‘Recline against Jesus,’ Compton urges pastors

SHERWOOD – Doug Compton, an Arkansas Baptist evangelist from Paragould, challenged pastors to “recline” against Jesus.

ComptonCompton spoke during the Tuesday morning session of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Evangelism and Church Growth Conference Jan. 24.

Compton, who preaches in many youth events, told pastors that teenagers want rules in their lives. “We need to step up to the plate and decide if we are gonna live for Christ or live for the world.”

Referencing John 13, where John reclined against Jesus during the last supper, Compton said there was “no protocol” for John’s response to Jesus but intimacy with Him. “Pastors, are you reclining against Jesus,” asked Compton. “Do you spend time in His word daily?”

Compton said Christians wasted an opportunity to proclaim Christ when the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks occurred in the United States. “We chose not to recline against Christ,” he said.

“I’m not going to miss it again,” said Compton. “I’m gonna seek God with all my heart.”

He said the current generation needs people who will do the same.

Compton asked pastors to consider whether or not they had ever “missed an opportunity” God gave them because they were worried about other things. “People need the Lord and it’s your job to tell them about Him,” he said.

Comparing John, who reclined against Jesus, with Peter, who was also at the table, Compton said though Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times, He still served him. “I am like Peter a lot of days,” he said. “What amazes me is that God still lets me stay at the table. He loves me that much.”

Speaking to youth pastors specifically, Compton said, “You better be in the Word because you are on the firing lines. You are being attacked.

“Will you develop an intimate relationship with Christ so you can recline against Him – or are you content just being at the table?”

Compton said one example of reclining against Christ was having a daily quiet time with God. “If you will get in His Word, you will find His will and you’ll do things His way,” he explained.

“Don’t you think it’s about time we reclined against Jesus?”