My husband got saved 40 years ago in a service of ravi. I can only say: We are forever grateful for the Lord using his words to touch the heart of my husband.
@ Doris If you are truly born again, you will know these two things: 1) God is sovereign and can work through unregenerate people, and 2) Ravi's speeches do not contain much of God's Word at all, so it would be wise to test the sincerity of any conversion that is attributed to his anecdotes and illustrations.
@@feargodandlive8352 thank you very much for your concern! Yes, dear FearGod andLive we both are born again and enjoy being HIS. We realize that every day is a gift of God that we want people around us to see HIM, our saviour and Lord Jesus Christus through our lifes and by the grace of God we try to do everything we do as unto the Lord and not unto man. I love the Lord with all of my heart and my husband has always been my encourager in the way he holds the Word of God as true and non-negotiable. - Thanks again!
Thank you Pastor for this. It has helped me to understand things about the situation. I have admired Ravi for a long time and yes was guilty of idolizing him. I am still in denial on all these truths about him. 😩 I cried to God about this and just grateful that my faith is not shattered for it was based on God alone..Greetings from Manila, Philippines.
I'm so glad you brought what appears to be the lack of church accountability in Ravi's life. I think it's safe to say that Ravi simply wasn't a churchman - not under the authority of elders or the consistent preaching of the Word. One could wonder if he was regularly taking the Supper even. The amount of scriptural commands we break and the amount of danger we put ourselves in when we separate from the local body is immense.
@@dpreciado8214 Ravi Zacharias was an expert at Gish Galop, and those that already believed in God and the gullible lapped it up. But anybody that used their critical thinking skills were never taken in by him.
Why do you call it "secret sin"? Paul calls these things apparent works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are apparent, which are, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness ... What is shocking? That R.Z. lived his way or that his livestyle has been revieled? Is R.Z. the only one living in sin? I guess the majority of american evangelical pastors love money, sex, and popularity and power. They do not know Christ. They do not know the gospel.
Yes. The Bible says "your sins will find you out." Numbers 32:23 King James Version 23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.
Thank you. You didn't mention it, but I was always wary about someone who could spend so much time away from a spouse. Not healthy. Not good. Not even from someone looking in from a distance.
exactly, my husband was a cheater that professed needing to get away on buisness very often and increasingly so... I felt the disconnect from our union when he started cheating... I am glad to be divorced from the duplitious, narcissistic cheater that continues to do so and even brags about getting sexual favors at massage parlors. Reprobates, evil, point finale!
Remember, if Ravi helped you out in your faith to the Lord, it's the Lord your faith goes, not man!! What Satan meant for evil, God always uses for good to those who seek Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ that he preached will never get distorted, the truth is always truth. God's word will always prevail even if humans preachers fall. I understand my own depravity, my own darkness, we are all in the batle to the end of our lives.. If we don't wash our laundry before God, He will expose it to the world. Let's pray for the all victims and family. Don't let another men's sins hinder or quench your faith in Jesus Christ. Only Christ is sinless. Hebrews 12:12 "Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Mathew, you compared Ravi’s situation to David. The difference is that David repented and turned away from that one-time sin. Ravi, on the other hand, lived out this sin for probably decades, and all the evidence shows that he did not repent. That is why I say that this is not a valid comparison.
@@superherogeorge5048 Still, everything points to the fact that he did not repent. Although it is not impossible that he did, nothing indicates that he did. Why should we have different standards for this matter than anything else? It is possible that, say, O.J. Simpson did not commit the murder, but everything indicates that he did. Why are we not justified in drawing a plausibility conclusion about Ravi if we are that about every other case? The fact that repentance is not in our hand does not make it impossible to draw plausible conclusion about it. It is not in our hand whether O.J. Simpson committed the murder or not, still we can look at the evidence and see what it indicats. It is no piety to have inconsistent standards.
Thank you Pastor Matt. I appreciate your genuineness and God sees your work for Him. We must all stay humble and understand none of us are immune to sin and we draw our strength from God and not of ourselves. God bless you and yours.
It was actually Ravi who quoted that 😳 Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. - R Zaccharias
I think sadly that many Christians are fearful of judging, but there is a difference between discerning evil and judging without cause. Ravi was given over to his reprobate ways of evil. We ought to examine ourselves, of course..... but seriously people... call a spade a spade.
The ultimate problem with sexual sin is that its power lies in its secret naturre. Discussing it is sometimes the most difficult of all sins because it is a sin of the body. It is something so easy and simple and accessible and it is always the most difficult to resist because it is so intimately tied to our humanity and our relationship with God. Its why it is so awful and why there is such an extreme reaction to it when it manifests itself. We can't let our guard down even for a moment because it is everywhere and getting even more common. Its a hard lesson to learn and exposes our nature and yet Jesus died for even this, as awful and heartbreaking as it is.
I GOT BORED WITH THEM THEY ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE THE SAME OLD JOKES ETC.. I GOT AWY FROM HIM QUICK I COULD NOT SEE THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HIM HE ALWAYS SEEMED FULL OF PRIDE
Thank you. Sin can enter in anyone if we're not careful and diligent. I never liked the way he started talking, it was always about him. He was a narcissist, i always was on my guard. He was like a 🤴 👑 🦁 king or something. I'm not perfect, I'm 60 years old and still have a whole lot to learn. This story really humbled me.
This Ravi Zacharias (Bless his soul) fiasco should serve as a lesson for us not to be influenced or follow anyone, except the HOLY SPIRIT. Philippians 2 vs 12, Paul says it all, it is not just your outward public impression that you portray (Too many are nothing short of hypocrites) But we must all continue trembling during the battle of the flesh and the Spirit towards salvation. Like Paul Washer (Bless his heart) Says "We are not Christians because we repented once, but indeed we continue Repenting" And quite rightly GOD doesn't fail, Philippians 1 vs 6. Let no honest person judge Ravi unless your sanctification is complete? Let us (True Believers) take heed in knowing that, it's not about fancy English to appeal to the 'Bourgeoisie' But individually be true followers of CHRIST and Examine ourselves, 2 Cor 13 vs 5 and rely not on our intellect or lack of it, but rather cry out to the LORD to continue his good work he has began in us, keeping faith for he will surely complete it.
Thank you Matt. Ravi's story is heartbreaking and shakes me to the soul. I benefited from Ravi's teaching. Now I hope to benefit from the story as a warning and deterrent of falling deep into secret sin. I wish he could have had an opportunity to answer the charges and more than that, an opportunity to repent.
Ravi had many many opportunities to answer the charges... and repent. He could have done so at any time at any of his many many speaking engagements... had he feared God and desired to be holy as He is holy.
@@feargodandlive8352 Point taken. Yet I think of David who only confessed and repented after Nathan's personal accusation. No one knows if Ravi was eaten up with hubris or guilt while he was alive. I pray and hope that he died in Christ who became sin so we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
About naming the ministry over his own name. There is a story on that: A big donor told Ravi that he would give a donation to start the ministry only if Ravi named the ministry over his own name. Ravi asked why, the donor said that it’s because if the ministry did something wrong, his own name would be at stake. And it looks like exactly what happened, unfortunately. :-(
Ray Comfort brought up the fact that Ravi had no accountability and was not an active member of a Church long before any scandal! He also noted that he never actually shared the Gospel!
I happen to believe God will use him more after his death due to the fact that it's going to make us examine ourselves and asses our own walk with the Lord.
The women who accused him are total lairs and people would rather believe the lie than the truth. The pictures on his mobile phone were all of those of his employee and they sent it to him and no one was told about that either. All deception and that was the reason he never confessed.
@@Dailymailnewz Then we must find out why 3 women would each independently want to accuse him. Remember the 2 or 3 witnesses principle, so that those 3 women still make for the next-to-minimum number of required witnesses.
Ive just about had enough of the Ravi expos'e ,Why do so many believers have these favourite authors, celebrity preachers, gods specials, who at best satisfy the intellect, but do not lead us to actually walk in the spirit, search the scriptures for our selves, and be an effective member of the body of christ. Put not your trust in any son of man.
I agree with Lizica. What he did can’t just be sweeped under the rug. What about justice for the victims? It’s also a warning for all Christians about trying to get away from secret sin. Christ is the only one who can give salvation. Messengers are fallible, for sure but if you read the account of The great people in the Bible who fell into sin. Their sins were made public.
@@Bubba820 Not only that, it looks bad on us as followers of Jesus to stay silent about something this grave! God forbid our silence adds even more injury to the victims.
This needed to be discussed. Thank you Pastor Matt. Your talent and grace in this matter is greatly appreciated. And to all our brothers and sisters in Christ, keep fighting......and beeeeeeee careful out there. None of us are righteous, not one.
