Title August 2020

1. Children Are a Blessing and a Gift from God

• Psalm 127:3 (NKJV)
  “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”

• Isaiah 54:13 (NKJV)
  “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”

Theological Insight: This verse points to God’s direct role in shaping the lives of children. When families submit to God’s Word, He promises peace and spiritual well-being for their offspring.

• Psalm 34:11 (NKJV)
  “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”

Theological Insight: The “fear of the Lord” refers to reverent awe and obedience. Teaching children this foundational truth is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

2. Jesus Welcomed and Blessed Children

• Matthew 19:14 (NKJV)
  “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”

Theological Insight: Children possess humility, trust, and dependence—qualities essential for entering God’s kingdom. Jesus’ embrace of children reveals their spiritual importance.

• Mark 10:15–16 (NKJV)
  “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Theological Insight: Jesus uses children to illustrate the kind of faith we must have. Their simple, unpretentious trust mirrors the heart posture of a true believer.

• Luke 2:52 (NKJV)
  “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Theological Insight: Jesus’ growth reflects the holistic development—mental, physical, spiritual, and social—that should be nurtured in every child.

3. Children Should Be Taught and Disciplined in the Lord

• Ephesians 6:1–4 (NKJV)
  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

Theological Insight: Obedience and honor are covenantal principles that reflect our relationship with God. Discipline must be loving and rooted in God’s Word—not in harshness or anger.

• Colossians 3:20 (NKJV)
  “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.”

Theological Insight: Children learn obedience to God through honoring their parents. This principle lays the groundwork for lifelong faithfulness.

• Proverbs 1:8–9 (NKJV)
  “My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.”

Theological Insight: Parental teaching is compared to adornment—it brings dignity and direction to a child’s life.

• Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
  “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Theological Insight: This verse underscores the importance of early moral and spiritual formation. The “way” refers not just to behavior but to the path of wisdom and godliness.

4. Discipline as a Form of Love

• Proverbs 13:24 (NKJV)
  “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”

Theological Insight: Loving discipline is not abuse—it is correction guided by wisdom, meant to shape character and prevent future destruction.

• Proverbs 22:15 (NKJV)
  “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.”
• Proverbs 23:13–14 (NKJV)
  “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.”

Theological Insight: These verses emphasize corrective discipline as a means of guiding children away from eternal consequences. In ancient Hebrew culture, the “rod” symbolized firm guidance, not violence.

• Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV)
  “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Theological Insight: God disciplines His children in love (Hebrews 12:6), and earthly discipline should reflect that same love and purpose—producing righteousness and peace.

• Proverbs 29:17 (NKJV)
  “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.”
• Proverbs 19:18 (NKJV)
  “Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.”

5. Generational Blessing and Legacy

• Proverbs 17:6 (NKJV)
  “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.”

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Jesus teaches a parable to encourage His followers to persist in prayer and never lose heart:

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying:

In Luke 18:1–8 (NKJV),

‘There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.
Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, “Get justice for me from my adversary.”
And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man,
yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.”’
Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.
And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” — Luke 18:1–8 (NKJV)

The widow represents the believer who continues to pray and trust God, despite delays or discouragement. Her persistent faith is what Jesus highlights.

What Does “Will He Find Faith?” Mean?

In verse 8, Jesus asks a rhetorical question:
“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

This doesn’t suggest He is unsure, but rather emphasizes the rarity of enduring, persistent, and expectant faith in the last days.

Theologically, this refers to:

The Great Falling Away – Paul warned of a time when many would depart from the faith: in 1 Timothy  4;1

1 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV)“

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” 

  Spiritual Apathy and Worldliness –Many will mock the return of Christ and focus on  worldly concerns:

2 Peter 3:3–4 (NKJV) 

“Scoffers will come in the last days… saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’”

The Importance of Enduring Faith – True faith is not passive, but active, resilient, and persevering:

Matthew 24:13 (NKJV) “

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) “

For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 

Jesus is asking: Will He find believers who still trust in Him, obey Him, and wait for Him—even when the world turns away?

