54 Years Sharing Biblical Truth

Dedication Evangelism is the ministry organization that sponsors this blog. A major part of our outreach is The Word and The World broadcast. It offers a timely Biblical perspective on current issues and events, and we have always sought to share the unchanging Good News of salvation. April 12 marks 54 years on the air – over 2,800 weekly broadcasts and countless hours of recording, production and ministry. We praise God for His faithfulness in bringing us to this significant milestone! It is a testimony to what can happen when one person follows God's call.

Beginning – When Rev. David Virkler founded Dedication Evangelism in 1961, his ministry vision included Gospel broadcasting. While holding a week of meetings in the fall of 1963, Dave was asked to speak on a daily radio program shared by the local ministerium on a commercial AM station. The opportunity piqued Dave’s interest in the possibility of seeing the vision for radio outreach become a reality. Several months later, on Sunday morning, April 12, 1964, the first broadcast of The Word And The World aired over WFRM in Coudersport, PA.

Expansion – Our station log has grown from one station in Pennsylvania to 77 outlets reaching 18 states and Ontario, Canada. What began as a radio ministry has also expanded to online outreach including our website archives and live streaming of stations’ programming.  Podcasts also significantly expanded our outreach. These outlets make The Word And The World available anytime and anywhere. Take advantage of these listening options!

Multiplication – God has used The Word And The World to reach people through means other than radio. Many of our audio and print resource materials have come from the broadcast. Popular items include our annual Year in Review and Sing Them Over Again (three CDs of music from the half-hour broadcast.)

Before the Internet made broadcasts available to anyone on-line, each month’s programs were compiled on one cassette. Examples of the far reach these had include a missionary who used the tapes to help teach English in South America, a Kenyan university student in Michigan who later used them in his teaching when he returned home, and prisoners who used the tapes in personal and group Bible studies.
Partnership – We would not be celebrating this milestone without the prayer and financial support of God’s people and ministry partnership of many radio stations and networks. We are so grateful for the part each one has played in helping us to reach people through The Word And The World. (Click here to find out how you can help.)

In 54 years, there have been many changes in the world and in the Church. Our broadcast ministry has also seen changes in our studio, technology, and delivery methods. One of the greatest changes was Dave’s Homegoing, but God has graciously enabled us to continue even after that with Bill Breckenridge, our Director of Outreach, as speaker/producer. Through it all, we have seen God’s hand of blessing on our outreach.

The first listener to send a letter declared that The Word And The World was a good program and he thought God would bless it. And He has!

Homegoing of a Spiritual Giant

As most all know, on February 21, evangelist Billy Graham went home to be with the Savior and Lord he served for most all of his life. He died in Montreat, NC at the family home there. Dr. Graham was 99 years old. But there were some who pointed out that he actually made it to age 100 considering that life begins as conception. That would have made him 100 years and 3-plus months of age at his passing.

Graham accomplished many things in his amazing life for God. Perhaps the most impressive of all was preaching face-to-face to well over 210 million people in 185 countries around the world. That is more than anyone else in the history of the faith.

As of 2008, Graham's estimated lifetime audience, including radio and television broadcasts, topped 2.2 billion. According to his staff, more than 3.2 million people responded to the invitation at Billy Graham Crusades to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. And that may be just the tip of the iceberg when adding all of those who responded in other venues over the decades.

Graham was on Gallup's list of most admired men and women 61 times—more than any man or woman in all of human history. And only Heaven will reveal how many people will be in that glorious location forever because of the vision, gifts and dedication of this one man who served God like few others ever have. He was, without question, one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century and perhaps any century for that matter.

Billy Graham was sometimes criticized or ignored by some that did not agree with his methods, message or because they did not appreciate some he associated with during his ministry. And yet his message never seemed to vary or weaken.

As I watched the various programs, including his funeral service, there was one verse that seemed to be repeated constantly and one that characterized Him and his work. It was from John 14:6. “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The other verse that always found its way into his messages on salvation was of course John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” In many ways, his message was quite simple and repetitive. But it consistently hit the mark as scores responded to the message of the Gospel and came to Christ via faith alone.

