There is a close link between faith and worship in the sense that both are used to communicate with God. Christians have used them since the days of the Old Testament. They have mutated in form to meet the lifestyles of humanity as years progressed. Faithful are required to engage in the practice as a way of remaining grounded in their religious believes. Worshipers offer petitions and receive communication from God during prayer sessions.
The basis of sacrifice as a form of worshiping God is found in the Old Testament. This is in line with the belief that God is almighty and His dictates must be followed. In traditional communities, priests led faithful because they held a privileged position. Each sacrifice had its purpose depending on what the community or individuals wanted from God.
Burnt sacrifices were offered to God as the first offspring of a flock or maiden harvest. People observed the direction of the smoke to know if God had accepted their sacrifice. If it went to the skies, they were satisfied that He was pleased with them. Any other direction demanded soul searching to establish where they had made a mistake. Other inclusions on the altar were tithes, cereals, fruits and drinks.
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.
The philosophy of worshiping has not changed regardless of the changes in form. Sacrifices are offered in form of commodities, cash and assets. Prayer and fasting are the other ways that Christians engage in thanks giving or seek absolution of sins. These activities are an indication of a community that believes that God is the leader of their lives.
Faith and worship are exemplified in living exemplary lives in obedience to what God commands. They are enriched by acts of charity as well as being generous to other people. Such acts compare to the smoke that rises up during sacrifice. The cost of sacrifice or fasting is considered as surrender to the Almighty God.
The basis of sacrifice as a form of worshiping God is found in the Old Testament. This is in line with the belief that God is almighty and His dictates must be followed. In traditional communities, priests led faithful because they held a privileged position. Each sacrifice had its purpose depending on what the community or individuals wanted from God.
Burnt sacrifices were offered to God as the first offspring of a flock or maiden harvest. People observed the direction of the smoke to know if God had accepted their sacrifice. If it went to the skies, they were satisfied that He was pleased with them. Any other direction demanded soul searching to establish where they had made a mistake. Other inclusions on the altar were tithes, cereals, fruits and drinks.
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.
The philosophy of worshiping has not changed regardless of the changes in form. Sacrifices are offered in form of commodities, cash and assets. Prayer and fasting are the other ways that Christians engage in thanks giving or seek absolution of sins. These activities are an indication of a community that believes that God is the leader of their lives.
Faith and worship are exemplified in living exemplary lives in obedience to what God commands. They are enriched by acts of charity as well as being generous to other people. Such acts compare to the smoke that rises up during sacrifice. The cost of sacrifice or fasting is considered as surrender to the Almighty God.
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