Cooper Stuff Ep. 174 - The Rot In Christian Music

[@michaelstarling6361]

What these artists mean by "I'm tired of hiding my sin" is "I'm tired of fighting my sin".

[@red3350]

Because compromise is so easy but consequences aren't 😔 so sad

[@PG-lz2sj]

Thank you for being one of the few Christian artist standing up for biblical values and for actually knowing and teaching who the Jesus of the Bible is.

[@decapolis01]

Thanks for standing up for Christ and using your platform for Him.

[@JosiahFall]

amen

[@jennifervillagomerhayes1228]

So glad I didn't go to that church

[@jennifervillagomerhayes1228]

We can clearly see who is biblical and who is not these people are unbelievable are the pastors ok with because fame and fortune ? Wow...

[@AmandaClarkHOOTIE]

Being a fan before Skillet went mainstream, I was worried that the industry would change you guys, or that you'd fall away like so many favorites. Thank you SO MUCH for not falling away but also for being so strong in the faith and encouragingthe rest of us! ❤

[@JJ79_]

But the music got rotten and what else with it? The goal was make money and be more famous I guess?

[@JJ79_]

After listening this I'm glad he is now on the truth. There are not many.

[@JJ79_]

But the music (fruit?) is still rotten, why don't you first fix your own music?

[@AndreaHansen-qs3xt]

What needs to be fixed? Could you give a direct example? Just don't like the style, or is there something unbiblical in their music? I've not heard it, so I'm curious.@@JJ79_

[@skilletfan932]

Even in the secular part of the world where I work in part as a live audio mix engineer, I DO NOT partake in the same things these people do and (shocker!) the bands/organizers notice and ask questions when I don't drop f bombs and curse after a drummer drops their kit on my foot. We're called to be set apart, in the world, but not OF the world.

[@goldenknighttw]

I bet what you said was...."ow."

[@acthebard]

As a new artist who is Christian, I absolutely intend to show my scars, be honest about who I am, and live "like I'm on the way." But that means to me that I actually put the effort into being more like Christ and showing my progress on that journey, not just displaying everything wrong with me and saying "that's who I am, take it or leave it." Christ told me to deny myself and follow Him. Not "just be myself." I won't ever claim to be perfect or any better than any better than anyone. But Christ didn't die for me to just use him as a get out of jail free card to keep living in sin.

[@chazisflying]

Actually, what you need to do is show Jesus scars and talk about Jesus he must become greater we must become less. The true Christian artist will try to be invisible and not a star. After 40 some years as a musician and 40 some years in the Christian community, I say, beware of all celebrity, and all that would lore you to celebrity. Could be better off, sitting around the campfire, strumming songs, and sharing Jesus with people. God bless you may lead you and guide you always in Jesus name.

[@Jesusiscoming24]

Keep pressing forward never stop

[@gratchets]

Keith Green said it so often and I dearly wish he was still around, but thank you for speaking truth! No Compromise. Love you, Cooper, and pray for you and your family. ♥♥

[@becklyn3]

Keith Green had such a profound impact on my walk and I was born after he died. It is amazing how God used him even after he was called home. Still singing his music and showing it to my little ones.

[@Kredwhiner]

It would be very interesting to see how Keith Green would be writing, singing and preaching to the church the last few years, and now. I am still touched by his music, especially “Prodigal Son Suite” and Psalm 8

[@Freedom-777-LM]

Oh, I loved Keith Green’s music and voice. One of my favorites was - When I Hear The Praises Start What a beautiful song! He died July 28, 1982. I was a young mother back then. Did you guys know that two of Keith & Melody’s children were with their father when the plane they were in crashed? Their names were Josiah and Bethany. Bethany was 2 yrs old, Josiah was 5 and Keith was 30. They also had a 1 yr old daughter named Rebekah who wasn’t on the airplane and 8 months after the crash Melody gave birth to another child, a girl named Rachel.

[@Kredwhiner]

@@Freedom-777-LM I was a young mother of 3 boys under the age of 5. I was 24. My husband and I (still married😊) were super into “Last Days Ministries” and Melody and I had even corresponded. We were so rocked badly when the plane went down. There was also another whole family on the plane with little kids, and of course the pilot. It was very tragic and to be honest, I still don’t understand it to this day. We’re still walking with Jesus, and He knows. I am looking forward to meeting Keith Green someday. The Lord bless you Lisa!

