The purposes of God and sacrifices…
Link to the video on Youtube
– Let’s start with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4 – He had to leave everything he knew and had to pursue this new course).
– Samson had to refrain from cutting his hair. He hit doom when he broke the covenant and tried to undermine the sacrifices that came with his call. Even his mother could not drink wine or eat any unclean thing whilst pregnant with him. There are standards for us in scriptures. Likewise, there might be specific instructions that God will demand you to obey. Judges 13 is a good read.
– How about Adam and Eve? There was an instruction. When you try to circumvent divine instructions or mandates there will be consequences.
– I love the example of Peter. In the book of Matthew, God called Peter (Matthew 4:`18-22) and clearly defined his call (Matthew 16:18). But remember, he was called out from what he loved – “fishing” yet he went back to it. John 21:15-19
So the call or vision will refine you, define you, confine you, comfort you, bless you but it demands sacrifices. (In Acts 1, the apostles were told to WAIT.) So, you might have to give up the things you love to do bigger things. You can’t bless humanity being selfish.
THE STANDARDS OF GOD
Yes, you can come as you are but you can’t remain as you are. 2nd Timothy 2:13-23 (WOW!). Are you a vessel unto honour or dishonour?
Doing things for God or a form of godliness doesn’t equate to a genuine life-changing relationship with God [Matthew 7:21-23 (MSG)]
John 14:23 (if you love God, you will obey him), John 10:1-5, 27.
If you are with Christ, it will show the life you live [Acts 4:13]
1st Corinthians 13:11 – put away childish things
DON’T REMAIN A BABE MAMA or BABY DADDY or OTHER WRONG LABELS
Don’t awaken love before its time [Songs of Solomon 8:4]
The marriage bed is to be undefiled –Hebrews 13:4
Have you fallen? God has a redemption plan- 1 John 1:9
Go and sin no more [John 8:10-11]