Skillet’s John Cooper has never had an issue speaking about his faith, the truth of the Bible, and calling things out in the church if he believes they go against Scripture.
Whether it be on his Cooper Stuff Podcast or live onstage at one of Skillet’s concerts, Cooper’s mission has always been to speak the truth of Jesus into people’s lives.
Since January, the veteran Christian rock band of 25 years has been headlining the 40-city Winter Jam tour, playing in front of thousand of fans every week. During the Skillet’s set, Cooper gives a short sermonette before one of their songs.
Here is Cooper’s talk at Winter Jam’s Columbus, Ohio stop from earlier this year.
Cooper encouraged young people not to believe the lies they are being told by the news, celebrities, politicians, and university professors.
“This world right now is being run by a secular elite people. Celebrities tell you how to find happiness by being your truest authentic self and encourage you to ‘divorce yourself from the limitations of Christianity [and] divorce yourself from the chains of the Bible,’” Cooper told concertgoers. “What they really want is a sexual revolution so you can finally be free and you can turn your back on Jesus and all the stuff that He demands.”
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“The problem is, they believe that Jesus will take your freedom away. What they don’t understand is that they are already slaves to sin. What they don’t understand is that true freedom is found in Jesus Christ who came so that He can set you free from sin and death,” Cooper said.
“Do you really think that you can defy God and He’s not going to bring judgement,” Cooper asked.
In his talk, Cooper told the audience, “There’s some Christians—I’m not sure they’re Christians anymore—they’re saying this, ‘Embrace Jesus, just don’t embrace the Bible….There is no such thing as loving Jesus but not loving His Word. There’s no such thing!”
“There’s no such thing as divorcing Jesus Christ from the authoritative Word of God,” Cooper stated. “It is time for you young people to tell those celebrities, atheists, and deconstructing Christians alike [that] ‘We are not listening to you anymore! We are not listening to your lies anymore! You think that you are free, but you are a slave to sin! But the blood of Jesus Christ has set me free and who the Son sets free is free indeed, the Bible says!’”
Earlier this week, Derek Webb, former lead singer of the Christian folk/rock band Caedmon’s Call (1993-2010), posted a clip of Cooper speaking at Winter Jam. The clip has received over 46,000 views. Webb started deconstructing his Christian faith after he went solo, often reflecting on his journey in his music.
