Nearly one month has passed since Josh Duggar was sentenced to 151 months in prison. Jeremy Vuolo just uploaded a 17-minute video sharing his response to the heavy situation, from a spiritual perspective (link below).
Thank you for your words. Well said and not just setting focus on Josh and his family. He certainly has been given numerous chances to change and CHOOSE not too Prayer also to all the innocent VICTIMS , which includes his OWN SISTERS. Thank you in Jesus name, Mary Keim
I'm glad justice was served. I'm really praying that the Duggar's and the extended family members are healing. I know it will be a long process. I am longing for the day they return in time. My dad and I really love both the Duggar's and the Bate's families and we wish them well and happiness 😊 Natasha b
It’s nice to hear from the Duggar family members, but I want hear from the bloggers, what their take is, and the their plans for the future of this blog.
@9:25 I agree, Jill is about to have a baby, John David and Abby are also expecting, what's up with Joy Anna and Si and Lauren....Kendra and Joe or Jana. I think it's fun to hear what all the Duggar adult kids are up to. The younger ones at still at home let's leave them be .
To be fair to the bloggers, Josiah and Lauren don't post publicly on social media anymore, Joe and Kendra have not posted on IG since November 2021, John David and Abbie only post if they have to, Josh is in prison and his wife has shut down their social media and the Duggar family official account has been quiet since Truett was born. The Duggars who post somewhat regularly don't really always share stuff that is worth blogging about so it's not like there's a lot for the blogger to post..
that’s exactly what they need. they’re so far in denial of Josh’s crimes and no one is calling them out on it. that’s exactly how they got here in the first place.
Why would anyone find the truth to be tiresome! It appears Josh needs to hear this sermon. Praying that he feels the weight of soul crushing guilt so that He can experience the mercy of a Kind and Gracious Savior!
@5:40 After seeing the video of his transfer, he is feeling the weight of something. I don't think it's guilt though, because his lawyers have already filed appeal papers with the court.
@5:06 Guility or not, lawyers always file an appeal. It is part of making sure the person got a fair trial. Guilt or innocent has nothing to do with it.
Jeremy can be tiresome at times, but he is spot on in this video. I’m confused by all the people here who are aware of what Josh did, but the takeaway here is that the SERMON is inappropriate!?! You are worried about Josh being dumped on? Please. Jim Bob and Michelle absolutely need to hear this message and hypocrisy always needs to be called out.
I think that Josh should be punished for the crimes he committed and IMO the judge did a good job of holding him accountable. However, that doesn't mean Jeremy gets to dump on Josh in this manner.
How did Jeremy "dump" on Josh? And who says he doesn't "get" to? He has a lot of feelings...his wife was a victim, his father-in-law and other in-laws are actively trying to get him out of this. He's allowed to speak on the subject. I wish he had called it out a little more forcefully...talking about the CRIMES that were committed. But at least someone did the right thing and spoke out--admonishing JB was huge for me, even though he didn't technically say his name.
Jeremy is trying to show us how much different he is than his brother-in-law and what a good preacher and Christian he is. He doesn't want the reputation now associated with the Duggar name.
Anon 7:50. Perhaps you're right and Jeremy is trying to prove he's "not a Duggar". He rose to fame due to his connection to the family and therefore he will be forever tied to them.
Finally, someone went on the record on video. His words were powerful. He was speaking about Jim Bob as much as he was Josh. I guarantee it made waves, but perhaps that's necessary at this point. The video outlined how if Josh was truly repentant, he wouldn't be challenging this, wouldn't be asking for leniency. I loved it.
Well it should "make waves" in the family. The rest of the family with the exception of Anna handled this terrible situation with grace and dignity. They accepted the outcome of the trial and the sentence without complaint. No one should feel the need to publically take a member of their family to task the way Jeremy did. That was wrong on his part. Jeremy comes across as quite arrogant and self serving.
I’m on the fence about the video. While it was powerful & the message spot on, I feel like Jeremy & Jinger, to a degree, are in damage control mode. I’m just not quite sure of the motive.
@4:29 Jeremy has every right to come down on Josh, JB and Michelle. His wife was a victim so were her sisters and who knows if there were others. JB and Michelle want people to believe he has a tender heart 🙄
Well said. I also remember Jim and Tammy Fay Baker- Back in the day, a couple of my High School students were sending those two everything they earned from babysitting and doing odd jobs so they'd have a chance to go to their Christian amusement park. Such deception.
The Duggars thought at one time that their brand was just as valid as the Bakers thought their brand was. People got bilked out of money for books and conferences. Advertisers got bilked for ad spots during the show. If I had bought a Duggar book at the time, I'd want my money back now.
I don't think OP was saying that financial fraud is as depraved as what Josh did, but simply pointing out that not all "Christians" are what they seem to be.
Anon @ 9:50- My husband did buy Growing Up Duggar several years ago for our early teen daughter. I went over it with her and we discussed how heavily edited it was. As things imploded with the Ashley Madison scandal, followed by the police report release, we took that book back out and yes, I did want our money back. Knowing that wasn't going to happen, we used it for lesson in Statement Analysis per Peter Hyatt. Normally, we donate books that we're done with to a very busy thrift store near us that supports mission work...not that one, it went into our kitchen trash can.
The main thing is, the true test of a person's character is what they do when no one is watching. Josh put up a false and deceitful front, and was someone else in private.
So thankful that Jeremy has addressed this issue! No one in the Duggar family has so eloquently addressed this issue. I applaud his grace and biblical stand🙏 No one else in the family has addressed this issue and would rather sweep it under the rug. Jeremy is a wonderful Christian man protecting his wife and precious girls.
What issue? None of the Duggars have suggested that Josh not be held accountable because he was a Christian. Only Anna has made excuses for him. Jeremy had no business Josh to task in this manner. Reflects poorly on Jeremy IMO.
It’s called freedom of speech! We ALL have a distinctive right to speak our opinion and peace! Especially someone like Jeremy, who is closely tied to the situation. You don’t know how Josh has affected his wife and the impact Josh’s actions have had on her life , which may inadvertently affect Jeremy’s life. You don’t have to agree with what someone says, but you also don’t get any say in their right to express their opinion or feelings on an event that affects that person’s life.
At various times, Jimbob, Michelle, Anna, her father, Jessa, and even Jill have publicly spoken in Josh’s defense, even after his crimes were known to all. Since his conviction, Anna has said he is innocent. And one of them—I believe it was Michelle—made the same claim in their letter to the judge: that Josh was innocent & a man of character who was wrongly convicted and should be at home with his family.
Jeremy's video was necessary because Michelle, Anna, Mr. Keller, David Waller, Denise Wilson, Mr. Reber, and Josh's 3 lawyers -all of them claim to know, love, and follow Jesus have all publicly declared Josh to be a good son, father, son-in-law, brother-in-law, friend, Church member, businessman, and a very generous man who cares about others. God, however, clearly defines wicked men in Proverbs 2:12 as "men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in the dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious". Perverse words are words used to twist, distort, "misrepresent" what is true as something else, to willfully deceive.
