Jeremy Vuolo shares his testimony
"I ended up getting arrested. I was drinking, I was
partying in college, just being a foolish young guy. And it was really that
night, when I got arrested, out late at night, 3:00 in the morning, I realized
I can’t live like this and call myself a Christian. And that was the turning
point for me, where, from that point forward, I made the decision, 'I’m going
to actively serve Christ with my life.'"
-Jeremy Vuolo
On last night's new episode of Counting On, viewers heard Jeremy open up about the sinful life he lived as as professional soccer player and the transformation he experienced when he came to know Jesus. During a conversation with professional skateboarder Brian Sumner, the two guys realize that their redemption stories are very similar. To watch the clip, visit the link below.
It's great that this young man finds fulfillment in what he's doing now and the faith he holds. It's a shame, however, that he takes it upon himself to proselytize and attempt to convince others to convert to his faith. I don't think very highly of people who do. Do what works for you and leave others to their own beliefs. I've never claimed to be a Christian and I've never been arrested- go figure!
ReplyDeleteI think highly of people who are the willing to put their personal embarrassment, pride,or fear aside to share the most important thing ever with other people.
DeleteHis faith tells him to share it with others. It would be pretty selfish for him to not share it if he really believes it's true.
DeleteI never find fault in others for sharing what they believe to be true, even if I don’t agree with them. You should take it as a sign that they care. People who believe the Bible, believe that anyone who dies without Christ will spend eternity in Hell. Many people believe it hateful not to share the salvation offered through Jesus. I can see how people see it as arrogance. It would be arrogant if it came only from them or was untrue. However, Christians believe the Bible to be the very Word of God and in it they are commanded to share with others the hope that they have in Jesus. They can’t make you believe. You can believe that they are wrong, but please understand that they only want to share that they consider to be the greatest news in the world, that all people are broken and sinful, that they are separated from God by there sins and there is no way to be good enough to earn your way into heaven and thus are headed for Hell. But, God made a way to draw His people to Himself by sending His son, Jesus, to take on their sin and die in their place, was resurrected, and had made a way to be reconciled to Himself and God.
DeleteI know saying that is an example of what you just called annoying, but sharing is caring :)
Sarah
Sarah@10:29 Your description of supposed good news- that being we are all sinful and in no way good enough and are all headed for hell, so God sacrificed his son for us- isn't good news to me at all. It sounds like a Grimm's Fairy Tale, and I do mean grim! Look, we are blessed in this country with freedom of religion, including the freedom to be without it. Telling people they'll burn in hell if they don't see things your way or interpret the Bible as you do is offensive to me. It's like if I told you that you'd fall off the face of the earth if you don't vote for a particular political party because I have a book that says so. (First off, you'd think I was crazy!) It's using fear and intimidation to influence someone. You can sugar-coat it all you want about caring for others, but that's the bottom line, is it not? If people take offense, that's on you, not them. Churches have strong-armed people for centuries in order to fill their santuaries and collection plates. They have a lot to lose if they don't. Fortunately, more and more people are not buying it.
DeleteI can see where you’re coming from. I can see how the thought of nonbelievers burning in hell is scary and unpleasant and the thought that anyone should share that is mean. But as a Christian, I’d respectfully like to disagree with you. And I’m going to ask you to please read through what I’m about to say all the way through and carefully. Please try to hear what I’m saying and understand, as I did the same with you. Also, anything I share is coming from what I read from the Bible, as I am in no way capable of explaining this without Gods help. The good news is far from what you describe it @6:00. Yes, we are all sinful and we are in no way good enough (Romans 3:23) And yes, God sent his son to live a perfect life, die and rise again for us. Yes those are all key factors into the gospel. But it goes so much deeper. We are UNABLE to save ourselves. We sinned against God, disobeying him, running from him, crying out to other idols and gods for our salvation and yet he loved us enough to save us (Ephesians 2). He longs for us to turn to him. He wants us to spend eternity with him in heaven (John 3:16-17). We should desire that too. Sadly, more and more people are turning from this amazing truth. But, there is also some unpleasant truth and it would be horrible of me and any Christian if we were to hide that. God in no way hid it when discussing it anywhere in the Bible so why should I? Yes, there is a consequence for turning from this salvation and that consequence is hell. While that might seem unfair to some, it is completely fair in Gods eyes. He has given me and you and everyone else an opportunity to follow him and if you turn that opportunity down, you are completely deserving of that consequence (Romans 1:18, John 3:18-19). At one point, I was deserving of hell. But by grace, through faith in Christ, the Lord pulled me out of my sin and brought me to him. I still sin but the Lord is in me and working in me and for that I am grateful. I desire that for you and for any other nonbeliever out there because the peace I have from God is immense and beautiful (Philippians 4:7). We are not using fear and intimidation. Some Christians and pastors do and I’m so sorry if that has been your experience. The Christians that I know share this news, good and bad, out of love. Imagine there was a war coming and everyone was surely going to die and I knew a place where I could go to be safe and you didn’t. What kind of a friend would I be to not tell you? That is a picture of what sharing the gospel is. Loving someone so much to share the bad news with them so they can appreciate the good news. I’m 16. I don’t know everything. Not by a long shot:) but it pleases me so much when I get to talk with someone about what I hold so dear to my heart. I have no responsibility to save you. And the fact that your salvation is in Gods hands, not mine, gives me immense relief (Psalm 25:14). There is one thing I can do: pray for God to open your eyes to the truth (Romans 1:19) And even though I don’t know you personally and I’ll probably never meet you, I’ll be praying for you. I pray that you’ll see the truth in what God has said in the Bible and you’ll hear what I’ve said and that God will use these words as an encouragement in your life. If you have anymore questions or thoughts, I’d be happy to answer them and maybe discuss this some more if you wish. Have a blessed day and I hope that with Gods loving help, you come to see the truth! :)
DeletePeople can do what they like with the message, but it's like doctor discovering the cure for cancer and then not telling his patients about it.
