Joel Houston for Awakening '08

[sarahbelle988]

Reading the comments on here makes me sad. 1. Because so many Christians today read a verse at face value, without seeking knowledge of its context or cultural background. 2. Because those same Christians pick and choose what they want to enforce (people ignore the verse about beards, the harvest rules, the parts about menstruating women, and polygamy. Yet they believe the Leviticus laws are for all people) 3. Because it's amazing how easily Christians have gotten distracted from the gospel.

[WaRl0cK10]

A pagan festival is celebrated as Christmas today, but the idea behind it, is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn't mean we worship or follow pagan ideals. It's about what you do with what is given to you that matters.

So, use your heads people.

[WaRl0cK10]

Before he was saved? We've always BEEN saved. God looks on the heart and what you do with your body reflects that. In my opinion, one's form of expression to praise God is entirely up to him/her. Rock music came out being "the devil's music" and it's amazing how people, like those in Hillsong use it as a means to glorify God now. Just because tattooing was associated with heathens & pagans back then, doesn't mean you can't put something worthwhile on yourself.

[GodsWarrior10]

*while

[GodsWarrior10]

@7jewber lol that's what I'm saying. I was responding to the guy bashing churchs and people. He got the tattoo years ago bug he was saved but I really could care less. I'm worried about souls that are list and people who are broken and yes this is an amazing video. Much blessings in Christ.

[GodsWarrior10]

Fact of the matter is there are people who are lost and going to hell while we "Christians" sit back and argue with each other about dumb stuff like this. Stop having a religious spirit and have grace on people. Where would you have been if you didn't have the grace of Jesus? Quit pointing out the speck in other peoples eye while you have a plank in your own. Lets quit arguing over dumb stuff and see the lost get saved.

[GodsWarrior10]

He does this out of protection, because he knows this will lead them away from the one true God.

It's interesting to observe verse 26, "Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood," and verse 27, "Do not trim off the hair on your temples or trim your beards." Well, certainly many Christians today eat non-kosher meats and get haircuts without participating in the forbidden worship of pagans. Back then these customs were associated with pagan rites and rituals. Today they are not.

[GodsWarrior10]

God’s desire is to set his people apart from other cultures. The focus here is prohibiting worldly, heathen worship and witchcraft. God forbids his holy people to engage in idolatrous, pagan worship and sorcery which imitates the heathens.

[7jewber]

@GodsWarrior10 When did he get the tattoo? Isn't it possible he had this tattoo from a long time ago, before he was saved? I've never seen the tattoo up close, but is that really all you are thinking about when the lyrics and melodies, and THE MESSAGE of the music is so powerful? Really?

[7jewber]

@GodsWarrior10 When did he get the tattoo? Isn't it possible he had this tattoo from a long time ago, before he was saved? I've never seen the tattoo up close, but is that really all people can think about when the lyrics and melodies, and THE MESSAGE of the music is so powerful? Real

ly?

[GodsWarrior10]

I believe tattooing falls into the category of "disputable matters" where the Bible is not clear. The Bible says in Leviticus 19:28, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord." (NLT) How much clearer can that be?

It's important, however, to look at the verse in context. This passage in Leviticus, including the surrounding text, is specifically dealing with the pagan religious rituals of the people living around the Israelites.

[godisourhopeleo]

website = hillsong.hd1.com.br

[regina273]

i love him

[staring2thesky]

well it's not about us but Him. when we decided to follow Him means that we believe to His words not us and we can't lain on our understanding to say what is allowed and what is not. 

[Fender1976uk]

Trendy Christians need to read the bible more, stop trying to tell yourselves that this and that is ok? and if your struggle out there and confused? DON'T listen to these trendy Christians with their fancy hair cuts and fashion! follow Gods word! not theirs! anyone who argues with me, might as well go tell God hes wrong with his thinking

[Fender1976uk]

HOW DARE you people say its ok to have tattoo's?? what is wrong with you!! God makes it VERY clear NOT to mark your body! so its ok to tell God that your ways are more important?? you people are fools to try to 'GET AROUND' Gods word??

