WHAT IF ONE LINK IN THE CHAIN BREAKS?

 PARABLE OF THE HANGING TRUCK

MICHAEL HANGS ONTO A CHAIN

Twenty three minutes earlier Michael was driving his green truck on a sandy desert road in Utah.  His girl friend, Connie follows behind driving her Jeep, taking a video for their social media channel.

Connie and Michael stop at the end of the road in a dirt parking lot.  Connie says, "Michael, I need a drink of water before we walk over to the overlook."

Michael smiles, "Get your camera, I want to see how close I can get to the edge with my truck.  We'll get a million views!"

Connie yells, "Don't be silly!" as he jumps into his truck.  Shooting a video, the bottom of the truck scrapes over a boulder.  She yells again, "Stop and turn around right now or I'm going to leave!"   

Michael turns around the truck on the slickrock.  Getting out of the truck, he climbs up into the bed and starts jumping.  "Connie, did you get the video.  Come here and shoot a video showing the steep cliff."

Connie looks in horror, saying, "You're leaking red fluid, you better move your truck."  

Michael jumps in, starts the engine seeing his transmission light turn on.  The truck stalls!

Connie speaks, "I've got a long chain in the Jeep.  I can pull you back to the parking lot and you can leave it there for a tow truck."

After connecting the chain to the Jeep, Connie blasts, "When I start pulling, put your truck in neutral."  

She floors the Jeep, with tires spinning rocks and sand.  The truck moves only inches.

Michael HONKS and screams out the window, "MY BRAKES ARE BECOMING SOFT,  I'M LOSING BRAKE FLUID!"

With tears in her eyes, the Jeep rolls backwards.  In the rear view mirror Connie watches as Michael's truck, still attached to the chain goes over the cliff.  

Connies' Jeep is being dragged closer to the edge, even after putting it in park, with parking brake on and stepping hard on the brakes.  Speaking to herself, "Should I jump out now?"

A miracle happens and the chain snags, wedging between a sandstone crack in the slickrock.  The Jeep no longer is being pulled, and the truck jerks, swinging to a stop.

Connie jumps out running to the edge of the cliff, screaming, "Michael, are you dead?"

She hears an echo from the canyon walls.

Michael climbs out of the window onto the hood and grasping tight to the chain.  The truck wobbles by the sandstone wall.

Connie speaks, "Are you able to save yourself?  I'm not getting any cell service."

Michael replies, "I'm unable to climb up a slippery chain. Go get help or I'll never speak to you again."  

Connie speaks, "I'll jog on the road and flag someone down."

Later on the desert road, Paul and his sister Alicia are riding mountain bikes, seeing a dehydrated woman resting in a shady spot by a rock.

Connie explains every detail of their dilemna, before Paul and Alice race on the mountain bikes to the overlook.

Michael grasping onto the chain hears Ravens flying around him.  With every gust of wind, sand and gravel fall down onto the truck.

Paul and Alicia peddle up to the Jeep and dismounts from their mountain bikes.

Alicia lays down on her belly, holding a selfie stick and phone, peeping over the cliff seeing Michael. She says, "Do you have any next of kin we can contact in case of emergency?"

Michael yells, "The chain is hot and my hands are becoming numb; are you able to help me?  If one link in the chain breaks, I'm a goner."

Alicia speaks, "My brother Paul has a Satellite phone. He's finding the GPS pin.  He's going to call his Son in Moab, who flies a helicopter for search and rescue."

Paul lays on his belly and looks over the cliff, speaking, "Michael, a helicopter will arrive within an hour.  May I ask you a personal question."

Michael replies, "Sure, make it quick, before I die and go to hell."

Paul speaks politely, "Michael, everyone has a day and hour when you'll meet eternity.  If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?"

Michael yells, "I'm a good person, I don't steal, I don't kill and  don't hurt anyone."

Paul adds, "Michael, I'm not judging you, but can I ask you a few questions?  Have you ever stolen anything?

Michael replies, "Yes."

