Category Archives: In memoriam

Dr. Mike Lawyer

I am so thankful to have worked with Mike Lawyer at Christ Church for the past five years and had the opportunity to sit under his teaching and example in classes and observing his counseling sessions.

One thing that I will always remember from Mike is how he cheerfully cared for those he met with. He was never phased by someone’s sin or suffering, but always pointed them to Christ. He taught me that sometimes the most important question to ask someone is, “Where is Jesus in all of this?” A question that brings their focus to the center of everything – our sympathetic Savior and the comfort that He offers in all circumstances.

And for Mike, Jesus was always present. Jesus was at his side through the end of this earthly life, welcoming him further up and further in. And now Mike is present with Him in perfect fellowship forevermore and has heard the words we all desire to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

It is now all pure joy for Mike in the presence of his master and friend. And it will be pure joy for any that will come to Christ, for He freely offers forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.

Don’t delay! Run to Christ today, like our friend and pastor Mike did. Glory awaits.

Hopeful Mourning

This exhortation was delivered to Christ Church Downtown on May 23, 2021.

This week, as a church body we find ourselves in a time of corporate mourning, afflicted with the tragic death of a dear brother. And as we are all members of one Body, we certainly feel, even if comparatively so small, a tinge of the pain that is much, much stronger for some of our brothers and sisters.

In the midst of this grief, I am reminded of how we as Christians truly are a peculiar people in this world. Our response to suffering and death is similar in some ways, and yet fundamentally foreign to the world’s response. Yes, we weep and we mourn… we are not called to be unfeeling Stoics. But we do these things with a firm, genuine, and powerful hope.

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