March 8, 2010, Luke 3

Key Verse:

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?"

(Luke 3:7)

Central Truth:

Are you getting in damp or saturated?


DO YOU WANT FIRE INSURANCE or LIFE INSURANCE?

Hi. Welcome to Piedmont Insurance. Would you like fire insurance or life insurance today? Have you ever thought about that question? Did Jesus leave the comforts of heaven, live on this earth, perform miracles, endure ridicule, and suffer immensely on a cross just so you won't go to hell? Well, maybe; but what if he did all of that and so much more so we could live a life beyond our wildest expectations? What if we could get up, go to work and actually be happy? What if we could take care of our whiny screaming children all day and have joy? What if we could drive to Wal-Mart and not get angry as we get cut off by some crazy driver! What if... The list goes on and on.

Scripture tells us that John was sent ahead of Jesus to prepare a way for him - much like messengers used to do for Kings. (They would take a trip before their King to make sure everything was in order and ready for his arrival.) In our key verse, John was telling the people to get their lives in order so they could be ready for Jesus. He saw that people were wanting to get "baptized," but they were refusing to turn to Jesus for life and salvation. Being a Christian is more than just getting a little wet. We are called to be in a relationship with Jesus, to produce good fruit (vs. 9), to share with those who don't have (vs. 11), and to do our jobs well and with fairness (vs. 14). All of these things collectively are called "obeying." And when we obey, God blesses!

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is John 10:10. I think it may be safe to say that this verse could be your favorite as well. "The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy;I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This kind of life is about Jesus' overflowing forgiveness, love, guidance, peace, security, and joy, and yes, it is even FUN!! I don't know about you, but I will take His blessings any day! Life is just way to hard to go about it without a Savior. I want to live a life with passion and excitement. I want to be unleashed to live for Christ. I want to live for a purpose. I don't want to squeak into heaven a little damp. I want to be saturated, soaking wet, with my arms stretched out ready to bow down to my amazing savior and thank him for the blessing of life he provided! And, yes, while I am glad to have fire insurance, it is the LIFE insurance I am eternally grateful for!!