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radioThese are reader comments for the article 'Newsboys: Ex-lead Singer John James speaks about his fall and restoration'
Reader Comments
Posted by tom rogers in S. W. USA @ 15:40 on Jan 21 2016
Funny that throughout this article, not one word about the fact that one of the co-founders of the band has been an atheist since 2007:
http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/479 98-newsboys-cofounder-denounces-christianity-i-m-now-an-athe ist
Funny that throughout this article, not one word about the fact that one of the co-founders of the band has been an atheist since 2007:
http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/479 98-newsboys-cofounder-denounces-christianity-i-m-now-an-athe ist
Reply by debra chapman in florida @ 18:59 on Mar 13 2016
Why would you consider it funny that he didn't mention it? If you read the article he started the interview by saying he was telling his story and it would be up to the others to tell their stories. The person that you are talking about didn't admit to being an atheist til 2 or 3 years later
Why would you consider it funny that he didn't mention it? If you read the article he started the interview by saying he was telling his story and it would be up to the others to tell their stories. The person that you are talking about didn't admit to being an atheist til 2 or 3 years later
Posted by Tim in Florida @ 09:44 on Jan 17 2016
Can't believe someone just wrote that rock style music is the reason for the problems with the Newsboys
What's your excuse for all the praise and worship singers and preachers who fall?
Your being silly
Can't believe someone just wrote that rock style music is the reason for the problems with the Newsboys
What's your excuse for all the praise and worship singers and preachers who fall?
Your being silly
Posted by GeraldKiefer in Bremen Indiana @ 01:27 on Nov 7 2015
When a person asked Jesus to save them God makes a change in their lives. The newsboys were a rock band that played rock music. They didn't change and neither did their music they needed church music to make more money and they got it from a different crowd. The right lyrics with the same music that doesn't please God
When a person asked Jesus to save them God makes a change in their lives. The newsboys were a rock band that played rock music. They didn't change and neither did their music they needed church music to make more money and they got it from a different crowd. The right lyrics with the same music that doesn't please God
Posted by Jarmo in Finland @ 23:18 on Nov 5 2015
” I had to learn all over again what it meant to be a husband. A good husband. I had to relearn what it meant to be romantic. I had to earn my wife's trust back again. I had broken her heart. I had to earn her trust. I had to give my wife a reason to fall in love with me all over again.”
I'm afraid I'm no great fan of gospel type music, but happened to listen also your testimony in the “Life in Him” episodes where you told more in detail about the significance your wife has had for your entire life… Just want to wonder, if there can be any clearer evidence of how God created woman for man as a suitable helper – prompting her to call you from Australia at the very critical moment of your life. Very glad to read that both of you have taken the struggle to get along together, yet wondering whether there can ever be any reason for a wife to fall in love with a man - isn’t this more of a miracle than something a man could earn, after all? God's peace with you & your family.
” I had to learn all over again what it meant to be a husband. A good husband. I had to relearn what it meant to be romantic. I had to earn my wife's trust back again. I had broken her heart. I had to earn her trust. I had to give my wife a reason to fall in love with me all over again.”
I'm afraid I'm no great fan of gospel type music, but happened to listen also your testimony in the “Life in Him” episodes where you told more in detail about the significance your wife has had for your entire life… Just want to wonder, if there can be any clearer evidence of how God created woman for man as a suitable helper – prompting her to call you from Australia at the very critical moment of your life. Very glad to read that both of you have taken the struggle to get along together, yet wondering whether there can ever be any reason for a wife to fall in love with a man - isn’t this more of a miracle than something a man could earn, after all? God's peace with you & your family.
Posted by Lucy in WA @ 22:17 on Sep 16 2015
WOW! I've always been a Newsboy Fan and specially of John James. I have to say after he left the band it was not the same to me. I'm so thankful that Jesus took a hold of John and his family. Being in ministry is not easy and there are so many things that no one sees or hears they just think you are a perfect person and everyone wants to be like you.But at the end of a service, a concert or even a bible study you might find yourself lonely and like you are not important to anyone. I can attest to this meaning, I'm a former pastor's wife. I was not easy to carry your cross and everyone else. It was the most difficult thing for me. I have to say I am so happy that John and his family are in a better place and that they are serving the Lord. He is so amazing that he never leaves us for dead on an empty road. He is life and love and he came to rescue us. I will always be a fan of the Newsboys "oldies" In fact today as I was reading Johns testimony I was listening to a few of his songs. One of my favorite Turn your eyes upon Jesus. oh by the way. As I was reading the last things John said ....I think I can hear a song in the future. That God says, 'I want to sing through you. Open your mouth and sing for me. John James~
Keep praising the Lord and in His time he will not only use you to preach his word but He will open your mouth to worship him once again.
