Crystal Cathedral Gives Invitation

[Michael B. Ross]

I record Hour of Power each week. The music inspires me, and I often listen to the interview of their weekly guest. I have never listened to the sermon. I have always struggled with the theology of the Schullers.

I have noticed, however, a swing by the Schullers more toward the evangelical mainstream the last few years.

This morning's guest was Evil Knievel. He told of his recent conversion to Jesus Christ. I am always skeptical, but I was convinced and moved. He told of waking up in the middle of the night in his hotel in Florida. He walked out on the balcony and cried out, "Satan, you bast...! You no longer will have me. I give my life to Jesus Christ." He told the CC congregation that suddenly he sensed Jesus Christ come into his life. "I am," he said, "no longer a sinner."

Robert Schuller then baptized him, and then Schuller's son stood and invited people to come forward who wanted to accept Jesus Christ. Dozens came forward while the choir sang "Amazing Grace" and "Softly and Tenderly."

The younger Schuller began to cry and speak of God's interrupting the service and that he might not have time to preach. Finally he asked the microphones to be turned off; he turned and wept followed by a good ole nose blowing.

The congregation stood and gave a standing ovation of approval for Schuller being so explicit about giving one's life to Jesus Christ and his willingness to adjust the service for what he called a "Holy Spirit day." I think the invitation was planned, but no one was prepared for the impact of Evil's testimony and the overwhelming response to the call to come to Christ.

The experience was inspiring for me. I also noted how this church and its leaders known for decades as being cutting edge and for promoting a human-based salvation telecast a service that reminded me of my own COTN childhood experiences.

[Thomas Cook]

I record Hour of Power each week. The music inspires me, and I often listen to the interview of their weekly guest. I have never listened to the sermon. I have always struggled with the theology of the Schullers.

I have noticed, however, a swing by the Schullers more toward the evangelical mainstream the last few years.

This morning's guest was Evil Knievel. He told of his recent conversion to Jesus Christ. I am always skeptical, but I was convinced and moved. He told of waking up in the middle of the night in his hotel in Florida. He walked out on the balcony and cried out, "Satan, you bast...! You no longer will have me. I give my life to Jesus Christ." He told the CC congregation that suddenly he sensed Jesus Christ come into his life. "I am," he said, "no longer a sinner."
.

.

Robert Schuller then baptized him, and then Schuller's son stood and invited people to come forward who wanted to accept Jesus Christ. Dozens came forward while the choir sang "Amazing Grace" and "Softly and Tenderly."

The younger Schuller began to cry and speak of God's interrupting the service and that he might not have time to preach. Finally he asked the microphones to be turned off; he turned and wept followed by a good ole nose blowing.

The congregation stood and gave a standing ovation of approval for Schuller being so explicit about giving one's life to Jesus Christ and his willingness to adjust the service for what he called a "Holy Spirit day." I think the invitation was planned, but no one was prepared for the impact of Evil's testimony and the overwhelming response to the call to come to Christ.

The experience was inspiring for me. I also noted how this church and its leaders known for decades as being cutting edge and for promoting a human-based salvation telecast a service that reminded me of my own COTN childhood experiences.


If he is now a believer(for which I am very happy!) can he still go by "Evil"
TC

[Gina Stevenson]

If he is now a believer(for which I am very happy!) can he still go by "Evil"
TC

But didn't he spell it "Evel" (which seems close enough---too close---to "evil," anyway)? Now he'll just have to be Robert Knievel, I guess, eh? (yeah, I caught it this morning, too, Mike). Good report there! Not a usual watch for me, either, but after reading something posted here this last week (prior to its airing), I decided in channel flipping this AM to check it out. Mr. Knievel isn't a guy to pull any punches ... he was much plainer than some guests have been when I've seen it sporadically in years past. ;)

[Michael B. Ross]

I caught the irony of it when I made my original post. Here is a guy called evil boldly witnessing to Jesus Christ.


And, yes, Gina, I think you are right. I believe his name is Evel. I started to look it up before I posted. I guess I should have.

I record Hour of Power each week. The music inspires me, and I often listen to the interview of their weekly guest. I have never listened to the sermon. I have always struggled with the theology of the Schullers.

