Evangelism

The Great Commission Has Not expired!

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Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

The pastor has tattoos and preaches in flipflops, the music is too loud, and the crowd is too big. are just a few of the items on the laundry list of reasons people today give to turn down an invitation to church. Ironically, the list we heard thirty years ago was, all they sing is old hymns, you have to wear a shirt and tie, the pastor is boring, and only a few old people go there. The church has faced pushback, ridicule, and even outright persecution, in every generation. It may feel discouraging, pointless, or old-fashioned to continue presenting the claims of Christ and asking people to make a decision to follow Him. But the presence of opposition in no way invalidates the necessity of continuing to do the job that Jesus gave us to do.

The Great Commission has no expiration date, and even in this age of an AI Jesus and slick marketing, a simple, person to person, gospel message is still the most effective way to lead a person to Jesus Christ. It isn’t hopeless, someone else’s job, or a forgone conclusion that the church will fail. God’s word, honestly and fearlessly spoken, still has power. But we don’t need to start knocking on doors or even begin preaching on street corners to reach lost souls. God will put individuals in our path or will arrange for us to be in theirs. Our only job is to tell people about God and share what He has done in our life. Keep inviting anyone who will listen to come to Jesus and keep believing that what the Holy Spirit has done for 2,000 years, He will continue to do till Jesus returns!

The Impact of a Life

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It has been a long time since I heard Dr. Dobson on the radio, but when I heard the news of his passing, I paused to remember all the blessings his life and ministry gave us. Thirty years ago, I often listened on my truck radio while I worked long hours, trimming apples trees in the fields, or driving home at lunch time. His interviews with such a wide-ranging group of guests impacted not only my own life, but also how Nancy and I raised our boys, and helped us make decisions that changed the course of our marriage. I am thankful for Dr. Dobson’s humility, integrity and courage to speak the truth in love. Year after year, decade after decade, Jim Dobson stuck to his guns. When issues arose or mistakes were made by those at Focus on the Family, he gave us an honest answer, without pretense. I am also thankful for the example Jim Dobson set as he promoted not only his own career but also that of others, launching ministries for men, women, children, the disabled, the elderly and so many more. So today, let’s not place Jim on a pedestal, or enshrine him in a hall of fame, but recall with thankfulness the passing of a brother who dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and remained faithful in what God called him to do till the very end. Oh, the world has changed so much over the last 40-50 years, but it is still a world that God loves and no matter how far from Him they run, He has commissioned us, to run after them with the love and message of Jesus Christ. I am posting this interview done with CBN back in 2018, as I believe it epitomizes the best way we can do that. May God bless the Dobson family during this time and may the debate over the life and ministry of Dr. Dobson be respectful and kind. We must have a faith in Christ that is unwavering in its courage, but in its outreach show respect for others and malice towards none.

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Disability Ministry

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‭ ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ Luke 14:21b ESV

We have followed the ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada for many years and the outreach that Joni and Friends has done around the world is inspiring. So I was delighted the other night to have the regional director for Central Florida come and present the pathway for building such a ministry at our church. Though our group was tiny compared to the size of our congregation, I believe a seed was planted and will in God’s time grow into what He desires for our community. This is our little huddle, minus yours truly who was taking the shot.

That is my dearest in silver and blue on the left and Amy Schipper the Florida director on the right. The night began with a touching story, that I share with you today as a call to consider such a ministry in your community.