Comments on: Dr. Victor M. Matthews, “Farewell, Friend.” http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:06:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Alisa http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-3025 Alisa Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:29:15 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-3025 I just stumbled across this website doing a google search. I was looking up the famous warfare prayer written by Dr. Matthews. It was given to me about 12 or so years ago and I have kept it in a folder all these years. I had forgotten I had it until just a few days ago when I stumbled across where I had put it in folder. Wow, do I ever need to be incorporating it into my day! It needs to be retyped so I decided to see if I could pull up a copy...and so here I am, finding out that Dr. Matthews went to be with his Heavenly Father just a few short months ago. As I just stated, I had not had this out in years...I don't think it's mere coincidence the timing of finding this. My sympathy to all who have lost this Father figure...his legacy goes on as the "passes the baton"...may his great teachings and what he showed us carry on as we live the life Christ intends for us. I just stumbled across this website doing a google search. I was looking up the famous warfare prayer written by Dr. Matthews. It was given to me about 12 or so years ago and I have kept it in a folder all these years. I had forgotten I had it until just a few days ago when I stumbled across where I had put it in folder. Wow, do I ever need to be incorporating it into my day! It needs to be retyped so I decided to see if I could pull up a copy…and so here I am, finding out that Dr. Matthews went to be with his Heavenly Father just a few short months ago. As I just stated, I had not had this out in years…I don’t think it’s mere coincidence the timing of finding this. My sympathy to all who have lost this Father figure…his legacy goes on as the “passes the baton”…may his great teachings and what he showed us carry on as we live the life Christ intends for us.

]]> By: Sydna Masse http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2827 Sydna Masse Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:39:00 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2827 Bonnie, I just heard the news about your dear husband's death. He was a vital part of my family (Hawthorne) and I was blessed when he told me in 1997 that he had been praying for me for 25 years. His participation in my pregnancy center events were such an amazing miracle for all whom he prayed for. You and your family will remain in our prayers. He is indeed enjoying God's blessing now... Bonnie,

I just heard the news about your dear husband’s death. He was a vital part of my family (Hawthorne) and I was blessed when he told me in 1997 that he had been praying for me for 25 years. His participation in my pregnancy center events were such an amazing miracle for all whom he prayed for. You and your family will remain in our prayers. He is indeed enjoying God’s blessing now…

]]> By: Judy Nelson Barber http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2814 Judy Nelson Barber Sun, 25 May 2008 03:31:28 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2814 I just stumbled on this website and learned here that Dr. Matthews has gone to be with the Lord. I knew him during my time as a student and working at the college and seminary in the 70's, and he was one of the most remarkable Christians I have ever known. His walk with the Lord was evident in a way that is beyond description, that was strikingly real. Bonnie was wonderful as well, and a consistent model of godliness and kindness. It was a privilege to have known them both. I know he is dearly missed by you all. I just stumbled on this website and learned here that Dr. Matthews has gone to be with the Lord. I knew him during my time as a student and working at the college and seminary in the 70’s, and he was one of the most remarkable Christians I have ever known. His walk with the Lord was evident in a way that is beyond description, that was strikingly real. Bonnie was wonderful as well, and a consistent model of godliness and kindness. It was a privilege to have known them both. I know he is dearly missed by you all.

]]> By: Mary Swierenga http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2776 Mary Swierenga Fri, 09 May 2008 23:26:00 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2776 I have known Victor Matthews and precious Bonnie, his wife, for almost twenty years. Victor was friend, mentor, teacher of the truth, spiritual father, warrior, lover of God, overcomer, kind, gentle and humble. He truly was a "vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." II Tim. 2:21 Victor was very brilliant and knowledgeable yet he was able to transmit truth in a practical way that I could use in my daily live. He taught me and others that we are first and foremost spiritual beings. He said that when we pray somehow the Holy Spirit takes hold of our prayers and uses them for the glory of God. He shared the James 4:7 principle in that if we were unsure of a source of the problem we should shine the searchlight of God on it, submit to whatever was of God and then resist the enemy. We need to take charge of our thinking and bring it in line with Scripture and the character of God. This is just a sampling of the wisdom Victor imparted to me and many others who were priviledged to know him or to sit under his teaching or in his study! Victor used to say, "Truth is only powerful if practiced." He exemplifed this in his daily walk. He loved God above all and I never heard him say a negative comment about anyone. The last time my husband and I visited him, he grabbed both of our hand and prayed over us. I knew it was the last patriarchal blessing. In facing death, Victor was courageous, cheerful and filled with anticipation at the thought of seeing the Lord Jesus face to face. I know his intercessory prayer for us continues in heaven. I can just imagine him one day standing at the door of heaven as part of the welcoming party, just as he always greeted us on earth. Farewell dear friend, we will continue to pass on the baton of truth to those who remain. I have known Victor Matthews and precious Bonnie, his wife, for almost twenty years. Victor was friend, mentor, teacher of the truth, spiritual father, warrior, lover of God, overcomer, kind, gentle and humble. He truly was a “vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” II Tim. 2:21
Victor was very brilliant and knowledgeable yet he was able to transmit truth in a practical way that I could use in my daily live. He taught me and others that we are first and foremost spiritual beings. He said that when we pray somehow the Holy Spirit takes hold of our prayers and uses them for the glory of God. He shared the James 4:7 principle in that if we were unsure of a source of the problem we should shine the searchlight of God on it, submit to whatever was of God and then resist the enemy. We need to take charge of our thinking and bring it in line with Scripture and the character of God. This is just a sampling of the wisdom Victor imparted to me and many others who were priviledged to know him or to sit under his teaching or in his study!
Victor used to say, “Truth is only powerful if practiced.” He exemplifed this in his daily walk. He loved God above all and I never heard him say a negative comment about anyone.
The last time my husband and I visited him, he grabbed both of our hand and prayed over us. I knew it was the last patriarchal blessing. In facing death, Victor was courageous, cheerful and filled with anticipation at the thought of seeing the Lord Jesus face to face.
I know his intercessory prayer for us continues in heaven. I can just imagine him one day standing at the door of heaven as part of the welcoming party, just as he always greeted us on earth. Farewell dear friend, we will continue to pass on the baton of truth to those who remain.