Many have stopped praying, stopped believing, and are no longer watching for Christ’s return.

But Jesus calls us to be like the persistent widow: faithful, prayerful, and expectant—even when nothing seems to be happening.

What Should We Do?

• Examine your faith. Is it alive and growing, or has it grown cold?
  
  
• Pray continually. Like the widow, don’t give up. Cry out to God day and night (Luke 18:7).
  
  
• Live with eternity in view. Don’t be like those who say, “He delays His coming.” Stay spiritually alert (Matthew 25:1–13).
  
  
• Encourage others. Share the hope of Christ’s return with fellow believers.
  
  

The Blessed Hope

One day, at a moment no one expects, Jesus Christ—the Son of Man—will return:

Thessalonians 4:16 (NKJV)

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” 

Let us be found with faith, like that widow—trusting, praying, and enduring. When He returns, may He find you and me living by faith.

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Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

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1. Introduction: The Legacy of Nimrod

Nimrod, a great-grandson of Noah through Ham, is one of the earliest figures in the Bible associated with power, conquest, and empire-building. The Book of Genesis introduces him as the first to become “a mighty one on the earth”:

Genesis 10:8–9 (NKJV):
“Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, ‘Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.’”

This passage marks Nimrod as a pioneering figure in human strength and ambition. But his might was not aligned with God’s will—instead, it became a symbol of human pride and rebellion.

2. The Kingdoms of Nimrod

Nimrod’s dominion was expansive. His early kingdom included Babel (Babylon), Erech, Akkad, and Calneh in the land of Shinar. Later, he moved to Assyria and established major cities including Nineveh.

Genesis 10:10–12 (NKJV):
“And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. From that land he went to Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, and Resen between Nineveh and Calah (that is the principal city).”

These cities, especially Babel and Nineveh, would later be centers of spiritual corruption and opposition to God’s purposes.

3. The Tower of Babel: Rebellion in Unity

While the Bible does not explicitly state Nimrod built the Tower of Babel, many early Jewish and Christian traditions associate him with its construction. The people of Babel sought to “make a name” for themselves and build a tower reaching to the heavens—symbolic of human pride and defiance.

Genesis 11:4 (NKJV):
“And they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.’”

God’s response was swift and decisive. He confused their language, halted their construction, and scattered them—revealing that human unity without God is doomed to fail.

Genesis 11:7–8 (NKJV):
“Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city.”

4. Babylon: A Spiritual Symbol

Though the Tower failed, Babylon endured as a symbol of opposition to God. In Scripture, Babylon represents spiritual adultery, false religion, and worldly corruption.

Revelation 17:5 (NKJV):
“And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”

The ancient roots of idol worship—including the deification of mother and child figures—can be traced back to Babylon. Later traditions, including aspects of Roman religious practice, borrowed from these early pagan systems. Some modern religious traditions still carry shadows of this legacy, often hidden behind the appearance of sanctity.

5. The Fall of Pride: A Comparison with Satan

Nimrod’s story parallels the fall of Lucifer, once an exalted angel. His pride led to his downfall—just like Nimrod’s rebellion brought ruin.

Ezekiel 28:14–17 (NKJV):
“You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you…
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created,
Till iniquity was found in you…
Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty;
You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor;
I cast you to the ground…”

This sobering account reminds us that strength, beauty, or success, when divorced from humility and submission to God, leads to destruction.

6. A Call to Discernment and Obedience

In today’s world, it’s tempting to emulate the “mighty” of powerful nations—their wealth, culture, and influence. But not all forms of success are godly. Some trends promote immorality, profanity, idolatry, or disrespect for God.

Proverbs 1:32 (NKJV):
“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.”

As believers, we are called to humility, righteousness, and faithful obedience—not the mimicry of rebellious cultures.

