Cooper Stuff: Ep. 67 - Thoughts on Kevin Max and Deconstruction

The latest deconstruction story of Kevin Max has some people asking how this happens and what can we do to fortify ourselves in our faith. Cooper Stuff shares some thoughts concerning our lack of communicating the true gospel that begins with repentance. To truly love Christ is to keep his commandments. That is what a true Jesus Freak is.
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[@amandamarie9811]

“I want God, not my idea of God.” -CS Lewis.

[@noahmlong]

💯🔥

[@warriorBRYDE1990]

🙏🏼🏹

[@PsychoBible]

Note to self: raise volume AFTER the Cooper Stuff intro.

[@SizzlingVibe]

IKR?? Lol 😂

[@hpetterson2265]

Yeah... Every. Dang. Time! 🙉

[@momjameson]

Yes! Hurt me bad!

[@joshuariston2924]

For real

[@matthayes533]

IKR the audio was kind of weird on this one. Good info though.

[@armacdonald73]

Just another note, the song “Jesus Freak” was written by Toby Mac. I’m also not surprised by Kevin’s “deconstruction”. When DC Talk broke up he wrote a book of poetry, it was filled with a more universalist and new age message. His solo album also was a wishy, washy album.

[@tamrn007]

I was a 90’s kid and loved dc Talk. I’m not surprised at all about K-max, obvious that he’s been “deconstructed” for many many years now, even back to the end of the dc Talk era. It’s like he’s the living embodiment of their song “My Friend (so long)”.

[@Yashael341]

It's a great music video to show your druggy friends. Freaks 'em out enough to give you their attention.

[@nathankinman7753]

Now I wonder if Toby and Michael wrote those lyrics with Kevin in mind. And that would explain why Supernatural which that song was on, was the last album DC Talk made.

[@dpwellman]

I have to admit, John Cooper, has fast become of of my favorite people. Being outspoken is risky, and for that, much respect. I've got a lot of these to catch up on. . .

[@veritas220]

Same here.

[@Iou655]

Bottom line. Just because someone is in the Christian music industry or has a Christian ministry means nothing. We dont know anyones personal relationship with God just because they are in the spotlight

[@drummingfool1649]

The more I love Jesus, the more I realize how much I'm not like Him,,,,, WOW,,,, that one got me between the eyes,,,,

[@drummingfool1649]

@Joshua Baker I just love JLCs perspective and honesty.

[@marahnathagilbert4139]

We will never be like Jesus on this side of eternity! Comparing yourself to perfection invites failure. We are conforming to His image over time, but Jesus is much more than His image.

[@drummingfool1649]

@@marahnathagilbert4139 hmm,, I may be wrong, but I feel like maybe you missed what he is saying. The more he loves Jesus, the more he wants to be like him. Which is something all of us as christians should be doing anyway ( the word literally means follower of Christ .) He was making the analogy that, the closer he draws to Christ, the more we will come to realize the truth of how truly far away we are from Him. The closer we are to His righteousness, the more we come to realize how truly UN- righteous we are without Him. Again,, forgive me if I misunderstood what you were saying ❤️

[@mackfarlainethebarenakedau5113]

I can relate. The more I learn about Jesus and the more I live Him, the less I understand why and how He could love someone like me.

[@drummingfool1649]

@@mackfarlainethebarenakedau5113 Amen!!! Like, it's easy to see why we would love him!! Not so easy to see why he loves us,,,, but He does!!❤️

[@ellenlewis2429]

I feel like John is much smarter than he gives himself credit for and he dumbs it down for a wider/younger audience.

[@deedeebolden]

To be fair, I can understand how someone could be deceived into deconstruction if they’ve been a part of the average American evangelical church, with the average shallow evangelical theology. People who have deconstructed think they’re asking questions that haven’t been answered a thousand years ago, because American evangelicalism has done a terrible job of discipling people, and on the whole doesn’t seem to care too much about church history or theology, and certainly doesn’t care about apologetics. Just giving a trite, “Well, they weren’t really a Believer.” is a cop out, and a convenient way for evangelicalism to not have to take a look in the mirror and assess if they were BEING THE CHURCH, and not just a weekly Christian concert and pep talk. Some self reflection is necessary here.

[@georgiosmarcou4446]

Spot on well said, 👏 what is really sad is the fact that many people, especially in music ministry have an extremely shallow understanding of God & His Word! We need word for word expository teaching & preaching.