Delete@9:51 I agree. I feel this is more self-promotion for Jeremy on his journey to become a famous minister. This happened so long ago that it should have come out and been addressed by the family when he and Jinger were courting. Why now?
Delete@9:51 You had no problem telling us what you believe. Why can’t Jeremy do the same?
Delete@8:54 Because @9:51 didn't stop you in the skateboard park and try to talk you into believing what he/she believes. There's a difference. Also, Jeremy and others like him seem to think it's his way or no way. @9:51 doesn't come across as sharing that type of thinking.
DeleteOh Doctors have a cure for cancer and of course they won't say anything because what will they lose?? Money!!
DeleteBaloney. My family doctor died of pancreatic cancer. He sure didn't have the secret cure for cancer and obviously wasn't able to find another doctor who had it either.
DeleteMaybe they’re just sharing a video of clip of a conversation that happened while he was visiting a friend; I’m not sure how this is considering “self promotion”. If he was talking about his belief in Santa, Leprachauns, or the Tooth Fairy, I am sure no one would have any comments what so ever on this post. I am also certain he didn’t sit in front of the interview camera and say “repent or perish!!”; he was simply sharing his experience and testimony of coming to understand he was a Luke warm Christian. It’s very similar to someone saying “hey can I tell you about the time I was married” or “did you ever hear about the time....”.
DeleteI've heard more than one atheist put Christians down for NOT sharing their faith with everyone we know. If we truly believe that Jesus is the only way to God, then we aren't showing love to others unless we try to warn them. As I recall, Bill Maher was one of the atheists who said this. And I agree with him. It's just common sense. If you don't like it, walk away.
DeleteActually @3:52, 9:51 does have the same type of thinking. He/she thinks that another person cannot share information with them because his/her way (which is believe whatever you want) is the only way.
DeleteFine. A good doctor, then.
Delete2:43, then you are illustrating how selfish it is for people who know the truth to hold it back from others because of selfish reasons!
DeleteGood for Jeremy. He's lived a worldly life enough to really appreciate what he has in Jesus now.
ReplyDeleteWhile Jeremy has turned away from his sins of the past, he still comes across as wanting to seek fame and glory. His soccer coach even stated that was his downfall- wanting fame and being self absorbed. With that in mind, Was it really a match made in heaven with Jinger or was it Jeremy seeking to fulfill his life long goal of fame and fortune ( in a different way other than soccer). Jeremy has definitely changed Jinger in a lot of ways, she’s become extremely worldly ( name brand clothes, High end fashion ie $200 jackets, wearing jeans, dying her hair, etc- basically going against EVERYTHING she wrote about in her book w her sisters). Jeremy is molding Jinger into the wife HE really wanted, a girl who looks like a Cali girl as opposed to the Highly modest and frugal young lady she once was. This whole becoming a pastor and doing podcasts with Jinger in a prelude to becoming a mega church pastor like Joel Osteen. Jeremy is in it for the money and publicity. A leopard never changes its spots.
DeleteThe jacket was $300.
Delete4:25- I tend to agree with you about Jeremy's goal of being a mega church pastor or some kind of religious figurehead. I never thought they'd last long in Loredo. He's laid the plans with his TLC exposure, move to LA, podcasts and Jinger's "transformation." It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
DeleteAnon 4:25. IMO the term "worldly" is used to criticize people that do something the user doesn't like or agree with. I fail to see why living in LA is so irritating to some Duggar fans. So what if Jinger bought a jacket that cost so much? She's a TV star so she can afford to do so.
Delete@6:12 - I've heard Jeremy preach. It's online. I was not impressed. In fact, I couldn't listen past where he openly denounced another religion. Made my jaw drop. The church I was raised in, you didn't ever speak out against any other church. All brothers in Christ, or in whomever they believed.
Delete11:36 Jinger buying a jacket that costs that much, or even going along with some TV producer's idea to do that to make her look so hip and Californian, shows us where her priorities are. She's doing anything for the camera, wearing expensive clothes, doesn't care how it comes across, couldn't stand up to TLC and say no, this will make me look wrong - that's not who she used to be, not who she's supposed to be, but someone false she's TRYING to be. She should be able to see the error in that for herself, having studied the Bible so much.
