A New Year's Message from Pastor Ron

“NOTHING NEW FOR NEW YEARS”
By Rev. Ron Mahler

Happy New Year! Sometimes, saying that - feels a bit like the Bill Murray experience in the movie “Ground Hog Day.” Every year we say the same thing and perhaps even go through the exact same motions and traditions leading up to the actual day. The thought of entering a “new” year is a special time for many people because it presents us with the sense that we are entering a time that carries with it, second chances and fresh starts – even if it is in an artificial kind of way. What I mean is that January 1st – as we all know, is simply the day after December 31st. All that is new about the day, really, is that it is a new 24 hour period – that has never come before. Most often we find that by the end of the first week of January, if not earlier, the “new” year is not as new or as happy as it was when it began. Call me a pessimist but I really don’t celebrate or observe “new years” in a completely positive fashion, for one never knows what this “new year” may bring?? Like me, you may even share the sentiment that resolutions are overrated. Just like records, they’re often made – and often, broken. After all, we don’t need to wait until January 1st to resolve to lose some weight, to spend less (yeah – like that’s going to happen), or to pray more – unless of course – it is to our advantage to put off doing something we should already be doing! Some favourite sayings I have come across, go like: “My New Year’s resolution is to resolve to have none! No resolution? No problem!” Ah - yes! Perfect! However, one could carry these free-spirited sayings too far in life I suppose. There is the argument that if we venture nothing – nothing is gained.

For sure, though, the afore-mentioned sayings could be classified as the antithesis of a life lived by faith in Christ. Jesus came to resolve an age-old, spiritual condition and propensity that human beings have - in terms of how they act, and, relate to God. We’re not “born to be wild” as the song goes, we’re all born to be “bad,” in that we are all born with a habit that has infiltrated our nature – and it is “sinful.” But wait – there is good news: the Bible says “For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son...” (John 3:16) This was the best resolution ever made - and we earthlings can’t take the credit for it either! God resolved not to leave us in our sinful state, but to send us Jesus in order that we could know the mercy, grace and love of God – especially, His forgiveness of our sin. Now in saying this, I want to tell you that I believe there is absolutely nothing profoundly new - in terms of our human condition and the affairs of the world in which we live. There may be more children fed in needy countries this year, there may be a cure on the horizon this year for some physical condition, and we may even find new ways to create renewable energy in 2010, and yet - nothing is new in principle – when it comes to the state of the world, and the on-going events of our time. For every advance we make in life, there are devastating setbacks to counter it. We live in such a desensitised culture, that even if new flashes of terror, scandal, corruption, even passing stories of good deeds and heroes - were to arise in 2010 – they would all remain things we are familiar with – it’s only the names and circumstances that change. There may be “nothing new under the sun” as Solomon wrote - as we face yet another year, but what can be “new” – is how we view and sift through - all that will come at us as people. God “sent His Son” (Jesus) to the world because He loves us (His crown of creation) and wants to gather us as His own. Will we reach out to Him this year by putting our faith in His Son - and allow our lives to be lived by trusting in our Heavenly Father and Creator, and by letting the values of His Word be the anchor and standard for our lives and families? Will we (dare I say) make a resolution to not live this year, as in years past – without a Saviour, without true hope in the world, and without a sense of certainty for the future, even eternity? Only you can answer this. The world may present us with ever-increasing challenges and its share of yearly chicanery – but God holds the answers to them all. He has always loved us and always will – and in that sense, too, there is nothing new. The Bible says Jesus is “the same yesterday, today and forever.” Our levels of happiness may fluctuate this new year – but what will not, is God’s feelings towards us – and His promise that we can have hope, meaning, peace, as well as eternal security, even in the midst of the hard times! But really: have a Happy New Year!

a Message by Rev. Ron Mahler

JUST WHY IS THIS “THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME” OF THE YEAR??
A MESSAGE BY REV. RON MAHLER

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...it’s the hap-happiest season of all!!!! You hear that song played in many stores during the weeks leading up to Christmas And if you have ever paid close attention to the lyrics of that song – you find out that the songwriter really doesn’t give us the true reason why it is the “most wonderful time” of the year. The song talks about “gay, happy meetings...marsh-mellows for roasting...friends coming to call...” etc., and yet, these words, even though they reflect integral components of what it means to share the holidays with friends and family, ultimately, they fall short of the reason why this is the “happiest” season “of all.” It certainly is the most wonderful time of the year – and it is sad that often times the reason why it is so wonderful – is absent in many songs of the season that we hear – especially, in the more contemporary “holiday” songs. Christians, for over sixteen hundred years have celebrated the timeless rendering of the account of the first Christmas: the birth of Christ in Bethlehem (foretold in the Old Testament – and realized in the gospels of the New Testament).

