Sweet Heritage: Cinnamon Rolls And Salvation

Sometimes I long for things that bring comfort such as a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea. I often reminisce about the comfort foods make by my mother's hands. So, on one cold day many years ago, I decided to replicate our family recipe. My stepdaughter was eager to help. As I retrieved the bowl and utensils, she looked in the refrigerator. "Where is the can," she asked? After a baffling two minute conversation, I finally realized she was looking for a can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. "Oh, no. We are making cinnamon rolls from scratch," I said. She had a look of bewilderment on her face. I proceeded to instruct her in the baking process and considered the sadness of her not having a family recipe of this caliber. What else was she missing? And how can I expect the next generation to know and carry on a piece of heritage if I do not become accountable for this precious information?

Our cinnamon roll recipe came from my great grandmother, Elsie Bonner. She passed away when I was a child and I do not remember her. Even still, she remains a pivotal part of our heritage. The Bonner family crest continues to linger above the mantle of the manse behind the First Presbyterian Church in my home town as a reminder of our family legacy. The recipe that she handed down to my grandmother and my mother was not nearly as important though as the enduring legacy of our faith; our faith that proclaims belief in one God, whose name is Jesus, baptism in said name. and the infilling of the Spirit of God as delivered in the book of Acts and through the Azusa Street revival of 1906. This heritage was passed down from generation to generation. Those who chose to learn it, allowed this creation to emerge, and passed it forward. We are the ones who found this sweet place of servitude in our lives.

How did I arrive at this place of gooey perfection? I came to the realization that my life is affected by my family, but I make my own choices. When I considered the fact that my mother is mortal, I knew I needed to learn to bake the cinnamon rolls. My walk with God was also influenced by, but not contingent upon these ancestors. I could create my very own relationship with the Almighty.

As I added the right temperature of warm water to the yeast, along with eggs, sugar, oil, and salt, my stepdaughter could smell the aroma of bread begin. We added the flour and saw the sticky dough develop before our eyes. She witnessed the rising of the dough and helped apply butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The finished product baking in the oven is what draws. It is a magnificent aroma that fills the air. Such is our life when dedicated to God. The final product which has been created with the perfect ingredients, with the tight amount of time and care, produces an offering of "sweet savour".

Now when I make cinnamon rolls, I wonder which one of my children will carry the torch for future generations. When they long for this place of rich comfort will they be able to fulfill their desire? Furthermore, will they allow our heritage of truth to develop in their lives to create a sweetness that is long lasting and beneficial to all who taste?

God's Recipe

I wrote the piece above for a college assignment but found it fitting for this Mother's Day month. I do greatly appreciate my heritage. My great-great grandma Farnham and her friend Phoebe Timmons started a work for the Lord in my home town. They were even arrested and taken away in the paddy wagon for making too much noise with church service. As a result of their work and the subsequent church splits, there are now at least 5 Apostolic Pentecostal churches in that location.

God's recipe is throughout His Word:

1. There is only one God. His name is Jesus. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

2. We must repent and be baptized. This is a command. We do so by being submerged under water and in the name of Jesus. This is the only way that it was done in the New Testament. And we need the gift of the Holy Ghost. How did they know that they received it? They heard them speak in a heavenly language. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

In Closing...

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