Well said Jeremy. Thank you for sharing this. God Bless you,Jeremy,Jinger and your children and all the Duggar family..Prayers for the Duggar family. Joan,Marion and Marilyn
I disagree. It's one thing to publicly state you think the sentence Josh received was fair and just and quite another to post a sermon in which you belittle and demean your brother-in-law. Jeremy came across to me as quite sanctimonious and unkind.
I may not agree with his religious beliefs, but I do give Jeremy credit for speaking out about his BIL, as well as admonishing those who have openly supported and praised him, or refused to acknowledge his guilt and attempted to blame others. I'm a senior citizen and learned long ago, through bitter experience, not to put my trust in anyone who sets themselves up as a high profile religious authority or example. I feel only sympathy for the Duggar children, having been raised in the public eye and their right to privacy violated for the sake of the almighty dollar. After the devastation caused by Josh, I sincerely hope they can find comfort and healing in the years to come.
Well I disagree with you. Except for Anna none of the rest of the family have made excuses for Josh. They aren't required to denounce Josh for his behavior. Jeremy is pretty self serving IMO.
2:31. I too have been burned by pastors and others in the church. It takes a long time to heal. No one is perfect, but pastors are held to a higher standard. This is why we are not to put any one on pedestals. How we live our lives in private is what we really are.
4:31, Jim Bob and Michele have made excuses for Josh for many years, and more recently the majority of the Duggar family have been silent about Josh and have not publicly condemned him. They aren't required to denounce Josh, but refusal to do so could reasonably be interpreted as support for Josh.
I don't know that any Duggars are "required" to do anything, but as high profile representatives of Christianity -- which is how they presented themselves -- it would be nice for them ALL to condemn Josh's depravity in the absolute strongest of terms.
Jeremy holds a Bible and speaks out publicly now...but did he ever try to say anything to Josh or Josh's parents back BEFORE things got to the point they did? I think this is Monday morning quarterbacking on Jeremy's part. He should have been saying those things (in private) to Josh years ago, where they might have done some good.
@ 6/23 4:10pm. Josh abused his sisters and others 2002-2003. Jeremy didn't joing the family until 2016, thought marriage. When do you think he should have spoken to Josh?
I thought Jeremy was spot on regarding Josh not accepting the court’s verdict. The evidence does not support his innocence. If nothing is true presented in the trial (doubtful), he has made highly hurtful choices in his life without ever taking responsibility unless put in a corner. Now he’s in the most serious corner of his life and instead of just sucking it up and doing the right thing, he’s draining more money from his wife and kids on this appeal goose hunt. I feel for Anna, his parents and the children. What a nightmare. I know she leans on Jesus but Jesus doesn’t want you tied to a sex offender when you have 7 tiny children. I’m glad at least they’ll be safe from him as a man and example for many years.
May the publicity of this case and Josh’s choices serve as a deterrent from others participating in this terribly sick abuse and may the victims find hope and reassurance that we take these crimes seriously in America will do our best to find those responsible and hold them to account. The rest is on Josh’s heart and God’s judgement. Hang in there Anna. There’s a better life out there for you. You are a sweetheart.
I'm pleased that Jeremy has finally spoken out on the issue. However,hope and pray that this won't further strain his relationship with his father in-law Jim-Bob on speaking out on Josh and himself. Hope JB won't go to links to demand Jeremy take down his video or else he will do something Jeremy will dislike. I know the family is against sueing,but you never know.🤔
Your right. Had forgotten they sued (not by choice but they had to because of the situation) the woman who leaked the documents of Josh's molestation of the 4 young ladies when he was a teen and the 4 oldest girls sued the county for invading their privacy over those documents. Unfortunately both cases were lost.😕
Jeremy your words were so inspiring and so eloquently spoken. Thank you. I hope that those who would rush to defend Josh Duggar's behaviours will reflect on your words and question the validity of their own opinions and stance on this subject.
He is well spoken and spot on. I don't know how anyone could disagree unless they have some argument with evidence that he actually is innocent and the jury was wrong. As outsiders to the situation, none of us are in a position to do that. To the other comments, I don't see it as a sermon for the family; its for the world; it's not dumping on Josh but dealing with the aftermath of his actions that dumped on the family's reputation.
Many of us sharing this planet want to see justice- that means perpetrators being punished for their crimes. Punishment has always been designed by God to be a deterrent to the wayward person and a warning to anyone else so inclined. God's not vengeful, He just knows how human beings operate and what it takes to get their attention. It's not supposed to be comfortable or pleasant. At that stage, it means the person has repeatedly ignored God, his/her own conscience, the rights of and concern for others, previous correction, and earlier discipline. We also long for truth and the security of a set, defined standard for behavior. It is far more offensive to both God and the culture for someone claiming Christ to lie, cover up/conceal sin and crimes. Someone claiming Christ to act like the devil, literally? The person claimed to higher standard, they should be held accountable to it, both by the culture and every person who's following God (common sense). As Christians we're accountable to God and each other to walk godly. There's a huge difference between being distraught over and trying to get free of a sinful attitude/habit and hiding one while you and those around you help deflect responsibility and accountability for you.
Jeremy did an excellent job speaking the truth of what has and is happening. I commend him on a job well done. He spoke biblically and graciously. Even non-believers will likely agree with much of what he said, especially if they could equate him saying sin as if he were saying crime.
I’m really glad that Jeremy has spoken the truth about this situation. I understand that family wants to have high hopes that Josh will change AND they should want justice for the crimes he committed and they should have so much sorrow for his victims.
What truth? None of the Duggars indicated that they thought Josh shouldn't be held accountable for his actions. I don't see why people are applauding Jeremy for attacking Josh in this public manner. There was no reason for Jeremy to kick him in the teeth. Josh is being punished for his crime.
Because what Josh did was so extremely insidious, that people who are close to him should call out his behavior. Kicking him in the teeth? He deserves to be kicked in the teeth. Did you not read the content of the films he watched? It was nothing short of pure evil.
Didn't Anna and Michelle write letters to the judge basically begging for early release? They did, and imo, this seems like they just want a slap on the wrist.
I agree with what Jeremy said, I’m sure it caused ripples with Jim Bob and probably Anna. I sure hope Anna will wake up, Mabye if she hears these kind of things more often, it will help her to realize things from a different perspective! I’m not judging Anna though, I can’t imagine being in her position, especially having 7 kids.
Anna didn't suddenly wake up one morning in this position. This was a very long time coming with a lot of chances along the way to exit the ride. You'd have to have your eyes wide shut not to see what was happening or not to know what could happen if it didn't stop. Most wives would have issued an ultimatum or made their move after the first infraction. So I'm more worried for the children than for Anna. The children have been the true powerless ones. Anna chose to enter this relationship and to remain in this position. She has always had the power to walk away but hasn't, making it worse for her and the children.
