Pastor Chris Interviews Bible Publisher, Philip Nation

Introduction
I had the privilege to interview Philip Nation, the Vice President/Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles.  The following is a transcript of our interview.

Interview Transcript
Hey YouTube friends! Today we're doing something a little bit different. I am going to conduct an interview with Phillip Nation, who is the Vice President Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. He has served as a pastor, church planter, and education minister in local churches. He frequently travels to speak in churches and at conferences. Phillip earned a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and has authored and edited numerous books and Bible studies. He is also a university fellow for Arizona Christian University and has been a professor at Union University and Houston Christian University.

So, let's welcome Phillip onto the podcast today!

Phillip: Thanks, Chris. It's fun to be on the podcast with you. I'm looking forward to this conversation.

Chris: Yeah! Would you like to share a little bit about yourself?

Phillip: I’d be happy to. God has been so very gracious. Many of us can say that in terms of life and vocation. The most important things in my life currently: my wife Angie and I have been married for 31 years, and we have two grown sons who are both married. One of our sons and his wife have two little ones, so we’ve entered the grandparent stage of life—and that is the most fun ever.

Vocationally, I’ve served for many years as a pastor and preacher, planted a church, and been a professor at a few different universities in part-time capacities. In this season of life, as you mentioned, I work for Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and I lead Thomas Nelson Bibles. I’ve been doing that for about five and a half years. It’s fascinating and complex work to be the publisher of the Bible, but it’s been a joy.

All the things God has done in my life—from academic work, to books I’ve written, to pastoring—have rolled together into this role of shepherding forward the work of Thomas Nelson Bibles.

Chris: That’s awesome. Did you always want to be in this kind of ministry work?

Phillip: I wouldn't say I never wanted to be in this kind of work. It would have never been on my radar to think, “One day I’ll be a Bible publisher.”

My journey in ministry started as a teenager when I felt a call, though it was vague. I didn’t know what ministry would look like for me. I’ve always had this sense of calling that felt a little odd—atypical. I felt drawn to preach, to work with the Word, rather than stay solely in local church ministry. As a young man, I couldn’t really define it.

I went through seminary, came out, began pastoring. I served as a senior pastor and associate pastor. In my mid-30s, I started writing and editing—partly because I was church planting and needed to support my family. A curriculum publishing company eventually offered me a position as a chief editor for adult curriculum. That opportunity was clearly providential.

I continued to be a bi-vocational pastor, even doing full-time pastoral work again later. But about six years ago, one of the largest publishing companies in the world reached out and said, “We want to interview you to lead a Bible publishing entity.” It's one of those jobs where you just have to say yes and explore it.

Now, I feel honored to shepherd forward Bible translations our company owns, like the New King James Version—our largest and most used translation. We also oversee other editions that have been around for decades, and new study Bibles we’re dreaming up to help people engage more deeply with the Word. It wasn’t something I planned, but I’m so glad God brought me here.

Chris: That’s really interesting. As a pastor, I use study Bibles and scholarly resources, and sometimes I quote scholars when I preach. But honestly, I often find it challenging to bridge the gap between what scholars say and what everyday people in the pew can understand. Sometimes it seems like Bible editors and scholars are disconnected from ordinary folks. Is that true? And how can we bridge that gap?

Phillip: I love that question. I’ve always held the belief that all pastors are theologians. But I also believe that all theologians should strive to be pastoral.

Those scholars writing commentaries and systematic theologies, the Greek and Hebrew experts—they’re doing amazing work. But pastors like you are the ones translating those complex ideas into something your people can use. Your people are going to work on Monday—to factories, offices, the ballfield. While we pastors might find Hebrew word studies fascinating, folks in the pew are thinking, “Okay, but what do I do with this on Tuesday?”

So I love the idea of taking the intricacies of Scripture and making them applicable. That was God’s intent—He didn’t write the Bible just for ministers. He wrote it for all believers.

But I will say this too: pastors sometimes underestimate their congregations. My joke is, “If you can figure out how to order coffee at Starbucks, you can learn biblical and theological language.”

We have people in our churches—accountants, HVAC techs, factory workers, nurses, doctors—who master complex information every day. They’re absolutely capable of understanding theology. They just need someone to invite them into those deeper waters and show them how to swim there.

Chris: I agree. And you know, there’s been this big problem with younger people leaving the church. Talking with my own children, sometimes they say, “What we’re hearing in church just isn’t deep enough.” They want substance. They want to go deeper.

Sometimes in church, we act like we’re not supposed to go too deep. But I think we sell ourselves—and our people—short. They’re capable of so much more than we give them credit for.

