Winning of Souls

Isaiah 55:11 (NET) - In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend.

I listen to a Christian radio station while I commute.

This station has, as part of its evening programming lineup, messages recorded by a minister who teaches the Bible consecutively from Genesis through Revelation.

His teaching style is relaxed and he constantly refers to his listeners as "Friends".

His name is Dr. J. Vernon McGee and the name of his program is Thru the Bible Radio Network.

His systematic study of the Bible is a two and one half year journey that is often referred to as the "Bible bus trip" and listeners are invited to "get on the bus".

Dr. McGee grew up in my state, hailing from Hillsboro, Texas and I was immediately attracted to his Texas accent as well as his message.

His ministry eventually took him to California.

I guess the old adage is true.

You can take a man out of Texas, but you cannot take Texas out of the man.

I remember his study of Jonah very well and with great fondness.

As he related how Jonah was inside the fish for days before he went to Nineveh I had a great laugh courtesy of Dr. McGee.

He said something like...

Now friends, I’ll bet the people of Nineveh could smell Jonah well before they even saw him!

The other remarkable thing about Dr. McGee’s program that I especially enjoy are the letters that continue to arrive from listeners around the world. Many of their authors gave their lives to Jesus as a result of hearing Dr. McGee’s teaching.

What’s so remarkable about that?

Simply this.

Dr. McGee passed away in 1988.

I ask you to consider this very carefully,

Dr. McGee left this world almost a quarter of a century ago.

How is it that he continues to win souls?

If he could, I am sure Dr. McGee would say it is not he that is winning souls but rather it is the Word of God that is turning lives around. This is true even if it is presented through a recorded radio program.

Hebrews 4:12 (NET) - For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.

Dr. McGee understood that truth.

His ministry attests to that.

As the new year approaches, many people will make resolutions in order to make their lives better.

Now would be an excellent time to resolve to spend regular time in the Word of God.

I can promise you that you will not regret it.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 6,, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, January 13, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.