FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

The defining issue is motive. Our works become tainted when we do them in order to gain attention and glory for ourselves. However, a sweet fragrance goes forth when our sole desire is that God gets the glory. As Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven ” (Matthew 5:16, emphasis added). An article appearing in National Geographic years ago provides a penetrating picture of God’s sacrificial love. Following a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, rangers began to trek up a mountain to assess the damage. One member of the party found a bird petrified in ashes, statuesquely perched on the ground at the base of a tree. Sickened by the sight, he knocked the bird over with a stick. Suddenly, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother’s wings. Keenly aware of the coming danger, the loving mother carried her babies to the base of the tree and protected them under her wings. She could have flown to safety but chose to die for her offspring instead. 1 A heartless, abstract god might have abandoned his creation to continual hopelessness under the poisonous spell of sin. However, as John 3:16 so passionately describes, our loving Father chose to send His only Son to die in our place so that we might find forgiveness for sin and receive eternal life. Before advancing to the next chapter, make sure you realize the absolute need we all have for God’s love. If you haven’t before, receive this free gift, understanding the suffering involved in bringing it about. Remember, this matchless love that is available to all, results in abundant and eternal life. Embrace the Father’s offer by coming to Him and going to others.

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