It was in February of 1974 when I first entered into my redeemed relationship with the Lord. That event occurred at a revival being conducted at Southside Baptist Church in Sarasota. The journey leading to that moment is actually another story to be told another time.

The Pastor of Southside Baptist was Harold Epperson, the preaching Evangelist was Texan T.D. Hall, and standing by to counsel seekers (among others) was Dr. John Gill.

When I went forward and responded to the invitation Dr. Gill was the counselor who helped me in the final moments of my decision to accept Christ and then to understand my decision and then guided me in prayer for forgiveness. It was a good thing! God is good!

I clearly remember the men at Southside reaching out to me to join them in a weekly prayer breakfast in the fellowship hall for the men, part of that meeting was dedicated group prayer. After our meal we would divide into small groups and go to the classrooms around the fellowship hall. In the room after a few moments of conversation the men would kneel and begin to pray. It was there that I begin to learn how to pray and even pray audibly and publicly. 

Even though I do not remember the date, I will never forget that serendipity moment when I heard Dr. Gill in his prayer say “Lord, forgive me for my unbelief”.   I gave no visible reaction. My internal response was huge!  Here was the man who had counseled me regarding my belief and the necessity of it. And he prays for forgiveness for his unbelief? Hindsight has caused me to understand I should’ve immediately discussed it with Dr. Gill and no less of an option with Pastor Epperson.  I did neither.

T.D. Hall returned to his ministry in Texas. About two years later, Harold Epperson was called to first Baptist of Kissimmee, Florida. Dr. Gill remained in my life for the next 16 years that I was a member at Southside. To the best of my knowledge, these men have gone to their reward.

However, For the past 50 years that moment, that nanosecond in time, has been indelibly etched in my memory. It is a memory that has impacted every moment of my Bible study and Discipling that has taken place in my Christian Walk.

As I have grown in the Lord, I have come to a better understanding of Dr. Gill’s prayer. In that first counseling, he discussed with me, belief, faith and trust. Looking back, I realize that he did the best he could with the limited time that he had to begin to lay that foundation in this new believer. 

The Old Testament and the New Testament clearly discuss the doctrine of belief.  And on the flipside of that doctrine the scriptures also clearly teach the dangers consequences and judgment of unbelief. From exclusion from entering into glory (Heb 3.19) to the effectiveness of Kingdom work.

In chapter 1 of his book, How To Be Filled With The Holy Spirit A.W TOZER take a couple of paragraphs to discuss unbelief. He cites Matthew 13:58 as an example of the average believers understanding, and application of the doctrine of belief. It was those comments that stimulated me too revisit the Doctrine of  Believe and it’s application in my life and ministry over the past five decades. And specifically my unbelief.

My unbelief.   A chilling subject.  What is my unbelief?  What impact has it had on my life and my ministry?  The people I have contact with and on and on?  

I believe that my foundational beliefs are unshakable.  God, Jesus, Holy Spirit as the Triune God.  My eternal affirmed and assured place in God’s presence for eternity.  I would include in that unshakable belief core values as taught in scripture.

One of my greatest concerns is impact of my unbelief on the effectiveness and results of my ministry.  God knew I was at that point in my thinking and placed this reassuring scripture in  Romans 3.3.  That verse spoke volumes to me of which the major result was humility.  At this point we could digress to a conversation regarding works, however, not today.  🙂

I covet your prayer as I continue to learn and grow in understanding regarding my unbelief and I will pray for you the reader as well. We will have another conversation where we discuss unbelief specifically and categorically.

Shalom.

I will be commencing a Discipling study by George Guthrie titled “Read the Bible for Life”! I am in the process of making a decision regarding a home study group or online via Teams or Zoom.

Here is a promo I copied for Lifeway.com.

Overview

“The Bible may be the most-purchased book in the world, but it is often the least read and least applied due to a basic lack of understanding and motivation on the part of readers. Read the Bible for Life aims to improve biblical literacy in the culture and the church by simultaneously moving readers toward greater skill in reading the Bible well and toward a deeper commitment to applying Scripture to everyday life. 

Through a series of down-to-earth conversations with some of today’s brightest scholars, author George Guthrie discusses the basic tools and attitudes needed to read the Bible more effectively. Chapters focus on the various types of literature in Scripture and how to read them well. For instance, how should we read a psalm differently than we read a parable? 

How should we read a story of the Old Testament differently than we read a letter from Paul? How can we engage these various parts of Scripture in a way that is truly life-changing? The book also discusses issues such as reading the Bible in context, choosing and reading a Bible translation, reading in times of sorrow or suffering, and reading the Bible with your family. As we better understand how to read the Bible skillfully, we begin to see how every person of the Bible, every psalm, and every teaching fits into the Bible’s powerful, overarching story, and we begin to realize our place in the story God is still writing in the world.”

Please share your thoughts and comments regarding this study.  If you want more information I will respond asap.  Reply to bob.srq@bobsrqoutlook.com. 

Grace and Blessing                                A Fellow Sojourner