Paul continues, "Michael have you ever looked at a woman with lust in your eyes.  Have you ever taken God's name in vain?  Have you ever had anger in your heart wanting to kill someone?  Have you ever taken the Lord's name in vain?

Michael replies, "Yes, yes, yes, everyone in the world has broken the Ten Commandments."

Paul speaks, "Imagine that each link in the chain you're holding is one of God's laws.

Adam only broke one commandment."

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,  but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”  (Genesis 2:16-17)

Alicia speaks, "Hang in there, his Son will be here soon."

Paul continues,  "You might follow all of God’s law. But if you fail to obey only one command, you are guilty of breaking all the commands in that law." (James 2:10 ERV - Easy to Read Version)  "Michael it only take one broken chain link for you to fall to your death."

Michael, trembles, "If I die will I go to hell?   

Paul replies, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16  NIV - New International Version)

Alicia continues, "Faith is more than believing a historic person lived, it's putting your full trust in Jesus and letting Him guide you each day with His Holy Spirit."

Michael replies, "I was taught if I keep the commandments, I would be saved."

Paul quotes, " I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."  (Galatians 2:21  LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)  

"Michael why did Jesus have to die and suffer on the cross for your sins, if you can save yourself by obeying the law?  It's like a broken chain link; if you break one law you're guilty of breaking all, and face everlasting death."

Michael speaks, "Paul what must I do to be saved?  My hands are numb and I can't hold on much longer."

Paul speaks, "Confess and turn away from your sins, trust and believe in Jesus Christ making him Lord of your life.  And receive His Holy Spirit."

The helicopter flies above, causing a blast of wind to shake Michael and the truck.  

A man from the helicopter is lowered with a harness.

Michael enters the helicopter seeing the chain snap, truck falling, rolling and crashing below.

The helicopter flies over to the parking area and lands.  Michael jumps out and runs over to Connie.

In tears, Michael and Connie embrace.  

Michael says, "His Son saved me today.  

I'm a new man!  Let's go to Moab and celebrate my new life!"

KIDS SURE LOVE COOKIES

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM COOKIES?

SUNDAY SCHOOL 

Mary the Sunday School teacher is cheerful, holding a plate of Chocolate Chip cookies, saying, "I bought these homemade cookies at the Christmas Shoebox Bake Sale."

Bobby replies, "Cookies!  I love cookies!"

Mary continues, "Today we're going to talk about 'First Fruits and why we should always give our very best to God."

Liz takes a big bite, declaring, "These are so yummy."

Mary speaks, "Not everyone in the Old Testament had money to give to God.  Farmers growing wheat or barley would give their first portions of their harvest to the Lord.  Every year around Passover, Jews would celebrate first fruits harvest festival."

Bobby finishes eating and sees another plate of cookies, waiting to be served.  He says, "Mary are there any more cookies?"

Mary continues, "On that day bring two loaves of bread from your homes. That bread will be presented as an offering. Use yeast and four quarts of flour to make those loaves of bread. They will be your gift to the Lord from the first wheat of your harvest."  Leviticus 23:17  (ICB - International Childrens Bible)

Liz raises her hand, "Mary, may I have another cookie?  Please!"

Mary continues, "Giving didn't start with the Law of Moses.  It started with Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve's sons.  Abel raised sheep and gave the best of his flock to God.  Cain was a farmer and gave an offering of his produce."

Everyone in the class speaks, "We want more cookies!"

Mary holding the other plate of cookies gives each student another cookie.

Liz bites into a stale hard cookie, refusing to eat anymore.  

Mary smiles, "Sorry, those cookies came from the mark-down baked goods, from a grocery store, given to the food pantry."

Everyone refuses to finish eating the stale cookies.

Mary says, "The first cookies were fresh, and I bought with my own money.  By blessing you, I am giving Jesus my best.  The second cookies were expired food that I got for free."

Sally blurts out, "I want to give my best cookies to Jesus!"

Mary says, "God accepted Abel's offering.  But he rejected Cain's offering, because God who is all knowing, knew Cain had an attitude problem with jealously and anger."

Bobby speaks, "Abel's sheep was accepted as the first sin offering."  

