Good Friday Coverage Featuring Mayor Jerry Dyer

On this Good Friday special of the Ray Appleton Podcast, Brooke Ashton sits in for the legendary host, bringing in longtime friend and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer—affectionately known as 'Deacon Dyer'—for a deeply personal and spiritual conversation about Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and the transformative power of faith. Dyer shares his raw testimony of redemption, recounting his life of sin, separation from his family, and rock-bottom despair before encountering a church deacon at a car wash who told him, 'You need the Lord.' That moment led to his conversion in 1991, restoring his family, career, and soul. He describes the physical and emotional relief of receiving forgiveness, the burning in his chest, and the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit. The discussion expands into the theological significance of Good Friday and Easter, emphasizing that Jesus’ sacrifice was for all sinners—'we are Barabbas'—and that the resurrection offers eternal hope beyond death. Dyer challenges listeners to seek peace not in politics, government, or drugs, but in Christ, urging them to read the Bible daily and find a Bible-believing church. He also shares how AI helped him navigate difficult passages, reinforcing the idea that spiritual growth is possible through modern tools and consistent devotion. The episode closes with a powerful call to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, framed as the most important decision one can make.