One More Anniversary (72nd)

September 6, 2020 (Sunday)

Another one of my own anniversaries is here. Labor Day Weekend. The 72nd anniversary of my first sermon on that weekend in 1948. Topic: Living As Jesus. Text: Philippians 2:5-11.

The way I figure it, through the years I probably have preached at least 10,000 times, mainly in Texas. I also have preached in a few more states, like Oklahoma, Mississippi, Ohio, California, and Oregon. And I have preached in Jamaica, and Okinawa. So you can see nearly all my ministry has been spent in Texas. But I believe that is where the Lord wanted me to be in His service.

The Rockport ministry, however, opened a window for sharing the gospel with people from all over the country as they visit this area in winter, summer, spring and fall. I shall always be thankful for that opportunity and I’ll be praying for the church and its leaders as they continue to serve the Lord and people of South Texas as well as individuals and families from many other states, year after year.

And now, in spite of the restrictions brought on the church by the pandemic, our pastor, Dr. Scott Jones, continues to lead the church to higher ground in every area of the church’s many-faceted mission in the 21st Century. And there is an unexpected benefit from the online services in that the church’s ministry to non-members throughout the country is enhanced through its online worship and studies. His messages are totally Biblical and excitingly contemporary. After 72 years of ministry, I know a great preacher when I hear one. And he is a great preacher.

JESUS LED ME ALL THE WAY
John W. Peterson
1954

Some day life’s journey will be o’er
And I shall reach that distant shore,
I’ll sing while ent’ring Heaven’s door
“Jesus led me all the way.”
Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day;
I will tell the saints and angels
As I lay my burden down
“Jesus led me all the way.

If God should let me there review
The winding paths of earth I knew,
It would be proven clear and true
Jesus led me all the way.
Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day;
I will tell the saints and angels
As I lay my burden down
“Jesus led me all the way.

And hitherto my Lord has led,
Today He guides each step I tread,
And soon in Heav’n it will be said
Jesus led me all the way.
Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day;
I will tell the saints and angels
As I lay my burden down
“Jesus led me all the way.