@@rodneycummings5325 you don't build a doctrine by just referring to a verse. This is not true, and cannot be held to be true by those who have any just views of what the children of God have been and are. Who can maintain that Abraham, or Isaac, or Jacob; that Moses, David, or Job; that Peter, John, or Paul, were absolutely perfect, and were never, after their regeneration, guilty of an act of sin? Certainly they never affirmed it of themselves, nor does the sacred record attribute to them any such perfection. And who can affirm this of all who give evidence of true piety in the world? Who can of themselves? Are we to come to the painful conclusion that all who are not absolutely perfect in thought, word, and deed, are destitute of any religion, and are to be set down as hypocrites or self-deceivers? And yet, unless this passage proves that “all” who have been born again are absolutely perfect, it will not prove it of anyone, for the affirmation is not made of a part, or of what any favored individual may be, but of what everyone is in fact who is born of God. Note this verse; (1Jn 2:1) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
The problem isn't "sinning". The problem is that Ravi Zacharias shamelessly used his power to coerce women into acts that they did not want to participate in, to keep the truth from coming out and that no one said a word before his death. For decades he had been lying about his academic credentials. This stuff was all known to many of his colleagues. And nobody said a word. RZ didn't have some extramarital affairs with consenting women. He was a predator.
@@jochannan7379 what does the bible say about human beings? (Rom 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Rom 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; What do you expect as the bible explicitly said "there is none righteous, no, not one and all fall short of the glory of God". There is therefore no exception for Ravi, for you and for me. I am not condoning to the besetting sexual sin of Ravi and though Christians called Saints cannot escape sinning until Jesus comes again. Ravi might have misused his power but I believe one hand cannot clap. You only have the privileged to hear from one side of the story and to reach a final conclusion without hearing the accused is a violation of natural justice of the law.
Hello pastor Matt Thank you for your thoughts on the issue. I personally think it’s highly unlikely that Ravi was saved. I read the whole raw report made public by rzim, and it is evident Ravi’s sins were not stumblings that occurred in moments of weakness and lack of control. His actions were wilful, ongoing, premeditated, systematic and predatorial involving sexual, emotional and spiritual abuse; and abuse of power and money. That is very different from david’s sin (btw David repented). The full report is available for anyone to read, and I think all Christians should (with discretion).
RAVI BURNS IN HELL BECAUSE HE DID NOT HAVE ALLEGIANCE TOWARDS CHRIST, but only convictions. I highly recommend you to read Matthew Bates "Gospel Allegiance. What faith in Jesus misses for salvation in Christ." And read wikipedia, "The new perspective on Paul". To make it short: the real problem is not Ravi is now burning in hellfire. The bigger problem is that all allegiance-free "only-conviction-matters" - believers who are living as unregenerates in a lifestyle of constant rebellion with a false assurance of salvation will ALL burn TOO , because of the same reasons. If there is no allegiance, there is nothing that will be counted as covenant faithfulness. Without embodied faithfulness, you have not what Paul meant by pistis= allegiance (not just a conviction, what the erroneous translation "faith" implies, but the greek word means faithfulness too, what everybody learning Greek knows) and therefore you will be not accepted as member in the covenant people, and therefore you will not inherit the kingdom together with the covenant people. That is the harsh, true, Pauline Gospel. And that is another message than the watered down evangelical gospel of a relationship with Christ, which helps against back pain, low bank account, depression, and, uhuuum, hell too, but that is the most unimportant part nowadays. And the obligation to HOLINESS=practical obedience is cancelled out completely. Hebrew 12, 14.Your problem is solved by the so called "new perspective on Paul". Define pistis/(translated mostly as faith )as allegiance, embodied faithfulness, visible documented faith by renewed life ( Romans 1, 5). This faith = allegiance is considered as covenant faithfulness= dikaiosyne=righteousness=the sign of true members in the covenant family. So "justification by faith, not works of the law" means thus: to be considered a member in the true covenant family of Abraham in good standing, not by living a Jewish life in following the teachings of the scribes, but because of allegiance toward the Christ, Israels true king. But if you live in constant habitual sin, like some Israelites in the desert, you will not inherit the kingdom 1. Cor 6, 9f. 1. Cor 10. So the old Protestant view regarding Romans errs greatly in 4 Dimensions: 1. Pistis is falsely narrowed down towards mere conviction, belief as a state of mind, not a state of the whole human, against the historical Jewish understanding. 2. The precisely Jewish " works OF THE LAW" are widened out to every act of obedience that is imaginable. 3. Being declared a faithful covenant member became being declared sinless, no matter what you do. 4. The justification now in this time is only a preliminary justification, not an everlasting one. Everlasting justification is only passed as verdict upon us after the judgement according to works in Romans 2, 9ff. If we are truly renewed, with god's law written on our hearts, living by the spirit, not by the flesh Romans 8, 4, then and only then we will not have to fear this judgment. Back to Ravi. He was an unrepentant fornicator 1. Cor 6, 9. Why does the biggest part of the evangelical church not believe what Paul teaches about unregenerated churchgoers or pastors? Why do they not believe Paul? It is simple: Paul taught that pistis/allegiance, embodied faithfulness is counted as righteousness=dikaiosyne=faithfullness to the covenant. Paul said, that allegiance is counted as covenant faithfulness. He did not teach "if you have the right conviction (belief), you are considered as sinless (no matter what you do)" . But this is the twisted version of Paul's gospel that is widely taught. Within this twisted Paul, there is no room for the true biblical Paul who denies Christians salvation because of their false constant sinful lifestyle. You only can ignore 1. Cor 6, 9f. and try to argue with the false teaching of an imputed righteousness whereas only allegiance=true embodied faithfulness is counted as righteousness.
Protochris. I know you are a big supporter of Ravi. I see your comments on other pages so I understand where you are coming from. But we are not “pouncing” when we reveal the truth. Truth has no feelings and does not ask us for our input or defense.
Ravi has addressed why he named it after himself. The man who helped him get his start and funded him said the only way he would help him is if he named the ministry after himself because the reputation of the ministry would rise and fall on whose name was on it. How prophetic.
Belv his family knew somethings NOT Kosher in is life/lifestyles (massage parlor previous allegations etc . but didn't know what to do hoping & praying God will press Delete button before get exposed ..but God expose sin esp. in leadership.. An Intelligent man but very DUMB Hypocrites & God don't go together..only thing just hope Ravi made it by repeating before his life 💖 left his body RIP
I personally would love to hear from Tim Tebow who supported Ravi Z financially but as early as October 2020 was endorsing him as his pastor and mentour. But has become very silent The foreign spas and the fact Ravi had very young Spa employees with him on a regular basis ? Then provided elaborate banquets for the big financial donors Those that supported him were very public it would be nice if they put their support to the victims and education on being more discerning
I believe Reformed theology teaches that that although the elect may fall into grievous sin and continue therein for a time they will eventually return to a life of repentance and holiness and will not die in a state grievous sin. Anyone who professes the faith and dies in a state of grievous sin is said to be a false professor who was never saved. God, of course, is the judge.
The Bible teaches that one an fall away and lose their salvation. I know many people, some family members, who once were saved, but have turned away from the faith. They are lost unless they repent. Once saved does not mean always saved.
@@nemesis3329 We have to be willing to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit who continues to call the sinner. However, the Holy Spirit will never force Himself on anyone; it still comes down to our submission and repentance in answer to His call.
i am so touch how sincere a person you are. God grant you a life looking up to your maker & mine, JESUS our Saviour & Lord until He calls us. God bless you, your ministry, your wife & children.
You have made very legitimate points Pastor Matt and raised important questions about this matter. If anything has the ick factor, leave it alone. The Holy Spirit gives us a clue in this way. I always thought that there was a fair bit of ego involved in the RZIM founder Ravi Zacharias and mixing in East Asian 'healings' which have certain philosophical undertones can be incompatible to Christian life. Different principalities can easily take over the Christian who has pride (and we all do) so I steer clear from yoga, Aruyveda and the like. Christians have their healing through Christ alone. Thanks for raising the issues you have as a warning to all who don't keep examining their pride in the light of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
my old school dad takes the 1st view. i personally take the 2nd view. I agree, once saved always saved. We just don't know if he was ever saved. that's up to ravi and God. it's not for us to judge, but as you said in your video, it serves as a warning to us who remain. thank you so much Pastor.
I was saved in January 2020. And after my conversion to Christ. I didnt know what to read, where to start the Bible or how to pray. lockdown started and churches were closed we all were living in fear. Not even stepping outside our houses. At that time the only hope I had was my Bible my parents gifted years ago for my birthday. I stsrted exploring the word in TH-cam and came across Ravi Zacharias. I really was touched with his words. GOD spoke to me I really grew in faith. And it motivated me to dwell more in the meditation of the word of GOD. All his accusations must be true not denying that. But when I got to know about it, it really broke my heart to think how God must've felt. But learning more about this incident made me to reflect more on my own secret life that only me and my LORD are aware of. In my opinion he was just another man who was battling his flesh. I am nobody to pass any comment on him. He was practically older and wiser. The amount of wisdom he had, one cannot have it by themselves except it be guven by God. Im not against him nor defend what has happened but. I hope and pray that we as the blood brought children of GOD might lead a victorious life both inside and outside. May GOD give you victory in JESUS name. Please pray for me. I am wrestling with my own flesh. Thank you.
