September 4th, 2025
by Pastor Mark McAdow
by Pastor Mark McAdow
By Pastor Mark McAdow
I read in the Enid News & Eagle yesterday a full-page article titled “Unconditional Surrender.” The article, of course, was about the ending of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945 — 80 years ago. Most of us were not alive at that time, or if we were we didn’t understand the significance of the event that historic day.
We all live now with a greater understanding of how that World War that ended, after the United States dropped the first, and thankfully only, atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing tens of thousands but also potentially saving thousands of lives if the war had continued. The treaty was signed on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, with little fanfare, by General Douglas MacArthur and Japanese representatives, closing with these words: “Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world and that God will preserve it always. These proceedings are closed.”
The problem wasn’t and isn’t with God and His desire for peace, but with us. He sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ that the entire world might know lasting peace for all eternity. No Jesus. No peace. Know Jesus. Know peace. What is required? Unconditional surrender. What’s the sign? White flags and/or raised hands to the Lord! We spoke of that just last Sunday as a sign of genuine worship — hands lifted to our Father in praise!
Have you unconditionally surrendered to Jesus? It’s the only way you will ever worship Him in spirit and truth, which is what the Father desires. John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and truth.” I did that years ago at Will Rogers Methodist Church in Tulsa. I surrendered my heart and life to Jesus Christ. There wasn’t much fanfare at the time on earth, but I’ve read in Heaven there is great rejoicing when even one sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
Surrendering doesn’t come easily. It’s costly. It costs you your pride but promises you freedom like no other. You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free! Don’t be afraid to surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord. It’s the very decision that will change your life for the better forever. I’ve discovered only born-again people can worship God.
Looking forward to worshipping our Lord Jesus with you this Sunday as we celebrate Holy Communion together as the Willow View family. I hope you will be at The Table this Sunday.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark
Men: Remember our First Friday Men’s Breakfast at Wee Too in the morning at 7:00.
Ladies: For those pre-registered, we’re hosting a women’s luncheon this Sunday at noon in the parlor. The women’s leader for the Heartland Annual Conference is coming to share with us – Cathy Crawford from Claremore GMC.
I read in the Enid News & Eagle yesterday a full-page article titled “Unconditional Surrender.” The article, of course, was about the ending of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945 — 80 years ago. Most of us were not alive at that time, or if we were we didn’t understand the significance of the event that historic day.
We all live now with a greater understanding of how that World War that ended, after the United States dropped the first, and thankfully only, atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing tens of thousands but also potentially saving thousands of lives if the war had continued. The treaty was signed on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, with little fanfare, by General Douglas MacArthur and Japanese representatives, closing with these words: “Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world and that God will preserve it always. These proceedings are closed.”
The problem wasn’t and isn’t with God and His desire for peace, but with us. He sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ that the entire world might know lasting peace for all eternity. No Jesus. No peace. Know Jesus. Know peace. What is required? Unconditional surrender. What’s the sign? White flags and/or raised hands to the Lord! We spoke of that just last Sunday as a sign of genuine worship — hands lifted to our Father in praise!
Have you unconditionally surrendered to Jesus? It’s the only way you will ever worship Him in spirit and truth, which is what the Father desires. John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and truth.” I did that years ago at Will Rogers Methodist Church in Tulsa. I surrendered my heart and life to Jesus Christ. There wasn’t much fanfare at the time on earth, but I’ve read in Heaven there is great rejoicing when even one sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
Surrendering doesn’t come easily. It’s costly. It costs you your pride but promises you freedom like no other. You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free! Don’t be afraid to surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord. It’s the very decision that will change your life for the better forever. I’ve discovered only born-again people can worship God.
Looking forward to worshipping our Lord Jesus with you this Sunday as we celebrate Holy Communion together as the Willow View family. I hope you will be at The Table this Sunday.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark
Men: Remember our First Friday Men’s Breakfast at Wee Too in the morning at 7:00.
Ladies: For those pre-registered, we’re hosting a women’s luncheon this Sunday at noon in the parlor. The women’s leader for the Heartland Annual Conference is coming to share with us – Cathy Crawford from Claremore GMC.
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