It is the “most wonderful time” of the year – because we celebrate the Saviour of the world’s advent and humble birth on our planet - earth. God came to be with us – to be one of us – in order to redeem us. Steven Curtis Chapman captures perfectly, the awesome, elemental feature of the Christmas story in his song: “The Miracle Of Christmas” – when he sings, “And the God who spoke, still speaks. And the God who came, still comes. And the miracle that happened, still happens in the hearts of those who believe...” What beautiful words! I leave you with the words of one of, if not, the first Christmas song ever written and sung. It is often referred to in the Latin titling - as the “Magnificat.” Upon hearing of her blessed position as the channel of God’s blessing to His people, Mary sung out for joy - and her words grace the pages of Luke 1. They are really a form of Jewish psalm which is strikingly similar to the song attributed to Hannah in 1 Samuel 2. “And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour....His mercy extends to those who fear Him from generation to generation...” And God’s promise of salvation in His Son, Jesus, extends once again this Christmastime - to all - that those who believe may receive the true Reason for the season during this most wonderful time of the year.

Merry Christmas to everyone at HLCC and abroad! May the greatest gift you receive this year – if you haven’t already – is God’s gift of His Son – Jesus Christ – the “Saving Messiah.”

A word from our pastor

“Want To Be Famous? Who Needs Hollywood!”
by Rev. Ron Mahler

Have you ever flirted with the idea of what it would be like to be famous? I will bet at some point or even at different times in your life, and in mine, that fame and sometimes the fortune that comes with it – has danced on the heart of our ambitions. There is just something about “being famous” that is extremely enticing to human beings. I would even surmise that our appetites to grab the limelight and the world’s spotlight have increased enormously in the last decade or two. Reality TV has made many people famous, and sometimes for entirely dubious reasons! Our culture’s latest rage and lust for fame (and let’s be honest, for fortune too) has been realized through all the sordid, “tell-all” books that are being written by the quasi-famous - and which are filling the shelves of bookstores. As people, though we may not like it on us, we sure love to read about someone else’s dirt! As a western culture we are obsessed with, as the late pop-artist Andy Warhol put it: our “fifteen minutes of fame.” Speaking of books, recently I came across a great one, entitled: “The Call” by Os Guinness. It is a profoundly blunt read. Despite the fact that the book cannot be qualified as a new-bestseller, or “fad” book, it nonetheless remains a very contemporary and “right-on” treatment of our societies’ search for meaning, in a world deaf to God’s call on our lives. In terms of our culture’s fame-intoxicated temperature, Guinness remarks, “Formerly...heroism was linked to the honour of accomplishment. Honour was accorded to the person with some genuine achievement, whether in character, virtue or wisdom...Today, however, the media offers a shortcut to fame – instantly fabricated famousness with no need for the sweat, cost and dedication of true greatness. The result is not the hero but the celebrity, the person famously described as “well known for being well-known.” Could a statement ever be more-timely than this one? I know I could think of several people in the entertainment world right now, or in the “sphere” of the famous – and inquire of them, “And just why are you famous??”

In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul the apostle let the church in Thessalonica know just how – in a word - famous they were, to the surrounding regions in which they were situated geographically. In the first-century, the world was a small place – and for all the Thessalonian believers knew – as a church, the whole world literally was “their stage.” And Paul gives us the simple and yet spiritually penetrating answer as to why they were famous. It had nothing to do with celebrity, or media “coverage” from throngs of paparazzi. The reason they were well-known – was a result of their “faith.” In 1 Thess 1:7, Paul writes, “As a result you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia...in every place reports of your faith in God have spread...For people everywhere report (note the present-ongoing tense of that Greek verb) how you...turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God...” What a commendation! Talk about being famous for something of substance and virtue! That, in the first-century pagan world was a bonafide accomplishment! If I am reading the newspapers right – fame can be fleeting as much as it can be deflating at times. Susan Boyle, the British reality-TV singing sensation, said recently that she has found her rise to fame to be “crushing.” Whether some find fame to be expediently lucrative and self-serving - or not, I think we should consider being famous for far different and even greater reasons. Imagine how wonderful it would be - if as a church body (for the sake of argument – Highland Lakes Community Church) we would be considered “an example” to the Highlands, as a result of our “faith” in God? Imagine what impact could be made for Jesus if people could see a heavenly spotlight on us (not to be confused with a halo), all because we have lived as Jesus would have us - and consequently, lives were “turning from idols to serve the living and true God,” in Minden!? Talk about fame! Talk about tell-all books! We need to tell all about The Book – but also live it!