I can't imagine too, how Anna must feel... But I can imagine how their kids must feel: abandoned... Mum is choosing dad over them, by frequently leaving them with familymembers, so she can be with dad....😢 So sad... 7 kids, that cannot trust both of their parents...
Where was Jeremy's wise counsel when Josh was going through the things he did from 2015 on? Jeremy was around the family then. He could have counseled Josh like this at any point from then til now. This video feels as if Jeremy is talking to make Jeremy feel better and look wise.
How do you know he didn't talk to Josh. And do you actually believe he knew or suspected Josh was doing what he did and didn't speak out? Remember, Jeremy and Jinger have not lived in Arkansas since they married.
Was this sermon a class assignment for Jeremy? None of the Duggars ever promoted the fallacy that being a Christian exempted Josh from consequences if he engaged in illegal activity. I don't see any value in Jeremy teeing off on Josh like that.
I sincerely hope that those who became so enamored with the Duggars have taken them down off that high pedestal they placed them on, specifically the members of the family who have openly supported Josh, refused to acknowledge his guilt, and have continued to praise him as a compassionate person and loving husband and father. They all need professional psychiatric help, IMO.
I think Jill and Derrick addressed the matter of Josh's guilt and sentence well. They didn't "praise" him in any way. Their approach was much better as it wasn't as offensive to the rest of the family. Jeremy should have followed their lead. The rest of the family has said little and I think that's for the best.
9:29 JimBob, Michelle, Anna and her BIL all wrote glowing letters of support for Josh that were presented to the judge pre-sentencing. They have never acknowledge his guilt.
Re OP & 12:12 - Those letters were extremely difficult to read. It was like after something horrendous happens and the news interviews the neighbors who say, "But he was always such a nice neighbor!" No, he wasn't. It was a facade,and some people are really skilled at keeping one up plus can't see how wrong that is. What also gets me is how the family has never truly showed shame or remorse, or admitted to wrongdoing. Not in the Kelly interview, not on the stand in court, and not in those letters sent to the judge. Not in the way they continued their TV show and self-promotion even after their secrets came to light. Those are not my values. I can't admire that. It sounds as if you both feel the same way too. Thank you for letting me know I'm not the only one.
I disagree 8:37. Jeremy can speak out against Josh but the way he always preaches comes across as egotistical and trying to sound like such an authority. This is self-promotion, as others felt too.
For what it's worth. I think that if Jeremy wanted to scold or correct Josh, he should have done so in a private conversation, not on a public social media post.
@5:13 Like many people seem to forget the rest of the passage in Matthew 18:15-17. To summarize, Jesus indeed says to go to that brother or sister in private. If the person doesn't listen, bring someone else in. If he or she still doesn't listen bring that person in front of the church. Jesus then concludes that if he or she still is unrepentant ,then that person is to be excluded from fellowship.
Regina -- you're right, but in this case Josh's actions have been very public. There has been nothing private about what he did, and he brought great dishonor to the cause of Christ with his actions, in the eyes of the public. That's why it's necessary for Jeremy to stand for the Truth, in the eyes of the public, to let people know that Josh does not represent Christianity.
This video is appealing because it plays to the anger and frustration many of us feel toward Josh because he caused so much pain and suffering to so many. But on further reflection, I think that if Jeremey wanted to be a good pastor he would have admonished Josh in a less public way. I'm left with the feeling this video was made to improve Jeremy's status at the seminary. How sad.
Why should Josh be admonished in private, when his actions were very public? Most of the world is mocking Christianity based on Josh's sanctimonious words in contrast with his depraved actions.
I totally agree with Jeremy. True repentance would accept the punishment and not try to get out of it. True repentance would feel sorry and guilt of his crime. True repentance turning from your sins and not going back.
I agree with you that Josh has NOT repented. However, I think Jerey's very public reproof of Josh is painful for the REST of the family. IMO he shouldn't have posted this video but gone to Josh with his concerns.
Reading our Bibles, none of us will find the second thief begging (or even suggesting) that Jesus get him down off his cross. Rather, he says that he deserves the punishment because he did the crime. Very different from Josh's response, his Christian lawyers' responses, his mother's response, Anna's response, Michael Keller's response, David Waller's response, LaCount Reber's response, Jim Bob's responses etc. Instead we heard, essentially, "but he's such a good boy, look at all the good things he's done" as if righteousness is a scale where some good deeds outweigh any and all bad (Can we all say, the ancient Egyptians?). We've heard Jim Bob publicly declare at a conference that "Our son Josh was one of thirty-some million people, there was like 20 million men that were on that list..." and he goes on to include unnamed pastors/youth leaders/senators/judges. So because everyone is doing it, that somehow Josh should be less accountable? All those names were publicized and people outed, not just Josh. But all those men weren't being featured (and their family well paid) for their faith and family values image on a reality TV show, nor were they the very vocal (and well-paid) Executive Director stumping for a non-profit promoting family values in politics...while having victimized 4 of their 5 sisters in their home as a minor, with a police report to prove it. Jeremy spoke out because the family culture continues to paint Josh as a "good man", "persecuted for his Christian faith in an anti-Christian culture", "a victim because of his fame", "a victim", "a good man just struggling with a sin".
Repentance would also start with admitting the truth about what you did, because God already knows. Josh has yet to say a word about that. Repentance doesn't include having lawyers try to introduce doubt and confusion, or having others write letters to try to get you leniency. Josh's family and friends are once again trying to soften his punishment. If the people around him don't believe in his guilt and need for correction, how will Josh ever believe and repent?
Anon @ 10:36- Excellent points! Dr. Dobson and many other prominent Christian psychologists and counselors all speak to the importance of holding children accountable to the whole truth when they are very young and not making any excuses for them. They also speak to the importance of us, as parents, being truthful and upright in our ways as well (attitudes are more often "caught" than taught). Statistically, a significant number of sociopaths and psychopaths (not saying Josh is a psychopath) share the commonality of lying from a very early age without correction and accountability, as well as being highly intelligent, manipulative, and observing and mirroring emotion they do not feel. Judging by the display Jim Bob put on in court, under oath, blatantly saying he didn't recall the details of his daughters' abuse by Josh, while the prosecutor was standing there handing him a copy of the police report...it's not hard to discern where Josh learned to lie and deceive. Putting this family on TV and marketing them as this wholesome (dare I say "innocent"?), purity-driven, Christian family in books, conferences, family camps, interviews, etc., with staged TV special episodes of Josh saying how much better he & Anna's marriage was going to be than the world's because they saved their first kiss for each other and the awkward embarrassing footage of Jim Bob giving Josh "the talk". One doesn't need to look too hard to see where Josh learned to live a lie. Jeremy was correct in calling out the enablers.
