Jeff Shackelford's Podcast Jeff Shackelford

We talk often in churches about the Christmas story in Luke 2. We see the narrative about the birth of Jesus but we see in verse 15 that some ordinary shepherds found the truth of the prophecies in the Old Testament were true.
The angels sent them to Bethlehem and there they found the baby Jesus just as they were told.

The great news was then told by the shepherds with deep and rich excitement. The same gospel then is the same gospel that we should all tell as well.

Not just at Christmas but all the time.

Paul models for us how to live a life for Jesus and to be committed to the gospel and to stand up for what is right.
As we examine Acts 23 we see that God provides for Paul the strength to endure the challenges of false accusations as well as tremendous amounts of pressure and hardship.

A life story that gives honor to God for all He has done in Karl's life.

A life story that gives honor to God for all He has done in Jim's life/

Paul issues to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20 a strong and important warning that is good for all of us. We must stay rooted and grounded in the Word of God. We must stay connected to the source of all life, direction and purpose which is Jesus and we also must be doing His will in all parts and walks of our life.

As we look at Act 20 we see that we are called to a higher level in following Jesus. We are instructed to know Him fully. We are instructed to serve Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength.
We are to living a life fully sold out to Jesus.
Are you willing to live that way? Are you willing to lean into Him and finish the race He has set for you and I? Are you willing to rely on Him fully to pursue the Great Commission in all you do?
(Sorry for the long lead on the recording)