I have noticed, however, a swing by the Schullers more toward the evangelical mainstream the last few years.

This morning's guest was Evil Knievel. He told of his recent conversion to Jesus Christ. I am always skeptical, but I was convinced and moved. He told of waking up in the middle of the night in his hotel in Florida. He walked out on the balcony and cried out, "Satan, you bast...! You no longer will have me. I give my life to Jesus Christ." He told the CC congregation that suddenly he sensed Jesus Christ come into his life. "I am," he said, "no longer a sinner."

Robert Schuller then baptized him, and then Schuller's son stood and invited people to come forward who wanted to accept Jesus Christ. Dozens came forward while the choir sang "Amazing Grace" and "Softly and Tenderly."

The younger Schuller began to cry and speak of God's interrupting the service and that he might not have time to preach. Finally he asked the microphones to be turned off; he turned and wept followed by a good ole nose blowing.

The congregation stood and gave a standing ovation of approval for Schuller being so explicit about giving one's life to Jesus Christ and his willingness to adjust the service for what he called a "Holy Spirit day." I think the invitation was planned, but no one was prepared for the impact of Evil's testimony and the overwhelming response to the call to come to Christ.

The experience was inspiring for me. I also noted how this church and its leaders known for decades as being cutting edge and for promoting a human-based salvation telecast a service that reminded me of my own COTN childhood experiences.

[Barb Bouldrey]

WOW...I am amazed.

Praise the Lord.

Too bad I did not have the flu today so I could have stayed home and watched it. LOL

Barb

[Beth Larpenter-Shurbutt]

I watched it before going to church this morning and almost had a shouting spell at the testimony of Mr. Knievel! What won't CNN or MSNBC do a story on him?!?!? You could tell that God had gotten a hold of him!!! PRAISE HIS NAME!!! God is still changing lives.

Beth

[Michael B. Ross]

I think you are right. I had recorded the program, and my wife wanted to watch it. I watched again with her, and we both were moved. His testimony had an unusual aura of genuineness. I also noticed this time that when the choir finished "Amazing Grace," there was this silence. No one was expecting such a response. Finally, they began singing "Softly and Tenderly."

My wife and I can't get over the irony, or should I say the mystery, of it. Evel Knievel of all people. Southern California. The Crystal Cathedral. The Robert Schullers. Yes, as you say, Praise His Name.

I watched it before going to church this morning and almost had a shouting spell at the testimony of Mr. Knievel! What won't CNN or MSNBC do a story on him?!?!? You could tell that God had gotten a hold of him!!! PRAISE HIS NAME!!! God is still changing lives.

Beth

[Beth Larpenter-Shurbutt]

Here is the Christianity Today Story!!

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/aprilweb-only/115-43.0.html

[Gina Stevenson]

I think you are right. I had recorded the program, and my wife wanted to watch it. I watched again with her, and we both were moved. His testimony had an unusual aura of genuineness. I also noticed this time that when the choir finished "Amazing Grace," there was this silence. No one was expecting such a response. Finally, they began singing "Softly and Tenderly."

My wife and I can't get over the irony, or should I say the mystery, of it. Evel Knievel of all people. Southern California. The Crystal Cathedral. The Robert Schullers. Yes, as you say, Praise His Name.

Agreed, Mr. Knievel did seem genuine ... I'd conclude that he was/is. As for that "mystery ... of southern Cali ... the Crystal Cathedral ... etc," was actually rather impressed when living in soCal and visited there just to see it. Actually, when hearing his story behind it all, it rather debunks those suggesting he wanted a "crystal" cathedral as a pompous material thing.

'Might sound like this if the background were ignored, but when hearing long ago how---having held church outside in a drive-in theatre for a few years---going inside just didn't feel right after being used to being in that soCal outside/sunshine/et al, it makes sense. He was thinking, "Glass ... let all that sunlight in that we had when worshipping outdoors, etc ..." not exactly, "I want something made of classy crystal. ;)

So, while I've not always agreed with him, a couple of his positive books (actually, think it was one of his, and one his wife wrote) have been a boost living amidst deep/harsh negativity. If they're getting "back to their roots," that's super! Look at all those people ... known names and otherwise ... who can now be affected by that, since it is not one of the smaller churches in southern California. :fav18