Having spent time with Ravi, with a big impact on me (resulting in a decision to become a pastor), there is not a cell in my body that doubts for one second his salvation in Christ. We are all more sinful than we realize, and the consequences can greatly hurt others and ourselves, and yet the grace of God through Christ is beyond comprehension. He may have acted on sexual desires, but what about the millions upon millions of believers who suffer from addiction to pornography. Is that so different? What about those addicted to thoughts of having people who disagree politically? Just a thought before we condemn Ravi.
Honestly..I must have been living under a rock, because I had never heard of this man until this story broke. I’m sad for those who put their trust in him...
My perspective: Im one who followed Ravi, I don't know of anyone who put their trust in him. I certainly admire that God gave him a talent an brilliant mind . And I admired him because he was or seemed to be a great defender of the faith I don't admire Jesus Christ. It would seem strange for me to. Not sure why I feel this way. . But I would trust him and follow . For he alone is worthy. I once had a relationship and I felt betrayed when this person lied to me . I trusted him. I think it's the shock of this all that is jarring.
From one minister of the Gospel to another: Well done. 👍🏻 Thank you for bring a thoughtful, balanced and biblical commentary on this controversial issue.
Hi Pastor Matt, I very much appreciate your videos on current day events! I find myself watching your videos several times over and sharing them with my like-minded friends. Your content is very good, thank you!
Hello Matthew, I really admired your video regarding Ravi. Your words were very wise and full of real compassion. I was fond off and was encouraged in much of what Ravi said in his ministry over the years. There are so many questions we may never have the answers to. I would prefer to think that Ravi was saved, but that he struggled greatly with lust and sexual temptation and sin. And has been forgiven. We are tempted always at our weakest point and our most besetting sins. As you know, our Lord Jesus said that even took look at a woman in a lustful way that adultery has already taken place in our Lords eyes. So thank you again for your video. I really believe it has helped so many people. May God Himself continue to bless your ministry continue to keep you and your wife and family under His constant and abiding care and protection. You’re in Christ Jesus. Pastor James Liddle Scotland UK.
One of the best books I have read on sexual sin is called "Too Close to the Flame", subtitled Recognizing and Avoiding Sexualized Relationships, by Dr. Gregg Jantz.
Ok. Thank you for your time and consideration o this subject. Appreciate your perspective. My question is….can we read his books and accept his teaching as good and acceptable for growth in the Christian faith? Having listened to and read him so many times in the past, I find if I read or hear his videos that I am reading/listening with a heavy heat and saying to myself…yeah, but what about for you,this truth didn’t work for you, so should I believe how you teach the Scriptures?
@Sting Ray A "whistle blower", by definition, is person who exposes something that is wrong... in order to allow the light of understanding to cause something sinful that had been done in darkness to be stopped. In reality, darkness is not a characterization of God's ignorance, but His absence. The reason none of the people close to Ravi blew he whistle on his nefarious deeds is because none of the people close to Ravi had the love of Christ in them... so none of the people near Ravi loved Ravi... because love covers a multitude of sins. Love covers a multitude of sins, but not as a blanket covers something to make it hidden... No. For what sins can be hidden from God? Love covers a multitude of sins by shining light on them, by the truth of God's Word, to expose the sins and call the sinner to repentance. Ravi may have been a Christian... but even if he was born-again, he had long ago wandered from Christ to fulfill the lusts of his flesh. Ravi's speeches were almost completely devoid of God's Word and His Spirit. Ravi's speeches were filled with stories, narratives and quotes... but seldom quoted from God's Word. Ravi's ministry was not focused on humbling people to draw them unto Christ... No. Ravi's ministry was focused on anecdotes that drew people away from Christ and unto himself. The reason none of the people close to Ravi - his daughter Naomi or the board of RZIM, etc... - blew the whistle on all Ravi's sinful shenanigans is likely because they were too afraid of losing the money. They love money too much - and Ravi was the "horse" that brought in the money! The reason none of the people close to Ravi - his daughter Naomi or the board of RZIM, etc... - blew the whistle on all Ravi's sinful shenanigans is because it is written, "...bad company corrupts good morals..." The reason none of the people close to Ravi dared to blow the whistle on him is because Ravi had corrupted their morals - Ravi was bad company. May the Word of God be true and every man a liar.
Instead of focusing on Ravi, the most important lesson here is the failure of the RZIM board who knew some of his behaviors but ignored the biblical church discipline of elders. In Acts 20, Paul warns against false teachers from outside and inside the church. He even says "from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things" to Ephesians elders. Whether you are of Presbyterian or Congregational polities, one of the main responsibilities of elders is to guard the church from pastors/elders who strayed from biblical truths before the harm is too greatly done to the flock of the church. So many elders so coddle pastors as if they are just another sheep instead of shepherds as well.
I went to a church that violated my privacy and harassed me through internet and phone technology and had other churches gang up on me. They kept preaching forgiveness forgiveness instead of accountability. I cant prove it. Pray for me. All the mega churches want to cover it. I went to Dr who tried to convince me I was crazy and making it up. It has wreaked havoc on my life for years. They cyber bullied me. Its been so hard to be patient for justice. But I'm waiting.
I always heard the man that sponsored Ravi to start his ministry he told him to name the ministry after himself because his integrity would make or break his ministry, as proven now that his ministry is imploding due to his secrets coming to light.
Well done video! Not just a video on Ravi but on what sin does. I used to go to a church whose ministry was and is named after the founding pastor and certain buildings are named after either the names of father and mother. There were many reasons for leaving that old church but that was one of them. I certainly can’t do a better video than this one. Like Pastor Everhard, I don’t know if he wasn’t saved (number 1) or if he had an ongoing sin he didn’t deal with (number 2). I certainly don’t believe he lost his salvation; it’s not possible for that to happen. Like Pastor Everhard, I’m not God. When I deployed to Afghanistan many years ago, I had my haircut frequently but the same women offered a massage and I flatly refused massages.
I don't think the important question is is Ravi saved now. I think most people would agree that the grace of God is able to cover all sin of the elect. The important question for the church is could someone who is born again, regenerated and inhabited by the Holy Spirit live like he did. I think 1 John as well as other texts make it clear that this is not possible.
Thanks brother. Great word on just being faithful. We are called to serve. We have no idea what the fruit will be, for He gives the increase. By His grace, I have done as He asked, in many countries as a missionary, and through 1,100+ articles that have been read by small audiences... In some ways I can already see that the relatively 'small' fruit may last longer than the 'large' fruit that may come from celebrity status... Mostly, though, I have become utterly convinced that the only accolades I desire is for our Lord Jesus to look me in the eyes one day and say, 'Thanks brother, you did as our Father asked. Well done, and welcome Home!' And further, I seek to be in the multitude who will accord to HIM, all glory and honor and power and strength and riches, forever & forever, amen!
Financial supporter of his ministry & excited to do so at the time. Most disappointed at this revelation. Shocked beyond belief. Lesson to be learned, you & I can be deceived. If you don’t believe you can be deceived try to confirm the Bible teaches a globe spinning Earth. It doesn’t! May God be true & every man a lier.
Because a man who publicly represents the Christian faith for decades, and declares the truth of Christianity to many thousands or millions, through his public speaking, videos, books, etc, and who was looked upon as the greatest apologist for the Christian faith, of our modern times, NEEDS TO BE CASTIGATED WHEN HE FALLS INTO SERIOUS SIN. You need to read the entire New Testament, and look at Matthew 18:7 and Luke 17:1... I paraphrase: "Offenses must come. But woe by whom they come." Words of Christ Jesus.
Yes, they preach john 17:3 in which jesus say, the father is the only God. But in practice, they say the father is God, jesus is God and the holy spirit is God. And sometimes at other times, they say the father, jesus and holy spirit is God. They do not practice what they preach.
@@seekthetruthandthetruthwil2388 . (1). Yr version of God differ from that of jesus saying in john 17:3, ie. THE FATHER IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD; ie. the father only. Why you contradict jesus??? why??? why???. You are suppose to follow his teaching. (2). Note : Please, do not bring allah, muhammad pbuh, quran, muslim, etc. to defend your contradiction; it will not help you, bro.
@@sethsuleiman4419 but read the verses before and after then you will know for yourself. He asked to be glorified with the glory He had before the creation. . Who was before the creation?
@@seekthetruthandthetruthwil2388 A god asking from another god for glory??? This is not rationale. The one asking for glory cannot be god; only the one giving glory is God; as in john 17:3 where jesus say THE FATHER IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD.
And maybe, just maybe, Ravi believed he couldn't lose his salvation either and that led him down the path he went on. It is the logical conclusion to believing OSAS.