A Message from Our Pastor

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a peaceful demonstration, whereby I joined a few others in holding up signs which communicated a biblically-centred, pro-life message. This was a maiden voyage for me, for I had never previously taken a stand, publically, on any such culturally and politically sensitive “hot button” issue. When I was asked if I would like to be involved, I didn’t hesitate to say “yes,” mostly because I felt it was the right thing to do. As I was holding up the sign I had chosen to demonstrate with, I just knew that its message was a correct one, even if those who passed by on foot or by car, might have thought otherwise. I recall asking myself as I stood with my sign, “Why and for whom I am doing this for?” Surely, I was representing my Lord and Saviour who taught in His ministry that we are to preserve and value life, for that is what God does. Then, I thought of all those who are currently in the womb but who could very well, never see the day of their birthday - on earth. I gathered that I was somehow speaking for them as well. The abortion issue also carries with it, a personal connection for me in my own history. I knew someone whom I cared for very much, who over twenty years ago, decided to abort their pregnancy. They were never the same afterwards. The event of an abortion is a tragic event in itself, and has the potential to be a tremendously devastating burden for the entire family who often absorbs the ensuing emotional and psychological ramifications that follow. The spiritual reverberations also reach up into to Heaven. If all the angels “rejoice” when one person “turns from sin to eternal life,” they, along with God, then, must weep when one chooses to end life, whether it is by abortion or even suicide. No one on the face of the earth is perfect. We all make mistakes of many kinds, and yet no one has the sovereign right to take life, except God as our Creator. At the same time, it is unkind to render a wholesale judgement upon a person for their decision to end a life, whether it be their own, or that of an unborn child. We don’t know every situation, nor have we walked in their shoes. However, we must bring God’s healing and directive Word into the realm of all social maladies and tragedies, including those who have been directly affected by such an event as an abortion. On the surface, it can appear to be a “cold” thing to simply hold up a sign that speaks forth a message against the pro-choice position, without having the opportunity to engage in dialogue with people. Perhaps there are people we would rather not engage with on this acutely divisive issue. Someone who drove by us that day while we were demonstrating yelled out something that I am sure - could not be repeated on this page! The chances that we were going to win someone over that day, and change their pro-choice views - were no doubt slim, not impossible, but slim nonetheless. Only God can change a heart on any given issue that separates someone from Him, and He can use many things, even our demonstrating to do it. Having said that, we must remain vessels that correctly communicate His character of mercy and love to every person and situation we encounter. Unfortunately, that is difficult to accomplish while holding a sign form a distance. They can only see our message, not our hearts. Suffice it to say, that our harmful choices in life, our (sin), whatever it may be, can be forgiven. Any sin can be. Abortion is not the root problem in society, it is indicative of a deeper rooted problem: our depreciated value for the life God has given us. In general, that is why we don’t see many people turning from sin these days. That is also why we hurt ourselves, and that is why we harm others in this world. If we could all capture what is the miracle of human conception in the womb, and in addition to that, the extraordinary life-giving nature of the sacrifice Jesus made for us in the Cross - then quite possibly, we would have no need to hold up signs anymore about any social issue. The demonstration I was involved in left me with a very gratifying feeling. I would do it again. I spoke up for life that day, and even though it may not have a made any difference – I still chose to speak up. In respecting someone’s “freedom of choice” (of which we must) we cannot at the same time, disrespect our own freedom to speak up about that choice. “Life,” in some respects, depends on it.

