LET’S MAKE A DEAL, Host Monty Hall, 1963-76

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. {24} For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. {25} For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? {26} For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:23-26 (KJV)) 

“The riches of His free grace cause me daily to triumph over all the temptations of the wicked one, who is very vigilant, and seeks all occasions to disturb me. ” (George Whitefield)

Several years ago there was a show on television called “Let’s Make a Deal”. Throughout the show the host would select people out of the audience and offer them a hidden prize.

“We have three boxes here – which one will you choose? You’ve chosen box number one. Are you SURE? Let’s see what you’ve chosen. It’s a new DIAMOND RING worth thousands of dollars! Would you like to continue playing? Can I offer you what’s behind curtain number two in exchange for that ring? No? How about what’s behind curtain number two and TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS? No? What if I offer you curtain number two, and THREE hundred dollars?”

The host (I remember Monty Hall) would continue to tempt the contestant until the audience reached a fevered pitch, and the poor person looked like he was going to have a heart attack. Many times the contestant would give up a beautiful prize in favor of another hidden prize. The hidden prize might be wonderful – a new color TV, a stereo system, or a new car. But there were times when the hidden prize was no prize at all. It could be a bale of hay, a dozen eggs, a pack of notebook paper, any number of foolish things. When the contestant was tricked into picking something worthless over something great I, along with many in the audience, wondered why he made such a bad choice. Why choose what MIGHT be wonderful over what was CLEARLY REVEALED as wonderful? Why choose the unknown prize when the clearly revealed prize is available? 

Though you may or may not have seen “Let’s Make a Deal”, many of you are nonetheless still playing that game with your life. For over two thousand years a vast innumerable crowd of people have surrendered their lives to Christ and found a treasure greater than any diamond ring. People have heard the Gospel message that “the one who comes to Jesus will not be cast out (John 6:37)”. They have come surrendering their lives to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and have found that promised perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) along with eternal salvation (John 3:16; 14:6). True believers have followed Christ in life and through the very veil of death. Many have testified, even in the midst of horrific persecution, that following Jesus is vastly preferable to NOT following Jesus. Justin Martyr said, “You can kill us, but you can’t hurt us”. True believers focused on living their lives according to the written and living Word of God have overcome trial after trial. This is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith (1 John 5:4)”.

The prize of Christ has been revealed, yet many continue to listen to the world and to Satan. “Don’t you want to choose what’s behind door number three? It might be riches, or fame, or a new car! Take a chance – you deserve it. You don’t need to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Not today anyway. You don’t need to go to church. You don’t need to obey Christ’s commandments. Enjoy life – live for today – God will understand”. The poor contestant who follows the siren call of Satan and the world chooses what he believes is life. But when the veil is lifted you’ll find that you’ve chosen cursing over blessing. You may have gained this world, but you have lost eternity. Choose the revealed prize. Choose Jesus Christ over what you MIGHT gain. I along with a mighty crowd of witnesses can promise you that surrender to Jesus brings with it a life worth living and a future prize worth collecting.

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike, Columbia, TN. We have services at 8:30 & 11 AM Sundays, 5 & 6 PM Sundays. All are welcomed and loved!