I believe in OSAS still. It’s because I don’t undermine the saving power of Jesus. Remmeber, where sin abounds, grace abounds more. But, what breaks my heart is that Ravi was not true to the church of Christ. He deceived people into believing that he is nowhere near a description of a wretched person when in truth he was rotten to the core. Being God’s messenger does not mean he was righteous and perfect. He was only righteous because of Jesus. Had he become humble and true enough to admit his struggles and sins, surely more people would be drawn to Jesus because of his testimony.
I only wish I prayed for Ravi and his ministry more. If you see the likes of Ravi as enemies, that is more the reason to pray for them! We should all pray for ourselves, our churches, our pastors, and our leaders.
Matthew has brought it home to me in this talk of the absolute necessity for a person - especially a person in ministry - to be accountable to somebody. In Matthew's Presbyterian tradition, this accountability is built in, as he himself states. But it appears that Ravi Zacharias did not have this accountability. It could be that his board was stacked with "yes" men. This is so, so dangerous. And just as it is for Matthew, and for anybody in Christian ministry, it is a warning for me, also. For as Jeremiah has written the heart is desperately wicked. We need the cleansing power of Jesus. We need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to keep us on track.
In what you present, it seems it may come down to how one interprets blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for sharing this, lots of really sound counsel to take away. God have mercy on Ravi’s soul.
Pastor, very balanced and gracious. I floated on the net that he could likely be the wretch of Roman's 7: 24, 25. Note the wretch " thanks God for our LJC. It appears from the report, RZ, prayed with one victim, thanking God for the opportunity to be together. Here not only does he offend the little one at an embryonic stage of development, he suggests God has assisted them with grace and acceptance. This is blaphemy against the holy Spirit. He had no concept of our Father's holiness and righteousness. You are a righteous man and generous in mercy, God bless you.
@@mariekatherine5238 Pastor Teresa is Faithful very obedient and Anointed she doesn't take that position lightly she's highly educated and a woman of prayer she's obedient to her husband Read about Deborah, Miriam, Esther and the woman the apostle Paul endorsed But check it out for yourself one of the best sermons about woman is one Pastor Teresa taught about Martha and Mary the sisters of Lazarus One Thing Is Needed
A thoughtful commentary on the Ravi Zacharias scandal, but I would like to know what's wrong with naming a ministry after yourself? Was Billy Graham wrong in doing so?
completely agree with your point , Billy graham ministries sounded great to me ... no really it sounded very solid..but this guy ...a thoughtful commentary ..ummmm but anyways .... Really not so soon my friend .you really wanna know what happened to ravi,, incase you find out the DEVILS TRICKERY too late . go here . a response by Ravi's Son defendingravi.wordpress.com/
Nothing goes down at Thailand massage parlors but sex trafficking and prostitution. And I believe that there should be checks and balances with all in ministry.
There is such a thing as remedial massage, but most "massage parlors" are what you described. A Christian is better off going to a physiotherapist - a medically and scientifically trained practitioner - than going to anything involved with massage.
Ravi Zacharias sad and hypocritical life is a reminder to all in ministry. It is possible to be effective and win many, yet in the end, hear the words of our Lord say, "Depart from me, l never knew you."
Naming a ministry named after one's self is not necessarily wrong. A namesake can be very useful to people because they know exactly whom they are dealing with. Billy Graham, a man who spoke personally to more people in person than anyone who ever lived, is a good example. And many people place their faith in this ministry which is named after him, even to this day, because of the good character of Billy Graham. His flawless reputation, concerning his personal morality, gives people credulity in the Billy Graham ministry in same way that people are now fleeing from association with the name of Ravi Zacharias. Ravi was an extremely arrogating man, who believed he had a right to sin behind the curtain; Billy Graham knew full well that he could not live a duplicitous life. Ravi didn't have the spiritual smarts to know that his sin would find him out; Billy Graham, of much more humble character, knew this from the beginning.
As a former papist, best way to describe "philosophy" => fool-sophy. So called "Christian philosophy" is an oxymoron! Holy Spirit who teaches me all things is more than capable of what philosophers are trying to achieve thru philosophy! Jesus Christ says : “I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” {Rev. 2:20} “When men strive together with one another, and the wife of the one draws near to deliver her husband out of the hand of him who strikes him, and puts forth her hand and takes him by the secret parts, then you shall cut off her hand. Your eye shall not pity.” {Deut. 20:11-12}
{Deut. 20:11-12}, placed immediately after instructions about levirate marriage, many bible scholars see Deuteronomy 25:11-12 pertains to capacity of a man to produce offspring. In terms of New Covenant I see this as Spiritual birth. Papists’ philosophy/theology sterilizes you spiritually from being able to cause spiritual birth like Paul says he was able to do. (Corinthians 4:15) God is angry about this, He says about Jezebel “And I will kill her children with pestilence; and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.” {Revelation 2:23}
My husband got saved 40 years ago in a service of ravi. I can only say: We are forever grateful for the Lord using his words to touch the heart of my husband.
God's Word stands on it's own and will produce the desired result whether we are walking the walk or living in sin.
@ Doris If you are truly born again, you will know these two things: 1) God is sovereign and can work through unregenerate people, and 2) Ravi's speeches do not contain much of God's Word at all, so it would be wise to test the sincerity of any conversion that is attributed to his anecdotes and illustrations.
@@feargodandlive8352 thank you very much for your concern! Yes, dear FearGod andLive we both are born again and enjoy being HIS. We realize that every day is a gift of God that we want people around us to see HIM, our saviour and Lord Jesus Christus through our lifes and by the grace of God we try to do everything we do as unto the Lord and not unto man. I love the Lord with all of my heart and my husband has always been my encourager in the way he holds the Word of God as true and non-negotiable. - Thanks again!
Doris, indirectly your husband trusted in his message and not in the messenger.
@@93556108 Amen!!!!
Thank you Pastor for this. It has helped me to understand things about the situation. I have admired Ravi for a long time and yes was guilty of idolizing him. I am still in denial on all these truths about him. 😩 I cried to God about this and just grateful that my faith is not shattered for it was based on God alone..Greetings from Manila, Philippines.
I'm so glad you brought what appears to be the lack of church accountability in Ravi's life. I think it's safe to say that Ravi simply wasn't a churchman - not under the authority of elders or the consistent preaching of the Word. One could wonder if he was regularly taking the Supper even. The amount of scriptural commands we break and the amount of danger we put ourselves in when we separate from the local body is immense.
Ravi commonly recited and quoted many things... except the Word of God.
Yes, He was abundant with anecdotes and meager with scripture!
@@dpreciado8214
Ravi Zacharias was an expert at Gish Galop, and those that already believed in God and the gullible lapped it up. But anybody that used their critical thinking skills were never taken in by him.
agree
@@johnhammond6423 learnt new words today 👍
@@limrosemary8536
You mean like 'was' and 'that'?
Only joking my friend. 😁
"Secret sin will have you for lunch!"
What a powerful warning of truth...
Well spoken.
Why do you call it "secret sin"?
Paul calls these things apparent works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are apparent, which are, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness ...
What is shocking? That R.Z. lived his way or that his livestyle has been revieled? Is R.Z. the only one living in sin? I guess the majority of american evangelical pastors love money, sex, and popularity and power. They do not know Christ. They do not know the gospel.
@@bernhardbauer5301
It's more of a clever line.
Yes. The Bible says "your sins will find you out." Numbers 32:23
King James Version
23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.
Thank you. You didn't mention it, but I was always wary about someone who could spend so much time away from a spouse. Not healthy. Not good. Not even from someone looking in from a distance.
exactly, my husband was a cheater that professed needing to get away on buisness very often and increasingly so... I felt the disconnect from our union when he started cheating... I am glad to be divorced from the duplitious, narcissistic cheater that continues to do so and even brags about getting sexual favors at massage parlors. Reprobates, evil, point finale!
That is so true!
Remember, if Ravi helped you out in your faith to the Lord, it's the Lord your faith goes, not man!! What Satan meant for evil, God always uses for good to those who seek Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ that he preached will never get distorted, the truth is always truth.
God's word will always prevail even if humans preachers fall.
I understand my own depravity, my own darkness, we are all in the batle to the end of our lives..
If we don't wash our laundry before God, He will expose it to the world.
Let's pray for the all victims and family.
Don't let another men's sins hinder or quench your faith in Jesus Christ. Only Christ is sinless.
Hebrews 12:12 "Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
AMEN, I say the same thing
Amen to this wisdom
I know Im quite off topic but do anybody know of a good website to watch newly released tv shows online?
@Mario Remington Meh I'd suggest Flixportal. you can find it if you google=) -dylan
@Dylan Salvador Thanks, I went there and it seems to work :D I appreciate it!!
Mathew, you compared Ravi’s situation to David. The difference is that David repented and turned away from that one-time sin. Ravi, on the other hand, lived out this sin for probably decades, and all the evidence shows that he did not repent. That is why I say that this is not a valid comparison.
