Graduation time! As I share these thoughts with you I must admit I’m still a bit stunned to think that our youngest child, Matthew, has now graduated from high school! I can still recall when Matt was born at the Antelope Valley Hospital nearly eighteen years ago. His name means “gift from God” and we certainly feel that way about each of our children.

Matt and his classmates were blessed to hear a fantastic message at their graduation last Friday night by Dr. David Gibbs Jr. The message dealt with having a good name.

While Terrie and I sense gratitude and even some relief to have our children moving along in life, we also sense an added responsibility to pray for them, mentor them, encourage them, and help them along the way.

Somewhere in our society there has developed a disconnection between generations of families. Perhaps this is due to sin and disappointment of various kinds. But I truly believe it is my great privilege and responsibility to continue encouraging our family in the coming years.

Matt plans to attend West Coast Baptist College this fall. Of course, we are thrilled with his decision and we covet your prayers for him as he begins preparation for a life of ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Over the last few years we have seen the passing of a few warriors for the faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While I personally could not condone some of the associations with whom Dr. Falwell “yoked himself” over the last several years, I must be honest to say that I will greatly miss his influence in our country as a leader for right.

Dr. Falwell was a frequent speaker at the church where I grew up in San Jose, California. On more than one occasion he was a guest in our home. As a young boy, I recall having meals with him and some of his associates from Lynchburg.

Dr. Falwell personally led Dr. Toby Weaver, now the Dean of Students here at West Coast Baptist College, to the Lord. Additionally, Dr. Falwell spoke at the commencement exercises when my wife, Terrie, graduated from Bible college.

Every young preacher could be encouraged by Dr. Falwell’s book, Strength for My Journey. It simply shares a pattern of how the Thomas Road Baptist Church was founded through door-knocking. It reminds us that God always blesses soulwinning in the local church.

I vividly recall hearing Dr. Falwell, Dr. G.B. Vick, Dr. Jack Hyles, Dr. John R. Rice, Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm, and others preach when I was a young man. This was certainly a golden era amongst fundamentalists. Now that most of the men from that era are with the Lord in Heaven, every honest independent Baptist must think back and be thankful for the good contributions they made. Some of these men disappointed us with decisions they made or with associations they felt led to make. We have the right to disagree with those decisions and associations. But we also have a biblical mandate to give thanks for the good they accomplished while they were here on this earth.

I believe America is a better place for my children because of the strong stand Dr. Falwell took time and time again on moral issues. Few people have been brave enough to go to the White House, the steps of the Capitol, and hosts of other venues, and literally put their lives on the line to stand up for what is right.

While recent graduates of Liberty University predominantly embrace the seeker-sensitive and emerging church movements, I also am thankful for the men who went to Liberty in the 70s, many of whom are now my friends and who take a strong stand for the Lord Jesus Christ in the cities where they serve.

This would be a great time to stop and pray for revival in America. Pray for those who stand and preach and do their best to help in every way possible.

Fox News Links
Jerry Falwell’s BIO
Jerry Falwell ~ At Peace With Death
Photos

This past Wednesday morning, parents, pastors, and friends gathered together for the commencement services of West Coast Baptist College. It was a joy to see 139 graduates cross the platform to receive their diplomas. During the commencement address, I challenged each graduate to pass on the “Baton of Faith”. As Christians running the race that is set before us, it is our responsibility to pass the Word of God, our Baton of Faith, to the next generation.

Passing the Baton
2 Timothy 2:1-5

I. The Baton Delivered
A. It has been delivered lovingly ~ 2 Timothy 2:1
B. It has been delivered literally ~ I Thessalonians 2:13

II. The Baton Defended
A. You must hold it ~ 2 Timothy 1:13
B. You must heed it ~ 1 Timothy 4:16

III. The Baton Distributed – “Commit”
A. Distribute with Consecration ~ 2 Timothy 2:4
B. Distribute with Compassion ~ Jude 22

This graduation day was a culmination of countless hours of investment and training on the part of many parents, pastors, teachers, and mentors. I count it a great honor and privilege to work alongside these Christian workers in the training up of the next generation of servant leaders.

Although it is sad to see these students go, we are reminded that the purpose of West Coast Baptist College is to train up laborers for His harvest. It is now time for each graduate to go out and make a difference. We look forward to seeing what God will accomplish in and through their lives. Please pray for these graduates as they enter the fields that are white unto harvest.

Matthew 9:36-38
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

To see photos & video related to the graduation, click here.

As I arrived at church this past Sunday morning, I was given the news that Dr. Lee Roberson, long-time pastor of the Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, had gone home to be with the Lord at the age of ninety-seven. There are few men who have impacted the ministry of Lancaster Baptist Church like Dr. Roberson. From our early days of ministry, Dr. Roberson encouraged, instructed, and challenged our church family to move forward for God.

Whenever a great Christian goes home to be with the Lord, I believe the best way to honor them is to remember their counsel and live it out in our lives. This past Sunday night, our evening service was dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Lee Roberson. Dr. Roberson had such a large swath of influence. He had taught us all so much. There were many times that as a young preacher full of questions, I was able to sit across the table from Dr. Roberson and glean from his wisdom. During these times he would inevitably take out a pen and write down his advice to me. As I looked back through the notes I received from Dr. Roberson over the years, there were five biblical lessons that stood out in my mind.

Five Biblical Principles from Dr. Lee Roberson

I. Have a Daily Reckoning ~ Romans 6:10-11

II. Be Filled with the Spirit ~ Ephesians 5:18

III. Have Faith in God ~ Mark 11:22-24

IV. Walk with Compassion ~ Matthew 9:36

V. Live with Expectancy ~ Matthew 24:42

As Dr. Roberson entered Heaven this past Sunday morning, I have no doubt he heard the words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” I cherish the times I spent with Dr. Roberson, and I am so thankful for all he did to further the Gospel of Christ. We will certainly miss this great servant of God. As another generation of fundamental leaders pass on, may we each step forward and commit to strive together for the faith of the Gospel.