Former Protestant Pastor: Confession is AWESOME

Part 1 of the new video series: 10 Unexpected Awesome Things About Being Catholic. Former Protestant Pastor Keith Nester dives into Confession. What was it like as a new convert? Listen as Keith describes how Confession was an unexpected blessing.
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[@ghallora]

I am an adult convert from Protestantism as well. I remember my first confession in 2012 very vividly. There were a couple of sins I struggled to actually verbalise as I was so ashamed. I remember Father saying when I finished confessing, "We thank God for a true and good confession." I just melted and cried. I then heard the words of absolution and it was like so much of God's grace was in that confessional it was going to burst open. :-) I remember kneeling down in the pew afterwards and the best I can describe it, while looking at the altar after doing my penance, I felt this heavy beautiful supernatural warm blanket of love over me. It felt amazing and I knew at that moment it was the love of God. Thanks be to God!

[@KeithNester]

I love that! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ghallora]

@@KeithNester thanks for your comment. Keep the videos coming. You are doing a great job witnessing to the truth. Pax Christi.

[@loribothwell5493]

This touched my heart❤

[@Ines-ul1iw]

Sooo beautiful 🙏❤️🤗 I also felt something similar with my last confession after a very long while of not confessing. The felling is amazing when you are honest and repentant. 🙏

[@user-jp1yh3fl2s]

Your story is an inspiration to Catholics everywhere. I've been going to confession and appreciating Mass more since I've heard it. I am now looking to attend Latin Mass. For all this, I am grateful. God Bless, and may God Almighty continue to show us the light.

[@KeithNester]

Wow. That’s such a blessing to hear. I am truly humbled. God bless you. Thank you!

[@BDDBDD-xp9cx]

Davey, If you live in New England come to my Latin Mass Parish in Nashua NH. We have Catholics from NH, Ma, Me and Vt in our parish. Our priests are form the FSSP. Heck, I already invited Keith.

[@NRTTENET]

Tridentine Mass are the best masses I love them sooo much ❤️❤️❤️

[@josephlinfordditan3163]

Amen!

[@robertgozobandola9776]

Call upon the name of Jesus and be saved

[@dcramer1]

I'm a convert. I served in the military and spent quite a bit of time away from my family and worked exclusively among men. My first confession, right before my baptism and acceptance into the church was arguing with my wife, not spending enough time with my children, and cursing too much. SO Father spoke to me, determined that I wasn't using the Lord's Name in Vain, and told me that the words I was using were vulgar, that they were probably unbecoming of a Christian, but they weren't sins. He absolved my sins, and as penance told me to do something nice for my wife, spend more time with my kids, and try to watch my language. And to be honest, I was dissatisfied, I would have punished myself much harder. I went to Confession rarely after that, not never, but several years between each confession. But there were two things I never confessed, things I'd done as a young teenager that felt too shameful to confess. I prayed about those things thousands of times over close to 40 years, and it didn't matter, the shame never went away. And I finally decided that I would confess to a priest I had high regard for. So I planned my confession, went into the confessional, and told Father, "I'm a convert, and there are a few things that have bothered me since I was a teenager, and I'd like to confess...." And he cut me off and told me those sins were forgiven and washed away the day I was baptized into the church. And for me it was like 'Jaw drop - I never thought of it that way before'. And I went on to confess smaller sins, and he gave me absolution. You know, I've never, ever have confessed those two sins, but when I walked out of the confessional to pray, I couldn't picture the sins I'd gone to confess, it was like they were behind a thick curtain, one that I could probably look behind if I tried hard enough, but there was no need to look, for me they were gone. That was maybe seven or eight years ago, and I've never forgotten that confession, or how annoyed Father was that I tried to confess a forgiven sin, but those sins are vague memories that I feel no need to revisit, that I've never spent spent a moment of worry about, and that I've never prayed about again. I remember as a Protestant saying that Catholics confess then go out and commit the same things again and again. And there is some truth to that, though my experience is that I'm given practical advice on how to avoid my sins that really have helped me to avoid repeating certain sins. But the big truth is, as a Protestant prayed over and over about my sins, I never obtained the peace and feeling of forgiveness that I feel after confession and absolution, and I still repeated those sins over and over again as a Protestant. So I guess I would say Catholics and Protestants both sin, but Catholics are the ones who feel forgiven.

[@jaz_g1285]

It's true. I'm happy for you. Welcome home!

[@joholly4536]

That's a wonderful words to say about confession...and also for me going to confession is a humble way of saying that we are so sorry that we offended God. It's not only about ourselves, it's more about showing that we respect and love our God with sincerity for admitting our own mistakes. God knows our weaknesses and He's waiting for us to accept that and He's ready to celebrate everytime we come back from our sins and mistakes! God bless us!

