Day One of a New Beginning

Today was our first visit to the LEO/Military Life Group. Wow. I cannot begin to tell you how much of a difference there was in that little room and the storm of ideas and theology that was shared. There wasn't any sense of superiority, no feeling of being put on the spot. It sincerely felt like we were a common group with common ground. There were couples there who weren't raised in church, either but love God. So often people quote scripture so glibly and freely that it seems more mechanical than something that was etched in their heart.

Our lesson today was about Abraham being tested by God. Specifically when he was asked to take Isaac to the mountain for a burnt offering.

We discussed how we would handle being tested in such a way. Could you knowingly go into the wilderness with your only child to sacrifice him for God? Trusting that God would provide for you if you obey? Abraham didn't have to trust that he was strong enough to obey God's will. He only had to have faith that God was strong enough to fulfill His promise.

So often, we believe that if we work hard enough, if we do the right things, if we work in the church, (I can do this all day,) that we will have an easy life. Even better, we will have our place in heaven.

The Bible tells us that this is not only untrue, but is an eternally deadly notion. It is by His grace only that we enter the kingdom of heaven.