"You don't go in and out of being his disciple, he said he's going to be with you til the end of the age" what a gentle but fierce reminder that God's grace is unwavering.
That open hand / closed hand perspective is so important! How many times have young people who grew up in Christian households gone to college and ended up throwing away their entire belief system because some professor told them that Easter was originally a pagan holiday or something irrelevant like that? I'm guilty of this as well; when I was struggling with the old earth / young earth thing I just about tossed it all away, but by God's grace He showed me that I could trust Him even in the doubt. And you know what? Sometimes you just have to learn to live with not knowing all the answers. If Christ is your Lord and Saviour, I believe God will ultimately hold you and keep you secure in the closed-hand stuff, but there's a lot of room for just not knowing what the answers are.
I stopped attending church when they started celebrating New Year’s Eve, Easter, etc. Pagan holidays is a no no. I don’t even celebrate my own birthday lol
Jaals I think the issue is that some churches have the tendency to teach doctrine, but not give people the room to ask questions or doubt. If college (i.e. more education) has the ability to deconstruct my original beliefs, how strong was the foundation that my beliefs were built upon in the first place? Additionally, some churches ignore how societal context has influenced the construction of the bible and how it was mass produced in certain time periods (i.e. King James), which increases doubt.
This is interesting to watch now knowing that he doesn’t identify as a Christian anymore. Joe is a wonderful human and definitely gifted in worship and teaching. I really pray that God helps him in his struggle with faith.
I identify a lot with Joseph’s story. I grew up in a very charismatic church and I was raised believing that if you didn’t speak in tongues you didn’t really have the Holy Spirit. Sunday after Sunday sitting in the pews watching people speak in tongues knowing I couldn’t do it weighed heavy on me. I started researching cessationism and continuationism and I just threw myself in the middle. Also as someone who’s is in college for a bachelors of biology. You hear a lot about the Big Bang and I always believed in the traditional biblical worldview and rejected the Big Bang theory even while seeing that there is evidence to support that this theory may be true. Surrounding myself with Christians who believe in science and truth has allowed me to open up to new ideas and just allow myself to say I don’t know. Somethings I won’t know but I know Jesus died for me and that’s enough.
leah hogans I just want to encourage you. I didn't grow up in church. I knew about the six days of creation and the sacrifice of Jesus... that was the extent of my "spiritual" knowledge. After God drew me to read the Bible for myself, I wanted to know more. Then I started going to church. I thought the whole running around the church, getting loud and "shouting" was just an act done on cue. But when I read the book of Acts and I saw for myself that God pours His Spirit out on ANYONE who wants it, I started seeking God for it. I also was in a church that believed in speaking in other tongues and I felt pressured to "get it" (although I wanted it for myself). I would do what they told me to do to get filled but I could never understand what they were saying and I could never figure out how. When I sought God, himself, through fasting and praying, He told me exactly what I needed to do and sure enough, I got it and I heard myself speak in other tongues. Even when it began happening, I thought to myself "I didn't try to talk like that". I write all of this to let you know, just as Joseph said in this video... just get Jesus. His Word is true and nothing in it is out dated... everything you read in it can happen today!!! I'm a witness... not just the speaking in other tongues part. Jesus bless you my sister!!!
The Big Bang is nothing becomes something on its own the Bible is God who something and someone made us a something from nothing in other words created us and evolution is contradicting because of things like all living things are supposed to be with their own kind plus the woman was made from man so what man eventually evolved we waited millions of years then made woman no that's makes no sense Big Bang is one thing but evolution seems very contradicting with God calls sin and with the laws of nature. That's my views on all that at least. Either way yes science has some truth but the Bible is the Truth God's word is the truth.
I ended up in a church that told me once I got the gift of tongues through the holy spirit my fleshly struggles will go away because I would be sealed thru the holy spirit and tongues represents the baptism. I went to church services where we tarried for tongues. Gurl I started speaking in tongues, believed I was sealed and let my guard down.🙄 lust took over my mind, heart and soul. That's when God show me I had 3 enemies, the flesh, the world, and the devil. The greatest enemy is the flesh, because it's the closest to me.
At some point, you have to want God on His terms and not your own. There comes a point a reckless abandonment of logics to simply trust God. The lord has shown me over these last 20 years of walking with Him( Got saved at eight)…”You don’t see to believe, You believe to see “ It is that faith that goes through the refiners fire, that faith that sucks when it is being built… it is at the end of this process that you understand this awesome God of the Universe. And that process doesn’t really end, it kinda goes through seasons and each season you learn more about God. Joe, you must trust the process with God! He does not make sense half time, but give Him and He will make all the sense in the world. I am praying for You Joe.
I love that you guys are having this conversation. I was raised in a Christian family, but constantly struggled with doubting these "closed fist" doctrines. These doubts have continued until today (but in decreasing amounts each year). After going through all that, I completely agree that ultimately God is just gonna have to convince you in his own timing in his own way. And it all is centered on Jesus, on who he is, what he has done, and what he will do for us. Like Joseph's friend said, its gonna be okay, God will eventually get you though any doubt. The last thing we want is to create an environment where people are ashamed of their doubts. God has his own timing and process for bringing all of us to trust in him more, and all I want to do is come along side people in that process and be an encouragement.
I know my reply is years later but what you said is so true. I have been saved following Jesus the best I can for 20+ years and today through the doubts and mistrust God is destroying the doubts. I believe God's word and life experience shows us how faithful He is not us and His faithfulness seals the deal. So yes God understands all our confusion and trust issues because we are fallen. God is GOOD and worthy of praise, honor, and glory. Praise you Lord Jesus.
I remember hearing about a close friend of mine who died from her diabetes, and the first thing that came to my head (I'm an ordained reverend by the way) was, "I will never see her again". Then I started wrestling internally, as I walked home to give my wife the news, with the resurrection, and heaven, and whether or not the things I preach week in and week out are true! What I've come back to time and again in my doubts is the trustworthiness of God and His Word. I can trust what He's revealed, even when I doubt and/or I don't understand. It's been greatly comforting to me. Bonus: I've been able to share that experience and those doubts with my congregation, from the pulpit, a few times since then (as appropriate in the message). It's good to know the support of the body of Christ!