[@Yashael341]

Even if "they weren't really a believer", that doesn't give the church an out. How have you had this person in your influence for so many years and just let them slip through your fingers?

[@melthefretmaster]

There was very little that was shallow in the church I grew up in (with the marked exception being the way people would spread gossip via the "we need to pray for so-and-so" method). The church was EXTREMELY judgmental. I watched my pastor and his staff try to force women into staying in abusive relationships. My mother would beat me and go to church and brag about it while lying to those people and telling them that I was using drugs (I never did, and still haven't used any illegal substance). Her friends would applaud her and encourage her to keep it up. I cannot tell you how many times people spread rumors about me and then punished ME for something I had never done or said - people were talking, right? That meant something was up! The church is abusive and needs to change. As for me, I returned to my Jewish roots. I will never return to an evangelical church again.

[@nathankinman7753]

Amen and Amen! There are two groups of people I blame for this problem! 1. The cowardly Pastors. And 2. THE PARENTS for their failures to raise their children. Hey BOOMERS, I'm talking to you! Hey GenX, y'all need a WAKE UP CALL too!

[@nickfoerster8108]

It is incredibly encouraging to hear so much biblical language, love for Christ and conviction coming from John! Thank you, brother, for your clarity and conviction. You must be a part of a great church!

[@plumb737]

Agreed! 💯💯💯💯

[@heartsreveringchrist]

The closer we get to God the more aware we are of our sin. Thank you Jesus for Saving me! ✝️

[@veronicaspencelocke2003]

@Erich Thomas Amen, John gets, and says some things SO clearly!! He’s absolutely right that the closer we get to Jesus -the Jesus of the Bible- the more we understand and FEEL aware of our sin. “ if we love Jesus KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS!!”❤️

[@j.reesebradley4771]

The good news is, the story isn’t over for any of these deconstructed people. They can still call to God at any point, and He will answer them and show them great and unsearchable things they do not know. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

[@maricls26]

Amen!

[@2shoobs391]

Hebrews 6 disagrees

[@j.reesebradley4771]

@2shoobs if they were never enlightened it is. There’s millions of people, influential people, walking around calling themselves Christians who have yet to truly understand the gospel and experience regeneration. “Taking the Name in vain”

[@TakingTurf]

*_"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away." -James 4:14_*

[@55k3v1n]

So-o-o-o-o true. He'll never give up on these people...or any of us

[@theLogstead]

I have so much appreciation for this podcast and its straightforward encouragement to keep chasing the truth of the bible.

[@trevorryks5843]

Thanks Cooper. My heart is broken for Kmax. I've been saved since 95 and grew up with DCTalk and Skillet. The western church is failing because it doesn't require repentance of anyone. 40,000 denominations so there is a luke warm flavor for everyone. God's law is to love HIM with all your heart soul and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. I was chewed out by my pastor and deacons for asking why we are participating in Halloween, Easter, and Christmas but don't observe any of God's commanded Feasts and Festivals. I asked the question, "Does God appreciate the sacrifice of our time and resources for Trunk or Treat while we ignore Sukkot?" Whether I'm right or wrong to be against Trunk or Treat, the church is failing if it's afraid to seek the Truth in God's word to answer that question.

[@icantbelievehalfofwhatihear]

And this dear sir is why the more I listen to you the more I listen to everything of yours I can gather. Preach 🙌🏼

[@twingo146]

We need less topical preaching and more expository preaching. The younger generations, and far too many of us who are older, are biblically illiterate. We need verse by verse study of the entire Bible, so that God's Word is written on our hearts. I believe that would help people connect the God of the Old Testament with the Jesus of the New and help us understand that they are one and the same.

[@GayFesh]

I read the Bible cover to cover multiple times and it was one of the biggest contributors to me becoming an atheist. Might wanna put that on your heart.

[@twingo146]

My comment was really for those who are already in the church who are drifting away or who are seeing their children do so. I want you to know that you are loved by those you know who are true Believers, whether you are a Believer now or not. People who really love, serve, and believe in Jesus as the one way to a relationship with God pray daily for people we know who don't believe. If reading the Bible drove you to atheism, I will pray that doesn't last. One thing I think helps many is to read some books that help explain the literal fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. If you can see that those things were literally predicted hundreds or thousands of years before the birth of Christ and were literally fulfilled, maybe you will consider that the rest of the Bible could be true as well. I pray you consider your eternity important enough to study and make sure you want to choose atheism. I hope my response to you comes across as humility and respect for whatever your choice may be. Ultimately we all have to make a decision about where we fall in this. God loves us, and therefore gives us free will.

