Sharing Your Little

“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?”  John 6:9

There is a very famous passage of Scripture in which Jesus feeds more than 5000 people.  To be sure, much has been written and preached about this event, and rightly so.  There are lessons about Jesus' love, compassion and deity.  There are lessons about his apostles' lack of understanding and faith.  There are even lessons about a crowd who largely missed the significance and point of the whole exercise.  Little is said, however, about a young boy and his lunch.

Consider the fact that though virtually nothing is known about him, it can be surmised that he was relatively poor due to the contents of his meal but that he was prepared because he had it.  Though we do not know what his day or life consisted of, he showed up with food among thousands who either had none at all or an amount insufficient for their needs.

Consider also that he was wiling to share.  We know nothing about how the actual exchange took place, but it can be said with a high degree of confidence that Jesus would not take a child's lunch from him by force.  We can therefore surmise that the young man was willing to not just share, but to give all he had.

Finally, it was with this boy's lunch that Jesus indeed and in fact, fed the multitude.  Further, not only where the people filled but there was an abundance that was leftover. 

Beloved, as believers, we have confidence that the Lord can do all things.  We believe that miracles are available and do happen through the power of God.  We also believe that God is fully capable of performing these things with zero assistance from us.  That said, Jesus chose to work in partnership with the youngster.  He took what the boy was willing to share and miraculously multiplied it for the benefit of many.  It is important that we not miss this very important lesson because too often, we feel as if our little is not enough.  We often feel impotent in the face of so many needs and so much pain in the world.  At times we feel this so strongly that we fail to offer the resources, knowledge, skills and abilities we do have, shrug our shoulders and walk away.  Suppose a little boy with his lunch box refused to open it.

Let us be mindful that Jesus never asked us to save the universe.  What he asks of us is that we love others as he has loved us, that we treat others the way we would like to be treated, that with humility, we esteem others more than ourselves and that we lead lives that produce fruit.  Our circle of acquaintances and those with whom we come into contact is limited, but the power of Christ is not.  Let us bring our little and let Jesus do great things with it.

Increasing in faith,

Lee

Found, Not Lost 1/7/2014

"Therefore He again asked them, 'Whom do you seek?' And they said, 'Jesus the Nazarene.'  Jesus answered, 'I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way,'  to fulfill the word which He spoke, 'Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.'” John 18:7-9

In John 17:1, the beginning of Jesus' most famous and profound prayer, he stated that the hour had come.  To this point, it had all been about what was yet to come but now, the hour had finally arrived.  Shortly after the conclusion of his prayer, Judas arrived in betrayal with a contingent of soldiers who desired to take him into custody.  It was at this time that his salvific work began in earnest.

Beloved, most of those of us who call upon the name of Jesus know and understand why he came: to seek and save the lost.  It was the very fact of our being lost that caused us to require salvation, which was not available through our own means.  We know that Jesus loved, taught, healed, fed, encouraged and provided an example by which we are to live, but all of this would have been for naught had he not had the desire and power to reconcile us to the God who made us.  He did this by literally dying the death that we deserved.  He willingly took on destruction on our behalf that we might live.

When the soldiers came to collect him, his first thought was to protect those that God had placed in his care.  That sacrifice not only benefited his contemporaries, but the righteous who had come before and all those who would come later that believed.  That is us.  The words he spoke are constantly being fulfilled.  To the glory of God and the praise of the Lord, we are not lost but found in Him!

One,

Lee

Almost There 11/27/2013

"When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.'” Mark 12:34a

It was typical in Jesus' time and culture to argue and debate the interpretation of Scripture. As one who was not educated in the rabbinical schools of the day, yet teaching as one who had authority (Matthew 7:29), it is not in the least surprising that the teachers of the law would contend with Jesus. One of their number came upon just such a scene, noticed how well Jesus was handling himself and asked him which of the commandments was most important. Jesus replied that loving the one true God with everything we have and loving others as ourselves was more important than (and in fact summed up) all of the other commandments. The lawyer agreed and said that these commands were more important than all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices, which ostensibly were done as both giving to God and as making amends for sin. Jesus complimented his response and encouraged him.