[@inridlcruz5023]

I love Keith green music ,chuck Girard,Don Francisco, ,not so much Amy grant, she always put me in cat stress

[@zoetic_music]

John, we are Christian artists ourselves and we've been noticing this too! We write songs about important topics within the culture and the church (such as false pastors/teachers, the definition of biblical marriage, even the evils of abortion) and we've been turned away by countless labels as well as other Christian artists for being "too controversial". What happened to Christian artists being salt and light for biblical truth, no matter the cost?? Thank you SO much for this video. It is going to do massive good for the industry, even if most of the industry can't see it yet. God bless, brother!

[@nathanhimbeault8433]

How do I find you? Do you have any music out? I'd love to check it out!

[@joshuabates38]

Yeah what they said any links? that's my kind of music.

[@joshuabates38]

@@nathanhimbeault8433 search zoetic

[@fergiefergie5759]

@@nathanhimbeault8433 I just clicked on her YT picture and subscribed

[@RachelNichols-writer]

I'd buy your music. It doesn't need labels.

[@danielbuller2548]

I grew up listening to jars of clay, dc talk, newsboys, audio adrenaline, third day, all star united, johnny q. public, skillet, smalltown poets, big tent revival. I feel like Christian music fell off artistically in the 2000s...then I read about lots of artists going off the deep end with the woke stuff. I'm so glad John is staying true!

[@BigAlvideos101]

Jars of Clay was one of the first big name Christian bands to fall away unfortunately.

[@garretarchibeck3812]

Woke stuff is Jesus stuff -

[@danielbuller2548]

@@garretarchibeck3812 😂

[@vulpinemachine]

@@garretarchibeck3812 wokism is Satanism. PERIOD.

[@e.m.8094]

​@@BigAlvideos101Are Jars no longer believers??

[@aggressiveregresser]

I'm one of those former teenagers who bought Skillet's Alien Youth album back in 2001. I'm SO happy to see you are still standing unapologetically for God's truth. John, thank you so much for your sincerity and humility. I found myself falling for some of the deconstruction and progressive false teaching as it slowly crept into the church and music industry. Like one my favorite songs from Alien Youth, "Will You be there' which ministered to me as a teenager, God's love and grace is never failing. He's always there waiting for us to get on the right track and steering our lives in ways we can't even imagine. Never compromise! Stand for Christ who is the truth!

[@Spladoinkal]

Same. bought Alien Youth and liked it so much I bought all the previous albums as well. LOVED the worship album, still listen to it to this day occasionally!

[@TheHcjfctc]

Same! I actually bought it because a magazine said they sounded like a secular band my boyfriend at the time loved and I wanted to try to get him into Christian music. I hadn’t heard any of stuff prior to that, but instantly fell in love.

[@susiemendenhall4307]

"You're expecting people to live like Jesus, and it's mean!!!" 😂😂 Thanks for sharing this, Coop. May people have eyes to see and ears to hear. No compromise.

[@Rockonjen1]

Remember back in the 90s when "No Compromise"was like the Christian motto? I remember writing it all over my notebooks and binders even on my Jeans. How is it that we knew it back then as youth but somehow forgot it as adults and have let even the next generations influence us to compromise.

[@ac1045]

Empathy and compassion have been weaponized and twisted, and used to strongman people into giving up their convictions, that’s how

[@ab-gail]

“I have to swear to reach the lost.” My brother in Christ, you ARE the lost!

[@joshuasimpson7266]

"You don't have the balls to be Peter." John Cooper keeping it real. 😂

[@marebear09]

"My #1 calling is sanctification." Yes! 🙌🏼

[@garyjelich4709]

My "true,authentic" life is as a CHRISTIAN, not as a pagan, lusting, cussing, worldly man! If these singers make a practice of continuing to sin, they AREN'T TRUE CHRISTIANS! God's standard is HOLINESS! I REALLY APPRECIATE this episode of your podcast! Blessings to you, John Cooper!

[@c.g.7144]

Yes, Yes, and Yes. Every word, yes. Thank you, John Cooper, for being a Bible-believing, God-fearing Chrstian Artist! Never stand down.

