Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/1268348
10 | WheelsOfGrace.com | Issue 51 By Steve Merrill Onramp Hey, this is Steve, the 3:16 for Bikers guy. I ride a HOG and I love all motorcycles. If you love bikes, then this is for you! Some numbers instantly mean something to a biker. 883, 1200, 74, Milwaukee 8. There's a bunch more. If you started riding when I did, the numbers associated with riding would include 305, 450, 500, 650, and 750. You undoubtedly know the numbers 3,1,6, 3:16, and know it comes from John 3:16 in the Bible. You've seen it behind home plate at a baseball game, or behind the goal posts when extra points are attempted. Not only there, but you might even see a Highway 316 if you're riding in Georgia, Connecticut, Wyoming, New York, or even Thailand! Each of these locations have a 316 Highway. I want to bring you along with me on a unique Highway 316, to have several short looks at the 3:16s found in each New Testament book of the Bible. So, saddle up, get in formation and be ready to hit the 316 Highway! Patches are a permanent part of Biker culture. Onramp to the 316 Highway By Steve Merrill DILLIGAF, FTW, _FF_, ITCOB, YELLOW WINGS, 1%er DILLIGAF, FTW, _FF_, ITCOB, YELLOW WINGS, 1%er Milepost 3 on the Highway And some are not so polite that you'd feel comfortable revealing the meaning, unless, of course, you're the last one, a 1%er. Then you're proud of these patches and their meanings. Bottom line: if you don't fly one of these, or something similar, you aren't the last one! There are some things mandatory to belong to biker groups, clubs, riding associations, or motorcycle ministries. Patches, or colors, reveal who you ride for. Each has an application process, initiation, annual membership fee, and the expectation of loyalty. The local chapter comes first, last, and in between. Loyalty to the patch, colors, or group trumps family obligations. You'll never hear, "I couldn't make the run to Laughlin/Reno/Sturgis/ Daytona. My kid had a soccer game", or "My wife (old lady) wanted me to clean the side yard so I missed Church" (club house meeting). So, what's the distinguishing patch for Jesus' tribe of World-Changers? Does He require a background check, initiation, annual membership fees, and expectations of loyalty? Well, yes and no. No need for a background check; He already knows everything about you. If you're not qualified, then you're qualified! Initiation? Confession that Jesus is Lord and receive water baptism. But you don't have to kill someone, except your old natural self. Membership fee? It's free; He already paid the price. But you will learn the joy of giving. Loyalty? Absolutely! He will always be loyal to you, and you'll want to return that. Here's how John the Baptist put it; "I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire produces forgiveness and soul fire. So, it all comes down to forgiveness, received and given. If you wear that 'patch' upon your psyche, your soul, and in your mind, that's proof that you belong, are part of the Family of God, claimed by Jesus, and transformed by His Spirit. You'll have a fire in your belly that will keep you moving forward no matter the road conditions. Off the main highway: No weapon can overcome forgiveness. On the Cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." Whatever else believing riders do, they will be masters of forgiveness in our hate-filled world. Simon who became the Rock of the Early Church. And the world has never been the same. Listen: hear Him calling? Sure you do!