Does P*rn DISQUALIFY Pastors From Ministry? | Pastor Reacts

[@mccalltrader]

Any perpetual sin, without repentance, disqualifies a man from ministry.

[@RobertlawrenceBDCMinistries]

any perpetual KNOWN sin... TONS of sins of ignorance would not disqualify.

[@teresafarrell6457]

Yet, the pastor remains on the pulpit.

[@jetset808]

except being super rich ....right?

[@JohnGramer06]

That pulls someone from Christ as evidence of not genuinely believing.

[@jetset808]

@@JohnGramer06 that isn't how salvation works

[@benjaminrains2374]

I put my addiction to pornography to death thanks to the love of my lord Jesus Christ and the support of my wife and brothers in Christ. I couldn’t do it on my own. I am sanctified daily, being trained by grace.

[@aceosd]

Praise the Lord. I'm currently battling my porn addiction one of the hardest things I've had to do. But I feel that if I want to take pay in children's ministry I have to conquer this demon first

[@benjaminrains2374]

@@aceosd there will be a day that is the last day you look at it. That was the hardest thing for me to believe. But once you believe that, it gets better. It could be today!

[@rogerswettenham7695]

Encouraged by your story, I got freed from a terrible porn addiction when Jesus Christ came into my heart 7yrs ago, it can be tough but but you’re right I’ve walked with good godly men. I am always remembering that even through daily sanctification the devil is crouching at the door.

[@LoriLev1107]

Porn is nothing to flirt with. It destroyed my marriage. 😢

[@veronikavanquish]

Thanks for sharing this. It is my hope that ppl like you keep sharing so that more ppl open their eyes and see the true nature of their p*rn use.

[@matthewwest3646]

"You are not a victim of your sin" Amen.

[@ChristianRPGGamers]

amen

[@daveonezero6258]

Yes. Very important. I tried addicion type solutions. It took a spiritual solution.

[@dand4485]

Or the other nonsense... Like many in the blab & grab gospel... "I had the p*rn demon..." Only problem i think i could hear Mr. Driscoll say something like Anton Levay when i read the static bible... (well at least enough to find a clear contradiction, think it was about 120 pageslong, i remember page 42, set it down didn't read another page...) Levay would say i have a demon, i don't want to exorcise and get rid of it i want to exercise it and enjoy my life all the more... Completely agree i'm a sinner, only God's divine Mercy and Grace is the way. My question where is the repentance if one is in sin, and Driscol... Hard to see how he is fit for ministry any longer, no problem there is forgiveness, but there should be a cost for his sin, or possibly allowed back in ministry after 20 or 30 years if those who he submits himself to agree. Would assert Dricols violates so much in the pastoral requirements we read the Bible asserts...

[@madaraindra9815]

Amen

[@S1leNtRIP]

I don’t know about that. I think we are clearly victims of our own sin, as well as perpetrators.

[@Courterfly]

Short answer. Yes.

[@rpminc1974]

Long answer too !! 🙂

[@joeandre8100]

Agreed

[@robjvmedia260]

Allow me to add a few more to the disqualification list: 1. Murder 2. Adultery 3. Idolatry 4. Covetousness 5. Lying 6. Stealing 7. Incest 8. Hatred 9. Greed 10. Harlotry 11. Denying Jesus There. That should do it. I think this list eliminates the Patriarchs, the Apostles, and pretty much everybody and anybody except you and Jesus. Good job, @Courterfly

[@Courterfly]

@@robjvmedia260I can be a sinner in the process of redemption and still call out sin. in fact I’m commanded to. Good try though 😅

[@Utoobeh4tesfreespeech]

Yes bc they should never have started on that path. It begins before watching anything. They are married, mostly older, and mature in the walk. The fact that the internet is a new thing underscores the point. It is a new curiosity you can't accidently fall into. A Christians should also be making sure to monitor their kids to make sure it doesn't infiltrate early. I don't know that Driscoll can honestly speak on this based on the graphically sexual things he has claimed the Holy Spirit has shown him in regards to others' initimate encounters. He's stirring up lustful images in his own congregation!! Hypocrite. He's given excuses. Being abused doesn't allow you to abuse or excuse habits. That could actually lead to actual fornication/abuse in the church. Sexual sins are different. No no no!! Not qualified or you'll be a Ravi

[@Kookyskorner]

I’m a woman- I struggled with pornography before I met Jesus. I put my sin to death because he gave me the strength to do that. That was one of my sins that came off immediately after I was saved. Not everyone has that testimony and I understand that.

[@kathystevens7532]

Is there sin in your camp? Porn is a sin! It opens a door to demons to steal, kill, and destroy (Satan's calling card).

[@kathystevens7532]

Joshua 7:19-26 Achan answers. God told them, at this time, to clean out everyone, but don't take any spoils. Disobedience always gets you into trouble. Joshua had not lost any men up to this point, but this little town cose them about 3,000 men. Asking God about it, the answer came, "There is sin in your camp."

[@joeking433]

I never even know porn could be a problem with women!

[@MegUSN52]

I am so glad you were brave enough to post this. Churches always talk about men and porn addiction, but not women and porn addiction. Most of the stuff we watch on tv these days and read in fiction books would be considered porn. Our kids are being groomed with porn in schools today. So this is not just a man and porn addiction, but rather a society and porn addiction issue.

[@Tarrynn]

It’s kind of unfortunate how most people don’t know this is a female struggle because our younger generations have a LOT of women and girls addicted. It’s just so easily accessible, and when no one addresses it in church or anywhere, it leaves us unsure what to do and even more ashamed to admit it and get help. I began watching it at 11, and I’m now almost 29. 18 years of addiction, even beyond being saved until very recently. It’s been 3 weeks which is my second longest without it ever 😭 Praise God but it’s literally a nightly battle. Pray for me if you see this 🙏🏻

[@lemonkng3188]

I love Paul's writings. He is so loved and so hated.

[@KitKat4Christ]

Paul's one of my favorite Apostles.

[@veronikavanquish]

me toooo

[@washedfeet]

I love Jesus sayings, they are the words of eternal life. Have you memorized them?