[@YankeeStacking]

“Their true life?” Indeed it IS their true life…their unsaved life. By their fruits you will know them. “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” Matthew 15:8

[@JoelSinn-sd5fn]

Thanks for saying something about The Shack. I was concerned when I saw you on the soundtrack. It's great to hear you say something about realizing it was not a great book/movie.

[@matthewdavis418]

i loved the movie, its fiction that points to God. its not meant to be factual

[@joncharlotteschoen]

​@@matthewdavis418Completely agree. People are so uptight. The movie wasn't meant to be a literal translation to scripture.

[@StrappingYoungLadam]

​@@joncharlotteschoenDid I miss something with that movie? I watched it and understood it as a work of fiction and not directly scriptural word for word. I enjoyed it

[@ce3547]

​@@matthewdavis418it's based on bad theology which led many down the wrong path. I know because a friend of mine went wrong

[@ce3547]

Watch a couple of videos by the author. He meant every word of the book.

[@Bigfamilyhomestead]

All of this "stuff" would go away if "Christians" would not buy the garbage... That should say something about the state of the Church.

[@stephmac6317]

John! I can’t thank you enough. No amount of thanks and no words can describe the appreciation I and other believers out there have for you standing up for God and for the gospel.

[@karricompton]

Great stuff, John. If the church is like the world, how can we have anything different that the world will want? It’s absolutely ridiculous. We have to start standing up for Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and raised, period. He is our life. I grieve for Christian music. We must be separate from the world.

[@needlegirlhaystackworld920]

Exactly!!! I was hoping he would say something like this because if we look/act just like the rest of the world how are they even going to see Jesus?! How are they going to even want Jesus?! We have to be the light to the world and shine through all that darkness! In the Old Testament, the Jews had many laws to SET THEM APART from the rest of the world. We are STILL called to be set apart!!!! (Just in a different way from the old testament now because of the cross! ✝️🙌)

[@nathanhimbeault8433]

Amen. Every time I turn on our local "Christian" radio station, it sounds nearly identical to the secular pop station (but almost worse because majority of the music sounds phony and disingenuous).

[@vaness77able]

As a 33 year old Costa Rican girl who was so into Christian music in the early 2000s, I so appreciate and respect what you are doing!!!

[@gurczynskimg]

I recall going to see Switchfoot in Philadelphia for the first time ever in 2021. Having been a fan of the band since the early 2003 I was quite excited but totally thrown back when John Forman invites an LGBT guest up to sing on the premise of Love is Love. I literally had to leave as I could not believe what I was hearing. Thankful for your vocalness on this topic of the Christian Music industry. Sadly I think artist even Lauren Daigle who I agree is a talented artist have let acceptance go a bit far to the extreme of not standing firm to a higher standard. Yes we are to Love all but as Jesus sat with sinners he didn't tell them it was okay to sin.

[@MightyWomanOfGod9050]

Yes, I think Daigle blew it with her response. She even said too, "I can’t say one way or the other; I’m not God. When people ask questions like that, I just say, ‘Read the Bible and find out for yourself. And when you find out let me know because I’m learning too,’” she added. The last line is what REALLY bothered me!! And when "You" find out, let me know too! HUH? I thought you somewhat knew the word of God to be singing about Him! 🙄

[@mrdave22]

@@MightyWomanOfGod9050 but does she sing about Him? i don't hear her mention His name in her songs, she's a crossover artist imho

[@dougranta2539]

Hey John, I just wanted to say thank you for an amazing show at "City on the Hill" in Duluth Minnesota this past Thursday evening (aug 03). This was the first live music event I've ever gone to, and it was such an amazing experience for this 24 year old "normie" dude. Thank you for taking such a strong stand for traditional Christian values and for unapologetically calling on Christians across America (and Canada, yes I'm Canadian!🇨🇦) to return to actually following God and living in holiness according to His word. You and your band have been very influential in my life over the past three years through your music and especially this podcast. You are an inspirational example for the young people of my generation!! - Signed, a Canadian panhead!

[@tjflash60]

In my training as a safety instructor,!when we covered helping those who might be drowning there was a warning about jumping from the side of the pool, out of the boat etc. To leave a place of safety and stability not only left the victim in danger but now also the one trying to help is in danger as well. JESUS ate with sinners but never sinned. Thank you and Skillet for your music.