[JENSENFOREVA]

Joel's tattoo is an inspirational tattoo.....the song called " Freedom we Know " says "like a city on the hill we gonna shine" well that is what his tattoo is about.....

[Fender1976uk]

Who is right? GOD or Joel Houston? God makes it very very clear in the bible that you do NOT mark yuor body! and this guy is followed by many! I know about Christian youth groups that love hillsong and they have been getting tattoos done! because Hillsong says its ok?? what happened to the WORD of God! we live in end times and its very risky to try and bend the rules! God is always the same! he doesn't change his mind in modern times!!

[staring2thesky]

@Fender1976uk yeah you are pretty right. it's not about us, it's about HIM. when we said that we follow God, it means that we must stay in His words not ours. we as a great follower of JC we can't lain on our understanding to live and to say what is allowed and what is not.

[Fender1976uk]

It's shocking really, there is some big churches on this planet that many look up to! and they get influenced by how these Christians who have made names for themselves, go about life etc. Joel Houston gets a tattoo done, its ok with everyone because hes the man? but then God makes it clear not to mark your body! and then you get Christians attacking you for pointing this out? and they will insist its ok? I even heard a Christian rock tune somewhere, they say God has a new plan in a line? dodgy

[TheDavid484]

@Fender1976uk you have to look at its context and the time they had. The reason why God said do not put ink in your body is becuz at that time, people put tatoos on themselves to make thems selves a god. Most people commonly misinterpret this verse. You can't make it way out of context, you have to look at its history and the circumstances they were. If u make it out of context, that's like saying you can fly according to john, it said, "i can do all things with him(God)"

[jansenthedrummer]

god does not judge you on the ink you have on your skin, he judges on your heart. nuff said.

[hollysmedia]

about the tattoo comments its really no one business and place to judge, keep ya nose in ya own business and stop judging other people and their walk with christ, its our job to love not to say who is doing this and that, its between him and God, not you.

[melvincoleguitar07]

@hollysmedia I wasn't judging him. If you go back a page or 2 on comments you'll see that I was saying to the ppl commenting. "I wonder when he got the tat". What I meant is, we all do things b4 we come to God. They don't know when he got his tats

[liveyourlife17]

true that. love it!

[jesusboii7]

I see this as a big problem focusing on the external things in the world. I see the same verse used many times from Leviticus. This is old Law and GOD will not love you any less and I attend Seminary in New Orleans and I cant count how many future Pastors and Ministers of any type have Tattoos. Does this mean our future Pastors should not be listened to b/c they have a tat? I have one as well of a cross. So, is showing my faith to others by using my body a bad thing? no! Get passed the external.

[melvincoleguitar07]

@jesusboii7

Ur right about the old law, BUT the bible says not to defile you body and to shun the aprnce of evil

[jesusboii7]

I do not see how having a tattoo is evil though? to get a cross or a tat in rememberance of a loved one? The Lord will not judge us on our features but what is in our hearts.

[melvincoleguitar07]

I'm not gona act like know the extent of "defilement to a body"...

[ramrowdy52]

@melvincoleguitar07

haha tattos were a represetation of the god molech. bible is situational in nauture

[koalaherder]

I think that if you want a tattoo thats your own choice. There's no harm in it. Our body's are going to return to dirt when we die anyways. so it doesn't really matter. I think Jesus would look at us the same way if we had tattoos and people forget that. Sad day : (.

[melvincoleguitar07]

@koalaherder

NO! the bible says that our body is a temple of the lord

[dattis1]

who cares about the tatoo the thing is that he love God and thats what matters dont u remember about David's story that God tells Samuel to not look his apparences but to look at his heart and that what it really matters his heart

[masinarocks]

you gotta look past the outward buddy. just like when people wear 'distracting clothes' during worship. just worship?? this guy is for God & we should support him no matter what if we are for God aswell.

[harpbluez]

It just proves the point that man looks at the outward appearance and God looks at the heart. I am also wondering, of those complaining about the tattoo, who has piercings? Because the bible says you shouldn't do that either.