9:15 - You're 100% right about where Josh learned to live a lie. All the older boys in this family were or are being taught about entitlement and not having to be accountable. When you get handed things like that, you never learn to build your own good character. What a shame.
Jeremy was right to post this, no matter what rift it causes in the family. The world is looking to the Duggars as an example of "Christianity" because that's how they presented themselves, right or wrong. Jeremy is standing for truth, and the same people who watched the shows and saw the news need to hear THE TRUTH of the Gospel and what God's Word represents on the subject.
Josh has humiliated the REST of the family. He remains unrepentant. I'm not sure Jeremy's public scold was very helpful though. I have a feeling that it will cause a major rift in his relationship with his in-laws. Guess he thought it was worth it.
This comes off as more like a publicity stunt than anything else. Josh is in jail and has NO access to social media so how is this sermon going to reach him??
I am deeply grateful for Jeremy Vuolo's words of truth and wisdom. It is very important for all of us to recognize that the name of Christ is so often and readily pushed into the depths of hell along with the sins of the famous. And be aware my friends, this is no accident.
I don't see what the point of posting this sermon on the internet. Of course Josh hasn't repented. He is busy trying to wiggle out of responsibility but since he's in prison he will never see the sermon as he has NO access to social media. Is Jeremy trying to rebuke the members of the Duggar family who are supporting Josh? Guess we'll never know.
I listened to Jeremy's statement, the first time I have heard him, and appreciated the fact that it was bible based. I did not feel that it was going to be painful for the rest of the family. I thought that it was more aimed at those who thought that Josh was a Christian and if he committed the acts he did, what did that say for Christianity? Jeremy did a very good job of explaining what the bible says about true repentance and trust in the Lord Jesus.
In my heart, I don't think Jeremy's sermon was meant for Josh, and possibly not even for the family. I think it was meant for those who are struggling with the painful reactions of others after a case like this, wherein Jesus and belief in his teachings is painted for those others with the same terrible brush. The terrible things that are said about Love in the wake of something like this, the scorn. It's like all the things Jesus had to endure during the week of his Passion and testing. I don't know this family, this son, but accepting that those who saw the evidence in court made the right decision, honestly, the most painful thing for someone who COULD see the error of their ways, and had any feelings at all for Jesus, would be to know what their actions had done to Him and His message - let alone the victims. Perhaps he just isn't capable at all, or yet. I don't know. But I think Jeremy could easily have stayed in Sports or another career. If he felt the call to preach, then he has to preach, you know? I don't think it was meant to 'spike the ball' against his wife's family. Maybe I am naiive, but I genuinely felt encouraged by the message, as it was so hard to hear all the visceral condemnation of the faith afterwards. I think it was for those of us who, adding to the awful, terrible pain we feel for the poor victims of these crimes, also feel the pain of Christ, almost as if a crowd were yelling yet again, crucify, crucify, crucify. I have always believed first and last that God is Love, as I was taught as a child. There was no love in any heart that had a hand in these crimes, as creator, publisher, viewer. Jesus wept then, and now. I appreciated the message, no matter the motive.
@6:43 Why do you think "the crowd" has had to yell "crucify" over and over? Do you think maybe because the first shouts of the family accepting the facts of the wrongdoings years ago went unheard? Do you think the shouts are still falling on deaf ears?
Romans 1:28 ► Context Crossref Comment Greek Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
Why don’t the Christians be outraged and speak out against teaching children in schools errantly. It’s hypocrisy just to get in our soap boxes about one incident of criminal content when we are all complicit in a condemned society.
What are you talking about? Public schools aren't required to provide religious instruction to children. On the other hand they don't teach "depravity" either. Josh who NEVER attended public school seemed to have no problem engaging in depravity despite his parents' best efforts to give him a knowledge of God.
Society is not divided into only two sections, Saved Chrisitans and Condemned Heathens. Take a better look around 4:25 and you might be very surprised.
Praying for Joshua and his family. This is an almost unbearable burden for any family to bare. I know that God loves Josh, God is good, and God will never give up on his child. Sending much love from Florida.
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Thank you for your words. Well said and not just setting focus on Josh and his family. He certainly has been given numerous chances to change and CHOOSE not too Prayer also to all the innocent VICTIMS , which includes his OWN SISTERS. Thank you in Jesus name, Mary Keim
ReplyDeleteMary, I agree with everything you said. Non Mennonite
DeleteI hope the Duggar family would focus more on Anna and her children and let go of Josh. I hope her children are getting help.
DeleteI'm glad justice was served. I'm really praying that the Duggar's and the extended family members are healing. I know it will be a long process. I am longing for the day they return in time. My dad and I really love both the Duggar's and the Bate's families and we wish them well and happiness 😊 Natasha b
ReplyDeleteI think their time on tv is finished.
DeleteMy dad and I pray for them and pray the family will be back on. We love the sermon, Jeremy.
DeleteIt’s nice to hear from the Duggar family members, but I want hear from the bloggers, what their take is, and the their plans for the future of this blog.
ReplyDeleteI agree; I feel like this blog hardly ever gets updated anymore, which is a shame because I’d love to know how other family members are.
Delete@9:25 I agree, Jill is about to have a baby, John David and Abby are also expecting, what's up with Joy Anna and Si and Lauren....Kendra and Joe or Jana. I think it's fun to hear what all the Duggar adult kids are up to. The younger ones at still at home let's leave them be .
DeleteThe adult Duggars have their own websites and/or Youtube channels. It contributes to their income.
DeleteTo be fair to the bloggers, Josiah and Lauren don't post publicly on social media anymore, Joe and Kendra have not posted on IG since November 2021, John David and Abbie only post if they have to, Josh is in prison and his wife has shut down their social media and the Duggar family official account has been quiet since Truett was born.
DeleteThe Duggars who post somewhat regularly don't really always share stuff that is worth blogging about so it's not like there's a lot for the blogger to post..
Amen Brother, Amen
ReplyDeleteThe LAST thing this family needs: a sermon from Jeremy. I find Jeremy tiresome at best.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 9:43. Now is not the time for sermons.
Deletethat’s exactly what they need. they’re so far in denial of Josh’s crimes and no one is calling them out on it. that’s exactly how they got here in the first place.
DeleteYes, I would like to hear the bloggers side of things and the plan for the future of their blog following Josh’s Scandal.
DeleteWhy would anyone find the truth to be tiresome! It appears Josh needs to hear this sermon. Praying that he feels the weight of soul crushing guilt so that He can experience the mercy of a Kind and Gracious Savior!
Delete5:40, Josh needed to hear that sermon LONG ago. He has no access to a computer now. How would he see it?
Delete@5:40 After seeing the video of his transfer, he is feeling the weight of something. I don't think it's guilt though, because his lawyers have already filed appeal papers with the court.
Delete@5:06 Guility or not, lawyers always file an appeal. It is part of making sure the person got a fair trial. Guilt or innocent has nothing to do with it.
