At the Church of the Open Door in downtown Los Angeles, a plaque was attached to the pulpit, visible only to the speaker, which read, “Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21). Everyone who spoke from the grand pulpit of that historic church was challenged by that verse. The response to their message was not due to their eloquent words, but because of lifting up Jesus Christ and making him known.
Perhaps it was this plaque that challenged Dr. J. Vernon McGee, as pastor of the church for twenty-one years. I have seldom heard anyone who lifted up Jesus Christ in a sermon more than he did. His desire was to cause his congregation to draw closer to Jesus. He had a definite impact on my life as Minister of Youth at Church of the Open Door.
My first job with NASA was at Edwards, CA in 1961-2
I recall accompanying my Sunday School group of High Schoolers to the Church of the Open Door and hearing J. Vernon