Phillip: Absolutely. And they’re not satisfied with shallow theology. They might not yet understand all the theological language, but they can get there. They just need someone to explain it in a way that connects. Once they’re equipped, they grow, and they often become self-feeders of Scripture. And that’s one of the great joys in ministry.

Chris: Wonderful. I think those are some great ideas as well. I wish I had been more prepared when they asked me, but now I’ll have some things to take back and talk to them more about.

What about pastors? You know, I study the Bible every week—every day. I live in it, I walk in it. Are there any things that you could say to me or to other pastors that might help us along the way?

Phillip: I'm glad you asked. You're the first one who has asked me that in a long time. From my years of being a pastor, I remember those long stretches where you're in the Word day in and day out. One encouragement I would start with is this: do a little self-survey. Have you allowed sermon preparation to totally replace your own personal devotional life?

There’s no way to completely separate sermon prep from personal formation, but sometimes we let outline building or manuscript writing replace time alone with God. So, I’d say make sure that the study you're doing is being applied to your heart long before you try to apply it to your congregation.

Also, we pastors tend to have favorite parts of Scripture. Maybe you're always in Paul's epistles or the Pentateuch. But the full counsel of God includes the minor prophets, the poetic books, the general epistles—all of it. So visit the "clean white pages" of your Bible—the parts you don't usually turn to. Let the Holy Spirit work through the whole field of Scripture to sanctify you.

Chris: I like that. It really is a challenge to separate our personal walk from our ministry role. But we can't really be pastors unless we’re first children of God. That has to come first. And I’ve found that whenever I get personally excited about a Scripture, it often finds its way into my preaching naturally.

Phillip: Yes! In this season of life, something that’s been powerful for me is the book of Psalms. I always loved Ecclesiastes for its postmodern tone, and Proverbs had that daily, chapter-a-day rhythm. But Psalms—it's been a new well for me. I wish I had dug deeper into it in my 20s and 30s.

Psalms was the everyday singing and worship of Jesus and the early church. It shows the human condition and God's faithful interaction with it—His grace, mercy, sovereignty. It's been an emboldening and comforting part of my devotional life.

Chris: I love that. Psalms has definitely had seasons of significance for me too. It can be a tough book to preach from, but personally, it's powerful. For years, I avoided Proverbs because it felt like the sayings contradicted each other. But once I understood the genre better, I fell in love with it.

You're working on the Open Bible with Thomas Nelson. I’m really interested in that because I’ve never used it. I was telling friends about this interview and one pastor corrected me. I called it a study Bible, and he said, "No, it’s not a study Bible!" So—what is the Open Bible?

Phillip: Great question. The Open Bible is like a reference Bible on steroids. I first received a copy from my aunt and uncle when I was 17, back in 1987. This year is the 50th anniversary of Thomas Nelson publishing it.

Every decade, a new iteration comes out. It includes rich front and back matter: articles, concordances, indexes. But the star feature is its robust cross-reference system. In the newest edition, the cross-references are placed at the end of each verse. That helps people trace themes and phrases across Scripture easily.

It also has a 300-page topical index. Want to understand the doctrine of the Holy Spirit or what the Bible says about forgiveness? Go to the index, find the big ideas and subcategories, and then follow all the Scripture references. It’s great for anyone—even those brand new to Bible study.

There are also study notes with practical life applications, visual charts, and one of my favorite features: a 15,000-word article on archaeological discoveries that support the people, places, and events in Scripture. It's essentially one-third of a book, included right in the Bible. The more we dig, the more we find evidence confirming the Bible’s accuracy.

Chris: That’s exciting. I’m looking forward to getting a copy and trying it out personally—and possibly using it to help others too. What formats is it available in?

Phillip: Right now, it's available in the New King James Version. Historically, it’s been published in multiple English translations. We're going to continue that. We’ll reintroduce a KJV edition, and we’re reviving the NIV version. We’re also considering other translations.

The font is readable and comfortable. And yes, I’ve heard interest in a NASB edition too. That’s a great suggestion. We work with the nonprofit that holds the NASB copyright. I’ll take that feedback to the team.

Chris: As I prepared for this interview, I asked my friends what questions they’d want to ask you. One of them asked whether new Bible translations are made from the original Hebrew and Greek texts or from existing English translations. I knew the answer, but I thought I’d let you respond.

Phillip: Great question! The vast majority of English Bible translations are made directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. There are a few exceptions—revisions or paraphrases—but the NKJV, for instance, is translated from the original languages, in the translation tradition of the KJV.

