Cornerstone Chapel Podcast

Episode: A Conversation with Gary Hamrick and Lon Solomon

Date: April 1, 2026

Overview

On the Wednesday night preceding Easter, Pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel welcomes Pastor Lon Solomon for an engaging, heartfelt discussion centered on the significance of the Passover, both in Jewish tradition and as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ in Christianity. Lon, raised Jewish and now a longtime Christian and pastor, shares his personal journey of faith, reflecting on his upbringing, the meaning of Passover, and the gospel’s message of grace through Christ’s sacrifice. The episode weaves together biblical teaching, personal testimony, and practical wisdom, offering profound insights into how Christ is revealed in the Passover.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Pastor Lon Solomon

• Pastor Gary introduces Lon, highlighting his 52-year marriage, storied ministry, and the founding of Jill’s House.
• Lon’s Jewish roots and conversion to Christianity set the stage for a unique perspective on Passover.

2. Lon Solomon’s Testimony: From Judaism to Christ (11:30–20:14)

• Growing Up Jewish:
  • Celebrated Passover as a child, understanding its role in Jewish tradition.
  • Reflections on the difference between “Old Testament Judaism” (temple, sacrifices) and “Rabbinic Judaism” (prayer, good deeds, post-temple).
• Path to Faith:
  • Encountered the gospel at UNC Chapel Hill from a street preacher.
  • Shared his now-famous “dog prayer” (16:22) – asking God to heal his dog as a test of faith:

    “I said, all right, God, one more thing. I’m gonna stop using this cream on my dog. I want you to heal my dog. Amen.” (16:22 – 17:29)

  • After seeing his dog healed, Lon gradually embraced faith in Jesus.
  • Initial family reaction was negative; years later, his parents and brother came to Christ.

3. Passover Explained – Jewish and Christian Perspectives (20:14–32:08)

• How Modern Jews Experience Passover:
  • The Seder today (21:22):

    “No Jewish person sees Jesus in the modern Seder... We would [as Christians], but do we break the matzah and does it symbolize Christ? For a Jewish person, no clue.” (21:38)

• Biblical Passover (Exodus 12):
  • Salvation was not based on ethnicity but on obedience—marking the doorposts with the blood of a lamb.
  • The blood forms a cross (27:11); the true core of Passover is being covered from judgment by the blood.
• Typology of Christ in Passover:
  • Each Old Testament feast was meant to point to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
  • Passover foreshadows salvation in Christ:

    “When I see the blood, I will pass over you. Now, all the other things about Passover are wonderful, but that’s the core… God does not judge us for sin when he sees us being covered by the blood.” (27:12)

4. Salvation and the Necessity of the Blood (32:08–36:59)

• The Exclusivity and Sufficiency of Christ's Blood:
  • Parallels between original Passover and salvation through Jesus.
  • The blood isn’t about ritual—it’s God’s chosen way for salvation.
• Addressing Doubts:
  • Many balk at the “simplicity” of the gospel:

    “People say, oh, that’s too simple. You just trust the blood of Christ, you get into heaven? Too simple. Well, look, don’t be educated beyond your intelligence... Of course it’s simple. God wants a three-year-old to be able to do this.” (34:30)

• God’s Justice and Mercy Converge:
  • Cites Romans and the wisdom of God:

    “Only God could figure out how to do this because we are sinners. So the way God figured out to do this is Romans 6:23. The wages of sin is death. Somebody's gotta die for my sin. Okay, somebody did die for my sin. The Lord Jesus.” (33:22)

5. Communion and The Last Supper (36:59–38:55)

• Disciples’ Surprise at Jesus’ Words:
  • The disciples would have been startled at Jesus redefining Passover as his body and blood.
  • Lon suggests it took the post-resurrection, 40-day period for the disciples to truly understand.
  • Jesus’ teaching clarified the Old Testament’s true purpose, leading to New Testament revelation.

6. Invitation to Receive Christ (39:11–43:25)

• Eternal Stakes:

  • Lon earnestly stresses the importance of not delaying a decision for Christ.
  • He emphasizes the finality of death and the singular importance of being “covered by the blood.”
  • Invitation Quote:

    “If you’re not 1000% sure, that if you showed up on the shores of heaven, that you would be able to say, I’m covered by the blood of Jesus and that’s what I’m trusting… then, my friend, there’s a quote from Robert Murray McShane who says that how much would people in hell give to have a chance to come back to earth for one minute and avail themselves of Christ? But they don’t have that chance. So you do.” (39:33)

• Sinner’s Prayer:

  • Lon leads a personal, heartfelt prayer for those wishing to trust Christ (41:01).

7. Closing Encouragement & Next Steps (44:18–46:00)

• For New Believers:
  • Guidance on finding a church:

    “…if you’re local, you just need to come to this church, it’s just that simple… If they (a pastor) go, thank God, praise the Lord, you’re in the right church. If they look at you like you’ve lost your ever loving mind, then you’re not in the right church.” (44:18)

  • Encouragement to pursue discipleship.
  • Humorous, humble reminder from Lon that “I can still go in the ditch—pray for me!” (46:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bold Advice for Young Believers and Pastors:

  “You’re going to come to a lot of these forks. Make sure, number one, you don’t make the decision in the energy of the flesh. Get on your face and say, God, what do you want me to do? …Just step out and do it. Just trust God like Abraham…”
  — Lon Solomon (08:52)

• On the Simplicity of Salvation:

  “Don’t be educated beyond your intelligence... Of course it’s simple. God wants a three-year-old to be able to do this. Why would He make it hard?”
  — Lon Solomon (34:30)

• A Humorous Theology Debate:

  “A kid came up at Liberty University... he said, ‘My theology does not allow God to heal dogs.’ And I said, ‘Okay, well, you know what? Honestly, I don’t really care about your theology.’”
  — Lon Solomon (18:19)

• Communion as Fulfillment:

  “How startled do you think they must have been? Because for all those centuries, they had been celebrating Passover with one thing in mind… but now Jesus is bringing brand new meaning to this because he is the fulfillment of all of this.”
  — Pastor Gary (36:59)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–07:05 – Introduction & Personal Connection
• 07:05–11:30 – Lon reflects on God’s guidance through hard decisions
• 11:30–20:14 – Lon’s testimony from Jewish upbringing to faith in Christ
• 20:14–22:10 – Modern Seder and its differences from biblical Passover
• 22:10–25:58 – Reading Exodus 12 and discussing Passover’s original instructions
• 25:58–32:08 – Deeper explanation of Passover and symbolism of the blood
• 32:08–36:59 – Significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb; salvation by faith
• 36:59–38:55 – Disciples’ experience at Last Supper and Jesus’ revelation
• 39:11–43:25 – Clear call to salvation and guided prayer
• 44:18–46:00 – Advice for new believers, assurance, and closing encouragement

Tone and Language

The conversation is warm, personal, occasionally humorous, and deeply earnest in its spiritual appeal. Both pastors use relatable stories, biblical references, and straightforward language to make profound theological truths accessible and engaging.

Summary

This episode is an illuminating blend of testimony, theological teaching, and practical application. Listeners walk away with a richer understanding of Passover’s significance, how it points to Christ, and the far-reaching grace available through Jesus’ sacrifice. The invitation to faith is made simple and sincere, connecting ancient tradition to present-day transformation.