A word from Pastor Ron

Keeping Our Eyes On What Is Certain, During Uncertain Times
By Rev. Ron Mahler

So often in life we sweat the "little stuff," isn’t that right? Things like: How are we going to get through another winter on the budget we have? Why are my children saying words they shouldn’t be saying - since school started? Why do I feel like I am always taking two-steps back in my search for happiness in life? When will we ever be able to afford to buy a real (fill in the blank!) that doesn’t keep breaking down? See what I mean – little stuff! And right about now, you are saying: "Are you crazy? That’s not little stuff!!" Well, I would have to agree with you – on one condition: it depends on whose perspective you are looking at these kinds of challenges from! To borrow a spiritual image from the gospels – sometimes we "strain out gnats" and "swallow camels" in terms of the things that life throws at us. I know people who try to avoid the smallest of trials and mess-ups in life, but who at the same time, are unable to see and avoid the more consequential and obvious ones coming their way. Then there are those concerns that are applicable to all of us - universally. We are entering a fall season, where washing our hands, coughing into our sleeve, getting a flu shot, and eating right will be more important than ever, as we attempt to keep our sicknesses from spreading. Our schools, businesses, governments, and other institutions are all ready it seems, to combat a possible pandemic of "swine flu," should it occur in various places in Canada. From reading the paper, reports tell us that the Afghanistan War is getting worse, more bodies of our brave soldiers are being sent home via the "Highway of Heroes," Iran is talking nasty again, Israel is strangely quiet – hhmm??, and Barack Obama – America’s promising, hopeful leader of the future – is seeing his honeymoon with the nation and world – setting on the political horizon somewhat. Talk about an uncertain future! And I didn’t even get to all bad stuff yet!

Here’s where I must interject by painting some biblical sanity and hope onto what is a very nefarious looking canvas of the world, and the future! Remember the account of David and Goliath in the Old(er) Testament? What a story! I like stories about underdogs. That’s because – maybe like you, I often feel like one. David, before he was the king of Israel, took a pretty impressive step towards that throne, by slaying the 9 foot Philistine monster - with a stone and a sling shot – and that, with perhaps one stab at it! David made his shot count! Yet what always sticks out to me about his victory was not how great it was - in terms of the size difference between him and Goliath -- it was his faith! let’s face it - things did not look good for David. The militaristic, not to mention, the physical odds - were against him, and Israel. If David missed, and Goliath grabbed a hold of him, well – I will spare you what the eventual, gory outcome would have been for the boy - and his nation. However, that did not happen. Why? – because David was God’s man – who was able to face the battle by trusting and leaning on the Lord’s faithfulness. How do we know that? In 1 Samuel 17: 45 – David confidently evangelizes to Goliath, "I come against you in the name of the Lord...whom you have defied...Today...the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel...all those gathered here will know...that the Lord saves; for the battle is (His)." What great words! What great faith David had – in the face of seemingly overpowering circumstances that could have squashed him into the ground, and made him all but a footnote of folly in Israel’s history.

We could use such a reminder of David’s faith, as we head towards an uncertain fall season and future of the world. David knew what he was facing in Goliath, but he also knew how to face him! I think we can tend to be a bit parochial in how we apply the promises of God sometimes – when it come to facing the little stuff, as well as the huge stuff in life. Marginalizing God’s ability comes as easy for us, at certain points, as preventing physical pain! Our personal problems, granted, may be quite immense, and very trying. Our mountain may be so big, that we cannot ever imagine how we will overcome our issues, or how our world will ever be able to get through the ominous times we are in. In these times, remember David’s focus – his body may have been facing the mountain – but his eyes were squarely on the mountain mover. If we don’t think God is presently moving mountains in our lives, or in the world, and we think all is for naught, the Bible challenges us to reconsider that perspective, on theological grounds. If even someone whom Jesus Himself, acknowledged as "great," John the Baptist, can fall into a huge faith crisis, you know we can!! When Jesus was approached by followers of John the Baptist, after John was imprisoned, and facing an uncertain future, they mentioned to the Lord that John had his doubts about what He (Jesus) came to do, and could do. Listen to Jesus’ amazing response once more: "Go back and report to John...The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the good news is preached to the poor, blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." Matthew 11:4-6 The vocabulary and grammar of the Lord, in this passage, is written in the present tense. Jesus was not saying "Hey, just look at all the stuff I’ve done in the past. Have some faith!" No! Rather, Jesus was saying that even as all seemingly goes wrong around us, and in the world – remember, God is active, still, moment by moment, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day -- and He is not done His work in our lives, and He has not completed it in the world, either. We can be certain, then, that God is moving mountains, they are incrementally shifting their spiritual, emotional or physical courses in our lives - presently, even though, we may not be able to tell. Doesn’t our earth move – while you don’t even notice? Even more, one day -- all that we face now, will be so small when compared to the vastness of eternity, where we shall stand with Jesus - and just let Him love us! Nothing, not one thing we face now – will be able to prevent that reality. Ultimately, you and I will win the battle! We may see glimpses of it on earth, but it in Heaven, we shall see the final outcome. Is that your perspective Christian soldier, today, as you face your battle?

