I was able to attend the visitation yesterday for Pastor Fred Winters (Maryville Baptist Church pastor who was murdered on Sunday morning). Although being at the actual site of the shooting and walking in the auditorium where the events took place was humbling, it was a good reminder that life is short and we must carry on the message of Jesus Christ.
When I sat down this morning, I was looking at the website for Maryville Baptist Church (side note: Maryville will have a link to the live broadcast of the Freds funeral service today. They will begin the stream around 10:15 am CST). I found something that I just couldn’t get over. There was a video of Pastor Fred sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was blown away. How awesome it is to see him share the message of Christ from the grave and continue to point back to Jesus even through his death.
I remember a few years ago at Catalyst Conference, Andy Stanley preached a message called “What Do You Do When You’re the Most Powerful Man in the Room?”. His message was all about using the situation when you are in “power” to point back to Jesus. Andy spoke about how we have to use our leadership to leverage Christ so that he alone will be glorified. When that happens we lower ourselves and elevate Jesus. It’s the only way others can come to know the same joy we have in the relationship with Christ and put him above who we are.
That message didn’t make sense until today.
Fred is doing that very thing. His death, visitation, and funeral all point back to Christ and the saving grace of Jesus that only God can offer to all people. It’s our job to accept the free gift. I posted the video below in hopes that you will not only listen to it but understand the message and the importance of accepting Christ as Savior.
To God be the glory, great things He has done.
-jordan
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