On the Parable of the Donuts

February 10, 2008
First Sunday in Lent

from Romans 5:12-19


My sermon outline:

• Though the language may be complex, Paul is clear in Romans. Sin came into the world through one man, and all have eaten of that fruit... there is no one righteous. All are separated from God.

And, through the actions of ONE, the life, the choices, the strength, the willingness of ONE, there is grace and righteousness and life. Through ONE uniquely qualified individual, the opportunity of life is given to all.

• Pastors steal stories. When I first heard this story I knew it needed to be told again, so I pray your indulgence while I read it. There are a few variations, and its author is unknown, but it touches deeply:

The Parable of the Donuts

• What would you do/feel as one of Steve’s classmates? What do you think Steve would appreciate most from his classmates? Eat the donut?

• We have received an invitation to life from Jesus, who lived the life we could not live – we have been unable to resist temptation (well sure, we do have successes but not one of us has a perfect record), but Jesus resisted temptation. He willingly gave of himself so that we could live. Our place in this world and the next depends on our reception of him. Our best response is to love him above all others, to cling to him, to live lives of gratitude, and to do whatever it takes to resist temptation.


• Hymn 395 Take Time to be Holy


- Pastor Kerry
This Sunday: 70 in worship.