[@yasiem6245]

Short answer: yes. Long answer: yes The fact that this is even a debate shows how much the church needs to work on.

[@PettyCrow-n9c]

What about every other sin? Should a pastor be disqualified for committing every other sin? Was is porn this super special disqualifying sin? Getting drunk isn't, lying isn't, fornication isn't...but porn is?

[@yasiem6245]

@@PettyCrow-n9c yes, those are sins and the pastor is willingly consuming porn. Unless you are using excuses to defend your perverted desires

[@hollikrebs]

Lukewarm Pastors lukewarm churches lukewarm Christian’s

[@DanielECarroll]

Our bodies are not used to hearing “No”. Whether it is eating, drinking, sexual desires, laziness, or any kind of indulgence. Once we understand that we have the capacity to tell our mind and bodies “No”, then we gain more and more self-control in all areas of our lives.

[@chrissilva2800]

Amen, I think that is why fasting is so critical, especially for men. We aren't used to telling our body 'no' which is where fasting becomes important. When we can put off the desire for food, and instead focus on God, we can help put the things of the flesh to death.

[@LNN_Plays]

I didnt get freem from this until i started attending a church were this was talked about openly and support groups existed were men could confess their sins to one another without fear. Confesing sins to brothers in Christ and holding each other accountable is so huge for issues like this.

[@damonhunter7522]

Yea, exactly right from my experience also, I was not a church goer or even a True believer in Jesus Christ or the Bible narrative when i, myself, had a supernatural encounter approx 5yrs past, and this after an earnest & sincere search for Truth which, inevitably, led me to GOD, for He 'is' the Truth, the way and the life - Amen, Short testimony being that the passage Matthew 7:7 was put in front of me many times over a 2 to 3yr period and i found myself praying this verse ie prayer in 'all' Faith, And my life hasn't been the same since, Delivered of all of my demons thru repentence and 3 day fast, Like turning off a tap and i had no control over my urges before then, Anyway, all this to say that the Word of God and what Jesus Christ endured for us on the cross 'is' very, very real ie True, My conclusion being this, That if we are honest & sincere with GOD, Then He 'is' Faithful - Amen.

[@jsong8282]

Same - it took me confessing to other people to bring it into the light

[@daveonezero6258]

Right. I agree. Even the addiciton/disease approach is not going to work for most. I think Celebrate Recovery is a thing anyone struggling with sin should be attending.

[@bills1669]

I was a police officer for 34 years. I was held to a higher standard than other citizens who were not police officers. Judges, lawyers and others in a position of authority are held to a higher standard. As they should be. So too should Pastors as they are also in a position of authority.

[@deborahcatalano261]

Thank you for your service, Sir!

[@PettyCrow-n9c]

If pastors aren't given grace for their sins, why should we?

[@hollikrebs]

Thank God for people who actually have integrity, your rare. I hope you belong to the LORD.

[@StevieJ3698]

I am a Christian currently struggling through this addiction and have for several years. I would say yes you couldn't be a minister because of accountability reasons, especially one on ones. But whenever I am sharing the gospel or going on a missionary trip of some sort, I typically am not tempted during those times and am kept very accountable of my actions by those around me. So I would say having an addiction doesn't mean you should never minister to others, instead I feel like it is a strong reason to do so to help overcome the addiction and share how Jesus has helped during it.

[@GodIsGood14_6]

Same here brother,bim fighting it now through the love of Jesus Christ, my advice, fill your head with Godly things, distract yourself, that's the best way I can do, but we got this, through Christ, anything is possible

[@Daily_Bread84]

May the Lord break the chains 🙏🙌

[@whaddup691]

Whoops this was meant to be its own comment not a reply. Fixed it now

[@prodigalsonian]

Amen thank you brother

[@katyasehryn8810]

Just go get deliverance.

[@a_man_with_some_plans]

"putting it to death" is exactly what Mark is talking about. When Paul speaks about putting it to death, it requires action. That could be action in regards to meditation, prayer, and in my case, attempting to remove yourself from certain influences and technologies. People get the wrong impression; attempting to pray it away, when the prayer is often answered in the form of an action or an introduction to something that can help.

[@BrianCarroll1306]

Leaning on the shovel praying for Jesus to come through with a hole for you somehow.

[@Courterfly]

@@BrianCarroll1306love that analogy!

[@gunnerblaskey8864]

Yes it does, it also applies to other positions in the church... We are free in Christ, HOWEVER!!!! Leaders must be able to help people fix their eyes back upon the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and walk within the Spiritual Power we have been given at salvation

[@nschlaak]

I'm responding to your comment on pastors engaging in destructive porn. I agree and commend you for stating this point very well. It is unbelievable what is being accepted as spiritually uplifting behavior for the church leadership today.

[@PettyCrow-n9c]

Expecting pastors to be perfect is a losing effort, all men have their vices. There's not a pastor alive who is without sin.

[@hollikrebs]

@@PettyCrow-n9cyour defensive, I wouldn’t trust you to be a leader in the church

[@hollikrebs]

@@PettyCrow-n9cthat is not the topic, what he’s really talking about is a leader who is addicted and hasn’t repented. People who overcome are leaders to teach others. It goes without saying that we all sin.

[@jeffblaginess812]

I use to have the problem of addiction to pornography. It was horrible. It ruined my life for about 30 years. I remember my pastor telling me that usually this type of sin is like a funnel or tailspin. It leads to more sin and I remember thinking that that will never happen to me. I just watch it. My pastor might have been a prophet to me because he was right. And for over 20 years I didnt live for the Lord because I was so caught up in sin. But as I did when I first God saved, I just asked God to do whatever it would take to bring me back to Him. It took a few years but I'm back on track and serving the Lord even more fervently and much more joyfully now that I've been freed from that by the grace of Jesus Christ. When we choose to serve ourselves we will fail but when we turn to God and give Him everything, He will bless you. God had a purpose in all that I went through because of my sin but His forgiveness and mercy Trump our sin. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for freeing us up from sin to serve Him.

[@ryanroach5637]

Thank for sharing. I am happy for you that you have found Jesus and victory of pornography. God bless you and your journey of sanctification!

