1 Corinthians 16:15-16 “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”

Do you want a peek into my heart? Do you want to know what drives me? Do you want to know the vision I have for my life? One way I can show you my vision is by stating that I want to be like the house of Stephanas.

Stephanas is only mentioned four times in the Bible and all four mentions are in Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. One notable mention says that the household of Stephanas had “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” In other words, Stephanas and his family devoted themselves to serving their fellow Christians.

My heart cry is the same as Stephanas’ heart cry. I desire to devote my life to serving the saints.

Over twelve years ago, God used a number of young college students to reach out to me and show me the love of Jesus Christ. Through their dedication to evangelism, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. As I grew in my walk, God began to reveal to me that he wanted me to teach and encourage other Christians. I began to see that by serving the saints through teaching and encouragement, I could be a small part in God’s plan to raise up Christians on fire for him, Christians who would be excited to share his love with others.

My desire is that by serving the saints, I may be able to help them draw closer to God. I don’t want people to look at me and exalt me. I want them to look at God and exalt him. I want my life and writing to show that . . .

. . . Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation.

. . . God gives us all we need to know about him in his Word.

. . . God still answers prayer.

. . . the world needs the truth, but they also need compassion.

. . . the Christian that stands up for truth is the Christian that God desires to work through.

. . . true strength is in the heart, not the body.

Pray that I may serve God and serve the saints with all my strength.