Faith and worship are connected and recognized as ways of communicating with God. They have their origin in the Old Testament. These two aspects are demanded from human beings for various reasons. They present a Christian with spiritual food to walk through the journey of life in fulfillment. It is through these forms of communication with God that He gives crucial messages and answers prayers.
The Old Testament tells tales of sacrifices that were made by worshipers to God for various reasons. Offerings were part of the way of life for Israelite. Priests led through the sacrifice ceremonies since they were considered to hold a special position in the society. What defined a sacrifice was why it was being offered. There was a distinction between personal and communal sacrifices.
Burnt sacrifices demanded that the entire offering be consumed in fire. Smoke from the fire rose to the heavens as a sign that God had accepted the prayers of the people. God demanded that people sacrifice the best of their produce for Him to see the pure intentions in their hearts. Other additions to the table of sacrifice included cereals, tithes, drinks and fruits.
Making such an offering signified what God meant to His people. The quality of offering given by each person showed the regard with which he held God. Offering the best or the first harvest indicated absolute devotion to the will of God. It is an acceptance that everything came from Him through his Grace. Everything was burnt without even the priests having a share of it.
Sin is the other reason why individuals or the community was required to make sacrifices. This is different from the first offering because some of it was left aside for the priest. Priests were representing God on earth and could therefore claim a share. This was a cleansing ritual that would shield the community from evil. An individual who made the sacrifice would be accepted back.
Offerings were made to guarantee peace in the community and for individuals. These were special occasions where people came together in thanks giving or to witness personal vows being taken. The person making the sacrifice determined what was laid on the altar. Not everything was burnt since the host would invite friends and relatives for the feast.
In modern society, worship has taken different forms though the basis or philosophy is still the same. Sacrifices come in the form of cash, commodities or donations. Worshipers are required to regularly offer prayers or fast to gain absolution of sin or for thanks giving. These are indications that one believes in a God who is able to fulfill his promises to his people.
It is in living exemplary lives that Christians testify to their faith and worship. They are called upon to live by the commandments of God through charity and generosity. Making these sacrifices resembles the burnt offering whose smoke rose to the sky. It is the pinch that one feels in the process that shows total surrender to the will of God.
The Old Testament tells tales of sacrifices that were made by worshipers to God for various reasons. Offerings were part of the way of life for Israelite. Priests led through the sacrifice ceremonies since they were considered to hold a special position in the society. What defined a sacrifice was why it was being offered. There was a distinction between personal and communal sacrifices.
Burnt sacrifices demanded that the entire offering be consumed in fire. Smoke from the fire rose to the heavens as a sign that God had accepted the prayers of the people. God demanded that people sacrifice the best of their produce for Him to see the pure intentions in their hearts. Other additions to the table of sacrifice included cereals, tithes, drinks and fruits.
Making such an offering signified what God meant to His people. The quality of offering given by each person showed the regard with which he held God. Offering the best or the first harvest indicated absolute devotion to the will of God. It is an acceptance that everything came from Him through his Grace. Everything was burnt without even the priests having a share of it.
Sin is the other reason why individuals or the community was required to make sacrifices. This is different from the first offering because some of it was left aside for the priest. Priests were representing God on earth and could therefore claim a share. This was a cleansing ritual that would shield the community from evil. An individual who made the sacrifice would be accepted back.
Offerings were made to guarantee peace in the community and for individuals. These were special occasions where people came together in thanks giving or to witness personal vows being taken. The person making the sacrifice determined what was laid on the altar. Not everything was burnt since the host would invite friends and relatives for the feast.
In modern society, worship has taken different forms though the basis or philosophy is still the same. Sacrifices come in the form of cash, commodities or donations. Worshipers are required to regularly offer prayers or fast to gain absolution of sin or for thanks giving. These are indications that one believes in a God who is able to fulfill his promises to his people.
It is in living exemplary lives that Christians testify to their faith and worship. They are called upon to live by the commandments of God through charity and generosity. Making these sacrifices resembles the burnt offering whose smoke rose to the sky. It is the pinch that one feels in the process that shows total surrender to the will of God.
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