My First Sermon
Fifty Years Ago This Month I Preached My First Sermon
In June of 1975, just 2 weeks after having turned 16 years old, I boarded a plane in Huntsville, Alabama to fly to Los Angeles International Airport and tour with the Continental Singers for 10 weeks. On the way to training camp at Azusa Pacific College, I sat next to the girl who sang the theme song for “Luvs” baby diapers. If you are of “a certain age,” you will remember: “Luvs. Luvs. “Your baby’s comfort begins with Luvs. “Luvs!” That was her. She was traveling with a small group sponsored by the Continentals organization called “Jeremiah People,” which was headed by Chuck Bolte, who later went on to work for James Dobson.
Some years prior, while listening to an album of Bob Harrington (“The Chaplain of Bourbon Street”) preach a sermon on “My Life Story,” I was moved, convicted, or, I’m not sure exactly what, and went outside to sort through what was going on in my head. It was while walking in circles under the pecan tree, at about 10 years of age, that I told God I would do whatever He wanted me to do. That was the day I knew I was called to preach.
By the time I was 16 I had allowed foolishness to distract me (as much as one can be distracted in their ‘tween years) and desperately needed the encounter with the Holy Spirit I experienced while on tour with the Continentals. I will forever be grateful to Theresa Wakeman from Elkhart, IN, who challenged me on some issues and prayed with me to surrender everything I had, and wanted to be, to Jesus.
The change was influential enough thatI decided I wanted to be baptized a second time, since I had a better understanding of what baptism was supposed to represent than I had when I was baptized the first time at 6 (ish) years old. I do not believe everyone needs to be re-baptized, and I do not want to diminish the significance of baptism; but, for me, I wanted to make a statement which would come from my personal determination and understanding that I was surrendering my life to whatever Jesus had for me.
This was back in the day when churches only filled the baptistry if there were enough people getting baptized to make it “worth it.” The next baptism was 6 months later in February of 1976. (As much a commentary on the evangelistic effectiveness of the church we attended as it was on their commitment to economize on heated water.)
Immediately following my baptism I contacted Bro. Bobby LeCroy, the director of the downtown rescue mission in Huntsville, and asked him if there were any opportunities for me to preach there. I don’t know if he was desperate, extremely encouraging of a young preacher, or a combination of both, but he jumped on me like a duck on a June bug, and I was scheduled to preach to the lost masses who simply needed the clear presentation of the gospel, which only I could give, in order to experience salvation, full and free.
On Friday, March 5, 1976 I delivered the sermon which is printed on the following page. I was convinced it would take me at least an hour to deliver and that everyone under the sound of my voice would fall in repentance at the altar.
I was done in 5 minutes, and no one got saved.
I remember thinking, “If no one is going to be getting saved, I don’t know if this is something I am interested in or not.”
There have been plenty of times I wish I had seen more salvations over the past 50 years, but one thing I can say with as much sincerity as I possess: I have been faithful with the gifts I have been entrusted with, and am thankful for the fruit which only Christ can produce.
Many doors have been opened; many opportunities have been presented; many venues have been inviting; and, in the face of the difficulties which absolutely have occurred, the joys have made obedience to the call more than worth the disappointments.
The type of ministry I was called to is of no greater value or importance than the ministry you are called to. No matter who signs your check, if you are a Christian, you are called.
Have you walked in circles under your own pecan tree? If not, do so today and surrender to be the witness He has called you to be in the place He has set you.
THIS MONTH CONSTITUTES 50 YEARS SINCE I PREACHED MY FIRST SERMON and the peace of having said “yes” those years ago has far exceeded all the difficulties which have followed.
There are a couple of illustrations I reference in these notes which I have absolutely no recollection of! If you happen to know what these are referring to, I would be glad to hear from you; but half a century has washed out, and brought in enough more fog to thoroughly obscure the view.
And, my typing (and spell check) has improved!! John 15 does not have 73 verses; I have learned how to spell “resurrection;” and Brits place a “u” in “Savior,” typically not us colonials.
