The Bible and history paint a picture of King Herod as a great builder as well as a royal with spasms of paranoia.  While his building projects still bring thousands to see their ruins, Herod continues to be best known as the ruling pontificate of Judea who ordered the murder  of innocent children when the Magi did not return to tell him where Jesus was born.

      But Herod is more than the villain in our Christmas story.  Coins commissioned by Herod himself contribute more detail to this multi-layered man.

Many of us live in a town with a Christian newspaper.  For a number of years I’ve carried them around in my car and drop a few in different locations, like hospital waiting rooms, doctor’s offices car repair shop waiting rooms and other such places. 

I don’t drop papers where I believe they would be inappropriate or overly offensive, but will go in and out of locations where there are a lot of publications cost around for folks to read. Grabbing a Christian newspaper gives one more option for a waiting person, a positive option that may plant the seed for the gospel or encourage a believer.

The Lord said, “…my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)  Christian newspapers are one way to promote God’s word.

Like many, I received many year-end donation requests from ministries.  Some came by mail; most by email. Many of the organizations I knew nothing about. Nor did I know anyone that worked there. There were several I had never heard from since their year-end appeal in 2017.

I was reminded of the classic advertisement called “The Man in the Chair” which I’ve shared below. This advertisement tries to show how difficult it is for someone to walk in cold and try to sell a service or product to a businessperson who has no prior information about what you do, sell, or who you represent. Likewise developing relationships, ministry partnerships and a base for financial support is not something that occurs through one or two emails.

For centuries when a church member died; the funeral service was held in the church, the deceased was buried in the church cemetery out back, and friends and neighbors gathered together to share memories and a good meal together at the church. This practice honored the departed, comforted the family and didn't leave excessive expenses to be paid later.

Some in the Christian community believe everything should be offered free for Christians. Granted the gospel is offered free of charge. Salvation is free to all who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However is ministry free? Should ministry be free?

Paul provided an example when he wrote:

Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. preacher of the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14, NIV)