[@dand4485]

How special hearing Mr. Driscoll commenting and putting on such a good face. I struggle seeing him in any form of church leadership, then again i'm comforted by Rom 2, hearing him wax on eloquently about what people in ministry do... My point God is simply saying and proving he/Mr. Driscoll is simply proving he is without excuse. Is he now really above reproach, is he so indispensable, essential, necessary and vital to the Church that he hasn't stepped down and out of ministry altogether? No problem if he chooses to humble himself and become a servant in the Church and avoid ministry completely or at least under a mentor, and only after a period of time to restore someone like him, and would be like 20 or 30 years atleast... But from what it seems his prIde and sIn won't let hIm... I might be bit jaded, in Seattle i visited His Church (don't think it was Christ's Church) way back before he became such an exalted celebrity... I had no clue what his preaching was like before attending just the he was on the radio reaching out to the youth (college age) and i was really interested in how he was reaching out to the young. Attending a Sunday evening service, nearly thought i was back in the navy. So much swearing and cursing... I left thinking Hmmm isn't the Bible clear If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. ? -- James 1:26. Think it was 10 or 15 years after i attended Mars Hill imploded, can't remember all what was going on with him and his wife, the adultery and proof his church (Not Christ's Church) imploded over all the blatant sin. I'm really confused why he is even on the panel... To be honest there is two passages that come to mind. In the latter days men will store up for themselves teacher that will teach what their itching ears want to hear... Not everyone that says to me Lord Lord!! Shall enter but He will say depart from me for i never knew you. Okay 3 oops 4... Why call me Lord Lord and do not what I command. If you love me you will *KEEP* My commandments...

[@mark0bravo]

I’ve never heard any claims about Mark Driscoll and adultery… are you sure you’re spreading true information?

[@staceyforehand9513]

We as a church are under attack. May God Bless us and lead us in the paths of righteousness for His names sake

[@crou8040]

Yes. A pastor is to be above reproach. Simple.

[@paraax]

My pastor confesses to being a poor sinful being along with the rest of us. Absolutely none of us are above reproach. That is not to take a position on this specific issue. But the criteria is flawed.

[@GodsArmy00]

….it’s actually not simple. God constantly chooses broken ppl for His will. Moses - murder Abraham - adultery David - murder and adultery Meanwhile we look at those three to be great men of God. Technically Moses was a preacher, he taught the 10 commandments. Technically David was a worship leader, creating hundreds of songs to honour God. Who are we to question God’s motive or who He calls to lead His people. Nobody is without sin except Jesus.

[@paraax]

Having read more it is clear that you are correct, this is the criteria. It's not simple though, it doesn't mean sinless, and it probably doesn't mean having a past with shame, Else Paul could not have been called. It must refer to a current state of being, sins forgiven.

[@GodsArmy00]

@@paraax …I would trust a Pastor more if they were truthful about their past sins and shared their testimony on how they struggled….versus pretending to be perfect.

[@RockyTop85]

The Bible is very clear about this. It isn’t complicated. There is sin that disqualify

[@AgentT121]

“You are not a victim of your sin, you can put it to death.” Realest take on sin I’ve ever been told and it opened my eyes.

[@VWJR86]

100% truth that no one talks about it, many are shamed if they admit to struggling with it, and many others are afraid to even discuss it. Then you have the other side that consider it as part of normal society and behavior. Many of those are addicted, but will never admit or recognize it. My journey away from that addiction is what bought me closer to God. I started with self help therapy videos, listening to scientific discussions, and had so much support from my wife that I wouldnt have been able to make it through without her. On that journey we got baptized as a family, I not only quit p*rn, but also nicotine, social media, fixed my diet, and several other vices and behaviors that were self destructive. I have many regrets, but there is hope, and there is strength and power when you put your faith in Jesus. 3 years free from that bondage and I will never go back.

[@loganschockelt]

My son is six... Now i cant sleep! 😳 Joking Pray that our sons aren't exposed to this ever Nate! God willing and with diligent parenting and edification! Amen 🙏🏼

[@Overdrivenn]

“If you don’t control your desires, it will consume you.” I agree with Mr Noble, and the reason for it aligns with Nate’s opinion about accountability: If the lust sin struggle is at the stage of watching filthy videos, then there was an underlying problem/issue that preceded that state. So action must be taken immediately, and the consequences such of immediate disqualification will bring the necessary help for possibly future re-qualification by God’s Grace, and His infinite Wisdom in defeating His enemies and the enemies of His Creation.

[@Holden-uf7]

ESPECIALLY pastors shouldnt be practicing any sin, not just p0rn. Pastors are held to a higher standard, more than the average follower of Christ, because they are leading the flock

[@susiem.2068]

Let's be realistic, no one is sinless except Jesus. However, Pastors are expected to be pure and upstanding. There's no doubt about that.

[@smgibv4393]

As if people can be free of sin.... that is unbiblical.

[@christopherneedham9584]

@@susiem.2068I would rather think that “practicing” sin, and sinning aren’t the same thing. Pastors shouldn’t have habitual sin issues.

[@manyrubies]

@@smgibv4393 1 John speaks on this. We will all sin, but “practicing of sin” leads to death.

[@pgpluss1076]

ALL pastors practice sin. They are human. Smfh.

[@MisuZama]

True...you can overcome sin through Christ. We are too lukewarm on many things because we have become lukewarm as Christians

[@LorinPartain]

You MUST put parental controls on ALL your kids devices !!!! MUST !!!

[@Dominicus13]

The reason you can’t put a label on habitual is the same there isn’t a number on how much wine you can drink before one becomes drunk. It is different for everyone. Now, I am not saying a little pornography is okay. Jesus was very clear on lust and adultry, and he didn’t mention habitual anywhere in there.