Seeing this again really gave me a glimpse of what he has been going through. This video helped me two years ago and now is helping me again to truly understand why the essentials are the essentials, while everything else can be whatever sometimes.
honestly ruslan - i hate seeing people bash joe after coming back to this video. people are so quick to think he just randomly left the faith and that he didn’t have to go through a lot. i’m currently in a place where life sucks and i feel like letting go. you’ve been such a blessing in my walk, keep up the good work for the Lord!
Such a great discussion that so many people need to become a part of, especially regarding being more open to say “I don’t know” regarding nonessential theological points, or acknowledging that you may have a personal belief, but not everyone has to subscribe to your viewpoint on nonessentials.
I was expecting something else from this conversation because of the title. The sad reality is that most Christians don't do the ground work by reading the bible for themselves, being prayerful, fasting frequently, etc. They heavily rely on sermons and other people's opinion. Most of the doctrine that we believe most person don't vet it with the word of God.
Thank you for content like this. I’ve been floundering in the deconstruction phase and conversation like this has been helping me. Thank you guys. 🙏🏾❤️
I'm really loving this type of content Ruslan! I love and appreciate all of the music and entrepreneur content, but this brings a great layer to your channel. Hopefully, there is more where this kind of content came from. Love it Ruslan! Awesome stuff!
Tucker Doud thanks man. Crazy part is this is just an over flow of what our conversations are like in private. Didn’t think people would enjoy this stuff so much.
Ruslan KD I find this kind conversation rather fascinating and possibly eye opening for topics where I have little understanding. So stuff like this often draws my attention. And I think just letting people out there know that it is better to have conversations about stuff with each other than it is to attack whole groups of people and stuff. Understanding leads to piece between people. So if everyone can learn to understand each other better I think communities can flourish. Maybe that was a little sappy or something like that, but those were just some thoughts I have about conversation like this.
I pray for this young man as he has fallen out of faith....I hope he reads my comment...because his poem doubt your doubts is something i shared often...I pray i willl see him in the kingdom to thank him fir those words and now i say them back to him...doubt your doubts love...never God!
This is so timely, as the George Floyd case has taken place. I spoke with my white grandmother today, who is also agnostic and very angry and fed up with the church. For a long time I struggled with fostering a relationship with her once I got saved, She is very alpha-female, liberal, frustrated, and has experienced a lot of rejection. Today, I felt the Lord grace me to speak with her more than I have in years on the subject of Jesus. I'm praying she will receive Christ before her last breaths.
Awesome! My faith journey started with doubt and depression. I remember being in middle school doubting God's eternal nature. It's amazing how the things we once doubted can become anchors that we hold on to in the future. But I've been on a similar journey. Finding that we haven't been asked to do too much as followers of Christ. We can stick to the basics in our beliefs and our deeds. Too often we major in the minors. There is freedom in not knowing. My most recent period of doubt was around the authority of scripture. But as Joseph said, "God will keep you."
I think for me it began at watching my parents’ marriage end. I was in my last few years of high school. It was those moments of coming into adulthood and questioning the sovereignty of every adult in my life. When they didn’t have the answers I needed, it only got worse. But as I grow older and continue to wrestle with a lot of the beliefs I held so tightly to growing up in church that idea of “Me and Jesus , even when I can’t get it right” continues to help me. Thank you for transparency that I didnt see growing up. Thank you for having conversations that seasoned saints may not always have. Thank you for letting us know that Jesus is still sovereign and full of Love even in our doubts.
When you contrast your doubt with being of little faith, you also have to remember that faith the size of a mustard seed moves mountains, but at the same time you must never doubt or you might like one with two minds who gets lost with the waves. God has covered every bases of your faith.
This was good! That traveling light hit home for me! I’ve been one of the ones in the past when I doubted that I walked away from the church all together and the more and more I get to know Jesus- not so much theology the more and more I am comfortable with bringing Him my doubts and questions. Man this was good on so many levels!!! Thank you!
Man I'm feeling u bro! I'm on this currently on this journey now...No traditions, or cerimonial acts of submission. Just Kingdom principles of who God is through Jesus Christ and who I am created to be in relation to that. Amen! Church has messed people up for years. Not church (God, Jesus or Holy Spirit) but people with motives and the unlearned. Loving this conversation..Amen!.
Great video! We all doubt on some level, God will complete the work he started. I can have the most outrageous thought towards or about God that will make me feel that I’ve somehow disqualified myself but The spirit inside just continues to remind me that I belong to the Lord. Theology is amazing but it cannot be elevated over relationship with Christ. I love going back to the gospels whenever I’m overwhelmed, I look to Jesus and he puts it back into perspective. What an awesome God we have!
Sir Ru love you bro all the way from SA I was on the live (I was quiet) I really respect how you know the Word and let it relevant to my generation.. I am not looking to be an influencer or anything but your words have been really building me.. Thank you for always pushing.. 100K here We Come!!!
Thank you so much for sharing! Doubts, struggles, social injustice, hurts, and difficult conversations are such real things I appreciate you bringing them to the table. Continuing to pray for you both as you continue on your journey of searching for truth, peace, rest, and “light yokes”. Travel light brothers! ❤️
Hi Hannah, may I suggest that we don’t want to travel so light that we forget many of the essentials for the journey through this wilderness called life . Food and Water are great, what about a blanket to rest, a first aid kit for injuries, a flashlight to see on dark nights, a weapon to defend against wild beasts. These might take up space, they might burden the load some, but they are extremely important. I fear Joe might have discarded essential precepts of faith as non essential, and when he got a cut or came across a wild beast, had an exceptionally dark night or just needed to rest a little (metaphors) he just was not prepared. I am praying for you Joe.
i love this video so much, we need more conversations like this! in 2017 after attending a conference that exposed the magnitude of modern day slavery, i doubted the goodness of God, it was a really dark time, to the point that i even accused God of being evil (He was so gracious and patient towards me and i thank Him every day). the women who were patient with me and listened to my struggles and encouraged me to keep praying and keep wrestling impacted me so much. there's so much that still doesn't make sense, but i have learned to trust that God is who He says He is, and that He can handle my doubts and show me the truth.