[@waltermromanoff349]

Not true We have accepted Jesus as our lord and savior He has died for our sins and forgives is when we ask We also can get Born Again and Jesus said that’s the only way to heaven Catholics never think they are good enough and invented purgatory to raise money The Bible says Heaven or Hell no purgatory Bible says don’t confess to man or call man father No mention of mother goddesses worshiping of Mary either Mark. 3:31 Mark 6:3 See if you think mary was a sinless Virgin or a mother of many children

[@emtedee985]

@@waltermromanoff349 what did Jesus mean when he said "whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; whose sins you retain they are retained" (John 20:23)

[@serviamserviam4618]

I felt the same thing when I finally confessed the one sin I've always thought to be embarrassing and grave. Even to the point I was afraid i'll be excommunicated (I don't know much about this whole thing back then), and it was terrifying. I was so afraid to live the rest of my life apart from Christ. After hearing my confession, I confessed only that one sin at that time, it took around 30 minutes because I went through all the details with tears and the priest listened patiently. After I was done, I looked at the priest (face to face confession) and his eyes were read; I suspect tears. Then he said "I absolve you from all your sins since birth." I was speechless and I embraced him before leaving. The night before that I prayed to God that I want to confess that sin only under personally requested circumstances: 1. I wanted it only with that particular priest because I have very high regard of him (trust him that much) although we don't know each other personally. I just liked every time he holds a mass. 2. At lunch time because I was still a college student at that time. 3. Face to face. I don't want any veil to hide my shame. If God was to be angry at me I wanted to be hit by it 100%; because I have sinned. Then when I went to church at lunch time of that day, I was still outside of the Church and the priest was giving his homily. It was him. My heart started beating really fast, then amidst what he was doing, the priest looked at me from the altar and our eyes locked (take note I was outside of Church). While waiting for the mass to end, I prayed the Divine Mercy; the unfathomable Divine Mercy. Then finally, the mass was over, I asked the Priest if I could confess, then instead of going to the confession box, he lead me to his office. Then I saw that it was going to be a face-to-face confession. That day, I experienced God's Providence, unhindered Will, and Divine Mercy. Truly, "No sin can ever separate us from the love of God."

[@ryanleclaire3948]

Keith, please keep making these kind of videos. As a recent convert, these are really helpful. God bless you, take care.

[@waltermromanoff349]

So you want to learn how to be a Catholic from a evangelical Protestant who is deceiving you Only a Catholic priest can teach you Catholic doctrine You can learn from the pope also But that’s boring and you don’t know what he bible so you want to be entertained by Keith He has deceived you and will lead you straight to hell Jesus wants you to confess to him directly Have you accepted him as your savior Or are you just plating church Looking to be entertained Not really praying and worshiping Jesus

[@saturncastillon8775]

@@waltermromanoff349 Substantiate your claim that Keith is deceiving people and leading them to hell. Cite the biblical text where we can read that Jesus said "confess your sins directly to me" and the biblical text where Jesus said "Do not confess your sins to anyone except to me" If you cannot show me the biblical basis of your statement then you are just making it up or just following a man-made teaching.

[@jaz_g1285]

For the past two years, I haven't confessed my sins. I don't have the courage to do so. I just confessed it to God. But deep inside I have felt a heavy heart. And so, I decided to go to confessionary last two weeks ago. When I knelt down, I cried alot because I felt ashamed of myself. It was really hard to admit my sin infront of the priest. I felt vulnerable. But after the priest told me that God had forgiven me along time ago, I felt truly joy. Now, I really do my best not to commit any sin. Also, the Rosary helps me to avoid temptation. Thank you for this talk. This encourage me to confess once a week or atleast once a month. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I can do this. God bless us!🙏

[@KeithNester]

You can do this! Accept the gift God has given you. Thank you for commenting :)

[@NRTTENET]

Hi, if you ever have trouble to avoid temptation, always pray the Rosary and call upon the Patron Saints that are chaste, they will help protect and guide you also :D

[@jaz_g1285]

@@KeithNester Thank you so much!.

[@jaz_g1285]

@@NRTTENET thank you!

[@josephlinfordditan3163]

The moment we asked for forgiveness, our ever so loving God forgives us right away, only that we have to go to confession to complete the process.

[@julieelizabeth4856]

i was listening to a radio program about therapists a while back. The host said she asked a therapist if there was any particular group who struggled with depression less than others. She responded, "Well, it used to be the Catholics, before they stopped going to confession." And that was a secular therapist!

[@petronics2454]

Julie Elizabeth it is not the first time that has been said. Look up the (now don't quote me) the Canadian??? Psychologicist that helped "'Michelle' in Michele Remembers". I can't remember that Doctors name who said something like-: " you don't need a psychologist, you need a Catholic Priest" - we have every answer in the Catholic Church and I invite you to lookup St. padre Pio.. God bless you Julie

[@chuckHart70]

Wow I am blown away.... time to get to confession!

[@chuckHart70]

Thanks Julie! God bless you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@annebodee]

This was awesome. I always have anxiety before going to confession (as a woman especially it's difficult for me in a different way, I think.) But whenever I go I'm ALWAYS glad I did. I know I should go more often. And coming from a Catholic background, then spending 20 or so years in protestant churches, I truly believe going to confession is on a higher plane than just me confessing my sins to God. Appreciate all your videos.

[@sharonholmes6083]

For me, going to confession is a blessing!. Some times, I feel uneasy because I am admitting what sins I have committed and for me, it is overcoming pride, it is being humble before Our Lord, and renewing the promise of being obedient. I see going to confession as a means of getting spiritual counseling. Also going to confession infuriates devil because he can no longer hold those sins over one's head because one has been forgiven.

[@KeithNester]

Yes!!

[@josephlinfordditan3163]

Amen!

[@stagwilliams5419]

What surprised me the most was a priest, when I asked him to hear my confession in the vestry, before morning Mass, the first words out of his mouth was, "Welcome home!" I found it very difficult not to cry.

