“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 NRSV Throughout the witness of Scripture, Christian service is never a matter of “if,” but “when.” The assumption is made (with a favorable response) that service is a
“But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant…” Matthew 20:25-26 NRSV Be careful what you ask
“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47 NRSV It
To suggest that my daddy has a thing for tools would be, well, an understatement. For as long as I can remember, tools have been important for various repairs around the house, in his work as a licensed electrician, and even “piddling” as a shade tree mechanic. As he often states it is important to
“Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 NRSV “Make disciples and teach disciples.” Those were the words which surfaced from a lecture during my studies at Campbell University Divinity
“You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.” II Timothy 2:1-2 NRSV Lillie Alma Pilgreen. Kathy McDonald. Barry Williamson. Pete Pilgreen. Jim Shafer. Earl Deal. I
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 New Revised Standard Version
“Then (the jailer) brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ (Paul and Silas) answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’” Acts 16:30-31 NRSV It was another night: clock in, make eight, go home. Perhaps the jailer went into work that
“(Philip) asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ (The eunuch) replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’” Acts 8:30b-31a New Revised Standard Version Always available and ever ready for the next big opportunity, that was the evangelist of the early Christ movement who we know as Philip. At no particular point are
“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” Mark 2:16 (NIV) Can’t you hear them? “What does he think he is doing?” “He had better be careful or else he might be