How do you know about his situation? Repent or not repentance is not in ur hand. It's a personal matter with God
@@superherogeorge5048 Still, everything points to the fact that he did not repent. Although it is not impossible that he did, nothing indicates that he did. Why should we have different standards for this matter than anything else? It is possible that, say, O.J. Simpson did not commit the murder, but everything indicates that he did. Why are we not justified in drawing a plausibility conclusion about Ravi if we are that about every other case? The fact that repentance is not in our hand does not make it impossible to draw plausible conclusion about it. It is not in our hand whether O.J. Simpson committed the murder or not, still we can look at the evidence and see what it indicats. It is no piety to have inconsistent standards.
@@andrejuthe By the way are u born again? Does death people speak? Lol
Didn’t David have a harem? If so, he was a chronic fornicator/adulterer.
@@superherogeorge5048 Did you have an argument or not?
Thank you Pastor Matt. I appreciate your genuineness and God sees your work for Him. We must all stay humble and understand none of us are immune to sin and we draw our strength from God and not of ourselves. God bless you and yours.
Except for the grace of God......
It was actually Ravi who quoted that 😳
Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. -
R Zaccharias
true and now he is living it... or will at judgement day.
Wow 😲😭
He was probably struggling so hard with his flesh but couldn't overcome it.
Wow 😧
A man so occupied in the things of God gave very little time in personal prayer/communion with God.
Well said Pastor Matt , may we all examine ourselves in light of these things .
Soli Deo Gloria
I think sadly that many Christians are fearful of judging, but there is a difference between discerning evil and judging without cause. Ravi was given over to his reprobate ways of evil. We ought to examine ourselves, of course..... but seriously people... call a spade a spade.
Feel sad for the family and the members of rzim. Prayers for the guidance of the Almighty God for all.
Very good words spoken here. The whole thing is sad and tragic.
The ultimate problem with sexual sin is that its power lies in its secret naturre. Discussing it is sometimes the most difficult of all sins because it is a sin of the body. It is something so easy and simple and accessible and it is always the most difficult to resist because it is so intimately tied to our humanity and our relationship with God. Its why it is so awful and why there is such an extreme reaction to it when it manifests itself. We can't let our guard down even for a moment because it is everywhere and getting even more common. Its a hard lesson to learn and exposes our nature and yet Jesus died for even this, as awful and heartbreaking as it is.
Ravi's talks were not saturated with Scripture
Yeah "talks" I wanted him to open the Bible with us. And study and a sermon!!!
peppered with folklores
They were saturated with worldly philosophy though.. so that should be worth something... right?
@@eileenhuss9915 Ravi job was to defend the faith of the gospel and he is not a teacher of the bible.
I GOT BORED WITH THEM THEY ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE THE SAME OLD JOKES ETC.. I GOT AWY FROM HIM QUICK I COULD NOT SEE THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HIM HE ALWAYS SEEMED FULL OF PRIDE
Thank you. Sin can enter in anyone if we're not careful and diligent. I never liked the way he started talking, it was always about him. He was a narcissist, i always was on my guard. He was like a 🤴 👑 🦁 king or something. I'm not perfect, I'm 60 years old and still have a whole lot to learn. This story really humbled me.
Outwardly they appear righteous unto men, but inwardly they are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
This Ravi Zacharias (Bless his soul) fiasco should serve as a lesson for us not to be influenced or follow anyone, except the HOLY SPIRIT. Philippians 2 vs 12, Paul says it all, it is not just your outward public impression that you portray (Too many are nothing short of hypocrites) But we must all continue trembling during the battle of the flesh and the Spirit towards salvation. Like Paul Washer (Bless his heart) Says "We are not Christians because we repented once, but indeed we continue Repenting" And quite rightly GOD doesn't fail, Philippians 1 vs 6. Let no honest person judge Ravi unless your sanctification is complete? Let us (True Believers) take heed in knowing that, it's not about fancy English to appeal to the 'Bourgeoisie' But individually be true followers of CHRIST and Examine ourselves, 2 Cor 13 vs 5 and rely not on our intellect or lack of it, but rather cry out to the LORD to continue his good work he has began in us, keeping faith for he will surely complete it.
Thank you Matt. Ravi's story is heartbreaking and shakes me to the soul. I benefited from Ravi's teaching. Now I hope to benefit from the story as a warning and deterrent of falling deep into secret sin. I wish he could have had an opportunity to answer the charges and more than that, an opportunity to repent.
Ravi had many many opportunities to answer the charges... and repent. He could have done so at any time at any of his many many speaking engagements... had he feared God and desired to be holy as He is holy.
@@feargodandlive8352 Point taken. Yet I think of David who only confessed and repented after Nathan's personal accusation. No one knows if Ravi was eaten up with hubris or guilt while he was alive. I pray and hope that he died in Christ who became sin so we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
About naming the ministry over his own name. There is a story on that: A big donor told Ravi that he would give a donation to start the ministry only if Ravi named the ministry over his own name. Ravi asked why, the donor said that it’s because if the ministry did something wrong, his own name would be at stake. And it looks like exactly what happened, unfortunately. :-(
wow
Ray Comfort brought up the fact that Ravi had no accountability and was not an active member of a Church long before any scandal! He also noted that he never actually shared the Gospel!
I happen to believe God will use him more after his death due to the fact that it's going to make us examine ourselves and asses our own walk with the Lord.
The women who accused him are total lairs and people would rather believe the lie than the truth. The pictures on his mobile phone were all of those of his employee and they sent it to him and no one was told about that either. All deception and that was the reason he never confessed.
a wake-up call both for the church & pastors.
@@Dailymailnewz If the women who accused him are liars, then how come so many women accused him?
@@MyNathanking 3
@@Dailymailnewz Then we must find out why 3 women would each independently want to accuse him. Remember the 2 or 3 witnesses principle, so that those 3 women still make for the next-to-minimum number of required witnesses.
Ive just about had enough of the Ravi expos'e ,Why do so many believers have these favourite authors, celebrity preachers, gods specials, who at best satisfy the intellect, but do not lead us to actually walk in the spirit, search the scriptures for our selves, and be an effective member of the body of christ. Put not your trust in any son of man.
Well said
He was well known in many circles, that's why the exposès continue. Can't just sweep it under the rug and not deal with it.
I agree with Lizica. What he did can’t just be sweeped under the rug. What about justice for the victims? It’s also a warning for all Christians about trying to get away from secret sin. Christ is the only one who can give salvation. Messengers are fallible, for sure but if you read the account of The great people in the Bible who fell into sin. Their sins were made public.
@@Bubba820 Not only that, it looks bad on us as followers of Jesus to stay silent about something this grave! God forbid our silence adds even more injury to the victims.
Martin Kelsey, believe in the message and not in the messenger.
This needed to be discussed. Thank you Pastor Matt. Your talent and grace in this matter is greatly appreciated. And to all our brothers and sisters in Christ, keep fighting......and beeeeeeee careful out there. None of us are righteous, not one.
No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
1 John 3:6
Rodney Cummings, the basic principle of bible reading is to compare scripture with scripture. Please grant me your exposition on 1 John 1:8-10.
@@93556108 This pretty much sums it up for me. www.bibleref.com/1-John/3/1-John-3-6.html
@@rodneycummings5325 you don't build a doctrine by just referring to a verse. This is not true, and cannot be held to be true by those who have any just views of what the children of God have been and are. Who can maintain that Abraham, or Isaac, or Jacob; that Moses, David, or Job; that Peter, John, or Paul, were absolutely perfect, and were never, after their regeneration, guilty of an act of sin? Certainly they never affirmed it of themselves, nor does the sacred record attribute to them any such perfection. And who can affirm this of all who give evidence of true piety in the world? Who can of themselves? Are we to come to the painful conclusion that all who are not absolutely perfect in thought, word, and deed, are destitute of any religion, and are to be set down as hypocrites or self-deceivers? And yet, unless this passage proves that “all” who have been born again are absolutely perfect, it will not prove it of anyone, for the affirmation is not made of a part, or of what any favored individual may be, but of what everyone is in fact who is born of God. Note this verse; (1Jn 2:1) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
The problem isn't "sinning". The problem is that Ravi Zacharias shamelessly used his power to coerce women into acts that they did not want to participate in, to keep the truth from coming out and that no one said a word before his death. For decades he had been lying about his academic credentials. This stuff was all known to many of his colleagues. And nobody said a word. RZ didn't have some extramarital affairs with consenting women. He was a predator.
@@jochannan7379 what does the bible say about human beings?
(Rom 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Rom 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
What do you expect as the bible explicitly said "there is none righteous, no, not one and all fall short of the glory of God". There is therefore no exception for Ravi, for you and for me. I am not condoning to the besetting sexual sin of Ravi and though Christians called Saints cannot escape sinning until Jesus comes again. Ravi might have misused his power but I believe one hand cannot clap. You only have the privileged to hear from one side of the story and to reach a final conclusion without hearing the accused is a violation of natural justice of the law.