DeleteJeremy can be tiresome at times, but he is spot on in this video. I’m confused by all the people here who are aware of what Josh did, but the takeaway here is that the SERMON is inappropriate!?! You are worried about Josh being dumped on? Please. Jim Bob and Michelle absolutely need to hear this message and hypocrisy always needs to be called out.
DeleteThis was very powerful. Thankyou for sharing the link. Thankyou Jeremy for your words.
ReplyDeleteI think that Josh should be punished for the crimes he committed and IMO the judge did a good job of holding him accountable. However, that doesn't mean Jeremy gets to dump on Josh in this manner.
ReplyDeleteHow did Jeremy "dump" on Josh? And who says he doesn't "get" to? He has a lot of feelings...his wife was a victim, his father-in-law and other in-laws are actively trying to get him out of this. He's allowed to speak on the subject. I wish he had called it out a little more forcefully...talking about the CRIMES that were committed. But at least someone did the right thing and spoke out--admonishing JB was huge for me, even though he didn't technically say his name.
DeleteJeremy is trying to show us how much different he is than his brother-in-law and what a good preacher and Christian he is. He doesn't want the reputation now associated with the Duggar name.
DeleteAnon 7:50. Perhaps you're right and Jeremy is trying to prove he's "not a Duggar". He rose to fame due to his connection to the family and therefore he will be forever tied to them.
DeleteFinally, someone went on the record on video. His words were powerful. He was speaking about Jim Bob as much as he was Josh. I guarantee it made waves, but perhaps that's necessary at this point. The video outlined how if Josh was truly repentant, he wouldn't be challenging this, wouldn't be asking for leniency. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteWell it should "make waves" in the family. The rest of the family with the exception of Anna handled this terrible situation with grace and dignity. They accepted the outcome of the trial and the sentence without complaint. No one should feel the need to publically take a member of their family to task the way Jeremy did. That was wrong on his part. Jeremy comes across as quite arrogant and self serving.
DeleteAmen Angela. I agree
DeleteI’m on the fence about the video. While it was powerful & the message spot on, I feel like Jeremy & Jinger, to a degree, are in damage control mode. I’m just not quite sure of the motive.
Delete@4:29 Jeremy has every right to come down on Josh, JB and Michelle. His wife was a victim so were her sisters and who knows if there were others. JB and Michelle want people to believe he has a tender heart 🙄
DeleteWell said. I also remember Jim and Tammy Fay Baker- Back in the day, a couple of my High School students were sending those two everything they earned from babysitting and doing odd jobs so they'd have a chance to go to their Christian amusement park. Such deception.
ReplyDeleteYou are seriously comparing a ponzie scam to the crimes of child sexual assault?
DeleteThe Bakers were greedy and bilked foolish people out of money but their fraud scheme pales in comparison to what Josh did.
DeleteThe Duggars thought at one time that their brand was just as valid as the Bakers thought their brand was. People got bilked out of money for books and conferences. Advertisers got bilked for ad spots during the show. If I had bought a Duggar book at the time, I'd want my money back now.
DeleteI don't think OP was saying that financial fraud is as depraved as what Josh did, but simply pointing out that not all "Christians" are what they seem to be.
DeleteAnon @ 9:50- My husband did buy Growing Up Duggar several years ago for our early teen daughter. I went over it with her and we discussed how heavily edited it was. As things imploded with the Ashley Madison scandal, followed by the police report release, we took that book back out and yes, I did want our money back. Knowing that wasn't going to happen, we used it for lesson in Statement Analysis per Peter Hyatt. Normally, we donate books that we're done with to a very busy thrift store near us that supports mission work...not that one, it went into our kitchen trash can.
DeleteAnyone want to share the three truths for those of us who don't have time to watch it?
ReplyDeleteThe main thing is, the true test of a person's character is what they do when no one is watching. Josh put up a false and deceitful front, and was someone else in private.
DeleteIt’s less than 18 minutes. Definitely worth your time to watch it!
DeleteI second Anon 1:28. Anyone willing to share the three truths?
DeleteSo thankful that Jeremy has addressed this issue! No one in the Duggar family has so eloquently addressed this issue. I applaud his grace and biblical stand🙏 No one else in the family has addressed this issue and would rather sweep it under the rug. Jeremy is a wonderful Christian man protecting his wife and precious girls.
ReplyDeleteJill and Derick did on their blog but on neutral ground that didn't further slam Josh or her family on the situation.
DeleteWhat issue? None of the Duggars have suggested that Josh not be held accountable because he was a Christian. Only Anna has made excuses for him. Jeremy had no business Josh to task in this manner. Reflects poorly on Jeremy IMO.
DeleteIt’s called freedom of speech! We ALL have a distinctive right to speak our opinion and peace! Especially someone like Jeremy, who is closely tied to the situation. You don’t know how Josh has affected his wife and the impact Josh’s actions have had on her life , which may inadvertently affect Jeremy’s life. You don’t have to agree with what someone says, but you also don’t get any say in their right to express their opinion or feelings on an event that affects that person’s life.
DeleteAt various times, Jimbob, Michelle, Anna, her father, Jessa, and even Jill have publicly spoken in Josh’s defense, even after his crimes were known to all. Since his conviction, Anna has said he is innocent. And one of them—I believe it was Michelle—made the same claim in their letter to the judge: that Josh was innocent & a man of character who was wrongly convicted and should be at home with his family.
DeleteJeremy's video was necessary because Michelle, Anna, Mr. Keller, David Waller, Denise Wilson, Mr. Reber, and Josh's 3 lawyers -all of them claim to know, love, and follow Jesus have all publicly declared Josh to be a good son, father, son-in-law, brother-in-law, friend, Church member, businessman, and a very generous man who cares about others. God, however, clearly defines wicked men in Proverbs 2:12 as "men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in the dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and whose ways are devious". Perverse words are words used to twist, distort, "misrepresent" what is true as something else, to willfully deceive.
DeleteThe lawyers were only doing their jobs. For the others, it will be difficult for them to accept the truth.
DeleteWell said Jeremy. Thank you for sharing this. God Bless you,Jeremy,Jinger and your children and all the Duggar family..Prayers for the Duggar family.
ReplyDeleteJoan,Marion and Marilyn
I disagree. It's one thing to publicly state you think the sentence Josh received was fair and just and quite another to post a sermon in which you belittle and demean your brother-in-law. Jeremy came across to me as quite sanctimonious and unkind.
DeleteIn all honesty, Find the time to watch it. It is powerful!
DeleteJosh deserved being publically called out in q sermon showing how unchristian he was
Delete@3:00 I wouldn't worry. You can't actually shame someone who doesn't feel any shame.
