Steve Lawson Sin (Audio Proof) Pastor Removed From Position

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

My channel is not monetized with ads through KZbin, therefore I will not receive financial compensation from advertisers on this video. For those not familiar with this scandal. The non-profit organization that Steve Lawson is involved with released a statement claiming he admitted to an "inappropriate relationship" with someone other than his wife. Below link is to my other channel that is solely devoted to the Christian faith: www.youtube.com/@setapart1631

[@profilecanada2320]

It always concerns me on social media pages when personalities are quoted and venerated rather than scripture. And you see this from Augustine to McArther

[@AnHebrewChild]

YES.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

I noticed the trend too. I frequently see more quotes from post-biblical figures, rather than scripture.

[@jftravis]

JD, I have watched you for a very long time 6-8 years?, love the channel but I have never commented. This was a very good post, and you I believe are correct. Thank you for being BOLD for the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!

[@lindacook9300]

Never thought of that. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

[@blessed8703]

Having a favorite pastor is simply not idolatry. There’s a big difference.

[@janwarriner6554]

I agree 100% Jon! Well said! 🙏🏻👍

[@TheologyStuff]

Thanks for this fam!

[@adventuresinmichiganwlisa9852]

Well Said JD, God Bless You ❤

[@ryant1506]

“Let your gentleness be made to all,” this guy was not gentle- but fell into a lot of arrogance and pride. Shouting about standing on truth rather than standing on Jesus is very subtle warning sign that someone has begun to buy into their own hype.

[@heyyou9839]

👏 yes

[@throughthevalley8]

How would you suggest someone that comes from a heavy Calvinistic background break away from "the culture of personality, and popularity"?

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

I commented on your testimony video. We can chat over there. :)

[@mirando100]

Lawson is nothing nothing more than a charlaran.

[@Christo1518]

Steven Lawson has always been a fake in my mind. I don't know why anyone liked the repetitive and practiced delivery. I found him sickening. Every sermon was like his suits.

[@Ellomarshall50]

You've got a sharp tongue.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

@@Ellomarshall50 Even when I sharply disagree with someone, I don't think personal insults are warranted. I agree the last sentence is a cheap shot.

[@CarlosLGuerrero]

It is a very good and appropriate analysis, given that Calvinists do criticize others. In fact, what Steve did was exactly what heretics do, such as living a legalistic and hypocritical life.

[@womanatthewell1611]

Good catch, JD. Good for you for calling this out. While everyone is running around reporting on this as if it somehow matters to Christianity, you're the only one I've found speaking the truth about these so-called pastors. Amen.

[@prodigal_no_more]

You have turned a pastors sin of adultery into the sin of idolatry. The man has wrecked his life and ministry. Instead of love and compassion and trying to pray for him you have decided to do the worldly thing and tear him down more. Christian’s should not spend time tearing each other apart instead of loving each other when we fall short of the glory of God.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

His sin of adultery? Now you have accused him of something that his church or I never implicitly stated. The letter from the church never even claimed that his sin was sexual (though that may be the case, we don't know yet) . I didn't turn his sin into idolatry, I was exposing his sin of idolatry. I didn't not even comment on the recent accusations about him. You also have bore false witness against me because you claim I have not prayed for him. Is pointing out someone's sin tearing them down? No, I'm calling him to repentance by confronting his continuous, arrogant, behavior. What I covered in this video is only the tip of the iceberg.

[@prodigal_no_more]

@@JDsVarietyChannel The church released him for an appropriate relationship with a woman. Do you not think that means adultery? Nothing you said points to idolatry for me. I will say this Jesus said he who is without sin cast the first stone. Keep throwing stones, my friend.

[@AnHebrewChild]

@@prodigal_no_moreI thought the point of this video was to use it as an opportunity to speak about the idolatry of placing any man above us as teacher or pastor besides Jesus (who said, "there shall be one fold and one pastor," and "for one is your teacher and all ye are brethren.") One means one.

[@KristenG380]

Completely agree 💯

[@jackoffjack]

JESUS IS LORD.

[@debrawilder9551]

Well said young man !