You are speaking my truth! Thank you soo much for posting this conversation! It’s soo comforting to know I’m not the only one with doubts, wrestling with the injustice I see and the God I believe. Life is messy! It’s nice to know it’s okay not to have all the answers. To answer the original question: Lately I’ve been doubting why we have pastors, bishops, elders etc. In many church circles it’s a sin to doubt what the pastor is preaching, and if you vocalize your doubt, you get ostracized. I’ve experienced this at mega churches, small Methodist churches , nondenominational churches that are obsessed with Bethel church in Redding , CA and the SoZo stuff. If you don’t follow blindly, then they tell you that you’re not seeking God enough. I’m telling you I know that leadership is there for a reason, I just wish they would be more humble and admit that they don’t have all the answers. Thanks again for creating a safe space!
My calling is to motivate, inspire amd empower people.. My pocast, video's etc are purposed for. I really believe that this is a season of coaching people through not just preaching at them. It's so much more to do. #reconstructionedmyfaith!
Jesus! Right on time. Another fire episode Ruslan, I'm digging these. Persevere long by traveling light. Hold fast to Jesus and the word. The labels and clique bubbles rarely do us justice. I learned from Vois and GrowTheHeckUp to just talk to people and see where they stand on a case by case basis. We would all be better off if we just did what the Bible clearly tells us to do. P.S. I'd love to see Lavoisier on one of these episodes. 😉
dyl, the young I actually believe in this based on personal experience. But are there scriptures that support or speak on this notion? I usually find that scripture usually speaks on doubt from a neutral or negative perspective. And I can understand why because if the positive outcomes of doubt were mentioned, I could definitely see it causing many doctrine squabbles. Was just curious if anyone was aware of some.
there may be scripture but i’m not 100%. I just know that when you doubt something you usually look into it deeper and look at alternatives. In doing that, you learn why you believe or do certain things and that strengthens you in that. Like from a non biblical standpoint, say you are working out just because you know it’s good for you. You may get tired and start doubting that you need to do it. You can quit or you can research and actually learn why you should work out. That info you get from that will only strengthen your desire to work out more. 🤷🏼♂️ Not sure if that made sense or not but 👌🏻👌🏻
Wow! This is an awesome video and topic. I know I’m late to the party but glad you’ve taken the time to do this. This is the type of content that needs to be talked about constantly and consistently until ALL saints of all color agree and it’s no longer an issue. I’d love to say a lot more but I’d be all day on here. Big props to you, sir!!
This is so precious, I literally stumbled upon your video this morning as I got ready for the day. It's sad how the church doesn't really address doubt in this way but often makes you feel like your heathen or something. I feel like I've questioned almost all aspects I could think of Christianity because as Joseph said, I feel like a natural skeptic. I'm currently wrestling with the idea of predestination and free will. I heard John Piper talk about how God's sovereignty enables us to rest knowing that he is control, so even if we don't have all the answers, what matters is Christ. For we all know that after meeting him we're not the same. So I guess that I will leave apologetic on the side for some time and rest in this beautiful truth. God bless you for this amazing content and keep it up!
If you don’t doubt then you don’t question. If you don’t question you won’t search for answers. You’ll be open to falling prey to what ‘man’ says and believes versus what God says.
Love the convo, nice to hear these things discussed. I'm curious about the pivot of the discussion around the issue of our politics influencing our theology... or our theology influencing our politics. I would have liked to have heard more on that.
Definitely recommend this podcast called "reconstruct" for those who are interested in learning about different theologies and how people have come to be in peace with God despite the diversity that is in the church. It's helped me, I hope it helps you too. God bless family.
Great watch, guys. For years even at youth church, I always said I didn't agree with the "systematic" part of systematic theology (the idea that we could whittle down God to a series of processes and principles, like we are engineers and he's the subject-matter at hand), and it's why I never went further to Bible College. Much like the video, I've kinda abandoned the fillers, and now just stick to "MG Christianity"; M standing for Minimalist (the "closed hand" theology; as in the gospel and the nature of Jesus, his identity and his resurrection) and the "G" stands for "Gritty", faith born out of true application in the world. An example of "Gritty" is for a few years I was taught that to be saved once had to be baptised in the Spirit and MUST speak in tongues. Even when I heard it, I wasn't convinced. In those years as a youth leader, I counted all the young people who had this experience of speaking in tongues. 90% of them have fallen away from the faith. The ones who couldn't, still can't, and suffered insecurities about their faith because they were told they should be able to but can't. They are the ones still standing. So what good is a theology that doesn't work in the real world?
Look.......................................................@RuslanKD, THANK YOU for this. Thank Joseph for us for being so gracious with his time. This is a word from Jesus.
One quote I love i can't remember who said it but it says, "You can't love Jesus and not love his word," which is so true because Jesus said if you love me you will obey my commandments. All Scripture is profitable for teaching all our theology has to come from there. I've struggled with doubt but God led me through I was watching lots pf videos on TH-cam which had bad theology but God led me through and revealed truth to me in the end
Thanks for this video! I appreciate when Sproul stated it as “Preservation of the saints” rather than “Perseverance”. It takes the pressure off when in doubt. On another note, I still haven’t folks talk about how to navigate the differences of culture (even here in the US). Recommend reading “Foreign to Familiar”. The US is still a melting pot of cultures, however, we still struggle to respect them, even after 240+ years.
Great conversation, and very much needed today. For the sake of conversation, what would y’all say is the difference between an “open hand” perspective on issues as opposed to just being noncommittal on hard issues because of the typical “Christian” answers being unpopular with the culture? I know that’s not what y’all were saying but I’d love to hear what everyone has to say.