[@jamiebrown4472]

2 Timothy chapter 3 for sure! Thank you, Brother, for standing up for Truth! Keep preaching in love🙏🏻

[@tylerw8216]

That sounds familiar. 🤔

[@tylerw8216]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a52YdKNur7uBftk

[@derelictfields]

I'm a singer/songwriter and a worship leader at a small church and I've never listened to Skillet, but I'm honestly touched by your boldness, maturity, and faith. God bless!

[@chazisflying]

Years ago I would consider myself a worship leader but now I realize that I can’t even hardly lead myself to the Lord let alone anyone else that’s clearly the Holy Spirit‘s job. If I may say that we are servants in song in nothing more. The church is obsessed with the word, leader ship, and if you read the New Testament, you’ll find very little of it, but you will find Jesus speaking about serventhood. He who wants to be great among you must be leased. It must be a servant of all. I’m not saying any of this like barking at you or whatever I’m just sharing things that I’ve learned over the years and what the Lord is currently teaching me. Which is the Holy Spirit is the worship leader, and Jesus leads us to the father and we’re just servants. We’re like people with towels in our hands, wiping dirty feet that’s all. Praise the Lord, in Jesus name!

[@doodefunk1]

With so many modern American churches refusing to preach repentance and holiness, are we really surprised? Just believe in Jesus and pray a little prayer and you're saved. It's sad that so many of these so called christian artists have no idea what is actually in the bible or what it means to truly be saved.

[@geetee2694]

I didn't realize 40 minutes had passed until you pointed it out.

[@RPModelRailroads]

Keep standing on the unchanging Word of God! AMEN!!

[@keithdfox2]

I thank God for you, John. Your views mirror my own. Seeing so many people claiming Christ but living like satan has been depressing me. This world is going crazy with basic logic turned on its head, but all of that are just symptoms of the lack of God in people's hearts. We have given in to sin so many times, we have given up trying to live like Jesus. It seems too hard, so instead, satan tells us we can live like the devil and as long as we claim Jesus as our savior, and we'll make it in. Like claiming Jesus as your savior are magic words used as the password to get into heaven. Please keep it up, John. I'm subscribed.

[@davidschrodt507]

Glad you are speaking out about this, brother. As someone who was once in the Christian music industry I saw some of this beginning 25 years ago... The allure of the world is very strong. Christians need to beware of the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life.

[@polaramas.867]

Ok John, I’ll add my voice to those applauding you and thanking you brother, for standing up for Christ and Biblical truth. God bless you! I’m old enough to remember seeing Keith Green and being so blessed by his genuine, no compromise faith back in the late 70’s. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever!

[@paulmarkhatfield775]

Jesus didn't become a junkie to reach a junkie. I went there and shared His hope. His, Life and His reality.

[@DRJRchattanooga]

Excellent session today John. The deconstructing of Christianity so that it’s “easier to relate to people” is nothing more than watered down biblical truth.

[@vladtheinhaler8940]

Deconstruction is post modernist bs.

[@domblack6288]

John, I appreciate your humility to admit your mistake about affiliating with the Shack. You’re an encouragement to me to better admit my mistakes. Thanks for being faithful to Christ.

[@red3350]

"Sissy Universe" hahaha lol sooo true!! I was dying 😂🤣😁

[@SPARTANSIX-1]

Michael Card tells a story about a friend of his and how that man became a Christian. The man was a pot dealer in the late 70s early 80s. He went to a party in order to find someone to drive him to his distributor to get some more pot to sell. When he first arrived at the party one of his friends pulled him aside and told him “whatever you do don’t talk to THAT guy”. The man he was talking about seemed out of place by not really engaging in the alcohol and drug use but was likable enough. It ended up that the man had to ask the one he was supposed to avoid to drive him 2 1/2 hours away to pick up his stash. The man agreed and they were off. 30 minutes down the road the man found out why he needed to avoid the driver. The other man looked at him and said “Can I share with you about Jesus and how He has changed my life?” The man then cursed and told him absolutely not. The driver remained quiet for awhile but later asked the same question. Once again the man got angry and told him no. Silence again for awhile. A third time the driver asked but this time the Holy Spirit broke through and he allowed the man to share and it shattered the hardness of his heart and he became a Christian. THEN they turned around and drive back and his life was forever CHANGED. He did a spiritual 180 as well as physical 180. The driver was Keith Green. This is a great example of being in the world but not OF the world. We can’t let the world influence us to sin. We must repent and influence the world to become Christlike and say no to sin. There is no other way to impart the Gospel message to a sinful, dying world.

