The atoning sacrifice for the people

Leviticus 16:15-19

This week’s lessons center around our saviour Christ, so its only fitting that we revisit the ancient ceremonial law of sin offering concerning the children of Israel. The High priest during this time was required to first make an atonement for himself, and his family, before even attempting to offer one for the people.

This was very important, because how could God honor the priest’s sin offering for the people when his own life harboured unresolved sin. He was to first cleanse himself and his family, and then follow through with the same ritual for the people. An atonement had to be made for the “Holy Place”, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins (v.16). God takes sin seriously, and judges everyone the same concerning guilt and displeasure. Wearing a title or being on a particular board, doesn’t make your sin less serious than a lay member. The same blood atonement was required for both.

No longer do we need priests to go to God on our behalf, because Jesus currently carries on His priestly work as the Only mediator between God and man.

We may not be required to sprinkle the blood of a goat or lamb on an altar to atone for the sins we commit, but we are to take our personal confessions as serious as they did in the days of Moses.

Seek peace,

Ell.

Helping one another face difficulties

Leviticus 25:35-38

The human body is jointly fitted together with various parts that all play an important role in keeping it functioning effectively. When one area of the body suffers, the entire body is affected. For example, can you remember a time when you stomped your toe against something? Now, was your toe the only part of your body that reacted to the pain? I wouldn’t believe so, because the pain in your toe caused you to yell ouch form your mouth, your eyes closed tightly, made your back bend over, and arms reach down to send aid to the affected member. Your whole body suffered, because of your wee little toe.

The body of Christ consists of many members who all play a vital role in maintaining unity in the church. There will come a time when one of those members will face a difficult situation in their life, and will need the help of other parts of the body.

God told His people in this text that if they know one of their brothers is suffering, then they are to relieve, or restore them back to well-being. This isn’t the time to be haughty, high-minded, nor offer loans.

When people are hurting they only need love, and not abuse. Your fear of God will keep you focused on how to care for those in need effectively, and in love.

Seek peace,

Ell.

Bear each other’s burdens

Galatians 6:1-5

Continuing our discussion on selfless love, the apostle Paul teaches the Galatian church the importance of humility in chapter six. He begins by giving an example of how to apply Godly principles amongst each other in troubled times. He said, if you find out that your brother or sister messed up, the first thing you do is restore them. Notice that such restoration is a process. In order to be effective in your approach, you must first be “spiritual”, or non-carnal.

The first reaction many people give after finding out someone made a mistake usually involves criticism and ridicule. Those are carnal means of supposed restoration. But, as believers, our method of spiritual mending must be done in meekness, humility and love.

Restoring an individual the right way means to bring them back to his or her place in Christ. We tend to get beside ourselves when it’s someone else who falls, but we must always be mindful that we too could be possibly tempted in the same thing, if we’re not careful to consider out attitude.

God expects us to sympathize with one another, and not beat a brother while he’s down.

Remember this teaching the next time you’re tempted to judge someone for falling, and consider the fact that it could have been you…

Seek peace

Ell

Land and Houses shared with all

Acts 4: 32-37

The state of the church in 2018 is unbearably sad. We have leaders who have called themselves to lead, but are only using their platform for selfish gain.

Children show little to no respect for those in the church, because they see them behaving in similar ways as those in the world.

What hurts my heart the most is how so many people who claim they love God are selfish, and find it hard to bless someone less fortunate than themselves.

The church in the book of Acts had power! They lived in fear and reverence of God, and their lives proved it. The entire body of believers were of one heart, one soul, and one mind. They never considered their possessions as their own, because they were always ready to give them away. No one was in lack. Let me reiterate: NO ONE WAS IN LACK!

After many had their needs met, they made it their business to assist those still in need. All the money they received form selling excess land and houses went directly the apostles, who distributed the funds evenly, under the leading of the Holy Ghost. This is the extent of what Christian love was, and should be today.

Our purpose is to be unselfish and so full of love, and live solely for others, instead of self.

Do you show selfless love?

Show love, seek peace.

Ell