For Paul, preaching “Christ crucified” has a much broader meaning than focusing every sermon on Jesus' suffering on the cross. The cross of Christ is indeed the focal point for Paul's preaching, but, as Paul's sermons and letters demonstrate, the cross of Christ reveals much more than the suffering of Jesus. It also provides a viewpoint on the perfect justice of God and the dreadful catastrophe of human sin.
Sidney Greidanus

Ralph Shannon

Ralph Shannon

Becoming a man, while serving God in His church

Although I was brought up in a Christian home, it was not until I was eleven years old (nearly twelve), that I asked Jesus into my heart as my personal Saviour. My parents sent my older sister, myself and my younger brother to Summer Bible Camp in Northern Minnesota the year of 1952. It was during an evening get together on the beach at one of the many lakes in Minnesota, when an invitation was given at the end of the short message, I responded when I heard the call from within my heart. I prayed, asking Jesus to come into my heart. I was saved that evening! I knew it! When camp was over, I was later baptized by my pastor in Chisholm, MN. Later in life, upon becoming a man, while serving God in His church, I realized I had not made Him Lord of my life. Now, I can say Jesus is not only my Saviour, but He is also my Lord.

Favorite verses include: [Proverbs 3: 5 & 6] “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” [Romans 12:1 & 2] “I urge you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Saved to Serve,
Ralph Shannon