Back in 1981, there was Graham crusade in my hometown. It was held at the old Memorial Stadium, the then-home of baseball’s Baltimore Orioles and the NFL Colts. My mom was a counselor for the meetings and my dad worked on the grounds crew. She was a believer, but he was not.

But on the last night of the 8-day crusade, after the field was almost cleared, my dad walked up to my mom near the empty platform he had helped construct. She assumed he was picking her up for the ride home—and he was. But of far greater importance was that he sought her out to inform her that he had trusted Christ during Graham’s last invitation that night. He was about 55 at the time and just never responded until that miraculous moment.

It was a night that changed my dad’s eternal destiny, unified our home in the faith, and something that validated the entire Graham ministry from day one even if my father was the only one to ever be saved in the six decades of evangelistic outreach.

Perhaps you have never accepted Christ as your personal Savior and found true forgiveness of sin and the glorious reality of a heavenly home someday. Obviously you cannot respond today to the live voice and invitation of Billy Graham to be saved. He is in heaven now. But because the Scriptures he shared are living, powerful and true, you can still respond to what the Bible says about becoming a part of God’s family right this minute. Te-read those two verses just mentioned above and add these to the mix. Roman 10:13 says, “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Or there is this one in Acts 16:31. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” These two verses leave little doubt on the outcome of salvation when one trusts Christ as Savior, don’t they??

Sincere belief from the heart is all the condemned thief dying along side of Jesus on the cross had and had time to do. Obviously he never entered a church service. He had no time to sing a single hymn, give an offering, be involved in ministry or do even one good deed. And what did his simple act of faith accomplish? Consider the Lord's words in that desperate and eternally significant moment. “And the Lord said to him ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’"  (Luke 23:43)

Does that sound too simplistic? Maybe so. In some ways, it really is. God made redemption as easy and clear for us as He possibly could but at infinite expense to Himself. Jesus paid it all.

But the tough part is admitting that we are lost helpless sinners and destined for an indescribably horrific eternity separated from Him. We must accept that avoiding that fate requires that we cry out for God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy. We must fully trust in His Son who died in out place. And when that is done from the heart, only then can we rest in the profound promise found in 1 John 5:11-13. "And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Do you today know, beyond the shadow of any doubt, that you have eternal life in Christ?

If not, why would you wait another second to settle forever the single most important question anyone can decide concerning this life and especially destiny of the life to come?

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2)

Bill Breckenridge

Keeping 'Up' With The Kardashians?

Earlier today I opened up my home web page and saw the typical kinds of headline stories there. And on this particular morning one of the big stories was about the highly anticipated name for Kylie Jenner’s new baby. As you might guess, she is Bruce Jenner’s daughter and a part of the whole Kardashian crew who have become household names in America – unfortunately.

But I saw a video link to a newscast on the subject and clicked on it. This is what the broadcaster said and I quote. “The name you’ve all been waiting for is finally here, Yes,  Kylie Jenner announced her baby girl’s name and it is Stormi. The beautiful mogul announced it on Tuesday. “ And for those who care, the baby’s last name will be Webster. That is from the father, Travis Webster, who is Jenner’s rap star boyfriend. Since he is not the legal husband the name had to be revealed.

Then at the same time Kylie’s sister, Khloe Kardashian, revealed that she is expecting sometime in late April. And in her case, it is basketball player Tristian Thompson who is the father. And like her sister, the dad to be is also a boyfriend and not a husband. This is what she wrote to him about their experience so far.

“My greatest dream realized! We are having a baby! I had been waiting and wondering but God had a plan all along. He knew what He was doing. I simply had to trust in Him and be patient. I still at times can't believe that our love created life! Tristan, thank you for loving me the way that you do! Thank you for treating me like a Queen! Thank you for making me feel beautiful at all stages! Tristan, most of all, Thank you for making me a MOMMY!”

So there we have it. Two of the most famous and popular celebrity icons in the nation will be mom’s ‘intentionally’ without  what they must see as the baggage or bother of a legal marriage. I wonder how God’s above mentioned ‘plan’ and His Biblical principles fit into what they have both done? And keep in mind that their famous Olympic athlete dad became a woman not long ago because he must have seen his gender as some sort of unwanted baggage too. And let’s also not forget, or maybe we should, that Kim Kardashian celebrated the birth of her third daughter by posing nude in bed for her 106 million Instagram followers.  Think about that one for a moment. That’s millions! That is close to 1/3 of the American population not including those who were shown the picture in some other way.

