Claim the Flame: A Series of Seven Two-Character Dialogues Featuring the Apostle Paul and His 1st Century Church Contemporaries

"I have had the privilege of knowing Larry Moeller for many years. My first contact was the result of interest he expressed in how a church I led was starting new churches. We met over coffee to chat about church, the mission of Jesus Christ, and how to effectively take the witness of the church into the unreached regions of our back yards. What began as a conversation regarding church philosophy blossomed into a friendship built around the grace-filled message of Jesus.

"In our times together I have always admired his deep relationship with God. I have appreciated his willingness to reflect on and apply the insights God gives him through his meditative approach to scripture. He is one of those unique folks who can bring the truth of God's word into the realm of current society. He knows the words that were written centuries ago must echo into the life canyons of today. What God spoke to the founders of the faith must speak to those of us who have placed our faith in the Savior they declared, defended, and delighted in.

"These sermon dialogues, Claim the Flame, are an example of this. Larry takes us into conversations between Paul and his contemporaries to provide glimpses into how they fleshed out their faith stories. The words contained in these personal interactions allow us to step back into history. And it is in our stepping back we discover stuff we can use to step forward in life today.

"Bridges must be built to span the chasm between the history of the faith and our current faith. These seven dialogues help to build those bridges.

"I encourage you to build those bridges. Incorporate these into the life of your congregation. Use them to help your congregants grasp the richness of faith. The result will be clearer understanding, greater faith, and deeper commitment to Christ and his church."

The Rev. Dr. Phil Stevenson
District Superintendent
Pacific-Southwest District of The Wesleyan Church
[Phil Stevenson is the author of The Ripple Church containing practical tips to guide your church into becoming a multiplying church. He also writes a bi-weekly leadership blog, The Rock in the Pond, located at http://thesisugroup.org/blog/.]