T.L. Osborn keeps his message simple
by Don McAreavy

Calgary Life Centre (CLC) celebrated its 10th anniversary this Easter with guest preacher T.L. Osborn. Their new gathering place, a renovated movie theatre, emphasizes experience, entertainment and makes an impression.

One knows they are in for a treat when they hear the pounding of a bass guitar in the parking lot and drawing closer only intensifies the yearning and churning. Inside, the theatre is festooned with banks of spotlights that set the mood as a ten member worship band provides a second-to-none melodic performance.

The church is in the process of building a larger facility and if the present citadel is any indication, be prepared to be mesmerized and have your ears tickled by the latest in gadget wizardry. This is a church geared towards the young, the emotional and those craving zest in their spiritual awakening. Staying contemporary they offer every convenience including ATM’s in the foyer for instant access to tithe and offering giving.

Celebrating their first Easter in the theatre, the CLC had to make a splash and this they did by giving a standing ovation to "the living legend and statesman for the Lord - T.L. Osborn." I’m sure the apostle Paul received such introductions as well.

Osborn was a long way from the Azusa Street meetings and the sawdust trail that marked the beginnings of Pentecostalism. In this modern palace of praise he gave a humble and sincere presentation and a simple Gospel message that was well received. One is left wondering though what he meant by "we Pentecostals need to grow up." As well, what was on his mind when he stated that "he doesn’t go overseas to tell them fancy stuff?

Is this an indication that Pentecostalism is headed more to the mainstream or they are ducking controversial topics? A book could have been written on these two statements alone.

What he did make clear was that, "religion always has God mad at you and makes you crawl because you are not worthy. God’s love is what makes us valuable. Our mission is to be His voice and this is what the world needs to hear. I want people to know simple things about God"

Osborn jolted people by claiming that, "God does not hate them." and this simple message is soon to be proclaimed in Mexico because, "I’m so old I’m gonna die somewhere, why not Mexico?"

Osborn closed by confessing he had left his notes "because he can’t follow them anyhow," and started into his well rehearsed plea that has been offered thousands of times to millions of people – to come forward and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord.

He asked, "If you are saved and not doing business for God, what are you saved for – to sit on your buns?" This was an Easter the Calgary Life Centre will not soon forget where the past met with the now.