DeleteI may not agree with his religious beliefs, but I do give Jeremy credit for speaking out about his BIL, as well as admonishing those who have openly supported and praised him, or refused to acknowledge his guilt and attempted to blame others. I'm a senior citizen and learned long ago, through bitter experience, not to put my trust in anyone who sets themselves up as a high profile religious authority or example. I feel only sympathy for the Duggar children, having been raised in the public eye and their right to privacy violated for the sake of the almighty dollar. After the devastation caused by Josh, I sincerely hope they can find comfort and healing in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteWell I disagree with you. Except for Anna none of the rest of the family have made excuses for Josh. They aren't required to denounce Josh for his behavior. Jeremy is pretty self serving IMO.
Delete2:31. I too have been burned by pastors and others in the church. It takes a long time to heal. No one is perfect, but pastors are held to a higher standard. This is why we are not to put any one on pedestals. How we live our lives in private is what we really are.
Delete@2:31 Isn't Jeremy setting himself up as a high profile religious authority too?
Delete7:46 That may be, but I only said I gave him credit for speaking up, not that I respect him as any kind of religious authority.
Delete4:31, Jim Bob and Michele have made excuses for Josh for many years, and more recently the majority of the Duggar family have been silent about Josh and have not publicly condemned him. They aren't required to denounce Josh, but refusal to do so could reasonably be interpreted as support for Josh.
DeleteI don't know that any Duggars are "required" to do anything, but as high profile representatives of Christianity -- which is how they presented themselves -- it would be nice for them ALL to condemn Josh's depravity in the absolute strongest of terms.
DeleteJeremy holds a Bible and speaks out publicly now...but did he ever try to say anything to Josh or Josh's parents back BEFORE things got to the point they did? I think this is Monday morning quarterbacking on Jeremy's part. He should have been saying those things (in private) to Josh years ago, where they might have done some good.
ReplyDeleteI agree. If Jeremy had something to say about Josh's conduct it should have been in PRIVATE not on a public media post.
Delete@4:10 I have no personal knowledge, but perhaps there have been private conversations that are just that..private
Delete4:10 How do you know there weren't previous private conversations?
Delete5:04, 4:24, Look at it this way - if there had been previous private conversations, were they effective? By the events and outcome, I'd say not.
DeleteHow do you know he didn’t.
Delete@ 6/23 4:10pm. Josh abused his sisters and others 2002-2003. Jeremy didn't joing the family until 2016, thought marriage. When do you think he should have spoken to Josh?
DeleteBannod, from the time he joined the family and Josh's sins were already known. He had 6 years to counsel Josh.
DeleteWhy is it Jeremy’s place to counsel Josh? Do you really think Josh would have accepted counseling from someone who just joined the family?
DeleteI thought Jeremy was spot on regarding Josh not accepting the court’s verdict. The evidence does not support his innocence. If nothing is true presented in the trial (doubtful), he has made highly hurtful choices in his life without ever taking responsibility unless put in a corner. Now he’s in the most serious corner of his life and instead of just sucking it up and doing the right thing, he’s draining more money from his wife and kids on this appeal goose hunt. I feel for Anna, his parents and the children. What a nightmare. I know she leans on Jesus but Jesus doesn’t want you tied to a sex offender when you have 7 tiny children. I’m glad at least they’ll be safe from him as a man and example for many years.
ReplyDeleteMay the publicity of this case and Josh’s choices serve as a deterrent from others participating in this terribly sick abuse and may the victims find hope and reassurance that we take these crimes seriously in America will do our best to find those responsible and hold them to account. The rest is on Josh’s heart and God’s judgement. Hang in there Anna. There’s a better life out there for you. You are a sweetheart.
Why just pray for the Duggars? WHAT ABOUT THE VICTIMS PEOPLE
ReplyDeleteAGREE ONE THOUSAND PERCENT. Not enough talk about the TRUE VICTIMS here.
DeleteI'm pleased that Jeremy has finally spoken out on the issue. However,hope and pray that this won't further strain his relationship with his father in-law Jim-Bob on speaking out on Josh and himself. Hope JB won't go to links to demand Jeremy take down his video or else he will do something Jeremy will dislike. I know the family is against sueing,but you never know.🤔
ReplyDeleteThis family is definitely not against suing, 9:49.
DeleteYour right. Had forgotten they sued (not by choice but they had to because of the situation) the woman who leaked the documents of Josh's molestation of the 4 young ladies when he was a teen and the 4 oldest girls sued the county for invading their privacy over those documents. Unfortunately both cases were lost.😕
Delete@9:50 There were more than that.
DeleteJeremy your words were so inspiring and so eloquently spoken. Thank you. I hope that those who would rush to defend Josh Duggar's behaviours will reflect on your words and question the validity of their own opinions and stance on this subject.
ReplyDeleteHe is well spoken and spot on. I don't know how anyone could disagree unless they have some argument with evidence that he actually is innocent and the jury was wrong. As outsiders to the situation, none of us are in a position to do that. To the other comments, I don't see it as a sermon for the family; its for the world; it's not dumping on Josh but dealing with the aftermath of his actions that dumped on the family's reputation.
ReplyDeleteMany of us sharing this planet want to see justice- that means perpetrators being punished for their crimes. Punishment has always been designed by God to be a deterrent to the wayward person and a warning to anyone else so inclined. God's not vengeful, He just knows how human beings operate and what it takes to get their attention. It's not supposed to be comfortable or pleasant. At that stage, it means the person has repeatedly ignored God, his/her own conscience, the rights of and concern for others, previous correction, and earlier discipline. We also long for truth and the security of a set, defined standard for behavior. It is far more offensive to both God and the culture for someone claiming Christ to lie, cover up/conceal sin and crimes. Someone claiming Christ to act like the devil, literally? The person claimed to higher standard, they should be held accountable to it, both by the culture and every person who's following God (common sense). As Christians we're accountable to God and each other to walk godly. There's a huge difference between being distraught over and trying to get free of a sinful attitude/habit and hiding one while you and those around you help deflect responsibility and accountability for you.
DeleteJeremy did an excellent job speaking the truth of what has and is happening. I commend him on a job well done. He spoke biblically and graciously. Even non-believers will likely agree with much of what he said, especially if they could equate him saying sin as if he were saying crime.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeremy.
ReplyDeleteI’m really glad that Jeremy has spoken the truth about this situation. I understand that family wants to have high hopes that Josh will change AND they should want justice for the crimes he committed and they should have so much sorrow for his victims.
ReplyDeleteWhat truth? None of the Duggars indicated that they thought Josh shouldn't be held accountable for his actions. I don't see why people are applauding Jeremy for attacking Josh in this public manner. There was no reason for Jeremy to kick him in the teeth. Josh is being punished for his crime.
DeleteBecause what Josh did was so extremely insidious, that people who are close to him should call out his behavior. Kicking him in the teeth? He deserves to be kicked in the teeth. Did you not read the content of the films he watched? It was nothing short of pure evil.
DeleteDidn't Anna and Michelle write letters to the judge basically begging for early release? They did, and imo, this seems like they just want a slap on the wrist.