[@96Logan]

Really good stuff here, Nate. Thanks for the video. I'm not in ministry, but being reminded of the standard that God puts on our leaders and teachers gives really good insight into how each and every one of us should also strive to be. I spent so many years in a selfish and addicted spiral while away from the church that this is also a kick in the butt to me too. I curbed alcoholism for several months in 2019 through keto, but I eventually failed and returned to old habits. Our Triune God is so much more poweful than a diet and lifestyle change. The washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, through the death and resurrection of Christ, in accordance with The Father's will is hope. It's redemption. God Bless, Jesus Saves 🙏✝️❤️

[@Psalter31]

I recently subscribed to your channel and I truly appreciate the subject matter of this video and others like it. I have agonized for many of my more than 40 years of being in ministry that most of our churches create a culture that without words tells believers it is not safe to reveal your struggle, especially if your in leadership! Thank you for pointing us back to the scripture and for two very key points you shared: 1) the root of any sexual sin is lust and 2) the scriptures teach that we can actually be self-controlled and kill the sin (not nurse it). I pray that this message is proliferated across the cyber world so that others who need freedom realize that God is a lot smarter than we are and has ensured that what we need to live victorious lives is in His word, always has been!

[@TheTrailLeastTraveled]

The answer is Yes. Accountability 👏🙏! Father's counsel and keep your son's accountable.

[@benyaeger4388]

A pastor should step down if there's a pattern of abuse

[@Eloign]

Yes absolutely. They need to step down until they get free. We need multiple elders in a church not just ONE pastor.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

No one who struggles with sexual sin should be in leadership period! There are too many people who have been victims that to be led by a person who struggles with purity is a deep red flag. I do not want a preacher who struggles to be true to his own wife, much less to God himself.

[@Reformed_Borzoi]

Indeed,sister.

[@opticalraven1935]

Liars, gluttons, greedy, drunkards, prideful leaders, etc should not be ministers and step down immediately also.

[@Reformed_Borzoi]

@@opticalraven1935 Freemasons too

[@Kevinleehiltonjr]

If they have a wife they shouldn't even have the desire to engage in pornography. The fact that they still do is a big red flag. Yes, leaders should be above reproach.

[@MikeMarlowe-ym3zy]

I agree. Everyone has their faults, but when they’re sexual, no, I do not want them around my loved ones.

[@rodanepjevac137]

Answer, yes, most definitely

[@joesorrenti6598]

That's why I got rid of the cable TV I had. Number one. It was just a flesh show. And I can't be in any kind of ministry watching that kind of TV. So I got rid of it. It is the true meaning of discipleship to have to modify your passions and desires

[@deborahcatalano261]

We don’t have it to protect our 10 year old son. No device access either. No public school either!

[@steventicknor8059]

I was a member of Perry’s former mega church in SC. He was called by his pastoral council that he had set up for falling into alcohol abuse and relationship issues with his wife. He told the church his struggles and for a time sought counseling and restoration while limiting his preaching. When the council saw that the issues weren’t being resolved and Perry was no longer able to meet the scriptural standards of a lead pastor he was removed. The council used the scripture as well churches bi laws which Perry had written to hold him to account. With that Perry spoke to the church acknowledging his shortcomings and stepped down from his position. The church council and leaders in the church have continued to support him as much as he has allowed. I respect Perry for his ability to allow the scripture to supersede his pride. He had started this church from a living room with a handful of friends to a church with 40,000 members and 10+ campuses. The church did suffer and lose a small amount but has rebuilt and is still going strong for God. If Perry had stayed it would have collapsed quickly and devastatingly.

[@cliffbolin7716]

You laid this one out perfectly. I agree with all you said. It is sad when Churches don’t hold to scripture when placed in situations of holding their pastors accountable. Too many times issues are swept under the rug. It’s frustrating and wrong.

[@nderitupius]

When you reminded me that "sin shall not reign over me" in these words... "You are not a victim of your sin" I felt that 🙏🙏🙏

[@According_To_Matt]

Thanks for this video. I appreciate the message against making yourself out to be a victim of our sin. I struggled with this sin, but was able to kill it by doing exactly what you're talking about. When I felt tempted, I put down my phone and prayed. My strategy was that if I turned my mind to the Lord, I couldn't give into the sin. That's what eventually helped me conquer it.

[@scottforesman7968]

Clergy and others using porn will not very likely reveal this to anyone. (and especially if the revelation destroys your livelihood).

[@wolves201]

Yep. Whilst pastors should be an example there are times when the flesh will win. Fear of consequences is the no.1 reason why so many wear a mask in church and where church is NOT a place of freedom.

[@Gizmodrums]

Short answer: Yes Their answer: Word salad

[@jacksstruggle6888]

First we must judge the demon that makes someone fall. Then this is why we need confession, so many men have destroyed their lives since there is no sacrement in these churches when we fall. To fall is human, but to stay down is demonic. We need confession so we can be held accountable and to reach virtue.

[@Jesusfreak322]

I want to encourage everyone to start or join a home church. With this small of a group, you have people you can truly confess to, truly support each other, pray for each other, work together to help the less fortunate, and so on. It's also what Christ and the apostles showed us. This intimacy is what God wants for us all! Intimacy with Him and intimacy with each other. And the answer? No porn whatsoever. If an overseer even happens upon it, they should look away. May God continue to bless your ministry abundantly! LOVE BOLDLY! ❤️✝️

[@RockyTop85]

Very bad idea. You need to be a part of a local church, under a faithful pastor, who is guided by a plurality of Elders.

[@JakeRuzi]

This is possible within a house church as well. Early churches were house churches with the very same structure that you outlined.

[@nunya3399]

There’s one church.

[@Jesusfreak322]

@RockyTop85 we are so far from what Christ showed us. Remember, He tried to rid us of the church of the Pharisees, which is ALL organized religion today. If you can show me a church that keeps the commands of God, including His holy Sabbath, that DOESN'T add their own rules and ordinances, that is small enough for ALL to have complete support from others, that combines ALL of their wealth to help the less fortunate, that teaches the truth of scriptures instead of the lies of man over the years, I will gladly join.

[@Jesusfreak322]

@nunya3399 Amen! WE are His church! But we are called to have fellowship, worship, accountability, and support for each other, and put our monies, time, and gifts together to help others. A home church is also what was shown to us through Christ and the apostles' actions.