I think the sin we fall into is the sin of certainty. It’s not that we have doubts of any of the doctrines even the essential ones, but that we want to be certain, either about these doctrines or certain that they didn’t happen, and so therefore we lose our faith. Faith is called faith for a reason, it’s believing in something that we don’t “absolutely” know is true, and it’s about being okay with that. Nothing in Christianity is should be about certainty, but faith love and peace.
growing pains are not ez , phil. 1:6, one other came to mind but I cant think of the verse and book . it talks about keeping the Gospel simple. Good talk thanks for posting this. I think being focused on Jesus and what he did for us all is a good place to be and to start . pc thumbs
Loved this conversation and look forward to more of it. It’s like I tell people, “I don’t see the ideal as being anything but Christian. If Paul addresses cliques in his day, we can pick up the mantle.” This conversation is refreshing and I believe more of us need to connect outside four walls. It may be convenient, but I think the most authentic experiences are where you’re most comfortable not trying to impress or keep up with the perception of other fellow Believers. I even hate the idea of white church/black church. We just need to strive to be all in with Jesus and work to take our cities by loving our neighbors in all the ways we believe we are able to. Deconstructing and meditating on the word is part of the process. Let’s be for one another and those who don’t follow Jesus. That’s what he did. Keep doing your thing bro! Much love to you Ruslan from Charlotte, NC.
We need to surround ourselves with born again disciples. The only thing we need to lean on is God’s word no other book. But do not be deceived either for many call themselves Christians but do not walk in the light and His full truth and contradict God’s Holy Word. The Holy Spirit will lead us to repentance and revelation. We are all God’s beautiful creation uniquely made skin color does not divide our level on importance. We are all equal in God’s eyes and all have fallen short of His Glory and we ALL deserve Hell. But He has granted mercy and grace upon us by dying on the cross. Now pick up your cross and walk down the narrow path and turn from your sins. This is a life long journey. Without mistakes or hardships we have no beautiful testimonies to glorify His great love and mercy. ❤️
I will never identify with anyone I experienced Jesus for my self I know what it is to have him and I experienced what it is to not have him. I began a journey and I will not turn back I have and will never doubt God. So no matter what storms may rage in the world I have the grace of God to keep my spirit safe . My flesh may hurt but my spirit rejoices .
A question I’ve had is if Jesus already paid the price for our sins on the cross past present and future , what will we be judged for when we die. Will it be our willingness to commit and obey His commands given to us , going out and making disciples? Is it our sins ? Is it the intentions behind the actions we are doing and if those action glorify God or ourselves? Is it the authenticity of our salvation?
Great conversation would have loved it to go longer ! I think the place where I face a lot of doubt is where to actually be who I am called to be (holy, a disciple and everything that goes along..) and to actually just be who I am at the moment. Like "enjoying" the process of God helping me become who He called me to be. Knowing what is right but actually "not having the energy" to do right after you've done it so many times (kinda like a christian burnout :D ). Because some for instance forgiving is said to be 77 times 7, what if i reached 540 (just calculated it xD) today after forgiving 539 and just don't "feel" the energy to go on ? Or helping people in various situations (Just two of the many examples). God bless you !! DOPE Channel !!
If you put man as your standard, you will be disappointed. If you put Jesus as your standard, you will see clearly. As Joseph Solomon said, if you want to be on this journey you have to travel light. Cast your burdens to Jesus
I told my white homie one day, "I really don't care much about theology!" He was hurt by me saying that and says "you'll like it one day". Our church was predominately white and most of them declared themselves as Calvinist Reformists. I just never really caught on to it or gained any interest. I felt bad cuz everyone seemingly took pride in thus theology and I was in a corner by myself, just indifferent to it all. I know I have some growth on understanding what theology truly is, but this interview reassures me and lets me know that the gospel is most important thing. I think if I keep that in mind, my interested in theology may increase sometime in the future. in the meantime I will continue to have pride the gospel and continue to remind myself that that is a most important aspect of me being a believer.
Well said. Theology on the surface level means the study of God. Mixed in with our own bias of interpretation it’s turned into a type of fundamentalism.
What up fam. Here I am again, on another video! lol. Good subject. I think a lot of Balanced charismatics actually get this right. Idk if you’ve studied Pentecostal history but their origins were super rad; unity in diversity right off the bat. I.e. Azusa St. Cool thing is that the charismatic renewal spanned Christian denominations.
"You don't go in and out of being his disciple, he said he's going to be with you til the end of the age" what a gentle but fierce reminder that God's grace is unwavering.
Right. Such a bar
That open hand / closed hand perspective is so important! How many times have young people who grew up in Christian households gone to college and ended up throwing away their entire belief system because some professor told them that Easter was originally a pagan holiday or something irrelevant like that? I'm guilty of this as well; when I was struggling with the old earth / young earth thing I just about tossed it all away, but by God's grace He showed me that I could trust Him even in the doubt. And you know what? Sometimes you just have to learn to live with not knowing all the answers. If Christ is your Lord and Saviour, I believe God will ultimately hold you and keep you secure in the closed-hand stuff, but there's a lot of room for just not knowing what the answers are.
I stopped attending church when they started celebrating New Year’s Eve, Easter, etc. Pagan holidays is a no no. I don’t even celebrate my own birthday lol
Jaals I think the issue is that some churches have the tendency to teach doctrine, but not give people the room to ask questions or doubt. If college (i.e. more education) has the ability to deconstruct my original beliefs, how strong was the foundation that my beliefs were built upon in the first place? Additionally, some churches ignore how societal context has influenced the construction of the bible and how it was mass produced in certain time periods (i.e. King James), which increases doubt.
@@goldenstar_1007 I don't understand. So you're no longer in fellowship with any local church?
‘Learn to live with not knowing all the answers ‘ that’s a word .🥺❤️
Amen!
Only take what is necessary. Jesus is what we need. Long journey, light bags. This some good stuff right here.
This is interesting to watch now knowing that he doesn’t identify as a Christian anymore. Joe is a wonderful human and definitely gifted in worship and teaching. I really pray that God helps him in his struggle with faith.
I feel the same way.
Did he make a statement that he no longer identifies with Jesus? Or did the content he make just shift?
@@rayannerosenailhe made a statement on his social media awhile ago
I identify a lot with Joseph’s story. I grew up in a very charismatic church and I was raised believing that if you didn’t speak in tongues you didn’t really have the Holy Spirit. Sunday after Sunday sitting in the pews watching people speak in tongues knowing I couldn’t do it weighed heavy on me. I started researching cessationism and continuationism and I just threw myself in the middle. Also as someone who’s is in college for a bachelors of biology. You hear a lot about the Big Bang and I always believed in the traditional biblical worldview and rejected the Big Bang theory even while seeing that there is evidence to support that this theory may be true. Surrounding myself with Christians who believe in science and truth has allowed me to open up to new ideas and just allow myself to say I don’t know. Somethings I won’t know but I know Jesus died for me and that’s enough.
leah hogans I just want to encourage you. I didn't grow up in church. I knew about the six days of creation and the sacrifice of Jesus... that was the extent of my "spiritual" knowledge.
