• Latest
  • Trending
DMX Earl Simmons

DMX Reveals Pleading With God to Change His Life in ‘First-Ever’ Sermon

April 13, 2021
A woman pours gasoline on the porch of martin luther king jr's childhood home in this videograb

Video: Woman Tries to Burn Down Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home in Atlanta

December 8, 2023
North Korea

Hundreds of North Koreans Who ‘Vanished’ After Being Deported From China Likely Face Torture in Prison

December 8, 2023
Jesus, played by Jonathan Roumie, delivers His Sermon on the Mount to a crowd of thousands in The Chosen

‘Chosen’ Director to Advise New Faith-Based Studio Formed by ‘Jesus Revolution’ Director and Ex-Netflix Exec

December 8, 2023
Vivian Mabuni speaks at Denver Seminary's May 2023 commencement

Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

December 7, 2023
bishop michael curry

Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall

December 5, 2023
Daddy Yankee said 'Jesus is in me' at his farewell concert

‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert

December 4, 2023
Tony Lowden, Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's personal pastor, delivered the former first lady eulogy at her funeral on November 29, 2024.

Watch: Tony Lowden, Pastor to Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter, Delivers Former First Lady’s Eulogy

December 1, 2023
aaron dean charged with murder

Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement

November 30, 2023
Botham Shem Jean

Sister of Botham Jean — Killed in Home by Off-Duty Cop — Shares Struggles With Forgiveness, Justice in New Book

November 25, 2023
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Bishop Carlton Pearson passed away. Carlton Pearson died Sunday, November 19, 2023

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer

November 20, 2023
palestinian farmer

‘These Are Biblical Lands Promised to Us,’ Say Jewish Settlers in West Bank Amid Gaza Conflict

November 18, 2023
Faithfully Magazine
  • Members
    • Log In
    • Member Home
    • See All Members
    • What’s New
    • Start or Join a Group
    • Your Freebies
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Exclusives
  • Q&As
  • Specials
  • NJ News
  • Listen & Watch
  • Shop
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • Clothing
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • FM Live Q&As
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • Newsletter
Cart / $0.00

No products in the cart.

  • About
    • Advertise
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Exclusives
  • Q&As
  • Specials
  • NJ News
  • Listen & Watch
  • Shop
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • Clothing
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • FM Live Q&As
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result
Faithfully Magazine
Home Features

DMX Reveals Pleading With God to Change His Life in ‘First-Ever’ Sermon

Nicola A. Menzie by Nicola A. Menzie
April 13, 2021
in Features, Spotlight, Unwind
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
DMX Earl Simmons

DMX in a 2001 file photo. (Photo: Mika-photography, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

572
SHARES
ShareTweetPin It

The late rapper DMX, born Earl Simmons, preached his first sermon after being ordained as a deacon and told his audience that he pleaded with God to end his struggle with drugs, a previously unreleased video published online reveals.

In the video of his 40-minute sermon from the lectern of an unidentified church, DMX informs his audience that God gives second chances. He then recounts pleading with God at a low point in his life.

“I can remember times…sitting in the dope spot,” the rapper begins, his trademark raspy voice sounding on the verge of tears. “And in the middle of getting high…it felt like, ‘God, I don’t want this. I don’t want this! Please, please, Lord. Please, take this out of my life!”

“I didn’t have the physical strength to get up and do it right there, but He heard me. He heard me! He heard me, because each time it got less and less… Each time I enjoyed it less. Each time I was able to build up enough strength to recognize [that I was being my own enemy],” the rapper added.

RelatedArticles

Vivian Mabuni speaks at Denver Seminary's May 2023 commencement

Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

December 7, 2023
bishop michael curry

Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall

December 5, 2023

He admitted that he would sometimes intentionally place himself in situations that could lead to drug use. “The first thing I had to do was stop lying to myself,” he said from the pulpit.

DMX (whose stage name stands for “Dark Man X”) went on to say that he didn’t enjoy getting high, as it would lead to paranoia and harmful behavior.

“When you think about it with a sane mind you see [there] ain’t no joy in that,” he said. “That’s my dumb self, doing the same dumb things I did [and] expecting a different result. That don’t even make sense.”

People have to reprogram themselves to get out of these harmful patterns, the rapper added. “Being born-again, that’s the first step,” he said. “The second step is to stay in that Word.”

It’s not fully clear what the theme of DMX’s sermon was. The video published April 5 to YouTube by popular website Vlad TV is labeled “DMX” Power of Resurrection, The First Sermon.

The description of this newly released video reads:

“Recently, the news was reported that DMX was in the ICU, in critical condition following a heart attack he had. Many have been sending love and prayers X’s way, due to the spiritual nature that the legendary emcee possesses, which mirrors that of a pastor. Naturally, it made sense for DMX to delve into the space delivering the word, and now his first sermon has been unveiled.

