Happy Father’s Day – My Dad’s Experience

2 Corinthians 12:2–4 (NIV) “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.” This passage reflects the profound nature of the gospel experience.

(Written by the Apostle Paul between 55–57 A.D., believed to describe his own experience.)

The Gospel Changes Everything

The word “gospel” means good news—news that brings joy because something miraculous happened in history. For me, the most powerful example of that is my Father’s transformation. This is the gospel according to George Edward Tolbert, as witnessed by me, his son.

Jesus, the Light of the World

John 8:12 – “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

Genesis 1:3 – “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.”

John 1:4–5 – “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.”

Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Two Witnesses, One Truth

This message will be shared in two parts. Today, you’ll read my eyewitness account. Next Sunday, you’ll hear from another witness—my nephew Andrew Logan—who wrote down his account of his Grandfather’s experience years ago.  Like the four Gospels, our stories are different perspectives of the same divine event. Both of us lived it. Hundreds witnessed it.

The Life Changing Experience Changed Him

At age 71, my father had what he called an “out-of-body experience.” His spirit left his body, he soared at incredible speed, and was enveloped in radiant light. At his side stood a divine presence—nail-scarred hands and feet revealed it was Jesus.

That moment transformed him:

• He became gentle and compassionate, even toward all animals.
• He said, “I lived the first 71 years of my life for all the wrong reasons.”
• He shared his story constantly—with family, friends, and even strangers on the streets.
• He rescued a mangy dog—once he might’ve shot it. Now he saved it.
• His story led a high school friend who was a lifelong alcoholic to change his life and follow Christ.
• Another man left his career, entered seminary, and became a preacher.
• He shared his testimony in airport terminals with complete strangers each time he came to pick me up or drop me off.
• When I left after one visit, he smiled and said, “Son, do you notice anything different?” I said, “Yes—you’re not crying.” He replied, “That’s right, Son. I know we’ll see each other again in Heaven.” I witnessed the Peace of Christ in my Dad.  Until his “Experience”  he had cried with my every departure.

Storing Up Treasures

Matthew 6:19–21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Acts 20:24 (ESV) – “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course… and testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

He believed his heavenly treasures were souls and lives changed by Christ through his testimony. He said, “I spent the first 71 years working for the wrong things. Now, I work to save souls.” That was his joy and his peace. He was sheltered in the arms of God.

1 John 1:5 – “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”

Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for transforming hearts and revealing Yourself to those who seek You. May we boldly share Your light. in Jesus Name  Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Josh Turner – I Saw The Light 

Dig Deeper

Go Tell It On The Mountain – Share His Story 

My reflections are shared as a celebration of Christ in my life.

Have a great week and keep your Spirits high.  Hugs,  Bill

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Sources

For additional scriptures and study, go to GotQuestions.org