]]> By: John Frye http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2564 John Frye Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:51:05 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2564 Phil (#28), Dr Matthews was really proud of his engines--his hobby. I enjoyed that aspect of Victor's many interests. Thanks so much for sharing your memories. Phil (#28),
Dr Matthews was really proud of his engines–his hobby. I enjoyed that aspect of Victor’s many interests. Thanks so much for sharing your memories.

]]> By: Phil Lund http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2556 Phil Lund Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:19:52 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2556 I was at a church in 1979. They were having a special speaker that everyone seemed excited about. His name - Victor Matthews. After the service I, like many, shook his hand on the way out the door. I was 19. Dr. Matthews was dressed in a suit and tie and I thought to myself on the way out - this man's hands have never seen hard work or grease or anything of the sort. Was I wrong. I ended up taking a number of courses from him. My favorite of all was "Christian Ethics" at 7:00 a.m. Anyways, later I was attending an auction sale and Dr. Matthews was there in overalls. He had a hobby of working on single cylinder engines. He bought several that day and I helped him load them in the trunk of his vehicle. His hands were covered in grease. This man was so practical, wise and humble and very down to Earth. He loved God. He loved his neighbor as himself. Today he is in paradise. I was at a church in 1979. They were having a special speaker that everyone seemed excited about. His name - Victor Matthews. After the service I, like many, shook his hand on the way out the door. I was 19. Dr. Matthews was dressed in a suit and tie and I thought to myself on the way out - this man’s hands have never seen hard work or grease or anything of the sort. Was I wrong. I ended up taking a number of courses from him. My favorite of all was “Christian Ethics” at 7:00 a.m. Anyways, later I was attending an auction sale and Dr. Matthews was there in overalls. He had a hobby of working on single cylinder engines. He bought several that day and I helped him load them in the trunk of his vehicle. His hands were covered in grease. This man was so practical, wise and humble and very down to Earth. He loved God. He loved his neighbor as himself. Today he is in paradise.

]]> By: John Frye http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2449 John Frye Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:45:32 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2449 Keith, We grieve with you the loss of this man--your spiritual grandfather. Thankyou for sharing your relationship to Victor. It underscores the impact Victor had on so many people. God bless you. Keith,
We grieve with you the loss of this man–your spiritual grandfather. Thankyou for sharing your relationship to Victor. It underscores the impact Victor had on so many people. God bless you.

]]> By: Keith http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2445 Keith Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:58:57 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2445 I never met Victor Matthews, and I am only So it may come as a bit of a shock to many of you that I mourn his loss deeply. You see, I am what you might call a "spiritual son" of a man who calls Victor his spiritual father. Through my friend, God has showed me his tenderness and his deep affection for me-- two things I had never grasped despite my strong Christian beliefs. And now I realize that they are... everything. My friend has been a son of Victor for over a decade, and I heard that he died just as I had finally decided to meet Victor for myself. I just wanted to thank him deeply for how he changed the life of my mentor. Victor passed the torch of spiritual love to the next generation, and that generation passes it down to mine already. I hope I will one day pass it down to those who come after me as well. Rest in peace Victor, my spiritual grandfather... I never met Victor Matthews, and I am only So it may come as a bit of a shock to many of you that I mourn his loss deeply. You see, I am what you might call a “spiritual son” of a man who calls Victor his spiritual father. Through my friend, God has showed me his tenderness and his deep affection for me– two things I had never grasped despite my strong Christian beliefs. And now I realize that they are… everything.

My friend has been a son of Victor for over a decade, and I heard that he died just as I had finally decided to meet Victor for myself. I just wanted to thank him deeply for how he changed the life of my mentor. Victor passed the torch of spiritual love to the next generation, and that generation passes it down to mine already. I hope I will one day pass it down to those who come after me as well.

Rest in peace Victor, my spiritual grandfather…

]]> By: John Frye http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2442 John Frye Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:54:28 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2442 Phil, I know that you and Victor were close friends and colleagues. He always spoke highly of you as a pastor, scholar and friend. All of us who knew Victor to any degree will miss this remarkable man and dedicated follower of Jesus. John Phil,
I know that you and Victor were close friends and colleagues. He always spoke highly of you as a pastor, scholar and friend. All of us who knew Victor to any degree will miss this remarkable man and dedicated follower of Jesus.
John

]]> By: Phil http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2441 Phil Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:42:44 +0000 http://www.jesustheradicalpastor.com/dr-victor-m-matthews-farewell-friend#comment-2441 John: I can't tell you how much comfort your posting about Victor has brought to me, and how much encouragement has come from the responses as I mourn the loss of him myself. Phil John: I can’t tell you how much comfort your posting about Victor has brought to me, and how much encouragement has come from the responses as I mourn the loss of him myself.
Phil

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