So many times people have asked me a simple question: “What is Steve Gaines really like?” My answer was always the same…he is exactly who you see him to be. While I knew Steve up close, I didn’t know a different Steve.
I had the opportunity of a lifetime to watch Steve up close and personal on an ongoing basis for many years. We traveled thousands of miles, flew many times together, and would even share a hotel room on occasion. Steve Gaines was the most “what you see is what you get” person I’ve ever met.
When Steve stepped from this life into everlasting life, we know he gained a great reward. But his gain was earth’s great loss.
When Steve Gaines went to be with Jesus, earth lost a bold preacher of the Gospel. He never felt more alive than when he was standing in the pulpit and proclaiming the Word of God. And it wasn’t a show. Every Sunday when he would finish preaching, he would go back into his office, exhausted, and spend time in prayer thanking the Lord for giving him another opportunity to preach the Gospel.
When Steve Gaines went to Jesus, earth lost a soul-winner. He was passionate about seeing people come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Whenever he met someone, the Gospel was always on his mind. I could never count how many times I heard him ask somebody “Do you know the Lord Jesus?” Sharing Jesus with the lost was his priority.
When Steve Gaines went to Jesus, earth lost a prayer warrior. Many people talk about prayer… Steve prayed. Many times I would walk into his office and find him lying face down on the ground speaking with the Lord. Prayer was not Steve’s last resort; it was his first response.
While Steve was given many gifts, he didn’t keep them to himself. He was faithful to take those gifts and make deposits in others. That’s why I’m here today. Steve took time to notice me and to invest in me. And for many of you, that is your story as well.
When the Apostle Paul came to the end of his life, he wrote a letter to Timothy, his son in the ministry. I believe Paul’s words serve as a perfect challenge for us today: “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” 2 Timothy 1:14 (ESV).
While Steve was a great preacher, he taught me to preach the Gospel. He gave me opportunities when I had no idea what I was doing. He encouraged me. He was always available to answer my questions, while never assuming that he had all the answers. And I know I’m not the only one.
Did Steve’s life strengthen and encourage your pastoral ministry? While Steve is in Heaven, his impact on the preaching of the Gospel remains strong on this earth. I want to challenge you to guard the deposit that Steve made in your life.
While Steve was a soul-winner, he taught me to care for people’s souls. Steve was always challenging me to share Jesus with others and to make it the priority of my ministry to see lost people come to Jesus. He taught me so much about seeing people the way Jesus does. Because of his influence, I find myself asking this question often: “Do you know the Lord Jesus?” And I know I’m not the only one.
Did Steve’s life strengthen your love for lost people? I want to challenge you to guard the deposit that Steve made in your life.
While Steve was a great prayer warrior, he taught me how to pray. He also taught me how to fast (which he defined as prayer in high gear). Not only did I get to watch him pray, he invited me to pray with him. I can’t count how many times we went “prayer walking” together simply asking for the Lord to move. He didn’t consider himself an expert in prayer. He just loved talking to Jesus. Because of Steve, Jesus and I have had many more conversations. And I know I’m not the only one.
Did Steve’s life strengthen your prayer life? I want to challenge you to guard the deposit that Steve made in your life.
When Jesus took Steve to heaven, earth lost a great man. But more important than that…
Because Steve lived for Jesus:
- There are many bold preachers…
- There are many soul-winners…
- There are many who have learned to pray…
We must now guard that deposit, and honor it by making that same deposit in others. The seed Steve planted is bearing and will continue to bear much fruit.
This world is better because Jesus gave us Steve.
I love you, friend, and I’ll see you soon.