If you open your Bible to the preface section at the front, most people have never read it—but you should. It explains why and how the translation was made, what manuscripts were used, and whether it's a formal or dynamic translation.

Chris: So, when you say “in the tradition of the King James Version,” you mean you’re using their philosophy but going back to the original languages?

Phillip: Exactly. The original KJV translators wanted to be formal—word for word as much as possible—while using common language. The 1611 edition is tough for us to read today, but in 1611, it was the language of the people. The edition most of us read now is actually from the 1769 revision, which updated the vocabulary.

The NKJV continues that tradition: formal translation from the original manuscripts, using modern, accessible language for today’s reader.

Chris: That makes sense. One friend made a funny comment about phrases like “butt dialed.” He said, “In 500 years, no one will know what that means.” How do translators deal with ancient idioms and tricky phrases like that?

Phillip: Another great question. It depends on the translation philosophy. More formal translations will keep the phrase literal—like “your neck is like a tower” or “your teeth are like sheep.” Dynamic translations interpret the meaning instead—saying her neck is graceful, her teeth are white, for instance.

Some translations land in the middle and use footnotes. Others explain in study notes at the bottom of the page. That’s the beauty of serious Bible study—it invites us to explore historical context, idioms, and layers of meaning.

Chris: That’s fascinating. I love how archaeology and textual studies bring clarity to those things. Even phrases like “apple of his eye” mean something deep, though the words alone don’t make modern sense.

Phillip: Exactly. That phrase wouldn’t translate clearly into Mandarin or French. But that’s part of what makes Bible study so rich—it’s a journey.

Chris: I’ve got one last question, from another viewer. How is the new version of the Open Bible different from the older ones?

Phillip: Great wrap-up question. This edition has a new typesetting—larger font, updated accent colors—and we returned to verse-by-verse formatting to include the inline cross-references. We also expanded articles that hadn’t been updated in decades. One example is the archaeology article, which is now current and enhanced.

We brought back valuable content from previous editions that had been trimmed for space. Overall, this edition represents the best of all previous Open Bible resources, updated and refreshed for today’s reader.

Chris: That’s wonderful. I’m excited for you—and to dig into the Open Bible myself. Thank you so much for taking the time to share today.

Phillip: Thank you, Chris. And for your listeners, check out what Thomas Nelson Bibles has to offer. We’re passionate about making beautiful Bibles that help people at every stage of life. We’re grateful to steward the Word of God.

Chris: Amen. And to everyone watching—thank you. If you’ve made it this far, maybe God is nudging you to dig into the Bible more deeply. Explore the resources out there. The Word of God can make a real, lasting difference in your life.

So thanks again, and as always: let’s grow and be fruitful.

The Doubting Thomas Story | A Sermon from John 20:24-29

Introduction
We’ve been studying stories from Scripture about the resurrected Christ.  And I think it is fitting today for graduate Sunday that we look at the famous story of “doubting Thomas”.  Although graduation is a time of great celebration and joy, it can also be a time of doubts, fear, and anxiety because graduation marks a significant time of life change.  Graduates, and their families, are walking into an unknown future.  We believe, by faith, it is a bright future.  We are excited for the new challenges ahead, but the unknown is a foggy mist that clouds what lies ahead and can make the road an anxious one to travel.

The Disciple Thomas wrestled with what he could not see.  He was absent the first time the resurrected Jesus appeared to the other disciples.  Though they testified he cold not believe something he had not yet seen.  Perhaps his story will encourage our graduates, their families, and all of us today.

John 20;24-29
²⁴ One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),^[a] was not with the others when Jesus came. ²⁵ They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”

²⁶ Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

²⁸ “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Show Up to Go Up
Thomas had doubts, but he still showed up.  I don’t know why Thomas was absent the first time Jesus appeared to the disciples, but I’m glad he didn’t give up.  He’s quite honest in sharing his doubt.  Even though the other Disciples are adamant:  “We have seen the Lord!”  Thomas was skeptical:  “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”  He doubted, but he didn’t walk away.  He stayed connected with the other disciples.  And because of that, Thomas eventually saw Jesus too.

In uncertain times, it’s so important that we keep showing up—in worship, in prayer, in Christian community.  It’s ok to have your doubts, but don’t give up.  Show up.  Eventually, Jesus showed up for Thomas. He’ll show up for you, too.