DeleteI agree with what Jeremy said, I’m sure it caused ripples with Jim Bob and probably Anna. I sure hope Anna will wake up, Mabye if she hears these kind of things more often, it will help her to realize things from a different perspective! I’m not judging Anna though, I can’t imagine being in her position, especially having 7 kids.
ReplyDeleteAnna didn't suddenly wake up one morning in this position. This was a very long time coming with a lot of chances along the way to exit the ride. You'd have to have your eyes wide shut not to see what was happening or not to know what could happen if it didn't stop. Most wives would have issued an ultimatum or made their move after the first infraction. So I'm more worried for the children than for Anna. The children have been the true powerless ones. Anna chose to enter this relationship and to remain in this position. She has always had the power to walk away but hasn't, making it worse for her and the children.
DeleteI can't imagine too, how Anna must feel... But I can imagine how their kids must feel: abandoned... Mum is choosing dad over them, by frequently leaving them with familymembers, so she can be with dad....😢 So sad... 7 kids, that cannot trust both of their parents...
DeleteIt took Jeremy a full month to come up with that response to his brother-in-law's situation?
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeremy for reminding us all about the powerful truth of God's words.
ReplyDeleteWhere was Jeremy's wise counsel when Josh was going through the things he did from 2015 on? Jeremy was around the family then. He could have counseled Josh like this at any point from then til now. This video feels as if Jeremy is talking to make Jeremy feel better and look wise.
ReplyDelete7:32, we actually don’t know whether Jeremy did or did not counsel him.
DeleteHow do you know he didn't talk to Josh. And do you actually believe he knew or suspected Josh was doing what he did and didn't speak out? Remember, Jeremy and Jinger have not lived in Arkansas since they married.
DeleteWas this sermon a class assignment for Jeremy? None of the Duggars ever promoted the fallacy that being a Christian exempted Josh from consequences if he engaged in illegal activity. I don't see any value in Jeremy teeing off on Josh like that.
ReplyDeleteUh did you read Michelle's and Anna's letters calling him a good godly man and father asking for leniency
DeleteI sincerely hope that those who became so enamored with the Duggars have taken them down off that high pedestal they placed them on, specifically the members of the family who have openly supported Josh, refused to acknowledge his guilt, and have continued to praise him as a compassionate person and loving husband and father. They all need professional psychiatric help, IMO.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes 9:54
DeleteI think Jill and Derrick addressed the matter of Josh's guilt and sentence well. They didn't "praise" him in any way. Their approach was much better as it wasn't as offensive to the rest of the family. Jeremy should have followed their lead. The rest of the family has said little and I think that's for the best.
Delete9:29 JimBob, Michelle, Anna and her BIL all wrote glowing letters of support for Josh that were presented to the judge pre-sentencing. They have never acknowledge his guilt.
DeleteRe OP & 12:12 - Those letters were extremely difficult to read. It was like after something horrendous happens and the news interviews the neighbors who say, "But he was always such a nice neighbor!" No, he wasn't. It was a facade,and some people are really skilled at keeping one up plus can't see how wrong that is. What also gets me is how the family has never truly showed shame or remorse, or admitted to wrongdoing. Not in the Kelly interview, not on the stand in court, and not in those letters sent to the judge. Not in the way they continued their TV show and self-promotion even after their secrets came to light. Those are not my values. I can't admire that. It sounds as if you both feel the same way too. Thank you for letting me know I'm not the only one.
DeleteThis sounds like Jeremy still wanting to be a famous preacher with a big audience.
ReplyDeleteSomeone please explain to me why some think Jeremy wants to be a famous pastor, and if so what's wrong with that?
DeleteSounds like you're upset at Jeremy, when your anger should be singularly directed at Josh.
DeleteI disagree 8:37. Jeremy can speak out against Josh but the way he always preaches comes across as egotistical and trying to sound like such an authority. This is self-promotion, as others felt too.
DeleteJeremy did a great job and I agree with everything he said.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth. I think that if Jeremy wanted to scold or correct Josh, he should have done so in a private conversation, not on a public social media post.
ReplyDeleteI thought the Bible tells us to go to brothers and sisters in private with reproof and correction. Guess I had a different Bible than Jeremy has.
ReplyDelete@5:13 Like many people seem to forget the rest of the passage in Matthew 18:15-17. To summarize, Jesus indeed says to go to that brother or sister in private. If the person doesn't listen, bring someone else in. If he or she still doesn't listen bring that person in front of the church. Jesus then concludes that if he or she still is unrepentant ,then that person is to be excluded from fellowship.
DeleteRegina -- you're right, but in this case Josh's actions have been very public. There has been nothing private about what he did, and he brought great dishonor to the cause of Christ with his actions, in the eyes of the public. That's why it's necessary for Jeremy to stand for the Truth, in the eyes of the public, to let people know that Josh does not represent Christianity.
DeleteThis video is appealing because it plays to the anger and frustration many of us feel toward Josh because he caused so much pain and suffering to so many. But on further reflection, I think that if Jeremey wanted to be a good pastor he would have admonished Josh in a less public way. I'm left with the feeling this video was made to improve Jeremy's status at the seminary. How sad.
ReplyDeleteWhy should Josh be admonished in private, when his actions were very public? Most of the world is mocking Christianity based on Josh's sanctimonious words in contrast with his depraved actions.
DeleteI totally agree with Jeremy. True repentance would accept the punishment and not try to get out of it. True repentance would feel sorry and guilt of his crime. True repentance turning from your sins and not going back.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Josh has NOT repented. However, I think Jerey's very public reproof of Josh is painful for the REST of the family. IMO he shouldn't have posted this video but gone to Josh with his concerns.
DeleteReading our Bibles, none of us will find the second thief begging (or even suggesting) that Jesus get him down off his cross. Rather, he says that he deserves the punishment because he did the crime. Very different from Josh's response, his Christian lawyers' responses, his mother's response, Anna's response, Michael Keller's response, David Waller's response, LaCount Reber's response, Jim Bob's responses etc. Instead we heard, essentially, "but he's such a good boy, look at all the good things he's done" as if righteousness is a scale where some good deeds outweigh any and all bad (Can we all say, the ancient Egyptians?). We've heard Jim Bob publicly declare at a conference that "Our son Josh was one of thirty-some million people, there was like 20 million men that were on that list..." and he goes on to include unnamed pastors/youth leaders/senators/judges. So because everyone is doing it, that somehow Josh should be less accountable? All those names were publicized and people outed, not just Josh. But all those men weren't being featured (and their family well paid) for their faith and family values image on a reality TV show, nor were they the very vocal (and well-paid) Executive Director stumping for a non-profit promoting family values in politics...while having victimized 4 of their 5 sisters in their home as a minor, with a police report to prove it. Jeremy spoke out because the family culture continues to paint Josh as a "good man", "persecuted for his Christian faith in an anti-Christian culture", "a victim because of his fame", "a victim", "a good man just struggling with a sin".
