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Once for All!
Rod ShimabukuroHebrews 10:10And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
By the will of Jesus to be obedient, please His Father, fulfill His mission - there’s no more “working for or performing” to obtain favor and good standing with God. Religious Duties of the Old Testament Priests to atone for the people’s sins - and religious service today in our churches - can never take away sins!
Because of God’s holiness and the sacrifice of Jesus, the forever Priest - He has made me holy. It’s a one time sacrifice for all my sins. Once for all! There is no more day after day need for any type of sacrifices. Holy God…makes a holy Rod!
I’ve heard at times, Christians say that they want to be made right with God, by giving back to God through serving. As if more acceptance and favor with God happens through the amount we serve Him or served he church.
Sometimes I feel that spiritual leaders like myself, send the wrong message to Christians. That in order to grow closer to Christ, they need to serve, give money, etc. We call them to “obedience to God” yet it seems that we are marketing our churches, rather than ministering to our members. These mixed signals shape works oriented Christian’s rather than worship focused disciples.
I get a lot of para church ministry emails, marketing their “how to’s of volunteerism, serving, keeping your members, assimilating people, grow your church, increase your giving…” I want to be very careful, diligent as a pastor, to think,serve, teach, shepherd and lead - in a way to cultivate Christ followers who know who and why they serve. Too many Christians become deceived or disillusioned in their serving Jesus and the church, because they are not taught and discipled well.
Dear Spirit of God. Work in my heart a holy fear that would grow me in knowing You, more intimately. Help me not to be or project a works, performance oriented Christianity. May I pastor and teach others Your truth, that they would grow strong in You - so the enemy would not have opportunity to deceive the “servants of Christ!”
Help Your Church to serve, volunteer, worship You…for the truthful, right, Biblical reasons! Thank you for your Once and For All sacrifice and on going love to touch and save people to spend eternity with You!
