Spiritual Sacrifices 1

Tomorrow, we all gather in our various churches around the globe to minister our sacrifices before the Lord. Sometimes we come to worship as the Bride of Christ, sometimes as sons, at other times we are His friends. We also need to remember that we come before Him as holy, royal priests who are to bring spiritual sacrifices:

1 Peter 2:5

you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house,

a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices

acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Old Testament priests offered animal and grain sacrifices on behalf of the people. We offer spiritual sacrifices.

The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" is korban, which comes from the root karov - meaning to "draw close" or to "come near."

As God’s priests we have 7 spiritual sacrifices to bring to the Lord. Each of these sacrifices are supposed to do a work in our hearts that bring us nearer to the Lord. Also, each of these sacrifices require some work - every Believer must remember that we don't go to church to get blessed - we primarily go to Church to minister these 7 sacrifices before the King. Here is the first one:

The Sacrifice of Joy—Ps. 27:6. This Hebrew word for “joy,” (teruw‘ah) means to make a loud noise like a trumpet sounding a battle cry. For some reason it pleases the Lord to have joyous priests worshiping before His throne. Some people think that they cannot be joyful because they do not feel joyful. If they rejoice, then they will be hypocritical. This is not so. Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is dependant on our circumstances, but joy is rooted in the truth of God’s presence and work in our lives (Pss. 16:11; 21:6; Acts 2:28; Jude. 1:24.) All of the congregation—God’s priests—need to enter His presence bringing this sacrifice of joy before Him. 

        Ps. 16:11

You will show me the path of life;  In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

        1Pet. 1:8

whom having not seen you love.

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing,

you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory

7 Spiritual Sacrifices Part 2: HERE