It was most unfortunate. I highly regarded his ability to argue for the truth. Really feel for his family. Any of us can so easily fall.
Please feel for the victims too.......please do not forget them............God doesn't.................
Thanks for pointing that out. I agree. It's just that his family has to now go on living in the aftermath of his actions.
Hello pastor Matt
Thank you for your thoughts on the issue. I personally think it’s highly unlikely that Ravi was saved. I read the whole raw report made public by rzim, and it is evident Ravi’s sins were not stumblings that occurred in moments of weakness and lack of control. His actions were wilful, ongoing, premeditated, systematic and predatorial involving sexual, emotional and spiritual abuse; and abuse of power and money. That is very different from david’s sin (btw David repented). The full report is available for anyone to read, and I think all Christians should (with discretion).
RAVI BURNS IN HELL BECAUSE HE DID NOT HAVE ALLEGIANCE TOWARDS CHRIST, but only convictions. I highly recommend you to read Matthew Bates "Gospel Allegiance. What faith in Jesus misses for salvation in Christ." And read wikipedia, "The new perspective on Paul". To make it short: the real problem is not Ravi is now burning in hellfire. The bigger problem is that all allegiance-free "only-conviction-matters" - believers who are living as unregenerates in a lifestyle of constant rebellion with a false assurance of salvation will ALL burn TOO , because of the same reasons. If there is no allegiance, there is nothing that will be counted as covenant faithfulness. Without embodied faithfulness, you have not what Paul meant by pistis= allegiance (not just a conviction, what the erroneous translation "faith" implies, but the greek word means faithfulness too, what everybody learning Greek knows) and therefore you will be not accepted as member in the covenant people, and therefore you will not inherit the kingdom together with the covenant people. That is the harsh, true, Pauline Gospel. And that is another message than the watered down evangelical gospel of a relationship with Christ, which helps against back pain, low bank account, depression, and, uhuuum, hell too, but that is the most unimportant part nowadays. And the obligation to HOLINESS=practical obedience is cancelled out completely. Hebrew 12, 14.Your problem is solved by the so called "new perspective on Paul". Define pistis/(translated mostly as faith )as allegiance, embodied faithfulness, visible documented faith by renewed life ( Romans 1, 5). This faith = allegiance is considered as covenant faithfulness= dikaiosyne=righteousness=the sign of true members in the covenant family. So "justification by faith, not works of the law" means thus: to be considered a member in the true covenant family of Abraham in good standing, not by living a Jewish life in following the teachings of the scribes, but because of allegiance toward the Christ, Israels true king.
But if you live in constant habitual sin, like some Israelites in the desert, you will not inherit the kingdom 1. Cor 6, 9f. 1. Cor 10. So the old Protestant view regarding Romans errs greatly in 4 Dimensions: 1. Pistis is falsely narrowed down towards mere conviction, belief as a state of mind, not a state of the whole human, against the historical Jewish understanding. 2. The precisely Jewish " works OF THE LAW" are widened out to every act of obedience that is imaginable. 3. Being declared a faithful covenant member became being declared sinless, no matter what you do. 4. The justification now in this time is only a preliminary justification, not an everlasting one. Everlasting justification is only passed as verdict upon us after the judgement according to works in Romans 2, 9ff. If we are truly renewed, with god's law written on our hearts, living by the spirit, not by the flesh Romans 8, 4, then and only then we will not have to fear this judgment.
Back to Ravi. He was an unrepentant fornicator 1. Cor 6, 9. Why does the biggest part of the evangelical church not believe what Paul teaches about unregenerated churchgoers or pastors? Why do they not believe Paul? It is simple: Paul taught that pistis/allegiance, embodied faithfulness is counted as righteousness=dikaiosyne=faithfullness to the covenant. Paul said, that allegiance is counted as covenant faithfulness. He did not teach "if you have the right conviction (belief), you are considered as sinless (no matter what you do)" . But this is the twisted version of Paul's gospel that is widely taught. Within this twisted Paul, there is no room for the true biblical Paul who denies Christians salvation because of their false constant sinful lifestyle. You only can ignore 1. Cor 6, 9f. and try to argue with the false teaching of an imputed righteousness whereas only allegiance=true embodied faithfulness is counted as righteousness.
That's my current take on it as well. I am still reeling from it all. I cannot imagine what his family is enduring.
There is only one to trust and follow. He never fails. Jesus is the way , truth & life. Cling to Him👑❤
@@martinospitaletta8198 Interesting - thank you.
So very true!
You shall know what kind of tree it is by the fruit...
3rd option still viable in regards to these texts?
Hebrews 6:4-8 and 1Tim 1:19?
Thank you Pastor....I wholeheartedly agree and have been praying for his family . So very sad....thank you for your counsel! God bless
Please remember the victims too in your prayers..................
Thank you for sharing your well-thought out observations.
No time to pounce on Ravi. I am thankful for his edifying sermons. Like Ravi used to say" no matter what happens, the word of God stands forever".
The Scripture says it...not Ravi certifying that
Amen
Protochris. I know you are a big supporter of Ravi. I see your comments on other pages so I understand where you are coming from. But we are not “pouncing” when we reveal the truth. Truth has no feelings and does not ask us for our input or defense.
@@kurtanderson5023 Except everyone gives their input. That's why we have comments.
I just hope the church will finally start to address sexual addiction/sin like it should be. This stuff destroys and does not discriminate.
Ravi has addressed why he named it after himself. The man who helped him get his start and funded him said the only way he would help him is if he named the ministry after himself because the reputation of the ministry would rise and fall on whose name was on it. How prophetic.
very deep.....
Yeah... I wonder what other stories are actually just a big lie
I'd like to hear from Naomi. It would be very interesting to hear her side of this story.
Yes it's interesting to see if they had any idea of who he really was. And there is no way that there was no indication to what was going on...
Belv his family knew somethings NOT Kosher in is life/lifestyles (massage parlor previous allegations etc . but didn't know what to do hoping & praying God will press Delete button before get exposed ..but God expose sin esp. in leadership.. An Intelligent man but very DUMB Hypocrites & God don't go together..only thing just hope Ravi made it by repeating before his life 💖 left his body RIP
I personally would love to hear from Tim Tebow who supported Ravi Z financially but as early as October 2020 was endorsing him as his pastor and mentour. But has become very silent The foreign spas and the fact Ravi had very young Spa employees with him on a regular basis ? Then provided elaborate banquets for the big financial donors Those that supported him were very public it would be nice if they put their support to the victims and education on being more discerning
I want to hear her too... Since she does some devotionals in a Bible I just gave away. Eek.
Very well said.
Whether Ravi repented or not,God will use his teachings to his glory, praying for Ravi ‘s family.
Please remember the victims too in your prayers.................
Amen
I believe Reformed theology teaches that that although the elect may fall into grievous sin and continue therein for a time they will eventually return to a life of repentance and holiness and will not die in a state grievous sin. Anyone who professes the faith and dies in a state of grievous sin is said to be a false professor who was never saved. God, of course, is the judge.
The Bible teaches that one an fall away and lose their salvation. I know many people, some family members, who once were saved, but have turned away from the faith. They are lost unless they repent. Once saved does not mean always saved.
@@ruthgoebel723
Who does the saving?
If it's God, then can He make mistakes?
@@nemesis3329 God saves only willing, repentant hearts. He is loving, but also our Judge.
@@ruthgoebel723
And how do our dead-in-sin rebellious hearts become willing and repentant? Our doing or God's?
@@nemesis3329 We have to be willing to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit who continues to call the sinner. However, the Holy Spirit will never force Himself on anyone; it still comes down to our submission and repentance in answer to His call.
First time listening to this gentleman. Enjoyed it.
a very respectable spoken words. admiration for such a follower of Jesus.
i am so touch how sincere a person you are. God grant you a life looking up to your maker & mine, JESUS our Saviour & Lord until He calls us. God bless you, your ministry, your wife & children.
Hi I liked your comments, very balance . Appreciate them. Thanks
You have made very legitimate points Pastor Matt and raised important questions about this matter. If anything has the ick factor, leave it alone. The Holy Spirit gives us a clue in this way. I always thought that there was a fair bit of ego involved in the RZIM founder Ravi Zacharias and mixing in East Asian 'healings' which have certain philosophical undertones can be incompatible to Christian life. Different principalities can easily take over the Christian who has pride (and we all do) so I steer clear from yoga, Aruyveda and the like. Christians have their healing through Christ alone. Thanks for raising the issues you have as a warning to all who don't keep examining their pride in the light of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
my old school dad takes the 1st view. i personally take the 2nd view. I agree, once saved always saved. We just don't know if he was ever saved. that's up to ravi and God. it's not for us to judge, but as you said in your video, it serves as a warning to us who remain. thank you so much Pastor.