Some times it is hard to even put into words, or even comment on, what has become normal in 21st century America when it is actually abnormal. It simply boggles the mind when comparing it all to the beliefs, values and practices that were once the standard in a Christian nation. We have indeed come a very long way very quickly – and mostly all downhill!

But what is also frightening is that these girls, and this entire famous family, are major  media and celebrity superstars. People can’t seem to get enough of the entire bunch. And those who adore them, and hang on their every move, are mainly young impressionable kids and adults. This highly dysfunctional bunch have become huge role models and multiple millions would love to be in their shoes and live life just as they do.
The problem is that many in culture today are doing just that.

But this extended family has found a way to cash in on their immoral lifestyles and much of America have embraced it all and revere them highly. It is both sad and even scary because the Bible is clear on what is and is not proper moral and ethical behavior. And the importance of that is summed up in Proverbs 14:34. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.”  And sin is clearly revealed throughout the Scriptures in passages like Galatians 5:19-21 and Ephesians 5:3. God’s high expectations concerning our conduct is summarized in 1 Peter 1:16. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”  So God’s desire is to have us all strive to live in the manner He has prescribed in His word.  And in a word that is simply ‘Christ-likeness’.

The antics of the Jenner/Kardasian crew, and others who live like them, are most unfortunate. It no longer seems to shock most of us anymore. And that is beyond tragic because it should! And the only way to have this kind of behavior offend our sense of righteousness and decency, and not fall prey to its godless influence, is to be well grounded in Scriptural truth. (2 Timothy 3:16)  King David, who knew something about falling into sin and getting back out. And he put it this way in Psalm 119:9-11.

“How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word. 

10 With my whole heart I have sought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 

11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.”

Bill Breckenridge

So Many Christmas Shows

Each and every year, the Christmas season kicks into high gear just as Thanksgiving arrives. In reality, some of the Christmas celebration and landscape transformation comes even before for the big day of thanks rolls around. And without question Black Friday certainly reveals that December 25th is not too  far away.

But one of the signs that the season is upon us is the relentless flood TV of specials that seem to come our way nearly nonstop. Some of these have been around forever and bring back fond memories of our childhood. For instance, the season cannot go by without the airing of classic productions like “Rudolph”, “White Christmas”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “Frosty”, “It’s A Wonderful Life” and, of course, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.

Then, too, there is a second level of programs, some a bit newer, that have become part of the fabric of the season as well. These would include titles like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, “Elf”, “Home Alone”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “Muppet Christmas”, “Polar Express”, “The Santa Claus”, and one of my all-time favorites, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”.

Along with these, another large collection of seasonal programming has come into being. This is by way of the Hallmark Channel, which is widely known for family friendly content. The network’s Christmas shows also begin around Thanksgiving and seem to be on the air seven days a week. The story lines are often somewhat predicable. Many seem to end up with a happy and romantic conclusion somewhere out in the country on Christmas Eve as the snow gently begins to fall. Sound familiar?

But as I thought about the large majority of these shows, and even much of the Christmas music we hear, it dawned on me that they have one thing in common. Despite the warm memories they conjure up, and their undeniable entertainment value, they have little to do with the deep significance of the holiday they revolve around. Without question, I adore some of these programs and always will, and I always try to take in my favorites if possible. But how many of them solidly explain, or even make reference to, the coming of the incarnate Son of God in that manger long ago? We can watch the vast majority of these and never hear that Christ came to earth and was wrapped in human flesh in order to have God and sinners reconciled.

So the reality is that watching many of these various holiday programs will better provide a good grasp on the fictional activities at the North Pole each year. As a result, many today can describe what Santa’s army of elves do, the method he transports his goodies about, and can even recite the names of  his famous flying creatures that drag his legendary sled around the entire globe in just one night. This part of the season is not so much wrong, but it just needs to be balanced out with the true historical, spiritual and eternal account of the incarnation of Christ.

