Please open your Bibles to 1 Peter 2:1-11(pg. 1014 in the pew Bible) and Leviticus 6:8-13(pg. 84)
Hebrews 12:1- Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (The cloud of witnesses is given as an example; their obedience to God’s leading is there for us to follow)
Idolatry- paying of divine honors to any created thing (That includes putting self above God. Not giving honor where honor is due)
Romans 11:36- From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever… Therefore -
Romans 12:1- present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (This is our only acceptable response)
1 Peter 2- you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood
· We are all priests (We forget who we are in Christ; we all have a responsibility as priests of God)
· We have an altar and an offering to care for (Think about the life we are bringing to the altar)
Leviticus 6:8-13
The fire shall never go out (This is repeated 3 times)
· Fire = God’s/The Holy Spirit’s presence
· Ashes = whatever puts out the fire (If we let the ashes build up (sin, self-interest), the accumulated debris will put the fire out. We must be diligent to care for the fire that God initiated in us. Considering endurance & perseverance we should continuously be offering our life to God)
Is there a fire on your altar?
The altar is a place of meeting with God. We are born to the priesthood, just as the Levites were; and with God’s grace we are responsible for maintaining the fire on the altar of our heats. God meets us there.
To Listen to this week's sermon click here.