The tree is mentioned three times in the Garden of Eden, but it is lost because of the fall of man. However, it is mentioned three times in the New Jerusalem as restored to its rightful place in the midst of paradise. Follow the tree of life through the scriptures and see that Jesus Christ truly did come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Our life is tied up with thousands of thin cords. Some of them tie us to the world and its pleasures; some of them tie us to God and His service.
The children of Israel are in Kadesh, the place where they decided that they could not go and possess the land of Canaan. The people are thirsty. The Lord has provided water already out of a rock in Horeb. This is a chapter of trials.
We often focus on the temptations of the flesh and the world and what they offer. However, many of our greatest struggles come from the temptations of life. We wonder who we are, what we have accomplished, and if followed the right path. John the Baptist dealt with these temptations. We need to learn to handle them as he did.
The demands of the Christian life are great. You are not sure if you can match up. The truth is, you cannot. We can only serve the Lord fully through His enabling grace and power. That is the message of this sermon.