Beloved, what amazing words to hear and contemplate that we are not far from the kingdom of God. In the lawyer's case, it was clear that he demonstrated an awareness of the truth and an acceptance of it even though those like him questioned the validity of the messenger. But nearness to the kingdom is not acquisition of it. What do any of us still lack? It is submitted for your consideration that in this case, there can be no separation between the message and the messenger. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me," John 14:6. The scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and teachers of the law wanted God but not the only path to Him in existence, Jesus. They seemed to prefer hanging on to their own human wisdom and traditions rather than humbling themselves to accept he who was sent to and for them, the house of Israel, first(Mark 7:27). Even as we attempt to serve God and lead Christian iives, what might we still be hanging on to that represents the difference from being "not far" from the kingdom and being seated in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)? Let us think on these things.

Committed,

Lee

Living Your Giving 9/27/2013

“A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.   Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury;  for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.’”   Mark 12:42-44

While many expositors of the Word have used this passage to prompt their congregations to give and that generously, the thought I would like to share this morning has not as much to do with financial contributions as giving our all to and for the one who gave his all for us.

When you consider the poor widow, what do you think?   The fact that she is a widow tells us that she is in a perpetual state of loss.  She is described as basically being down to her last cent.  This tells us that she either had no children or the children she had were not willing to support her.  Perhaps she had a way of making money or survived on the kindness of others, nevertheless, it was everything she had.  Lastly, she was willing to give it to the Lord.  We know that she appeared at the temple to pay her temple taxes as was the custom for the Israelites, but to her, it seems the ultimate demonstration of faith, obedience and love.

Beloved, when we think of our Lord, what is his worth to you?  It is well known that he, as an absolute expression of love, left heaven and gave his life for us, but what are we willing to give to express our love for him?  To be sure, we are unable to earn the great gift that he gave, but we are by no means prevented from demonstrating love and faith toward him and expressing ourselves by giving ourselves.  You see we were bought by his blood, but must still voluntarily give ourselves to him.  This can certainly be expressed in our financial contributions, but is exponentially better shown in our manner of living.  Our attitude and actions should be consistent with this:

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom 12:1-2

What is the biblical meaning of sacrifice but the giving of life?  It is what he did for us.  Let us be willing to give our living for him.

Committed, 

Lee

The Price Paid for Sin 8/26/2013

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-2

Though things like cancer, war, famine and socio-economic injustice may be thought of as such, it is actually sin that is the scourge of humanity. Even a casual reading of the Genesis account before the Fall shows how idyllic life was designed by God to be. It was not until sin was introduced that the problems of man and the distance in his relationship with God began. Unfortunately, what began then persists to this day.

God, however, is to be praised for His unsurpassed love for all of us. Though it was we who condemned ourselves, it was He that made a way for reconciliation. Most are familiar with the fact that God loves us so much that He gave his only son (John 3:16), but we may not be clear about some of the mechanics of this dazzling fact. Jesus, having taken on flesh, taught the good news, healed, fed and ultimately sacrificed his life, is now at the right hand of the Father. From this position, he, as the greatest defense attorney ever known, argues our case against the accusations of the great prosecutor, Satan, before the judgment seat of God. What equips and qualifies him to do so is that he, as our sinless propitiation (atoning sacrifice) has already been convicted and served the deserved sentence of death due to sin in our place!

Beloved, what an amazing Father we serve. Because we know the sin error that was made in the Garden, we should endeavor to not make the same mistake. Because we see sin and its effects all around us, we should strive to be as sinless as possible. Because we are aware of the great love God has for us, we should do all we can to live lives that are pleasing to Him. When we have a momentary lapse or unknowingly commit a trespass against the Father, it is good to know that our Savior has already paid the price. Should we then go on sinning because we have an "out?" God forbid! We should strive all the more for righteousness because of the great love that was displayed and the price paid so dear.