[@serena7397]

High FIVE Keith!! Yes and YES!! I had not gone to confession for approximately 18 year's. Born and raised Catholic but strayed for a while. I carried so much guilt and shame in my heart I believed I would not be welcomed back into the Catholic Church. The moment that God said you have had ENOUGH! I called a priest the next day and scheduled an appointment. I was nervous, I was scared but I had to release it all in confession. The moment the Priest gave me absolution I cried. I had forgotten Jesus words! But..He forgave me! He wanted me back home! I recieved the Grace of reconciliation in such a way that I felt renewed! Released from the bondage of grave sin. I am back. It's going on 4 year's since my return. I work for the Diocese I live in. Without disclosing too much...What a blessing God has given me. He wanted His Daughter to receive Him in such ways I never imagined. Thank You Jesus. And thank you Keith for your YES! 🙏💙

[@Alexander-fr1kk]

Wow, great video! I wish all Catholics, cradle Catholic’s, where is knowledgeable about their faith as converts are, I think we take it for granted and don’t really understand a lot of why we do what we do. Great videos!

[@KeithNester]

Thank you so much!

[@jula5417]

You are absolutly right

[@MaggieCandy999]

I was sadly in this camp as well up until this past December. Now I’m trying to reacquaint myself with the Bible and Catechism.

[@Alexander-fr1kk]

@@MaggieCandy999 Welcome home

[@loribothwell5493]

Well said, my friend.

[@DiegoAlvarez-vd1vo]

It was hard for me in the beginning. But eventually I ended up loving going to confession. Now, I even go weekly! At first I wasn't sure if that was correct, but when I learnt that many Saints even went everyday, I decided to go to confession once a week. Believe me it has been a great blessing for me. May God bless you, my brother.

[@vickersonp]

Diego Álvarez Totally agree Diego....it’s weekly confession for me as well. Yes, I am a great sinner and I need it.

[@NRTTENET]

God bless you Brother in Christ. I would go everyday if I could. To become a Saint is to humble ourselves, and admit that we are Sinners. And that we needed Jesus Christ, with Mother’s help, because when we offer our prayers united with Mother’s prayers, Jesus accepts it faster :)

[@Kitiwake]

One time every 3 or 4 weeks is the recommended but what is very important is the quality of your confession.

[@fidelisrickie5835]

Thank you brother for promoting the mercy of God sacrament, Amen. Keep abreast the truth. Rejoice in the Lord.

[@KeithNester]

Amen! Thank you so much!

[@waltermromanoff349]

Why not confess to Jesus Jesus said no man can forgive your sins He said call no man father

[@fidelisrickie5835]

Walter, thank you for the comment that affirmed me with my catholic faith. Have nothing to argue, only to continue to give glory to God for Keith and many who are bold in speaking of the Catholic faith. Amen! encouragement made is of truth. end not have any response

[@oisole0]

@@waltermromanoff349 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will (John 9:31). So how can you ask God for forgiveness if he does not listen to a sinner? You do so by confession and asking a Priest who has been given authority by our Lord Jesus to forgive or retain sins on earth (John 20:21-23). And where did our Lord Jesus get the power to forgive sins on earth? Well God gave it to him (Mathew 9:6), and our Lord Jesus also said to his disciples that all power is given to him in Heaven and in earth (Mathew 28:18). So if our Lord Jesus shared his power and gave authority to the disciples then who are we to say otherwise? Confession has always been a sacrament of the Catholic Church since the time of the Apostles and early Church Fathers, “Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. . . . On the Lord’s Day gather together, break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your transgressions so that your sacrifice may be pure” (Didache 4:14, 14:1 [A.D. 70]). As for call no man on earth your father (Mathew 23:9), Our Lord is rebuking the Scribes and Pharisees, ultimately, Jesus is condemning the usurpation of the fatherhood of God, not the proper participation in that fatherhood. "The context of Matthew 23:9 emphasizes the sin of pride among the scribes and Pharisees. They loved to be called “teacher”, “father”, or “Rabbi,” but their pride pointed men to themselves rather than to God the Father from whom they received true fatherhood and in whom their fatherhood subsisted. Outside of God the Father, there are no fathers at all in the true sense of the term. But in God, we have all sorts of true “fathers.” Tim Stables. St. John twice refers to the leaders of the church in Ephesus as "Fathers" (1 John 2:13-14). St Stephen under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, calls both Abraham and the elders of Jerusalem “father” (Acts 7:1-2). St. Paul refers to himself as “father” (I Corinthians 4:14-15). Can I ask how do you address your biological father? Do you call him Mr Romanoff? Do you call him sir? Do you call him by his first name? Do we no longer acknowledge Gods' fourth commandment to Honor your Father and your Mother? If we were to literally follow Jesus words than Mathew 23:9 would cancel out Exodus 20:12 would it not? No because our Lord Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Mathew 5:17). Remember our Lord Jesus taught in different ways like praying, in parables and in healing. Also St Paul warns if you sin wilfully after having the knowledge of truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:26). Here St Paul speaks of the sin of wilful apostasy from the known truth; after which, as we cannot be baptized again, we cannot expect to have that abundant remission of sins, which Christ purchased by his death, applied to our souls in that ample manner as it is in baptism: but we have rather all manner of reason to look for a dreadful judgment; the more because apostates from the known truth, seldom or never have the grace to return to it. If you truly seek the truth friend then do it not just from your personal feelings or bias but with an open mind and heart. God bless!

[@GratiaPrima_]

Man, as a convert I sooo agree. Confession is so beneficial. Putting a voice specifically to your sin. Getting up, using your body to go somewhere and do something about your sin. Go give it to God. It’s so great.