DeleteRepentance would also start with admitting the truth about what you did, because God already knows. Josh has yet to say a word about that. Repentance doesn't include having lawyers try to introduce doubt and confusion, or having others write letters to try to get you leniency. Josh's family and friends are once again trying to soften his punishment. If the people around him don't believe in his guilt and need for correction, how will Josh ever believe and repent?
Delete10:36, excellent point!
DeleteAnon @ 10:36- Excellent points! Dr. Dobson and many other prominent Christian psychologists and counselors all speak to the importance of holding children accountable to the whole truth when they are very young and not making any excuses for them. They also speak to the importance of us, as parents, being truthful and upright in our ways as well (attitudes are more often "caught" than taught). Statistically, a significant number of sociopaths and psychopaths (not saying Josh is a psychopath) share the commonality of lying from a very early age without correction and accountability, as well as being highly intelligent, manipulative, and observing and mirroring emotion they do not feel. Judging by the display Jim Bob put on in court, under oath, blatantly saying he didn't recall the details of his daughters' abuse by Josh, while the prosecutor was standing there handing him a copy of the police report...it's not hard to discern where Josh learned to lie and deceive. Putting this family on TV and marketing them as this wholesome (dare I say "innocent"?), purity-driven, Christian family in books, conferences, family camps, interviews, etc., with staged TV special episodes of Josh saying how much better he & Anna's marriage was going to be than the world's because they saved their first kiss for each other and the awkward embarrassing footage of Jim Bob giving Josh "the talk". One doesn't need to look too hard to see where Josh learned to live a lie. Jeremy was correct in calling out the enablers.
DeletePublic sins demand public response.
Delete9:15 - You're 100% right about where Josh learned to live a lie. All the older boys in this family were or are being taught about entitlement and not having to be accountable. When you get handed things like that, you never learn to build your own good character. What a shame.
DeleteJeremy was right to post this, no matter what rift it causes in the family. The world is looking to the Duggars as an example of "Christianity" because that's how they presented themselves, right or wrong. Jeremy is standing for truth, and the same people who watched the shows and saw the news need to hear THE TRUTH of the Gospel and what God's Word represents on the subject.
DeleteJosh has humiliated the REST of the family. He remains unrepentant. I'm not sure Jeremy's public scold was very helpful though. I have a feeling that it will cause a major rift in his relationship with his in-laws. Guess he thought it was worth it.
ReplyDeleteThis comes off as more like a publicity stunt than anything else. Josh is in jail and has NO access to social media so how is this sermon going to reach him??
ReplyDeleteI think it's more Jeremy making it abundantly clear that he despises what Josh did and rebukes anyone supporting Josh eg: Anna, Jim Bob etc
DeleteI am deeply grateful for Jeremy Vuolo's words of truth and wisdom. It is very important for all of us to recognize that the name of Christ is so often and readily pushed into the depths of hell along with the sins of the famous. And be aware my friends, this is no accident.
ReplyDeleteLINDA CREPEAU, Bradenton, FL
I don't see what the point of posting this sermon on the internet. Of course Josh hasn't repented. He is busy trying to wiggle out of responsibility but since he's in prison he will never see the sermon as he has NO access to social media. Is Jeremy trying to rebuke the members of the Duggar family who are supporting Josh? Guess we'll never know.
ReplyDeleteI listened to Jeremy's statement, the first time I have heard him, and appreciated the fact that it was bible based. I did not feel that it was going to be painful for the rest of the family. I thought that it was more aimed at those who thought that Josh was a Christian and if he committed the acts he did, what did that say for Christianity? Jeremy did a very good job of explaining what the bible says about true repentance and trust in the Lord Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI think Josh deserved this public thrashing. He should have taken responsibility for his actions. Might create a rift in the family though.
ReplyDeleteIn my heart, I don't think Jeremy's sermon was meant for Josh, and possibly not even for the family. I think it was meant for those who are struggling with the painful reactions of others after a case like this, wherein Jesus and belief in his teachings is painted for those others with the same terrible brush. The terrible things that are said about Love in the wake of something like this, the scorn. It's like all the things Jesus had to endure during the week of his Passion and testing. I don't know this family, this son, but accepting that those who saw the evidence in court made the right decision, honestly, the most painful thing for someone who COULD see the error of their ways, and had any feelings at all for Jesus, would be to know what their actions had done to Him and His message - let alone the victims. Perhaps he just isn't capable at all, or yet. I don't know. But I think Jeremy could easily have stayed in Sports or another career. If he felt the call to preach, then he has to preach, you know? I don't think it was meant to 'spike the ball' against his wife's family. Maybe I am naiive, but I genuinely felt encouraged by the message, as it was so hard to hear all the visceral condemnation of the faith afterwards. I think it was for those of us who, adding to the awful, terrible pain we feel for the poor victims of these crimes, also feel the pain of Christ, almost as if a crowd were yelling yet again, crucify, crucify, crucify. I have always believed first and last that God is Love, as I was taught as a child. There was no love in any heart that had a hand in these crimes, as creator, publisher, viewer. Jesus wept then, and now. I appreciated the message, no matter the motive.
ReplyDelete@6:43 Why do you think "the crowd" has had to yell "crucify" over and over? Do you think maybe because the first shouts of the family accepting the facts of the wrongdoings years ago went unheard? Do you think the shouts are still falling on deaf ears?
DeleteRomans 1:28 ►
ReplyDeleteContext Crossref Comment Greek
Verse (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
Why don’t the Christians be outraged and speak out against
teaching children in schools errantly. It’s hypocrisy just to get in our soap boxes about one incident of criminal content when we are all complicit in a condemned society.
What are you talking about? Public schools aren't required to provide religious instruction to children. On the other hand they don't teach "depravity" either. Josh who NEVER attended public school seemed to have no problem engaging in depravity despite his parents' best efforts to give him a knowledge of God.
Delete4:25, what criminal content is being taught in schools? Criminal, not just content that goes against your beliefs.
DeleteSpeak for yourself. I'm not complicit in any of this depravity.
DeleteBeats me why you think society is "condemned". I avoid people with such a negative outlook on life.
DeleteSociety is not divided into only two sections, Saved Chrisitans and Condemned Heathens. Take a better look around 4:25 and you might be very surprised.
Delete4:25, Congratulations for somehow connecting the curriculum of entire school systems with the criminal acts of one man. What a leap!
DeleteLove the sermon Jeremy, very well said !
ReplyDeleteNothing is more enjoyable than watching someone ELSE be scolded for wrong doing. lol
ReplyDeleteIt’s July, would like to see some new updates.
ReplyDeletePraying for Joshua and his family. This is an almost unbearable burden for any family to bare. I know that God loves Josh, God is good, and God will never give up on his child. Sending much love from Florida.
ReplyDelete