Mark 8:36 (NKJV):
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

7. Conclusion: The Warning of Nimrod’s Legacy

Nimrod’s ambition built cities, but it also birthed spiritual rebellion. His might became a monument to pride rather than obedience. Babylon—his legacy—still lives on, not as a city, but as a spiritual system that resists God under the disguise of religion and culture.

Let us not walk the same path. Instead, let us choose humility, righteousness, and godly wisdom.

May the Lord help us to walk in His ways.

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Key Verse:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
Hosea 4:6 (ESV)

1. Not Academic Knowledge — But the Knowledge of God

The “knowledge” spoken of here is not referring to academic achievement or formal education. While earthly knowledge has its value, Hosea is speaking of the knowledge of God  a deep, reverent, and obedient understanding of who God is, His laws, His nature, and His will.

In the original Hebrew, the word used for “knowledge” is daʿat (דַּעַת), which often refers to intimate, experiential knowledge  the kind that comes from relationship, not just information.

This is reinforced in:

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

The “fear of the Lord” means reverent awe and obedience  not terror. It’s the foundation of true knowledge. Without it, a person is spiritually blind, no matter how intellectually accomplished they may be.

2. The Danger of Rejecting Spiritual Knowledge

In Hosea’s time, Israel was suffering moral and spiritual decay. They had rejected God’s law, worshiped idols, and lived in rebellion. The priests had failed in their duty to teach God’s Word. The result? National destruction.

This is why God says, “because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me…”

Rejection of divine knowledge leads to God’s rejection, not out of cruelty, but as a consequence of violating His covenant.

Compare with:

Isaiah 5:13 (ESV)
“Therefore my people go into exile for lack of knowledge; their honored men go hungry, and their multitude is parched with thirst.”

3. Knowledge is Protection Against Destruction

Destruction, as used in Hosea 4:6, is not just physical ruin  it includes spiritual loss, moral collapse, and eternal separation from God.
The enemy (Satan) thrives on ignorance. When people do not know God’s Word or His character, they are easily deceived, manipulated, and destroyed.

Proverbs 4:13 (ESV)
“Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.”

God’s wisdom is not optional  it’s a lifeline.

Jesus echoes this in the New Testament:

Matthew 13:52 (ESV)
“Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Here, Jesus speaks of the educated in the Kingdom of Heaven  not worldly scholars, but those instructed in the things of God.

4. Rejecting God’s Wisdom Has Consequences

In Proverbs 1:24–33, we’re warned about the outcome of ignoring God’s voice:

Proverbs 1:29–30 (ESV)
“Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof…”

This shows that rejecting divine wisdom leads to ruin. Not because God is eager to punish, but because His wisdom is the only true protection against sin, chaos, and death.

Proverbs 1:33 (ESV)
“But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

5. True Knowledge Leads to Discernment

Without spiritual knowledge:

We fear witches instead of fearing God.

We can’t discern the times or understand prophecy.

We are vulnerable to deception, false teachers, and spiritual traps.

We may live morally or religiously  yet be eternally lost.

Jesus warned:

Matthew 22:29 (ESV)
“You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

This was said to the Sadducees  religious leaders who were “educated,” but lacked spiritual truth. The same can happen today.

6. Pursue the Knowledge of God Diligently

God invites us not just to know about Him, but to know Him personally:

Jeremiah 9:23–24 (ESV)
“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might… but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me…”

This is what we are called to pursue  intimacy with God, not just theology or religion.

John 17:3 (ESV)
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Conclusion: Don’t Perish for Lack of Knowledge

The call is urgent. You can be a doctor, professor, engineer, or politician  but without the knowledge of God, Heaven sees you as spiritually uneducated. And if this knowledge is rejected, the end is destruction  in this life and the next.

Let us seek God’s truth, study His Word, and be filled with the knowledge of His will.

Colossians 1:9–10 (ESV)
“…that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord…”

May the Lord be with you.

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Understanding the Fear of the Lord

To “fear God” doesn’t mean being terrified of Him like one would fear a tyrant. Biblically, the fear of the Lord refers to a deep reverence and awe for God recognizing His holiness, authority, and justice paired with a desire to obey and worship Him.