[@fabiotuan5206]

If you are in a relationship with Jesus then just keep on walking and trusting in Him. Go to Him not a priest. A priest can't forgive sins

[@GratiaPrima_]

Fabio Tuan obviously priests don’t forgive sins. God does, through Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Even in the Catholic Church sacrament of confession. Same as marriage. The ordained minister or priest doesn’t join the two in marriage, God does. Through the minister or priest.

[@josephlinfordditan3163]

@@GratiaPrima_ Amen!

[@oisole0]

@@fabiotuan5206 Your claim is not true! Look at scripture carefully and you will see God gave our Lord Jesus the power to forgive sins on Earth (Mathew 9:6) and people glorified God who had given such authority to men (Mathew 9:8). St John says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). After rising from the dead, our Lord Jesus shares his power and gives the disciples authority to forgive or retain sins (John 20:22-23). St Paul forgives the incestuous Corinthian by the authority of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:10). St James says “confess your sins one to another and pray for one another” (James 5:16). That is, to the priests of the church, whom (in ver. 5:14) he had ordered to be called for, and brought in to the sick; moreover, to confess to persons who had no power to forgive sins, would be useless. Hence the precept here means, that we must confess to men whom God hath appointed, and who, by their ordination and jurisdiction, have received the power of remitting sins in his name. (cf John 20:22-23). Our Lord Jesus said to his disciples that “He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16). And he had also given power to the disciples to tread on serpents and scorpions and upon the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). So as you can see friend, confession is biblical and a Sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ himself.......

[@andreeattieh2963]

​@@fabiotuan5206 john 20 21 23 says that the apostles themselves could forgive sins and priests are succecors of the apostles

[@ninamaerosario3850]

My personal experience is that I am so afraid to confess my biggest sin. I thought I don't want to confess this particular sin because I am ashame, i will only confess the sins that are not so shameful. But we can't deny the fact that God knows and watching us and what's the point of going to confession if you just choose only the sins that are convenient for you to confess I was thinking maybe God will not forgive me completely. So when I first confess my biggest sin i was so nervous and very anxious but after confession, i felt God has forgiven me. The priest told me to avoid that sin and he advised me what to do. It felt so good. I don't want to commit that sin again you know because it's hard to confess it over again. By God's grace my conscience preventing me not to commit it again.

[@vickersonp]

Nina Mae Rosario Nina, the priest has heard it all before. You will not be able to shock him. In any case you are not confessing to the priest you are confessing to Jesus. If you withhold a sin you are really withholding a sin from Jesus. Trust Him!!! He will embrace you with love and compassion....there’s no need to to be afraid of Him who died for you.

[@ninamaerosario3850]

@@vickersonp ❤️

[@jgomez7183]

Confession is an amazing gift from Jesus. He set it up that way so that people from all walks of life whether smart, mentally challenged, an adolescent, a kid, old people in other words everyone would be able to get it when they hear the words of absolution from a priest. That is how we are saved and Jesus said He will always be with us which is true He is in the church literally as a bread that came down from heaven that we eat and His blood that we drink during mass which is that awesome grace as we participate in the heavenly worship of the mass for that one time sacrifice of Jesus on the cross beyond space and time which is literally done every minute or second of every moment somewhere in the world for the salvation of those who follows and participate and abides as the body of Christ which is His flock that He loves so much.

[@NRTTENET]

Don’t forget Adoration I love adoration, because you can be with Jesus for hours

[@boem3021]

Cradle Catholic here. Yes, I causes me to feel uneasy, each time. But then, it's such a great moment of humility that we need so much! And the relief afterward is priceless!

[@drvijil]

I was raised Catholic & went to confession on a regular basis during my parochial school days. I became a disinterested, debauched non practicing Catholic throughout my 20's & 30's. A few years ago, I reconnected with my faith and struggled with the thought of going to confession. I finally went to confession after 40 plus years. It felt wonderful and a huge burden was lifted away. Asking forgiveness in your mind is easy, confessing to your priest requires humility, sincerity, and a touch of courage, every opposite of pride which leads to sin. I encourage everyone to experience the gift of confession.

[@delvingeorge2807]

Love hearing you speak for Sacrament of Confession! This is truly a blessing in Roman Catholic Church 🙏

[@vickersonp]

Great video as usual Keith. Listening to you and other converts has pretty much got me to the point where I believe that all cradle Catholics should be kicked out of the church and made to re enter via RCIA after they have learned about their faith. I’m not serious but I really wish and pray that all Catholics could be as excited about their faith as you are. God blessya mate.

[@julieelizabeth4856]

I was one who took it all for granted pretty much like everyone around me seemed to. I grew up around mostly nominals, even in Catholic school. When I started seriously looking a couple of years ago was also the time that I really started paying attention to the changes our new priest was making. Some didn't like the return to tradition and left, but others are now coming from out of town and our pews seem fuller every Sunday than the one before. We have some converts and yes they are the most inspiring. I didn't have to look far for answers. They came to me and I am so blessed.

[@vickersonp]

Julie Elizabeth Julie, thank you for responding to the grace that Our Lord poured out on you that enabled you to embrace your faith in its fullness.

[@pablonegron6458]

God bless you and continue your beautiful life as a catholic

[@baziiingaaa]

Been watching your videos and you are awesome. Have you consider being a Deacon?

