Episode 1367

The Challenge of the Gospel – Mike O’Dowd pt 1

Published on: 12th October, 2023

The Challenge of the Gospel

Mike O’Dowd - Pt 1

We all love a good story. And one of the all-time great story tellers was Jesus. Amen! He almost always told his stories, called “parables,” in order to leave a memorable thought with his listeners.

Well, our guest today is the same way. He loves to tell stories in order to make his point.

Mike O'Dowd spent 24 years as a pilot in the Air Force, flying combat missions across seven deployments from 1985-2010. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valor in Combat. Today, he serves as the pastor of Leptondale Bible Church. In addition, he is a published author, with his debut novel, "The Gospel: A Redemption and Restoration Story."

Pastor Michael uses the power of story to lead his readers through the epic message of good news beginning in Genesis (where it all started). He continues all the way to Revelation, where this amazing story ends and, as the Bible says, “All things become new.” Amen!

This book, “The Gospel: A Redemption and Restoration Story” describes doctrinal truth in story form, where God is the hero, and we are being saved. This book will help pastors and congregants alike, to understand the biblical details that saves us – and keeps us saved. Amen! Praise God.

Help me welcome to the program, Pastor Michael O’Dowd! Pastor, it is a blessing to have you on the program today! I do appreciate your time!

Let me just start here…you were an A-10 pilot in Louisiana. Let me guess – Barksdale AFB in Alexandria?

I bet you had some mission runs out at the Peason Ridge area? Correct?

I was a Cavalry officer stationed there up until 1989, when I left service. But I loved the Wart Hogs. We did Combined Arms live fire all the time with the A-10’s.

You’re motivation to seek God started, or coalesced at least, on your trip from the states to Saudi Arabia flying the A-10 through a thunderstorm. Share that experience with us and what happened once you arrived?

As we discuss your book, “The Gospel: A Redemption and Restoration Story,” I want to ask you, first of all, “Why” did you write this book? But why this book now?

You are focused having churches embrace the “Great Commission.” Now, yes, it does involved getting people born again… but the command portion is to “go and make disciples,” which is the next step after getting them saved.

Folks, we may never be called upon to fly an A-10 in combat as Pastor Mike O’Dowd did starting out – but we are called be witnesses for Jesus which is what he’s doing now! Amen!

Just like Pastor Mike, we have our own back story. It is different from everyone around you. But yet, our end story should be the same! Amen! We need to witness for Jesus. We need to make disciples for Jesus!

Pastor Mike’s book, “The Gospel: A Redemption and Restoration Story,” will help you to fulfill your end story! Amen!

Drop down into the show notes and click the links right there! Order your copy of this great book. In fact, order two or three copies and pass them out to your friends – especially if you are in the ministry! Amen! Buy a copy for your pastor, too! I know he will appreciate it. Amen!