[@GayFesh]

@@twingo146 If you believe God will condemn me to eternal torture if I’m unconvinced of his existence, I do not believe your motivation is one of love, but of deep fear. No loving god would torture people for eternity. Your compulsion to evangelize stems from a fear of hell first and foremost, and it is why evangelical Christianity is so insidious and all-encompassing. You’re so terrified of burning for eternity that you can’t risk questioning any of the morally abhorrent commandments of YHWH. No loving God would condemn someone to an infinity of torment just because they weren’t convinced in their blip of a life on Earth. There is no justice in that kind of disproportionate punishment.

[@twingo146]

I'm sorry that's what you believe. Many unbelievers believe the same -- that it's impossible for Believers to truly love God, that our salvation is only "fire insurance." They could not be more wrong, though. Other than His love for us, our love for Him is the purest love anyone could ever know. I think the world hates the exclusivity of salvation, but salvation is only excludes those who are determined to love the world more than they love God. Jesus asks all to come and to take up their cross and follow Him. Believe me, we all had and have sin that we did not / do not want to lay down. Those things are the desires of the flesh. God does not condemn man. Man condemns himself, because He loves himself and his own sin more than anything else. Sadly, there is no one in hell who didn't choose to be there. And I unapogetically agree that it does hurt me enormously to think about anyone being eternally separated from the One who loved us enough to die for us, even while we were the most heinous of sinners. I can't imagine an eternal existence without hope. The without hope is the without God part, more than the fear of the punishment that accompanied dying without Christ. Although this verse also comes to mind as well -- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 This is not the type of fear you refer to (although He will judge the world one day, and perhaps soon). The fear spoken of in Proverbs 9:10 is referring to the awe and wonder we should have toward the magnitude of the One Who is the Creator of all things, the One Whose countenance is so bright, man cannot look upon Him and live. I say all of this as one who is still so very far from perfect but recognizes my ultimate dependence on Jesus. Even as a Christian, my good deeds are still as filthy rags in light of God, Who is Holy. But He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, and He Who began a good work in me will not be finished until I am complete, which will not happen this side of eternity. I know you don't hold scripture in high regard, but this is one verse about what we believe about man's condemnation of himself and why we believe it -- For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NASB1995 bible.com/bible/100/rom.1.20.NASB1995

[@GayFesh]

@@twingo146 By arguing it is not God who is sending people to hell but people themselves who are doing it, you are conceding the point that if God was doing it, it would be abhorrent, therefore the existence of hell is abhorrent. If God is truly all-powerful and all-benevolent, he would not allow the existence of a place of eternal punishment REGARDLESS of who was responsible for people going there. You can dress it up however you like. You’re either in it for fire insurance, or you’re atrociously evil, and I do not believe you are atrociously evil.

[@josephpayne8740]

Really well man! Really well put.. Great of you covering these issues. And shining some light on it, and opening up the convo for real

[@cassandrazyss7701]

I really needed to hear this today and every day! Thank you for clarity.

[@silvergirl6091]

Yes, DC Talk partnered with Voice of the Martyrs to make the book Jesus Freaks. I read it in my late teens and the stories of these people who lived their lives for God, even to the point of death, have "stuck" with me all of these years later. A great book!

[@55k3v1n]

Man I hear you, bro! I needed that sobering preaching. Keep seeking, keep knocking, keep repenting, keep striving, keep bringing it to the throne of grace! Lord bless you, brother!

[@ellenlewis2429]

Thank you for speaking out and reminding me to get back to a biblical viewpoint on EVERYTHING.

[@bloodless653]

Amen, brother! Thank you for the reminder that the more I love Jesus, the more I'll realize how much like Him I am NOT, and how much more I need Him.

[@wadejinright3952]

Thank you for standing strong in your faith. You have been a great encouragement in your music.

[@michaelcochran8611]

Keep doing what you're doing! Appreciate all the real talk, brother.

