Ash Wednesday, February 9, 2005

The Only Way to Live

Romans 6:1-14

This is my question for you this evening. When was the last time you thanked God for saving your lost soul?

A twelve-year-old boy by the name of David was born without an immune system. In time he would have surgery to correct the problem but until then he was forced to live in a plastic bubble. When he was asked what he wanted to do when he got out of the bubble he answered, “I want to touch my mother’s hand.” What is it in your life that you take for granted?

The word “thanks” is really at the heart of this evening’s complex scripture lesson. Paul knows what we often take for granted. We are saved by grace and by grace alone. These were radical words to Paul’s audience. The law was all they knew. Jesus changed everything and change can be a painful thing for some. The law burdened the people but Jesus took away our burdens. The law reminded the people that they were dead in sin but Jesus came to take away our sins. Jesus changed everything! The only way to live is with Jesus, who came to save our lost souls. On the day you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior two things happened. First you had a reservation made for you for a wonderful mansion in heaven. Second, if you really appreciate that fact, then you should spend the rest of your life finding ways to thank God. Does anyone here not like feeling appreciated? Why should God feel any different?

On Sunday evening I watched the Super Bowl. The game was entertaining but the commercials really grabbed my attention. I like the one were the young soldiers were getting back from the Middle East. They were dressed as soldiers and just walking through the airport terminal when someone started to clap. Then another person started to clap and soon the whole terminal was applauding. That was one of the most effective commercials this years and it was the sponsor way of saying thank-you.

Several weeks ago Johnny Carson died. Larry King a few days later had a show on the entertainer. There was Ed and Doc. There was Jay Leno and David Letterman. There was a list of younger comedians who wanted to express their appreciation to John Carson for giving them a chance in show business.

We hear stories of people who were saved on September 11 by firefighters and police officers, who have accepted those public servants into their families. Why? Because they want to show their appreciation for saving their lives. When was the last time you thanked God for saving your lost soul?

Conclusion

This evening we begin our Lenten journey. It is really a season of appreciation. Why would you not want to learn more about the one who saved your life? In the next six weeks I am going to give you some extra opportunities to learn more about Jesus. I will encourage everyone to take a Lenten devotional home with you this evening. It has been written by fellow disciples here at Western Reserve. I will encourage you to come to these Wednesday night communion services. I will encourage you to come to the Sunday night Lenten series at the various United Methodist congregations in our area. I will encourage you to worship with us every Sunday morning. You can pick the service. I will be here at 8:30, 9:30 and 11:00. I will be preaching a sermon series called The Things I wish Jesus Had Not Said. I will encourage you participate in this year’s pastor’s Bible study on Thursday mornings at 9:30. I would encourage you to do all those things but none of them are required. The reason is simple. We are saved by grace and by grave alone. But you may want to come because you appreciate what Jesus has done for you.

In 1860, a ship went aground on the shores of Lake Michigan near Evanston. Edward Spencer waded into the fridge water time and time again to rescue some of the victims. On that night he rescued seventeen individuals. Years later Edward Spencer recalled that night. Some of the details had faded but one thing he remembered clearly. Not one of the seventeen had ever tanked him for saving their lives. I hope that is not your story. When was the last time you thanked God for saving your lost soul?