Mary reads, "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.  You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”       (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NLT - New Living Translation)

Liz grins, "Do you have anything to drink?"

Mary concludes, "God loves a cheerful giver.  Whether you give money, your time, your first apples off you trees, or you first baked cookies, do it for Jesus.  Are you giving your best to God, or are you giving him stale cookies?   Who would like some Lemonade to wash down your cookies?"

DO CHRISTIANS BELIEVE IN THE TWO WITNESSES?

 PARABLE OF THE TWO WITNESSES

TWO WITNESSES

Four Pastors gather this month at a Chinese restaurant to discuss the Bible.  Pastor Dave holds a cup of tea, saying, "Do you know what Witness means in the Bible?"

Pastor Frank answers, "Perry Mason calls a witness to tell the truth and testify of things they have seen or heard."

Pastor Jun De adds, "The Greek word for Witness is 'Martus,' we get our English word, 'Martyr,' from.  

Pastor Manuel speaks, "Stephen was a faithful martyr bearing witness of Jesus Christ."

Pastor Dave smiles, "Who are the two witnesses in Revelation chapter 11?  What are your views?  

Frank reads, "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”  These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth."  (Revelation 11:3-4  ESV - English Standard Version)

Frank reads more, "“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it. And thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.

For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven. They are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

Then answered I and said unto him, “What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?”

And I answered again and said unto him, “What be these two olive branches, which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?”

And he answered me and said, “Knowest thou not what these be?” And I said, “No, my lord.”

Then said he, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”  (Zechariah 4:9-14 - KJ21 - 21 Century KJV)

Jun De asks, "Frank, who do you believe the two witnesses are?"

Frank answers, "Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor of Judah, appointed by the Persian Empire."

Pastor Dave smiles, "Jun De, who do you believe are the two witnesses?"

Pastor Jun De reads, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, and then comes the judgment," (Hebrews 9:27 NMB - New Matthew Bible)  We know of only two men in the Bible who never died.  Both Enoch and Elijah were taken to heaven alive and will return to earth as the two witnesses."

Pastor Dave reads, "And when they have finished their witness, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them and overcome them and kill them.  And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.  And those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.  And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who were watching them.  And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them."  (Revelation 11:7-12 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Jun De adds, "Enoch and Elijah will experience death for the first time when they are martyred as the two witnesses."  What's your view Pastor Dave?"

David says, my view is Moses & Elijah are the two witnesses.  "And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; and so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way.  These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire."  (Revelation 11:5-6  NASB - New American Standard Bible)  Elijah stopped the rain for 3 1/2 years and  Moses turned water into blood."

Pastor Frank speaks, "How do you know it's Moses and Elijah?"

David reads more, "About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.  As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.  Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.  They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem."  (Luke 9:28-31  NIV - New International Version)  "Maybe Jesus and the witnesses discussed their upcoming departure to heaven at Jerusalem."

Pastor Manuel speaks, "I believe there will be two persons with the spirit of Moses and Elijah.

“I assure you: Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force.  For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John;  if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come."  (Matthew 11:11-14  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible) 

Pastor Frank interupts, "Manuel do you have more proof?"

Pastor Manuel reads, "After they had crossed the river, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘The Lord will soon take me away from you. What do you want me to do for you before that happens?’ Elisha replied, ‘Please let me have twice as much of your spirit."  (2 Kings 2:9 - EASY)   

Pastor Dave concludes, "All of your views are excellent.  Can everyone give one last thought."

Pastor Frank grins, "If Enoch returned today he would be 5,025 years old, and Elijah would be 2,862 years old."

Pastor Jun De smiles, "I believe the two witnesses are going to preach the gospel throughout the world, gathing the 144,000 Jewish believers to Jerusalem to worship God."  

"Jews today put out a cup of wine at Passover for Elijah, hoping for his return.  Are they excited for the return of Zerubbabel and Joshua?"

Manuel speaks, "I believe two new men will have the same spirit as Moses and Elijah.  Case closed."

