Tag: sacrifice
Biblical Principle #46: Sacrifice is a Consequence of Sin
Biblical Principles List Principle Sacrifice is a consequence of sin. Explanation Before sin entered the earthly creation, Adam and Eve enjoyed a perfect, harmonious relationship with GOD. Everything was good. When sin entered the picture, however, things changed. GOD needed to teach humans to respect and appreciate the ugliness and cost of their sin. Early…
Jesus Gave Thanks (Why we should give thanks too)
The letter of First John includes a number of profoundly simple statements. One such statement is this: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.(1 John 2:6 NIV) This simple statement is a powerful and daunting truth—to live as Jesus lived. Amazingly, Jesus, the Creator inside a human body, gave thanks. And…
Why Mary of Bethany is My New Spiritual Hero
I imagine you are familiar with the phrase “heroes of faith.” People like Moses, Abraham, Daniel, Paul, Barnabas, John, and—of course—Jesus often come to mind when discussing this phrase. Within the past couple of months, I have gained a new spiritual hero—Mary of Bethany. For most of 2013, our house church was studying the New Testament…
Why the Concept of “the Lord’s Money” is Wrong (Rethinking Church Contributions)
It’s difficult to find something that has been more problemmatic for Christians and believers than church finances. Money issues aren’t just the top destructor of marriages. Disagreements over money have divided many a congregation. Recently, I’ve been discussing the theme of the challenges Christians face in separating what exists today from what should exist, with…
Christ, Our Passover Lamb (Why Jesus Being Our Passover Lamb Matters)
Have you thought about what it means that Jesus is our Passover lamb? Let’s look at why this metaphor is so important and why its depth of meaning is often overlooked. Early in his gospel account, the apostle John wrote: 29 The next day John [the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb…
How to Let Go of False Control (and Let GOD Direct Your Plans)
A few weeks ago I prayed for GOD to show me areas in my life where I need to grow. This wasn’t a repeat prayer or something I’d been focused on regularly. I was just thinking one day that I really need GOD to show me where He wants me to grow, so I asked…
Have Christians Over-complicated the Process of Making Disciples?
Recently, I’ve heard a number of believers calling for increased focus and teaching on how to make disciples. These statements got me to thinking about discipleship and what the real needs are. On the one hand I agree—Jesus clearly told His followers to go teach people and make disciples, and the world certainly needs more…
December 26 – Love GOD, Love Each Other
Reading 1 John 1:1-5:21 2 John 1-13 3 John 1-14 Devotional In addition to his gospel account of the life of Jesus, the apostle John wrote three letters that are included in the New Testament. The first letter reminds us of GOD’s love, how we show our love for GOD, and how we are to…
December 24 – When You Follow a Shadow
Reading Heb. 6:13-10:18 Devotional The writer of Hebrews continues his explanation of how Jesus and the new covenant are superior to the Law of Moses and the old covenant. Yesterday, we looked at the various roles that Jesus serves, including that of our high priest. Today’s reading continues that thought by comparing the Jewish system…