When I was growing up, I loved game shows. One of

my favorites was "Let's Make a Deal." When I would be home sick

from school, I would always make sure to watch it. I even thought

about going on that show when I got older. Now, I never went on the

show - even though it was filmed about 90 miles from my house. That

show is amazingly popular to this day, having been on the air in

some form since 1963. I think the reason for the popularity is that

people are able to get something for nothing - they make deals to

get what they want with minimal personal investment. As I look at

examples for the Bible and today, I see a lot of parallels in how

people have approached salvation. You see, for some, "Let's Make a

Deal," the Lottery, and gambling are all means to an end. Some

people are in situations they would like to see changed. Perhaps

the situations are hopeless, so they spend their last $1 on a

chance. I fear many come to Jesus in much the same way - they are

mentally making a deal with Him. They are wanting Him to be a means

to their ends. Sometimes we call it "fire protection," and

sometimes it takes the form of: "Jesus, if you get me out of this,

I promise I will never _________ again." Feel free to fill in the

blank. We have all been there. This Sunday, we are going to look at

John 6:1-15 and put ourselves in the sandals of the people on the

hill and look at what their motive, why Christ fed them, and how

Christ's glory was the only end to which He gives us means. Looking

forward to this Sunday! Nick