[@joannegaribay4802]

Great content - great response! Thank you for your commitment to the ministry that God has placed you in! Gma Jo

[@WalkinginDivineHealth]

Step one: Hear the Truth, Step two: Believe the Truth, Step three: Repent (turn), Step four: Surrender. Practice daily

[@notreallysure99]

Thank you for sharing this, especially the last 10 or 15 minutes...the lost need to understand the peril they face and the amazing grace He provides. I pray for Kevin Max and the many others.

[@lorisharpe7397]

The Bible speaks about a great falling away, even while many are coming to Christ. The main places we are seeing deconstruction is in the first world, especially America, and the greatest numbers coming to Christ are in places like the Middle East and China.

[@melissamoats3926]

That's the difficulty of having an America-centric faith. God is global and He will raise up His people from every tribe tongue and nation

[@googIesux]

@@melissamoats3926 what's america-centric faith? i don't think i've ever heard of that before

[@melissamoats3926]

@@googIesux I would characterize it as a faith that places undue focus on America and feels that America is God's nation. If/when America loses its place on the world stage, God will still be on His throne and will raise up another nation from which to send forth missionaries and to make his name known in the world.

[@marahnathagilbert4139]

@@melissamoats3926 I still am believing God for a revival in America because so many things people have their faith in are going away. So many things we have taken for granted.

[@ShainaCilimberg]

Chi Anne MCClain and Justin Bieber are recommit themselves

[@scripsiscriptum524]

Appreciate the realness and honesty. And you’re right-the part that’s been missing is the serious reality of sin.

[@chadclark1055]

Mr Cooper I’m so happy to be fighting alongside you. I loved listening to you since your early 2000 albums. I hope to meet you, either on this side or the next. Keeping your ministry in prayer. God is so pleased that you are the rare Artist that’s in absolute truth my friend

[@ahhitskatie9094]

Amen, my brother. This was absolutely your best podcast yet. It's amazing how, just as I believe it says in James, truth really does cut to the heart (whether it be for us to grow closer to Christ Jesus or allows our hearts to harden). Praying for all those lost souls out there who continually reject Jesus. Time is short. Also, looking forward to another epic Skillet show this July!

[@pamelacoy2449]

Awesome pod cast John. Can’t wait to read your book.

[@stephengilbreath840]

John I don't know if you'll see this but you are such a blessing and an inspiration to me. I'm so proud of what you're doing. Keep fighting the fight. Proud to call you my brother in Christ.

[@BryantCarter]

Thank you for this. I'm still a DC talk fan but this made some things with Kevin clear to me after hearing. The journey isn't over and he's in my prayers along with anyone else going down or on that road. Narrow is the road truely.

[@cowboys4life956]

That's why having an actual relationship with Jesus is very important. I've been through so much and at times have distanced myself from God for a bit(when my mom passed) but i came back and never stopped believing. When you're really born again, you can't go back, you have experienced him, you know for a fact he's real. And its not just blind faith. But i pray for the man and all people that now claim they don't believe anymore, or believe in a different Jesus..

[@fanofskillet6100]

Comatose,I'll never wake up without a Cooper stuff's Podcast

[@fanofskillet6100]

@@AllYourBaseAreBelongToU5 You make the new podcast I would never live without your podcast

[@cherpidy3991]

Oh my goodness, wow, yeah! Great stuff, John! I am FOR SURE following your breadcrumbs and how we got where we are. Thank you SOOO much! ❤️🙏

[@mikebrunstetter]

I appreciate this, brother! May the Lord bless your ministry! Also, Skillet's song, "Anchor" has really spoke to our family during a tough time. Thank you!

[@riaanvanzyl2275]

This was such a blessing for so may reasons. Thanks John!

[@joshuamckeon7478]

Thank you for speaking out John !!!. thank you for using the authority that Jesus gave you !!

[@MrRockelleunique]

Thank you for this.

[@Mousicaddict]

As a child of the 90’s this really rang true to me on so many levels. Love you, Coop!

[@denisbilly7153]

This is great stuff, brother! I'm blessed your ministry!

[@jeffnolte3608]

you handled this very well John.....I'm grateful for your candor & honesty.

[@kristianwiles4297]

Praise You Heavenly Father and Savior The Lord Jesus Christ for saving a wretch like me, and giving me new life in You by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Draw all souls to You Lord. Praise You forever and ever. Amen

[@TheBlubunni]

Amen. Praise His Holy Name. Jesus is Lord of all.

