So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Greek word Paul chose for new in this verse is kainos referencing a new creation that has not existed previously. This has greater implications than if Paul had instead used neos, meaning new in an already established category.
This biblical concept of kainos new is a pillar of Christian doctrine. Since God is about the work of making us new every day, we are transformed throughout our lives into a new creation, continuously growing in our resemblance to the one we follow, Jesus Christ. Evidence of this transformation can be found in our words, attitudes, actions and lifestyle.
One way that we open ourselves to experience kainos new is by practicing the spiritual discipline of reading Scripture. This is because we encounter God in the pages of Scripture. And each time we meet the living God, we are changed.
With that in mind, I invite you, the Holston Conference, to join me in reading through the Bible together individually and collectively in 2022. As we participate in “Read Together” in community, we open ourselves to experience God's presence and kainos on an individual basis and as a conference.
- Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett
July 13, 2019 Psalm 82 by Bob McConnell Laity of Alleys Chapel UMC Appalachian District On July 4th we celebrated the 243rd anniversary of our nation’s independence but the date to remember is April 18th. That’s the date in 1775 at Lexington and ...
July 12, 2019 Psalms 25: 1-10 by Lynn Mason Laity of Wesley Memorial UMC Three Rivers District Paths and Gates I invite you to visualize a mountain path on a cool summer day; the path is winding and as you round the next little bend you see in the...
July 11, 2019 James 2:18 by Randy Martin District Superintendent of Scenic South District FAITHWORK For many people, faith and good work are two aspects of Christian living that seem to be opposite from each other. The best illustration that I know ...
July 10, 2019 2 Kings 6:1-7 by Carole Martin Clergy of Rock Springs UMC (Kingsport, TN) Appalachian District Elisha, prophet of God, had a thriving ministry. So much so, they were outgrowing their current location. They began constructing a new ...
July 9, 2019 Psalm 6:2 by John and Judy Martin Laity of Fairview UMC Smoky Mountain District We all have times when we pray, “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.” (Psalm 6:2) It might be cancer, or a ...
July 8, 2019 Acts 19:21-27 by Scott Layer Pastor of Central UMC Lenoir City Tennessee Valley District There is an African proverb that goes like this, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." The apostle Paul ...
July 7, 2019 Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 by Andrew Lay Associate Pastor of Keith Memorial UMC Hiwassee District Let’s be honest, Jesus said some harsh things. Just prior to this passage of Scripture, Jesus goes on a bit of a rant as he explains what it ...
July 6, 2019 Luke 9:1-6 by Samantha Johnson Laity of Tennessee Valley District This scripture is about preparation. Jesus knew what was necessary to prepare for the future. A future without Him, and He must prepare the disciples for what was to ...
July 5, 2019 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 by Brian Inman Pastor of Peck's Memorial UMC (Maryville, TN) Recently, our church had someone with a financial need, and we “passed the hat” at the end of our worship service, and came up with close to $400.00 – not ...
July 4, 2019 Psalm 30 by Danny Howe Missions Director of First Broad Street UMC (Kingsport, TN) Appalachian District Most of us are aware of Holston’s long relationship with the people of South Sudan, beginning in 2006, a year after a peace ...
July 3, 2019 Matthew 10:16-25 by Jake Herron Pastor of Apison UMC Hiwassee District In that moment I was speechless. In that moment I could not formulate the words that I was supposed to say. My robed pastor friend, Jeff Wright was quietly waiting ...
July 2, 2019 2 Kings 3:10 by RuthAnne G. Henley Pastor of Draper Circuit of New River District Gratitude in Hard Times I wonder how often we pause to express gratitude for the things God is doing in our lives. When do we believe such expression is ...
July 1, 2019 1 John 2:7-10 by John Crabtree Pastor of First Mountain City and Trade Three Rivers District Ancient and New How can John say he is giving us a commandment that is both new and not-new? This seeming paradox lies at the very heart ...
June 30, 2019 Luke 9:51-56 by Mike Sluder Clergy / Director of Connectional Ministries Holston Conference In these days of polarization in our society, as well as within our church, how we respond to people who disagree with us is important. It ...
June 29, 2019 Luke 9: 21-27 by David Harr Retired Clergy of Scenic South District “If anyone wants to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” V. 23 Cross bearing is a moment by moment matter in my life....
June 28, 2019 2 Kings 1:1-16 by Janet Hanks Laity of First UMC Pulaski, VA Today’s scripture tells the story of Ahaziah, who was not one of the more famous kings of Israel for a reason. He had the misfortune of being the son of Ahab and Jezebel, and...
June 27, 2019 Leviticus 9:22-10:11 by Timothy Hankins Pastor of Oakland UMC (Greenback, TN) "Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his ...
June 26, 2019 Luke 9:37-43a by Becky Hall Laity of Scenic South District Jesus' joy from the transfiguration experience with Moses and Elijah and from God's blessing on the mountain was a great experience, but when he came down the mountain he faced...
June 25, 2019 Ephesians 2:11-22 by Susan Groseclose For Christ is our peace; in his flesh he has made us into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is the hostility between us. (verse 14; NRSV) In a world rift with divisions and ...
June 24, 2019 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 by John Grimm The cross of Christ has power. It is through the cross of Christ that I gain so much. For though I have been foolish, God gave me life in Jesus. For when I thought I was wise, God gave me ...
June 23, 2019 Psalms 42-43 by Caryl Griffin Russell Strength for the Journey… As we come into the story in I Kings, Elijah has just performed probably the most important moment of his ministry revealing the One True God through his dramatic ...
June 21, 2019 Psalm 22:19-28 by Del Gates As darkness enveloped the fearsome hill of Golgotha, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Many followers in centuries hence have found this quotation from Psalm 22:1 perplexing, even...
June 22, 2019 Matthew 9:27-34 by Dave Graybeal Jesus has been on a whirlwind healing tour for a couple of chapters by now. He’s cleansed a leper. He’s healed a centurion’s servant. He’s relieved Peter’s mother-in-law of her fever. He’s cast out a ...
June 20, 2019 Psalm 42 by Betty Furches Prayer: God the giver of all, sustain us when we thirst, remind us to drink deeply and be refreshed. Amen. The song As the Deer written (text and music) by Martin Nystrom brings me immediately to Psalm 42:1. ...
June 19, 2019 Daniel 1:1-21 by Charles Ensminger The first half of the book of Daniel recounts the stories of Daniel and his compatriots as they find themselves taken into a foreign land during what would be called the Babylonian Captivity. It is a ...