Delete6:12 -What the poster said was Cali Girl, as in California Girl; not Call girl. I had to read it twice because I too thought, “Why is this person being so offensive.” Technically, it was a criticism but not as bad as it might be if we had all misread it. 😏
DeleteJeremy may end up being a flashy showy preacher, but the kind of people attracted to that... I've seen it. It's better to be attracted by the meek and the humble, the salt-of-the-earth types who can teach us all some valuable things about life and each other. Character isn't what you wear, where you live, if you're on TV, or if your wife is blonde.
DeleteWant a reminder that Jesus asks you to not judge? That God is the only one to give judgement?
DeleteRead at what you all are doing....
So what’s the fine line between judgement and opinion? Only god can judge so humans are all giving opinions. (Unless they are a judge by profession or are acting as jurors in court ) while I don’t think very highly of Jeremy, it’s a free country and he can express his beliefs and opinions. As long as he isn’t hurting anyone or breaking the law in any way and is a paying taxes then by all means he can share his testimony And preach the gospel. And I can go on and form my own opinion about how arrogant, eggocentric and prideful Jeremy comes across. And how all the changes Jinger has made because of Jeremy has only made her appear to be a hypocrite. Note the words “appear to be” and “comes across”. These are my opinions and not facts.
DeleteBut he knew Jesus before, he just chose to have fun. So it worked for him then, and this is working for him now. The beauty of choice!
ReplyDeleteNo, it wasn't working for him.
DeleteI know, but now Jeremy seems to think others should be making HIS same choice (serve Christ and no partying), not THEIR own choice.
DeleteThe thing about "your own choice" is that sometimes people just do what they do because they don't know people who do otherwise. They don't have other examples to follow. Or they make bad choices. There is nothing inherently good about "my own choice." No, I can make good choices, or I can make bad choices. I'm thankful for the people in my life who have been examples of better choices than what I was choosing.
DeleteBut Jeremy thinks his choice is better than any other choice. He shouldn't be judgemental like that.
DeleteMy experience with most evangelicals has not been postive. Trying to convert others to their particular religion is the epiome of arrogance, IMO. If you want the freedom to attend a church that works for you, then afford others the same courtesy and leave them alone. The simple truth is that there is not a person on this earth who knows any of the answers to the great religious questions that have haunted humans ever since they began contemplating the cosmos and their own existence. The Great Mystery remains. That may explain why there are thousands of faiths being practiced on this planet and why they are called faiths. Just because you believe something doesn’t mean it’s true. There are no objective truths about the absolute validity of any religion. So imagine how the world might be if all religious people would adopt the habit of professing their religion in terms something like this: “I don’t know the answers, and I am not certain of any eternal truth. But I have found a set of beliefs that make sense to me and in which I have faith and they bring me comfort. I hope you have a set of beliefs that make sense to you and bring you comfort.
ReplyDelete"Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it.” Andre' Gide
Christianity is about sharing Christ with others. It was the last thing Christ told his followers to do before He returned to heaven. To not share your beliefs is to not follow Christ. Some Christians do it with human attitudes, like pride. It takes the Holy Spirit's power to share in the right way. Pride is the bane of every human. It keeps people from turning to God, and it keeps Christians from being all they could be for God.
DeleteI find it interesting that you just made a belief statement trying to convert others to what you believe to be true. It’s ironic that making a claim that there is no absolute way of knowing truth is in itself, a truth claim.
DeletePerhaps we as humans we were confused and didn’t know the way to God....so God came down to us to show us the Way.
DeleteWell said!
DeleteThe Bible isn't true because a person believes it; it's true because it's God's Holy Word. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1
Delete11:13. You are free to believe that if it makes you feel better.
Delete4:03- We no longer live in the Dark Ages. People have access to all kinds of information at their fingertips, including religion. There’s no need to knock on doors or hand out tracts.
Delete11:47, actually there is a need. People are still getting saved from people knocking on doors and reading tracts. I know some of them.
DeleteVery good point @10:09!
Delete11:47 -- Why are you so threatened? If you don't like it, put up a No Trespassing sign and walk away. Just say no thanks.
Delete7:26 Why are you so lenient about others coming to someone's home and interrupting them to talk about religion?
Delete7:26 Ha! No trespassing signs don't deter Jehovah's Witnesses, I've found!
DeleteDoes that mean that with Josh's past "mistakes," he couldn't call himself a Christian either? Did he "actively serve Christ" after his first round of trouble? Or did his "darkness" last a good 10 years or more, while he was pretending to be in a wholesome family and doing wholesome work in DC?
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Jeremy's opinion is of Josh, if that's Jeremy's opinion of himself.
Good point!
DeleteGood question. I don't think we see much interaction between Jeremy and Josh. Jeremy probably thinks of Josh as an example of someone who fell, and might not be able to get past that. Jeremy sure hasn't let his own past be forgotten. He just used it again for this episode.
DeleteIt’s possible that Josh wasn’t truly a Christian during all that time. Jeremy can’t know josh’s heart, only his own. Living in such blatant rebellion to God rightfully raises questions though.
