"The Lord commanded Moses to tell the people of Israel that anyone who sinned and broke any of the Lord's commands without intending to, would have to observe the following rules."

( Leviticus 4: 1 - 2; Good News Bible: Today's English Version )

Grace & peace!

And "thank you," for all the 'offerings' you have made this week!

We continue on this brief look at offerings. I really have no way of condensing a SIN offering. So please understand that this is a breif devotional of sorts! Leviticus, chapters 4, 5, 6 give us a look at the ritual offering made in ancient Israel as a means of expiation and forgivness of sins. Bulls, goats, lambs, doves, and pigeons were used as offerings. Sin offerings served for ritual cleansing and for forgiveness for unintentional sins. Sin offerings were made at each of the Hebrew festivals. However, one day stands out in particular, Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur the high priest offered a sacrifice of antonement for the forgivness of Israel's sins.

( see Leviticus 16 )

Atonement...how many hours and pages do we have?! Atonement, from English "at" and "one." This is a primary doctrine, teaching, belief:

The death of Jesus on the cross, which effects salvation as the reestablishment of the relationship between God and sinners. One offering for all.

I am certain that you would not expect that believers have been "discussing" this for 2000 years. ( + - ) Here is the 'rub' among the many branches of the tree of Christianity. Was the death of Jesus on the cross intended to procure salvation for a limited number ( the elect ) or, more generally, for all people? Thankfully our branch of the tree would affirm "for all people!" But atonment is not easy. In ancient Israel, an animal died. For the followers of Jesus, our Lord, our Messiah died, and perhaps the term that best helps us understand atonement, our Savior.

Savior, is from the Greek term 'soter,' and Latin, 'salvator': One who saves. This is a biblical term for God as deliverer and protector. ( see 2 Samuel 22: 3; Isaiah 49: 26; 1 Timothy 1: 1;

Titus 1: 3 ) Savior emphasizes Jesus' work as the One who brings salvation. ( Acts 13: 23;

2 Timothy 1: 10 ) Jesus' death allows us to be in right relationship with the Living God. So we can never take this offering for granted. And this is why we "ritually," ask for forgiveness. And because of our acceptance of being made "at" "one" with God, we do not return to the ways of the world. We do not live in sin.

When the community of faith gathers to Worship, we ritually ask for forgivness so that we may be in right relationship with the Living God, each other, and all of creation. So as we prepare our offerings for Worship, remember that repentance is necessary and expected from those that profess to know Jesus as Savior.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday. We will ask for forgiveness and we will offer our lives as living sacrifices. Remember there will be a Family Fun Fall Festival on Saturday! See the website or Facebook page for details. Please pray for our Lord's ministry and mission through Brookhaven UM and invite a neighbor, friend, or family member to attend with you!

Emmanuel,

Stacy

Scriptures for November 13, 2022: Pentecost/Kingdomtide 23:

Isaiah 12, 65

Psalm 118

2 Thessolonians 3

Luke 21

ORDER for November 13, 2022: Pentecost/Kingdomtide 23:

7:30 a.m. United Methodist Men - Old Fellowship Hall

8:45 a.m. Connection Worship - The Ministry Center

9:45 a.m. Sunday School - in all buildings!

10: 45 a.m. Wesley Worship - Sanctuary

Noon Meal for the Katie Plotner family - Ministry Center

1:00 p.m. Visitation for Katie Plotner - Sanctuary

2:00 p.m. Service of Death and Resurrection - Sanctuary

5:00 p.m. UMYF - Youth room