077 - No strings

Wording of this Handout:

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No strings attached.

In the old Testament, when an Israelite wanted to give something to God, as a way of offering thanks to him, they would find a top quality animal and slay it on an altar of stones. The dead animals was then burned and the smoke went up into the sky. The sacrifice was a symbol of giving something precious to God.

Now what an Israelite should not do is bring a poor, dirty animal, the worst of the flock. Nor should he bring the animal and offer just the wool, or perhaps the hoof-clippings. That would be an insult to God, and it would show that the Israelite was not willing to give with all his heart.

Christians are called to offer their lives to God as "living sacrifices." This means giving all their time, money, health, strength, brains and talents to living for Jesus. It does NOT mean being a five-minutes-a-day Christian, or a Sundays-only Christian.

Whatever we do, we should make sure it is in some way a part of a Christ-oriented plan - job, school, home, traveling, meals, sport..... whatever we do, we are called to do it for Jesus.

I'm a Christian Mum!

I'm a Christian Artist!

I'm a Christian Runner!

I'm a Christian Singer!

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The Bible says "I urge you brothers (and sisters), in view of God's mercy, to offer you bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God."
(Romans 12:1 New International Version)