Graduates, your young adult years are some of the most formative of your whole life.  Today, you are just barely out of high school—still children in your own thinking.  Over the next 4-5 years, you will have some of the most important experiences and make some of the most important decisions of your life.  Decisions about college, work, career, marriage, children…  Choices that will chart the course of the rest of your life.  And you will be making these decisions for yourselves as adults, not under the direction of your parents.  (Of course your parents will still love and support and advise you, but it will be different than when you were a child.)  These are years you need faith and direction from God.  Don’t walk away from Him in these years when you need God the most.  Show up for Him (even if you doubt) and Jesus will show up for you just as He showed up for Thomas.

Faith and doubt can coexist.  Thomas’ story names our doubts and reminds us doubt isn’t the enemy of faith.  Honest questions can lead to stronger, deeper faith.  Jesus isn’t afraid of your questions; He welcomes them because he knows they are opportunities to be real and go deeper. 

Seek a Personal Faith
Being honest about your doubts and yet continuing to show up is how we seek a personal faith that’s real and makes a difference.  Thomas didn’t want to hang his hopes on the faith of the other apostles.  No, Thomas didn’t just want hearsay—he wanted his own experience with Jesus.  He wanted to touch Jesus’ wounds.  He wanted to see for himself.

And for us, seeing for ourselves builds a faith that is firm and real.  Having experienced the risen Christ for myself over the years steadies me through whatever difficulties I face.  I know Jesus is real because I talk to Him every day.  I have seen Him in countless moments of ministry.  And I have felt His comfort in the darkest nights of my soul.  But I want all of you to have your own personal faith in Jesus.  When troubles come or you ultimately face the dark day of death, you don’t want your faith to be something you borrowed from me (or anyone else).  You want it to be your own personal experience of the risen Jesus.  So keep on seeking your own personal relationship with Jesus.

For We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
But even with that being said, I want you to know that relationship comes by faith, not by sight.  Jesus said, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing.”  Doubting Thomas was given a rare opportunity when Jesus showed up and said, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side.”  It doesn’t happen that way for most of us.  Most of us must learn to believe without seeing, but Jesus says it is a greater blessing when we do.

It is not that we believe blindly.  The evidence is there.  We can “see” Jesus in a myriad of moments.  I hope our graduates have “seen” Jesus in their parents’ love, in our congregation’s support, and in the ways we’ve worked together to bless our community.  Perhaps they have seen Jesus in their friends or in the way someone has walked through adversity.  When we view life through the lens of faith it can reveal the risen Christ among us and can equip us to face the unknown with incredible spiritual fortitude.  This is true blessing.

After graduation (and in life in general), the path is rarely clear.  There is very little growth or reward if we always remain hidden in the mediocrity of our comfort zones.  We must at least occasionally be bold and have the faith to step out and take some risks to be rewarded with the full blessing Jesus wants to bestow.

Doubting Thomas learned to walk by faith too.  His faith in Christ led him to walk all the way from Jerusalem to India (over 3,000 miles), sharing his faith in the resurrected Christ’s all along the way.  To this day, there are churches in Syria and India that trace their founding to Thomas’ ministry.

Where will your faith in Jesus lead you?  Learn to trust Jesus step by step, even when you can’t see the full picture.

Beautiful Scars
Thomas touched Jesus’ wounds.  How do we “touch” Jesus now?  I can think of several ways.  We can touch Him through worship.  We can touch Him through Scripture.  We can touch Him through the Church and through loving service.  We can touch Him through the sacraments—as we encourage one another through baptism and as we partake of His body and blood in Holy Communion.  We touch Him whenever we participate in any of these by faith and we can touch Him through the relationships we have with each other.

Notice, that Jesus didn’t hide His scars from Thomas or any of the disciples.  Jesus’ scars became proof of His identity.  His scars were beautiful scars because they showed how much He loves us.  Graduates (and everyone):  Perhaps you have some wounds of your own.  Perhaps you will receive new wounds in the days and years ahead.  But don’t forget this truth Jesus reveals:  Your wounds and experiences shape you. Jesus’ scars are proof that suffering is not erased by resurrection but transformed through it into something beautiful.

If you put your faith in Jesus, the scars you have now and whatever wounds you receive in the future can have meaning.  The pain is real, but Christ has the power to transform it all into something for which you will be eternally thankful and proudly display as a testament to the goodness of God.

The Call Forward
Jesus commissions all His disciples—even doubters.  As we read in Matthew 28:19-20 last week, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all the nations,^[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Graduation is not the end—it’s the beginning of your mission.  Walk by faith.  Live with hope.  Go forth with courage.  And trust in the risen Lord.  This is a call forward for our graduates and for all of us.

