1. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 1

2. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 2  The 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”

3. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 3 Genesis 43:11 (NKJV) 11 And their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man--a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.

4. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 4 Genesis 47:5-6 (NKJV) 5 Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, "Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock."

5. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 5 Exodus 22:5 5 "If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed, and lets loose his animal, and it feeds in another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field and the best of his own vineyard.

6. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 6 Luke 15:22,23 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;

7. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 7  The Firstfruits God wants the firstfruits (Prov. 3:9)  Deuteronomy 26:1,2  Exodus 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)  Before everyone else (Lev. 19:23-25)

8. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 8  The Firstlings The firstling belonged to God (Exo. 13:12)  Exodus 34:19  Lev. 27:26 It must be first quality (Lev. 22:21)  No blemish (Lev. 22:22-25)  No seconds (Mal. 1:7,8) The firstling is holy (Num. 18:15-17)  Dedicated to worship (Deut. 12:5-7)  Devoted to God (Lev. 27:26-28)

9. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 9  The Firstborn The firstborn belonged to God (Exo. 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 shalt not delay” (Exo. 22:29)  Eight days (Lev. 12:2-6)  “shalt thou surely redeem” (Num. 18:15)

10. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 10 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; 13:44-46)

11. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 11  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) 4Jesus Gave His Best –  Left heaven –  Obeyed the Father –  Gave His life -

12. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 12  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  Personal evangelism? – Acts 4:20  Our facilities? - Haggai 1:4

13. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 13 Our Worship & Service To God - (John 4:24; Luke 9:23-26) (When compared to our work, secular meetings, & recreational activities)  _____ Preparation? (a) Less? (b) Same? (c) Best?  _____ Clothing? (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?

14. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 14 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.

15. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 15 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.

16. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 16 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; Naught else is worthy His love.

17. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 17 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

18. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 18 Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

19. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 19 1 Peter 4:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

20. Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / April 29, 2007 20