[@cybowman1295]

You are REFRESHING! My son loves your music, and so I started quite awhile ago listening to "Cooper Stuff"...I'm an old guy...a "baby boomer"... there are no "generation gaps" between Christian folks who love Christ, God and His Word. Your conversations feed my (renewed) heart! THANKS N PRAISE GOD

[@mad4nertz]

Best comment! Thank you for sharing. In Christ there is no “old”and “young”! Just truth. True today, true a thousand years ago. Truth is eternal.

[@mad4nertz]

Truth is exclusive. Jesus excludes sin. Jesus welcomes repentance.

[@EDKguy]

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Thank you John.

[@KatBradley-1968]

They fail to see that by "behaving like the world", they show no reason for anyone to accept Christ, because "what's the difference?"

[@keithlanoue756]

I just went to a Petra concert and the is no compromise in there musics. Never in their history nor today. Love musician like this.

[@laurachancellor9381]

My household is giving you a standing ovation, Coop!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@S.sweitz627]

Thank you. John Cooper 👍👏👏🙏🙏

[@RealTalkRyan87]

Just discovered the show. Been a huge fan since the Comatose tour. I love that Cooper is such a strong and unapologetic voice for Christ.

[@dewitttribe9143]

Thank you for reminding us all that sanctification is our life’s purpose. Over being a spouse or parent or whatever- sanctification is the purpose that our daily lives should reflect. I needed that nugget today.

[@larryevinger2054]

That's the problem regarding compromise. How far is too far?

[@wilfredtorres734]

Thank you John C...Awesome topic.! Needs to be shouted! We still need to Live Christ-like as scripture says!! The enemy is still a LIAR!!, especially towards these last days.!

[@DCMT80]

2 Timothy 4: 3-5 is exactly what is happening today. And the reason why "Christian" artists, pastors, and people in general get very angry and call us "Pharisees" is that the Holy Spirit is convicting them about the true word of God, and they dont want to accept it. 1 John 1: 6-7.

[@laurentownsend1241]

John, I completely agree with you. We win people to Christ by NOT looking like the world. The goal is to become more like Christ to the point where people no longer see me, but Christ in me. John, I know you don’t want to throw lots of Christian music artists under the bus but I am grateful when you talk about certain artists that are promoting godless ideas. My husband and I lead worship at a small church in Georgia and we are always trying to look for more outstanding Christian artists to follow and support. We have been long time fans of Skillet and short time fans of your podcast. Thank you for standing strong in Christ.

[@dawnajones4791]

This made me think of the passage in Matthew 7 where Jesus tells people that there is a coming judgement where people say "we did all this in your name" and Jesus replies "Depart from me, I never knew you."

[@deniseknight345]

Thank you for your bold stand for Biblical values. And your music is awesome.

[@needlegirlhaystackworld920]

Cooper stuff is always 🔥 but THIS EPISODE!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥 John Cooper you are truly an amazing man of God and a wonderful inspiration and role model! THANK YOU for speaking truth!!!! 🙌 We cannot stay silent any longer!!!!!

[@NALUBUFF]

100% agree and so thankful for you and your platform that you can share this truth. Keep bringin' it!

[@janaangle5530]

We are not to conform to the patterns of this world!! Why are they doing just that? That tells you how sick our generation is getting.

[@lyndanelson4303]

Thank you for your clarification on our goal needing to be sanctification on a daily basis. We as Christians need this reminder.

[@rozesarered54]

Thank you for taking a stand.

[@susanfletcher3329]

It's is so nice to see a young guy get fired up for the Lord. This is so needed. Thank you John

[@everygoodwork1]

Thanks John for breaking this down for us. This is an important time to know how to stand in the face of compromise.

[@jacobsecor5015]

John, thank you for not compromising. Thank you for standing up and holding the line. Thank you for setting an example of a godly man. Wishing you and your family all blessings and joy.

[@searchbar83]

I've gained so much respect for John Cooper for not only sticking to his faith, but being as vocal about his faith as possible.

[@lisawillis3]

MUCH needed John! So thankful you are here to stand up for the insanity that is happening. Jesus come quickly.

