Love everyone, Fear no Man

The 19th Century circuit riding preacher was told that General Andrew Jackson, future President of the United States would be in his audience that night, and he had better make sure his remarks were not offensive. You won’t believe how he began his sermon.

When the circuit riding preacher got up to preach, he began by saying, "I have been told that Andrew Jackson is in this congregation, and I have been asked to guard my remarks. Well, I want to begin by saying that Andrew Jackson will go to hell just as quickly as any other man if he doesn't repent of his sin."

You could have heard a pin drop. After the service someone apologized to Jackson for Cartwright’s bluntness. Andrew Jackson immediately responded that Christ's ministers ought to love everyone, and fear no mortal man, adding that he wished he had a few thousand officers like Peter Cartwright.

That was Peter Cartwright’s secret – he loved everyone enough to preach the truth, and he feared not mortal man. He feared only God.

Pray for us as we share the gospel here on the streets of Skid Row, and in our Chapel services. And I will pray for you as you share your faith in your home, your workplace, your school, or on the streets. Love everyone enough to share the truth, and don’t fear man. God’s life-giving message is true, whether preached here on Skid Row, in the White House, or by a circuit-riding preacher – “For God so loved the world …”

Blessings,

Willie Jordan (Mrs. Fred Jordan)