[@debrawilder9551]

Get ready to see many of they big preachers to be brung out as what they really are

[@pewpaws]

Calling someone "my favorite Pastor can be problematic", but it might just be a question of semantics. If you are not under the authority and accountable to (yes, I said it and many Christians will hate to read this) of your local church and the Pastor, Deacons, Elders and congregation, then you are outside of the body of Christ - you have failed to assemble with the body, and condemned yourself. So, I could see a few different ways that this term might be applied: The person saying this actually thinks that this person they are watching on youtube is actually their pastor - this person is not assembling with the body, so they are in serious error. The person saying this is actually a part of that pastors congregation (calling him their favorite is weird at that point). The person saying it (and this is hopefully the majority of people you have seen making those comments) might be in right relationship with God, and his local church, etc and just really find that this "preachers" (see the different word there) method of teaching the bible really works for him, the listener, and to see that person fall should and would feel awful. No idolatry required. You can agree or disagree with me, but with the semantics I was talking about, it would look like this for me: My favorite pastor is my only pastor and I lead worship alongside of him at my local church. My favorite bible teacher, who discipled me, is Mark Fairley. My favorite evangelist who I learned via youtube to evangelize from, is Ray Comfort. My favorite preacher is still John MacArthur, tho I disagree about a pre trib rapture and the way that he explained his view of calvinism was acceptable to me, and it would be to many people if they knew it. Anyways, those are my favorites. My go-to's. The ones that I share with my disciples. I also have 10 more evangelists, bible teachers, pastors of other local churches, etc that I listen to... so I am saying my favorite - not as my "hero" but as which person do I think of first when I need to learn today. Many people's spiritual hero is Apostle Paul. Mine is Ignatius of Antioch - I am not veneration any of them. I am listening to everything that you are saying, I just wanted to put out there that not everyone that calls someone their favorite this or that is putting them on a pedestal or worshipping them .

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

Thanks for being respectful with your long reply. I understand some of your points, though I would still see it as more problematic than you do. It would be too long for me to go in depth via comment. However, I do understand some people use it for lack of better terms and it can be in some cases an issue of semantics, that's where grace comes in. So though I still disagree with some of your assertions, some of your critique was fair, and it's admirable that you sought clarity without accusing me of anything. I was simply attempting to get to the heart of the message and not wrangle over words, trusting that reasonable people would be able to read between the lines of what I was getting at. I was aiming at the extreme end of the spectrum, not people just being to loose with words. Especially with Lawson not just trying to rank preachers on how effective they are or how much he personally admires them (I would say that is still carnality) but he actually created a GOAT (greatest of all time) tiered leaderboard system which I view as incredibly idolatrous. I would be more gentle in my rebuke of a young believer who may more prone to vanity and the pagan culture of winners and losers. But an old preacher who claims they started preaching at 18 is not going to get sympathy from me. They know better. The problem is Steve's doctrine allows for this behavior, he sees no issue with it, or he would have issued an apology long ago. Hope this makes my position a little more clear. :)

[@stamatissavvanis5862]

Well you can't blame the puritans, who indeed had great faith, as much as you can blame Abraham for his supernatural faith, because some religious folk tends to make idols out of them. Dont fall into the opposite extreme - which is the easiest thing to do in a time of disillusionment.

[@HandleWithCare-k8g]

True. Baby with the bath water type of thing.

[@adventuresinmichiganwlisa9852]

Thanks for sharing JD 👍. I believe you are awesome and stand true to your beliefs. ❣️🙏❣️ Much love JD and your family from here in Michigan

[@lanniesechrest4263]

While I believe Steve Lawson is imperfect like anyone else. And this obviously is not a good thing that happened. I think you’re stretching it a bit to say his admiration of these men was idolatry. Maybe it was, but I really think you’re taking a big leap here.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

I truly wish it was simply a case of exaggeration, but what I have seen says otherwise based on his behavioral patterns. He once was asked point blank about why so many Christians are opposed Calvinism, he replied "they don't know the bible" . And continued on explaining that it's lack of knowledge, pride and arrogance that keeps people from embracing his Calvinist view of scripture (I can share the video if you'd like to see it) . He is one of the most arrogant proclaiming Christians I have encountered, because he is so sure of himself on all points, and has set himself up as a literal ambassador and spokesperson of God, leaving no room for reproof or growth. I fear for such people's soul. He claims he started preaching at 18. Him recalling his experience of being mesmerized by these "greats" gives me the impression that he was groomed/brainwashed at a young age, and never looked back. I pray this serious sin he found himself in is a wakeup call to humility and repentance.

[@richardbeee]

Vanity. It's all vanity to me.

[@kevinrosas2246]

Well said. I think we forget this at times and thanks be to God for his mercy and Grace on us. Being so kind to lead us into his word.

[@turdferg100]

Christ is king JD God bless.

[@bradleylong1686]

"A student shall be like his teacher". Author? Jesus Christ. " And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Author? Apostle Paul to young Timothy (2 Tim. 2:2).