DeleteAll Christians fall at some point, due to sin. The important thing is getting it right again.
DeleteAfter you get it right, do you go around flaunting it?
DeleteI can relate to some of the things Jeremy shared in the clip. I remember being a young Christian not just in age but in the faith but still doing stupid things. Thanks be to God for "slapping me upside the head" so to speak and helping me to get right with Christ.🙏
ReplyDeleteMe too. I made some bad choices that I regret, but God showed made me a better way. I'm so thankful!
DeleteI thought Jeremy's dad was a pastor. You mean Jeremy didn't know how sinful he was until he talked to the professional skateboarder? Wow. Glad he found out and got all straightened out.
ReplyDelete10:28AM: No, no! His talk with the professional skateboard made him realize how similar their stories are. His moment when he realized he was sinful was back when he was arrested, in college!
DeleteI think Jeremy was being over-dramatic with that story, to get attention. Makes for what the family thinks is good TV.
DeleteYou mean kids don't listen to parents as much as they listen to peers and mentors? It happens. Ever heard of "preachers kids"? PKs.
DeleteMaking for good tv? They know people will criticize them for bringing it up, and yet they thought it was important enough to do anyway.
Delete1:40 that may be tv making it way more dramatic
DeleteSinful life? Just because Jeremy got caught up in the college party scene like thousands of other kids doesn’t make his life sinful. Yes, not the best life choice; but we all hopefully learn from our mistakes. Your human Jeremy, God is forgiving; your fine. Just stay in control.
ReplyDeleteI think Jeremy has not tell us everything, because we will be shocked.
DeleteHe´s a good man now and that´s what methers.
@2:13-you maybe right. Perhaps, that’s not the whole story.
DeleteIs his father a full time pastor or does he have another career as well?
Does or did Jeremy‘a mother has/have a career? What about his sibling(s)?
The part where Jeremy and Brian giving their testimony was awesome ... and for TLC to air this was great!! You never know someone may hear this and change their life... there is hope. Also, watching Little Felicity put on all her safety gear and learn to scoot herself on the scooter was precious!! Had to watch that scene over and over ! These scenes were the Best part of the whole program... I fast forwarded the other scenes...Just love Jeremy and Jinger and how they are sharing the gospel on their podcast and how they are raising Felicity.. beautiful family😍🙏
ReplyDeletePeople can and do change their lives for the better and it doesn't involve giving their hearts to the Lord. IMO, Jeremy is trading his involvement with an ego-driven professional sport for another endeavor that can be driven every bit as much by pride and ego. It's called evangelical religion.
DeleteAnyone whose life was ever changed to follow a reality star WHILE watching a reality star, raise your hand.
DeleteI thought so.
No one is talking about following a reality star. They are talking about following Jesus after seeing Jesus change a life. And there are thousands who could raise their hand and say yes they have done that.
DeleteI'm not religious, so I can't relate to the reasoning for his change of heart/life, but wow, what a change he accomplished. From getting arrested to being sober, a good husband and father, and working hard to help others and further his education. That's huge and I'm sure took so much hard work.
ReplyDeleteThis is just called "normal adult life". Nothing unique. A lot of people party young, settle down after that. I have skipped the "partying-drinking-getting arrested" part in my life. Not a hard work, believe me.
Deletenormal people grow up most settle down i will blame the dramatization on tv
DeleteSure, but not a lot of people get arrested and a lot of people, especially men, don't "grow up" and continue to drink to excess.
DeleteIt is hard if you have an addiction... addiction is very hard to overcome and takes years of therapy groups and counseling. My husband is a former alcoholic. He has struggled to come as far as he has. An addiction is different than kids who party every once in awhile on the weekends.
DeleteNormal adult life does NOT include getting arrested. I don't know anyone who got arrested, and I grew up in Los Angeles in a secular environment. If Jeremy was truly on that path, then he was in trouble.
DeleteJeremy was probably just rebelling against his parents, his dad was a pastor, maybe it was a lot of pressure to be this perfect guy... This happens to many teenagers. But also most of college kids at some point drink or do something which is not perfect, so it's just a stage in life. I think now Jeremy is doing it these scenes and talks just for the TV show.
ReplyDeleteI am glad Jeremy found christ after his past mistakes. I am glad he is studying to be a paster. I'm glad he is enjoying his life nowadays. I enjoyed Felicity riding her scooter. I have enjoyed watching Jeremy and Jinger. I loved hearing the baby announcement & also seeing the gender reveal party knowing it was a girl & watching her on counting on in 2018 & how she's growing up. I'm sad about baby #2. Jingers is currently around 24 weeks with her baby #3. I can't wait to watch the announcement and gender reveal with the baby coming in November this year. I can't wait to see the rerun's of this season & rerun's of old seasons but I really can't wait for next season 12 of counting on. Natasha b
ReplyDeleteLoved his testimony. So happy he turned his life around!
ReplyDeleteJeremy’s too flashy. I think he wants to be one of these overly cool pastor in with celebrity Christian crew. I think that’s the goal and jinger’s fame has helped with his plans. She’s adorable. I hope she can keep his feet on the ground because it’s concerning to me. I’ll take Jim bob and Michelle just talking about the life they lead any day. Rings truer to me than this guy! Hoping I’m wrong!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree.
