Once again, the holiday shopping season is in full swing! Black Friday has come and gone, and Cyber Monday is over. A growing army of companies and organizations are starting to celebrate another kind of day, “Giving Tuesday.”The concept is simple: how can we use the power of social media and communication to encourage giving, spread joy, and make a difference in other people’s lives?

Black Friday has become a cultural phenomenon, with retailers bombarding us with promises of unbeatable deals and once-in-a-lifetime savings. Yet for Christians seeking to live faithfully, this annual shopping frenzy presents a spiritual challenge that deserves thoughtful consideration.

When the apostle Paul arrived in Athens, he stepped into one of the ancient world's most intellectually vibrant cities. Known for its philosophical debates, magnificent architecture, and thriving culture, Athens seemed like an unlikely mission field for a Jewish tentmaker. Yet it was precisely here, in the bustling marketplace called the Agora, that Paul demonstrated a revolutionary approach to ministry—one that seamlessly integrated everyday work with spiritual mission.