Loving Hope
God's LOVING ways give us HOPE today and forever.
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 ~~ A message from Pastor Mike Barnett ~~
Seeking Treasure!
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”Matthew 13:44-46 These two parables from Jesus speak about the gain that we will receive when Jesus comes into our life. Our joy comes from the certainty that we now have something way better than we have ever before possessed! For we see that the treasure and the pearl both represent Jesus, for in Christ are “hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). The two treasure finders share an important characteristic: they both sell everything they have in order to purchase what they believe is the best thing they have ever found. Yet the two also differ from each other in this way: one finds the treasure without first looking for it, while the other is in search for such a glorious discovery. Here we see that Jesus is reaching out to every person, those seeking Him and those who are not. In this gracious activity we glimpse the love and generosity of God! Yet both parties end up seeking the valuable treasure, the first party does so after he stumbles upon it and then re-buries it, which necessitates having to find it again. But more amazing still, both parties have actually been drawn to Jesus even when they were not aware that He was drawing them, (see Jeremiah 31:3). The really odd part of both parables though is that each has to do all that he can in order to possess the treasure. The Bible portrays Jesus as a gift, but He is a gift that needs to be received. In order for us to have a relationship with the Jesus who is year after year, day after day, moment by moment drawing us we must give all of ourselves to Him in humble obedience. Have you seen the treasure that is Jesus? Do you want something in your life that is way better than anything else you have? The treasure is out there—what are you waiting for? Fairfield County Weather Lancaster, Ohio -- current weather conditions Lancaster,Ohio Weather Your City - Weather Lancaster, Ohio Weather USA Weather |
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