Jym Shorts

Jym Shorts - October 5, 2017

by Jym Gregory on October 05, 2017

I just returned from a short visit in Illinois with three of my brothers. I always find it a relaxing and productive time. While my brothers work during the day, I generally catch up on reading. On this particular visit, I edited a chapter of the dissertation I am writing for my schooling, which, although not “fun” in the truest sense of the word, was at least a practical use of my time.

My drive to my hometown in central Illinois takes four hours. It is a great time for me to catch up on podcasts and sermons from some of my favorite preachers/teachers. On this particular trip, I finished a six-part lecture on the life and works of C.S. Lewis that a friend loaned to me, and I heard a wonderful sermon by Ravi Zacharias on the purpose and value of praying to a sovereign God who works out all things according to the purpose of his will (hence, why pray?). The message was a powerful reminder to me of how inscrutable our God is, and yet how open to our prayers and petitions. I listened to three short podcasts called “The Briefing” by Dr. Albert Mohler, the president of the seminary I attended, and now attend again. Although it tends toward the political side of the aisle, I appreciate it as a way of helping me stay up to date on the most important theological and social issues that we as Christians must address in these days. Finally, I listened to a few podcasts from Greg Koukl (“Stand to Reason”), a Christian apologist (one who makes a defense for the faith) that I have come to appreciate greatly.

I say all of this to lead to a brief idea I want to share. One of the podcasts Koukl re-aired was a three-year-old interview with Nabeel Qureshi, a young Pakistani American who grew up in a devout Muslim home. Qureshi came to know Christ in college after developing a friendship with a young Christian student who knew his faith well enough to be able to speak with him intelligently about the truth of Christianity. Qureshi investigated the faith intensely, and eventually gave his life to Christ a few years later while in medical school. He went on to receive his M.D., then went back to school to receive two master’s degrees, one in philosophy and another in Christian apologetics, and was currently enrolled at Oxford working on a doctoral degree. Sadly, Qureshi passed away at the age of 34 last week from stomach cancer. You can read his fascinating story in his best-selling book, “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.”

We took up our annual Faith Promise Offering last Sunday to support missions through LifePoint for the year 2018. The initial response has been very good. 259 responses amounting to over $282,000 committed to missions for next year. That number will rise over the next couple of weeks as others who were not with us Sunday respond.

Here is why I tell you about Nabeel Qureshi and our missions offering. People need to hear the truth about Jesus Christ and the gospel! Here was a young man, devoutly practicing a peaceful form of Islam for over 20 years of his life, who had never heard the gospel. When confronted with that gospel by a loving, respectful friend, his life turned upside down. Eventually, he chose Jesus over even his family, who rejected him because of his decision to leave Islam (eventually, the family was able to reunite, but only after many years of healing). He went on to become one of the most influential voices in Christian apologetics speaking to Muslims and joined the teaching network of Ravi Zacharias Ministries. Many in the apologetics community are currently mourning his death.

God is at work in our world, and many are called to take the gospel to the nations. I want to do my part here, in Indianapolis, where God has placed me. However, I want to partner with others prayerfully and financially who are taking it to places where I cannot go (since, of course, I am here). Joining my funds with yours here in the church family, I can be a part of missions not only here in Indy, but to multiple other States and countries. I am engaged in missions to many people groups in our world. I can do that because I share my resources with you, and together, we are able to reach the nations.

Thank you for your generosity to missions at LifePoint. Our financial sacrifice is real, but so are the lives that are being changed forever.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jym

Previous Page