... I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23

It appears there are some ministers who are moving up in the world.

Pastor Jimmy Garrett of Wayside Tabernacle Free Will Baptist Church is one of them.

A few weeks ago, the North Carolina pastor preached a sermon from the roof of the church building where he is called.

He said he would do so if 125 people showed up for Bible class. He got 133.

Following the example of his grandfather -- who also occasionally preached from the roof of his church -- Pastor Garrett confessed, "This is the first time I ever felt like I'm on top of things."

It's true, some pastors are moving up in the world. Pastor Garrett is not alone. Three miles down the road from his church, the Free Gospel Freewill Holiness Church also had one of its pastors preaching from the rooftop. It was his way of fulfilling his promise that he would do so if more than 250 people showed up at worship.

They did.

Maybe I'm missing the boat. What do you think -- maybe if we get 100,000 people to subscribe to the Daily Devotions I'll shave off my beard? Do you think that might generate some interest?

I doubt if church-roof preaching is what St. Paul had in mind when he said, "I have become all things to all people." Even so, St. Paul did talk to folk, all kinds of folk, in ways they could understand.

Why?

That's simple. Paul had a wonderful story to share. He had been called, forgiven, and restored by Jesus' sacrifice, which had been made for sinful humankind. Entrusted with the distribution of this -- the most precious of stories -- the newest apostle took that Gospel out and spoke in a way his audience could comprehend.

He knew, as all of us should know, that while the message of the Savior remains unchanging, the delivery system can be changed.

God grant that be so, as we share the Savior with those around us.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, when I talk of You, let me do so in a way that people can understand and are moved. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Jeremiah 31-32    Hebrews 8

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