A Message for Graduates and Everyone - 2025

My youngest child is graduating from high school.  
Graduation is an exciting milestone. You’re stepping into your own life—making choices, living your values, deciding who you want to be. And while this message is for our graduates, it’s also for all of us, because we’re all charting our path or recalibrating our direction from time to time.

I’m 51 now. I may feel the aches of age, but I still remember sitting where our graduates are—on the edge of something new. The year I graduated high school was also the year I started dating my wife. That one decision shaped so much of who I am today. Moments like graduation set us on paths that echo for a lifetime.

Don’t Be a Fool
In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus shares a parable about a rich man who stored up his wealth and planned to “eat, drink, and be merry,” not realizing his life would end that very night. Jesus warns, “A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Graduates, and anyone just getting started: you may not have much money yet, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you walk with God. Even when it feels like you’re on your own, your family, your church, and your Lord are with you.

The rich man’s mistake wasn’t success, it was selfishness. He forgot about the people who helped him during hard times. When he had plenty, he thought only of himself. Jesus reminds us: life is not measured by what we own. When our time comes, we leave it all behind. What lasts is our relationship with God and how we loved others.

Be Generous
Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

As you begin your adult life, practice generosity. One powerful way to do that is through tithing—giving 10% of your income to God through the church.

Start while you have little. If you earn $10, giving $1 may not seem like much, but it forms a habit. Later, when you're blessed with more, you’ll already be a faithful giver. Tithing not only supports your church—it strengthens your trust in God and keeps your heart focused on His Kingdom, not just your own success.

Tithing helps you guard against greed and reminds you: "It’s not all about me." It’s a spiritual discipline that builds your faith and blesses your church, your community, and your soul.

Trust God
The years right after high school are the most formative of your life. You’ll make decisions about school, career, relationships, maybe even parenthood. You’ll need God’s guidance like never before.

Sadly, these are also the years when many people drift away from the church. I urge you—don’t drift. Dig in. Stay connected to God and His people.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” That’s a promise for graduates—and for all of us.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person worship in 2020, our church worried how we’d survive. But God proved faithful. People gave generously. We even ended the next two years with a surplus. Rather than store it away, we launched Operation Mercy Drops, giving monthly $1,000 grants to people in need. God has used it to bless many—and to bless us for giving.

You never know how much good can come from trusting God, being faithful, and giving generously.

Recalibrate
In the book One Man’s Wilderness, a man living off the grid in Alaska realized his watch had drifted off time. He had to recalibrate. Sometimes, we do too.

Maybe you had clear goals when you were young. Are you still on the right path? Have you drifted? A little drift over time can lead far off course. Take time to pause, pray, and ask God to get you back on track.

And if you’ve never done it before, today’s a perfect day to say yes to Jesus and follow Him.

Whether you’re just starting out or years down the road, the message is the same:
Build a rich relationship with God, be generous, and trust the Lord in all you do.

Two Very Different Stories | A Sermon from Matthew 28:11-20

Introduction
Today is Mother’s Day — and I think we all know, when it comes to parenting, moms just do it better. They’ve got that mix of patience, wisdom, and unconditional love that’s hard to match.
They’re the ones who bandage scraped knees, remember every permission slip, and somehow manage to find your lost shoe when you're already late.

Now, dads—we try. But let’s be honest, our parenting instincts don’t always hit the mark like a mother’s does.  In fact, that reminds me of a story… 

Little Billy was always getting into trouble — at home and at school.
His mom was at her wit’s end.  One day, the school called.
The voice on the line said, “Mrs. Johnson, your son’s been telling lies.”
She hung her head in frustration, not knowing what to say.
Her husband calmly took the phone and said, “Who is this?”
The school repeated, “Your son’s been telling lies.”
The dad paused and said, “Well, tell him he’s doing a great job—because we don’t even have kids!”

Now that’s one way to tell a story—but it’s not exactly the truth, is it?
And in today’s Scripture, we’re going to look at two very different stories that came out of the same event—the resurrection of Jesus.
One story is rooted in lies and fear.  The other is grounded in truth and faith.
And the question for all of us this morning is:  Which story are we living?

Matthew 28:11-20
¹¹ As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. ¹² A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. ¹³ They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ ¹⁴ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” ¹⁵ So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

¹⁸ Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,^[b] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Two Very Different Stories
I’m struck right off the bat in this passage by the clear contrast between these two stories.