[@topherwallaert9473]

I couldn't stop thinking about Jesus's words throughout this podcast... ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:22‭-‬23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Love your stuff John, keep being real!

[@matthewclayton9588]

Great stuff John! It’s refreshing to hear a voice in the Christian community preaching the truth of Gods word and breaking down what is going on inside the culture today.

[@listentosilverfish]

I know so many Christians who say things like “God just cares about the condition of your heart” to justify their excessive drinking, profanity, and other behaviors that imitate the world but don’t recognize that their heart is more concerned with exercising their personal freedoms than the Kingdom of God. It’s very frustrating and it’s getting worse.

[@jennyb9218]

Love John Cooper, firm believer and follower of Jesus Christ! Stand up John!💪

[@stevenbliss9643]

Bro... this was fantastic. Love your passion and righteous zeal! What absurdity, what insanity... what sheer lunacy and utter compromise the church has been for so long. It's like having an ulcer and using tums to take away its momentary gnawing, only to have it eat another hole in your stomach the next day. If you don't change what you're doing, the problem will only get worse and possibly eventually kill you. So is the life of the believer. Having been in ministry and written hundreds of worship songs, I can say this with authority, Christian music ain't no limbo contest to see how low we can get. If I'm not strong, how can I help or lead others to become strong. If I make things fit my way, for my purposes, or the way I think it should go, I'm a fool. Compromise only breeds more compromise. I've watched the latest and the so-called worship and Christian music, and it's shocking. The spirit of the world is all over it... it is not the Spirit of Jesus. Blessing in Y'shua!

[@alsmith7993]

Thank you for this!!!!!! SO thankful there's NO rot to be found in Skillet's music!!!!

[@Skilletfan]

And there never will be! Skillet won’t do that ‘cause they’re for real.

[@EricCampbellflight836]

Hi John, thank you for this pod cast today. I am a Pastor down here in Oklahoma and I can tell you for sure that the pressure to compromise God’s word is overwhelming on Pastors as well as Christian artists. I pray that God would continue to give all of us the grace to stand strong for Him. He is so worth it!

[@carlosjaramillo493]

Thank you Bro. John!!! It's VERY sad that maybe some of these Christian artists don't even read the Bible... everything has to stand on God's Word.... anything else is sinking sand ... I was saddened to hear about some of these artists ... KEEP ROCKIN FOR JESUS 🫶

[@jaradcorbett9089]

Good job, John. You are truly standing in the storm!!!

[@jpobrien1973]

Preach it! I remember also being saddened by POD's f-bomb The crazy and sad and maddening thing for me, is that as a youth leader, I am seeing a number of youth leaders mimic these same things! So frustrating! Will be interesting to see what happens in a big youth leader group where I just shared this video and challenged my fellow youth leaders to do better with the music and artists that we promote to the students God's entrusted into our care. Praying that your talk here gets through to at least some

[@GEES44DC]

The thing with POD is the evidence you see in their public life points more to them being Rastafarian than them being Christians. And that is mostly applicable to Sonny. Their Southtown album was riddled with Rasta language and imagery and nothing since then has really pointed to Jesus.

[@chriswilken2616]

great to hear someone speaking honestly and openly about how christian music is not christ centered

[@bettibriedad]

Great word, John! Thanks for raising awareness about all this. I'm with you 100%. I so appreciate your high view of Scripture and Christian holiness and sanctification. Continue speaking out about these compromises! Blessings on you, my brother!

[@christyrpak4378]

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? Far from it!” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ Sounds pretty straightforward.

[@juliabos2970]

I appreciate John Cooper so much. Thank you for your podcasts ❤😊

[@melissarose3787]

So glad to hear you do a 180 on The Shack! I was upset that Elmbrook Church carried the book back then. Prayers answered to hear you reflect on this. Praise God. ❤

[@jambox9919]

I grew up with Christian music being a big part of my life. The 80s Christian rock was a great spiritual encouragement to me and a great alternative to what my unsaved friends were listening to. Skillet became one of my favorites early on as well. I still remember opening that CD with the black skillet on it and even sharing it with lost friends. I'm almost 50 now. And I've been a pastor for 27 years. Today, I still love Christian music. Do I have some concerns about it today? Absolutely. And especially the worship songs. But I treat Christian artists like the preachers of today. I use discernment. There are many songs and many sermons that don't line up with the Bible so I just move on. As far as Derrick Webb goes...that broke my heart to watch him sing in drag and sing a false message about Jesus. I reached out to CCM magazine about their promotion of his new album. They responded and let me know that Derrick actually deceived them to promote his album. They did not endorse it. Today, is a day we must filter all things Christian through God's word. Lord, give us discernment and give our musicians and pastors truth. Thanks John for all you do. We love Skillet and your podcast. My son is reading your book. Keep up the good work!