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

You are correct. That is the biblical model. And if your teacher is a son of hell, you with either be equally a son of hell like them, or a greater son of hell. Matthew 23:15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." Martin Luther, the main ring leader of such theologians was a sick reprobate and anti-Semite, and he's just the tip of the iceberg.

[@MyDogMike1]

Can you just go back to metal detecting? Please…

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

I plan to post my hunts whenever I dig, just not doing any at this season in my life as I just got my health back in order and am focusing on other things.

[@MyDogMike1]

I get it. Post what you want, but it’s hard to connect with this kind of content.

[@michaelhargis7036]

JD, you're white as a ghost. Get some sun.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

lol Michael. Lighting was bad. I'm fine and get enough sun. :)

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

@@MyDogMike1 I understand. No hard feelings when people skip such videos. I can't promise where the future will go. I just take things one day at a time. Take care my friend.

[@BeverlyAdcock-w2q]

The chief musician and a man after God's own heart. KING DAVID. Did David sin? Greatly! Did David fall from God's grace! Definitely! So maybe you should remember that God and God alone can and will judge.. God loved David! David loved God. Brush up on our great men and women of old... These great characters that blatantly sinned! You may be surprised!

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

I outlined that there is a difference between moral failings and blatant idolatry. They are not the same thing. David had a severe season of moral failing, in which he repented when confronted by Nathan. I have also not judged Steve's eternal destination, which is not my place. I'm judging character based on patterns of behavior, not his final place in eternity, which is up to God alone. And as long as one draws breath (unless their conscience is completely seared) I believe there is hope for them. Steve has never repented of his verbal idolatry to my knowledge. When he apologizes for this publicly, then I will take a further look. Furthermore, I'm not a Calvinist, so even if he did repent, unless he changed his teaching, I would still view him as someone teaching false doctrine, and misleading people away from biblical Christianity.

[@truthseeker2752]

And king David would be on trial today for conspiracy to commit murder, and maybe get the death penalty. He’s no hero.

[@BeverlyAdcock-w2q]

@JDsVarietyChannel Do you actually know the heart of Dr. Lawson? I don't! But God does! Maybe praying for him would be more Christ like vs. throwing the 1st stone. I don't care for any followers of Christ who condemn another regardless of doctrinal theology. We don't know the facts. One can assume. One must always fact-check before they make an allegation on any public forum! I've not been appointed to be anyone's Holy Spirit!

[@1Whipperin]

​@@JDsVarietyChannelAnyone calling themselves "Pastor" is exposing their own phoniness and hunger for authority, not a true calling to serve. Jesus Himself warned against chasing after titles like "Rabbi" or "Father," yet some ignore His clear instruction to reject such labels in favor of humble servanthood (Matthew 23:8-10). These so-called "pastors" use a title to elevate themselves above others, seeking recognition and control instead of leading by example in Christ-like humility. If their leadership depended on the fruits of the Spirit and genuine service to the body of Christ, they wouldn't need a title to prove it. They're parading a false sense of authority, and it's an insult to the true worship of God in spirit and truth.

[@CheddarChess-ft7hj]

I think he was simply praising his former pastors (hyperbole). Just like saying you have the "greatest mom ever."

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

You could go listen to the full podcast, which I recommend if clarity is needed. That's not the context. If it were I would be bearing false witness. Unfortunately he was being literal. Many people who are reformed in their theology have a spiritual hierarchy of post-biblical heroes that they elevate above others. From what I have found based on my research over time, he is one of the worst offenders of this type of idolatry.

[@1Whipperin]

Anyone calling themselves "Pastor" is exposing their own phoniness and hunger for authority, not a true calling to serve. Jesus Himself warned against chasing after titles like "Rabbi" or "Father," yet some ignore His clear instruction to reject such labels in favor of humble servanthood (Matthew 23:8-10). These so-called "pastors" use a title to elevate themselves above others, seeking recognition and control instead of leading by example in Christ-like humility. If their leadership depended on the fruits of the Spirit and genuine service to the body of Christ, they wouldn't need a title to prove it. They're parading a false sense of authority, and it's an insult to the true worship of God in spirit and truth.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

There is much truth in what you say, when looking at the broader issues, which were above the scope of this video. The word pastor is never used in the bible, and the plural "pastors" is only used once is scripture. You are correct, such names are primarily used as titles of authority, not just positions. For example, if someone's main calling from God is to be of service to others by being a janitor in a local assembly, would you refer to that person as janitor so and so? No, it would be rude to identify someone by their occupation, and not by their personhood. When people insert pastor before their name as a way to be addressed, it certainly elevates them over others in an unbiblical fashion. I know there are many pastors who mean well and don't fall in love with the praise of men, but it doesn't make the model is biblical just because some don't abuse it. Is it not sufficient to be called brother? For those not familiar with these base arguments, it doesn't mean I'm anti-eldership. I plan to cover Paul's assembly model in the future, which is a far cry from the western church model.