DeleteI agree...
DeleteIn my opinion Jinger is every bit as enamored with the glitz and glamor of the city life as Jeremy.
DeleteJB and Michelle and the "life they lead"? The JB and Michelle who fly around the country in their own private plane? I don't think Jeremy is quite in their class but he does live in LA.
Delete8:29 I always thought that Jinger wanted the spotlight and the glitz and glamor even more then Jeremy did. You never see him taking series in New outfits or hair styles, but Jinger sure does that. I always found it strange that the Pastor and his wife were the flashy ones in the family and the ones that are totally addicted to social media and posting articles in every magazine they can. I wouldn't want my Pastor and his wife doing and acting like that. Jeremy and Jinger seem more showbiz type people then a Pastor and Wife.
DeleteAnon 8:29. I lived in a big city for many years before I retired. I'm not sure what sort of "glitz" you're talking about. My friends and I must have been doing something wrong. Our lives were not at all glamorous. We got up every morning, went to our jobs, came back home and took care of our families. It was all pretty mundane to say the least. We might have had a few more entertainment choices than in a small town, but basically our lives didn't have any glitz.
Delete10:19 Kind of have that backwards. Jeremy was the one who started with the outfits. Jinger was a thrift store shopper til she met him. Jeremy wants the style and pizazz and wants Jinger to want it too. They're made for each other I guess.
DeleteI agree.. that $300 jacket could have gone to feed a homeless family
DeleteJeremy went to college! Good for him. He probably knows that two kids will be enough. He seems very responsible
ReplyDeleteHaving more than two children is irresponsible? Two kids is enough for who? Parents should have as many children as they will take care of and love. It is no one else’s business how many children someone else has.
DeleteThe number of kids that is "enough" varies. People are not cookie cutter creations.
DeleteI'm sure glad Mozart's mom had 7 kids, because he was number 7.
Delete@10:28 That soul was destined to come here to do that, whether it was Mrs. Motzart's 7th or Mrs. XYZ's 1st.
Delete@10:28 back in Mozart's day, the world was not over populated with precious natural resources at risk. I think two or three children ought be enough considering the condition of our planet.
DeleteBack in Mozart's day, you were lucky if 2 or 3 of those 7 kids survived to what was usually then a very short adulthood.
DeleteAnyone that has more kids then they can financially afford or that they themselves can't raise have too many children. It is not the older children's responsibility to raise their younger siblings. Those older Duggar girls were deprived of their complete childhood, and the younger Duggars were deprived of their parents. It will be interesting to see how many of the Duggar children have large families like their parents.
DeleteJudgy much?? Sheesh!
DeleteThey may want more then 2 kids, but I do agree. Having more kids then you can handle is wrong. By handle I mean more then the parents can take care of. It is not the older siblings responsibility to raise the younger ones, and in the case of the Duggars just the girls. I feel sorry for the Duggar girls,(the boys too), they missed out on so much. It does look like Jeremy does have enough common sense to see how wrong it is to have 19 kids.
DeleteJeremy is no better than any other college kid who grew up and stopped doing college things. No big deal.
ReplyDeleteHe never said he was better. He's sharing his story.
DeleteJeremy never said he was better... he knew he was doing wrong and repented.. asked for forgiveness ... he never said anything about anyone else. He knew he wasn’t living a Christian life.🙏
DeleteYep. Look at all the Baby Boomers who went to college in the wild 60's and 70's. Most of them partied hard but went on to have successful careers and marriages and families anyway. You don't need a Come To Jesus moment in order to grow up and stop partying. You sure don't need to go around telling others to do that too, or how special you are for doing it.
DeleteIf he didn’t think he has something superior to say, why would he be giving his opinions on a podcast?
Delete@8:44- Boomer here. I was too busy working to pay my way through college and didn't have the time or energy to do much partying! I did go on to have a successful career, marriage and a wonderful family!
DeleteWhen a young person drinks and parties, in my opion is just a fase of life. I m sure he had many girlfriends too. Its just being young...
ReplyDeleteActually, it doesn't have to be a phase of life. You don't have to drink and party. I didn't, and I'm glad I didn't. Other people I know didn't either.
Delete@5:30 Exactly—-could happen to anyone. We’re all human!
DeleteI've been to parties and I've driven a few who drank too much home because I didn't want them to get into a car accident or arrested
Delete@5:39 for a lot of us it is just a phase. I'm a boomer that back in the 70's had a great time. I no longer drink, have no desire. But, wouldn't change most of my younger days.
DeleteSkateboarding lesson? Has Jeremy decided to take up skateboarding on a regular basis or was this just another activity for the TV show?
ReplyDeleteI'm really puzzled why so many on this blog are critical of Jeremy speaking about his faith and pointing the way to God. Isn't this what Jesus did when He walked the Earth? Isn't this what He instructed His apostles to do? I think people need to hear the message. OK, so maybe you don't feel you do. But someone does.
