“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” John 3:5
“Every now and then a drover would find a waterin’ hole or ride up on a creek or river where he could wash off the trail dust. Just like us he could only get the outside of his body clean. Soap n’ water can’t clean the inside. Our thoughts, our lusts, our sinful desires can only be changed by a spiritual transformation.
Jesus calls it ‘being born again’. Ya see, if we are going to heaven we’re gonna have to have a second birth. The first birth is physical (‘whoever is born of account of the flesh has a fleshly birthin’). But the second birth is spiritual (‘but whoever gets born of the Spirit has a spiritual birhin’). Only those who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God can have a spiritual birth. That’s what cleans us up on the inside.” (Searching Heart & Scripture” page 22).
“Jesus answered him again like this, ‘I’m a tellin you, unless a person is born of water and the Spirit, that person can never enter the Kingdom of God. The fact of the matter is whoever is born on account of the flesh has a fleshly birthin’, But whoever gets born of the Holy Spirit has a spiritual birthin’. So don’t be thrown off your horse when I say that ya must be born a second time’”—John 3:5-7 (The Gospel of John Cowboy Style).
Pastor Mel Hooten has 45 years’ experience in Christian ministry. Since retiring from serving as a traditional church pastor in 2008, God has led him back to his roots to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world of ranchers, rodeo riders, cowboys and cowgirls who often do not feel comfortable in traditional church. Folks who love western heritage, county music, working with livestock, or cowboys at heart who prefer a simple down-to-earth approach to life; these are those to whom Mel seeks out.
Pastor Mel has served as a church planter for the Western Heritage division of Texas Baptists to start the Cowboy Church of Tarrant County near Fort Worth, Texas. Currently Mel wants to continue to bring good news to those who seek the truth and make available his Bible messages, devotionals, and lessons for those who preach and teach.
Mel brings a simple gospel message with a western flair. In addition, God uses him to teach practical ways to ride the range with Jesus every day. The trails of life will bring us to rivers that must be crossed and steep hills we can’t climb alone. With Jesus, we can weather the storms and ride through the valleys. He will give guidance and provisions when we get bucked off. Indeed, there is a trail that leads home. Mel’s mission is to help every person he encounters to find it.
Mel and his wife, Karen, currently live in Aubrey, Texas. They like to travel in their RV and enjoy the great outdoors with their grandchildren. They are available for ministry wherever God leads them.
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