But there is just one show in particular that has distinguished itself from the pack. It first aired on December 9, 1965. The format was that of a cartoon, and the budget was a mere $92,000. The voices of the various characters were actually those of the young neighborhood kids of the author Charles Schultz. Many of those who recited their adorable parts were too young to even read at the time. This, of course, is the most beloved holiday show of them all – “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Most know the music by heart and can repeat many of the show’s humorous lines. But it is the profound words uttered near the end that make this program so special and so unique.

Throughout the show, a reflective Charlie Brown is struggling to find inner peace and the true meaning of Christmas. All he sees is massive materialism and consumerism all about him. In a desperate moment, while trying to direct a pageant, he cries out to his very distracted cast, “Does anyone know what Christmas is all about?’  It is at that moment of personal crisis that little Linus slowly shuffles to the center of the stage with his famous blanket in tow. He calls for a spotlight and then proceeds to quote a portion of the Gospel of Luke chapter 2 from memory.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.”

Linus then walks slowly back over to Charlie Brown and gently says, “That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” And, indeed, he was dead right! In this simple, short and very inexpensive program, the true meaning of Christ’s first coming was clearly laid out. And it did so by using only the words of Scripture no less. Christmas is about tidings of great joy! And the source of that joy is the Savior who arrived in Bethlehem but who would one day purchase man’s redemption through His sacrifice on a cross.

There are many wonderful shows and films at this most wonderful time of the year. They inspire and entertain. They make us laugh and they make us cry. And they help get us in the mood for the holidays. But be sure this year to also make the true point  of the season the real focal point of the season as did Linus over 50 years ago. And make sure to publicly give “Glory to God in the highest” and thereby convey to all you meet the true significance of the blessed holiday they may already enjoy.

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Bill Breckenridge

Thanksgiving Perspective

It is the holiday season once again with the official start being Thanksgiving of course. And it is a holiday that most all observe in some way or other. But there are far fewer who really grasp it on its deepest and most significant level – specifically the giving of praise and thanks to God!

Recent times in America  have been extra difficult and traumatic. This has been seen especially in the area of domestic violence. First, it was the horrific scene at a Las Vegas concert where 58 were murdered and over 500 injured. Not long after that came the brutal attack on a Texas Church that saw some 26 executed by a lone gunman on a Sunday morning. And then shortly thereafter, another gunman went on a rampage in California. His 45-minute attack on random victims took the lives of 4.before he crashed his truck into a school building and injuring a few of the children there.

Perhaps you are wondering why I bring up a rather dismal subject at this particular season? But before answering, first let me state that the loss of every single soul, no matter where or how it occurs, is dreadful beyond words. And that is because every life matters infinitely to God. We are all made in His image according to Scripture.But there are places on earth so brutal as to make America look like Disneyland in comparison.  For example, in 2010 there were nearly 41, 000 murders in Brazil alone. And the same amount occurred in India.  And in places like this, these may well be a conservative numbers.

Yes, pain and agony occur everywhere. But the level of suffering in some places just defies description. And yet living in 21^ST century America remains a huge blessing even with the problems that still do occur.  So there needs to be proper perspective, appreciation and a thankful attitude for the many blessings, benefits and opportunities we enjoy in nation still so mightily blessed of God.

In 1Thessalonians we read this. ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give  thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’ And the previous verse gives some context to these words. ‘See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone.’ We are told to rejoice constantly even in the midst of hard circumstances. We are directed to remain thankful for our blessings both large and small. And nowhere does it indicate there that we are to do these things only when life is fabulous and when we are not suffering in some way.  Anyone can pull that off with little or no effort. I recently heard someone say, “I guess if you are going to have faith, it can’t just be when the miracles happen, but also when they do not’ 

As Christians, not only do we own the ultimate blessing of salvation through Christ, but we also possess the indwelling Spirit of God. This provides a joy and inner peace that passes all human understanding even when life becomes downright rugged. God's will is that we be thankful for what He has done for us and that we also rely on Him throughout life's many ups and downs.  And I trust this will be our attitude on this Thanksgiving and on every other day of the year as well. 

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

‘Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.’ (Psalm 107:8-9)

Bill Breckenridge