I chose to like - the more I grew sad and confused... Often angered. I am glad no one was there when I started to doubt the bible to force me to continue reading it. Next year will be 18 years since I finally openly admitted my doubts at the cost of losing closeness with many friends and family members. It will mean that I've lived exactly half my life outside of the grasp of the church. I look forward to counting the days of freedom as they overtake those many years of mislead self-slavery. You are not the problem- you did not choose to be exposed to this religion. You did not seek it out or give yourself the desire to seek it out. Just as I was not the one as a 3 year old holding the basket of Easter candy in front of myself and smacking my hand as I reached for it. It wasn't me forcing my young self to recite "Jesus is the reason we celebrate today" before being rewarded with these treats. You are an effect of more causes than you could count in your lifetime... And you should never have been forced into a religion which condemns you for anything else you were caused to do. I'm sorry that you all were caused to believe what you do and I'm sorry for the pain it causes you and those who care about you. Please, if you ever take the brave steps that this young man did - do not blame others for pushing this religion on you. They were caused to believe it themselves... The people are not the problem. Don't forget to have empathy for them in all this.

[@thecopercoper5533]

Are you kidding me?! People who read the bible IN FULL, not just cherry-picked chapters like most of you do, become atheists rather quickly.

[@JesusisLord1g]

Very true. I’ve read the Bible multiple times, all of it, and study it every time I read it. It makes me love God more. Sure there are parts that are not easy to read, but I don’t blame God. It’s our broken world. The Bible is offensive to most people, and it should be. It’s the book of life and also a warning to what is to come, which is already happening today. Life is hard enough with God, I can’t imagine it without Him; No hope. Thank you Jesus ❤️.

[@lydiaashanti5146]

What an amazing beautiful honest conversation - no trite answers, I appreciate this. Thank you for sharing.

[@calyboo1750]

I completely believe this is not the end of his story but the beginning as God is still writing it. God has some amazing things in store for him. It's going to be fun watching God work in his life.

[@manassehaliyahtv]

Shalom blessing from Philippines 🇵🇭 my dear brother Jon 2 Years ago I was a big fan of your music "Hawk Nelson" until this very moment,one of my best & favorite song of yours is "Parachute" it speak a lot to me through that beautiful song,i just want to remind you that we live on a broken world,& having some broken experiences,we're meant to be broken so that God can fixed us,personally ive got so many broken experiences in life as a Christian raised son being like of losing a brother & a Father due to an assult murder cause by vehecular tragedy,but God show His grace for our family to get still hold on together in faith, in the middle of a Big Storm He is there to calm it through comforting us by His Holy Presence, i know its not easy to handle but its a part of your journey & i believe that God want you to experience all of these,something He wants you to show that He Still does & he do greater things.As a family of God we are always willing to reach you & comfort you Me & my family & to all my fellow christian knows about your songs we are praying for spiritual recovery & healing ❤ Always remember that we love you & most of all Jesus Loves you,He is more than able Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. A Broken Heart 💔 Can be #Restored; A broken Soul can be #Reborn😍 #JustComeToJesus👆 "True believers may stumble, but they ultimately will return to God. And if they do not return to God, then they never were really true believers to begin with".

[@FreelanceDev4life]

Marxism claims another. 8:31, he says that his son was "lucky enough to be born in North America to ah, you know, ah, ah, COMFORTABLE, WHITE, North American family" (emphasis not added). White has NOTHING to do with it. People in North America are VERY comfortable, some more than others. He is pandering, without knowing it. His son is blessed, which has nothing to do with his worldly identity, but because of God's goodness to John, even if John no longer believes in God. In fact, this experience is proof of God's love, grace, and mercy to both John and his son! The unfortunate things that happen are a way of pointing to the finite nature of this life, and even the necessary finite nature. Who wants this life? No one. But it also points to God's goodness. John's questions about why his family gets it so good, while others do not is a very real question, and dare I say, a Christian question indicating that God is regenerating his heart (so hang on John!!). It indicates a question of justice, love, mercy and how can God be all those things? How can God bless John, and let others suffer so horribly? How is that justice, love, mercy? In the root of the question is this question "how come I have it so good, while other suffer". It is a longing for equality, true equality, which only Jesus can bring. It's a longing to fix the effects of sin, something we as Christians desire in our home, our home being with Christ Himself in heaven, with which such abominations can not, and will not, exist. The answer, is equally as simple, but profound. The answer to why God would allow John and his son to be blessed while others suffer so horribly is simply this: Grace. Grace is God's unmerited favor. We didn't earn it. We can't earn it. Just as we didn't earn salvation. John didn't earn the right to be born in North America. After all, he wasn't even born yet! It is simply God's grace. Grace: Getting something you don't deserve. We all deserve hell, for we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), yes, even kids. This is why Satan must be punished because he caused Eve to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 3). And we will rejoice on the Day of the Lord for that great beast, the great serpent, shall once and forever be condemned to hell (Revelation 20:1-10). Once that is complete, so will all be made right. As long as sin remains, and it has corrupted everything to the very nature of our being (Matthew 6, when Jesus turns to His disciples who have left everything to serve Him and He calls them "darkness" and says that they "hate" Him, and Romans 5:12), it must be cleansed. God will destroy the world with fire (2 Peter 3:10). On that day, all will be made right. This world can not be made right due to it's corruption with sin (Romans 8:21), it must be cleansed (2 Peter 3:13), but God is patient, so that none may parish (Peter 3:9 and Matthew 24:14). When this happens, as Revelation 21:1-4 says, all will be right with the world.

