A Part, Not Apart

Eric passed the lighted candle to Sean.  As his youth minister, he told Sean how he appreciated him for many reasons, including his great leadership in the youth group, his strong work ethic, and his dependability.

Now it was Sean’s turn.  In this activity designed to build cohesiveness and appreciation in the youth group, to whom would Sean give the candle and say something nice?  He gave the lighted candle to Amberlee.  One of the reasons he said he elected to give it to her was because she would sing out when the group would praise God in song.

Sean probably never knew the impact that he had made on Amberlee by his gesture and his words.

On December 8, 2015, Sean passed from this life at only 20 years of age after a fatal malfunction of his heart for reasons unknown.  All who knew him and loved him are heartbroken, including Amberlee.  In his honor, she decided to share a poem that reveals the impact that Sean and his kindness had on her life.  She wrote:

I thought I was invisible
I thought I was unknown
I thought I was unnoticed
I thought I was alone

Then he said some kind words
He said them about me
He said I lifted him up
He did the same for me

He made me feel included
His words just touched my heart
He passed the candle my way
And then I felt I was a part

At the conclusion of her tribute, she wrote: “Thank you, Sean Frazier, for being one of the first ones to make me feel like a true member of the Creekwood family.” – Amberlee Miller

A part, not apart.

That’s what Jesus wants for each of us.  He doesn’t want us to be “APART” from Him, although that is what our sin does: it separates us from God and puts us on the path of eternal destruction (Isaiah 59:1-2; Matthew 7:13-14).

Jesus wants each of us to be “a part” of His family.  He died on the cross for our sins so that we might have forgiveness, be reconciled to God, and be united with Him in God’s family, the church (Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 3:26-27).

Jesus will save, add to God’s family, and give the gift of eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:38).  The atoning blood that Jesus shed in His death will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

Jesus died on the cross for us so that none of us have to be “apart” from Him.  He gave His life for us so that we can be “a part” of His family – now and forever.

Won’t YOU accept his offer of salvation and eternal life on His terms?                        

– David A. Sargent

* In loving memory of Sean Thomas Frazier, July 29, 1995 - December 8, 2015.  Until we meet again…

David A. Sargent, Minister