Easter: Monday, May 15, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Leviticus 16:1-19

The thing that scripture takes so very seriously is sin. There is no way that we can take the Bible seriously and negate the concept of sin. We see in the Old Testament. We see it in the New Testament. We see it all throughout the Word. Today, in this this text, we read of the Day of Atonement, the day when the sins of the people are atoned for. As Christians, not too long ago, we went through the season of Lent, where we reflected upon what out Lord did for the atonement of our sins. Sin is a serious, serious business

If that is so, then why do we take it carelessly? Why do we act as through sin is not a big deal? Why do we allow sin to exist in our lives? Why are we content to allow sin to remain in our lives? How can we willingly and carelessly engage in actions that we know are sinful? Our Lord takes sin very, very, very seriously. Do we?

New Testament Lesson

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

So often we get so confused when it comes to the Lord's return, we can get even scared and worried when thinking about it. Notice what Paul says today in the text, though. We should encourage each other with these words of Christ's return. This is not going to be a long and drawn out through ton the return of Christ, it will be short. God wins! The victory belongs to God and through Christ, each of us that that believe! We have nothing to fear. We have nothing to worry about, provided we are in Christ. If we are not a disciple,then we need to make sure that we are ready for that coming day.

Now, I don't know when that day will be, no human does. It may be before you even receive this email. When the day does come, we will share in that victory of Christ. There will be no more suffering, death, or pain. No more tears. No more of any of these things. So, be encouraged! If you are in Christ, then you have a great, great hope. You have nothing to fear.

This should encourage to make sure that we are in Christ and do all that we can to help others to come to Christ. For, in Him, there is no fear, only hope. Today, we have much to hope in!

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 6:1-15

We see in this passage one thing that is to be greatly sought after is humility. When we do good deeds, we shouldn't be the first to point them out. We should be happy in the knowledge of doing good; that is all the earthly reward that we need. We desire the praise of God, not the praise of man. And, when we pray, we should remember that we are praying not the ears of other people, but to God. Former White House press secretary Bill Moyers was once called on by President Lyndon Johnson to say grace at a meal for visitors. When he was unable to hear Moyers’ prayer, President Johnson said: "Louder, Bill, we can’t hear you."To which, Moyers said to Johnson: "I’m not talking to you, Mr. President."

That is prayer. That is also good deeds. We don't do them for other people to see or hear, we do them to the glory of God. Today, are you doing good? Are you doing it merely so others can see? Or are you doing to do good? Friends, as Christians, we are to all these things not drawing attention to ourselves, but to the God that saves.