A Message from Pastor Ron

"A THEOLOGY OF SUMMER"
By Rev. Ron Mahler

Ahh...warm winds and hot sunny days!!!! Summer is upon us. It is a time of year that God had planned in eternity before the foundations of the earth were made. Have you ever wondered how important summer is to our understanding of the life God has given us to live and appreciate? Have you ever wondered how important summertime is in terms of understanding God’s Word, and all that expresses His character and will? Well, whether you have or not, consider the following: summer allows us to see the goodness of God’s provisions in our lives. There is nothing that waters the mouth more than beholding a basket of fresh fruit and vegetables. We can appreciate their size, shape and various colours. And to think, that they all began with a divinely generated single-seed! Gen 1:11. Summer also brings us weddings and helps us to relive the memories of our own vows, and the promises we made to our spouses and God. Here, we can jump fruits and veggies - to being "fruitful" and to "multiplying!" We may catch glimpses of wedding parties all over the place: in parks, flowing out of churches, by lakes and in and around banquet halls. And we can appreciate a beautiful summer day even more, on account of the special day that is for the bride and groom. Summer, too, gives us time to reflect. Our holidays take us away from the demands of our jobs and the stresses of life a bit more. At least they should! It gives us a breather. Jesus told His disciples to "come apart" with Him, to rest and get refreshed. We are a people who need to come apart, because our lifestyles in this face-paced, gotta-get-ahead world often leave us on the verge of "falling apart." Holidays should be used to recharge our spiritual batteries and to relieve ourselves of stress, but not to relieve ourselves of God! Proverbs says "he who refreshes others, will himself, be refreshed." Then there’s the fact that summer lends to helping our bodies and environment become healthier. The Bible states that our bodies are the "temples of the Holy Spirit". God’s Holy Spirit resides in us, when we commit to Him in a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. And one of the ways in which we can honour God with our bodies, is not only by keeping them pure and holy, but by taking care of them. Summer gives us that opportunity to exercise more, by bike-riding, swimming or jogging. The warm summer months also help us to conserve our earth’s valuable, energy resources. It is lighter out longer, and so we don’t need as much lights on, and it is warmer so we can save on heating resources as well. God wants us to be good stewards of this earth, and He has given us the environmental benefits of summertime to help! Summer does even more for us in terms of our church ministries. It allows us to get out from behind the walls of our churches, by having BBQ’s, holding kid’s camps, outreach programs, outdoor concerts, and gets us into the streets of our community more - where we can interact with people. I think summer gives us a glimpse of the beauty and wonder of Heaven as well. If you have ever glanced over the Canadian countryside as you travel by train or bus – you may have by chance, taken hold of deep-blue skies where they meet lush green trees and ash coloured mountains, on top of a crisp blue rushing river, and thought, "I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life!" Just remember at that point, the greatest artist never to have one of his originals appear in an art gallery, has His work displayed the world over! If we think the incredible sight of summer is great, we haven’t seen anything yet! The Bible says "no one has seen or heard what God has prepared for those who love Him" in Heaven! Finally, summer reminds us of renewed life and the resurrection. All we have to do is look at how flowers bloom, and how perennials know just when to come out of the ground – how trees have buds that just naturally open up in the spring, give birth to leaves and become full grown in the summer (in the same slots where they died and fell to the ground in the autumn), all we have to do is witness these miracles --- to see the majestic plan of God for our lives. You see, all sources of life, anywhere, and at anytime time in the world’s existence, had their origin from God. God, Himself, is life. And we need Him in our lives in order to truly live and be alive for all eternity. The Bible says that what God made in creation will pass away, but His "Word", will "last forever". And it is by His Word that He promises to raise our bodies up "on the last day." We see that God is capable of this time and time again, from the beauty of His creation in the summer.