[melvincoleguitar07]

@harpbluez

The bible also says to shun the appearance of evil

[iamCamCodrummer]

he has a tattoo... get over it please... he is a man of god... his heart is for god... so why are you so concerned about his tattoo? just please get over it!

[melvincoleguitar07]

@iamCamCodrummer

When did he get the tat? i wonder if the critics know

[iamCamCodrummer]

huh

?

[melvincoleguitar07]

@iamCamCodrummer

I don't know which comment ur sayin "huh?" too?

[TheButterflyred]

It's true that tattoos are 'bad'...but of course God would never commands us to avoid something just for the sake of it..tattoos are used in voodoo witchcraft to attract spirits depending on the design..concerning Joel Houston,instead of criticising him,its best to pray for him..the guy is anointed but this doesn't mean he cannot do something wrong...and he's not the only one in his family to have a tattoo...his sister also has a tattoo on the wrist..

[Starwarsloser92]

Lol. Whoa. i think its so sad that us as christians spend our time arguing and looking down on another. im just saying. this tattoo thing its really trivial, i believe that its more important to have a good relationship with god and be right with him, and tattoo's and piercings are fine as far as i believe. joel wouldn't have a tattoo if it jeopardized his eternity. we should be building up one another. the devil wants us to focus on the little things that really dont matter. god bless.

[mikeblackmetal]

About people that believes using tattoos isn't bad...what would think God, after giving Jesus's blood for our salvation, at an high price, if we're hurting our body?

Remember: we're now temples of the Holy Spirit!

Tattoos and piercings aren't bad if you don't know anything about the Bible, God or Jesus; if you already know about Jesus Christ, you don't have a excuse!!!

Blessings from Mexico

[semperfidelis090623]

Well just to inform you, in a technical sense, living life is harmful to our bodies. Eating CAN BE harmful to our bodies if not done right. Exercising if not done RIGHT can be harmful to our bodies. Tattoos on the other hand, just dye your skin. How is that harming you?

Even if it does, God's not calling you to judge on us.

[katemeller]

it does say not to get tatoos, but the way i see it is that dont take anything you do in your flesh or on your flesh as an account for salvation.

[mikeblackmetal]

Good thought.

Anyway, I recover hope when I see christian people around all the world, not only in my country.

I'm 100% sure that there's one God taking care for us; I won't believe in atheism, agnosticism, evolutionist or science more than in my TRUE AND REAL LORD!!!

[bonic04]

i'm very curious too about his tattoo.

can anybody tell what is the design?

or where can I find a pic, so I can take a better look?

[TheButterflyred]

I just love Joel Houston,whether he has got a tattoo or not!

[superlari]

I can't believe people still argue about tatoo. As far as I know, Joel was born into a christian family... he's Brian and Bob Houston's son! I'm a believer and I'm gonna have my tatoos!!!

God bless you guys! :D

[manunitd87]

lolz @ tattoos are the devils work. classic case of speaking before your relationship with God is solid. because if you had any idea what you were talking about, you would remember the verse that says NOT to judge, for it is not our job to judge, and that God will be the one to cast judgment. i know that sound cliche, but so is your tattoos are cursed argument. when you try to tear down someone's ministry, for whatever reason, YOU are the one who is wrong.

[joelledevisser]

please people, god loves everyone even with tattoos, this is bull! i know a guy who has a tattoo that says: jesus is lord. Is that bad too? Please think before you say something;)

[sheilarose2007]

the question is,when did he have his tattoos?? we don't know the story,he might have those tattoos when he was not a believer yet, but if he got those when he already serving God, i think that's questionable and not a good example for the youth.

[millihasawilli]

OT laws like tatooing are not relevant now, jeez,, your still on milk, God loves a pure heart....He's not worried about our shells

[chapintex1]

amen... "Tear down the walls... Across the Earth!"

[Einsamvarg]

Jesus fucking Christ!!

What a great load of bullshit!!

For exactly how many years did this kiddo get his mind brainwashed???

Christianity once tried to spread its evil teachings across Europe. Look what happened; centuries of bloodshed and persecution.