[@Matzoa07]

Preach!!! Thanks bro!! Really great content!!

[@HeReigns4ever]

Bingo! We aren’t judgmental we have discernment and that’s from God! You are spot on John Cooper!

[@natehead2224]

How do you know your discernment is from god?

[@masterpheld]

Subscribed!! God Bless you John, and your wife and family and music. I pray His glory and protection and blessing over the group Skillet - may all that you do glorify his name and bless others.

[@sterlingwalters]

We should all question the things that we've learned in church. Just because a preacher said it, doesn't mean it is true. It is naive to believe that we haven't inherited some junk in Christianity after 2,000 years. Kevin Max hasn't lost his faith. He's discovering God's faith in him.

[@evadelprince2394]

Thank you for saying this Sarah. God bless you

[@drewr1552]

Read the Bible! That's the foundation of truth. That'll keep you strong and close to God, who will be your anchor.

[@matasaina2011]

How did that go for Ravi? 🤔

[@drewr1552]

@@matasaina2011 What do you mean?

[@drock7601]

You nailed it! I needed this today!

[@meaganclark558]

Finally ordered your book! Can’t wait to read it. Your videos have been a great addition to my studies of His word!

[@Joy_Joy_Joy]

So good! Keep His commandments. ❤️

[@TakingTurf]

*_Thoroughly enjoyed the analysis. Blessings._* 🙌

[@jaredhammonds8255]

I heard a quote one time that stopped me in my tracks, "hate is not the opposite of love-indifference is." He calls us to follow his commands because sin hurts us and he loves us too much to leave us where we are. If he were not loving he would be all condoning and accepting even when our actions causes us incredible harm. His commands are loving boundaries not prison cells.

[@hpetterson2265]

Exactly! My argument with my children concerning their discipline is just that. If I did not love them I would not care enough to give them consequences for their wrong actions. And God loves us far more than I even love my children.

[@melthefretmaster]

It might give you some perspective to know where that quote came from. It was Elie Wiesel, a survivor of Shoah.

[@before120]

this comment should have gotten way more attention. I get it and agree. great comment.

[@genesis92509]

Great word John. Thanks for the warning.

[@charmainelee5085]

Finally got my copy of your book Cooper! (though it's a month back XD) Praise the Lord for your works. May God's grace and peace be with everyone. Amen

[@bevraber5728]

PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE!!! Keep speaking the TRUTH John!! May you be strengthened in your inner man to stay the course set before you. God bless you & keep you!

[@heathsmith5358]

Wow! Powerful podcast! Thank you.

[@jameyking881]

John, plain and simple........you rock bro! You are proclaiming the gospel on every podcast. Love it!

[@sheenaheberlig7180]

I appreciate your perspective and how you respectfully react through a biblical lense. I agree, if we really love Jesus, we need to obey his commands, not manipulate to fit my own lifestyle. The woman at the well was told to stop sinning - Jesus didn't accept her sin, He showed her love and forgiveness. We need to be praying for our churches, our children and our leaders. Keeping you in prayer as well brother!

[@moments_peace]

Preach!! Thanks!! Excellently said!

[@jjrob7220]

Cooper’s boldness is such an encouragement in faith!

[@johnsmit5999]

A good discussion. Repentance was the one concept that was lacking in my Christian upbringing. I am not surprised that there are many still proclaiming the name of Jesus who haven't repented themselves. It was quite a journey God took me on to get me to the point of repentance. It is a rare experience.

[@tulipmoore4378]

Such a good word! Thank you.

[@nicwhote1398]

Yes John. God has been working through Skillet for a long time. But it is SOOOOOOO awesome to see him work through just solely John. Seeing my favorite artists and entertainers for lack of other words, fall, it is so refreshing to see you keep speaking truth. Please don’t ever stop and I know you won’t.

[@nickicribbs6671]

Man I love listening to you and your realness!! This is super sad because I was a huge Jesus Freak fan!!

[@tuesdydadulo1514]

Man your knowledge on things culture art and how it can or can’t be related to the Bible is really impressive. I have been encouraged to dig deeper in my quiet times and really hide/keep it in my heart.

[@jenniferolson1035]

Really good stuff. Thank you!