[@KeithNester]

Thank you so much! Always seeking God for what his will is. Right now I have to work 2 jobs. Deacon school is not in the cards currently by you never know

[@normaivy8076]

I am a cradle Catholic for 60 yes and I am still anxious about confession. I think about it a lot before and then i am afraid I will leave something out! But when I leave I am so aware of how clean I feel. And I am so aware of repeating my sins that I am getting better at avoiding the temptation. God bless you and welcome Home Keith!

[@BibleLovingLutheran]

That's a beautiful home brother. That's awesome. God has blessed you well.

[@glendamendoza4883]

my last confession was last month and it's really awesome, i feel the grace from our Lord ❤

[@MystoRobot]

AMEN! Confession is extremely important; We should all try to go at least every two weeks. We should also go asap each time we're in a state of mortal sin; no procrastination. Priests have seen it all, so don't be ashamed; they WANT your spiritual well being, and will give you advices.

[@carlparna]

Very inspiring again ! So hungry ! Same here i always look forward to confession every month or 2 !! We as Catholics need a washaway!!

[@caliyessinails]

I have watched this video more than 10 times and will not be the last. I love the message in the video ❤. God sure gave you a gift and I am blessed to be able to grow from your videos.

[@lucasserafimmagalhaes3]

God bless you Keith, hope every Catholic know the great mistery of confession.

[@CatholicConvertK]

Thank you for this video. I had my first RCIA meeting yesterday & confession came up. I want to go to confession but my biggest thing is just what you said- I like our priest very much & I'm afraid of what he'll think of me after hearing my sins. This video gave me some peace. Thank you. ❤

[@boem3021]

Thank you! Cradle Catholic myself and you're touching exactly the greatness of the Sacrament.

[@myronmercado]

Wow. This is just so beautiful to watch again. Thanks Keith.

[@kseniap.1242]

Thank you for the video, Keith. I was having similar reservations about confession before I saw your video but now I feel completely relieved. I am happy I found your channel because you have great gift to comfort people with your words.

[@KeithNester]

Thank you so much! I am blessed that the channel helps you.

[@PInk77W1]

I’m 58. Been going to confession since i was 12. I still hate it and fear it. My priest starts out confession by saying “It is my joy to celebrate the sacrament of Gods mercy with you.”

[@KeithNester]

Let God’s grace and gift wash over you. Don’t be afraid

[@julieelizabeth4856]

Your priest is like a doctor whose joy it is to give you the exact medicine you need. It might not taste good, but it heals.

[@JamesMartinelli-jr9mh]

Yuck! Maudlin! Thank the Good Lord that I go to a priest of the SSPX.

[@PInk77W1]

@@JamesMartinelli-jr9mh SSPX is Protestant

[@lidiabarahona2154]

Thank you Keith you are wonderful.I love your videos God bless you

[@MrPeach1]

It is truly a gift! The devil tricks us into thinking it's a burden. Everytime I go though I always leave thinking "man I needed that" . Another great video

[@emb5091]

Wow, I never thought about the idea that the priest would be proud of me for going to confession. That means God surely would be proud of me going to confession too!

[@rgc1248]

Keith... You are awesome!

[@KeithNester]

God is awesome! I am humbled that you watch the videos. Thank you so much!

[@rgc1248]

@@KeithNester Truth! God is Great!

[@vkbowers]

I love the gift of confession and it absolutely tears down walls that I was unaware existed in my heart. Our precious Lord knows exactly what we need in our humanity. The act of receiving the words of absolution does bring healing. So often the walking wounded are moving through life being loved and forgiven by God through His son but they live as if that forgiveness is not theirs. I love the way you put it, hearing it helps you to RECEIVE the forgiveness. Receiving is an act and in the case of confession, it's an act that opens the door to Grace.

[@Darth_Vader258]

When I went to my last Confession last May 2019 I confess my EVIL thoughts because that is my only sin I struggle with.

[@conservaliberaltarian2753]

I'm guessing you already confessed the sins you committed in episodes IV, V, and VI?

[@Darth_Vader258]

@@conservaliberaltarian2753 Well I don't know maybe because I am a redeemed Jedi now.

[@MystoRobot]

@@conservaliberaltarian2753 Vader's favorite bible verse: *Matthew 5: 30*

[@TracyW-me8br]

😆

[@Darth_Vader258]

@@MystoRobot No I am your father.

[@serviamserviam4618]

I felt the same thing when I finally confessed the one sin I've always thought to be embarrassing and grave. Even to the point I was afraid i'll be excommunicated (I don't know much about this whole thing back then), and it was terrifying. I was so afraid to live the rest of my life apart from Christ. After hearing my confession, I confessed only that one sin at that time, it took around 30 minutes because I went through all the details with tears and the priest listened patiently. After I was done, I looked at the priest (face to face confession) and his eyes were red; I suspect tears. Then he said "I absolve you from all your sins since birth." I was speechless and I embraced him before leaving. The night before that I prayed to God that I want to confess that sin only under personally requested circumstances: 1. I wanted it only with that particular priest because I have very high regard of him (trust him that much) although we don't know each other personally. I just liked every time he holds a mass. 2. At lunch time because I was still a college student at that time. 3. Face to face. I don't want any veil to hide my shame. If God was to be angry at me I wanted to be hit by it 100%; because I have sinned. Then when I went to church at lunch time of that day, I was still outside of the Church and the priest was giving his homily. It was him. My heart started beating really fast, then amidst what he was doing, the priest looked at me from the altar and our eyes locked (take note I was outside of Church). While waiting for the mass to end, I prayed the Divine Mercy; the unfathomable Divine Mercy. Then finally, the mass was over, I asked the Priest if I could confess, then instead of going to the confession box, he lead me to his office. Then I saw that it was going to be a face-to-face confession. That day, I experienced God's Providence, unhindered Will, and Divine Mercy. Truly, "No sin can ever separate us from the love of God."