After God drew me to read the Bible for myself, I wanted to know more. Then I started going to church. I thought the whole running around the church, getting loud and "shouting" was just an act done on cue. But when I read the book of Acts and I saw for myself that God pours His Spirit out on ANYONE who wants it, I started seeking God for it. I also was in a church that believed in speaking in other tongues and I felt pressured to "get it" (although I wanted it for myself). I would do what they told me to do to get filled but I could never understand what they were saying and I could never figure out how. When I sought God, himself, through fasting and praying, He told me exactly what I needed to do and sure enough, I got it and I heard myself speak in other tongues. Even when it began happening, I thought to myself "I didn't try to talk like that".
I write all of this to let you know, just as Joseph said in this video... just get Jesus. His Word is true and nothing in it is out dated... everything you read in it can happen today!!! I'm a witness... not just the speaking in other tongues part. Jesus bless you my sister!!!
I believe in the big bang. I just know who banged it ☝🏾
@@rockinthemtees1628 Yass! This is it!
The Big Bang is nothing becomes something on its own the Bible is God who something and someone made us a something from nothing in other words created us and evolution is contradicting because of things like all living things are supposed to be with their own kind plus the woman was made from man so what man eventually evolved we waited millions of years then made woman no that's makes no sense Big Bang is one thing but evolution seems very contradicting with God calls sin and with the laws of nature. That's my views on all that at least. Either way yes science has some truth but the Bible is the Truth God's word is the truth.
I ended up in a church that told me once I got the gift of tongues through the holy spirit my fleshly struggles will go away because I would be sealed thru the holy spirit and tongues represents the baptism. I went to church services where we tarried for tongues. Gurl I started speaking in tongues, believed I was sealed and let my guard down.🙄 lust took over my mind, heart and soul. That's when God show me I had 3 enemies, the flesh, the world, and the devil. The greatest enemy is the flesh, because it's the closest to me.
A really good interview, Joe is really wise and I’m certain that God’s not done with him. We all go through our process.
Trust the process. Trust God.
At some point, you have to want God on His terms and not your own. There comes a point a reckless abandonment of logics to simply trust God. The lord has shown me over these last 20 years of walking with Him( Got saved at eight)…”You don’t see to believe, You believe to see “ It is that faith that goes through the refiners fire, that faith that sucks when it is being built… it is at the end of this process that you understand this awesome God of the Universe.
And that process doesn’t really end, it kinda goes through seasons and each season you learn more about God. Joe, you must trust the process with God! He does not make sense half time, but give Him and He will make all the sense in the world.
I am praying for You Joe.
I love that you guys are having this conversation. I was raised in a Christian family, but constantly struggled with doubting these "closed fist" doctrines. These doubts have continued until today (but in decreasing amounts each year). After going through all that, I completely agree that ultimately God is just gonna have to convince you in his own timing in his own way. And it all is centered on Jesus, on who he is, what he has done, and what he will do for us. Like Joseph's friend said, its gonna be okay, God will eventually get you though any doubt. The last thing we want is to create an environment where people are ashamed of their doubts. God has his own timing and process for bringing all of us to trust in him more, and all I want to do is come along side people in that process and be an encouragement.
I know my reply is years later but what you said is so true. I have been saved following Jesus the best I can for 20+ years and today through the doubts and mistrust God is destroying the doubts. I believe God's word and life experience shows us how faithful He is not us and His faithfulness seals the deal. So yes God understands all our confusion and trust issues because we are fallen. God is GOOD and worthy of praise, honor, and glory. Praise you Lord Jesus.
I remember hearing about a close friend of mine who died from her diabetes, and the first thing that came to my head (I'm an ordained reverend by the way) was, "I will never see her again". Then I started wrestling internally, as I walked home to give my wife the news, with the resurrection, and heaven, and whether or not the things I preach week in and week out are true! What I've come back to time and again in my doubts is the trustworthiness of God and His Word. I can trust what He's revealed, even when I doubt and/or I don't understand. It's been greatly comforting to me.
Bonus: I've been able to share that experience and those doubts with my congregation, from the pulpit, a few times since then (as appropriate in the message). It's good to know the support of the body of Christ!
Seeing this again really gave me a glimpse of what he has been going through. This video helped me two years ago and now is helping me again to truly understand why the essentials are the essentials, while everything else can be whatever sometimes.
honestly ruslan - i hate seeing people bash joe after coming back to this video. people are so quick to think he just randomly left the faith and that he didn’t have to go through a lot. i’m currently in a place where life sucks and i feel like letting go. you’ve been such a blessing in my walk, keep up the good work for the Lord!
The only “ist” you gotta be is a Gospelist🙌🏼 it embodies it all! I love it!
Such a great discussion that so many people need to become a part of, especially regarding being more open to say “I don’t know” regarding nonessential theological points, or acknowledging that you may have a personal belief, but not everyone has to subscribe to your viewpoint on nonessentials.
at peace with his current decision because it's evident God is in him, he's just on his journey (rollercoaster), as we all are.
I wish I could like this a million times the transparency and the rawness is unbelievable!! As believers this platform is soo important
I was expecting something else from this conversation because of the title. The sad reality is that most Christians don't do the ground work by reading the bible for themselves, being prayerful, fasting frequently, etc. They heavily rely on sermons and other people's opinion. Most of the doctrine that we believe most person don't vet it with the word of God.
Agreed
I really like this song it explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a song
th-cam.com/video/7RUciHVpCbw/w-d-xo.html
Amen! God bless you!
Thank you for content like this. I’ve been floundering in the deconstruction phase and conversation like this has been helping me. Thank you guys. 🙏🏾❤️
You got this! Joseph really nails it with traveling light
I'm really loving this type of content Ruslan! I love and appreciate all of the music and entrepreneur content, but this brings a great layer to your channel. Hopefully, there is more where this kind of content came from. Love it Ruslan! Awesome stuff!