I was saved in January 2020. And after my conversion to Christ. I didnt know what to read, where to start the Bible or how to pray. lockdown started and churches were closed we all were living in fear. Not even stepping outside our houses. At that time the only hope I had was my Bible my parents gifted years ago for my birthday. I stsrted exploring the word in TH-cam and came across Ravi Zacharias. I really was touched with his words. GOD spoke to me I really grew in faith. And it motivated me to dwell more in the meditation of the word of GOD.
All his accusations must be true not denying that. But when I got to know about it, it really broke my heart to think how God must've felt. But learning more about this incident made me to reflect more on my own secret life that only me and my LORD are aware of. In my opinion he was just another man who was battling his flesh. I am nobody to pass any comment on him. He was practically older and wiser. The amount of wisdom he had, one cannot have it by themselves except it be guven by God. Im not against him nor defend what has happened but. I hope and pray that we as the blood brought children of GOD might lead a victorious life both inside and outside.
May GOD give you victory in JESUS name.
Please pray for me. I am wrestling with my own flesh.
Thank you.
love your insights about Ravi's life..
Having spent time with Ravi, with a big impact on me (resulting in a decision to become a pastor), there is not a cell in my body that doubts for one second his salvation in Christ. We are all more sinful than we realize, and the consequences can greatly hurt others and ourselves, and yet the grace of God through Christ is beyond comprehension. He may have acted on sexual desires, but what about the millions upon millions of believers who suffer from addiction to pornography. Is that so different? What about those addicted to thoughts of having people who disagree politically? Just a thought before we condemn Ravi.
Honestly..I must have been living under a rock, because I had never heard of this man until this story broke.
I’m sad for those who put their trust in him...
My perspective: Im one who followed Ravi, I don't know of anyone who put their trust in him. I certainly admire that God gave him a talent an brilliant mind . And I admired him because he was or seemed to be a great defender of the faith
I don't admire Jesus Christ. It would seem strange for me to. Not sure why I feel this way. . But I would trust him and follow . For he alone is worthy.
I once had a relationship and I felt betrayed when this person lied to me . I trusted him.
I think it's the shock of this all that is jarring.
Ravi Zacharias didn't save us! Jesus did.
thank you for this video. well balanced thoughts
How do we actually know if he did or didn't ask for forgiveness of God ? We truly do not know .
Good analysis, Pastor. And a good warning to all of us!
From one minister of the Gospel to another: Well done. 👍🏻 Thank you for bring a thoughtful, balanced and biblical commentary on this controversial issue.
Great video, you made some great points.
Please watch Why Do Preachers Lie? Pastor Carter Conlon Times Square Church very much needed 2021 during this spiritual crisis
Hi Pastor Matt, I very much appreciate your videos on current day events! I find myself watching your videos several times over and sharing them with my like-minded friends. Your content is very good, thank you!
Thanks so much for this Matt! I'm still trying to figure out how to interpret all that happened in Ravi's life and his body of work.
This is the first ive heard of this and I'm glad it was from you. Thank you for your measured response.
He led many to the Lord and got many to at least look towards Him. Because he slipped doesn’t mean they will!
Alfred Fleming, believe in the message and not in the messenger.
Hello Matthew, I really admired your video regarding Ravi. Your words were very wise and full of real compassion. I was fond off
and was encouraged in much of what Ravi said in his ministry over the years. There are so many questions we may never have the answers to. I would prefer to think that Ravi was saved, but that he struggled greatly with lust and sexual temptation and sin. And has been forgiven. We are tempted always at our weakest point and our most besetting sins. As you know, our Lord Jesus said that even took look at a woman in a lustful way that adultery has already taken place in our Lords eyes. So thank you again for your video. I really believe it has helped so many people. May God Himself continue to bless your ministry continue to keep you and your wife and family under His constant and abiding care and protection.
You’re in Christ Jesus.
Pastor James Liddle
Scotland UK.
One of the best books I have read on sexual sin is called "Too Close to the Flame", subtitled Recognizing and Avoiding Sexualized Relationships, by Dr. Gregg Jantz.
Thank you for your video. In all walks of life maybe WE ALL NEED TO LISTEN TO GOD. As God said "we place too much trust we in man".
Ok. Thank you for your time and consideration o this subject. Appreciate your perspective.
My question is….can we read his books and accept his teaching as good and acceptable for growth in the Christian faith? Having listened to and read him so many times in the past, I find if I read or hear his videos that I am reading/listening with a heavy heat and saying to myself…yeah, but what about for you,this truth didn’t work for you, so should I believe how you teach the Scriptures?
It just amazes me none of the ppl close to him know. The RZIM board etc etc...
I can't believe or no one dare to whistle blow
@Sting Ray A "whistle blower", by definition, is person who exposes something that is wrong... in order to allow the light of understanding to cause something sinful that had been done in darkness to be stopped. In reality, darkness is not a characterization of God's ignorance, but His absence. The reason none of the people close to Ravi blew he whistle on his nefarious deeds is because none of the people close to Ravi had the love of Christ in them... so none of the people near Ravi loved Ravi... because love covers a multitude of sins. Love covers a multitude of sins, but not as a blanket covers something to make it hidden... No. For what sins can be hidden from God? Love covers a multitude of sins by shining light on them, by the truth of God's Word, to expose the sins and call the sinner to repentance. Ravi may have been a Christian... but even if he was born-again, he had long ago wandered from Christ to fulfill the lusts of his flesh. Ravi's speeches were almost completely devoid of God's Word and His Spirit. Ravi's speeches were filled with stories, narratives and quotes... but seldom quoted from God's Word. Ravi's ministry was not focused on humbling people to draw them unto Christ... No. Ravi's ministry was focused on anecdotes that drew people away from Christ and unto himself. The reason none of the people close to Ravi - his daughter Naomi or the board of RZIM, etc... - blew the whistle on all Ravi's sinful shenanigans is likely because they were too afraid of losing the money. They love money too much - and Ravi was the "horse" that brought in the money! The reason none of the people close to Ravi - his daughter Naomi or the board of RZIM, etc... - blew the whistle on all Ravi's sinful shenanigans is because it is written, "...bad company corrupts good morals..." The reason none of the people close to Ravi dared to blow the whistle on him is because Ravi had corrupted their morals - Ravi was bad company. May the Word of God be true and every man a liar.
agree
Instead of focusing on Ravi, the most important lesson here is the failure of the RZIM board who knew some of his behaviors but ignored the biblical church discipline of elders. In Acts 20, Paul warns against false teachers from outside and inside the church. He even says "from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things" to Ephesians elders. Whether you are of Presbyterian or Congregational polities, one of the main responsibilities of elders is to guard the church from pastors/elders who strayed from biblical truths before the harm is too greatly done to the flock of the church.
So many elders so coddle pastors as if they are just another sheep instead of shepherds as well.
I went to a church that violated my privacy and harassed me through internet and phone technology and had other churches gang up on me. They kept preaching forgiveness forgiveness instead of accountability. I cant prove it. Pray for me. All the mega churches want to cover it. I went to Dr who tried to convince me I was crazy and making it up. It has wreaked havoc on my life for years. They cyber bullied me. Its been so hard to be patient for justice. But I'm waiting.
Hey Pastor Matt! Not sure if your remember judging Bible projects at Hernando Christian Academy
Churches and Ministries fail singles, reluctant divorced and widows who struggle with aloneness and sexual sin
@@ronnylittle436 didn't address the issue. The issue was about reluctant singleness
I always heard the man that sponsored Ravi to start his ministry he told him to name the ministry after himself because his integrity would make or break his ministry, as proven now that his ministry is imploding due to his secrets coming to light.
So strange that he left his 4 cell phones filled with pictures and text messages that proved his guilt. Why would he do this?
The devil hated the RZIM ministry...
That is very strange. He could so easily delete it all. Why didn't he, if he knew it was there???
How about deliberate continuous sinning as mentioned in Hebrews 10:26-27?
Thank you
Well done video! Not just a video on Ravi but on what sin does. I used to go to a church whose ministry was and is named after the founding pastor and certain buildings are named after either the names of father and mother. There were many reasons for leaving that old church but that was one of them. I certainly can’t do a better video than this one. Like Pastor Everhard, I don’t know if he wasn’t saved (number 1) or if he had an ongoing sin he didn’t deal with (number 2). I certainly don’t believe he lost his salvation; it’s not possible for that to happen. Like Pastor Everhard, I’m not God. When I deployed to Afghanistan many years ago, I had my haircut frequently but the same women offered a massage and I flatly refused massages.
Very helpful video. Thank you.
The Judas is example is very helpful! So true even the disciples did not pick up anything sketchy on their radar about Judas!
I don't think the important question is is Ravi saved now. I think most people would agree that the grace of God is able to cover all sin of the elect. The important question for the church is could someone who is born again, regenerated and inhabited by the Holy Spirit live like he did. I think 1 John as well as other texts make it clear that this is not possible.