[@susannebrule3160]

That besutiful

[@jamesm5462]

The feeling is always hard to describe after the words of absolution. Oh gosh. So light. So joyful. So renewed.

[@annefrankle6787]

Bless you dear brother .. what an inspiration I am praying to follow Jesus and his. Truth. Wow! The church is the pillar of truth! Not only the scriptures but the precious 7 sacraments and the catechism. What a blessing to become a catholic .

[@1907jdee]

I never left my faith but there were a number of years when I became distant. In the last year or 2 I just felt a longing to have that closeness with God and our Lady again. A few months ago I knew I needed to go to confession. I remember feeling massive anxiety outside the confessional but feeling such a release and a physical weight lifted off me when it was done. I pray more will discover what a gift Our Lord has given us in the sacrament of confession.

[@walkonwater718]

I absolutely love Confession, it's so freeing! And I also noticed that, after some time struggling with the same sins and feeling like a failure but going to Confession over and over again anyway, there are real changes that happen and I commit the sin less. It's a wonderful grace-filled gift!

[@mohaubereng9315]

It's scary. You know about the seal of confession, you know that you won't be judged, but it's still embarrassing. However, IT IS ALWAYS SO FREEING when you come out of confession. You feel so light. It's the most amazing feeling. I just absolutely love confession.

[@bernitacenteno1326]

Thankyou for your message from your heart, because of what you were and what you are now, a former Methodist Pastor when and now a Catholc.😍😇

[@watermain48]

I'm a life-long Catholic who has been away from the Church for a long, long time and I'm now returning. I don't hear well and I worry that I will talk so loud that everyone in church is going to be listening. Thanks for a great video my young friend.

[@colleenoppelvanwyk7278]

THANK YOU Keith for these videos. As a cradle Catholic I ENJOY it SOOOOO much 🙏🌹

[@michaelorsini9695]

Great story Keith!!! The really sad part is that most Catholics don't even go to Confession...they never really experience the joy, peace and sense of relief a good Confession can really achieve. Confession has great moral power to help us appreciate the Eucharist even more...it can also help us conquer sins that can't be otherwise conquered. One more thing....Priests also go to Confession...they're also sinners just like us and more often than not, have the same temptations and sins on their conscience that we have. CHEERS!!!

[@daviddee7175]

Like you pulled it out of my mouth. I stressed out but even more too embarrassed to face a priest. I do struggle going to confession because of these.

[@KeithNester]

Just go! You won’t regret it

[@josephlinfordditan3163]

Go bro, humble yourself to God and He will exalt you! I am praying for you!

[@mariamayne4725]

Don't worry ... When we confess our sins... We are not confessing to a priest... Jesus is in the center of a priest and a confessors.. Look at Jesus and not the priest...examined our conscious and make a true confession of all your sins. Mortal sins and venial sins.. sins against the ten commandments.. sins against the Holy Spirit... as against Holy Eucharist... with out examining our conscious... To draw closer to God we need to make our confession every time when we sin and to receive the Holy Eucharist with a pure heart,mind, body soul and spirit... We find Gods' love peace and joy....I love going for confession ..I find the love of Jesus speaking to me through the priest.. I just pour out my sins to Jesus..And Jesus forgives all my sins.. I feel very light after making my confession.. The first confession I made ..I cried so bitterly.. I Lord I am a sinner.. I am not worthy ... I was full burdens and problems. I was healed of all my burdens and problems...Thank You Jesus for saving my life...

[@dchazfan]

I love your protestant perspective to Catholicism. I pass your videos along to my protestant friends. Thank you

[@bessieybanez7007]

Thank you for sharing this. I've been a Catholic all my life but having someone articulate his personal conversiob story and journey of faith is truly inspiring and a source of encouragement esp during these trying times

[@mirosderegil]

What a beautiful message. I fully agree with you. Confession is AWESOME!

[@deigomines4938]

It's a blessing...............

[@victorvigil7892]

Keith, thank you for your videos, most of all welcome home.

[@KeithNester]

Thank you Victor

[@cfreeman5343]

Thanks be to God. I love confession so much. I’m crying. Where else can you share everything (and literally everything) and revived the love of God? Where else can you get that kind of love!?

[@polishmehappy]

Confession, to me, is indeed a tremendous thing. I have no words to describe the burden lifted off my soul. Nobody understands this without Faith. The Catholic Church is my sanctuary, after 30 years on wandering I'm at home again with my faith

[@marysalmond5273]

Well said. You give a clear picture of the angst. He is under the seal of confession; so you can totally unload. So cleansing. Fresh start. No psychiatrist needed.

[@josephat8334]

You are so good

[@silvialunaestevez]

So well explained!! Thank you, Keith! God bless you! From Madrid, Spain.

[@loribothwell5493]

Confession became a healing sacrament for me after my reversion. I went to my first open Confession and it felt liberating, a lot like psychotherapy but I felt like I let down my burdens and I became lighter and lighter. Now I can feel when it's time to go and it gets to be a part of your life.