Tucker Doud thanks man. Crazy part is this is just an over flow of what our conversations are like in private. Didn’t think people would enjoy this stuff so much.
Ruslan KD I find this kind conversation rather fascinating and possibly eye opening for topics where I have little understanding. So stuff like this often draws my attention. And I think just letting people out there know that it is better to have conversations about stuff with each other than it is to attack whole groups of people and stuff. Understanding leads to piece between people. So if everyone can learn to understand each other better I think communities can flourish. Maybe that was a little sappy or something like that, but those were just some thoughts I have about conversation like this.
I needed this. I needed to see other Christians who think like this. I’m a follower of Christ. Period. Thank you for having this conversation.
Only take what is necessary for the journey! Man that’s Gospel!
Whew, been through that season myself. 🙌🏽🙌🏽 I love that area of the unknown - shows me how BIG God is ❤️
I pray for this young man as he has fallen out of faith....I hope he reads my comment...because his poem doubt your doubts is something i shared often...I pray i willl see him in the kingdom to thank him fir those words and now i say them back to him...doubt your doubts love...never God!
i have been going through a season of doubt and this was such a blessing. thank you for posting!
Glad it helped carter
This is so timely, as the George Floyd case has taken place. I spoke with my white grandmother today, who is also agnostic and very angry and fed up with the church. For a long time I struggled with fostering a relationship with her once I got saved, She is very alpha-female, liberal, frustrated, and has experienced a lot of rejection. Today, I felt the Lord grace me to speak with her more than I have in years on the subject of Jesus. I'm praying she will receive Christ before her last breaths.
Awesome! My faith journey started with doubt and depression. I remember being in middle school doubting God's eternal nature. It's amazing how the things we once doubted can become anchors that we hold on to in the future. But I've been on a similar journey. Finding that we haven't been asked to do too much as followers of Christ. We can stick to the basics in our beliefs and our deeds. Too often we major in the minors. There is freedom in not knowing. My most recent period of doubt was around the authority of scripture. But as Joseph said, "God will keep you."
God brought me to your page today and wow 😳 the kingdoms going to benefit so much from this and you. Thank you so much!
So transparent and helpful. Real talk! Much luv to Joseph! And Ruslan for making it happen
I think for me it began at watching my parents’ marriage end. I was in my last few years of high school. It was those moments of coming into adulthood and questioning the sovereignty of every adult in my life. When they didn’t have the answers I needed, it only got worse. But as I grow older and continue to wrestle with a lot of the beliefs I held so tightly to growing up in church that idea of “Me and Jesus , even when I can’t get it right” continues to help me.
Thank you for transparency that I didnt see growing up. Thank you for having conversations that seasoned saints may not always have. Thank you for letting us know that Jesus is still sovereign and full of Love even in our doubts.
When you contrast your doubt with being of little faith, you also have to remember that faith the size of a mustard seed moves mountains, but at the same time you must never doubt or you might like one with two minds who gets lost with the waves. God has covered every bases of your faith.
This was good! That traveling light hit home for me! I’ve been one of the ones in the past when I doubted that I walked away from the church all together and the more and more I get to know Jesus- not so much theology the more and more I am comfortable with bringing Him my doubts and questions. Man this was good on so many levels!!! Thank you!
Thank you guys for being open and honest... I am struggling with doubt 2...but I know I am gonna be alright...Jesus!!!
Man I'm feeling u bro! I'm on this currently on this journey now...No traditions, or cerimonial acts of submission. Just Kingdom principles of who God is through Jesus Christ and who I am created to be in relation to that. Amen! Church has messed people up for years. Not church (God, Jesus or Holy Spirit) but people with motives and the unlearned. Loving this conversation..Amen!.
This is SOO relatable. Thank you so much for this conversation.
Great video! We all doubt on some level, God will complete the work he started. I can have the most outrageous thought towards or about God that will make me feel that I’ve somehow disqualified myself but The spirit inside just continues to remind me that I belong to the Lord. Theology is amazing but it cannot be elevated over relationship with Christ. I love going back to the gospels whenever I’m overwhelmed, I look to Jesus and he puts it back into perspective. What an awesome God we have!
Such a real conversation
Sir Ru love you bro all the way from SA I was on the live (I was quiet) I really respect how you know the Word and let it relevant to my generation.. I am not looking to be an influencer or anything but your words have been really building me.. Thank you for always pushing.. 100K here We Come!!!
RIGHT ON TIME... like whew I feel so much better.
Thank you so much for sharing! Doubts, struggles, social injustice, hurts, and difficult conversations are such real things I appreciate you bringing them to the table. Continuing to pray for you both as you continue on your journey of searching for truth, peace, rest, and “light yokes”. Travel light brothers! ❤️
Hi Hannah, may I suggest that we don’t want to travel so light that we forget many of the essentials for the journey through this wilderness called life . Food and Water are great, what about a blanket to rest, a first aid kit for injuries, a flashlight to see on dark nights, a weapon to defend against wild beasts. These might take up space, they might burden the load some, but they are extremely important.
I fear Joe might have discarded essential precepts of faith as non essential, and when he got a cut or came across a wild beast, had an exceptionally dark night or just needed to rest a little (metaphors) he just was not prepared.
I am praying for you Joe.
i love this video so much, we need more conversations like this! in 2017 after attending a conference that exposed the magnitude of modern day slavery, i doubted the goodness of God, it was a really dark time, to the point that i even accused God of being evil (He was so gracious and patient towards me and i thank Him every day). the women who were patient with me and listened to my struggles and encouraged me to keep praying and keep wrestling impacted me so much. there's so much that still doesn't make sense, but i have learned to trust that God is who He says He is, and that He can handle my doubts and show me the truth.
Thank you for watching and sharing that
You are speaking my truth! Thank you soo much for posting this conversation! It’s soo comforting to know I’m not the only one with doubts, wrestling with the injustice I see and the God I believe. Life is messy! It’s nice to know it’s okay not to have all the answers.