Thanks brother. Great word on just being faithful. We are called to serve. We have no idea what the fruit will be, for He gives the increase. By His grace, I have done as He asked, in many countries as a missionary, and through 1,100+ articles that have been read by small audiences... In some ways I can already see that the relatively 'small' fruit may last longer than the 'large' fruit that may come from celebrity status... Mostly, though, I have become utterly convinced that the only accolades I desire is for our Lord Jesus to look me in the eyes one day and say, 'Thanks brother, you did as our Father asked. Well done, and welcome Home!' And further, I seek to be in the multitude who will accord to HIM, all glory and honor and power and strength and riches, forever & forever, amen!
Financial supporter of his ministry & excited to do so at the time. Most disappointed at this revelation. Shocked beyond belief. Lesson to be learned, you & I can be deceived. If you don’t believe you can be deceived try to confirm the Bible teaches a globe spinning Earth. It doesn’t! May God be true & every man a lier.
I was at your church when it hosted a Ligonier conference back in the 1990s.
Thanx, Pastor Matt🌹🌹🌹
"They waited till he died"... that's the part that doesn't line up. Who does that? Those who have something to hide?
Very helpful message. Thank you.
romans 3:10
There is none righteous, no, not one.
So why is everyone castigating this man?
Coz he stood on the pulpit
Because a man who publicly represents the Christian faith for decades, and declares the truth of Christianity to many thousands or millions, through his public speaking, videos, books, etc, and who was looked upon as the greatest apologist for the Christian faith, of our modern times, NEEDS TO BE CASTIGATED WHEN HE FALLS INTO SERIOUS SIN. You need to read the entire New Testament, and look at Matthew 18:7 and Luke 17:1... I paraphrase: "Offenses must come. But woe by whom they come." Words of Christ Jesus.
So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
Matthew 23:3
Yes, they preach john 17:3 in which jesus say, the father is the only God. But in practice, they say the father is God, jesus is God and the holy spirit is God. And sometimes at other times, they say the father, jesus and holy spirit is God.
They do not practice what they preach.
@@sethsuleiman4419 God is one in Father Son Spirit. That’s Allah who divided god into partners and wrongly includes Mary in it.
@@seekthetruthandthetruthwil2388 . (1). Yr version of God differ from that of jesus saying in john 17:3, ie. THE FATHER IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD; ie. the father only. Why you contradict jesus??? why??? why???. You are suppose to follow his teaching.
(2). Note : Please, do not bring allah, muhammad pbuh, quran, muslim, etc. to defend your contradiction; it will not help you, bro.
@@sethsuleiman4419 but read the verses before and after then you will know for yourself. He asked to be glorified with the glory He had before the creation. . Who was before the creation?
@@seekthetruthandthetruthwil2388 A god asking from another god for glory??? This is not rationale. The one asking for glory cannot be god; only the one giving glory is God; as in john 17:3 where jesus say THE FATHER IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD.
Your conclusion and the title of your book are excellent and deserve attention and appreciation.
And maybe, just maybe, Ravi believed he couldn't lose his salvation either and that led him down the path he went on. It is the logical conclusion to believing OSAS.
I believe in OSAS still. It’s because I don’t undermine the saving power of Jesus. Remmeber, where sin abounds, grace abounds more. But, what breaks my heart is that Ravi was not true to the church of Christ. He deceived people into believing that he is nowhere near a description of a wretched person when in truth he was rotten to the core. Being God’s messenger does not mean he was righteous and perfect. He was only righteous because of Jesus. Had he become humble and true enough to admit his struggles and sins, surely more people would be drawn to Jesus because of his testimony.
I only wish I prayed for Ravi and his ministry more. If you see the likes of Ravi as enemies, that is more the reason to pray for them! We should all pray for ourselves, our churches, our pastors, and our leaders.
Thanks pastor
Good video and very useful thoughts.
Matthew has brought it home to me in this talk of the absolute necessity for a person - especially a person in ministry - to be accountable to somebody. In Matthew's Presbyterian tradition, this accountability is built in, as he himself states. But it appears that Ravi Zacharias did not have this accountability. It could be that his board was stacked with "yes" men. This is so, so dangerous. And just as it is for Matthew, and for anybody in Christian ministry, it is a warning for me, also. For as Jeremiah has written the heart is desperately wicked. We need the cleansing power of Jesus. We need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to keep us on track.
In what you present, it seems it may come down to how one interprets blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for sharing this, lots of really sound counsel to take away. God have mercy on Ravi’s soul.
Pastor, very balanced and gracious. I floated on the net that he could likely be the wretch of Roman's 7: 24, 25. Note the wretch " thanks God for our LJC. It appears from the report, RZ, prayed with one victim, thanking God for the opportunity to be together.
Here not only does he offend the little one at an embryonic stage of development, he suggests God has assisted them with grace and acceptance. This is blaphemy against the holy Spirit. He had no concept of our Father's holiness and righteousness. You are a righteous man and generous in mercy, God bless you.
I don't wanna be a hypocrite talking publicly about someone's sin as if I am not a sinner saved only by His Grace
It's Time To Pray! Join us live Tuesday night's 7pm Times Square Church Pastors Teresa and Carter Conlon
What is this with a woman preaching? What is wrong with Carter allowing his wife to preach? They both need to read the Scripture!
@@mariekatherine5238 Pastor Teresa is Faithful very obedient and Anointed she doesn't take that position lightly she's highly educated and a woman of prayer she's obedient to her husband Read about Deborah, Miriam, Esther and the woman the apostle Paul endorsed
But check it out for yourself one of the best sermons about woman is one Pastor Teresa taught about Martha and Mary the sisters of Lazarus One Thing Is Needed
@@mariekatherine5238 watch The Lord's Comforts delight My Soul May 2010
A thoughtful commentary on the Ravi Zacharias scandal, but I would like to know what's wrong with naming a ministry after yourself? Was Billy Graham wrong in doing so?
completely agree with your point , Billy graham ministries sounded great to me ... no really it sounded very solid..but this guy ...a thoughtful commentary ..ummmm but anyways .... Really not so soon my friend .you really wanna know what happened to ravi,, incase you find out the DEVILS TRICKERY too late . go here . a response by Ravi's Son defendingravi.wordpress.com/
Nothing goes down at Thailand massage parlors but sex trafficking and prostitution. And I believe that there should be checks and balances with all in ministry.
There is such a thing as remedial massage, but most "massage parlors" are what you described. A Christian is better off going to a physiotherapist - a medically and scientifically trained practitioner - than going to anything involved with massage.
I would like to hear what he thinks what is the gospel
Ravi Zacharias sad and hypocritical life is a reminder to all in ministry. It is possible to be effective and win many, yet in the end, hear the words of our Lord say, "Depart from me, l never knew you."
Naming a ministry named after one's self is not necessarily wrong. A namesake can be very useful to people because they know exactly whom they are dealing with. Billy Graham, a man who spoke personally to more people in person than anyone who ever lived, is a good example. And many people place their faith in this ministry which is named after him, even to this day, because of the good character of Billy Graham. His flawless reputation, concerning his personal morality, gives people credulity in the Billy Graham ministry in same way that people are now fleeing from association with the name of Ravi Zacharias. Ravi was an extremely arrogating man, who believed he had a right to sin behind the curtain; Billy Graham knew full well that he could not live a duplicitous life. Ravi didn't have the spiritual smarts to know that his sin would find him out; Billy Graham, of much more humble character, knew this from the beginning.
Unfortunately Billy Graham erred from the truth. The ecumenism that his family and he embraced is concerning.th-cam.com/video/xwH-0Ifg4E8/w-d-xo.html
A year later. If Ravi Zacharias had not died would the accusations have been applied?
If you think about it, you have already sined. Be careful when judging others.
You are of course correct sir, we can't hide.
Can it be made known where to find “ Unknown”?
As a former papist, best way to describe "philosophy" => fool-sophy. So called "Christian philosophy" is an oxymoron! Holy Spirit who teaches me all things is more than capable of what philosophers are trying to achieve thru philosophy! Jesus Christ says : “I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” {Rev. 2:20} “When men strive together with one another, and the wife of the one draws near to deliver her husband out of the hand of him who strikes him, and puts forth her hand and takes him by the secret parts, then you shall cut off her hand. Your eye shall not pity.” {Deut. 20:11-12}
{Deut. 20:11-12}, placed immediately after instructions about levirate marriage, many bible scholars see Deuteronomy 25:11-12 pertains to capacity of a man to produce offspring. In terms of New Covenant I see this as Spiritual birth. Papists’ philosophy/theology sterilizes you spiritually from being able to cause spiritual birth like Paul says he was able to do. (Corinthians 4:15) God is angry about this, He says about Jezebel “And I will kill her children with pestilence; and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.” {Revelation 2:23}