The Soldiers:	The Disciples:
Lived to spread a lie	Died to tell with truth
Were paid to cover up	Were commissioned to go proclaim
Acted out of fear and greed	Responded with worship and obedience
Story was bought and empty	Story was costly and full of hope

How do we know the soldiers’ story was a lie?  One reason is: In the Roman military, falling asleep on duty or failing a guard assignment was often punishable by death. This was a well-known and strict rule to ensure discipline and accountability. If the soldiers had actually allowed the body to be stolen, they would have faced execution — yet they remained alive.  Why?  Because someone had to live to tell the lie.  If they were executed, there would have been no supposed "eyewitnesses" to tell the lie that the body was stolen.

Now contrast that to the Disciples experience.  They died to tell the Truth.  While the soldiers were paid money to tell the lie, the disciples gave their lives to tell the truth.

Peter was crucified upside down in Rome.
James (son of Zebedee) was beheaded by sword in Jerusalem.
Andrew was on an X-shaped cross in Greece.
Philip was crucified or possibly stoned in Phrygia.
Bartholomew was flayed alive and beheaded in Armenia.
Matthew was stabbed with a spear in Ethiopia.
Thomas was speared to death in India.
James was stoned to death in Jerusalem.
Thaddaeus was clubbed to death in Persia.
Simon the Zealot was sawed in half in Persia.
John was the only disciple to die a natural death. He was exiled to Patmos, then later died in Ephesus.

Each one paid for telling the truth with their lives. People don’t give their lives willingly for a lie.
They are much more likely to lie in order to save their lives—like the soldiers at the tomb.

Cover Up or Boldly Proclaim
The story of Jesus’ resurrection was a threat to the religious leaders and the Roman authorities.
Christ’s ultimate miracle showed His Heavenly Kingdom was more powerful than any kingdom or authority on earth.  If this news got out, people would turn against the Romans and the religion of Jerusalem.

So they had to cover it up.  It must’ve really burned them up—having to hand over hush money to soldiers they would’ve rather executed them on the spot.

In contrast, Jesus commissioned the disciples to go and boldly proclaim the truth to the world. It wasn’t easy—and it cost them dearly. But there’s peace in telling the truth. Truth carries its own reward: a clear conscience, a steady heart, and the joy of walking in step with God. 
And there’s the reward of belonging to the eternal, unshakable Kingdom of God—knowing that nothing this world offers can compare, and nothing it throws at you can truly harm you, because your life is secure in Jesus Christ.

Fear or Faith
The soldiers acted out of fear.   Their lives were at stake and Roman executions were brutal (just look what they did to Jesus).  When faced with the choice to tell the truth and be tortured and killed or to take a bribe to spread a lie, they took the easy road. I wonder what happened to them?  The Bible doesn’t say (and there are no strong, widely accepted church traditions about their fate either).
Matthew makes sure to say their lie was still circulating at the time he wrote his Gospel (several decades after the fact), showing how persistent and powerful misinformation can be.

But their lies could not overcome the power of God’s truth, because the disciples acted in faith.
They believed that Jesus had truly risen from the grave, and they courageously devoted their lives to obeying His commission to spread the Good News.  And history reveals this simple yet powerful reality: faith conquers fear, truth outlasts deception, and the light of the resurrection continues to shine—generation after generation—through those who dare to believe and obey.

Which is Your Story?
At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, we see two very different stories.  One was bought—a lie crafted to hide the truth. It was cheap in value, but costly in consequence.  It was a story rooted in fear, told to preserve power, and it ultimately led nowhere.

The other story was costly—not just in gold, but in obedience, sacrifice, and faith.  The disciples didn’t gain wealth or and easy life from their story.  What they gained was purpose, peace, and the promise of eternal life.  Their story is still being told, because it’s filled with hope—the kind that changes lives and lights up a dark world.

So what do we do with that?  Because every one of us will face the same kind of choice:
Will we cling to what’s easy, safe, and self-serving,
or will we step into the truth, even when it costs us something?

We live in a world full of false stories—stories that tell us to compromise, to cut corners, to live for ourselves.  But Jesus calls us to something better.  He calls us to live in the light, to walk in the truth, to be people of integrity, courage, and hope.

So here’s the challenge:  Which story are you living? 
Is your life being shaped by what’s bought and empty,
or by what’s costly and full of eternal hope?

Choose the story that lasts.  Choose the story that’s true.
Choose to follow Jesus—the Risen One—wherever He leads.