[@marahnathagilbert4139]

I love DC Talk, but for a while, I noticed Kevin "liking" things I couldn't "like" as a Christian and have wondered about him. I didn't feel led to ask him about it publicly but I did keep watching to try and figure out where he was coming from. Then I also saw the recent "exvangelical" post. I see he will be touring again soon with his DC Talk buddies, and that may be good for him. God isn't mad when we ask Him questions, but when we disagree with God on issues, we are totally ignorant because God is never wrong on any issue.

[@evadelprince2394]

Hi :) I am a fellow DC Talk fan. Can you please share more information you say DC Talk touring again soon?

[@audramckenzie7022]

So good!! Really enjoyed this one!

[@MessengerOnline]

Thanks for doing this, John. You almost make me want to pull away from our apolitical stance on initial postings! I admire your self education. And I (Frank) really enjoyed your Wildman & Steve interview published last Friday.

[@ArtyQTV]

Great Stuff John!! Absolutely agree with all your points!

[@kristalovelady5669]

I read Kevin’s book like 20 years ago as a teenager and huge fan of dctalk. I remember telling my friend how sad I was that Kevin drank alcohol and smoked cigars. So many looked up to him.

[@chuckfriebe843]

Do you enjoy CS Lewis? He drank smoked and swore. Get off your high horse.

[@ricknewton459]

Hi John, this is completely how i see things, especially in the hyper charismatic groups( not everyone but the general message of just what ever goes) I just bought your book.

[@pureNRGlover94]

A glass of wine and Cooper Stuff…good combo for sure!

[@Nu-En-Jin77]

John, I'm hearing you sing "I don't need your woke, woke cookies" to the tune of "Wild Honey " from your old school stuff. Love your heart and passion. Keep bringing it! GODspeed!

[@cherpidy3991]

You were AWESOME in Wichita!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for coming!

[@nicolejamerson4266]

Loved Skillet in concert! Im so glad you are speaking up and sharing truth.

[@Ironica82]

For the Jesus Freaks book, it was labeled under DC Talk. I still remember the book and the unique way it was made.

[@jodiplocher860]

There were actually 2 and another one was rereleased this winter!

[@Ironica82]

@@jodiplocher860 I remember the second one mainly cause they had stories of those who suffer persecution yet did not die (including the founder of VFTM)

[@Ironica82]

@@kellydarrius yea

[@StoryboardMindset]

Well said. Thank you for sharing.

[@liesl7485]

You nailed this! I have a family member who is walking a similar path. There is a very clear, very obvious element of taking pride and glorying in being edgy and different and challenging/arguing. Seeking after the persona and the image. It's definitely a prayer point: Humility (for her and for me).

[@chadburtelson9423]

I really appreciate you my brother.

[@TheBlubunni]

Amen! Preach John! God bless you and your family always. Jesus is Lord of all! Praise His Holy Name.

[@ianfranks541]

This is sad indeed. I love DC Talk, love Toby Mac, and Michael Tait. We really appreciate all you do John! Can’t wait to see you come close to north Louisiana so I can see y’all again.

[@marahnathagilbert4139]

I remember Michael Tait at Fishnet, maybe '86, singing "Jesus Loves Me." Not a dry eye in the house. And then we all took communion.

[@ianfranks541]

@@marahnathagilbert4139 beautiful story! Thank you for sharing.

[@sth1971]

Love your stuff, Bro!

[@lowlyman4christ998]

Nuff respect. Really good. Ty brother

[@laurenfairchild6884]

Yes!! Stryper!! I listen to them with my dad growing up.

[@cowboystormchaser]

Oooh, this one's gonna be juicy (in a good way). I was JUST looking up Kevin Max the other day! Crazy timing.

[@lorisharpe7397]

Me TOO!😁

[@650chewy]

Thank you for your wisdom and uplifting words. It's refreshing to see that you do believe what you sing about. I was a fan of Jennifer Knapp and I was truly saddened to see her about-face in 2008. I was also discouraged to hear about Ray Boltz as well. I looked up to MxPx too until they started using explicit language in their music. I saw the Newsboys in concert back in 1994 with John James and I was saddened and then relieved to hear his testimony about coming back to his faith. We are all only human though... even my "heroes." I know everyone stumbles and falls but I get really hurt when they turn their back on it all. In the end though I know it's my faith and my standing that are the only things that truly matter to myself. I can't allow myself to be distracted or disheartened by other people regardless of their achievements or fame. Keep rocking John and Korey!

