A Music Childhood And Big Breaks

Announcer 0:26

Real stories, real struggles, and real fault. Today's goal is about purpose. It's about understanding that you have a gift that no one else in this world has. Because no matter how far we've run, how many mistakes we make, Jesus paid the price so you could pursue your purpose without shame or condemnation. Today's guest is Dominic Francis. And he takes us on an incredible journey from chasing rock and roll dreams in New York to writing a dark rock opera that could have made him rich, but he threw the whole thing in the trash after one prayer. And that prayer led him from the music stage to the ministry stage, from London Records to the Kingdom of God, from pursuing applause to pursuing assignment. Now he's a pastor, a chaplain, and author of a book called Prophetic Patriotism: A New Call to Action. Dominic is going to share today why believers can't afford to sit quietly on the sidelines of life. Today's conversation is all about purpose. It's about stewardship. It's about using your talents, your voice, your influence, and your life for something eternal. So lean in because this could be the moment that God nudges you to walk in the purpose He designed specifically for you.

Dominic Francese 1:52

Okay, well, let's see. I grew up in the greater New York City area. My my mother was Mexican, my father was Italian, and uh my name is Dominic Francis. But, you know, if you want to say it the right way, it's Dominico Frances. So but if you say it that way, you have to use your hands. Anyway, so I mean it was uh it was a very interesting uh childhood, you know, and and grew up a l around a lot of people who encouraged me in my musical endeavors, and I did pursue a rock band career, and actually our group attained to a local following manager, producer, album actually on London London Records. So I thought that was the way my life was gonna go, and then God got a hold of me.

The Rock Opera Turning Point

Speaker 6 2:41

So so how did God get a hold of you?

Dominic Francese 2:43

I was in the middle of writing a rock opera about the son of the devil, and I was about halfway through and I showed it to my producer, and he was he was very impressed with it. He said, Gosh, you know, this has a Dungeons and Dragons feel to it. It I think it'll be very popular. And then he said to me, you know, I think I can sell the rights to this, which means some company would say, Well, we have the right of first refusal of this product. He said, I think I can sell the rights to this for a hundred thousand dollars. And fortunately, God used, you know, I was kind of greedy, if you will, but God used it he because I thought to myself, gosh, well, if if it's worth that much money half done, it'll be worth a whole lot more when it's completely done. So I said, you know, thank you, but let's just hold off on that and wait till I get it done. Well, praise the Lord. It was during that time that I began to have stirrings and recurring dreams and that sort of thing, which pointed in the direction of God. And eventually I picked up a book called The Late Great Planet Earth, and I read that book, and at the back there's a prayer to receive Jesus, and something inside of me, in a good way, just snapped. So I got on my knees, it was like one in the morning, and I prayed that prayer, and I woke up and I took my rock opera in my hand, it was about two inches thick, the music and the and the poetry. I went to the trash and I dumped it.

From Seminary To Gospel Road Trips

Ron Meyers 4:08

So you could have possibly sold your soul to the devil for a hundred thousand, maybe a million dollars, but you read that book. I've read it a few times by Hal Lindsay, the late great planet Earth. So then your life took a whole new twist, and now you're a preacher, uh, you're a Bible teacher, a chaplain. God's been busy with you.

Dominic Francese 4:31

Yeah, well, I mean, my journey from that point was eventually I aspired to seminary degree, ended up with an MDiv Masters of Divinity at Regent University in Virginia, and met my wife down in Virginia Beach, got married, and uh when we started, when she was pregnant, so to speak, I thought, well, I gotta get a real job. So I went I went into resort management. I was a resort manager for ten years or so. And then uh in on the coast of California, and then God spoke to me and said, You need to go into ministry for which you have been trained. So I there was at the time we were having kids and I had developed some fun songs and stories and and I because of my rock band experience, I was an experienced performer and public speaker. And I was told by a friend in Campus Crusade for Christ, which is now crew, that they, Crusade, was looking for a an itinerant evangelist to do children and family ministry concerts. And so God prompted me to to sign up, do that, raise the support. We moved to Indiana, and I would go around domestically and internationally, actually to Haiti and Nicaragua and so on, doing doing, you know, me, my guitar, fun songs and stories, and I would do invitations at the end of four people to receive Jesus as their savior. And over a five year period when I did that, I'd say there were probably I mean, I would try to count because the crusade wanted that. I there were probably seven hundred people or so that came to Christ. Now that's not Billy Graham, but it's something anyway. Uh but and I have to give credit where it's due. The main uh constituency I had in the way of churches were the Baptist churches. And they did a great job with follow-up. They they had their we would do a pre-plan, you know, and and they had their ushers that would be waiting there down the end of the aisle with their elbows cocked at the same angle, and I would give the altar call, and when people would raise their hand that they'd received Christ, sometimes the adults, the parents, those ushers would come down, get the information and follow up with them.