ReplyDeleteIf Jeremy is free to speak or post about his beliefs and opinions, then so is everyone else, even those who disagree.
DeleteI've been reading the Gospels lately, and the attitude of some toward Jesus is parallel to the unbelieving today. So sad that they didn't recognize back then who they were talking to and despising.
DeleteThe gospel message is very confrontational to someone living in their sin. Only those who want to continue in their sin are offended by someone openly and boldly speaking about his or her faith in God.
DeleteDebbie- We live in a different time from Jesus and the apostles. Today you can walk into any one of the churches you can find on practically every street corner. There's no end of information one can access online about whatever religion interests you. No one needs to take it upon themselves to preach to others or attempt to lead them to God.
Delete9:05 - I'm put off by any stranger approaching me or my house uninvited to talk about anything, be it vinyl siding and gutters, or religion, or anything in between.
DeleteNo 9:05. Having a stranger approach you to talk is very confrontational. I don't care if they want to tell me about the weather. Stay back.
DeleteSo true @9:05!
DeleteI don't want anyone coming up to me in a park or at my home either. Not in this day and age.
DeleteWhat's nice is that people go through life with all kinds of struggles. It's good for people to share the struggles and how God helped them overcome those struggles because you never know when you'll reach someone who has been through something similar
DeleteSo, is Jeremy saying that in order to call yourself a Christian you must never have too much fun or make mistakes. Wouldn’t that way of believing make you perfect? Isn’t only God and Jesus perfect?
ReplyDeleteChristianity is not about being perfect at all -- no man can be -- it's about following Jesus. And if you're living a life of partying and getting arrested, that's evidence that you're not making Jesus Lord of your live. A tree is known by its fruit. I encourage you to read the Bible for yourself. If you don't have one, it's free online. I like the King James Version, but for beginners, the English Standard Version is good. The MacArthur Study Bible App offers several versions.
Delete@10:25 Beginners???
DeleteI think he is trying to communicate that even if you have been in the world sinning in a big way, you can come back to the Lord and will be welcome.
Delete@6:13 PM I think the commenter said "beginners" to refer to those who are new to Bible study. The traditional King James version has antiquated or older or perhaps more difficult language to understand, whereas newer translations are easier to comprehend. I am not saying there is a right or wrong, but when someone is starting out with anything, it is helpful to start out easy rather than complicated.
Delete8:33, How do you know you're welcome? You tell yourself this? Seems most of religion consists of telling yourself that things are so. Read something in scripture, fit it to your situation, and tell yourself you're OK. But where's the guarantee? (I know...in scripture...read it and fit it and tell yourself so...) I'd prefer it from the Home Office itself. Get it in writing. Take away any doubt.
DeleteAmen! This is a beautiful testimony 💕 God is SO good!!!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that he opened up about this. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteI think Jeremy is more relatable than the rest of the Duggar family. He actually did things instead of being home schooled and never doing anything on their own.
DeleteThe Duggar kids have had lots of experiences. Have you watched their show from the beginning? Lots of field trips, music lessons, get togethers with friends, helping build their own house, raising money for others, travel to foreign countries. They didn't grow up in a bunker.
DeleteIn a way, they did grow up in a bunker, one of Jim Bob's making due to his extreme religious beliefs. They wouldn't have done half that stuff 12:12 mentioned unless TLC had helped, meaning they felt they had to expose themselves on TV to start having that. But that exposure only showed how sheltered (bunker) they were. Music lessons and get-togethers were pre-TLC. TLC helped them finish that house, TLC organized the charity yard sale, and TLC took them on trips. TLC helped pay for weddings and honeymoons. Magazine exposure paid for babies. TLC money provided all kinds of things. Imagine how different their life would have been if they'd never been on TV. That house still might not be finished or furnished!
Delete12:12. Their experiences all center around their family or like-minded fundamentalists. It would be a real shocker if any of them were to move away on their own, attend a secular college or be employed by a secular business.
Delete@10:25 - thanks for the tip; but I am studying the Bible and have been a practicing Christian for all my almost 60 years. Jeremy didn’t set out to get arrested; he made a choice to overindulge and that led to another bad choice. Remember, Jesus spent time with those who didn’t make the best life decisions and he did not condemn them. Only God will make the final judgement.
ReplyDeleteJesus didn't condemn them true, but He did confront them when necessary. He didn't participate in their sin and He didn't comfortably leave them in it either. Every human being has a conscience, a knowledge of right and wrong and consciousness of guilt (we all know when we've done something we shouldn't have because we try to hide it-we try to hide it because we know it's wrong and we don't want anyone else to know what we've done). That guilty knowledge bothers us (it's designed to point us back to God). That's why we get so angry (from early childhood on) when someone else points out something we've done wrong...because if you see what I've done, I can't hide it and I can't lie to myself that it's (and I'm) not THAT bad. Every single human being walking the planet will lie to themselves and try to minimize or outright deny what he/she has done wrong or project the blame/responsibility onto someone else. That's human nature. God has a different nature-a 100% honest one. That's why he's the only one qualified to judge every human being. He says in the Bible that if we will judge ourselves (according to His standards found in the Bible), He won't have to judge us. He also tells us to if you want to know what someone is really like, look at their fruit (how they live their life, spend their money, what their priorities are, etc.). Good trees bear good fruit; bad trees bear bad fruit. If you're naming the name of Christ (calling yourself a Christian) because of the grace and mercy God has shown you in Jesus sacrifice on the Cross, you will want to do what is right in God's eyes. You may not always hit the mark because you're still learning new habits and ridding yourself of old ones, but your failures will honestly bother you a lot and you won't want to keep repeating them.