Before trying to be a good Christian, try to be a good Human being.

Why would I not want people to be like me? Because I respect them and their ways of life. Is mutual respect really that difficult for a Christian to conceive?

[Ashleysfool]

u know if christianity is that bad

why has it not disappeared?

as history prooves, other religion and all the evil crafts has died. or they started after christianity ever start. christianity is the one that have lasted and will last forever.

and um.. you said that you dont push anyone to think like you do. so im asking if you dont , what made you wrote that?

because in what you wrote, youre pushing christians to think like you do.

[Ashleysfool]

and you know about that we dont respect other people and their thoughts or religion. i hope you call it being a little inpatient than not respecting. because we know at least believe by experience the jesus is the one. and you know no ones perfect thats why were being impatient which we shouldnt

[mikfio]

SHUP uP!! man ... be care full ..in what you say

[2Jeaden2]

year from the inside out!

[hotchillywings]

is that his house?... ... hah jk

[Jerusha13]

I love this guy! Yay! He's not married!!! lol! K.o!

[13debbievitty]

Nahhhhhh! I'm IN Love with him, no joke :| lol! ;P!

[SocietalDeviation]

He has a tattoo? That causes me to doubt the authenticity of his faith...

[Bonapart3]

why is that?

[SocietalDeviation]

Because the Bible clearly prohibits tattoos.

''Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.'' - Leviticus 19:28

Now ask and let the holy spirit discern what is right.

[BrianRIrwin]

SocietalDeviation,

Yes, the Bible is the instruction manual on how God's people are to live their lives, and Leviticus 19:28 is relevant today for Christians, just as the ten commandments are relevent today. Another Bible passage: '...don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred towards God' (James 4:4, NIV). What Christian wants to have hatred towards God?!

[moonlightcape]

Why is that? Leviticus only speaks against the tattoos that were like that of the Egyptian culture. Would you question Joel's faith if he was holding a wine glass? Cause Jesus drank wine and partied it up heh

[SocietalDeviation]

I am confused by how you derived with that conclusion about the tattoos, because there is not a single shred of evidence in that chapter supporting that statement. There is nothing in the context implying that it has to do with the Egyptians , but gives the plain and simple statement that ''ye shall.. not print any marks upon you''.

Also, the Lord Jesus Christ never claimed that drinking wine is wrong, but only if it leads into drunkeness. So why do you think I would see that as a problem? o_o

[ry4517]

sorry i couldnt finish i know i may be partial because i have tattoos, all of my tattoos tell of my testimony in how God is working in my life, and lots of people ask me about them and it is a huge witness oppurtunity for the Lord!!!! so i would just say that God moves with the holy spirit in different ways.

we can disagree on this issue, because it is not a central pillar so all in love man!!! col. 1: 25-29

[kikiCARIBBEANGirl]

nice reply. god bless

[SocietalDeviation]

I will also say that I used little of a wrong expression when I said that I questioned Joel's faith, because he could have lots of faith. But I'm more questioning his walk with God if he couldn't discern God's will. (Or perhaps he was unsaved before this) But I am not the one to judge, as there is only one judge, and that is Jesus Christ.

[moonlightcape]

Firstly, I agree with your last statement. Our Lord is the only rightful judge. I did get a vibe from your original comment of judging him, so thanks for clearing that up.

Secondly, I recommend reading commentary and digging deep into the context of each passage you read from the Bible. Leviticus 19:28 (NIV) reads: 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.' Further study discusses that this is in reference to the Egyptian/pagan practice of

[moonlightcape]

(CONTINUED FROM LAST COMMENT)

cutting or marking ones self to remember one's death. THAT is what is commanded as forbidden. Relating this to your reply about wine, I would say that having a tattoo is not necessarily a sin, but why do you have it? Do you drink to get drunk, or can one drink casually with someone you're witnessing to be a means of fellowship? Can a tattoo of a cross inspire a lost soul to learn more about what Christ did?