Committed,

Lee

The Unglamorous Work of God 5/30/2013

"Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, 'My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?'  So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean."  2 Kings 5:13-14

There was once a man named Naaman who was a great soldier that had distinguished himself in battle.  Unfortunately, he had leprosy.  Through the course of time and events he found himself being instructed by the prophet Elisha through a messenger to wash in the Jordan river 7 times in order that he might be cured of his condition.  Naaman was initially very angry.  He expected that Elisha would come out to him and do something miraculous.  Further, he thought there were much better and cleaner rivers than the Jordan in which to be cleansed.  The bible tells us he left Elisha's door in a rage.

This passage came to mind at last evening's bible study while talking to one of our faithful and hard working members.  He and his wife had just returned from leading a small group to tornado ravaged Oklahoma in order to lend a helping hand to those in need.  He related that a lot of the work they did involved clearing brush, picking up trash, dismantling and stacking wood from blown down fences and various other "unglamorous" (my word, not his) activities.  This brother has many talents and thought he might be doing more things like fixing roofs, installing windows or perhaps even doing some electrical work.

Through the course of our conversation, he came to realize that his and the other's willingness to pack up, drive hundreds of miles without so much as a plan for a place to lay their heads just to help perfect strangers in a time of need was the very definition of loving God with our whole selves and loving others as we love ourselves (Matt 22:37-39).  Further, the help that was rendered was critically needed by those who received it.  They helped older people who could not have done what they did by themselves.  They even did work on a home for a person who was not there.  He was not there because he was in another state receiving a bone marrow transplant due to his cancerous condition.  Their time, effort, energy and sacrifice was appreciated by all they assisted and, I believe, God is pleased.

Beloved, let us not diminish in our own minds the value of service and obedience to God.  Not everyone is going to be in a position to pull someone out of a burning building, lift a heavy object from off of a trapped individual, administer CPR to someone whose life is endangered or come to the aid of a car accident victim.  Doing good is not about the "wow factor."  It is about love and the vast majority of good done for others is quiet, small and ordinary.  God works this way so much in our lives, we not only take it for granted but we fail to see His actions for the everyday miracles they are.  Ask a severe asthmatic about the value of simply being able to breathe.

Naaman expected something big and flashy from God, but He delivered in the smallest, most quiet way.  Having him wash in the dirty Jordan, rather than the famous clear, cold and pure rivers of Damascus, Naaman was made whole, just as the people of Oklahoma will be, one small act of love and kindness at a time.

Blessings to all who do the work of God.

Committed,

Lee

Sacrifice and Salvation 11/29/2012

"So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."  Heb 9:28

In the times of the Old Testament, it was necessary for animal sacrifices involving much blood to be made for the inadvertent sins of the people.  It was a fairly complicated process that involved the high priest going into what was called the Holiest of Holies to render sacrifice to God.  He had to first do so for himself and his family and then for all of Israel.  This sacrifice of atonement as it was known, allowed the high priest to approach the very earthly presence of God (located in the Holiest of Holies) just once per year but it had to be done each year.  This was done not to forgive his sins and that of the people, but was done merely as a reminder of sins.  "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."  Heb 10:3-4.

Beloved the sobering fact is that there was indeed a sacrifice that could take away sins and it was made by Jesus.  It is only through his perfect obedience to God, his perfect and sinless life and the perfect nature of his sacrifice that we have access to salvation.  His sacrifice ushered in a new covenant between God and man that did away with ritual offerings and provided the availability of a clear conscience for those who fear God as well as direct access to him through Jesus.  Whereas formerly, only the high priest could  approach the presence of God once a year and that with blood, we can all now approach God any time through the shedding of Christ's blood.

This act and this fact is nothing less than the very foundation of Christianity.  And since he has given us access, we can take confidence in knowing that when he returns, it will be not to suffer as he has already done, but to receive those who have received him.  Have you truly received Jesus?

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Forgiven!! 10/25/2012

"There sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.  And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary." Heb 10:17-18

If we were to think about our needs and think beyond those things pertaining to the body such as food, air, water and shelter, we would sooner or later get around to our critical need for forgiveness.  Once we become aware that God exists and that He has expectations for us and once we realize that we operate outside of those expectations, we realize that we need forgiveness.  Once we fall in love with Him and realize He loved us since before we existed, we realize that we need forgiveness.  Once we realize that there are benefits for obedience and consequences for a lack of obedience, we realize that we need forgiveness.

