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) 

            Pilate is one of the central characters in the legal proceedings that sent Jesus to the cross.  When Pilate realized that his interrogation of Jesus was going nowhere and the uproar of the crowd was escalating, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" (Mathew 27:24, NIV) Was this an act of indifference?  Was Pilate trying to appease the crowd?  Or was there something more behind this metaphor of water and washing hands? If we examine the coins that Pontius Pilate authorized while Jesus walked this earth, perhaps it will provide insight into Pilate’s spiritual persuasions that allowed the crucifixion of our Lord.