[ry4517]

hey man i am hoping to bring just some clarity to the situation in love about the tattoo thing . the levitical laws were put in place by God at a specific time and place to help them out there were alot of laws back then that are not followed today as such women had to retreat to a mountain top during their period, and if a man came into contact he was considered unclean? weird law we dont follow this anymore. (continued)

[velcroshoes2]

why would it cause you to doubt the authenticy of his faith?

[mariahalo]

umm yeah he is! to me ;P hehe..looks like he's gotta lot of wives in the line up lol

[MARIQ9008]

.....1111111.11111111

....111111111111111111

......11111111111111

........1111111111

..........111111

[anthfantastic]

witness joel a power so great you will be in awe a person so humble but yet died for you a love so great you will be afraid to receive it JESUS shows you the way you have to be prepared to take it where ever it leads THATS WHO YOU HAVE BEEN WITNESSING

[andyeveleigh]

AMEN!!!

[cucaramanguringote]

That your live shine like the stars in the heaven, but with the light of our Jesus Christ. with love.. Li Segovia

[JAVIER10HU]

ta chido

y hillsong united es el mejor

[zildjiansabian]

did aaron gillespie spoke in awakening conference 2007?

[p3n4s4r4n]

But if ever... oneday... you find God in your heart, then from there you can really understand/know... the heart of the people who trully loves God, and the heart of the people who falsely love God. Because whoever in this world who loves Jesus will have the same Holy spirit who will guide their heart & mind. Blessings! :-)

[p3n4s4r4n]

kimmy90101 - you will never understand God's heart for this world as long as you keep using your brain and your own wisdom,until you open your heart for Him and let Him pour out His wisdom to you.God give every people in this world a free will, if this is your choice of way you're thinking then it is up to you.

[manessahlynn]

I love his heart!

[youthdiamond]

Joel Houston is hot lol

[Shadowlandsdropout]

I know!!! But what makes him so special is that He loves the Lord and He loves people, a selfless guy, that's rare these days...

[youthdiamond]

I know!!

You know how the Bible calls David a man after God's own heart? I think Joel Houston is this generation's man after God's own heart :)

[Shadowlandsdropout]

So true, He's completely living His life for God and His kingdom, he's a great testimony to what God can use your life to do if you'll just surrender.

[youthdiamond]

AMEN :)

[kimmy90101]

Government/the State always aligns itself with the Church? Why? Yes, because the church actually reinforces the Status quo, rather than challenging it.

[kimmy90101]

This is what is really responsible for inequality and war (wars produces profit, don't ya know?) in society, not man's 'Sin'. By the way, human beings learn how to act, be, think, and behave properly through the ideology and social norms perpetuated by the ruling class and parroted by our parents and everyone around us. Christianity is just another of these, as is the concept of 'Sin', which is designed to prevent people from ever acting out of line against the interests of the State.

[kimmy90101]

But what this means is that dissatisfaction with life, which should be directed outwards, is instead focused inwards and the individual retreats into the cave of his own personal relationship with a mystical figure/God (really the "Self") instead of taking notice of the real, external world and uniting together with others to take practical action and struggle against the ruling classes/wealth owners/the State which demand the exploitation of our labor to produce wealth.

[kimmy90101]

Hi, I attended Hillsong conference 2008 and have heard Joel speak on a number of occasions, and I know what his "I heart revolution" consists of, so I believed I am positioned to comment here. It is not peoples' fault that they turn to Christianity for some peace of mind and structure in a chaotic world.

[kimmy90101]

Yet if all workers of the world were unionized and bound together to fight against the capitalist system by striking, we could really bring the system that is driven by profit to its knees! That is the only real solution...practical action by human beings, not psychological retreat into the cave of Christianity/Mysticism/Spiritu­ality.

[choigunz]

im not judging you cause i cannot truely judge you but why you do spread your opinion on a video meant for people who are open minded toward religion or are christians debate it with people who share the same belief on your opinion but please dont post this on these type of videos

[kimmy90101]

Leaving things in "God's" hands and blaming "Sin" is an easy way for humans to never act to change the world themselves (instead they can put their efforts into their own 'personal relationship' with Jesus...individualism at its finest!)