[@JesusIsWithYouNowPrayToHim]

I am a former Catholic, and l think ome of the big mistakes which the Protastant movement did was cancelling all of the 'Othordox' Christian teachings, l still think Catholicism is wrong in many ways, buy sime of the traditions which have been taken out of the Churches were really important, like Confessions, mendatort Church every Sunday, and many other things. You have to agree with me on this one!! God Bless❤

[@garperful]

Indeed, a good confessor is hard to find.

[@c0rndog748]

Jesus is your intercesor and the only one you need to confess your sins to. Only he can clean you of them, confess to your brothers or sisters only if you wish to have accountability but anonymous confession provides neither cleansing nor accountability. It was just a way for the early corrupt church to better target and sell indulgences and use gossip to make targeted sermons

[@tedcruz212]

I suffered under the thumb of this sin for close to a decade, from the time I was 13 until about a year ago. To be honest I absolutely see it disqualifying a pastor from preaching until he can fix it, this sin in particular is extremely dangerous in the way it warps a man’s mind. Personally I don’t think men should get married until after they beat this sin. That being said, Christ absolutely can save you from it like he saved me, the biggest thing is learning to give up the areas of your heart feeding this sin. For me is was grief and fear of loss that kept me locked in the cycle. Run to Christ and leave everything at the cross, Christ saved you knowing full well how much you would fall into this sin ❤️✝️

[@stop--]

I 100% agree with all of this, especially the opinion that people shouldn’t marry while living out this sin. Many will point to Paul and say “well, the Bible says if you struggle with it then you should marry” but I think struggling with desire for intimacy and having an addiction to pornography are vastly different things. In fact, I *know* they are. The desire for intimacy draws you close to your spouse and honors God, pornography hurts your spouse and disobeys God. It’s unfair and unloving to pull a man or woman into a position where you have not yet conquered (through Christ) the urge to hurt them. It’s selfish. Praise Jesus our Savior that he delivered you and I from sin! Thank you for sharing.

[@pennipetriko3203]

Someone in my family struggled with his and, as a family, to break this addiction, we marched in and out and around every room in our house... Like Joshua did around the walls of Jericho. On the seventh go around... At the end... We screamed so loudly and prayed for deliverance from it... And this person hasn't struggled with this addiction since that day. Praise. The. Lord!

[@AseyiowuloluwaAyinmode]

Hallelujah

[@HannahJoy333]

The problem is that for generations, Church culture has been to claim that a person who is “saved” can sin as much as they want because they’re still going to go to heaven and “we’re all sinners”. Especially those in leadership positions at church are in a place where their sinful ways shouldn’t be questioned. It’s a cultural thing. Church leaders and followers of Christ should not be constantly supported in living and behaving in a fleshly way. It’s one thing to be actively conquering your flesh and continually truly trying to be more obedient and accountable as a Christian and another to be a person who excuses all fleshly behavior as “we’re all sinners” or “God just made me with a hot temper” etc. It’s a culture issue.

[@robertmoon1018]

Mental health is all too often conflated with moral health.

[@susannalewis6275]

Yes to immediate dismissal. But I must say I was married to a man for twenty years who was heavily addicted to porn. I was a Christian and he was not. I even went to my pastor about it and was told I needed to be submissive to my husbands needs which took a major toll on me mentally. I was forced by my husband to engage in his porn and in the end I was so lonely and confused. Later down the road in therapy and after divorce I learned about his addiction and how it destroyed my worthiness. It took years to accept I was a child of God and was forgiven for my participation in my husbands addiction. Yes it needs more attention in the church. Thank you for addressing this issue.

[@Courterfly]

I am so sorry you went through that. I pray the Lord continues to heal you ❤️‍🩹

[@dahliaherrod4301]

Your leaders really failed you. God would never condone you engaging in sinful acts to maintain submission to your husband. They were wrong to give you that impression.

[@Nithinithinith]

You are not being a good wife but not submitting to your husband.

[@jtv_70]

​@@Nithinithinithwrong, so so wrong.

[@drewpritchett4213]

James Macdonald was one of my heroes, he was in my top three go to inspirational choices before his fall. Hearing that he fell, and the circumstances surrounding that event was a shock like…if I ever heard that John MacArthur, James Dobson, or Charles Stanley were to be caught in a vortex of insanity like James MacDonald did. And Mark Driscoll? Really? Have you heard the podcasts Inside the Driscoll “cult” part 1 and 2? See, I’ve just found you, and you are now one of my favorites, it’s not just your content that I enjoy, it’s what my spirit tells me about your character that means so much to me. Having these guys on (God bless them, we’ve all sinned, but COME ON! 😂) is disconcerting to me. Do you not know their history? If you did… you wouldn’t think twice about finding someone else for your video. God bless you, I love you brother, PLEASE keep up the good work!!! If you’re feeling any hatin today, it ain’t from me, I’m just sayin… 😉.

[@discerningclerk]

"Well thought of in the community" is something I am currently in tension over with my pastor.

[@Abs.Zett_]

Thank you for always looking to the SCRIPTURES for answers, God's authoritative, true Word. This is a tough topic but the Bible guides us to the answers and it is so important for churches to constantly align their policies and procedures with how God desires the church to function! Awesome video and you handled this with gentleness and firmness

[@zzzzz77771]

If I've learned anything over my 10 years as a Christian, it is this... we all fall short. I've had times of amazing obedience to God, I've been puffed up with pride from my own piety at times, I've been incredibly weak and disobedient, I've been both strong and weak in certain areas, I've had victory over one sin, only for another to raise its ugly head to replace it.... and you know what the one constant in all of it was?.... my returning to God, and my desire to be righteous. It never goes away, in the good times and the bad, in the obedient and the disobedient, it's always the same. That's because God reigns in my heart, not sin. While sin my come and go, and even have a season, it never wins, it always loses eventually to God and my desire to be obedient. Perfection doesn't mark the saints, striving agaisnt sin marks the saints, going back to God again, and again, and again,...THAT marks the saints. It's about time people remember who the Perfect One is, and it AINT YOU! We have an imputed righteousness, Christianity has become very legalistic in recent years, showing a false dichotomy of either someone claiming that if you're saved you'll never sin because you love jesus too much (false, you still live ina body of death) or if you don't live perfectly, you couldn't have ever been saved, again false. Legalsim is being snuck in through the back door now.

