Dear brothers and sisters at Casey Baptist,
Pastor Lew considered his time with you to be the highlight of his ministry. I want to thank you for all that your friendships have meant to he and mom. After dads passing, I was looking through one of his Bibles and noticed a few notations in the margin of Matthew 14. This passage records Peter’s interaction with Jesus and his invitation to walk on the water, followed by his failure. Dad’s notes were simple…..’Peter sank in familar water’ and secondly, ‘he sank even while following directions’.
I saw these notes as an example of how Dad read,understood and made application of the Scriptures. We all benefitted from this approach. It was straightforward, and simple, yet in the simplicity there was depth of truthful application. I think Dad would make application to those who sit in familar church settings, week after week,going through the motions of religion,yet somehow remaining spiritual infants. Dad might remind you that true religion (James 1:27) acceptible to God is to help those in distress and to keep from being corrupted by the world.
Dad’s life was marked by service to others following the biblical pattern of Matthew 5:16.Our service to others will lead them to glorify God. Service to others, coupled with the simple application of truth allows us to be used by God’s Spirit in illuminating hearts and minds to the reality of the gospel. It’s a winning combination.
Growing up, I witnessesed first hand how this played out in many lives dad ministered to in their distress. This was part of what made him a great pastor. Two days before dad went to glory, we shared a few important words. He told me he was proud of me. I cherish those words and they move me to live a life worthy of my Saviour’s sacrifice – words from my earthly father in anticipation of hearing those Words from my heavenly Father.
I told dad “Youve done a good job – I love you.” It’s a wonderful thought that words from his earthly son would be the welcoming words he would hear from his heavenly Father welcoming him to glory “well done good and faithful servant.”
Brothers and sisters, let’s determine to follow the biblical pattern of living unselfishly, speaking the truth in love, being mindful that no one ever just drifts into godliness. It requires daily grace driven effort. (Galations 6:9).
Thankyou for allowing me to share these thoughts from Lew’s desk… A grateful son.
Don Newkirk