A Methodist's Reflection on the Pope

I was recently asked by a member of my church share some thoughts about the pope of the Roman Catholic Church from my perspective.  As a Global Methodist pastor, I do not fall under the pope's authority, nor do I subscribe to many of the Roman Catholic Church's teachings about papal authority or infallibility (or many other doctrines of that Christian denomination).  However, since the pope is an important leader in the wider Christian community, which includes 1.406 billion people (roughly 50% of Christians in the world), the pope and the RCC does mater to me and all Christians (regardless of denominational affiliation).  So, here is some information and reflections about the pope that may be helpful.

Understanding the Pope from a Global Methodist Church Perspective

The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), considered by Catholics to be the successor to the Apostle Peter. According to Roman Catholic belief, Jesus gave Peter a unique role of leadership (Matthew 16:18-19), and this role continues through the papacy. The Pope leads the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, defines doctrine, and serves as a symbol of unity for over a billion Catholics.

When a pope dies or resigns as Pope Frances did on April 21, the Roman Catholic Church begins a process called a conclave. All eligible cardinals gather in the Vatican, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and vote in secret until a new pope is chosen. This process emphasizes spiritual discernment and the unity of the Church under apostolic leadership.

What Do Global Methodists Believe About the Pope?

The GMC respects Roman Catholics as fellow Christians and acknowledges the historic and global role of the papacy. However, we do not believe that any one person—pope or otherwise—holds divine authority over the universal Church. We affirm that Jesus Christ alone is the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), and our authority for doctrine and practice comes from Scripture, not from a human office.

Unlike Roman Catholics, we do not view the Pope as infallible. We also believe in the priesthood of all believers and connectional leadership, not a hierarchical structure centered in a single figure.

How Can Global Methodists Pray for the Roman Catholic Church?

As a people committed to Christian unity and the global mission of Jesus, we encourage all GMC members to pray that the Holy Spirit would guide the Roman Catholic Church in its selection of a new pope. We can pray for:

• God’s wisdom and peace to fill the hearts of the cardinals.
• The new pope to be a faithful follower of Jesus and a bridge-builder among all Christians.
• Continued cooperation and dialogue between Catholic and Protestant churches.

Why Does This Matter to Us?

The pope is a prominent global Christian leader whose voice influences moral, social, and theological conversations worldwide. While we have differences, we share with Catholics many foundational beliefs: the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, the resurrection, and the call to love God and neighbor. Praying for their discernment honors Christ’s prayer in John 17 “that they may all be one.”

Chart Comparing Global Methodist and Roman Catholic Beliefs

Belief/Practice	Global Methodist Church (GMC)	Roman Catholic Church (RCC)
Authority	Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura); interpreted through the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience)	Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium (teaching authority of the Pope and bishops)
Church Leadership	Connectional model; bishops and clergy under mutual accountability	Hierarchical model; Pope is the supreme head of the global Church
The Pope	Respected as a global Christian leader, but not authoritative or infallible	Believed to be the successor of Peter, with infallibility in official doctrinal teachings
Sacraments	Two: Baptism and Holy Communion (as means of grace)	Seven: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony
Salvation	By grace through faith, leading to sanctification and holiness	By grace through faith, expressed through sacraments and good works
Baptism	Infant and believer’s baptism both practiced; sign of covenant grace	Usually infant baptism; seen as necessary for salvation
Holy Communion	Open to all who believe in Christ	Typically closed; reserved for practicing Catholics in a state of grace
What Happens in Communion	Jesus is spiritually present; Communion is a means of grace, not a re-sacrifice	Believed to be the literal Body and Blood of Christ (transubstantiation); a re-presentation of Christ’s one sacrifice
View of Mary and Saints	Honored as faithful examples; not prayed to	Venerated; intercessory prayers to Mary and the saints are common
Goal of Christian Life	Holiness of heart and life; entire sanctification	Communion with God through sanctifying grace and participation in Church sacraments
Role of Laity	Vital to ministry; encouraged in leadership and mission	Important, but more hierarchical roles defined by ordination
Role of Women in Ministry	Women can serve at all levels, including as ordained clergy	Women may serve in many ministries, but not as priests or bishops
Scripture and Interpretation	Bible is supreme authority; interpreted with tradition, reason, and experience	Bible plus sacred tradition interpreted by Magisterium
Confession and Forgiveness	Confession often public or personal; assurance given by Scripture and community	Sacrament of Reconciliation with a priest; priest grants absolution

 

The Walk to Emaus Story | A Sermon on Luke 24:13-34

Introduction
Roughly seven miles west, northwest of Jerusalem lies a quiet little town with a funny name—Emmaus. The town itself no longer exists, but its name has lived on for over 2,000 years because of one unforgettable walk.

