Why Leavener?
While in transition from Northside Baptist Church (Indianapolis) to whatever... I was working on incorporating a personal ministry. To complete compliance I had to name this new ministry. I tried to think of some kind of theme. Since the Spring of 2000 I have met with my good friend Keith (Michelle considers him to be my second wife) on Tuesdays at 7 AM at Panera Bread. It was through many discussions, lessons and reading through God's Word that the Spirit has allowed me to discover Truth. These weekly sessions have absolutely had a major impact on my life. Therefore, the theme of a bakery seemed pretty logical. After searching several bakery glossaries, I chose the name Leavener. Leavener is not a word found in a dictionary but is definitely used by bakeries. Leavener is the change agent found in a dough product that causes it to rise or transform while it is in a state of rest. The most common leaveners are yeast, baking soda or baking powder.
I can honestly say this same process occurred within me. During the first 2-3 years of just sitting with Keith at Panera each Tuesday, the Holy Spirit allowed me to see things like I have never seen them before. I began to grow in the Truth and discover that my life had truly been transformed. Click on these verses... 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 11:18-19, Galatians 2:20.
As I mention the name Leavener to different friends, I get two different comments, sometimes together. "That is very cool" and/or "Do you know what the Bible says about yeast?" That's like telling someone that your car has broken down and they ask you, "Does it have gas?".
Yes, I am aware of the many references to yeast and unleavened throughout the Scriptures. But just like so many other issues in the church, we can be totally misguided because of discussions, teachings, experiences and traditions. It is the same issue the disciples were dealing with after hearing Jesus say just one sentence... "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Read the whole story here - Matthew 16:5-12.
You see... it is not about whether leavener is bad or good. Leavener is neutral. It is a chemical reaction. Just as the Pharisees could have an effect for the negative, the Holy Spirit can have even a greater effect for the positive. It's not about the leavener. It's purely about the transformation. And there is no doubt that I have been transformed. I am holy because God has granted me faith. Just as leavener is the change agent that causes dough to be transformed while it is in state of rest, the Holy Spirit has transformed my life while I have done absolutely nothing. Thank you Jesus!
I can honestly say this same process occurred within me. During the first 2-3 years of just sitting with Keith at Panera each Tuesday, the Holy Spirit allowed me to see things like I have never seen them before. I began to grow in the Truth and discover that my life had truly been transformed. Click on these verses... 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 11:18-19, Galatians 2:20.
As I mention the name Leavener to different friends, I get two different comments, sometimes together. "That is very cool" and/or "Do you know what the Bible says about yeast?" That's like telling someone that your car has broken down and they ask you, "Does it have gas?".
Yes, I am aware of the many references to yeast and unleavened throughout the Scriptures. But just like so many other issues in the church, we can be totally misguided because of discussions, teachings, experiences and traditions. It is the same issue the disciples were dealing with after hearing Jesus say just one sentence... "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Read the whole story here - Matthew 16:5-12.
You see... it is not about whether leavener is bad or good. Leavener is neutral. It is a chemical reaction. Just as the Pharisees could have an effect for the negative, the Holy Spirit can have even a greater effect for the positive. It's not about the leavener. It's purely about the transformation. And there is no doubt that I have been transformed. I am holy because God has granted me faith. Just as leavener is the change agent that causes dough to be transformed while it is in state of rest, the Holy Spirit has transformed my life while I have done absolutely nothing. Thank you Jesus!