Two races well run: Harry Reeder and Tim Keller

Yesterday and today, the world lost two remarkable men of God who profoundly influenced my life: Pastor Harry Reeder and Pastor Tim Keller. Their passing has left my heart heavy, yet as a child of God, I find solace in the promise of resurrection. I want to honor their legacies and share how their teachings about Jesus, the gospel, and justice shaped my spiritual journey.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Pastor Harry Reeder: A Life Dedicated to Christ

Pastor Harry Reeder was a beacon of light in the Christian community. His passion for Jesus was contagious, and his unwavering commitment to the gospel was truly inspiring. Pastor Reeder emphasized the importance of personal transformation through a relationship with Christ throughout his ministry. As a young believer in Charlotte, NC, he taught me that genuine faith leads to a life of love, service, and sacrifice.

One of the aspects of Dr. Reeder's teaching that impacted me deeply was his emphasis on justice. He believed that the gospel should transform individuals and engage with social and cultural issues. He challenged me to seek justice and mercy, to stand up for the marginalized and oppressed, and to be a voice for the voiceless. His teachings opened my eyes to the biblical mandate for justice and helped me understand that the gospel compels us to pursue righteousness and equity actively.

I was honored to attend high school with Dr. Reeder’s kids and play soccer with his son, Ike. As a new believer, going to youth group at Christ Covenant Church introduced me to the doctrines of grace.

Attending Dr. Harry Reeder's Wilberforce Conference at Christ Covenant Church in Charlotte, NC, was a transformative experience for me as a young believer, igniting my passion for church history. With its insightful lectures and engaging discussions, the conference delved into the profound impact of historical figures like William Wilberforce, who championed justice and stood unwaveringly for their faith. Witnessing Dr. Reeder's passion and depth of knowledge left an indelible mark on me, compelling me to delve into the rich tapestry of church history and discover the faithful men and women who shaped our faith. It instilled a deep appreciation for the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before, inspiring me to embrace their legacy and pursue a vibrant, informed faith.

Pastor Tim Keller: A Voice of Winsome Witness and Grace

Pastor Tim Keller was a gifted communicator whose profound insights into the Scriptures enriched my understanding of God's Word. His ability to address complex theological concepts with simplicity and clarity was truly remarkable. Through his books, sermons, and podcasts, Pastor Keller taught me how to engage with intellectual challenges to the Christian faith and helped me grow in my understanding of Jesus and His gospel.

Pastor Keller's battle with pancreatic cancer was a testament to his unwavering faith amid suffering. It impacted us even more as we walked a similar road of pancreatic cancer in our family. His example of finding hope and peace in Christ, even in the face of adversity, strengthened my trust in God's sovereignty. He taught me that the resurrection power of Jesus sustains us in the darkest of times, reminding us that our ultimate hope lies not in this temporary world but in the eternal promises of God.

Rejoicing in Resurrection

Though my heart is heavy with the loss of these two godly pastors, I find great comfort in the truth of the resurrection. As believers, we have the assurance that death does not have the final say. Harry Reeder and Tim Keller lived their lives dedicated to Christ and have joined Him in eternity. They have experienced the ultimate fulfillment of their faith and are in the presence of the Savior they loved and served.

While we grieve their absence, let us also rejoice in the impact they made during their time on Earth. Their teachings, passion for Jesus, and commitment to justice will continue to bear fruit in the lives of countless individuals, including mine. Their legacies will live on through the many lives they touched and the transformative power of the gospel they faithfully proclaimed.

The unexpected passing of Pastor Harry Reeder and Pastor Tim Keller has left a void in the Christian community. They were two men of God who dedicated their lives to proclaiming the gospel, teaching about Jesus, and championing justice. While their departure leaves my heart heavy, I find solace in the truth of the resurrection and our eternal hope in Christ.

Harry Reeder and Tim Keller have left an indelible mark on my life. Through their teachings, I have come to understand Jesus more deeply, grasp the power of the gospel, and embrace the call to pursue justice in a broken world. Their legacies will continue to inspire and challenge me to live out my faith with passion.

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,

14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

Psalm 116