“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Brother Paul Jackson went home to be with the Lord Saturday, September 30, 2023. As I heard the news my mind was flooded with a lot of thoughts including this text. It sure fit him well. He was faithful to the Lord and His church until the day he died. I thank God for men like him.
I’ll sure miss him. A lot of people will. He was a good friend to me, to my family and to the church I pastor. I’d known him from the time I was small but most recently, he made us feel “at home” in our move from Ohio to Georgia. We had him preach here at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Hortense GA (where I pastor) and he had me preach at Landmark Baptist Church in Lyons (where he pastored). I appreciated that, especially during some tough times when he was a great encouragement to me.
He and my grandfather (James Hobbs) were close friends too. Brother Paul often told me the story of going to get fried chicken with grandpa at the gas station in South Shore Kentucky while he was up there preaching a multi week revival meeting. As I heard about Brother Jackson’s death, I couldn’t help but think about my grandpa and Brother Jackson meeting up again somewhere around the throne….enjoying such a better life than the good one God blessed them with here. One of these days, we’ll all be there too….that is, everyone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I’m thankful to have known Brother Paul but how much better it is to know Jesus Christ!
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
That’s where Brother Paul’s faith was all those years, and that’s what he was preaching. As we remember him, he’d want us to be sure to point others to Christ and continue our lives serving Him! Will you?
My prayers for the family and the church there in Lyons during this difficult time. I love you all!
(Picture taken November 6, 2021)