Maria, I appreciate your response. I sincerely agree that this confession is at the absolute core as a requirement for genuine faith, and as an expression of said genuine faith.
I'm taking this as an opportunity to research until I can get to the nutcut of what this man embraces. If he's false, I'd be happy to serve as a warning to my brothers and sisters here that anyone of us can be fooled if not careful. Thanks for standing in the gap with gentleness!
So far, after a cursory search, I think I may have found a pretty exhaustive presentation that may provide the answer, produced after his baptism so fairly recent. I'm already aware that he has gone through a progression as a baby believer - as we all did - but again surely this essential needs to be exposed one way or the other.
Blessings back to ya!
[edit: oh, if anyone else can offer insight, it would be welcomed and greatly appreciated! Thanks, folks.]
Hi Maria,
Got side-tracked on some other projects but haven't forgotten. Still plan on watching the vid I found and sharing.
In the meantime, I stumbled across this much shorter vid where Russell is called on to pray for the audience by Tucker Carlson. Just a few observations on my part about this very public and open prayer.
1) He addresses his prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Savior.
2) He prays in Jesus' Name.
3) He prays for unity and grace over the coming elections.
4) He prays against dark and demonic forces in our power structure.
5) Calls for His Light globally.
6) That Jesus would guide our tongues and hearts in recognition of His forgiveness and grace.
7) Thanks Jesus for our many gifts.
8) Thanks Him for nature in which God's Holy attributes can be observed.
9) Thanks Him for many leaders.
10) States Jesus's atoning sacrifice clearly.
11) Clearly acknowledges that Jesus was born and died expressly for the purpose of forgiveness unto eternal life [to me an expression that Jesus indeed appeared in the flesh].
And considering that his entire prayer is directed to Jesus in the present tense, is surely acknowledging that Jesus is risen.
Hmm... Maria. Do you think I really need to watch that other vid?