I was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ while in high school.
My life was radically changed, July 3, 1964, during a family camp in Sanders, Idaho. After coming home from that camp I would occasionally visit the home of some new friends made at the camp.
Jim became a very good friend.
His dad was a pastor on the north side of Spokane, Washington. Dale and his wife were the youth leaders at the church in Spokane Valley where I was attending regularly. He worked for Armor Meats in Spokane.
Going to the home of these two friends was an amazing experience for me.
Walking into their house was like walking into a sanctuary. There was an atmosphere very different from anything I had known. The light in the house was brighter.
I heard George Beverly Shea for the first time at Jim’s house.
His mom loved the music of this man who sang for Billy Graham. I heard intercessory pray for the first time while visiting Dale’s home.
It was more than the music or hearing someone praying, it was a powerful awareness of being in a holy place.
There was peace, yet more than peace, it was serenity. This was totally foreign to me, but fully aware this was a Christian home. While, uncomfortable at first, it was good and I was drawn to their presence more and more.
I wanted what they had in my life.
That is what Jesus was talking about when He said:
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV).
The light was shining bright in these homes. It revealed how much darkness was in my own.
The salt was very tasty in these godly families and I wanted more.
That is what our Lord was talking about.
Every disciple is to be a sanctuary, the