[@melissac6774]

Yes, discernment! That has to come from the Holy Spirit. Some of the music sang at Christian concerts are so disappointing. And held at venues where alcohol is sold. Ugh.

[@created4greatness]

Hearing about Tiffany from Plumb and Derik from Caedmons Call helping promote that conservative drag queen artist was really sad

[@alannahquiniones3695]

@Cooper Stuff Thank you, I just saw the video come up for the Shack and I had never heard you repent of that. Thanks and Thank you for taking the arrows as Alley Beth Stucky would say. Blessings on you and your family and Skillet.

[@Bluetooth_ez]

We recently had to make things pretty clear at our church that although we love you as people, we will never be able to affirm your sexual beliefs. Same sex attraction is trying to infiltrate Gods house. The word is very clear on this. These individuals need to quit trying to normalise sin because of 'feelings'. They are literally playing with the lake of fire.

[@robertbrasher4082]

100% agree with you John!! This is part of the great falling away, the Apostate church. I was the number one Amy Grant fan and she has gone this route. When she gave a speech at the Kennedy honors, she said the “S” word. What a reproach as she was being honored as the “Christian” pop artist. Also in her new album, she says the “D” word in one of the songs. I’m done with her unless she repents. She has given Christianity a bad name. She has also embraced the LGBT folks. It breaks my heart. Keep preaching truth!!

[@samuelpike1248]

True Robert,the artist known as Plumb has as well

[@musician445]

I have not seen the movie, I didn't know that about the Shack, but i heard a friend of mine mention that he was avoiding it; now i know why. The song however, in my opinion, is very powerful in itself and i love it very much. But i understand that supporting and being a part of something that blasphemes the holy spirit is a concerning thing that would weigh on you. Unfortunately, we have to get into the culture war. We can either fight the enemy where they are, or let them continuously take ground until we are more and more disadvantaged. We know who wins in the end. But we are certainly doing a fairly weak job (collectively) in the mean time waiting for Him. Also lol "hurt my feelings and give me the sads" XD. Reaching the lost does not mean that we change what we believe and act out of accordance with scripture. Thats, like you said, the polar opposite of true sanctification. Thank you for speaking about this John.

[@beachcow83]

I am glad you referenced The Shack. It never sat right with me and I was a little surprised that you guys were on the soundtrack. It always left me to wonder if you guys supported the movie. Thank you for clarifying.

[@JD-yq3dd]

It's crazy to think that he didn't know the book before doing the soundtrack. I find that odd?? Or he didn't get a preview of the movie. Really? The Father portrayed as afat woman!?! I don't know .... Not judging. And to endorse that Lauren D did a good thing about a movie but won't draw a line about homosexuality.

[@karlaschmid]

Same here. Everyone at our church couldn’t stop reading it and talking about it. But when I would ask Jesus about whether I should watch it, or read the book, I always got a sick feeling in my stomach just like when my discernment kicks in when I’m dealing with the enemy. For a while, I thought something was wrong with me that I wasn’t interested in checking it out. And I thought I was the one that was far off from God for not being drawn to it. It was the same situation for me when Facebook first came out.

[@GEES44DC]

The Shack is a New Age mess.

[@michaelsharp8633]

There's a whole world of difference between struggling with sin, and embracing it (and even promoting it!).

[@billtackett8217]

Thanks for this, John, and for being on the front lines of this spiritual battle.

[@tammydammann1838]

YES!!! This exactly, thank you!

[@liftmyspirit9337]

Thanks for being brave and speaking out about this. It makes me respect your band even more than before. The truth will ALWAYS win in the end.

[@leesmith8606]

This is the scripture that comes to my mind when I listened to this podcast. James 3:9 "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." Thank you for standing up and bringing this into the light.

[@MattSchiefelbeinYouTube]

So much great stuff in this video, John! Thank you for all you do for the Kingdom!