[@moktarbom]

My fear with confession was to do a bad confession, its was over a year ago at a church event and to my surprise there was no queue. I did not have time to quieten down my heart and think about my sins, it was messy. I still feel the peace of absolution at the end but it did not felt as strong compared to just spending 5mins to pray first to be humble and honest for confession and think about the sins I done before going in. My first confession was like every burden in my life was lifted from me, I felt lighter and could breath better, I felt free :D

[@happycamper5211]

This is so beautiful. Keith do you know why you felt the way you did at the absolution? I still feel this way at every confession. Because as in the words of Consecration that the Priest says at Mass, it's JESUS saying those words through the Priest. When the hand of absolution goes over you, that is JESUS himself absolving you. Only God can forgive sine! How wonderful is that. The Priest is In Persona Christi (it's Jesus in the Priest) by the way, in you and in me, when we are in a state of Grace. Also St. Faustina's Diary of Divine Mercy confirms this. (An approved Mystic is today's Prophet). Entry (1602) Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy (1602). I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest ... I Myself act in your soul (1602). God Bless and Keep you Keith. You will be as if running to Confession like a little boy...Our Blessed Mother is giving you everything you missed in your childhood. For me one of the things was having the Scapular placed over my head by a Priest as he prayed for me. I skipped back to my pew like a little girl. Great experience. Fiat!

[@applin121]

At the moment I’m going through RCIA and tonight’s subjects are the sacraments of confession and anointing. I plan to be confirmed at Easter and your videos have been a tremendous source of encouragement.

[@KeithNester]

I am happy to hear that. God bless you!

[@edwinquilas2453]

Confession sets you free.

[@lois2997]

Yep

[@relynloganathan2836]

Great talk as usual. God reveals Himself to those who seek Him faithfully. God bless you and keep you in good health.

[@SueEarl5281]

Thank you Keith!

[@teresamarie1528]

Wow! This is spoken so honest and true!! Exactly! You don't have to explain your sins to God, He knows!! So so freeing what a gift this Sacrament is!!!❤🙌❤🙏

[@carl-catholicmusic-english3039]

Wow another great sharing @Keith Nester about confession....i confesss I do it every 2 months or more urgent a month and a half. But it feels so great afterwards!!!

[@carl-catholicmusic-english3039]

Actually, to think about it i m due in a week or 2 hmmmm

[@alfredynda23]

For the sake of his sorrowful passion. 🙏🙏🙏

[@lupebanda5827]

I am a cradle catholic and have gone to confession since 😂 was seven years old, I am now 79 years of age and I feel nervous before I enter the confessional, but after I confess my sins to the merciful Father and hear his words of pardon through the lips of the priest, “by the power bested on me; I forgive you, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Go in peace and sin no more.” I feel my heart and soul bathed in God’s powerful and glorious grace.

[@ncwolf56]

I came home to the church back in 2003. When I went to my first confession before confirmation I had the same concerns you did. I had over 50 years of sins to confess and I didn't want to forget and leave anything out. I didn't want to mess up. I didn't want to have to tell the priest things I wouldn't tell my closest friends. While waiting to go into his office I starting thinking that if I left out I could confess it next time, and I assured myself that I couldn't confess anything the priest hadn't heard before. But the priest helped me though it and I made it through my first confession. It's hard to describe the wonderful feeling I had when I was given absolution. Yes I would say going to confession is in the top ten of why I'm glad I became a Catholic. One thing I've noticed that after I've gone to confession the day seems brighter and the world looks more beautiful. I've know it's been said a million times but I always feel like there has been a burden lifted from me. But most important is I always feel closer to Jesus and I can more readily feel his grace and love. I only wish my circumstances would allow me to go more often.

[@marylinggayo1594]

Thank you for this topic. I hope to receive absolution as well when I go to confession. God bless us all.

[@paternusmujamah4790]

Awesome Keith... you are a blossom that spreading the fragrant of heaven ... God have mercy on you... I love confession.. im free to share my sin secretly to the one that i love... that is my priest... a father and my friend in need... God bless you Keith...

[@supreme87878]

I like the word "physician", the other name we call confession is reconciliation, to reconcile our broken wounds in the relationship with God made by our sins. To repatch, reheal.

[@KeithNester]

I love that!

[@gailseiler4351]

As we say in Texas.... That'll preach.. So many things I think why didn't I do this before.. Of course when you understand the real presence in the Eucharist everything else makes sense. Taylor Marshall has a great video on how to do confession. I learned a lot from it and now I go often.

[@franciscomartinez5983]

I've been following you and your videos. You really inspire me. God bless you. Welcome home.

[@franciscomartinez5983]

Thanks for taking time to read my text. On the other hand. May I ask you. What or why about the picture on your site? . Just curious

[@antropatico]

during confession I felt ashamed of my sins. but the priest said somehing that helped me a lot. he said: Jesus didn't come for the just but for the sinners. that really allowed me to confront my sins, repent and ask for forgiveness.