[@dandaub7817]

One of your best videos. Keep on preaching true from the Bible. I tell my 11 year old son similar things to what you said by basically saying that there is a MASSIVE difference between cultural Christianity in America nowadays and biblical Christianity.

[@skilletfan9257]

Love Cooper stuff😊😊😊😊

[@meganlukes6679]

If all the major corporations, Hollywood, celebrities, universities, legacy media, and tons of politicians espouse your ideology, YOU’RE NOT THE REBELLION.

[@hpetterson2265]

Exactly. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@melthefretmaster]

If the church refuses to leave its echo chamber, leaving absolutely is an act of rebellion. I'm proud of Kevin for doing what's unpopular with the church.

[@before120]

@@melthefretmaster not going to argue. but it is NOT about "the church." it is matters of the heart. you either accept Christs salvation and repent or you don't.

[@en5788]

Thanks for being real, John.

[@vegetarianontheright]

The best definition I've ever heard of love, besides Jesus, is self-sacrifice.

[@adrienngemes9813]

Yes!! New Cooper Stuff Podcast!! 🔥❤️ I really like watching these Podcasts. ❤️

[@mikepowell1015]

What I’ve noticed about so many of these “exvangelicals” or “deconstructionists”, is that they were steeped in a church culture. A lot of them were 90’s youth group kids who never missed a Sunday, raised their hands, listened to all the bands, wore the shirts, went to all the youth conferences, went to the church camps, etc.. They grew up, became adults and realized that they had a church story, but not a Jesus story. But that church culture became so ingrained in their identity that just coming out and proclaiming a full blown rejection of Christianity seems to drastic to them. So instead they use the “exvangelical” jargon to ease their own feelings and guilt. I know a lot of people like this. People I grew up with, including my own brother. They may not use the aforementioned terms, but they are functionally “exvangelicals”.

[@wr1380]

Isn’t it interesting that they want to hang on to the church- it’s like their lifeline. Heartbreaking that they don’t have a relationship with Jesus.

[@SXTNs]

Frankly I have known for a while that he would be coming out in this deconstruction process because even when I watch them as a youth and went to the creation festivals etc., it was known that there were some sin issues at least among the people who were “in” with the bands, but beyond that I think when you have a Jesus story… Which I had to deconstruct personally from my church story into a Jesus story… You can see the lack of love for him and passion for Christ. Spot on and I appreciate it in humble but powerful way you are helping bridge the gap

[@SXTNs]

By the way, I totally wanted to ask in an interview with an air one concert about two or three years ago at some questions but they told me they weren’t appropriate for the general crowd… One of the things I wanted to ask was about how you stay so grounded when you’ve toured with so much of the world and worldly bands. I find myself hearing a lot from the church crowd about skillets music and how it drags Jesus name through the mud etc. blah blah blah and I don’t defend that type of mindset anymore simply because it is a mindset, but at the same time, I’ve seen your interviews year after year and how you continue to speak of Jesus and could tell the story went beyond the “churchianity” of today

[@kross2143]

What you bring up really should be a wake up call to how churches do their youth services. Often kid’s services are filled to the brim with entertainment and social activities without a lot of substance.

[@snopure]

Some very astute observations, and I agree. I don't know if it has something to do with the trend back then of "marketing" Jesus. Or perhaps it wasn't Jesus they were marketing, but "Christianity". So much fluff was added to ministry that often Biblical truth wasn't taught, but instead popular "Christian" books were read as if they were Biblical. Case in point, "I Kissed Dating Good-bye" by Josh Harris, uncoincidentally (or it seems uncoincidentally) another "exvangelical." So many people studied that book and applied it to their lives, eventually becoming disillusioned, not with the book, but with God, because the promises in that book didn't come to pass, even though I don't recall much Scripture being used in that book at all.

[@darlad99]

Wow thanks for this john

[@lutheranleavener]

Awesome video...I am a pastor in Canada of the Lutheran Church. In our liturgy we begin confessing our sins with the words "we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. . ." It continues in more detail and confesses "We justly deserve your present and eternal punishment." It is pretty jarring but also very important to understand for the purpose of receiving forgiveness. I thought I would just say that so that people know there are churches that teach orthodox teaching. The US equivalent of my church body is the LCMS. God be with you all.

[@mikefields1776]

Great analysis between the ever popular "buddy Jesus" and the actual Jesus of the Bible.