[@wesmoe1]

Thank you for never backing down and always standing up for what you believe in!

[@Dawn388]

Excellent! I love when the truth for Christ is spoken!

[@rawar777joshanderson]

John you are a house built on a rock. Stand strong brother - keep preaching truth. Its getting weird and nasty out there.

[@TheNickLavender]

I remember as a kid, Family Christian Bookstores used to have a chart in their music area which would point you towards a Christian band comparable to a secular one (If you like Creed, then maybe you'll like Kutless, etc). The point it seemed, was to provide an alternative Christian band that sounded like the secular version. The issue is that some of these "Christian" bands seemed like they went into the Christian music realm because they couldn't make it in the secular music realm. Christian bookstores, etc were all to eager to flock to them in order to peddle them as a Christian alternative to their customer base. Basically, you had secular bands catering to Christian audiences so in a way maybe we shouldn't be surprised where they stand on social/moral issues or the words that slip into their lyrics. They've used us (their Christian audience) for monetary gain only but they don't identify with us or the issues we stand on. Its refreshing when you DO get a Christian artist who believes in what they sing and sees it as a ministry rather than an attempt to milk a cash cow (the Christian audience).

[@brahtrumpwonbigly7309]

Far too often I see this, where people seem desperate to flock to something they think caters to them when it is in name alone.

[@Ironica82]

Don't know if I am really aging myself but as a teen, I used to watch G Rock on TBN (wasn't into the preachers of that network, just the music video shows). As I was more into alternative/punk/ska music back then, I would enjoy listening to the songs while watching some skater vids. They would sometimes have guest artists on to host the show. It was always funny/odd how a few of them were talking normal and having fun during the show but when they got to the mandatory "gospel presentation", they would be like they were reading from a script and very deadpan.

[@mad4nertz]

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

[@MayaRivka]

You know, listening to this, I’ve been pretty blind to what’s been going on. I had no idea there was such a thing as “progressive Christianity”. Makes sense in reading Revelation. Then seeing what is happening in the LGTB+ arena, then last straw for me… Sound of Freedom - we are not far from His return. I had walked away, but knowing scripture things tugged at my heart and I just recently recommitted my life to Jesus Christ because of seeing what’s happened- which almost seems to be overnight - I could not deny any more. Thank you for this!!! Watching The Chosen didn’t hurt either.

[@kimbowers3607]

Thankyou for not keeping silent.

[@WendyWzOpinion]

YES! 100% agree!! Keep laying down the truth and the sick beats! 🥳🤘🎸

[@unLucky704]

John ive been listening to you for several years. Over 6. I love your music and its a huge part of my playlist. I am so glad you are calling out these people instead of being like them. I just found out you have a podcast and im listening to it right now. I am really glad that while the christian music industry is pretty rotten right now at least your music and your band skillet are good. Im really glad you guys are not apostates like so many people right now. Ive been listening and keeping my ears out and it seems God is bringing to His church's attention the apostates right now. A preacher i really like to follow online talks about apostates recently its everywhere i see right now. He says how to tell if a church went apostate is what they say they are for not what they are against. I love how you clearly state what you are against. "If your gonna open the word of God you need to be prophetic you are not allowed to be pathetic." I love what your doing now and I wish more christians would stand up for what we believe in and would fight for the faith. The Bible is the foundation of everything. It doesnt change, it changes you. God doesnt change, he changes you. If this helps anyone reading this here is how you would find someone who is apostate. "Its often a senior leader. They are those who live by the demonic. These are people who are wolves. Apostates are not people who don't claim to be Christian. They claim to be christan and are antichrist. Its like lets say your in the military and your drilling and training with your platoon and then its the day of the battle and its time to contend. And as soon as you get to the front line and you see the enemy approaching, the person next to you runs into the battle, welcomes the enemy and then attacks you. Thats an apostate. They are the ungodly in words and actions. They are the immoral and celebrate the evil behavous. They bare false witness and are greedy. They are rebellious and divisive. They pretend they are on your side but are not." The Bible says Matthew 7:15-20 "15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits." The book of Jude is all about fighting for the faith and apostates. Jude 4 states "For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." I thought this would be helpful to people who are curious or who wanted to read all this. The pastor i follow online said most of the 2nd paragraph i just pulled it off his sermon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eniukqmdobeUnM0 here is the sermon if anyone is interested :3