[@ramonapaselio]

About 26 years ago, at the age of 9, when I attended my first communion and confession classes, one thing stuck with me that our Catechist taught us about the sacrament of confession. He told us that while we make our first confession to the priest, he is God's chosen servant who is the instrument of Christ, and through him we're confessing our sins to the Lord, that he's there to listen and always ready to absolve our sins. Up to now, when I go to confession, I would confess my sins to God our Father saying, "Father, I did this, I did that…" as like I'm talking to God himself and it's an incredible feeling, with the priest physically being present there listening and giving counsel and about to absolve and forgive my sins after I say my contrition prayer. Confession is a healing and peaceful sacrament, and also helps transform us in becoming good people and living out God's calling in our lives. It's one of the sacraments I love that after confessing your sins to God with a repentant heart & spirit, your sins are forgiven and you get to receive the gift of grace and absolution from our Lord through the priest and is truly a blessing. I do feel light, at peace and good, and you even get to experience God's loving mercy and healing power through the sacrament spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. It's absolutely a wonderful sacrament that we get to experience God's unconditional love, forgiveness and mercy upon us His children. Thank you Keith for your videos, I actually enjoy it especially from a converts perspective. It's interesting, inspiring and you give good down to earth talks of your catholic faith, filled with genuineness and passion, and you are a blessing 🙏 God bless you for your faith and your family.

[@JayRedding12_12]

I love that you when right in with Confession with this series of videos.

[@tubinho79]

The initial fear is always present, but once we understand that the priests are not there to judge us, all that fear disappears and you actually crave to confess all your sins as soon as possible.

[@analinares283]

That is exactly how i feel! Wow! Thanks for sharing

[@tinaria]

I believe what priest said in confession rooms. If you didn't feel joy after confession...please pray .....

[@waltermromanoff349]

Jesus said no man can forgive your sins and call no man father besides god in heaven Jesus said my people perish for lack of knowledge do you know your Bible Have you accepted Christ as your savior Have you been born again a spiritual change to understand a spiritual god Do you pray to Saints and Jesus mom He never taught that either A Christian follows Christ A Catholic follows pagan man made traditions.

[@tuff9486]

@@waltermromanoff349 You live in a bubble my friend. and not a christiain one. : Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16. = askings saints to pray for us, confession and "jesus Mom" as you call her.

[@donabeyta252]

AMEN.

[@jennyl2130]

Thank you Keith i,m so happy that what you learned from the Catholic faith is making you understand what it,s all about . I myself attend the Catholic latin Mass .it is so beautiful .May i suggest to you to look into it .And when you speak about your priest please call him by his last name or Father .,it is more respectful.. I love reading about your experiances as a convert . Please continue to post .My God Bless you and your family .

[@KeithNester]

Thank you so much! I also attend the Latin Mass. I love it. God bless you!

[@jesusmyking9398]

Watching from east Africa God bless you bro

[@doramartinez1425]

Oh wow I really loved this vedio it helped me alot I was always worried what the father might think of me but you put it in snd asome way that when I go this Saturday it will make easy on me keep making vedios

[@valentinapalmas2804]

I absolutely love your videos! I was a catholic but lived in the word and belonged to the devil, and then I encountered Jesus threw our blessed Mother and became a truly catholic and follower of Jesus. Thank you for your testimony brother, may God and Mother Mary bless you always!

[@roshnimonteiro2229]

You are right, we dont need to justify and explain our sins. Also we feel free because I really believe Jesus is listening who already knows our sins and can feel his unconditional love. After absolution from the priest, you really feel free.

[@tippiusrex863]

Keith, guy! You are a priest-evangelist. You deliver so well. I appreciate your delivery. How God must must be pleased in what you do for Him here. This Catholic soaks up the faith you offer. Thanks.

[@johnsposato5632]

Isn't it wonderful to be told how great are those things in our faith which we have long experienced and have now begun to take for granted? Why would I ever consider leaving behind the incredible riches of the Catholic faith?

[@TracyW-me8br]

It took me a while to see confession as a sacrament of healing and now I love it.

[@sheilaowiti199]

For me the key thing about going for confession is to be accountable to someone. It helps me from going back to repetitive sins.

[@catolicosonlinebr5174]

That´s because we are not there to be judged, but forgiven. Awesome. God is perfect.

[@jellojenna6]

I love going to confession. Sometimes I do think that the priest is going to think less of me, though, but aside from the fact that he hears so many confessions that he probably doesn't remember what I say, it is true that he is more of a physician than a buddy. I like my priests as people, but it's important to remember that they are priests first and foremost, and so you shouldn't be afraid to confess anything.

[@ValC488]

The priest I went to for confession said something that only God knew. God knew that those words would confort me! This goes to show that Jesus is really thete at the confessional! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@alexdingle7877]

It might seem like a lot, but I know Catholics who go to confession once a week regularly. If you confess what you think are your regular faults that you can't change, it may help you to change. A lot of us don't realize that you can feel just as awesome after a more frequent confession as after a less frequent one.

[@juandediosjosesaavedra6094]

Well, the fact of being afraid, or rather ashamed, about going to confession is quite normal, but there is something very important in the Sacrament of Penance which should help us to overcome all fear or shame: to know that the Church grants us a complete freedom to choose a confessor. No one is obliged to confess to this or that priest, we are fully responsible of the choice of the priest who will hear our confession as we are responsible of the choice of our phyisician, our psichologist, our therapist... at least the private ones. Some times we may make bad choices, we may be desappointed by some priests, as we may be disappointed by some physicians, therapists, psychologists... We simply made a mistake... What shall we do in such cases? Renouncing to go to confession anymore? Absurd! We need confession as we need to see a doctor... What shall we do, then? We simply change confessors, as we change physicians, therapists... until we find the one we need, the one who will be able to help us. And we need to pray in order to find him, specially to our Gardian Angel, to put that wise priest in our way...

[@deybalingit4719]

Now we know that God doth not hear sinners: but if a man be a server of God, and doth his will, him he heareth." - John 9:31