Ron Meyers 6:38

Wow.

Dominic Francese 6:39

So that's kind of how it went for me. And I did that until I was needed as a pastor locally.

Ron Meyers 6:46

So you have been really busy promoting God, promoting Jesus, and then this book. What what called you to write this book called Prophetic Patriotism, A New Call to Action?

Dominic Francese 6:58

So what happened? I I've been a pastor in three small churches. I'm licensed as a pastor with the Missionary Church USA, which is similar to a Christian Missionary Alliance. I'm also ordained as a chaplain by the Christian Missionary Alliance. But in the current church where I am, so I work as a chaplain and as a pastor of a church called Solid Rock Church in Blitzfield, Michigan, I was preparing a six-part sermon series, or I I had in mind to do so. And I God showed me a vision. Now this doesn't happen to me all the time, but it was very, very clear. And it was of a pin setter in a bowling alley. You know, where it would come down, set the pins in place, and then go up, disappear. And so I it was so strong I I kind of prayed and said, God, what is that? And he said, Well, that's your next message, your next six-part message, but this message is gonna have wide propagation, wide distribution. Oh my goodness. And so he began to unpack that for me. So to answer your question, the idea behind the book, prophetic patriotism, is this that if we believe we are Christians, then we believe that there will be a second coming of Christ. He promised he would come back and rule the world in peace. Now the Bible talks about the difference if you can compare it to a a s a stage, if you will, the final act just before he returns, there would be certain players on the stage. And even though the United States is not specifically named as one of those players that would be on the world stage just before his return, the United States, however, is the one that's responsible for all the other players that are specifically named. And it was a profound revelation to me. I'm talking about such things as the re-establishment, regathering of the State of Israel. Well, I go in my book I I I explain how that could never happen without the United States. And then I it talks about in Daniel two and so on how there will be a sort of a a revised Roman Empire, a ten nation confederacy just before Jesus returns. Well, if you know your history, after World War Two, it was the United States through the Marshall Plan that enabled the rebuilding of Europe and in fact got them to start working together through through uh NATO and so on to work together as one unit. And then there's China, you know, which the Bible talks about in the book of Revelation as ultimately launching a huge 200 million man army. Well, it was the United States who brought China into the World Trade Organization, actually Nixon, and and enabled the great transfer of wealth into China that built up China. So I picked ten of these where I said, Hey, look, each one of these don't happen at all without the United States of America. It is as if America is God's pin setter. Set everything in place and then get out of the way. And the reason that's important is because it answers the question what's the purpose of America? For those of us trying to bring back a constitutional America, basically, if I can speak rhetorically, why do it? What is the purpose of America? Well, the answer is because there's a prophetic purpose that America has that is yet unfulfilled. Namely to spearhead the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world and to continue in the re-establishment and defense of the state of Israel. So a new call to action means let's get involved in in local civic affairs and and and in all the the things the participatory participation democracy demands. We as Christians, let's really get involved in the so-called conservative renewal in America to bring about a constitutional America. Let's do it. But let's do it for the right reason. Let's do it because we have a passion for seeing America fulfill its prophetic purpose.

Ron Meyers 11:07

The book is called Prophetic Patriotism, A New Call to Action. So what do you hope a person will get out of this book after they read it?

Dominic Francese 11:17

Well, I can compare it to a marathon runner, if you will. So I believe right now many people who have a patriotic heart are working hard, but it's almost like a marathon runner or a long distance runner being told, just run. One day we'll win. What this book tries to do is say, listen, there is a finish line. It's the second coming of Jesus. And you'll know that you're getting close to the finish line when you see this and that on the side, you see this uh mountain, this river, so on. In other words, the signs of the time. The reason it's important is because the first marathon runner who's just running, well, eventually he's gonna run out of steam. And and I believe that if a person just says to himself, Well, I'm just gonna help bring back a Christian America, a constitutional America, there's danger that that person will run out of steam. However, the second marathon runner becomes encouraged as he sees things unfold prophetically, explained in the book. That person, that runner, is gonna get a second wind and never ever give up. So a person reading my book hopefully will be encouraged by what he sees going on around him and will become even more determined than he otherwise would have been, or he or she.

Ron Meyers 12:32

Now, if you met someone today and they found out a little bit backstory on you and they asked you, why should I even be concerned about the end times? Because I'm saved, I'm going to heaven, so I don't have time to worry about all that. What would you say back to them?