Fearing God is not just one aspect of Christian living; it is a foundational attitude that shapes every part of our spiritual life. It means:

Loving Him

Obeying His Word

Hating evil

Serving Him faithfully

Seeking His will

Worshiping Him with sincerity

As Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV) says:

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

Let’s explore the blessings that come from fearing God, as taught throughout Scripture.

1. The Fear of the Lord Leads to Eternal Life

Proverbs 14:27 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”

This verse teaches that those who fear the Lord find a source of spiritual life and salvation. Fearing God leads us to repentance and a life of holiness, keeping us from sin and its consequences. Ultimately, it leads us toward eternal life in Christ (cf. John 17:3).

2. The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Knowledge

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Genuine knowledge and understanding begin with acknowledging God as Creator and Lord. Without that foundation, all learning is incomplete. A reverent heart is teachable; a prideful heart is not.

Daniel 1:17, 20 (NIV) gives a real-life example:

“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds… In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.”

This shows how fearing and honoring God produces supernatural wisdom that surpasses worldly knowledge.

3. The Fear of the Lord Gives True Wisdom

Psalm 111:10 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”

Wisdom, in biblical terms, is not just knowledge it’s the ability to live rightly before God. King Solomon received divine wisdom because he first feared and honored God (1 Kings 3:5–14). When we fear God, He grants us discernment to navigate life and understand His Word more deeply.

James 1:5 (NIV) also assures us:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.”

4. The Fear of the Lord Extends Life

Proverbs 10:27 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.”

While not a guarantee of long physical life for every individual, the principle here is that a godly, disciplined, and morally upright life often results in better decisions, fewer destructive habits, and God’s providential care.

Examples: Abraham (Genesis 25:7–8), Job (Job 42:16–17), and Jacob (Genesis 47:28) all lived long lives, and they were known for fearing and obeying God.

5. The Fear of the Lord Brings Protection for Your Children

Proverbs 14:26 (NIV)

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”

A life of faith and godliness creates spiritual covering for generations. Your fear of God can become the spiritual inheritance and foundation upon which your children build their lives, just as God blessed Abraham’s descendants because of Abraham’s faithfulness (Genesis 17:7; Psalm 103:17).

6. The Fear of the Lord Leads to Prosperity and Honor

Proverbs 22:4 (NIV)

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

Godly prosperity is not just material wealth but includes peace, honor, and the fullness of life. It is a by-product of humility and obedience to God. When you seek first the kingdom of God, He promises to meet your needs (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus echoes this truth in Mark 10:29–30 (NIV):

“‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus replied, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age… and in the age to come eternal life.’”

How Can You Develop the Fear of the Lord in Your Life?

1. Study the Word of God

Spending time in Scripture is key. The Bible reveals God’s character and teaches us how to live. God even commanded the kings of Israel to read the Law daily so they would learn to fear Him.

Deuteronomy 17:18–19 (NIV)

“He is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law… It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees.”

2. Avoid Evil

The fear of the Lord includes a hatred for sin and wickedness.

Proverbs 8:13 (NIV)

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

We are called not only to avoid evil, but to oppose it as God does beginning with pride and rebellion, the root of all sin.

3. Cultivate Reverent Worship and Prayer

Regular prayer, worship, and reflection on God’s holiness help keep our hearts humble and submitted.

Hebrews 12:28–29 (NIV)

“…Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”

Be blessed!

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Introduction: Christ The Ultimate Sacrifice

Sacrifice is central to the Christian faith. It is not just a ritual; it is a reflection of divine love and redemptive power. At the very core of Christianity lies the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself completely for the salvation of mankind.

Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV)
“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Without the sacrifice of Jesus, humanity would still be lost in sin. His offering on the cross was not only substitutionary (He died in our place) but also propitiatory (He satisfied the wrath of God). He gave everything His blood, His body, and His life to reconcile us to the Father.