[@Polycubism]

U been watching corn ?

[@nunya3399]

@@PolycubismI have. And I’m still trying to stop. You here to discourage?

[@SallyGreen-yt7kj]

I agree with u. I think that for a pastor who is actively struggling and fighting their porn addiction they should step down from their position for sometime/ however long it takes for God to help them overcome, and then come back later , if everyone's OK with that. But for a pastor who isn't trying to fight that addiction and refuses to repent they should be disqualified from service.

[@zzzzz77771]

@@Polycubism Nope.

[@zzzzz77771]

@SallyGreen-yt7kj I agree with you, sister. I was mainly perplexed by the comment section and some of the people's attitude, I should have made that clear ,to be fair.

[@JoeOdie]

Thank you for the video. I love how you always go to the Bible for answers. Thank you for your work!

[@PastorKThroop]

The passages we typically focus most of our attention on when discussing the qualifications for elders are Matt. 20:25-28; Acts 20: 17-35; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-16; and 1 Pet. 5:1-4. I also tend to look for men who have been “sifted” in some way (Luke 22:31-32). One point I would like to bring up in this regard, however, is that we are never looking for perfection in the qualities that make for a good elder/pastor/overseer, but rather for consistency over time. After all, perfection is found only in the Great Shepherd, our Lord Jesus. I also think that, although we need to have accountability and to take any failure seriously, we must be careful in the process not to give the impression that anything less than perfection is unacceptable, or men will definitely clam up or become exasperated and give up. As for how serious a sin something has to be to disqualify someone, I cannot help but think of Peter's terrible failure related in Gal. 2:11-21. Did this failure disqualify Peter from being an elder, no to mention an apostle? Apparently not, and that was most certainly a very egregious and public sin. Yet there is discussion of disqualifying an elder for privately looking at pornography even one time? I cannot help but think that is overkill. Of course, there are other considerations. For example, do we believe that the man who confesses one failure tells the truth, or do we believe he confesses one failure when in reality there has been a hidden, habitual problem, and he really doesn't want to admit it? Such matters are rarely easy to deal with, and there is much more than can be said, but I hope these brief suggestions are food for thought.

[@dustinp1164]

I think Perry had the most truthful and graceful response out of the group.

[@andrewwoode]

Proverbs 18:1 - He who isolates himself seeks his own desire. He rages against all wise counsel. Be accountable, take wise counsel as given. A good point to mention is if this disqualifier is permanent, or active while the pastor is unrepentant of the sin and then lifted according to the local leadership. The fear of this unclarity may be a further means of hiding or isolation by the person. Either way, we all need accountability. And we all need to set a high bar for our leadership, as well as grace with truth.

[@realdadvswild]

Absolutely great video. 100% solid take.

[@cheerfulmouse]

Nate, I think Driscoll was giving a positive to response to 1/week/month/quarter.. that ALL of that would give pause to bring accountability along & dig into what's behind the behavior.

[@LordHigambottomtheThirdT-to9qm]

Nate I'm afraid that you were making assumptions about what was being said in regards to porn as an addiction. They were not saying that it makes someone in that addiction a victim of their circumstances. Rather, they were saying that you can't just tell someone to stop sinning and expect that to work. They were saying that it takes time, and a literal rewiring of the brain to be free from it. That's all. An addiction is when you're body relies on something to medicate pain or stress. This can even extend to food. I hope this helps everyone understand what someone with an addiction is going through, so you're better equipped to be more understanding to the difficulty of breaking free from it. Thanks for your content Nate! You do a fantastic job.

[@janetdavis6473]

As soon as the issue comes to light.

[@davidwomack5982]

When it is in your power to do good, and not do it.. is sin. We all struggle with certain sins, however when it has to do with an office in the church, that must be above approach. Lingering sin should disqualify anyone preaching, teaching, and counseling.

[@bradfordc6471]

This is a good discussion. I wish, however, that there was an open model already in place of pastors taking sabbaticals or stepping down and then being restored. The way it is now, there is little incentive for pastors to confess because he'll be destroyed by gossip and public humiliation. There needs to be less stigma around this needing to be addressed in a loving way.

[@lisasteen66]

As someone who has dealt with addictions and who has worked in the addiction field, I can tell you most of the time the problem with any addiction just will not just a way with one prayer. I wish it did. It just doesn't work that way. You will do many addicts who love Jesus a big diservice and cause them to feel like a total failure and the worse sinner if you preach the message that one pray will fix everything. I like today's overarching message of open discussion towards pornography. BUT pornography is a rampade addiction. If you could help even a small per centage of people with pornography addiction by reading specific Bible passages and preaching to them, this would be wonderous. Unfortunately, you or this method can't help even a small per cent age of people. You can only start the discussion. Humility is the key here.

[@jackmichaels9504]

Great video as usual nate. Very important issues that we need to address using God’s word.

[@davidlaxx406]

The "Divine Simplicity is true" debate on the Idol Killer KZbin channel would be a super super super interesting debate to hear the baseball insider analysis on

[@dallyjacobson2146]

Yes, immediately

[@neland6515]

We have a program called celebrate recovery at our church that has a small group share based on that James 5 verse where we confess our sins to one another and it is powerful! I attend every Monday and have seen the Lord work mightily through it. Confidentiality and anonymity are requirements. Without those requirements the thing fails. I highly suggest to anyone struggling with anything to find a celebrate recovery. There's thousands of meetings across the country!

[@kathymc234]

My experience in the church leads me to have a hard time believing that people in the church wouldn't gossip.

[@SyphinPyphin]

I’ve been struggling with this for over 11 years. I know that most people usually talk about how they’ve broken free but I’m still stuck. I’ve reached a limit and can no longer just stay quiet about it. I really hope that at least someone here can give me advice or something to help. Thank you and God bless you!

