ONE MORE FOR JESUS
In Rick Warren’s Facebook Post of September 19, 2014 he shared why he
does what he does (see the complete post on Facebook can be read at: Why I
Do What I Do – The Theme of My Life). Here is an excerpt from that post:
“In the final week of my dad’s life, his cancer kept him awake in a semi-conscious state
nearly twenty-four hours a day. In this dream-like state, he’d talk out loud about what he
was dreaming. Sitting by his bedside that week, I learned a lot about my dad by just
listening to his dreams. He never talked about the books he’d read, the movies he’d
seen, or the war he’d been in. Instead, he dreamed aloud about building churches,
reliving one building project after another.
The night before my father died, my wife, my niece, and I were in his bedroom by his
side. Dad suddenly became very agitated and tried to get out of bed. Of course, he was
too weak to get up so Kay insisted he lay back down. But he kept persisting in trying to
get out of bed. Finally, Kay in exasperation said “Jimmy, you CANNOT get up! You are
dying. We will get you whatever you need. What are you trying to do?” My dad replied,
“I’ve got to save one more for Jesus! I’ve got to save one more for Jesus! One more for
Jesus! One more for Jesus” He began to repeat that phrase over and over and over. It is
no exaggeration to say that during the next hour, he repeated the phrase probably a
hundred times: “Got to save one more for Jesus!”
As I sat by his bed with tears flowing down my cheeks, I bowed my head to thank God
for the legacy of my father’s compassionate faith. While my head was bowed, my dad
reached out and placed his frail hand on my head and said, as if commissioning me with
a sacred calling, “Reach one more for Jesus! Reach one more for Jesus!” It was a holy
moment and I knew what I was supposed to do the rest of my life, regardless of
problems, illnesses, conflicts, critics, attacks, delays, difficulties, or any other barriers.”
The desire of Rick Warren’s father, I hope, is an inspiration to us. There is no
higher calling than to share Christ and His gift of eternal life. There is no
higher calling than to share Christ and His gift of eternal life. There is no
higher calling than to share Christ and His gift of eternal life. There is no
thing in life more important than sharing the gospel and loving others – including
those who don’t agree with us or our faith. The greatest gift anyone can give is
the message that Jesus Christ loves them and died for them; but that message
has to be delivered by someone and that someone you and me. Each of us has
been given the same commission: to go and make disciples. The command was
to all disciples and every follower of Jesus Christ until His return. Peter, James
and John’s commission to make disciples is our commission, no exceptions.
those who don’t agree with us or our faith. The greatest gift anyone can give is
the message that Jesus Christ loves them and died for them; but that message
has to be delivered by someone and that someone you and me. Each of us has
been given the same commission: to go and make disciples. The command was
to all disciples and every follower of Jesus Christ until His return. Peter, James
and John’s commission to make disciples is our commission, no exceptions.
Our Motto at Jackson Avenue is the same one emphasized by Rick
Warren’s Father: “ONE MORE FOR JESUS.” It isn’t original but it is easy to
remember and it describes our Mission, our Vision, the Reason and the
Season as stated in the Great Commission (Mt.28.19-20)
Season as stated in the Great Commission (Mt.28.19-20)
• Our MISSION is: to GO and make disciples
• Our VISION is: to EVERYONE, everywhere – especially here
• The REASON is: to TEACH them Christ’s commands
• The REASON is: to TEACH them Christ’s commands
• The SEASON is: right NOW, until the end of the age.
Two things should be on our minds from now on:
1. First, I am responsible to share the Good News that was shared with
me. It’s not mine to keep to myself and is meant to given away. It does
not matter how good I am at giving the message of God’s love away, it
is just that I am to be doing it.
2. Second, do I care if someone dies and goes to hell? If I do, then see
#1.
Prayer is the most powerful force in the universe and we don’t use it.
Remember your list of people you want to see come to Christ. Are you still
praying for your three people? Will you do whatever is necessary? If so, let this
be your prayer:
“Lord I ask that your Holy Spirit leads: (individual’s name) to You and if
needs be, use me to do it.”
Request, plead, ask, implore the Lord for the souls of those you love,
care about and know. Pray every day. Pray expectantly for an answer. Pray
constantly throughout your day, and then watch what God will do in their lives
and yours.
constantly throughout your day, and then watch what God will do in their lives
and yours.
constantly throughout your day, and then watch what God will do in their lives
and yours.
and yours.
Speak to people about God’s love in general conversation. Build bridges
to those who oppose you. Love those who hate you. Remember we are giving
from a position of wealth. We are heirs to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Share His love, tell others about Him; salvation is for everyone.
“One more for Jesus” means just that. Doing what it takes to lead one more
person to Christ. Looking for opportunities every day to share what Jesus has
done for you. Pray, seek, love and speak to others about Christ. Not out of
obligation but out of love for our Savior and a concern for a person’s eternal
destiny. Each of our goals is to see one more person for Jesus saved through
our efforts in telling and loving them for Jesus. Love ‘Em, Lead ‘Em, Love ‘Em
Some More.
Your Pastor, Dave Rowser