“The footage, which was recorded in 2015, was provided by DMX’s spiritual advisor Big Prophet and finds the emcee going to church where he was called to the stage to speak. This was the rapper’s first time ever delivering a sermon to a room full of people. DMX and Big Prophet planned on releasing the video Easter Sunday, before X’s heart attack went down. It was noted that on the day of X’s heart attack, the rapper said he was turning 50, and that it was time to make a change….”

The rapper, reportedly ordained as a deacon by Morning Star church in Arizona, would go on to preach again from another pulpit. He expressed over the years that he desired to be a pastor.

DMX, whose debut album was 1998’s “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot,” sold more than 74 million albums throughout his career. He also became “the first artist to release two chart-topping albums in the same year.” His albums routinely featured prayers, or conversations with God, and gospel songs.

A Complicated Faith

Though he never achieved pastoral ordination, DMX’s fans embraced his spiritual counsel, as well as his authenticity and transparency about his life and struggles.

From an early age, DMX was in and out of jail numerous times. In his song “Slippin,'” the rapper reveals that he was neglected by his mother, abandoned by his father, abused, and walked through much of his life with a huge chip on his shoulder—which often led to reckless and illegal behavior.

DMX revealed in November 2020 that his addiction—which he called a “curse”—started when he was deceived into smoking crack at the age of 14 by someone he admired. As an adult, he entered rehab on several occasions in an attempt to achieve sobriety.

At some point in his journey, the rapper had a spiritual conversion that led him to believe in Jesus Christ.

After his release from jail for tax fraud in 2019, one of his first public appearances involved him preaching to fans. As was a common theme for him, the rapper suggested to the audience that he was being hounded by the devil. He said the adversary only bothers those who are threats because they are special to God. He went on to quote Philippians 4:13—”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

DMX, who often called himself “a child of God,” never recovered from his April 2 heart attack.

On April 9, after being in a vegetative state for several days, the Yonkers, New York artist and actor known for his trademark bark was declared dead. There were reports that the “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood” rapper’s condition had been preceded by drug use. However, his manager and family members have not confirmed those reports.

“Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever,” DMX’s family said in a statement.

In addition to his iconic legacy as a rap artist, DMX will also be remembered for the ways in which he expressed his faith in God.

It was almost a year ago that he invited his 3.1 million Instagram followers to a virtual Bible study.

“God is giving you the time,” he told the thousands who tuned in. He referenced how the pandemic put a halt to business as usual. “He’s giving you the time to get closer to Him, to become familiar with Him. At the end of the day, at the beginning of the day, it’s going to be God’s will. If you try to understand why He does what He does, you’re just going to end up with a headache. Just do the right thing.”

During the Bible study, DMX read from the Book of Ecclesiastes and invited viewers to commit their lives to Jesus Christ.

“God had his hand on me since before the womb. I didn’t know what that meant until I read the Bible… Like, this [expletive] is going to do this. He’s going to make this happen; he’s going to touch this person. I am God’s child,” he reportedly told a fan in 2019.

As God’s child, DMX believed his work as a recording artist was about more than material success.

“I don’t want sales, I want souls,” he reportedly told music journalist Smokey Fontaine decades ago in their first meeting. Fontaine co-authored DMX’s 2002 memoir, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.

Related articles on the rapper’s career and complicated life:

  • “DMX was a rap juggernaut who preached faith and resilience”
  • “DMX, a Profound Vessel for Pain.”
  • “The Telling of DMX’s Story” (audio)
  • “More 2 A Song: The Legacy of DMX”

Leave your vote

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

Browse and manage your votes from your Member Profile Page


Share This Post

Share via

Share This Post

  • Digg
  • Tumblr
  • Flipboard
  • SMS
More
  • Report
Advertisement
Ancestry US
572
SHARES
ShareTweetPin It
Nicola A. Menzie

Nicola A. Menzie

Nicola A. Menzie a religion reporter whose bylines have appeared on the websites of the Religion News Service, The Christian Post, CBS News and Vibe magazine. Nicola is the Managing Editor at faithfullymagazine.com. You can find her on Twitter @namenzie. Email: nicola.menzie (at) faithfullymagazine.com.

More Articles

Marquis “Mookie” Cook as LeBron James in Shooting Stars" on Peacock.
Unwind

LeBron James Peacock Movie ‘Shooting Stars’ at Its Best on the Court

June 2, 2023
Jackie Hill Perry
Books

Interview: Jackie Hill Perry Talks ‘Gay Girl, Good God,’ Same-Sex Attraction, and Why Conversion Therapy Is ‘Silly’

September 28, 2018
Fr. Deacon John R. Gresham Jr. author of become all flame
Books

‘Lent With the African Saints’ Author on Deeper Roots of Christianity for Black Americans

March 14, 2022

Discussion about this post

Upcoming Events

Dec 13
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST

Event: ‘Framing the News: Can Humanities Build Audience Engagement?’