Dominic Francese 12:49

Well, I would probably take them to the parable of the talents that Jesus gave. You see, we in the United States have been given a great gift. We've been given the ability to participate in our government, in the the affairs of our nation by voting and by getting involved. It's similar to being given talents. If you if you remember that that parable, Jesus gave some talents to you know, ten talents to one person, ten talents to another five talents to another, two to a third, and said, Now here they are, occupy, occupy until I return. Well the third one was Jesus called that person wicked and slothful because they said, Well, I'm just gonna hide my talent in the ground. And and then when he comes back, I'll just say, Here I am, I'm saved, if you will. I'm speaking symbolically. So to answer your question, we need to get involved because we've been given the quote talent from Jesus, namely a nation that gives us the Bill of Rights, the First Amendment, the ability to get involved. We have to utilize that for the glory of God and for the spreading of the gospel.

Speaker 6 13:56

So, where do they get this book?

Dominic Francese 13:59

It's available on Amazon.com on Learn to Noble online. You can go to the Christian Book Book Publishers online, but uh any of those will will be fine. And I encourage you to get the book, pray, and if the Lord so leads, get it for somebody else. I've had people come to me and say, gosh, you know, I but I just want two more copies to send to this person, that person, family members, and so on, who wonder if you will, well, I what do I need to know and what do I need to do? Uh, you know, that they say to themselves, I see things going down the drain, so to speak, all around me, but I don't know what to do. Well, this book at the end of it has what I call the Ten Commandment of prophetic patriotism, and it gives you action steps. And hopefully that will be one of the end results of reading this book.

Ron Meyers 14:44

You know, Dominic, sometimes at the gym I'll get into conversations with people and they very I've become very cynical about the elections and about politics, and they've lost hope and they say, well, the world's going to hell in a handbasket. And I reply to them. Listen, God's not asleep. You can never give up faith. We have to have hope in everything. God knows what's happening. God knows what's going on. And kind of to piggyback of what you said a little bit ago, there are people I believe that God is raising up right now in this marathon, this race, that are gonna go out there with a message that ties in to what you just talked about.

Dominic Francese 15:26

Amen. Amen. You know, Jesus gave us a promise, and it's a big deal because Jesus said, you know, heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Which means when he said it, it would last longer than the ground you're walking on. He said, This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached as a witness unto all nations, and then the end will come. And so Jesus, as I say in the book, he, you know, it's woven into the fabric of the universe that the gospel will go forth. The question is, will he he will he do it through America or somebody else? God, God is able to spread the gospel to the world with or without America. Now, America has been the spearhead, the the one who's mainly sent missionaries and who has funded indigenous churches. But he can do it without us. But why why go there? Why not be why not live up to the calling on this nation? Why not get involved in what God on the promise that Jesus said would would last for eternity? Yeah that this would happen. Why not get excited about doing that?

Ron Meyers 16:26

That that's so true. I tell people all the time, part of my message for years has been discovering your destiny. When you find out what your purpose is, what God needs you to do, it does get you excited about life. You you really know that you're playing the difference whether it's with one person, whether it's a hundred people, or whether it's a thousand people. But when we become active and become the person God created us to be, we make a difference in this world, whether we see it or not, don't we?

Dominic Francese 16:56

Amen. Amen. And what I tell people in the book, too, if I might just add, is that we should pray for quote unquote our enemies. Because you know there's a lot of people that are the Apostle Paul. There are people sort of on the other side of the aisle, even vociferous, vicious opponents of what the Christians are trying to do that we know in God's wisdom will one day be champions for the gospel. And we need to pray just like I'm sure they prayed for Paul as he was going out and they marveled that this one who had been so so much their enemy was now being used so powerfully. They need to do that.

Ron Meyers 17:30

Well, your congregation is very fortunate to have such a passionate, informative preacher as you, Dominic. And I appreciate you so much for taking time to visit with me. What's a website so people can reach out to you and find out more information about you and your book?

Dominic Francese 17:50

Well, I invite you to go to the church website. It's called visit SolidRockchurch.com. Or the back of the book that I wrote has another uh website, which is propheticpatriotism.com. That's for people for people who are not listening to me today. You can you can contact me either way. So that's either the back of the book, propheticpatriotism.com, or you can go to the church website, which is visit solidrockchurch.com.

Ron Meyers 18:21

Dominic, before we go, can I get you to pray for the listeners?

Dominic Francese 18:26

Yes. Hallelujah. Let's pray. Oh God, we thank you for all that you've given us. We thank you for the United States of America, this incredible, incredible gift that you've given us to live in this place and to live at this time. And Lord, I pray that you would awake a fire in people listening, that they can be a part of something that will last for eternity. The God-centered great awakening that is coming upon our nation that not only will spread the gospel, but will enable the United States of America to live up to its true calling, namely to be the spearhead for the Great Commission to go into all the world, and also to be the one, the nation that helps to re-establish the nation of Israel to which Jesus will return to rule the world. Lord, light a fire in all of us, Lord. Help us to see the possibilities of our lives. But do not let, do not let anyone out there be discouraged by what that they see happening all around us because we walk by faith, not by sight. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Ron Meyers 19:40