In ancient times, this realization existed among the Hebrews.  Once understood, they obeyed God by sacrificing bulls, goats and birds to mitigate their sin.  It is important to know that full forgiveness was not yet available to them but simply rolled forward for them.  These practices were designed to pave the way for the coming and sacrificing of the Messiah, the only Sacrifice adequate enough to create the possibility of forgiveness.

Beloved, the amazing news is that Jesus the Messiah did come and did provide the ultimate sacrifice.  In so doing, he did away with the need to slaughter animals to mitigate our sins.  His one time sacrifice was perfect for all time and covers all who avail themselves of it by giving Christ headship over their lives.  When this is sincerely done through hearing the word, believing it, recognizing that we sin and repenting of it, confessing that Jesus is the son of God and our savior and being baptized for the remission of those sins, we do indeed receive forgiveness of those sins and become members of God's family. Once done, forgiveness becomes perpetual as long as we continue to pursue godly lives.  What blessed peace there is in knowing that our greatest need has been provided for by our heavenly Father.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

For the Love of Christ-6/26/2012

"Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “ It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." John 19:30

Whenever I think of Jesus on the cross, it fills me with the greatest of mixed emotions.  The first is an overwhelming sadness.  Crucifixion is a horrible way to die.  The process is filled with pain and degredation.  Not only were stakes driven through the body but the person being crucified was put on public display.  Imagine the horror of having to shift your weight from your bent legs to your spread arms to get away from the pain, but finding no refuge.  Soon wracking cramps would attack the muscles and there would be no relief.  Because of the spread arms, the diaphragm slowly begins to lose its effectiveness affecting the ability to breath.  Death ultimately comes through suffocation, but in most cases only after days of unimaginable suffering.  It is tough to think of anyone enduring such punishment.  It is even tougher to think of it happening to Jesus (and when I think Jesus, I think of everything that is).

Then my emotions swing widely when I realize that had it not been for that suffering and that death, there would have been no resurrection.  And if there was no resurrection for him, there would be none for me.  Paul said, "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins" 1 Cor 15:17.  It took nothing less than his ultimate sacrifice to bring worth to my faith and cleansing to my sins.  I know that it is nothing I could possibly have accomplished on my own or for myself.  That he had enough love for me to pay the ultimate price fills me with joy and humility...and even shame when I fail to live up to his expectations.  Even this, however, is mitigated by the knowledge that his forgiveness is vast and complete.

Beloved, how much must he love us to go through such terror?  How much must he love us to have gone through such pain and humiliation?  How much must we love him?  The answer is simple.  We must love him the same way he loves us: with everything we have!

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Following Christ 6/5/12

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'" Matt 16:24

There are many who claim to be followers of Christ. There are fewer who understand the true meaning of such a claim. In truth, being a true follower of Christ involves much that is counter intuitive to most people. Though this scripture is certainly not an exhaustive list of requirements, consider what the Lord is saying specifically to those who were actively following him at the the time.

First, he speaks of selflessness. It is natural for us to think of self first and others second. Jesus is advocating a life of service, forgiveness, love and sharing. The scriptures are replete with advisements and commands to treat others better than self. Jesus models this when he relates that he came to serve rather than to be served.

Second, we must be willing to sacrifice. When one thinks of the cross, it is difficult to think of anything else but the fact that it is the place that Jesus gave it all that we might have a way to be reconciled to the Father. In order to be a true follower of his, we must likewise be willing to lead sacrificial lives. Paul elaborates on this concept when he says, "I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" Rom 12:1. As he gave his life for us, we must be willing to give our lives to him.

Lastly beloved, we must not be followers of Christ in just word, but also in deed. This simply means to be obedient to his commands and to follow his example. His command is to love God with everything we have and to love others as ourselves. His example was to humble himself, take responsibility for others and to serve, even by washing dirty feet. How many of us would "lower" ourselves to the very heights of his performance? Let us carefully consider these things because therein lies true follow-ship and fellowship with Him who made us.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

The Cost of Christianity-11/11/2011 (rp)

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23

What an eloquent verse this is that describes the requirements of the Christian faith.