Pastor Dave concludes, "But I will send Elijah the prophet to you. He will come before that great and terrible day of the Lord’s judging."  (Malachi 4:5  ICB - International Children Bible)   I believe this is a dual prophecy.  John the Baptist had the spirit of Elijah at the first coming of Christ, and one of the two witnesses will be Elijah before Christ's second coming."  

“Remember the teaching of Moses my servant. I gave those laws and rules to him at Mount Sinai. They are for all the Israelites."  (Malachi 4:4  ICB - International Childrens Bible)

Pastor Jun De says, "Good discussion, it's good to examine all our different views."

Pastor Dave concludes, "If you were a Jew living today, what two men from the Bible would you be most excited to meet one day?"

CAN KIDS BECOME FRUIT TREES?

 PARABLE OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Mary the Sunday school teacher shows a plate of food, walking around to all the tables.  She smiles, "Is there anyone here who likes to eat fruit?"

Bobby waves his hands, saying, "I love limes!  Lime soda, Lime Jello and Lime flavored corn chips are the best!" 

Mary "Class, do you know when we have God's spirit living inside of us, we're like a fruit tree bearing different types of fruit?  Our first fruit is LOVE.  Does anyone know what the greatest commandment is?

Margo raises her hand, saying "Love your neighbor?"

Mary reads, " Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the first and most important command.  And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’  (Matthew 22:37-39 ICB International Childrens Bible)

Mary walks over to John and he grabs the apple.  She says, "John likes Johnathan Apples and he's full of joy!  JOY is our second fruit.  I want everyone in the class to say this: "The Joy of the Lord is my strength."

Anna points at the Pomegranate, saying, "What's that?"  Mary hands her the fruit.

Mary says, "Anna this is a Pomegranate from the middle east.  PEACE is our third fruit.  

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper."  (Psalm 122:6 TLB - The Living Bible)

Jimmy adds, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9 NIV - New International Version)

Alberto grabs the Pineapple.

Mary speaks, "Alberto, what do you think the Pineapple represents?  PATIENCE is our fourth fruit of the Spirit."

He replies, "I guess I should have been more patient and allowed you to give me the Pineapple first."

Kim smiles pointing to the Kiwifruit, and grabs two.  Billy puts on a sad face desiring one too.

Mary asks, "Kim, the Kiwi represents KINDNESS our fifth fruit.  ' Instead, be kind to one another, cherish tender feelings for each other, forgive one another, just as God forgave you in the Messiah."  (Ephesians 4:32  NTFE - New Testament For Everyone)

Kim gives a Kiwi to Billy. 

Mary holds  a Grapefruit in her hand, saying, "Who can quess our sixth Fruit of the Spirit?"

Sally remarks, "Breakfast?"

Mary continues, "GOODNESS.  Without God are we good persons?"

Sally remarks, "I always have been good person."

Mary adds, "Jesus replied, “ And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone."  (Luke 18:19 ESV - English Standard Version)

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you."  (Matthew 6:33  MEV - Modern English Version)  Jesus is the only way to be righteous before God.  And by His Spirit we show others the fruit of His Goodness."

Mary holds the plate before Faith and she takes the Fig, saying, "Faith do you know what the fig stands for?"

Faith replies, "Figgy Pudding?"

Mary continues, "Faith, our seventh fruit is FAITHFULNESS. 'The person who is faithful with very little is also faithful with much. And the person who is unrighteous with very little is also unrighteous with much."  (Luke 16:10 EHV - Evangelicah Heritage Version)

Diego squeezes a bunch of grapes, making a few drop onto the floor.

Mary speaks, "Diego our eight fruit of the spirit is GENTLENESS.  'A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." (Provers 15:1 NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sally pops a Strawberry in her mouth and reaches to grab another.

Mary smiles, "Sally our next fruit of the Spirit is SELF CONTROL.  Do you know what that means?"

Sally replies, "You can't just eat one!"

Mary continues, "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."  

(1 Corinthians 9:25  ESV - English Standard Version)

Sally grabs another Strawberry, making the class giggle.

Mary concludes, "Class I want everyone to say this verse outloud.  'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."  (Galatians 5:2-23 NASB 95 - New American Standard Bible)