I enjoyed so much talking to Dominic. And what struck me about the conversation, it wasn't a political message, it was a responsibility message. Dominic brought up the parable of the talents. One servant received ten, another five, another two. But the one who buried his gift out of fear, comfort, or excuses, Jesus called him wicked and thoughtful. That it's hard, but so many people today are spiritually parked. They're saved but silent, gifted but inactive, capable but comfortable, waiting for that perfect moment, perfect sign, and perfect opportunity. Meanwhile, heaven has already spoken. I've given you the talent. Your voice matters, my friend. Your kindness matters, your courage matters, your story matters, your vote matters, your prayer matters, your obedience matters, and most of all, your life matters. Now you may never preach to thousands, but you may save one life. You may never lead a movement, but you may change your family line. You may never stand on a stage, but your faithfulness in private can take eternity. Don't underestimate small obediences. Little hinges swing big doors. So today, maybe God is asking you why are you still on the sidelines? Because in Christ, He has given you everything to walk in your purpose with confidence. And his grace will empower you to discover new, exciting things that are attached to your purpose. And when I return, I will share five steps to help you discover your purpose.

Speaker 3 22:01

Be refreshed today.

Speaker 2 22:05

Hi, I'm Dr. Andrew Farley, host of the Grace Message. Got a Bible question, struggling with a personal issue, wondering about a tricky verse? At BibleQuestions.com, you'll get clear, grace-based answers in 10 seconds or less. No fluff, no confusion, just practical biblical truth. Ask anything, anytime, and experience the power of God's love. Visit BibleQuesti.com. That's BibleQuestions.com. Your go-to for biblical clarity.

Speaker 4 22:59

Get the hell out of your life.

unknown 23:04

Get the hell out of your life.

Five Steps To Discover Purpose

Ron Meyers 23:08

Welcome back, listeners. Now let me ask you something. If you don't live as the you that God designed, who will? Will somebody just step in and take over your responsibility? No, because only you have what God has given you. And you can't let the world miss out on one of God's greatest gifts. You. There are too many people camping on the island of regret in villages of should have, would have, and could have. I know, I talk to them all the time. Don't build there. In fact, if you're there, move. Because stagnation, well, that costs more than failure. And fear is expensive. Procrastination hijacks purpose. And heaven isn't demanding perfection, it's inviting participation. So I have some steps to help you discovering your purpose. Number one, recognize what's already in you. What has God placed in your hands? Is it leadership? Encouragement, business, music, writing, maybe teaching, serving, wisdom, hospitality, faith. Friend, you are not empty. You are equipped in Christ. Number two, use it somewhere. Start small. Don't wait for a platform. Start with a person. You can pray with them, talk to them, encourage them, inspire them. The big thing is to move. Keep in action because faith flourishes in motion. Number three, pray for your souls. You know, those people that disagree with you and even your enemies. Today's opposition may become tomorrow's Apostle Paul. And God is the master of plot twist. Number four, step into your spheres, your circles of influence, your family, your community, your church, your city, your nation. You were born for participation, friend, not observation. Christ in you is more than enough. And number five, it's not how you start in life, it's how you finish. You want to finish strong. There is a finish line. It's not retirement, comfort, or applause. It's Jesus. Run your race with purpose because eternity matters. The one thing I want you to take away from today's conversation is this God has rigged your life for redemption. In Christ, you're fully forgiven, perfectly cleansed, and completely accepted. What he has for you, no one can stop. So quit waiting, quit shrinking, and quit doubting. Step into your God given destiny. Christ in you, expressing himself through you. The message is simple. You're not lacking, you're equipped in Christ. Step in, not to earn anything, but to express the life that's already yours. I will be back next week with another grace-filled episode of Get the Hell Out of Your Life, available wherever you listen to podcasts. Until next time, this is Ron Myers reminding you that I love you, Jesus loves you, and Jesus didn't come to make you religious. He came to take the hell out of your life and let you discover your purpose. So go make it a great day.

Announcer 26:50

Today's show was produced by Ron Myers Ministries, a listener-supported ministry. For a copy of today's broadcast, please visit our website, thepromoter.org. And would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible donation so that we may continue to share stories of God's amazing grace with the world? And join us next week for another broadcast of Get the Hell Out of Your Life. Real people, sharing real struggles, and offering real hope.

Speaker 1 27:18

Are you tired of scrolling through the same old news feeds every morning? Then switch things up with Coffee News. Our publication is filled with interesting stories, brain teasers, and uplifting quotes that are sure to brighten your day. And now you can access Coffee News anytime, anywhere by visiting our website. So whether you're sipping your morning coffee at your favorite cafe or browsing online from your desk, we've got you covered. Start your day off right with Coffee News at readcoffeewsonline.com.