First, you must believe. Heb 11:6 tells us that "He that cometh unto God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Following Jesus necessarily involves belief. No one would get on a plane that they did not feel could fly nor a boat they did not think could float. The desire to follow him means that the individual has been compelled to do so by recommendation, personal experience, need or fear of the alternative. All of these have belief as a foundational component.

Denying oneself contextually means to die to oneself. Clarity is found in Rom 12: 1 where we are told to make our bodies a living sacrifice. Otherwise said, we are no longer our own but now are to lead lives dedicated to the service of the Lord. Through baptism, we die to the flesh spiritually, are buried as dead and are resurrected into the newness of life even as Christ was. In so doing, we live lives dedicated to the accomplishing of his will rather than our own.

Taking up our cross demonstrates that our commitment is not to be entered into lightly. It involves the gritty reality of suffering, pain, ridicule, persecution, sacrifice and potentially, literal and figurative death. The cross is a heavy burden, but it is one that Christ shouldered for us. He now invites all that are weary and burdened to come to him from whom rest is available.

Finally beloved, we cannot just talk about it, but we must be about it. Calling ourselves Christians is meaningless without living the life that exemplifies that calling. A young man of many great possessions and authority was once invited to follow Christ but turned it down, once he heard what it involved. We must follow him in word, thought and deed regardless of the cost. Remember that we are bought with a price paid for by the blood of our savior.

One might ask why we should endure such things since they have already been done for us. The answer is that we should endure such things because they have been done for us. By taking up his own cross, Christ serves as an example for us. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. Though we may sometimes find our faith to be challenging to maintain, we will find that the benefits to doing so are out of this world.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Lawful But Not Profitable-10/14/11 (rp)

"All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." 1 Cor 10:23

Contextually speaking, Paul was making a case regarding the ability to eat any foods. During these tumultuous times, there was much controversy about this and other things as people transitioned from observing the law of Moses to living under grace. People had been under a set of rules for thousands of years that involved not eating meat that was unclean or had been sacrificed to idols. Many had chosen to eat no meat at all in an effort to avoid even the possibility of committing such a sin. This was a hot issue at the time because both Jews and Gentiles were converting to Christianity and they came from polar opposite belief systems. Jews worshipped the one true God and followed the Law while Gentiles often served pagan deities without the restrictions of Judaism. This, then, caused some of the controversy (See Romans 14 and 15).

The twofold point that is being made is that 1) all that God has created that serves as food is suitable to be eaten and 2) that in an effort to help preserve the faith of a brother or to attract one to Christ, it is okay, even recommended to suspend the liberty we have that we might accomplish the will of God.

Likewise today, much is lawful to us in which we need not participate because of the possible effect on those seeking God. One example would be the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Though much can and typically is said about this issue, consuming a fermented beverage is not a sin (as long as you do not do so to excess). However, there are those outside the body that may observe us enjoying libations and immediately decide that Christianity is not for them because we are hypocritical. Clearly this stance comes from a lack of knowledge, but perception is reality. So in this instance, it is lawful for us to consume but not profitable for the cause of Christ.

Beloved we have liberty in Christ. He came that we might have life and that more abundantly. We have though, the power and perhaps even the responsibility to set that abundant liberty aside for the accomplishment of the greater good. Show first then teach.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

The Unpoularity of the Faith (Part II)-7/14/2011

"'Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property." Matt 19:21-22

People resist or outright reject the faith for a variety of reasons but primary among them is the belief that there is too much to give up. The uninitiated and uninformed feel that the Christian life is too restrictive and does not provide the latitude to indulge in certain popular activities and habits and be true to the faith at the same time. To this the response must be that the same is true with almost anything. We cannot wear pajamas to work. We cannot watch watch personal DVDs during class time at school. We cannot legally drink and drive. We cannot walk into a store and leave with whatever we want without paying. As members of society, we all agree to have certain liberties suspended in order to maintain a life style that is reasonably safe and orderly.