[@fireaboss]

Someone saying that a pastor is their favorite, is not idolatry! It only means that that pastor resonates with them and maybe God used that pastor to change their heart. Lawson preached Jesus! I believe you are out to lunch on this. And until we hear the rest of the story, we can only judge his sin but not his motives or anything else. I am so disappointed to hear you go down this road. Dr Lawson is a wretched sinner saved by grace just like maybe you are? But I wonder why anyone who is truly saved would put out such a pernicious video before all the facts are heard.

[@grantgallie3802]

Nah this video is incorrect. Look at this verse: Philippians 3:17 NASB2020 [17] Brothers and sisters, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. We are meant to "observe" those who walk according to Paul's teachings. So basically we are meant to copy Jesus copy Paul and copy other people who are godly. So Steve is doing the correct thing by saying he's copying godly men. You are taking it over the top and saying that he is making an idol out of them which is your claim based on your own opinion not based on the facts... Are you in a church yourself or just make videos? Get into a church around believers!

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

I addressed this below, so I will copy my comment to another. You are correct regarding the model Paul laid out. This is not an argument over the scriptural model, but over who is godly and who is a devil among us. If your teacher is a son of hell, you with either be equally a son of hell like them, or a greater son of hell. Matthew 23:15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." Martin Luther, the main ring leader of such theologians was a sick reprobate and anti-Semite, and he's just the tip of the iceberg.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

And imagine assuming a person on KZbin doesn't assemble with other believers and telling them to "get into a church" . You let your superiority complex show.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

And what are the "facts" you are claiming in this situation? Steve used the word "greatest" when referring to the men he discussed. I did not put words in his mouth. If he would have simply said they are men I look up to, I would not have made this scathing rebuke. He himself has made claims that people who are not Calvinist don't know the bible, and it's because of pride. Is that not ferociously arrogant? The point here is that both Calvinist and non-Calvinist cannot be correct. Many people make this out to me a secondary issue, but they are completely opposing religious views on who God is. In the end one must take a side. I believe he is incredibly arrogant, and many Calvinist's think I am incredibly arrogant. I only point to their own words and filter them back through scripture. I think they make their true colors known with their own lips, and sometimes like in the case of Steve Lawson, with crystal clear terminology.

[@Gracie_02]

I hear you JD and understand what you are saying. I respect you for voicing your opinion and I agree with it. Jesus is King! God bless you 🙏🏼✝️

[@44towman]

Shows all people are human. And he doesn't really care either, I am sure.

[@Muzicboy3]

Why are you so sure?

[@likebot.]

I was disappointed to hear you state as if it were fact that Catholics worship Mary. Rumors like that are widely believed because it's so widely promulgated. Any Catholic Priest will tell you otherwise. If you've ever prayed for someone other than yourself, you've done what is asked of Mary: to pray for sinners.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

I don't remember exactly what I said in passing, as it wasn't the focus of the video. I apologize if it sounded like it was aiming toward all Catholics as individuals, as that was not my intent. What I was referencing was the creation of statues of her, which I view as idolatry. And you personally may not, but some Catholic's do worship her and call mother of God, and pray directly to her. Please know my passing comment was not to accuse individuals, but highlight theological differences broadly.

[@likebot.]

@@JDsVarietyChannel I understand there are theological differences. Thank you for the reply. I have my ignorances, I confess, and one is that I was unaware that not all Christian sects believe that Mary is the mother of God. Not that we have impression that she comes before, and that God didn't exist without her giving birth, but we say that because Son of God become Man was born to her. As you know, some misunderstand and that's probably due to poor home education in religion, lack of faith, temptation to superstition and supernatural... it goes on. Yes, some pray directly to Mary and these are as likely to believe in reincarnation and horoscopes, Gaia and selected practices from inidigenous tribes. A very devout woman from The United Church of Canada once asked me what I hope "to come back as" and another time "Who do you think you were in a past life". Ignorance spans the human race regardless. But in the end, more binds us Christians than separates us. Anyway, thanks for your attention to my thoughts. I came to you in an older video to avoid attention from other viewers. As Red Skelton used to say, "Good night and God bless! :)

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

@@likebot. Thanks for responding kindly. I also realizes that within religious sects, people interpret specific doctrines differently. Regarding Mary as mother of God, certainly, I believe she was the physical mother of Jesus, born of the Holy Spirit. We certainly have that in common. :) But some also teach/believe she is a mediatrix or co-redemptrix, believing she plays a role in people's salvation. I think that is highly unbiblical, and know that many Catholics hold to that. And yeah, not good when people are into spiritism like you brought up. That's been creeping into a lot of the mainstream in recent decades.