[@coltonstevens4339]

I still really struggle, but best advice? Get rid of your smart phone like I have, and read scripture daily. I have a flip phone. If I am using the internet it is only at work or at the library, or I am using my parent’s iPad and am held accountable when I fall by confessing to my church friend. It takes time. Take it one day at a time,

[@JR-jl6ml]

In our community we have board of overseers that keep us accountable and most of us have a group of pastors where we can be accountable to each other and support each other through not just areas of sin but also support through the struggles of ministry. It’s been wonderful, I’d recommend any pastor to get into a group of pastors for that kind of support system and accountability.

[@faithandfailures]

12:05 Mark isn’t wrong. All he’s doing is giving a biological answer to a spiritual issue. Both are right. And they need to be dealt with at the root of it not just stop watching porn but how to stop watching how to keep your spirit health. These are issues that are commonly overlooked in the church. And so people end up going back because they don’t fully understand how to remain in the spirit and not to overcome them

[@joanwebb8673]

Thank you for exposing this epidemic! Yes, stop pastoring - this is the Biblical answer. Yet… Seek out ministry that takes them through this process of recovery…Desert Stream’s Living Waters program has offered this help for 40+ years throughout U.S. Many pastors have benefited. All the Biblical principles you’re referring to are utilized. Confession, confidentiality, accountability, knowledge and healing!!

[@YuGiOhDuelChannel]

Are all pastors always hospitable, upright, holy? The question is not "how many times is allowed, once a week, month, year" but are they at war with their sin, and we all know what that looks, why should porn be any different than any other sin in this regard? You can ask that question for any sin, "how many times is a pastor allowed to be unholy? Once a week, month, a year?"

[@Crucian1]

You're spot on. There's a lot of odd theology regarding sin in these comments - as if one sin would disqualify a pastor. And there is also a complete ignoring of the other qualifications. Kudos to you for being less quick to judge and more biblically-minded.

[@richardcaraballo1185]

I wholeheartedly agree with this one. We all have a sin or sins that we're more likely to fall to than others, for example I struggle with lust, but anger isn't an issue for me. So if a Pastor who leans towards lust but is at war with it, yet has one accidental slip up over 10+ years of ministry, I don't think that disqualifies him. If it's a weekly thing however and there's no repentance or any course of action following, than yes he would be disqualified I understand Leaders are held to a higher standard, but there should be grace as well, as these men aren't perfect.

[@thegrigs777]

Smh...not all sin is equal sorry.. Trying to argue that being inhospitable is the same as masterbating to porn is insane. Sexual sin brings demonic spirits and defiles The Bible calls sexual sin a,sin against the body

[@JasonJohnson0]

Nate thanks for the short quick reminder to like the video! I try to do it for you and I also listen to 30+ seconds of the ads for you.

[@caleb51260]

Hey everyone! I just want to say because of the Lord and his awesome Grace and mercy for me, he gave me this video so that I can do all things through him who gives me strength, he has told me to put on the armor that will protect me from The wickedness of this world, that the devil has no authority over me anymore because Jesus told me that I have authority over the devil because he died for me and rose from the grave on the third day (in the word of God). Because of Jesus I've decided to put to death the sin that has had a foothold on my life for 8 years, I knew that Jesus was my savior because of what he has done in my life, praise the Lord!! ❤. Romans 6:10-14.

[@johnlombardo7816]

your teachings are so on point nate! always love what you are doing! God bless brother

[@Mrs.CGraves]

The second you allow ANY Sin to penetrate your walk you failed as teacher, Leader, example to other Men and Families on how to conduct yourself. This is non negotiable. If a Pastor is making excuses for Sin it’s because HE IS STRUGGLING WITH IT, and we can not allow any of it. We need to keep our Angry, Worry, Actions, thoughts and hearts free from Sin.

[@Crucian1]

What? ANY sin? You have a very odd view of sin if you think any of us can go an hour without sinning.

[@Mrs.CGraves]

@@Crucian1 the second you give into Sin it separates your walk. You have chosen that over your Walk. If you want to go down that tit for tat on Sin I’m not your mate. There is moral sins, that are repeated and very clear. I am referring to Intentional Moral Sin.

[@opticalraven1935]

We can't stop sinning for a second.

[@Mrs.CGraves]

@@opticalraven1935 Moral Sin. Also, when you chose Sin over Christ. Most Christian’s understand this

[@BreadingOnFriedChicken]

Godbless you man, thank you for helping us and making amazing videos, be careful out there brother

[@daveonezero6258]

Exposure no. Ongoing sin Yes. If it is a cyclical thing even weekly or yearly then it is an unnaddressed issue and wound.

[@4thFloorFitness]

Mark grew up south of Seattle where the Green River killer was

[@allhandsondeck3308]

There is room for repentance in situations like these ! But once found out it needs to be dealt with immediately ! If the behavior continues yes the pastor should not be allowed to preach !

[@bladesduncan]

God bless you my brother, may the love of god guide you

[@VNaols]

Absolutely. I love how it also (vaguely) pointed out that porn "spreads" into our relationships and other areas of our life. Sexual sin, lust, and any kind of sin, really, is just the root of our heart posture. The root produces fruit that breeds destruction and death. So imagine your pastor being involved in a heart posture that breeds destruction and death when he is suppose to be teaching on the light and everlasting life that Christ brings? No one wants to be apart of that. What a contradiction! Holiness should always be what we contend and strive to life out. Walking in the spirit is what produces peace and everlasting life. "Sin is not something we manage, its to kill". I love that point and i love that christ has come for all people who strugle with sin and death.

[@PracticalBibleStudies]

Immediately if looking at the filth is intentional. It's easy to accidentally click through even KZbin and find something dirty, unfortunately.

[@paulromero1742]

Accountability is such a precious gift that when it’s not used correctly, it can only promise corruption in return. Because I did not hold myself to a accountability 15 years ago was the reason why I walked away for 15 years until a year ago. Did I commit my life back to the Lord, and knowing what I did wrong and seeing the foundations of what lead up to a man to walk away from the Lord makes the accountability that much more severe to have to have in your walk.

