There is no sin in cremation, that is for sure. And there is no inability on God’s part to raise a cremated body from the dead. But is cremation, a practice most often seen in Eastern religions, the best for the believer in Christ? 1. It is clarifying to note that burial was God’s preferred method of disposing of the body of Moses. God had the power to cremate Moses’ body on the spot, but rather, this gentle and loving phrase is found: '[God] buried him in the valley in the land of Moab' (Deut. 34:6). This fact alone is enough for me. If God chose this method Himself, then it certainly should be my preference also. 2. Burial underground (or in tombs) was the ordained method for the patriarchs, for God's chosen people, and for New Testament believers. There are numerous references to this, from Abraham's burial in the cave of Machpelah to Lazarus’ entombment in a crypt. The bodies of these saints were kept, as much as possible, in their original state, awaiting the resurrection of the body. 3. Consider the death of Christ Himself. He is our example in everything. Christ was in charge of His death. As He said, “No one has taken [my life] away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative” (John 10:18). Certainly His burial was no accident either. The dramatic events God ordained to take place included the tomb as an essential ingredient. It accentuated His resurrection. 4. Christianity is the most materialistic of the religions in this respect. That is, it gives an importance to the body and to all things tangible that other religions do not… Christianity sees the body as useful, rather than evil. It can do much good, if a believer is controlled by the Spirit. It is so valued by God that the very body we are living in will be raised up one day, made new for eternity. For this reason, we symbolize the importance of the body by burying it with love. 5. The burial of Christians was designed by God as the basis for our understanding of baptism. Though baptism does not save, it does picture our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ (cf. Rom. 6:3-4). Such a powerful picture as baptism is dependent for its meaning on the burial of Christ and of believers. 6. We should bury because the grave is such a potent reminder of the future (bodily) resurrection.

Jim Elliff

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Meats		Beef, Beef, Steaks, Possum king	3	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1/4	lb	Fresh Mushrooms; sliced
6	sm	Pearl Onions; cut in quarters
3	tb	Butter
1/4	lb	Bacon; diced
1	lb	Top Sirloin Steaks; cut in 1-inch cubes
1	tb	Flour
1/2	c	Burgundy; wine
3/4	c	Beef Broth
1		Bay Leaf
2		Cloves Garlic; minced
1/2	ts	Ground Thyme
1 1/2	c	Carrots; diagonally sliced
		Salt And Pepper; to taste
		Noodles; hot, buttered
1 1/2	ts	Chopped Parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

In large skillet, sauté mushrooms and onions in hot butter until golden
brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Add bacon to skillet and fry until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon and
reserve.
Add top sirloin steak to skillet and fry in bacon fat, stirring frequently,
until well browned.
Return mushroom and onion mixture to skillet and add flour; toss until
flour disappears.
Add wine, beef broth, bay leaf, garlic and thyme. Simmer, covered, for 30
minutes, stirring frequently.
Add carrots and cooked bacon, and cook covered, for 15 minutes longer.
Season with salt and pepper.
Before serving remove bay leaf. Serve over hot buttered noodles.
Sprinkle with parsley.
Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #924 by "abprice@wf.net" <abprice@wf.net> on
Nov 25, 1997

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