Paul W. Powell Legacy Library

Perhaps you have heard the story about the preacher who was delivering a deep theological sermon one day when his wife scribbled a note on a piece of paper, folded it up, and handed it to the usher who delivered it to the pastor while he was preaching. The pastor saw on the note the word “KISS.” He thought that was nice of his wife to send a love note whil...

One of our attorneys told me a story about when he was in law school years before and was given an assignment to write a paper. When he turned the paper in, he thought it was rather good. But he got a “B” on the paper when he expected an “A.” He went back to talk to the professor. The professor said, “Here is an ‘A’ paper. Tak...

Dr. Carl Barth, the great Swiss theologian, once came to the United States. He was talking one day with theological students. They asked him this question: “Dr. Barth, in your lifetime you have read and studied as deeply into theology as any man who has ever lived. Could you summarize for us in just a few sentences what you believe to be the essence of Christian...

When Dr. Carl Barth, the great Swiss theologian, came to the United States, he met with some theological students. They asked him this question: “Dr. Barth, in your lifetime you have read and studied as deeply into theology as any man who has ever lived. Could you summarize for us in just a few sentences what you believe to be the essence of Christianity?”...

28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and...

We live on a higher level. We look to another world. We dream of a better day. Some years ago, an American tourist visited a very famous Polish rabbi, and as he looked around the apartment of this rabbi, he was astonished at the plainness and simplicity of it. There were just some bookcases full of books over here, a table over there, and a bench in the room. The asto...

Several years ago, I read with great interest a book by Elmer G. Letterman entitled How Showmanship Sells. It is one of those success motivation books with a lot of good philosophy in it. He said, “People come to me oftentimes and ask me for the secret to success.” He continued, “There is no one simple answer to that, but there is one necessary first...

First-century Christianity was simple and uncluttered. Early Christians cut through the complexity of their culture and allowed what was primary and essential to surface.   What are the basics that matter in our faith? Here are four cornerstones: God and his word are trustworthy. Christ is the Savior and King. There’s hope for the future and forg...