Brothers and sister presenting yourself to the Lord is a privilege accomplished by the death, burial, and resurrection of Savior. Before there were specific times that sacrifices we made by the priest on your behalf. When we received the Holy Spirit, we now have the ability to hear from the Father through the Holy Spirit and access His blessing through the guidance of Jesus. Therefore, us living a life that is pleasing to Gos is our “reasonable service”.
[00:00:00] Let us pray, bread together on our knees
[00:00:07] Let us pray, bread together on our knees
[00:00:14] When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun
[00:00:21] Oh Lord, never see all the knees
[00:00:27] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock
[00:00:30] The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of Harvest International
[00:00:33] Our prayer is that the Bible Speaks will encourage you in your study of God's word
[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast
[00:00:44] And now, here's Elgin
[00:00:58] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior Jesus the Christ
[00:01:04] To another episode of Words of Inspiration
[00:01:09] And today we are going to speak on the topic of a living sacrifice
[00:01:16] Our spiritual inspiration comes from Romans chapter 12 verse 1
[00:01:22] Reading from the New International Version, it reads
[00:01:27] Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters, in the view of God's mercy
[00:01:33] To offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God
[00:01:39] This is your true and proper worship
[00:01:44] During the Old Testament, sacrifices were made for a variety of reasons
[00:01:49] Ranging from Atomic for sins to provisions from God
[00:01:55] But in Hebrews 10 verse 8 it reads
[00:02:01] During the Old Testament, sacrifices were used for a variety of reasons
[00:02:06] Ranging from Atomic for sin to provisions from God for crops and fields and families
[00:02:13] But in Hebrews 10 verse 8 it reads
[00:02:18] These are offered according to the law
[00:02:22] During the Old Testament, sacrifices were used for a variety of reasons
[00:02:27] But in Hebrews 10 verse 8 it reads
[00:02:32] When he said above, you have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings
[00:02:40] And burnt offerings and sin offerings
[00:02:43] Behold, I have come to do your will
[00:02:46] He does away with the first in order to establish the second
[00:02:50] And by that will we have been sanctified to the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all
[00:02:58] As a part of our accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior
[00:03:02] We receive the Holy Spirit, who is our advocate, comforter and guide
[00:03:08] So why do we need to present ourselves as a sacrifice after Jesus' death burial and resurrection?
[00:03:15] Presenting yourself as a living sacrifice means dedicating one's entire being, body, mind and spirit to God
[00:03:25] This dedication goes beyond external religious observances
[00:03:29] And involves a heartfelt commitment to live in a manner that honors and glorifies God in all aspects of our lives
[00:03:37] Fasting is a great example of sacrifice
[00:03:40] Where you place a deeper relationship with God above your physical needs
[00:03:46] Presenting oneself as a living sacrifice also involves stewardship of all the resources God has provided
[00:03:54] Including time, talents and treasures
[00:03:57] This means making wise and prayerful decisions about how to use the resources for God's glory
[00:04:04] It could involve tithing, contributing to charitable causes, investing time in mentoring others
[00:04:11] Or simply using your skills and abilities in a way that reflects God's kingdom values
[00:04:17] James 1 verse 25 tells us
[00:04:21] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it
[00:04:27] Not forgetting what they have heard but doing it
[00:04:31] They will be blessed in what they do
[00:04:34] The phrase, holy and pleasing to God implies a call to give a life of holiness and moral integrity
[00:04:42] This includes avoiding sinful behaviors and striving to embody the virtues that reflect God's character
[00:04:50] Such as love, kindness, mercy and humility
[00:04:55] It is about pursuing purity and thought, word and deed
[00:05:00] Paul describes this act of self-sacrifice as true and proper worship
[00:05:05] This highlights that worship is not confined to singing hymns or attending church services
[00:05:12] It extends to the daily acts of living in a way that demonstrates reverence for God
[00:05:18] Worship becomes a lifestyle expressed through obedience and service
[00:05:24] Present sisters, presenting yourself to the Lord is a privilege accomplished by the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior
[00:05:32] Before, there were specific times that sacrifices were made by priests on your behalf
[00:05:38] When we received the Holy Spirit, we now have the ability to hear from the Father through the Holy Spirit
[00:05:45] And access His blessings through the guidance of Jesus
[00:05:48] Therefore, us living a life that is pleasing to God is our reasonable service
[00:05:55] I thank you for joining me on today and I look forward to our discussion on tomorrow
[00:06:01] Until then, God bless
[00:06:20] We look forward to hearing from you and invite you to write us at Harvest International
[00:06:27] Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:06:33] Again, that's Harvest International Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:06:50] Ocala, Florida 34478