[@marverb5]

Addictions of any type are extremely difficult sins to overcome. But prayer and confession are the answer. Only through true contrition can you overcome an addiction

[@evrambles5835]

I always like your videos❤. I share them on my Facebook page.Praying someone will pay attention

[@NorthLVLowRoller]

Hey man, do you think you could do a video on gambling? I just recently quit my current channel and had to come to the realization that I was struggling with gambling addiction. Man I just needed to hear what I was doing is wrong from a Christian brother and I would have quit on the spot but I was embarrassed to bring it up to my pastor (I'm not talking about large amounts of money but what happened to me was it became all consuming and my mind just thought about it constantly). I saw a video Bishop Mari mari? I believe thats his name did and he mentioned it was a sin and it immediately stuck in the back of my mind, then another pastors short came up where he said "your not going to want to hear this but gambling is as well" in a sermon on sins. Dude I just needed someone to just hit me with it, for some reason I learn that way but then my local pastor had a sermon on things that our church doesn't consider sins and gambling every now and then was very briefly used as an example, this just green lit me to continue what I was doing. When what I really needed was to just hear its not something you should be doing and condemning it. Just not enough guys that do that and Id think there are alot of us out there that need to hear it from someone we respect. I'm done now but I think a video on this would help alot of guys that struggle with it.

[@Brenda-qo4ko]

Watching this video all I could think was there sits at a table some of the most egregious false teaches professing Christianity and being in leadership roles. Because of that I had trouble wanting to consider anything they had to say as worth listening to. However, I always want to hear what you have to say and I absolutely agreed with your Biblical assessment.

[@Utoobeh4tesfreespeech]

Agree. That's the problem. The bad ones won't tolerate any condemnations from the other side of solid teachers. Who they dislike exactly bc their bullet point frameworks are not in place to promote legalism but to offer protection from these very issues. Blind leading the blind here.

[@jencoale9519]

Yes, as soon as God convicts you

[@CJUzziel]

Nate, thanks for your biblical approach to this and the context you put around it. I can think of other areas where Romans 6:12-13 can also be applied to, so will think on this for a while. To be honest I found it tough listening to some of the people in the video, not considering them necessarily as qualified to be an elder. Not to say that they are wrong,just difficult.

[@Voyleglover]

Recently, I did an exhaustive “deep dive” piece on this subject and answered your question of whether a pastor should resign. I’m surprised it is even debatable with some. Paul told us that if we walk in the Spirit, we will not walk in the flesh. Men who are indulging in porn are not spiritual. That means their ministry is compromised and is a fleshly ministry. Flesh produces flesh. A fleshly ministry invites the demonic. Pastors who are involved in sexual sins typically develop a church sprinkled heavily (more than usual) with immorality in the membership. I once was in such a ministry as a member and saw the growth of sexual sin within the men of the church spread. I liked your piece, but have to disagree with/the accountability idea. First, it runs contrary to human nature so as to totally subvert the purpose. If a man is not going to be accountable to God and/or his wife, why would we think he’d be accountable to another man, especially a man who is going to cost him his job? Bottom line: men need to be holy, need to learn what it means to walk in the Spirit. They need to be taught that victory over sin, including that sin, is ONLY possible when a man has surrendered to God and stays surrendered, and is taught how to walk with God. Will power is great and we do need to exercise our will. But, any Christian man depending on that will eventually fall. 1 Peter 1:14-16 KJ21 - 14 As obedient children, do not fashion yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance, 15 but as He who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of living, 16 because it is written: “Be ye holy, for I am holy

[@johnlol24]

Are you implying that you never sin because you stay surrendered at all times?

[@garperful]

Yes, persistent sin disqualifies pastors from ministry. Priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves before sacrifices for the people. They have to come clean first, especially the inside of the cup. Then the outward never manifests. That is a daily cleansing process. A higher calling indeed.

[@GenXfrom75]

Recovery or active addiction?! Those are different questions. My favorite minister, the strongest in his faith, the one I took that walk for Jesus under, he was a sober man in every way but wasn’t shy about his past. He was a beloved minister and leader. But if anyone is in active addiction, they cannot lead a flock.

[@N8R_Quizzie]

Couldn't have said it better. Good stuff.

[@DENESEAshing]

Correct I believe Scripture says a Pastor and such must have their house in order and be above reproach.

[@josephvelez8361]

Praise God that we aren’t victims of our sins

[@chrisearly8217]

Ok, I understand that lust is a major problem for ministry, and the church in general, but I'm exhausted with the church focusing on the 3 S's - Sex, Smoking, and Sauce (alcohol). WHEN are we going to start calling out our pastors and church leaders for their wives and children's behavior? (Materialism and egotistic issues, if not flat out atheism?) When are we going to remove Elders for anger issues (like Road Rage or being crappy to customer service folks)?! When are we going to remove Pastors for getting caught using Church funds for multi-million dollar homes and exccesive buildings (like Church coffee shops)?! All of the behaviors I have listed are in the same scripture of qualifiers and disqualifiers and are therefore, by your logic regarding this topic, grounds for IMMEDIATE removal or disqualification for ministry? Why is it that some pastors get a pass for cussing someone out or pain pill addiction, but others are barred for ministry for alcoholism or looking at porn? The list sets the same standard for all, but it seems the church as a whole says otherwise. Are we not to adjust accordingly to live more closely to Scripture when we see we fall short? And by that list, NO ONE is above reproach.

[@ajburgess7242]

not to mention that the Smoking S isnt clear cut. Yes, it's obviously unhealthy and our body is a temple of The Holy Spirit, but it isn't a cause of insobriety and there were many very important church leaders who smoked almost to death. It's absolutely not good for you and I suppose it could fall under gluttony of sorts but it's something ridiculous to make any type of focal point

[@UncleCube]

I got saved and God radically removed alcohol and physical adulteration from me 13:32 but it took me 8 years to overcome pornography.

[@SquirrellyMom]

I would say when it becomes habit. A mess up doesn't but when we make a practice of sin you need to step down.

[@claycup9771]

God delivered me from that, I was introduced to that as a child, it’s possible, stay connected, sound mind over you in Jesus name

[@steveking1660]

The larger the church or ministry the harder to be held accountable.