Dave Rogers
Salvation Experience
HOW GODLY PARENTS & HOME CREATE A LEGACY
My journey with Jesus started at a very young age. I was born into a Christ center family. In my early years my dad helped set up evangelical tent meetings with sawdust trails. We went to church every Sunday and Sunday night. We had family devotions every Saturday morning. I was led to the Lord by my mother when she asked me if I wanted to go to heaven. I said “Yes” and accepted Jesus into my heart. From that time on, with guidance from my parents, I followed the Lord and experienced all His blessings. My dad was my Sunday School Teacher. Through the Sky Pilots Organization (a Boys Scout type program), we built model planes and flew them at parks and schools on the weekends to attract people who we could share the gospel with. I crashed almost all of the planes but it was one of many special connections that I had with my dad.
My story isn’t dramatic; it is just the opposite and somewhat anticlimax. The reason for writing it is to share how the Lord has blessed me through my godly parents/home. My parents not only shared with me their beliefs but modeled them as well. Their walk matched their talk. What they did, convinced me that this is how Christian parents should raise their children. My dad spent time (quality and quantity) with me in scripture memorization, witnessing, Bible reading, going to Mount Hermon, and attending Gideon and Christian Business Men (CBMC) meetings as well as many work and fun activities.
As I grew up I learned to trust the Lord for helping me in school. Studying wasn’t my favorite thing to do and I really disliked homework. But somehow with the Lord’s help I got through school. My mom and dad wanted me to go to college and encouraged me to attend BIOLA rather than other colleges. Attending BIOLA was one of the best experiences of my life. I matured from a shy introvert child to a young man who became Sophomore Class President, Student Body Athletic Director (I got to choose the cheerleaders), play basketball and run track. By attending BIOLA, I received a solid understanding of the scriptures (25 semester credits of Bible classes).
On one basketball trip from BIOLA to the bay area to play another college, two of my teammates stayed at my home for a couple of nights. On the team bus trip back to BIOLA, the coach asked each member of the team what was their favorite part of the trip. To my surprise, the two teammates that had stayed at my house indicated staying at my house and meeting my parents was their favorite part. At this, I began to understand how special my parents were and how unique my home and upbringing were.
My Aunt and cousins, plus my sister had worked on the summer staff at Mount Hermon. I applied and was accepted on staff and I spent the next 4 summers working as the baker. During these summers I attended many of the conferences and listen to some of the leading Christian speakers. My third summer working there I met my future wife. During our dating we ran into some rough patches. I wrote a letter to my folks seeking advice as to what to do. A couple of days later, to my surprise, they came up to Mount Hermon. I asked them what they were doing there and my dad said that you asked for some advice and we wanted to come to pray with you in person seeking His guidance.
Although the marriage was unsuccessful after 14 years in which we had 2 daughters and ended in divorce, it provided me with the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord. When you go through a trauma and have everything taken away from you, that is when you hold on tight to that which will give you some stability. The Lord was faithful and provided supportive friends and family that helped me though this turbulent time. After moving out from my family, I continued coming to church at Neighborhood (3Crosses) and eventually joined the Singles Class. By being where the Lord wanted me, I met my future wife, Linda, who was widowed. We have a daughter who grew up in the church and continues to be a Christ-follower. We’ve been married now for 37 years and the Lord couldn’t have provided a better partner and companion.
My dad died when I was 24 and in my last year of graduate school. The night I left his hospital bed, I knew I might never see him again but although I would lose him, I would never lose the precious memories that he had created for me.
It was easy to see how God the Father is a God of love because I had an earthly Father that constantly showed me how much he loved me. Two years later my mother married a man (George Clooney look-alike) from their church as godly as my father and just as loving. I was blessed by having three loving fathers (the Lord, my dad, and my step-dad).
My parents gave me a legacy. This legacy of following Christ and enjoying his fellowship is what has sustained me through these past 76 years. He has blessed me more than I can ever imagine and I am looking forward to spending eternity with Him.
The morning I wrote this testimony, having been convicted during the night that I should write something about my Christian family upbringing, I read this passage in the Billy Graham devotional “Unto the Hills”:
I want to suggest Ten Commandments for a solid happy God-honoring home:
Establish God’s chain of command. The Bible teaches that for the Christian, Jesus Christ is to head the home, with the wife under the authority of a Christ-like husband and the children responsible to their parents.
Obey the commandments to love one another.
Show acceptance and appreciation for each family member.
Family members should respect God’s authority over them and the authority God has delegated down the chain of command.
It is important to have training and discipline in the home and not just for the family dog.
Enjoy one another and take time to enjoy family life together. Quality time is not a substitute for quantity time. Quantity time is quality time.
Do not commit adultery. Adultery destroys a marriage and is a sin against God and against your mate.
Everyone in a family should work for the mutual benefit of the family. No child should be without chores or without the knowledge that work brings fulfillment.
Pray together and read the Bible together. Nothing strengthens a marriage and family more. Nothing is a better defense against Satan.
Every family member should be concerned about whether every other member of the family is truly saved. This extends after the immediate family to grandparents, uncles, and aunts, cousins and in-laws.
Key Scripture
Proverbs 3:1-6: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keeps my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
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