by Terrence G. ClarkA local branch, of a national convenience store, known for its self-serve coffee, as well as other conveniences, features seasonal new blends. Usually in the fall its pumpkin, but occasionally there are other varieties as well.
A few weeks ago, I attempted a new flavor---Ethiopia Sidamo. The ingredients were listed on the canister, I read as I filled my 16-ounce cup. “A rich complex drinking experience with delicate floral aroma balanced with hints of caramel and leather notes of strawberry intertwined with deep bittersweet chocolate.” I agreed with the copy, I thought, “My that’s a complex cup of coffee.” I think the ingredient --- leather ---- simmered within my consciousness more than the others. Something about drinking my morning jo that had been seeped with a belt or a jacket was odd. My thoughts could have gone the other way. Leather is from a cow, so is cream, so there is that semblance. Apologies to those complex coffee patrons, who are reeled by sirens into Starbucks and its specialties, or into other gourmet cafes. I think, sometimes, when you add flavored cream, syrup, sugar, and extras---the base brew is usually unrecognized, anyways.. Perhaps to really enjoy select brews is to drink it black. Saying that my best cups were the 4-ounce servings of plain java in the middle east - Israel to be exact.
It could be said the ancestral Hebrew nation would be experts on coffee, the name tribally entertains a relationship. He-brews. Okay, a little pun. And, to continue in, holy humor, the book of the same name in the bible also expresses the thought of being a holy connoisseur. Hebrews 5:14---says the human senses (spiritual & physical) can be trained to discern between good and evil---perhaps discern a good cup of coffee also. Religiously, some swear upon their cup of choice and will pay the cost. Segue and Analogy.
This salvation we enjoy is so simple. Greater than the morning cup of coffee, It's a daily thing – according to Psalms 118:23, 24 & 63:1. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is---Psalm 63:1 David rejoiced, Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee----Psalm 63:3 |
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God's promises are like a cup of coffee over the counter. All you must do is receive it and enjoy. It may have to be stirred, warmed, sipped, tasted---But it's simple. It's good. It's delectable.
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8
We get saved through the simple verses of John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, and Ephesians 2:8
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.---John 3:16
Yet it Vitally Complexed
When we read Hebrews, Ephesians, and most of the Pauline scriptures, we see how complexed this simple gospel is. Now not the false complexity of religion and traditions, but the intricateness of the heavenly design.
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8
We get saved through the simple verses of John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, and Ephesians 2:8
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.---John 3:16
Yet it Vitally Complexed
When we read Hebrews, Ephesians, and most of the Pauline scriptures, we see how complexed this simple gospel is. Now not the false complexity of religion and traditions, but the intricateness of the heavenly design.
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A newborn believer probably doesn’t know that John 3:16 is attached Colossians 1:12-14, but it’s all in there.
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Whosoever believes in Jesus shall be saved is the fullness of the gospel. Listed in the ingredients is Jesus’s crucifixion, his resurrection, the believer’s soul snatched out of the clutches of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of God, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
A sagacious bible teacher and mentor of mine, Dr. Charles Water III, who is now home with the Lord, taught---the Gospels teach what Jesus did for us. The Letters of the New Testament teach what Jesus did for us---did for us.
Preachers, as heavenly baristas, must be careful not to infuse the simple message of salvation with works theologies and legalism. It’s when we try to complex the simple message needed for salvation, we ruin the message.
The distinctiveness of the Gospel is the Gospel. The gospel is not flavored with love, it is love. Love at the counter is not the brew of the season. Without it, none of the other posted pots are valid---no pots of faith, hope, help, healing, etc. All the diversities of the Spirit are in the pot of love. Like with coffee, we must let the base simmer and do the work.
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Whosoever believes in Jesus shall be saved is the fullness of the gospel. Listed in the ingredients is Jesus’s crucifixion, his resurrection, the believer’s soul snatched out of the clutches of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of God, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
A sagacious bible teacher and mentor of mine, Dr. Charles Water III, who is now home with the Lord, taught---the Gospels teach what Jesus did for us. The Letters of the New Testament teach what Jesus did for us---did for us.
Preachers, as heavenly baristas, must be careful not to infuse the simple message of salvation with works theologies and legalism. It’s when we try to complex the simple message needed for salvation, we ruin the message.
The distinctiveness of the Gospel is the Gospel. The gospel is not flavored with love, it is love. Love at the counter is not the brew of the season. Without it, none of the other posted pots are valid---no pots of faith, hope, help, healing, etc. All the diversities of the Spirit are in the pot of love. Like with coffee, we must let the base simmer and do the work.