Dec 21
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST

Event: Cardinal Dolan, Other Catholic Leaders Speak on Immigration

View Calendar

Trending

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Tony Evans and Carla Crummie engaged to be married

Dr. Tony Evans Engaged to Former Pastor’s Wife and Widow Four Years After Lois Evans’ Death

September 12, 2023
Vivian Mabuni speaks at Denver Seminary's May 2023 commencement

Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

December 7, 2023
Brian Allain founded Publishing in Color to bring diversity to Christian publishing

How an ‘Old White Guy’ Attacked Christian Publishing’s Diversity Problem

October 18, 2023
Daddy Yankee said 'Jesus is in me' at his farewell concert

‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert

December 4, 2023
international church of las vegas faithfully magazine

6 Largest Churches in Las Vegas

January 15, 2020
A woman pours gasoline on the porch of martin luther king jr's childhood home in this videograb

Video: Woman Tries to Burn Down Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home in Atlanta

December 8, 2023
North Korea

Hundreds of North Koreans Who ‘Vanished’ After Being Deported From China Likely Face Torture in Prison

December 8, 2023
Jesus, played by Jonathan Roumie, delivers His Sermon on the Mount to a crowd of thousands in The Chosen

‘Chosen’ Director to Advise New Faith-Based Studio Formed by ‘Jesus Revolution’ Director and Ex-Netflix Exec

December 8, 2023
Vivian Mabuni speaks at Denver Seminary's May 2023 commencement

Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

December 7, 2023
bishop michael curry

Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall

December 5, 2023
Daddy Yankee said 'Jesus is in me' at his farewell concert

‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert

December 4, 2023

Most Shared Articles

  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare I...
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer...
  • Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor...
  • Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church...
  • Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Outspoken Atheist and ‘Muslim Apostate,’ Says She Is ‘Now a Chris...

From The Archive

classroom
Education

Schools Today Nearly Segregated as 50 Years Ago

by FM Editors
June 6, 2017
At least 20 people, including children, were killed in a stampede at a Christian event led by Boniface Mwamposa in Tanzania.
Uncategorized

Pastor Boniface Mwamposa Arrested After 20 Killed in Stampede for ‘Anointed Oil’ at Tanzania Church

by FM Editors
February 3, 2020
‘Even If’ Author Mitchel Lee on the Goodness of God Amid the Troubles of Life
Books

‘Even If’ Author Mitchel Lee on the Goodness of God Amid the Troubles of Life

by Timothy I. Cho
January 24, 2022
Michael Potts as Slow Drag in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom on Netflix
Movies

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Is About Respect, Star Michael Potts Says of Netflix Adaptation of August Wilson’s Timeless Play

by Charlotte Beard
December 20, 2020
Thomas Hand Jr. seen in this undated photo with his wife, Christine Kozlowski Hand, and their son, Roman
Clippings

Thousands Raised for Family of Thomas Hand Jr., Alabama Man Fatally Shot While Evangelizing

by FM Editors
January 31, 2022

Who’s Online

There are no users currently online

Latest Votes

  • FM Editors on

    Jesus Likely Had Olive Skin and Short Black Hair, But What Did He Wear?

  • valexander on

    Christena Cleveland on ‘God Is a Black Woman’ and What Compelled Her to ‘Step off the Plantation’

  • FM Editors on

    Sexuality Has Nothing to Do With Salvation, Jackie Hill Perry Says in TBN Talk About ‘Gay Girl, Good God’

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Faithfully Magazine

Faithfully Magazine is a news and culture publication centered on Christian communities of color.

We participate in various affiliate programs that allow us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. FM is independently owned and published and is supported by digital subscriptions, advertising, merchandise sales, and affiliate links. We use these funds to maintain operations and pay our writers. Donations are welcomed.

Recent News

  • Video: Woman Tries to Burn Down Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home in Atlanta
  • Hundreds of North Koreans Who ‘Vanished’ After Being Deported From China Likely Face Torture in Prison
  • ‘Chosen’ Director to Advise New Faith-Based Studio Formed by ‘Jesus Revolution’ Director and Ex-Netflix Exec
  • Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor

Most Shared Posts

  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection...
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer...
  • Vivian Mabuni Tells How Decades-Long Seminary Journey Inspired New Women’s Leadership Endeavor...
  • Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church...
  • Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Outspoken Atheist and ‘Muslim Apostate,’ Says She Is ‘Now a Christian’...

© 2023 Faithfully Media, LLC (Owner and Operator)

  • From The Magazine
  • Inspiration
  • News
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Profiled
  • Q&As
  • Remember
  • Specials
  • New Jersey
  • Listen & Watch
  • Web Exclusives
  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • FM Live Events
    • Community Events
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Editorial Team
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Members
    • Log In
    • Your Freebies
  • Subscribe to Faithfully Magazine
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result

© 2023 Faithfully Media, LLC (Owner and Operator)

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

*By registering on our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Share via

Share This Post

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • Copy Link
  • Tumblr
  • Digg
  • Flipboard
  • SMS

Add New Playlist

Log In

Sign In

Login with Facebook
Login with Twitter
Forgot password?

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Back to Login

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Accept

Add to Collection

  • Public collection title

  • Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Try a 14-day free trial today with Ancestry® (We may earn a commission) Dismiss

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
Send this to a friend