Christianity, among other things, is about safety and orderliness in this life and the next. The rich young ruler came to Jesus looking for heaven. Clearly he recognized the benefits, but the view of salvation's surpassing value was obscured by the vision of giving up earthly things. What good is it to gain (or maintain) the whole world and lose one's very soul? The argument that "he who dies with the most toys wins" is ridiculous and points to our lack of vision and prioritization. The goal of life is to live...eternally!

Beloved, it is incumbent upon us to educate the masses about the benefits of serving God. Restrictions on sexual sin free us from the consequences of diseases, ruined relationships and unwanted children. Restrictions on alcohol usage free us from the disease of alcoholism and the deaths associated with drinking and driving. Prohibitions against lying, cheating and stealing make us better as individuals and contribute to a better society. Attendance at worship contribute to us getting to know our Creator and our fellow man, thus preparing us for the heaven that nearly everyone, regardless of religious participation, desires.

Gal 5:13 states that we have been called to liberty. Let us accept and enjoy the freedom that comes from a relationship with Christ. We may find that the only thing we are truly giving up are the things that contribute to our demise.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Gaining By Losing-DD 4/12/2011

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:24-2

For every person you may ask about what their lives are about, you are likely to get a different answer. Somewhere on the list of many, however, is to gain. Whether it is to gain material possessions, prestige, financial independence, a loving family, a great job, an education or any number of other things, it is all about improving one's position.

Interestingly enough, Jesus said that we must, in fact, be willing to lose our lives. To be sure, it is destined for us all to pass away at some point, but he is speaking figuratively. We must be willing to die to ourselves. This means that we and the things we desire cannot continue to be the center of our lives and the purpose for living. In dying to ourselves, we willingly relinquish that space to him. Paul famously said,"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Gal 2:20

Beloved, it is only when we crucify the "old man" (ourselves) that we can truly live. The lives we lived before Christ were filled only with earthly hope if any at all. In Christ, our hope and trust is in the eternal. That said, there is plenty of life to be lived on this side of the great transition. Christ came that we might have life and that, more abundantly. Those unwilling to lose their lives for their own sake, in service to the Lord, risk losing the eternal life he has made available. All that has been gained by holding on to the temporal, will likewise be lost. What profit indeed?

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Spiritual Evolution-DD 3/25/2011

"For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous." Rom 5:19

This one scripture so encompasses the spiritual evolution of man. Though created by Divinity, humans were not themselves Divine. From the beginning there was a lack of righteousness displayed through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. This sin, once introduced, traveled throughout the human genealogy to every person that has ever lived. This places each of us in the same need of restoration. It was all started by one man.

Praise be to God for the "other" man. This man was born without sin. He is truly Divine. He came to seek and save all who are lost. He came to be an example of obedience and righteousness. Ultimately, he came to die. It was only through this ultimate sacrifice that we who are in need of restoration have the ability to obtain it.

Beloved, this is the greatest love story of all time. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. The son so loved the world that he gave his life. This allows us to evolve from sinful man to spiritual man. Let us not remain in the condition from which we have been offered salvation.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Nothing But the Best-DD 1/20/2011

"It was necessary therefore that the copies of things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us." Heb 9:23,24



The Hebrew writer penned his letter primarily to make the case for the supremacy of Christ over all who had come before. There were people who were leaving the Christian faith to return to what they felt they knew best. They had begun to fall back to their traditions and religious habits that had since been superseded in innumerable ways and measure.

In short, everything that has and is being done is mere practice for heaven. The temple worship of old and all of its tenants and implements were symbolic of things in heaven (Rev 4). Even they, however, required the sacrifice of bulls and goats to make them clean. In order for you and I to gain the actual heaven, far more was needed. In fact, it required the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus to make it possible.

Beloved, many times in life, we get by with the next best thing. Rather than insisting on purity, the genuine article or the name brand, we compromise for one reason or the other. Know that God is the master of quality. Our reconciliation to Him required no less than the perfect sacrifice. Knowing and requiring this, He sent the only one of his kind. He sent nothing but the best. Dare we give Him any less than our best?

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee