sacrifice

22
Sep
2024
Bought for a Price

Bought for a Price

Have you ever felt like you were bought at a price? Maybe not in the literal sense, but in terms of the sacrifices and investments made for your well-being.

Think about the love and care your parents showed you, the friendships that have shaped you, or the opportunities that have come your way.

Today’s Scripture, 1 Corinthians 6:20, reminds us that we were bought at a price far greater than anything we can imagine. We were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies

1 Corinthians 6:20

Price of Freedom

When we were enslaved to sin, we were powerless to break free.

Our lives were a mess, and we were headed for destruction. But God, in His infinite love, sent His Son to die for our sins.

Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate act of love, a price paid to set us free from the chains of sin and death.

The apostle Paul reminds us of this in Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Honoring God with Your Body

Since we have been bought at such a high price, it is our duty to honor God with our bodies.

Our bodies are not just vessels for our souls; they are temples of the Holy Spirit.

When we honor God with our bodies, we are showing our gratitude for His sacrifice and demonstrating our love for Him.

How can we honor God with our bodies?

Here are a few ways:

  •     Avoid Anything That Dishonors God: This includes things like sexual immorality, drunkenness, drug abuse, and harmful behaviors.
  •     Take Care of Your Body: Eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Your body is a gift from God, and it deserves to be treated with respect.
  •     Use Your Body for Good: Use your talents and abilities to serve others and glorify God.
  •     Focus on Your Spiritual Health: Spend time in prayer, Bible study, and worship. A strong spiritual foundation will help you make good choices and honor God with your body.

We were bought at a price far greater than we can comprehend.

The blood of Jesus Christ was shed for our salvation, and it is our responsibility to honor God with our bodies.

By avoiding sin, taking care of ourselves, and using your body for good, you can show your gratitude for the gift of life and demonstrate your love for your Savior.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
13
Jul
2024
Don’t Lose Your Life Trying to Save It

Don’t Lose Your Life Trying to Save It

Have you ever felt the pressure to live up to a certain image or expectation?

Social media portrays a highlight reel of perfect lives, and it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of external validation.

The Gospel of Mark 8:35 offers a challenging but important message from Jesus that disrupts this worldly perspective:

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

Mark 8:35

Understanding the Context

This verse appears in a section of Mark where Jesus is beginning to openly discuss his upcoming persecution and death.

He’s preparing his disciples for the challenges they’ll face in following Him.

Redefining Success

Jesus’ statement here is a paradox. He’s challenging the worldly definition of success – focusing on self-preservation and accumulating possessions. Instead, He proposes a new way of living:

  • Self-denial: This doesn’t mean neglecting our basic needs, but rather being willing to let go of desires and ambitions that conflict with following Jesus.
  • Following Jesus: True discipleship involves aligning our priorities with Jesus’ teachings.
  • Sacrifice: There may be times when following Jesus requires us to make sacrifices – of our time, comfort, or possessions.

How Can This Apply to Us Today?

Mark 8:35 is a call to examine our priorities:

  • What truly matters to you? Is your life centered on following Jesus, or are you chasing worldly pursuits?
  • Are you willing to step outside your comfort zone? Following Jesus may require us to challenge our assumptions and embrace new ways of living.

Living Out Mark 8:35

Here are some ways to embrace the message of self-denial and sacrifice in your life:

  • Identify areas of self-absorption. Reflect on your habits and desires. Are there areas where you can let go and prioritize following Jesus?
  • Serve others. Look for opportunities to use your time, talents, and resources to help those in need.
  • Stand up for your faith. Following Jesus may not always be popular. Be prepared to live out your beliefs even when it’s difficult.

Mark 8:35 isn’t a call for self-deprecation, but a call to live a life centered on something bigger than ourselves. Following Jesus requires a willingness to let go of some things to embrace a purpose-filled life.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Faith
28
May
2024
Following Christ: More Than Just Words

Following Christ: More Than Just Words

In Matthew 10:37, Jesus makes a seemingly harsh statement:

“Whoever loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Matthew 10:37

This doesn’t mean God expects us to abandon our families.

The verse emphasizes that true devotion to Christ requires putting Him first. Here’s how to understand this concept:

  • Priorities: Following Christ may involve prioritizing your faith commitments over some personal desires or activities.
  • Commitment: Being a Christian is a lifelong journey, requiring dedication and willingness to learn and grow in your faith.
  • Action: Faith isn’t just about belief; it’s about putting those beliefs into action through your words and deeds.

Following Christ in Your Daily Life:

  • Spend time in prayer and Bible study. Develop a consistent quiet time with God.
  • Seek opportunities to serve others. Look for ways to share your faith and God’s love with those around you.
  • Surround yourself with positive influences. Connect with other believers who can encourage and support you on your faith journey.

Remember, following Christ is a process of growing closer to Him.

It may require sacrifice and change, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Further Exploration:

  • Read Matthew 16:24 for another verse on following Christ.
  • Consider joining a Bible study or small group for fellowship and spiritual growth.
  • Explore resources on Christian discipleship.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline, Trust
13
Mar
2024
Finishing the Work

Finishing the Work

Fulfilled Task

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” – John 17:4 (NIV)

In this powerful statement from Jesus, we see the culmination of His earthly ministry.

He declares that He has completed the task assigned to Him by the Father, bringing glory to God through His obedience and sacrifice.

Purpose Revealed

From the very beginning, Jesus had a clear sense of purpose and mission.

He came to earth not merely to teach or perform miracles, but to fulfill a specific work – the redemption of humanity through His death and resurrection.

Example Set

As followers of Christ, we too have been given a purpose and a mission.

Just as Jesus lived a life of absolute obedience to the Father’s will, we are called to align our lives with God’s plan and to seek to bring Him glory through our actions and choices.

Ongoing Work

While Christ’s work on the cross is complete, the mission to proclaim the good news and make disciples continues.

We are now the hands and feet of Christ in the world, carrying on the work that He began. As we surrender ourselves fully to God’s purposes, we can find true meaning and fulfillment in our lives.

May you, like Jesus, be able to say at the end of your days that you have finished the work God gave you to do. May your life be a testament to His glory, as you faithfully pursue His purposes.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust
09
Mar
2024
Clean Heart – Confident Faith

Clean Heart – Confident Faith

Invitation

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)

We receive a beautiful invitation to approach God with confidence, knowing that our hearts have been cleansed and purified by His grace.

Cleansing

The imagery used here is striking – our hearts are “sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience,” and our bodies are “washed with pure water.”

This speaks to the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which cleanses us from sin and guilt.

Assurance

But it’s not just about being cleansed – it’s also about having “the full assurance that faith brings.”

We can come before God with a sincere heart, confident in the knowledge that our faith has been made complete through Christ’s work on our behalf.

Nearness

And because of this cleansing and assurance, we are invited to “draw near to God.”

No longer do we have to stand at a distance, separated by our sin and guilt. Through Christ, we can approach the very throne of grace with boldness, knowing that we are accepted and welcomed by our Heavenly Father.

This is the beauty of the gospel – that we can have a clean heart, a confident faith, and a close relationship with the One who created us.

So draw near, with sincere heart and full assurance, to the God who loves you and has made a way for you to be reconciled to Him.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Humility