Weekly Sermon Recap - 10.12.25
The Power of Choice: Embracing the Tree of Life
Life is a series of choices. Every day, we stand at crossroads, deciding which path to take. These decisions, big and small, shape our lives and determine our destinies. But have you ever considered the profound spiritual implications of the choices we make?
Let's journey back to the beginning, to the Garden of Eden. There, two trees stood at the center of it all - the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These trees represented a fundamental choice that would alter the course of human history.
When Adam and Eve chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they set in motion a chain of events that brought sin, death, and separation from God into the world. One decision, one moment of disobedience, changed everything. It's a stark reminder of how powerful our choices can be.
But the story doesn't end there. God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a way back to Him. Through Jesus Christ, we have been given access once again to the tree of life - to eternal life in God's presence.
Romans 5:12-21 beautifully contrasts the consequences of Adam's choice with the redemption offered through Christ:
"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned... But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many."
One man's disobedience brought death; one man's obedience brings life. The power of choice echoes through eternity.
But where is this tree of life now? The Bible gives us glimpses. In Revelation 2:7, we're told it's in the paradise of God. Revelation 22:2 paints a picture of the tree of life in the New Jerusalem, bearing fruit each month, with leaves for the healing of the nations.
Yet the tree of life isn't just a future hope - it's a present reality for those who follow Christ. Proverbs 3:18 tells us that wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her. When we seek God's wisdom and align our choices with His will, we're partaking of the fruit of that tree right now.
Our words, too, can be a source of life. Proverbs 15:4 says, "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." When we speak words of encouragement, truth, and love, we're offering the fruit of the tree of life to those around us.
Consider this: You might be the only "tree of life" some people ever encounter in this world. Your choices, your words, your actions - they all have the potential to bring life to others. What an incredible responsibility and privilege!
But how do we consistently make choices that align with God's will and bring life? It all comes down to wisdom. Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom above all else. When Solomon became king, God offered him anything he wanted. Solomon's request for wisdom pleased God so much that He gave him everything else as well.
Wisdom helps us navigate the complex decisions of life. It guides us to choose love when hate seems easier, to forgive when holding a grudge feels justified, to speak gently when harsh words are on the tip of our tongue.
Sometimes, the wise choice isn't the one that feels good in the moment. It might mean sacrificing our own desires for a greater purpose. But when we trust God and choose His way, even when it's difficult, we often find that He blesses us beyond what we could have imagined.
Remember, everyone has the right to choose. God desires that all come to repentance and salvation, but He won't force anyone. The invitation to partake of the tree of life is open to all, but each person must decide for themselves.
If you've never made the choice to follow Christ, know that it's not too late. As long as you're breathing, you haven't gone too far. God's love and forgiveness are available to you right now. It's as simple as believing in your heart that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and confessing Him as Lord of your life.
For those who have already made that choice, the challenge is to continually choose life in our daily decisions. Are we bearing fruit that brings life to others? Are our words gentle and life-giving? Are we seeking wisdom in every situation?
As we navigate life's choices, let's remember the two trees in the garden. One led to death, but the other - the tree of life - offers endless hope, peace, and joy. Through Christ, we have access to that tree. Let's choose wisely, let's choose life, and let's help others find their way to the tree of life as well.
In a world often consumed by darkness, we have the incredible opportunity to be bearers of light and life. Every choice we make, every word we speak, can be a branch of the tree of life extended to those around us. What will you choose today?
Life is a series of choices. Every day, we stand at crossroads, deciding which path to take. These decisions, big and small, shape our lives and determine our destinies. But have you ever considered the profound spiritual implications of the choices we make?
Let's journey back to the beginning, to the Garden of Eden. There, two trees stood at the center of it all - the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These trees represented a fundamental choice that would alter the course of human history.
When Adam and Eve chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they set in motion a chain of events that brought sin, death, and separation from God into the world. One decision, one moment of disobedience, changed everything. It's a stark reminder of how powerful our choices can be.
But the story doesn't end there. God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a way back to Him. Through Jesus Christ, we have been given access once again to the tree of life - to eternal life in God's presence.
Romans 5:12-21 beautifully contrasts the consequences of Adam's choice with the redemption offered through Christ:
"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned... But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many."
One man's disobedience brought death; one man's obedience brings life. The power of choice echoes through eternity.
But where is this tree of life now? The Bible gives us glimpses. In Revelation 2:7, we're told it's in the paradise of God. Revelation 22:2 paints a picture of the tree of life in the New Jerusalem, bearing fruit each month, with leaves for the healing of the nations.
Yet the tree of life isn't just a future hope - it's a present reality for those who follow Christ. Proverbs 3:18 tells us that wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her. When we seek God's wisdom and align our choices with His will, we're partaking of the fruit of that tree right now.
Our words, too, can be a source of life. Proverbs 15:4 says, "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." When we speak words of encouragement, truth, and love, we're offering the fruit of the tree of life to those around us.
Consider this: You might be the only "tree of life" some people ever encounter in this world. Your choices, your words, your actions - they all have the potential to bring life to others. What an incredible responsibility and privilege!
But how do we consistently make choices that align with God's will and bring life? It all comes down to wisdom. Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom above all else. When Solomon became king, God offered him anything he wanted. Solomon's request for wisdom pleased God so much that He gave him everything else as well.
Wisdom helps us navigate the complex decisions of life. It guides us to choose love when hate seems easier, to forgive when holding a grudge feels justified, to speak gently when harsh words are on the tip of our tongue.
Sometimes, the wise choice isn't the one that feels good in the moment. It might mean sacrificing our own desires for a greater purpose. But when we trust God and choose His way, even when it's difficult, we often find that He blesses us beyond what we could have imagined.
Remember, everyone has the right to choose. God desires that all come to repentance and salvation, but He won't force anyone. The invitation to partake of the tree of life is open to all, but each person must decide for themselves.
If you've never made the choice to follow Christ, know that it's not too late. As long as you're breathing, you haven't gone too far. God's love and forgiveness are available to you right now. It's as simple as believing in your heart that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and confessing Him as Lord of your life.
For those who have already made that choice, the challenge is to continually choose life in our daily decisions. Are we bearing fruit that brings life to others? Are our words gentle and life-giving? Are we seeking wisdom in every situation?
As we navigate life's choices, let's remember the two trees in the garden. One led to death, but the other - the tree of life - offers endless hope, peace, and joy. Through Christ, we have access to that tree. Let's choose wisely, let's choose life, and let's help others find their way to the tree of life as well.
In a world often consumed by darkness, we have the incredible opportunity to be bearers of light and life. Every choice we make, every word we speak, can be a branch of the tree of life extended to those around us. What will you choose today?
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