Many blessings and a huge hug for you and your sweet family. You are not alone in this journey of life.
P.S. I still have the picture my sister took of us after the concert at KnottsBerry Farms. Great memories I will cherish. Oh one more thing. I was a new believer at that time and your music bless my life and even after a few year have gone by they still bless my life.
WOW! I've always been a Newsboy Fan and specially of John James. I have to say after he left the band it was not the same to me. I'm so thankful that Jesus took a hold of John and his family. Being in ministry is not easy and there are so many things that no one sees or hears they just think you are a perfect person and everyone wants to be like you.But at the end of a service, a concert or even a bible study you might find yourself lonely and like you are not important to anyone. I can attest to this meaning, I'm a former pastor's wife. I was not easy to carry your cross and everyone else. It was the most difficult thing for me. I have to say I am so happy that John and his family are in a better place and that they are serving the Lord. He is so amazing that he never leaves us for dead on an empty road. He is life and love and he came to rescue us. I will always be a fan of the Newsboys "oldies" In fact today as I was reading Johns testimony I was listening to a few of his songs. One of my favorite Turn your eyes upon Jesus. oh by the way. As I was reading the last things John said ....I think I can hear a song in the future. That God says, 'I want to sing through you. Open your mouth and sing for me. John James~
Keep praising the Lord and in His time he will not only use you to preach his word but He will open your mouth to worship him once again.
Many blessings and a huge hug for you and your sweet family. You are not alone in this journey of life.
P.S. I still have the picture my sister took of us after the concert at KnottsBerry Farms. Great memories I will cherish. Oh one more thing. I was a new believer at that time and your music bless my life and even after a few year have gone by they still bless my life.
Posted by Jim in New Braunfels, Texas @ 18:08 on Mar 21 2015
Just wanted to say that I remember the old days when the news boys, Petra, and other christen groups were preforming in church's, and auditorium's! be encouraged, the fire you had a part in starting is still burning and the light and heat will help the LORD purify the real church! right now, the song I believe, is one of the strongest declarations of our time! God Bless You John James and your Family! Well done, and may your heart not be troubled!
James D. Reimer
Just wanted to say that I remember the old days when the news boys, Petra, and other christen groups were preforming in church's, and auditorium's! be encouraged, the fire you had a part in starting is still burning and the light and heat will help the LORD purify the real church! right now, the song I believe, is one of the strongest declarations of our time! God Bless You John James and your Family! Well done, and may your heart not be troubled!
James D. Reimer
Posted by Melissa Cavitt in Centralia, Il @ 14:38 on Feb 16 2015
Has any other member left NEWSBOYS? I ask as it was said in my church service that the member who left had become an atheist, now I read this and hear of a story of mercy and grace not a person becoming an atheist. I am thrilled to get the truth of John James's story and hear of God's continued touch on John's life. MC
Has any other member left NEWSBOYS? I ask as it was said in my church service that the member who left had become an atheist, now I read this and hear of a story of mercy and grace not a person becoming an atheist. I am thrilled to get the truth of John James's story and hear of God's continued touch on John's life. MC
Reply by Don in Salem, VA @ 02:23 on Mar 8 2015
That was a different former member named George Perdikis, definitely not John James.
That was a different former member named George Perdikis, definitely not John James.
Posted by don sands in maryland USA @ 18:03 on Jan 26 2015
"I came to the realisation, either the Word of God is true or it isn't. Either it can change my life or it can't. If it can't then I'm wasting my time but if it can then I'm going to do everything that I can to allow it to change my life."--John James
Excellent statement. Perhaps the most powerful and needed heartfelt word he spoke. I do pray John will continue in the Word of God. There's so much in the Gospel for him to embrace, and it goes so much deeper than the CCM world allows for. God's truth is that we are all rebels under His wrath, and Jesus was nailed to a Cross, where He couldn't move His feet nor hands, and became sin for a foul sinner like me. And He rose from the tomb, and lives now and loves all His sheep as the Lamb of God, and the Great Shepherd! And best of all is that no one can pluck us out of His hand, and He is coming back one Day for us!! Maranatha!! Great testimony, and interview. Thank you so much for shring this. 2 Thes. 2:14 Don Sands PS I met John back in 1990 or so, when the Neswboys played at Westminster HS; they opened for Whiteheart. I met John in the lobby when Whiteheart came on and I went to the restroom. He was talking with a young lad there, and I chatted with him for a minute or so. Seemed shy at the time, but he was great on stage. Lord bless him.