Two disciples, still reeling from the trauma of Jesus' death and the confusion of reports about an empty tomb, were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus—a journey that would have taken about two to three hours on foot. As they walked, a stranger joined them. They didn’t recognize Him. They poured out their hearts—their sadness, their doubts, their shattered hopes—and the stranger listened. Then, He began to speak, and their hearts burned within them as He explained the Scriptures.

Their story about the resurrection comes to us from Luke 24:13-34.  And it’s important to us, because many of us walk through life just like those two disciples: burdened, confused, heartbroken... and unaware that Jesus is right there beside us. Today’s message is an invitation to open our eyes, to recognize the Risen Christ is walking with us.

Luke 24:13-34
¹³ That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles^[a] from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. ¹⁵ As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. ¹⁶ But God kept them from recognizing him.

¹⁷ He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. ¹⁸ Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”

¹⁹ “What things?” Jesus asked.

“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. ²⁰ But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. ²¹ We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

²² “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. ²³ They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! ²⁴ Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”

²⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. ²⁶ Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” ²⁷ Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

²⁸ By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, ²⁹ but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. ³⁰ As they sat down to eat,^[b] he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

³² They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” ³³ And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, ³⁴ who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.^[c]”

When Things Seem Out of Control
The first thing I notice about this conversation is how to the disciples it seemed things were out of control.  They said, “our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him…” as if God had no control over it, as if these evil people thwarted God’s plan.  “We had hoped he was the messiah, but…”

No one can ever thwart God’s plan.  God is always in control.  And in fact, the resurrected Jesus chides the disciples.  “You foolish people!” He said. “You find it so hard to believe…”  And He goes on to show how the crucifixion was all part of God’s plan, how He knew it would happen beforehand. 

When things seem out of control in your life, have a little faith.  Trust God.  God is in control.  If you are trying to walk with Him, He will use even the awful things in your life for His glory and your good.  So have faith and hang in there.  When things seem out of control, God may be up to something BIG!

The Writings of Moses and the Prophets
The disciples still didn’t know it was Jesus walking with them as He taught them from the Bible how the death and resurrection of Jesus clearly predicted the Messiah.  What the disciples saw as proof that Jesus wasn’t the Messiah, the Scriptures showed were proof that Jesus absolutely was the Messiah, the Son of God!

I should point out that the Bible Jesus taught from was the Old Testament.  The New Testament didn’t yet exist.  The Gospels and all the letters of the New Testament hadn’t been written yet.  But the Bible Jesus used, and the disciples read at the time, was the Old Testament:  "the writings of Moses and all the prophets…”

Why am I telling you this?  Well, because there are a lot of Christians today who shy away from the Old Testament.  We often prefer the New Testament because it’s a bit easier to understand and we like it’s tone of forgiveness and reconciliation (whereas the Old Testament sometimes seems more wrathful and hard to understand).  Some church leaders today even goes so far as to try to write off the Old Testament as outdated or unnecessary or obsolete.  But for Jesus, our Lord, this was clearly not the case.  For Jesus, the Old Testament was the Word of God and it clearly pointed to Jesus and explained what the Christians of His day needed to know about Christ.

So, I would encourage you to give equal value to the Old Testament.  We need to read it, know it, and understand it.  We believe all Scripture—Old and New Testament—is relevant and points us to Jesus and the way of salvation.

They Begged Him to Stay
The last thing I want to point out is how the disciples begged Jesus to stay.  I love that the Scriptures say they begged Him to stay.  It shows how much they longed to know more about God’s Kingdom.

Now, most of us are not begging for more teaching from the Bible.  In fact, right now many of you are begging me in your mind, “Alright, wrap it up preacher!  It’s time for lunch!”  But these disciples longed for the truth.  And this mysterious person with them (that they still didn’t know was Jesus) was clearly teaching the Scripture’s truth about Jesus.  And they longed for more.  “Don’t leave!  Don’t go on your way!  Stay with us and teach us more!”  And so Jesus stayed with them.

Oh that we would have the same longing for Jesus’ truth in our lives today!  Would you beg Jesus to stay with you today?

The Truth is, Jesus is here.  Jesus is not in the dead.  He’s alive.  And He’s been walking with you all along the way.  And He’s here in the sanctuary with us now.  And He’s waiting for you at the altar this morning as we break the bread and drink the wine.  He wants to kneel with you and pray with you.  May you long to meet with Him here as we celebrate the sacrament of communion.  And may your hearts burn within you as he talks to you and may your eyes be opened so you can see Him walking with you all along the way every day.