A Tribute to Jack
Recently, a dear friend of mine went to be with the Lord. Because of some common experience and interest, Jack Moulton was a friend like no other I have ever had.
I met Jack several years ago, but it was in the last year or so that we became fast friends. At the time, he lived in Dallas. Later, when he married Glenda, the love of his life, he moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. We were phone-pals. We talked on the phone frequently and at length.
At times, like two old soldiers, Jack and I told war stories. He told me about his numerous campaigns—in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, a few of his defeats and his many victories. In the battle of life, Jack was a veteran of many crusades. I told him about my battles, scars, and a few successes. I will miss listening to his war stories.
At other times, like two specialists on the floor of the New York stock exchange, Jack and I shared trade secrets. Actually, this was very one-sided. Jack was the veteran with decades of experience. I was the kid sitting at his feet with awe and wonder. When Jack began investing in stocks, better than thirty years ago, the fee per trade was $250. In the last year, he became a day trader paying fees of $1.00 per trade. I listened and learned a lot. I will miss listening to his financial exploits.
Most of the time, like two “theologians,” Jack and I grappled with difficult theological issues. We covered a wide range of theological problems. The last one we struggled with was by far and away the one we delved into the most.
In some circles, the theological issue being debated is how much a person has to know in order to come to Christ. More specifically, must people know about the cross and, if so, how much must they understand about it. Some are saying it is not necessary to know that Jesus died, only that He is the One who grants eternal life.
Because of my involvement in evangelism, people ask me about this issue. As a result, a few months ago, I began an in-depth study of the word “believe” in the Gospel of John. When I told Jack what I was doing, he and I began to discuss it by the hour—on the phone. As I shared with him my conclusions, he shared his insights with me.
For example, one day Jack called to remind me that Paul spoke of the offense of the cross. Indeed, Paul wrote, “I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased” (Gal. 5:11). Jack’s point was that since it is the cross that offends people, if it is possible to led people to Christ without telling them about the cross, Paul would have done it, but he did not. He was willing to suffer persecution rather than not tell people Jesus died for their sins on the cross. Excellent point Jack, excellent point!
Jack died clinging to the cross. We should all learn that lesson from my friend, Jack.
© G. Michael Cocoris, 2/25/2008
I met Jack several years ago, but it was in the last year or so that we became fast friends. At the time, he lived in Dallas. Later, when he married Glenda, the love of his life, he moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. We were phone-pals. We talked on the phone frequently and at length.
At times, like two old soldiers, Jack and I told war stories. He told me about his numerous campaigns—in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, a few of his defeats and his many victories. In the battle of life, Jack was a veteran of many crusades. I told him about my battles, scars, and a few successes. I will miss listening to his war stories.
At other times, like two specialists on the floor of the New York stock exchange, Jack and I shared trade secrets. Actually, this was very one-sided. Jack was the veteran with decades of experience. I was the kid sitting at his feet with awe and wonder. When Jack began investing in stocks, better than thirty years ago, the fee per trade was $250. In the last year, he became a day trader paying fees of $1.00 per trade. I listened and learned a lot. I will miss listening to his financial exploits.
Most of the time, like two “theologians,” Jack and I grappled with difficult theological issues. We covered a wide range of theological problems. The last one we struggled with was by far and away the one we delved into the most.
In some circles, the theological issue being debated is how much a person has to know in order to come to Christ. More specifically, must people know about the cross and, if so, how much must they understand about it. Some are saying it is not necessary to know that Jesus died, only that He is the One who grants eternal life.
Because of my involvement in evangelism, people ask me about this issue. As a result, a few months ago, I began an in-depth study of the word “believe” in the Gospel of John. When I told Jack what I was doing, he and I began to discuss it by the hour—on the phone. As I shared with him my conclusions, he shared his insights with me.
For example, one day Jack called to remind me that Paul spoke of the offense of the cross. Indeed, Paul wrote, “I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased” (Gal. 5:11). Jack’s point was that since it is the cross that offends people, if it is possible to led people to Christ without telling them about the cross, Paul would have done it, but he did not. He was willing to suffer persecution rather than not tell people Jesus died for their sins on the cross. Excellent point Jack, excellent point!
Jack died clinging to the cross. We should all learn that lesson from my friend, Jack.
© G. Michael Cocoris, 2/25/2008