"I came to the realisation, either the Word of God is true or it isn't. Either it can change my life or it can't. If it can't then I'm wasting my time but if it can then I'm going to do everything that I can to allow it to change my life."--John James
Excellent statement. Perhaps the most powerful and needed heartfelt word he spoke. I do pray John will continue in the Word of God. There's so much in the Gospel for him to embrace, and it goes so much deeper than the CCM world allows for. God's truth is that we are all rebels under His wrath, and Jesus was nailed to a Cross, where He couldn't move His feet nor hands, and became sin for a foul sinner like me. And He rose from the tomb, and lives now and loves all His sheep as the Lamb of God, and the Great Shepherd! And best of all is that no one can pluck us out of His hand, and He is coming back one Day for us!! Maranatha!! Great testimony, and interview. Thank you so much for shring this. 2 Thes. 2:14 Don Sands PS I met John back in 1990 or so, when the Neswboys played at Westminster HS; they opened for Whiteheart. I met John in the lobby when Whiteheart came on and I went to the restroom. He was talking with a young lad there, and I chatted with him for a minute or so. Seemed shy at the time, but he was great on stage. Lord bless him.
Posted by Smith eightyeight in Hollywood @ 06:23 on Dec 13 2014
I'm not surprised in his story. I have a similar one. Been in some powerful worship bands. I was a lead musician and could play and move the crowds emotions to tears. Yet I would be drunk and high all the time. Playing all the time like that plays its toll. I also quite music for several years. I will never play for nor endorse the CCm industry again. Worship and ministry should be free. It's ok to entertain and charge and make a good living. However it is morally wrong to charge for a ministry experience and it offends our Heavenly Father. I'll play again and either never charge for ministry or play for entertainment only.
Good luck and good riddance CCm.
I'm not surprised in his story. I have a similar one. Been in some powerful worship bands. I was a lead musician and could play and move the crowds emotions to tears. Yet I would be drunk and high all the time. Playing all the time like that plays its toll. I also quite music for several years. I will never play for nor endorse the CCm industry again. Worship and ministry should be free. It's ok to entertain and charge and make a good living. However it is morally wrong to charge for a ministry experience and it offends our Heavenly Father. I'll play again and either never charge for ministry or play for entertainment only.
Good luck and good riddance CCm.
Reply by Steve in South Korea @ 12:11 on Apr 29 2015
I understand how you may feel that profiting from Christian music doesn't feel right; in the form that you may be glorifying yourself. However, the Bible doesn't say it's morally wrong to profit on spreading His word. Money shouldn't be the primary influence, of course. Pastors and churches make money form those who listen and engage closer to Him. It's the same for music. Why should it be any different to offer money to engage in an experience of worship that moves you? Nobody is forcing people to pay money to enjoy music that praises Christ. If people don't like it, then they don't have to pay. I have been to some awesome Christian concerts, and because of the effect it had on me, I'm happy to encourage those artists and the effect it had on me. If I did not support them, they could not travel to spread the word. Don't take offense, I'm not against you brother, I'm in favor of spreading Christ. I just feel that finance is needed to do so, else it would not be possible.
I understand how you may feel that profiting from Christian music doesn't feel right; in the form that you may be glorifying yourself. However, the Bible doesn't say it's morally wrong to profit on spreading His word. Money shouldn't be the primary influence, of course. Pastors and churches make money form those who listen and engage closer to Him. It's the same for music. Why should it be any different to offer money to engage in an experience of worship that moves you? Nobody is forcing people to pay money to enjoy music that praises Christ. If people don't like it, then they don't have to pay. I have been to some awesome Christian concerts, and because of the effect it had on me, I'm happy to encourage those artists and the effect it had on me. If I did not support them, they could not travel to spread the word. Don't take offense, I'm not against you brother, I'm in favor of spreading Christ. I just feel that finance is needed to do so, else it would not be possible.
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY JOHN JAMES. I am so glad for you and your family that you found your way back to the Lord. I'm sure your story will be a blessing to others that are struggling.