One Recipe (Way)

Exodus 30:31 Say to the Israelites, 'This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. 32 Do not pour it on men's bodies and do not make any oil with the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. 33 Whoever makes perfume like it and whoever puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from his people.' "

The temptation here would be to make a container of the oil for yourself....if this oil makes things 'Holy' ...then if I make the same oil..it too will make me holy. Heck, I even have the recipe. People have tons of 'recipes' for religion and in 'religious circles' today those recipes are being widely accepted as Truth. God is the father of MANY religions....many ways to get to God. If you are Buhdist ...then follow Buda ..... Islam..... Allah...... Catholic.... Virgin Mary.... Scientologist.....Tom Cruise (geeez) yet only one way leads to life....it cant be duplicated, you cannot conjure up some other way, or add anything to the Gospel of Christ. Jesus said I am THE way, The Truth and the Life.....NO One can come to the Father, except through me. John 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.Again, the picture of being cut off.....(No One.....Come to the Father or no one can see the Kingdom of God) is so final and exclusive folk have a problem with it. But keep in mind, we owe no apologies for God's system. His ways are not our ways....sure I have friends who are not Christ Followers...that I wish were, and I wish would live eternally with God.... but unless they choose (Alex) the narrow gate....they too will remain cut off.

God, we know....that you are THE WAY. You sent your Son as a once and for all, blood sacrifice... atoning for all the the worlds sins. Our correct response is acceptance of that gift.... Forgive us when we try to apologize for your economy, your ways and make them any less abrasive. Clearly, you go before us, soften the hearts of folks in South Austin, so that they may be ripe for your harvest. Allow avenues that Austin New Church is using, to penetrate the minds and elicit the question "why do you do what do you?" allow South Austin Cares to glorify you, allow your flock at Austin New Church to be bold in sharing your Grace and the Truth.