[@jeffdowns1038]

Brother, just like the latest video you posted, you are reading way too much into what the man is saying. So sad.

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

I only played a short clip, please listen to his full sermon for overarching context and direction. What I expressed matches his overall doctrine throughout all of his materials.

[@jeffdowns1038]

@@JDsVarietyChannel Just want to be clear, do you think Paul is in error when he ranked Timothy above all others in his service?: "I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." (Phil. 2:19-21)

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

Hi Jeff. Making a ministerial decision based on someone's usefulness for a specific task, based of their deep desire for the welfare of others (in my estimation) is not comparable to someone creating a GOAT (greatest of all time) leaderboard in which one ranks individual people from top to bottom. I don't see how that verse is even on the same playing field. Furthermore, you can see the bias in that Steve favors those in His own sect, directly correlating doctrinal understand with greatness in God's eyes (what you know, not who you are) . According to Him, if you've not a Calvinist, you rank lower. Paul was making a ministerial decision, not sitting around playing "let's figure out who is the best among us" . Jesus rebuked His disciples for doing such in Luke 22, and Paul does the same thing in 1 Corinthians. Please compare the passages I referenced with the verse you shared, and see what you come up with.

[@jeffdowns1038]

@@JDsVarietyChannel Would you even consider it a possibiliy that Lawson is speaking a bit hyperbolic? Would you concider it a possibility that you're reading into Lawson something you've experienced (I guess I'm refering to the other video now), but just because he says something a certain way (that triggers something), but it doesn't really fit your experience? I'm just wonder if it's possible? I don't know Lawson personally, I don't know you personally. Personally I find your two videos a bit offensive. I'm not against critiquing men; no need to go in that direction. It's one reason though I'd prefer not to post my sermons online. Some guy who thinks he knows it all, might come along and twist something I say. I might say something in my sermon, that I previous addressed in an annoucement which could be taken out of context if you didn't hear the announcement. Well, anyway, IMHO I don't believe you're being very charitable. It's a sad situation, and yes, Lawson is a public figures, but the courts of the church (which I'm not sure if he has one) is not the public. Does he owe he public something, I'm not so sure. I can see why he would, but do I think it's necessary, nah. Especially not this early on. Just to satisfiy folks such as yourself? Definitely not!

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

​@@jeffdowns1038 I only added the personal story to minister to others, I'm aware some people don't like the conflation because it can sound like a clouded victim mindset. I am confident that is not the case, and almost didn't even bring it up, knowing it could muddy my presentation in the eyes of some. At the end of the day I'm trying to reach people's condition of the heart, thus the personal appeal style I normally use. When doctrine is used void of real life experience I found it doesn't work. The Christian life doesn't happen in a vacuum. If there was only a single case of Steve saying such things I would have been more careful, knowing he may have been using hyperbole or got caught in a poor choice of words. I have only presented some of my case in a few videos on a couple issues. I wouldn't have released anything if I wasn't certain of my research. I understand you think I'm being too harsh, and that's fine. We can agree to disagree on this matter. Thank-you for addressing your concerns in a reasonable manner.

[@ephesians5112]

I always DID think he was a fraud. He refused to stand up to John MacArthur's blasphemy concerning the blood of Christ and his equally false teaching that we can take the mark and still be saved.

[@youshopper8385]

What is MacArthur's heresy about the blood of Christ?

[@4_CHRIST_music]

Think you took this one a little too far brother. We don’t even have the details of what this “inappropriate relationship” was. I understand where you’re coming from, but like you said, Lawson is a highly respected Pastor. He may struggle with idolatry, but who doesn’t? There is a difference between someone who struggles with a certain sin vs someone who has given their life over to a certain sin…

[@heletvanblerk4461]

Read Hebrews 11......

[@agee7661]

Come on do better than this. You have been influence by weak men.

[@sheilalart5837]

👍 😊

[@jamesforrestal8206]

Childish drivel. that was golden

[@mobileturtle]

You don’t know what you talking about

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

Your comments are welcome, but at least be constructive and present your case.

[@CounterIntelligence-em7vy]

Mobile Turtle You know everything don’t you

[@manuelflores2044]

I don't agree with you.