Hebrews 9:26 (NKJV)
“…but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

This sets the divine precedent: if Jesus gave all for us, we, too, are called to live sacrificially for God and for one another.

Sacrifice Beyond Material Gifts

Sacrifice in the biblical sense isn’t limited to money or material offerings. In fact, Scripture reveals a broader theology of sacrifice:

1. Sacrificing time and service (Romans 12:1).
2. Laying down one’s life for others (1 John 3:16).
3. Giving up personal comfort or gain for the spiritual good of others (Philippians 2:3–8).

1 John 3:16 (NKJV)
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

However, this same passage points us to a deeper truth: while sacrificial love is noble, it must flow from a heart that is aligned with God’s Word.

Sacrifice vs. Obedience: A Biblical Tension

We must be careful not to exalt sacrifice above obedience. This was King Saul’s grave error.

Case Study: Saul’s Disobedience

1 Samuel 15:22–23 (NKJV)
“So Samuel said: ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.’”

Here we see that disobedience nullifies the value of sacrifice. Saul thought God would be pleased with extravagant sacrifices of livestock yet he disobeyed a direct command. His failure to obey revealed a deeper heart issue: he prioritized ritual over relationship.

This demonstrates the weakness of sacrifice it cannot compensate for willful disobedience. Sacrifices offered in disobedience become acts of self-justification, not worship.

Proverbs 21:3 (NKJV)
“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Sacrifice Cannot Override Moral Failure

Some believers mistakenly think that generous giving, church attendance, or religious activities can cover for an unrepentant lifestyle. But Scripture firmly opposes this idea.

Malachi 1:13–14 (NKJV)
“You also say, ‘Oh, what a weariness!’ And you sneer at it,” says the Lord of hosts.
“And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring an offering!
Should I accept this from your hand?” says the Lord.
“But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished.”

Even in Old Testament sacrificial law, the quality of the offering reflected the heart of the worshiper. A blemished sacrifice was a sign of dishonor to God and brought a curse, not a blessing.

Isaiah 1:13 (NKJV)
“Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me.”

This shows that without repentance, holiness, and submission to God’s Word, sacrifices even large or costly ones are meaningless before Him.

Jesus on the Weakness of Sacrifice

Jesus Himself taught that broken human relationships hinder our worship:

Matthew 5:23–24 (NKJV)
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

This passage highlights a critical truth: God values reconciliation and peace over religious performance. Giving without addressing bitterness or unresolved conflict makes the offering void in God’s eyes.

Romans 12:18 (NKJV)
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

No amount of giving can replace the command to live in peace. God is not moved by outward gifts alone; He weighs the motives and condition of the heart.

Sacrifice Cannot Change Eternal Realities

Some believe that sacrificial giving will secure their place in heaven, but the Bible is clear: only faith in Christ, evidenced by repentance and holy living, guarantees eternal life.

Galatians 5:19–21 (NKJV)
“Now the works of the flesh are evident… those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Sacrifice cannot overwrite these judgments. Hell cannot be avoided through offerings it can only be escaped through repentance, faith, and obedience to Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:26 (NKJV)
“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”

The True Sacrifice That Pleases God

So, what kind of sacrifice does God accept?

Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart these, O God, You will not despise.”

A truly acceptable sacrifice is:

Flowing from obedience

Accompanied by repentance

Given in humility

Offered in faith and love

The Final Call: Choose Obedience and Surrender

You may have given many good and generous sacrifices and God sees that. But remember, no sacrifice can take the place of true surrender to Jesus Christ.

If you haven’t yet given your life to Jesus, now is the time. Salvation is not earned through giving it’s received through faith and repentance.

Acts 3:19 (NKJV)
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”

If you’ve already received Christ but your walk has grown lukewarm, reignite your passion for holiness. Jesus warned the lukewarm church:

Revelation 3:16 (NKJV)
“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Sacrifice is beautiful but obedience is better.

be blessed!

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