Redemption - Debt Free Living

Before the idea jumps out of my mind, I want you to read the second part of Leviticus chapter 25 starting with verse 23. I will wait. See how often the words redemption or redeem is used. It is how members of the community who had to give up status, property, and freedom regained what they had lost.

Now hold on to that picture and read the following passages in the New Testament (Galatians 3:13, 4:5; Romans 3:24, 8:23; Colossians 1:14). Does this help you understand why the idea of redemption was so important to the New Testament Church. Most of its members where the poor or marginalized of the community (women, children, or slaves). The idea of redemption or being redeemed would mean the end forced servitude. It would mean they were part of the larger community part of the fellowship.

Today we are redeemed by the blood of Christ. God has canceled the record of our debt (Colossians 2:14). Christ has restored us and made us whole again. Now that is Good News...

Does God really need to tell us that?

Please, take some time and read the Bible passages for today (check out the calender in the middle of the blog). Leviticus focuses on proper sexual relations, not to call on evil spirits, and not to sacrifice your children to an idol. It is hard to believe that God had to tell any people not to sacrifice their children to an idol, But He did. Could life be so hard, that the idea of killing of your child seems like the best course of action? Then I hear stories like the young couple in Baltimore beating their child to death and I think yes WE do. I think about the priests in the catholic church or teachers in our schools molesting children entrusted to them and I understand why God needed to tell His people not to do this. I hope all of us have the opportunity to hear a sermon on this chapter. Apparently, there are many in our mist in need of hearing it.

Psalms is a great passage for those of us struggling with staying on the path God has before us. Ecclesiastes again reminding us just because we are God's children doesn't mean we will not experience all the struggles or joys of man.

Finally, the passage in Timothy reminds me that as our fellowship grows, we will need to remind the new members what we mean by widow, what honoring and loving each other means in our community. That showing love for others speaks so much louder than any word.

I hope you have a great weekend, spend some time expressing your love for Christ and love for someone else.

Trust and Action...

It has been a long while since I have sent you my thoughts about the daily Bible reading (schedule can be found on the calender on this site). Today, the Leviticus passage and the Psalms passage pricked my mind and soul. In the Leviticus reading, we see God through Moses telling the people again and again not to drink blood. It is such an important law, God states He will set His face against the person who drinks blood. God will cut them off from the community. I believe many laws are created to confront an activity already being committed or known to be harmful to the person or community. I wonder if the drinking of blood was a common practice in Israel or the people groups living around Israel?

Because this is one of those laws I bet most of the people knew during Jesus' earthly ministry, at the last supper, when Jesus said "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin." (Matthew 26:27-28) I wonder what was going through the disciples' minds? Should we do this? Do we believe and trust this Jesus the Christ? Some of the questions I think we ask everyday.

Psalms 20 is just an encouraging psalm. If you have a chance today read it or have someone read it for you. Either way, I think you will be encouraged.

Below please find my academic plan for the rest of the month. Thanks for praying for me.

• Today - Midterm - Church History
• April 20 - Review Presbytery Ordination requirements (rough draft of paper)
• April 27 - Final - Church History - Register for next class