To answer the original question: Lately I’ve been doubting why we have pastors, bishops, elders etc. In many church circles it’s a sin to doubt what the pastor is preaching, and if you vocalize your doubt, you get ostracized. I’ve experienced this at mega churches, small Methodist churches , nondenominational churches that are obsessed with Bethel church in Redding , CA and the SoZo stuff. If you don’t follow blindly, then they tell you that you’re not seeking God enough. I’m telling you I know that leadership is there for a reason, I just wish they would be more humble and admit that they don’t have all the answers.
Thanks again for creating a safe space!
This packing light idea has really been on my mind and heart.
My calling is to motivate, inspire amd empower people.. My pocast, video's etc are purposed for. I really believe that this is a season of coaching people through not just preaching at them. It's so much more to do.
#reconstructionedmyfaith!
This reformed dude appreciates you guys.
Jesus! Right on time. Another fire episode Ruslan, I'm digging these. Persevere long by traveling light. Hold fast to Jesus and the word. The labels and clique bubbles rarely do us justice. I learned from Vois and GrowTheHeckUp to just talk to people and see where they stand on a case by case basis. We would all be better off if we just did what the Bible clearly tells us to do.
P.S. I'd love to see Lavoisier on one of these episodes. 😉
I’m working on it!!!
doubt makes our faith stronger in the long run
dyl, the young I actually believe in this based on personal experience. But are there scriptures that support or speak on this notion? I usually find that scripture usually speaks on doubt from a neutral or negative perspective. And I can understand why because if the positive outcomes of doubt were mentioned, I could definitely see it causing many doctrine squabbles. Was just curious if anyone was aware of some.
there may be scripture but i’m not 100%. I just know that when you doubt something you usually look into it deeper and look at alternatives. In doing that, you learn why you believe or do certain things and that strengthens you in that. Like from a non biblical standpoint, say you are working out just because you know it’s good for you. You may get tired and start doubting that you need to do it. You can quit or you can research and actually learn why you should work out. That info you get from that will only strengthen your desire to work out more. 🤷🏼♂️ Not sure if that made sense or not but 👌🏻👌🏻
Wow! This is an awesome video and topic. I know I’m late to the party but glad you’ve taken the time to do this. This is the type of content that needs to be talked about constantly and consistently until ALL saints of all color agree and it’s no longer an issue. I’d love to say a lot more but I’d be all day on here. Big props to you, sir!!
This is so precious, I literally stumbled upon your video this morning as I got ready for the day. It's sad how the church doesn't really address doubt in this way but often makes you feel like your heathen or something. I feel like I've questioned almost all aspects I could think of Christianity because as Joseph said, I feel like a natural skeptic. I'm currently wrestling with the idea of predestination and free will. I heard John Piper talk about how God's sovereignty enables us to rest knowing that he is control, so even if we don't have all the answers, what matters is Christ. For we all know that after meeting him we're not the same. So I guess that I will leave apologetic on the side for some time and rest in this beautiful truth.
God bless you for this amazing content and keep it up!
If you don’t doubt then you don’t question. If you don’t question you won’t search for answers. You’ll be open to falling prey to what ‘man’ says and believes versus what God says.
18:25 "Man... you gon be aight bro" 😅 funny but oh so true! There's power in its simplicity
Love the convo, nice to hear these things discussed. I'm curious about the pivot of the discussion around the issue of our politics influencing our theology... or our theology influencing our politics. I would have liked to have heard more on that.
Definitely recommend this podcast called "reconstruct" for those who are interested in learning about different theologies and how people have come to be in peace with God despite the diversity that is in the church. It's helped me, I hope it helps you too. God bless family.
www.reconstructpodcast.com/
I provided the link!
My favorite interview of all time !
Yes Joe!! Whats necessary is Jesus.
Great watch, guys.
For years even at youth church, I always said I didn't agree with the "systematic" part of systematic theology (the idea that we could whittle down God to a series of processes and principles, like we are engineers and he's the subject-matter at hand), and it's why I never went further to Bible College.
Much like the video, I've kinda abandoned the fillers, and now just stick to "MG Christianity"; M standing for Minimalist (the "closed hand" theology; as in the gospel and the nature of Jesus, his identity and his resurrection) and the "G" stands for "Gritty", faith born out of true application in the world.
An example of "Gritty" is for a few years I was taught that to be saved once had to be baptised in the Spirit and MUST speak in tongues. Even when I heard it, I wasn't convinced. In those years as a youth leader, I counted all the young people who had this experience of speaking in tongues. 90% of them have fallen away from the faith. The ones who couldn't, still can't, and suffered insecurities about their faith because they were told they should be able to but can't. They are the ones still standing. So what good is a theology that doesn't work in the real world?
Well said. The doctrine that one MUST speak in tongues is pretty toxic.
Very comforting.
What’s necessary is JESUS!!!!! Yes!!! Sums it all up! Great interview!
Salvation is by grace through faith alone in Christ alone!
Look.......................................................@RuslanKD, THANK YOU for this. Thank Joseph for us for being so gracious with his time. This is a word from Jesus.
You are on fire Ruslan, keep these coming!
Awesome interview and a great rewatch
One quote I love i can't remember who said it but it says, "You can't love Jesus and not love his word," which is so true because Jesus said if you love me you will obey my commandments. All Scripture is profitable for teaching all our theology has to come from there. I've struggled with doubt but God led me through I was watching lots pf videos on TH-cam which had bad theology but God led me through and revealed truth to me in the end
*probably one of the most underrated*
this conversation is revolutionary.
Man I love these conversations
The content !
Thanks for this video! I appreciate when Sproul stated it as “Preservation of the saints” rather than “Perseverance”. It takes the pressure off when in doubt. On another note, I still haven’t folks talk about how to navigate the differences of culture (even here in the US). Recommend reading “Foreign to Familiar”. The US is still a melting pot of cultures, however, we still struggle to respect them, even after 240+ years.