DeleteWhat has Jeremy done to serve Christ and his fellow man since his transformation other than taking in a stray cat for awhile, leaving a church without a pastor, and getting a free house while attending school?
ReplyDeleteFinding a suitable wife? Would he be on TV and known if not fir Jinger? There are hundreds and hundreds of players his level and their career is short.
DeleteWalk the walk Jeremy, don't just talk the talk. Self-promotion isn't it.
DeleteUm, attending seminary?
DeleteYou forgot that he likes to wear suits.
DeleteDo you mean the seminary associated with the church that is not adhering to the governor's ban on large in-person gatherings in the worst of the pandemic?
DeleteHow about raising his kids to become believers? How about becoming the Christian husband and leader of the household he is meant to be?
DeleteHow about uttering a few words he shouldn't have in last night's episode? And of course TLC left it in.
DeleteDo you mean the governor who says you can't even study the Bible with others in your own home? The governor who keeps his winery open and closed everyone else's?
Delete@11:23 I can't believe you're trying to defend wanting to spread the virus to others. If there's a limit on the number of people allowed at any gathering, it needs to be followed, no matter what the reason would have been for gathering. People are dying alone in the hospital. The rest of us can stay home from church and not have outside people over to our house either. Small sacrifice for the time being.
DeleteThe point is that the government should not be telling you what kind of gatherings you can have in your home.
DeleteIf we're all too mindless, stubborn, whatever, to realize that gatherings for any reason are not a good idea, then someone has to remind us. I've seen plenty of stubborn and foolish behavior in this pandemic, even with the government trying to tell us what's safe and what isn't. This is the reason why the US is in such trouble with the number of cases. We're not thinking properly and not doing what we've been told is best for everyone's safety. This is a health emergency, a health crisis, not everyday life. There have been emergency orders signed, and they need to be followed! In a natural disaster like a hurricane or a wildfire, you don't question what officials tell you to do when there's a state of emergency declared, so why is this any different? If you could track virus particles on a weather map, if you saw them headed towards your town or your house, would you try to deny them and defy them too? Honestly, some of you act like the Constitution has been permanently amended. It hasn't. We have a health crisis that's killing our citizens, and we all need to act responsibly to stop its spread. If that means Sunday without a worship group, God will understand!
DeleteThere is a bigger picture that goes deeper than the virus.
DeleteIf we hadn't seen discrepancies in reporting numbers, reporting deaths, false positives, false negatives, many people recalling how they were quite sick, nothing like they'd ever had for weeks back during the winter, etc., etc., and if we didn't see micromanaging by some of the governors and mayors, and if we didn't see a sudden, huge pass for people who were protesting and rioting, and if the people espousing masks didn't take them off when they were off camera, and if we were not seeing blatant censorship against medical professionals who dare to suggest that there might be successful ways to treat it, I might be more inclined to agree with you. But we have had months of fishy shenanigans, and I'm not buying it anymore. Obviously it's a real virus, but we don't have to stop living.
DeleteI really don't understand how some of you can say "it's just a fase of life" or "no big deal" etc.. For EVERY sin you have done in the past Jesus has SUFFERED and DIED for.. Since I have known Jesus as my Savior, all of my sins I regretted so so much, it really is a big deal, the biggest I would say!!
ReplyDeleteNot everyone agrees when it comes to religious beliefs. That's just the way it is.
DeleteAmen! I completely agree!
DeletePlease, people are not converted by drama and capital letters.
DeleteI'm 6:44, that was in reply to 3:02.
Delete3:02 That’s a pretty good system. I sin and somebody else suffers! Thanks, Jesus for taking the fall for us.
DeleteWhen you repent of those sins you are forgiven. No more regrets! No more suffering for what was in the past. Learn from it and move on
Delete3:02 The thing is, life is full of suffering. For everyone. And, we all will die. It was like this before Jesus was alive and has been this way ever since. Jesus was not the only person to be put to death on a cross-- it was a common form of punishment at the time of his life--and there was a person on either side of him going through the same thing. I am not saying this to be blaspehmous but to get you to THINK. If you want to witness, you need to be able to think through these things and know how to respond. Maybe you are quite young and haven't yet experienced years of the pain and suffering life has to offer, including the realization that you are nearly out of time and will soon be gone. It makes you question why Jesus' suffering and death was so much worse than the immense and never-ending suffering of humanity.
DeleteDoes Jeremy's active service to Jesus and his conversations on the street include accepting other Christian denominations? I don't think Jesus was selective. If Jeremy wants to serve Jesus, then he has to accept who Jesus accepted, which was anyone who wanted to follow. Wasn't Jesus Jewish anyway? Not Baptist like Jeremy?
