30 October, 2024

All of It

by | 29 September, 2024 | 0 comments

By Doug Redford

During the spring of 2019, a man named James Holzhauer became quite a celebrity on the TV show Jeopardy, earning over two million dollars by winning on 32 episodes of the show. Holzhauer (a professional sports gambler) was known for his elaborate wagers whenever he hit a “Daily Double”; and if he wagered all his earnings to that point in the game, he would make a motion with his hands, palms open, moving them forward to say, “all of it.” Holzhauer’s prowess on Jeopardy earned him the nickname “Jeopardy James.” 

The words “all of it” describe what a life of faith in God should look like. We could apply them to those individuals mentioned in the Bible’s faith chapter, Hebrews 11. Think of them as making the same gesture as Holzhauer, only moving their hands upward, giving everything to God. For some who walked the path of faith, their journey included participating in some amazing events (note Hebrews 11:33-35a). Other faith-walkers, however, traveled a much different route; their experience of living by faith led them into “Daily Trouble” (vv. 35b-38). Often they found themselves in “double jeopardy.” 

For Jesus, the words “all of it” apply as well, with singular importance. The writer of Hebrews highlights Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of humanity as a “once for all” offering (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12, 26; 10:10) that was good “for all time” (10:12). That sacrifice was a full payment of sin’s penalty for all people everywhere in every era of history; no one was excluded. For Jesus, “all of it” required hands that were stretched outward, to his right and left, with nails fastening them to the cross.  

As we partake of Communion together, think about those words “all of it.” Give thanks that you are part of the “all” for whom Jesus died and that “all” of your sins have been forgiven through his sacrifice. Think of the “all” as including your brothers and sisters in this congregation and also in other parts of the world, many of whom are in great jeopardy because of their choice to follow Jesus. Think of the “all” who still need to hear about Jesus’ love. And, whether you raise your outstretched hands toward heaven or not, consider what giving “all of it” in the Lord’s service can mean for you in the coming week.  

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come.  

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

Mission: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Forty-four years ago, as a young missionary ministering in Kenya, Doug Priest wrote an article about “Missions in the Eighties.” Now he looks at the past, present, and future of missions in the Restoration Movement.

Who is More Religious, the Left or the Right

The problem with political religion should be obvious. Politicians make big promises but are bad saviors. Political parties make fanatical communities but bad churches. When politics become religion, Christian unity is poisoned and our more meaningful relationships die.

Each One

It’s been estimated that over the course of history more than 100 billion people have lived on this earth. On the cross, Christ paid the penalty for their sins and provided eternal life—not only for every person who has ever lived, but for everyone who will be born after us.

At The Border

Our hearts were moved to stand at the river, boots on the ground, and spend a short couple of weeks with the Ukrainians who continue to suffer the loss of so much.

November 3 Study | The Battle is the Lord’s

In Revelation 15-16, Christians are given a front-row seat on the judgments of God. They can watch them unfold through observing the angels with their seven bowls of wrath.

Follow Us