Powerful, powerful stuff!
The altar from which God gives us the gift of himself is not for exploitation by insiders who grab and loot. In the old system, the animals are killed and the bodies disposed of outside the camp. The blood is then brought inside to the altar as a sacrifice for sin. It’s the same with Jesus. He was crucified outside the city gates—that is where he poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought to God’s altar to cleanse his people.
So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name.
Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.
Hebrews 13:10-16 (MSG)
If you take a moment to read Matthew 23, you’ll see that Jesus came against hypocrisy, especially against the Pharisees. The came at people with condemnation, withholding grace, mercy and compassion, when they themselves did not keep the law.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides!You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
Matthew 23:23-24 (NIV)
I am fortunate to know many people who live what they preach. They humble me. They inspire me to do the same. I thank God for them.
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What’s funny is I did not even come over here with the intention of posting this, but this is where God led me. What I did come over here to post is this:
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;make known among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 105:1 (NIV)
And whatever you do,whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Praise—Praise—Praise—
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG)
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise. God inhabits our praise. Invite Him in by praising Him. Continually invite Him in by continually praising Him!