ReplyDeleteTo 6::09.. Yes Jesus is Jewish; however they are still waiting for their Messiah as they do not believe the New Testament . You must believe in Jesus to get to the Kingdom of God. For God so loved the world he gave his only SON (Jesus) that who so ever believed shall be saved...It is only thru the Blood of Jesus that we can be saved. Jesus does love everyone and we have free will to except salvation (Jesus) or not. Without excepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.. no one..NO ONE can enter heaven.. the kingdom of God. Religion can not get you into heaven ,church can not get you into heaven Only believing on Jesus.
DeleteSo Jeremy as a pastor and all Christians are following the word of God. God does not hate sinners .. he hates the sins of man.
Good point. I don't believe a denomination is better or worse. So long as they believe in Christ as their savior, denominations don't matter.
DeleteJesus accepted everyone who accepted Him. If someone doesn't accept it, oh well. Dust your boots and move on
DeleteGod will deal with them
When repentance is accompanied by real change it's genuine. However, it's not a giant eraser that wipes out any harm or pain you have inflicted on others. Sometimes people are skeptical of Christians, especially when we see well known Christians like Jerry Falwell engaging in inappropriate behavior. My advice is to talk less and walk the walk.
ReplyDeleteVery sound advice!
DeleteThere has been a ton of inappropriate behavior by religious leaders of all faiths. It's sad how some get the idea that they'll never be found out and they're above reproach. It's also sad how they use their position of power to do this too.
DeleteIt is sad. Same for politicians.
DeleteGenuine, heart-breaking repentance (backed by a serious, sincere commitment not to re-offend) restores you to right relationship with God because Jesus died on the Cross (if you've made Jesus your Savior). However, it doesn't automatically restore you to right relationship with another human being you have wronged/harmed in some way. You don't deserve their forgiveness and have no right to expect it. You've damaged that other human being, who was also created by God. You have to be willing to do the work of rebuilding trust, proving yourself, and providing restitution if it's a possession/property you've damaged or stolen. You also have to be willing to accept that it's a consequence of your choices and behavior if that person chooses not to forgive you (not everyone will) or restore you to relationship. Also know that no one is getting away with anything-God has an excellent memory and every single human being will be judged by their words and deeds while here. People in positions of leadership and authority are judged more heavily if they abuse their position (we see that with King David in the Bible). God is very clear on that. As a Christian, I also agree with Anonymous at 8:28- we need more walk, less talk...starting with me in my own life.
DeleteI agree :)
DeleteIt’s time to cancel the Duggars.
ReplyDeleteI’m surprised that there hasn’t been anything posted on this website since last Wednesday August 5th. I’m sorry to rant out the bloggers, but they are slacking off and now I know why my comments aren’t being posted. P.S anybody who reads this please don’t go attacking me with replies, I am a human and I have my right to say what I want and I live in the free land of America. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteAll of the Christians posting here about how they are commanded to share their beliefs and the necessity of accepting Christ are leaving out a big detail- that only conversion to your own particular Christian church will do, along with its entire doctrine. Baptists believe other denominations are deceived, especially Catholics. There’s even disagreement and dissension amongst the
ReplyDeleteBaptist’s. One thing all churches share is that they are all vying for new members and their wallets.
It's so wrong to go around saying that Catholics or any other denominations are deceived. It's very disrespectful and intolerant, and against Biblical principles of loving your neighbor. I will never understand why people like the Duggars do this.
DeleteThis is completely false @5:49.
Delete@2:02 You need to look up Jeremy's sermon from one May morning. In 2017? Where he talked about Catholicism. I won't quote it here and spoil it for you. It's eye-opening.
DeleteI don’t have have time to listen to Jeremy’s sermon on Catholicism (or any of his other sermons, podcasts, etc). Jeremy (or any tv preacher) is not someone I look to for spiritual knowledge. There are denominations that claim to be Christian but leave out the key part - Christ. If anyone denies the deity of Christ or denies that we must accept Him as Lord and Savior to get to heaven, then by definition, they are not Christians.
DeleteJeremy could get more acclaim if he has 19 children. Just being a good preacher is not good enough these days as there are a lot of good ones out there these days. Being the father of a large clan would distinguish him from the crowd.
ReplyDeleteI'm rather dismayed by the number of Christians that come here and disparage Jeremy and to a lesser degree Jinger. They don't live in the Arkansas bunker and have a normal life. I don't see that as a reason for the attacks. Yes Jeremy is a "go-getter" but so too is JB. No one seems to have a problem with JB's efforts to ensure the family has the prosperity they new enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI don’t have a problem with Jeremy or JB being ambitious. The problem I have is them embracing the world’s ways. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.“ Romans 12:2
DeleteYou are absolved, Jeremy. We all do stupid things in our youth. It's part of being human. That's why Christ died.
ReplyDeleteWe all have our pasts, but to learn from them is the best ever!!!!!!!!!! I changed my past too!!!!!!! I am proud of me too!!!!
ReplyDelete