[kimmy90101]

Churches like Hillsong and figures like Joyce Meyer have made huge amounts of money out of preaching the gospel, just as it were just another commodity to be marketed. And for all the money they may put into aid work, they leave the puppet governments of the world (really run by big buginess) perfectly untouched! Does Hillsong church really challenge the political structure of captialism? Because that would be a TRUE revolution.

[CatherineMengue]

Hey bro',

when do u marry? ;-)

[kimmy90101]

And yes he does look his Kurt Cobain, and he is a honey.

[kimmy90101]

Although I am impressed with Joel's critism of a 'faith' that relies on superficial aspects such as praise + worship and heady emotion, his concept of the 'revolution' which consists in spreading christianity across the globe will not change the world because because it fails to take into account the real causes of poverty which are the underlying political structures (i.e capitalism, imperialism) that exploit individuals and third world countries and initiate wars, etc. to produce profit.

[CatherineMengue]

Kimmy true Christianity consists in taking care first for the needy and the weak.... u should read the Bible.

[seekinglifesquestion]

What do you mean Christianity can't change the world. Jesus is the answer to everything. The underlying cause of poverty, and every bad thing you can think of - hurricanes, tsunamis, destruction etc - is SIN. Everything points to sin. The fact that people try to oppress others and the world is driven by sin. Jesus is the cure for sin. If Jesus ruled in the hearts of nations, capitalism, imperialism, exploitation, wars, and poverty would not exist. Sadly, Satan is the king of this world.

[kimmy90101]

Isn't that letting us off the hook? It's saying that if everyone in the world was a "Christian", we would not have an economic structure that is founded on exploitation (This solution, by the way, can convieniently never be tested because it is a situation unlikely to ever happen, and by the way, a large proportions of Americans claim to be Christian and that is the most capitalist nation in the world) The church is perfectly compatiable with capitalism!

[mawroh]

I LOVE UUUU JOELLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

[kristianneeh093]

I really love JOEL!!!!

[candlelight96]

i love his accent and his music.

[pdatre]

I don't really like to post any comments, but man!!!! I've just discovered that Joel Houston has an american clone: Gabriel Jordan, participating in the reality show Can you duet.

It's just freaky how much they look alike!!!

But nah...and bottom line, Joel, keep up the awesome work and know that around the world..,we all take care of you through our prayers!!!

hahaha...yeah right...like he has the time to read this....peace!

[ben5leto]

Hillsong United rocks!!!

joel is awsome!

[nataliewood28]

He doesnt sound like his father,he is his own person,who is full of love for Christ,worshipping him through his songs,leading young people to worship,leave the guy alone,he is doing a great job,keep up the good work Joel,Gd bless you!

[NewEars77]

you sound like your father Joel, who are you really? What are you really about.

[trombonegal]

Bryan Houston preached at my church

before. Amazing. I love them!

[trombonegal]

I mean, Brian :D

[WijayaRini]

yeah Curt Cobain...

yes he is....

[WijayaRini]

hey...

he looks like ummm...

The vocalist of Nirvana doesn't he?

Grrr... i foget his name...

[evavaniwaarden]

you mean kurt cobain..

but i don't think he looks like him..

[betterthanvuitton]

r u kidding? kurt cobain and joel houston????

joel houston....

dude... =s

[WijayaRini]

Yeah he is!!!

I mean he physically look like Curt Cobain.

Well I think it's not a big deal. sometime we find just find people look alike another one...

Chill out man!!!

[pearlsnheaven]

that's so true we need to step out the box

[LizAlive]

Wise man of God... God bless you :D

[slurp7]

Everyhing u said is totally true, and is the TRUTH..because it is written in the bible! GOD Bless & Rock on Joel!

[fabulousjk2]

I LOVE JOEL HOUSTON! hes awesome

[henrinouwen]

Keep that passion for Jesus, Joel. It is a blessing and challenge to hear someone talk about giving all to Jesus--inspiring!

[princegershom]

tama.=

[crystalblue63]

Yayyy for joely