February 28, 2021
And this is life eternal,
that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ,
whom thou hast sent.
(John 17:3)
Two Trees
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow
every tree that is pleasant to the sight,
and good for food;
the tree of life also in the midst of the garden,
and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Two different trees are mentioned in Genesis 2:9 – the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. These two trees provide understanding of the state of our world today. The only tree that God told Adam and Eve not to eat of was the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16, 17). Genesis 3:6 reveals that both Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and partook of forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Sin and death entered the world as a result of this one decision by the first man and woman. The Lord has kept man from partaking of the tree of life ever since (Genesis 2:24).
We gain great insight into the heart of man when we examine the fact that Adam and Eve chose knowledge over life. In the midst of our current global pandemic, man has sought answers from science (from the Latin scientia, meaning “knowledge”), yet the “science” keeps changing, often leaving us with more questions than answers. Man ought to be seeking after life rather than knowledge! I’m not referring to physical life either, but eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 6:23)
The Lord Jesus Christ spoke of eternal life in John 5:24,
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that heareth my word,
and believeth on him that sent me,
hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation;
but is passed from death unto life.”
How did He make it possible to say such a thing? Some 2000 years ago, the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross. He suffered, bled, and died on behalf of sinners, and three days later He rose from the dead! Notice the wording in the verse that follows, describing the implications of the payment made by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who his own self
bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins,
should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.
(1 Peter 2:24)
Eternal life is available because our Lord was crucified on a tree! How is it with you today? Have you, like Adam and Eve, chosen knowledge over life? Knowledge cannot do for you what Jesus Christ, “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) can do! Choose LIFE!
Jesus said unto her,
I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me,
though he were dead,
yet shall he live:
(John 11:25)
Memory Verse
This morning – 1 Corinthians 1:18-21
February emphasis: THE WISDOM AND POWER OF GOD
Next week (March 7th) – Ephesians 4:15
March emphasis: SPIRITUAL GROWTH
March 14th – 2 Thessalonians 3:13
March 21st – 1 Peter 2:2
March 28th – 2 Peter 3:18
Church Library
In case you were not aware, we have a library in between the kitchen and Denman Hall. There are many good Christian books to choose from, both of the fiction and non-fiction variety. While the Bible ought to be your featured reading material each day, many good books have been written that can aid in your spiritual growth. Books are available to be checked out through our librarian Mrs. Judy Topps.
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus,
when thou comest, bring with thee,
and the books,
but especially the parchments.
(2 Timothy 4:13)
God Answers Prayer!
After spending over two months in the hospital and most recently a rehab center, Diana Byers is now home! What a testimony of the power of the Lord God Almighty! Many thanks to those who faithfully prayed for Diana’s recovery. Please continue to pray for her as she continues to recover at home.
Birthdays
Sofiya Johnson – March 6th
A very happy birthday to you in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord’s Supper
At the conclusion of our service next Sunday evening (March 7th), we will remember the work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross as we observe the Lord’s Supper.
For as often as ye eat this bread,
and drink this cup,
ye do shew the Lord’s death
till he come.
(1 Corinthians 11:26)
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