Have a safe, fun and happy summer - with the Lord.

A message from Pastor Ron

"What’s going on in Genesis 15, and what does it have to do with you and me?"
God made a promise to His people of Israel many years ago – a "covenant" – that He intended on keeping. This covenant has been called in scholarly circles as the three-part, or "tri-partite formula of promise": "I will be your God, you will be my people, and I shall dwell in the midst of you". The nature of a "covenant" in Old Testament times, that is, to "cut a covenant" – in the Near East – would involve taking an animal/s, sacrificing it, cutting it in half – and separating the two halves of the animal so as to make an aisle in the middle. The parties involved in the covenant would then ceremonially walk between the pieces – and for all intents and purposes, would be saying: "If I fail to obey this agreement I am making, may what happened to these animals happen to me!"
In Genesis 15, God asks Abraham to prepare a sacrifice for Him and to set up the animals so as to arrange a covenant ceremony - in order to "seal the deal" of the covenant He made with Abraham. Yet you notice in this same passage – that two interesting things happen. First, with the sun "setting," Abraham goes into a deep sleep and is surrounded with a "dreadful darkness." Why would this happen? I mean, God is ready to seal the deal as it were with His servant, and Abraham, packs it in for the night? What is going on there? Then, secondly, only God is mentioned as having moved through the aisle of the sacrificed animals. Why did things end up like this? Why would God not follow the cultural custom set up for covenant making, where all parties involved in the making of a covenant were to go through the aisle? Well, the message is this: By God, and God alone, going through the aisle as a "torch" – the Lord was obligating Himself only in the covenant. Abraham is off the hook! We can think of it this way, when God’s people were in slavery in Egypt – God raised up Moses to lead them out – and it was in the "Exodus" that "Yahweh" meaning: "the God who was there....." opened the jaws of the Red Sea allowing the Israelites to escape the chariots of Pharaoh – while bringing the waves and water down over the Egyptians.
What was the motivation for God to bring this about? We find it in Exodus 2:24: "God heard their groaning and remembered His covenant." The Hebrew word for "remember" - zekar – means: "to call to mind and to act." When God remembers His promises, His covenant He has made with His people, He acts in some way. For instance, scripture shows us that when God recalls His promises, it means He forgives, delivers, redeems and endures. In short: He acts! What were Jesus’ words in the "Last Supper" (Passover meal) scene in the gospels? Jesus told His disciples: "Do this in remembrance of me." That is, we are to call to mind what Jesus did for us, and respond appropriately. How do we do that? We do it by realizing that we are all powerless to save ourselves from our sin. We constantly need His grace and mercy. We needed Jesus to act on the cross for us. He did! He remembered us at Calvary and willingly died for each one of us - as if we were the only sinful person who had ever lived. That is why the Gospel is referred to as the "good news." Likewise, the Israelites were powerless to free themselves from Pharaoh’s oppression of them as a nation. They could do nothing to keep up their end of the "bargain" – in terms of the covenant they were in with the Lord. They needed God "Yahweh" to be "there" for them, and to act on their behalf. He did!
With God, it is all about grace, not merit. What I mean is this: as Israel could do nothing to salvage themselves from Egypt, so we can do nothing to gain salvation, heaven and eternal life without the help of Jesus Christ. Only God went through the centre aisle of the sacrificed animals in order to show Abraham – and us today – Abraham’s "seed," that He, alone, is the covenant keeper of the covenant He made with us. He will not forsake it. It is a unilateral covenant - in that it does not depend on what we do to keep it. You know why? Because we can’t! So, get over yourself! Stop trying so hard to earn your way to salvation. Go and sleep on it, as Abraham would have to, and remember that God already acted in history for you. He walked through the "aisle" all the way to the cross in the form of His Son. All you have to do is remember this and act accordingly. Ask Jesus into your heart and life today as your personal Saviour. Don’t waste the covenant He cut with you a long time ago – start enjoying and living in light of it! Thank you Walter Kaiser for your passion for the Old Testament, and for your inspiration!