[@gemma9507]

From the very beginning we can all hear Jon say "I, myself, me, I didn't, I don't understand, I'm not satisfied" He is clearly a Prodigal Son who is focused of himself. He is talking about "If God Loves us so much why doesn't he stop world hunger." He then said "what it says in the Bible about sin, and free will. It doesn't satisfy me." That there clearly proofs he is not willing to completely trust. He doesn't know Jesus and therefore he doesn't know God. He doesn't have faith because he doesn't trust! It's like the Parable about the farmer that Jesus said some people are going to plant their seed(faith ) In the rocky grounds the seed will only grow for a while but die because there's no root. Jon planted his seed in rocky grounds! Matthew 13:20-21 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. Let's continue to pray for all the Prodigal Children🙏❤

[@rendezvouswithdestiny1717]

I can’t wait till I hear the update when God reveals himself! It will be GLORIOUS!

[@jonfromtheuk467]

been waiting 2000+ years .....still nada. Its almost as if he doesnt exist anywhere except in our indoctrinated minds eh?

[@bobross5524]

@@jonfromtheuk467 geez... Atleast be respectful

[@Victoria-wh6fx]

Rob, I absolutely love what you said about whether God is an accessory for us like a sweater or a necessity for life like a parachute. What a great and convicting question! Jon, thank you for sharing. Your openness and honesty was beautiful. I am praying for you - God is so amazing - in Jesus’ Name, would the Holy Spirit encounter you when you sit at His feet for answers to your questions! Blessings to you - I’ll be praying for you 😊

[@diiamnds]

This is a great conversation, I think sometimes it's really hard to talk about tough questions like Rob said. But we all have questions sometimes. I'm praying for Jon.

[@hopenation_official]

Thanks for praying. -Rob

[@danielgomez6599]

Praying for him! Feeling his pain, understanding his struggle.

[@bethanyjoy9550]

Great interview! The interviewer is nice that he doesn't attack but he feels. He listens to what Jon has to say. Thus, Jon can be himself in answering. God bless you both, God bless Waynation :) Being born from a Christian family really does have pros and cons. What more being a pastor's kid? X')

[@LB-kq1rm]

John, Your honesty is exactly what God wants from you! The courage it took for you to come forth and reveal your heart, and your desire to know the truth will encourage this generation to be completely honest as well! They will seek and find the truth! God will be glorified in your life and theirs! Thank you for sharing! John 8:32 "Then you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free"

[@scottralitz42]

I can hear his heart and I believe God does as well. Trite answers from 'christians' don't help. I will continue to pray for him and his family as the journey is not finished. The Holy Spirit can answer his true need... Whatever that might be‼️❤️

[@estefanigomez1315]

John 😔 really makes me sad, Your music has helped me in the most difficult moments of my life, and when i needed God the most, there were your songs blessing my life. Thanks for your music and for being honest with us, God bless you very much ❤ I'M PRAYING FOR YOU DEAR JOHN ❤❤

[@wesleyaforte]

Sounds to me he just hurt. I pray that God will heal his heart.

[@davidlane147]

You should instead pray that God saved his soul

[@afelix7777]

I believe ALMIGHTY GOD will show himself to Jon Steingard if Jon would open his heart for what is the truth. As Jon said he is open for truth. ALMIGHTY GOD truly open Jon's heart to you and may he experience your unconditional LOVE in his life. Amen Amen Amen

[@teraisamcgill3805]

God, also protect him during this time. Amen

[@CJthedragon8]

I agree and pray that he finds his faith but ngl the way you said it was a little cringe.

[@LifeAfterReligion]

I believe that you made the right decision. I applaud you for your honesty! Most of the people that I’ve met who are truly been transformed will never beat you up for being honest/ leaving, but instead will hope you have the same realization they did. Those truly changed Know that it is God who does this work interiorly, and not work of Men/ altercalls . Real transformation is truly an immaculate Conception by the hand of God. Most of Christianity has not discovered this and live in the same incongruous reality that you did. To be born into a truly spiritual dimension is none less than a miracle! Most Christianity is tribal/ Codependent and not at all transformative. The beginning of transformation is honesty/ and a true willingness to know truth. You have taken a quantum Leap toward true for taken the stand you did! When that day comes it will be real/ experiential. Then you will have a great knowing that knowing can take or ever hinder. Good job!!! Alway start with to thine own self be true! A true relationship begins with honesty. You are already way ahead of most people. I’m Proud to call you a real Truth seeker! Your going to be just fine! We are all prodigal son seeking God. We must find him ourself.

[@annpruett2097]

Gods design and intention for us all was to not look after self, but to look after each other and if we did it no one in the world would go without. The problem isnt God, but in the heart of man for He created us to be so much more and do more, but we limit ourselves and God in all kinds of ways. I understand what He is saying and sometimes a person has to walk away from pretense to get clarity of Gods true heart for all mankind..