The bittersweet passing of a faithful servant

A few days ago, I heard the news that Charlie VanderMeer (better known to many as “Uncle Charlie”) passed away at the age of 84.  Keys for Kids Ministries gave this press release: “It is with deep sadness, but great hopefulness, that Keys for Kids Ministries…announces the passing of Charlie VanderMeer (a.k.a. Uncle Charlie).  He passed away quietly at his home on Friday, February 22, 2019, following a recent fall” (cbn.com/cbnnews/uncle-charlie-dead-at-84).  

I confess that, upon hearing this news, I was hit hard emotionally.  It felt like I had lost a kind uncle.  I instantly recalled, with fondness, all the time I spent with him via his radio ministry as “Uncle Charlie”.  Time and time again, he shared the truth of the Word of God with faithfulness.  His influence made a profound impact on me.

The link went on to state Charlie’s amazing last words.  In his final breaths on Earth, he said, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.  I trust Him today just like I did when I was 6 years old.  Knowing Jesus as your personal Savior is the most important thing.”  I’m reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4; they seem very fitting for Uncle Charlie as well.  He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.  There is now laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord will give to him.

I want to express my condolences to his family.  Evidently, he is survived by his wife Bette, 3 daughters, and a son.  I know the grief, heartache, and pain they are feeling.  But I also know the Bible states that we can actually grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4); because of Charlie’s relationship with Jesus, to be absent from the body is to actually be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5).  Everyone who was touched by Charlie’s life - and I’m certainly on that list - grieve that is he is gone, but also rejoice that he is with the Lord in Heaven!  Furthermore, I truly believe that he heard these marvelous words of commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Kevin

One year anniversary

It seems unbelievable to me that yesterday, February the 21st, marked the one year anniversary of Billy Graham’s passing.  I looked back at what I said when I reacted to this news on this blog.  Among other things, I wrote, “I was overcome with tears when I heard the news because I’m so grateful for this man.  I am who I am today because he shared the truth of the gospel – God’s good news – with me.  His influence is a part of my spiritual heritage.  Millions of other people can say the same thing.”

In honor of Dr. Graham, I spent some time listening to some of his words on you tube.  I came across a sermon he preached back in 1983 on the power of the blood of Christ.  He spoke with his usual boldness, clarity, and power that day.  There is so much relevant material I wish I could quote in that message, but I was particularly impacted when he said these words:

"There’s another word associated with the blood and that’s justification… The dictionary defines justification, ‘to be free from blame; to be proven to be innocent.’  We cannot do it ourselves.  It’s impossible.  You can work all your life and do good works, and pay money to the church, but that won’t justify you.  The only thing that will justify you...is the blood of Jesus Christ."

Dr. Graham continued, "‘Being justified freely by His grace’ [Romans 3:24]; notice [the words] ‘His grace.’  Grace is unmerited favor, something I don’t deserve.  I don’t deserve my sins forgiven.  I don’t deserve to go to Heaven.  I’ll be honest with you: I don’t deserve it…but I receive forgiveness, and justification, and my name written in the Book of Life.  I’m going to receive Heaven forever, because the blood was shed."  (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=cyZhxf94dCc)  An amen belongs here!  I feel the same way for myself and my own entrance to Heaven one day.

Let me conclude with this.  Back in 2002, Pastor Rick Ferguson had his surprise departure to Heaven, at the age of 46.  At his Memorial service, someone mentioned William Carey, the man known as the father of modern missions.  This person told the story of how when Carey was on his deathbed, he said to a friend, “Speak less of Dr. Carey, speak more of Dr. Carey’s Savior.”  He said this is the sentiment that captures what Pastor Rick would want people to say about him.  I agree.  And it certainly captures what I think Billy Graham would want people to say of him.  We should speak more of Billy Graham’s Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kevin

"For God so loved the world"

I miss my father.  There’s an opening sentence you never expected to read in a Valentine’s Day blog!  But I do miss him.  I miss his leadership, support, and humor.  I miss watching Denver Broncos games with him.  Yet he is no longer with us.  He passed away unexpectedly three and a half years ago; although I must admit sometimes it feels like it’s been three and a half months, not years.

My dad knows what it’s like to lose a father to the icy grip of death, just as I do.  In 2008, his dad – my grandpa – Cecil Bauer, passed away at the age of 79.  I know the tears my dad cried about this fact.  In a poignant composition that I recently came across, Dad wrote some words that I wanted to share with you today.  I’m not going to quote the whole thing, of course, but a portion of it is some noteworthy memories he had of spending time with his father.  Then at one point, he stated this:

“I love my dad.  I know that he’s waiting in Heaven for me.  He left a clear testimony with me that he was ready to meet God 8 months before he left Planet Earth.  Was he a perfect man?  No, what man is?  He, like all of humanity, was in need of a pardon.  That pardon was given when Christ died on the cross.  That pardon he accepted as a free gift from Christ, and entered God’s Heaven when he died.  He realized that he was bankrupt before God.  He could not get into Heaven without accepting that pardon from Christ.  I expect to meet Daddy there, when God calls me home.”

Probably the most famous verse in the Bible begins with these words: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).  It’s good to focus on the connections we have with friends, romantic relationships, and family members, but let’s not forget about the immense love God has for you and me.  Why does God love us?  It’s not because we are lovable.  We all can be nasty, crabby, and unpleasant.  Adrian Rogers once said, “God does not love us because we are valuable; we are valuable because God loves us.”

Kevin

"O God, thank You for loving me"

With Valentine’s Day in the air, it’s important to remember that all of us (whether married or single) are deeply, passionately, and extravagantly loved by the God of the universe.  Romans 5 puts it so well: “When we were unable to help ourselves, at the right time, Christ died for us, although we were living against God.  Very few people will die to save the life of someone else.  Although perhaps for a good person someone might possible die.  But God shows His great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.  So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger because we have been right with God by the blood of Christ’s death” (verses 6-9; NCV).

I think I have heard Christian singer/songwriter Tommy Nelson’s marvelous song Thank You for Loving Me (https://lyrics.az/tommy-walker/make-it-glorious/thank-you-for-loving-me.html) well over one hundred times.  This song has a way of bringing tears to my eyes.  Check out these words:

“What love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called His sons and daughters, precious in His sight; greater love this world has never seen when He hung on that tree, O why would He do such a thing for dirty sinners like you and me?  [Chorus] O God, thank You for loving me, when on the cross You made history; Lord You died for me, forever my praise will go to Thee.  O God, thank for choosing me to be Your child and bear Your name; O Jesus I will never cease to sing Your praise.  Your love is patient, and humble, and kind, it’s greater than all my sin…It’s Your love that lifted me up from the depths, set my feet on a solid rock, with a firm place to stand, Lord I always will trust in Your loving hand.”

I wonder if you’ve never stopped to contemplate the amazing love God has for you.  Or maybe you’ve heard it but you haven’t believed it, to this point.  You thought God was out to get you.  You looked at the circumstances of your life and you became angry and bitter at God, because of the painful developments that happened to you.  I am not unfeeling to you or the pain you’ve experienced.  I know life can hurt very deeply; trust me, if anyone gets that, I get it.  But God has proven His deep love for you.  As we read earlier, Jesus Christ - God in human flesh - died for you, even when you were against Him.  He didn’t have to do that.  But He chose to do so.   

Kevin