One of the great privileges of my life is to be able to call Pastor Chuck Smith, my friend. I first heard him speak when I was 15 years old after making a trip to Hosanna Tape Library in Albuquerque NM. I slipped the tape into the tape deck and starting learning God’s Word. He had studies all the way through the Bible and soon I wanted to hear them all.
The more I listened, the more I wanted to do the same thing. He was funny, sincere, honest, and was not afraid to pour through tough passages of Scripture. God reached out from that tape deck and grabbed ahold of my young heart.
If you would have told me that I would be co-laboring with Pastor Chuck in Calvary Chapel, I would have told you to take a look at my grades! One thing is true, I would not have believed you in a hundred years. God has a way of getting what He wants to happen accomplished. Here I am, now a Calvary Chapel pastor for over twenty-five years.
Let me share with you a few things I have learned about the man God used to light a fire for His Word within me.
Pastor Chuck is one of the most humble and approachable men I have ever known. God has used him to touch millions of lives through Calvary Chapel, radio, T.V., and now the internet. Yet, he will still take time to talk to a middle school boy who stops to ask him a question at camp.
A few years ago it became fashionable to criticize Pastor Chuck. A few blogs gained fame by becoming “anti-Calvary." You would find yourself reading scathing assaults on Calvary Chapel and Pastor Chuck. They seemed to gain steam when a "Christian" magazine printed some of the same stuff.
During that time I had the privilege to have dinner with Pastor Chuck and a few other Calvary Pastors. The topic of the blogs and article came up. Pastor Chuck never defended himself or spoke badly of those who were attacking him. I admired his restraint and godly response.
Last week I made a visit to one of these blogs. Who knows why? Maybe i just needed to get upset. To my surprise there was a blog on Pastor Chuck about a group that are trying to say that Calvary and Pastor Chuck are going emergent (which is a crack up, this is so far out there. Who would believe it?) What surprised me was this blog is now defending Pastor Chuck! I am reminded of the passage the says “When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Pastor Chuck is now in his eighties and still preaching the gospel every week. Young men are still being touched and motivated to follow him into the ministry. He is still giving us a godly example as to how to live while we preach and teach the truth of God’s Word. Chuck, may God bless you with many more years of preaching the gospel and thank you for your example. You have lifted up Christ to me and always glorified God in all you do.
Pastor Robert Furrow
Calvary Chapel Tucson
Have you been encouraged by Pastor Chuck Give us a comment
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6 comments:
I agree Pastor Robert, Pastor Chuck's teaching and leadership are needed more today then ever. Thank you Pastor Chuck in your steadfast obediance to preach and teach God's word.
Pastor chuck has made a deep impact upon the course of my life. my walk and relationship with Jesus has been fortified because of his work. I have never met pastor Chuck, but I've read all his books and comentaries, and it has strengthened my witness. I hope i can one day meet Chuck this side of heaven, but if not, then I know I will see him in Heaven. May God bless your ministry for your defence and praise of his servant.
I was a lost soul without direction in life, and Pastor Chuck's teachings (on the radio)helped open my heart to the Lord. *And for that I am forever grateful in Jesus name. Thank you!
My first impact of Pastor Chuck and his ministry were felt second hand. The leadership from our church was driving up to Costa Mesa to sit under his teaching and then returning to incorporate what they were learning in our church. The changes were so positive that I wanted to know more about what was happening up there. Here we are more than two decades later. I'm still working my way through all the recorded teachings, but my life has been forever (literally) changed by the ministry of this humble man!
Pastor Chuck has encouraged me tremendously over the years! I thank God for him.
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