Don McClain

“Best” “Surpassing all others in excellence,

achievement, or quality” “That which is superlative” “Most satisfactory, suitable, or useful” “Most desirable” Synonyms: superb, unsurpassed,

choice, elite, pick, prize, top, “the cream”

Genesis 43:11Genesis 43:1111 11 And their father Israel said to And their father Israel said to them, "If them, "If it must beit must be so, then do so, then do

this: Take some of the best fruits this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and of the land in your vessels and

carry down a present for the man--carry down a present for the man--a little balm and a little honey, a little balm and a little honey,

spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. and almonds.

Genesis 47:5-6 Genesis 47:5-6 5 5 Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph,

saying, "Your father and your brothers saying, "Your father and your brothers have come to you. have come to you. 6 6 The land of Egypt The land of Egypt

isis before you. Have your father and before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know And if you know anyany competent men competent men among them, then make them chief among them, then make them chief

herdsmen over my livestock." herdsmen over my livestock."

Exodus 22:5Exodus 22:55 5 "If a man causes a field or "If a man causes a field or

vineyard to be grazed, and lets vineyard to be grazed, and lets loose his animal, and it feeds in loose his animal, and it feeds in

another man's field, he shall make another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best of his restitution from the best of his

own field and the best of his own own field and the best of his own vineyard. vineyard.

Luke 15:22,23Luke 15:22,2322 22 But the father said to his But the father said to his

servants, 'Bring out the best robe servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put and put itit on him, and put a ring on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on on his hand and sandals on hishis feet. feet. 23 23 And bring the fatted calf And bring the fatted calf

here and kill here and kill it,it, and let us eat and and let us eat and be merrybe merry

The FirstfruitsGod wants the firstfruits (Prov. 3:9)

Deuteronomy 26:1-2Exodus 23:19

The first is the best (Num. 18:12)Better quality (Micah 7:1)What all desire (Hos. 9:10; Nah. 3:12)

First things first (Lev. 23:19)W/o delay (Exo. 22:29,30)

The Firstlings The firstling belonged to God

(Ex. 13:12)Exodus 34:19Lev. 27:26

It must be first quality (Lev. 22:21)No blemish (Lev. 22:22-25)No seconds (Mal. 1:7,8)

The FirstbornThe firstborn belonged to God (Ex. 13:1,2)Because of Egypt (Num. 3:13)

The firstborn is chosen (Exo. 13:2)Because he is precious (Zech. 12:10)Because he is privileged (Deut. 21:16)Because he is the beginning (Deut. 21:17)

“Thou shall not delay”(Ex. 22:29)

When we seek first the kingdom (Matt. 6:33) Requires the whole heart (Matt. 6:24; 22:37) “First” - a willing mind (2 Cor. 8:12; Rom

6:13-22)When we give ourselves to God (2 Cor. 8:5) Transformed (Rom. 12:1) Giving all diligence (2 Peter 1:5-10)

When we love Him more (Matt. 10:37-39; Mk 12:29-31) We obey - (John 14:15,21,23) Priorities (Col. 3:1,2; Mat 6:19-21)

The Poor Widow – (Mark 12:41-44) Mary Anointing Jesus – (John 12:1-9) The Macedonians – (2 Cor. 8:1-5) Paul’s life – (2 Tim. 4:6-8) Jesus Gave His Best –

Left heaven – Obeyed the Father – Gave His life -

Living Consecrated Lives? – 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1

Living in service to others? – Luke 10:25-37

On the job? – Col 3:22-24

How we spend our time? – Eph. 5:15,16

Work for church

Our Worship & Service To God - (When compared to our work, secular meetings, & recreational activities) _____ Preparation? (a) Less? (b)

Same? (c) Best? _____ Punctuality? (a) Less? (b)

Same? (c) Best? _____ Practice? (a) Less? (b)

Same? (c) Best? _____ Participation? (a) Less? (b)

Same? (c) Best? _____ Advancement? (a) Less? (b)

Same? (c) Best?

Don McClain

Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor Into the battle for truth.

Jesus has set the example, Dauntless was He, young and brave.

Give Him your loyal devotion; Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master; Give of the strength of your youth.

Don McClain

Give Him first place in your service; Consecrate every part.

Give, and to you will be given; God His beloved Son gave.

Gratefully seeking to serve Him, Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master; Give Him first place in your heart.

Don McClain

He gave Himself for your ransom, Gave up His glory above.

Laid down His life without murmur, You from sin’s ruin to save.

Give Him your heart’s adoration; Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master; Nothing else is worthy His love.

Give of your best to the Master; Give of the strength of your youth.

Clad in salvation’s full armor, Join in the battle for truth.

Refrain

“God Gave His Best”

Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007

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GOD’S SIMPLE PLAN FOR SALVATION

hearhearbelievebelieve

repentrepentconfessconfess

baptismbaptismACTS 3:22ACTS 3:22

JN. 6:29JN. 6:29

LK. 13:3LK. 13:3

JN. 12:42JN. 12:42

1 PET. 3:211 PET. 3:21Rev. 2:10Rev. 2:10