Great conversation, and very much needed today. For the sake of conversation, what would y’all say is the difference between an “open hand” perspective on issues as opposed to just being noncommittal on hard issues because of the typical “Christian” answers being unpopular with the culture? I know that’s not what y’all were saying but I’d love to hear what everyone has to say.
dang. this is so on time. thanks
I think the sin we fall into is the sin of certainty. It’s not that we have doubts of any of the doctrines even the essential ones, but that we want to be certain, either about these doctrines or certain that they didn’t happen, and so therefore we lose our faith. Faith is called faith for a reason, it’s believing in something that we don’t “absolutely” know is true, and it’s about being okay with that. Nothing in Christianity is should be about certainty, but faith love and peace.
growing pains are not ez , phil. 1:6, one other came to mind but I cant think of the verse and book . it talks about keeping the Gospel simple. Good talk thanks for posting this. I think being focused on Jesus and what he did for us all is a good place to be and to start . pc thumbs
Loved this conversation and look forward to more of it. It’s like I tell people, “I don’t see the ideal as being anything but Christian. If Paul addresses cliques in his day, we can pick up the mantle.”
This conversation is refreshing and I believe more of us need to connect outside four walls. It may be convenient, but I think the most authentic experiences are where you’re most comfortable not trying to impress or keep up with the perception of other fellow Believers.
I even hate the idea of white church/black church. We just need to strive to be all in with Jesus and work to take our cities by loving our neighbors in all the ways we believe we are able to.
Deconstructing and meditating on the word is part of the process. Let’s be for one another and those who don’t follow Jesus. That’s what he did.
Keep doing your thing bro! Much love to you Ruslan from Charlotte, NC.
I don't like the whole white church/black church we are all one in Christ Jesus!
We need to surround ourselves with born again disciples. The only thing we need to lean on is God’s word no other book. But do not be deceived either for many call themselves Christians but do not walk in the light and His full truth and contradict God’s Holy Word. The Holy Spirit will lead us to repentance and revelation. We are all God’s beautiful creation uniquely made skin color does not divide our level on importance. We are all equal in God’s eyes and all have fallen short of His Glory and we ALL deserve Hell. But He has granted mercy and grace upon us by dying on the cross. Now pick up your cross and walk down the narrow path and turn from your sins. This is a life long journey. Without mistakes or hardships we have no beautiful testimonies to glorify His great love and mercy. ❤️
This is really good. Great convo.
Jesus is what's necessary. Well said Joe.
This was 🔥🔥🔥
Thanks brother. Gotta get u on!
Ruslan KD wow thanks man! I’m not on any of your guests level but I def won’t turn that down 😂🤙🏼
=)
keep it up! Thanks Ruslan!
I will never identify with anyone I experienced Jesus for my self I know what it is to have him and I experienced what it is to not have him. I began a journey and I will not turn back I have and will never doubt God. So no matter what storms may rage in the world I have the grace of God to keep my spirit safe . My flesh may hurt but my spirit rejoices .
A question I’ve had is if Jesus already paid the price for our sins on the cross past present and future , what will we be judged for when we die. Will it be our willingness to commit and obey His commands given to us
, going out and making disciples?
Is it our sins ? Is it the intentions behind the actions we are doing and if those action glorify God or ourselves? Is it the authenticity of our salvation?
If we paid for our sin and we’re In him. We’ll have to give an account but there’s no judgement.
This is great! Keep going bro! 👊🏽
Great convos these last couple episodes! Appreciate you addressing real stuff with some of my fav people. Subscribed!:)
Dang 11:55 was blessed.. Wraps things up beautifully.
Wow! "WE HAVE ALLOWED PEOPLE TO HIJACK THE WORD JUSTICE" WELL SAID JOSEPH.😁😁😁😁😁
Thank you for this
My pleasure!
So good!
When people show you who they are....believe them!
Love this! so real!
Ruslan putting the whole east coast on that westcoast time😂
The gospel of grace is the only true gospel. no works just acceptance and walking in God’s great provision and favor (grace).
Wow. Dude this was SOLID.
Great conversation would have loved it to go longer !
I think the place where I face a lot of doubt is where to actually be who I am called to be (holy, a disciple and everything that goes along..) and to actually just be who I am at the moment. Like "enjoying" the process of God helping me become who He called me to be. Knowing what is right but actually "not having the energy" to do right after you've done it so many times (kinda like a christian burnout :D ). Because some for instance forgiving is said to be 77 times 7, what if i reached 540 (just calculated it xD) today after forgiving 539 and just don't "feel" the energy to go on ? Or helping people in various situations (Just two of the many examples). God bless you !! DOPE Channel !!
Not to draw away from the content of the video but that thumbnail had me laughing
🤣🤣🤣
Wow i thought I was the only one with that travel light perspective
The rainbow being used as a label is from Jesse Jackson his Rainbow Coalition.
If you put man as your standard, you will be disappointed. If you put Jesus as your standard, you will see clearly. As Joseph Solomon said, if you want to be on this journey you have to travel light. Cast your burdens to Jesus
Interesting conversation! Same issues Yeshuah had with the church is the closed fist doctrine.
Wish this was longer
New subscriber 🙋🏿♀️🙋🏿♀️🙋🏿♀️😍😍 loved it
Thank you!!!
My cousin always says I remind her of Joe. I see why 😂 we're similar wow
I told my white homie one day, "I really don't care much about theology!" He was hurt by me saying that and says "you'll like it one day". Our church was predominately white and most of them declared themselves as Calvinist Reformists. I just never really caught on to it or gained any interest. I felt bad cuz everyone seemingly took pride in thus theology and I was in a corner by myself, just indifferent to it all.
I know I have some growth on understanding what theology truly is, but this interview reassures me and lets me know that the gospel is most important thing. I think if I keep that in mind, my interested in theology may increase sometime in the future. in the meantime I will continue to have pride the gospel and continue to remind myself that that is a most important aspect of me being a believer.
Well said. Theology on the surface level means the study of God. Mixed in with our own bias of interpretation it’s turned into a type of fundamentalism.
This is good!!
What up fam. Here I am again, on another video! lol.
Good subject. I think a lot of Balanced charismatics actually get this right. Idk if you’ve studied Pentecostal history but their origins were super rad; unity in diversity right off the bat. I.e. Azusa St. Cool thing is that the charismatic renewal spanned Christian denominations.
I should comment something wild to draw out all the argumentative christians that be ending they comments with “God bless”
😅🤣