Unity in Faith Blog

By: Charles Barksdale, M.A.B.E. | Doctoral Student, Biblical Exposition Dear Beloved Blog Readers, Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Today, I want to address a crucial aspect of our faith journey—surrendering all to God. As followers of Christ, we are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, offering our entire lives to God as an act of worship. In this article, we will delve into the significance and practical implications of living sacrificially, surrendering every aspect of our being to the loving hands of our Heavenly Father. 1. Understanding the Concept of Living Sacrifices: In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This powerful imagery draws from the Old Testament sacrificial system, where animals were offered on the altar as an act of worship and atonement for sin. However, in the new covenant, Jesus Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, our sacrifice is not on...

By:  Charles Barksdale, M.A.B.E. | Doctoral Student, Biblical Exposition Introduction: Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it is a time for us to reflect on the biblical relationship we have with God. As we gather with loved ones, we may also experience feelings of loneliness, missing family, and challenges to our mental health. In this devotional read, we will explore how we can find hope and strength in Jesus as our Lord and Savior during this Thanksgiving season. Gratitude in the Bible: The Bible is filled with passages that encourage us to be thankful in all circumstances. One such verse is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." This verse reminds us that gratitude is not dependent on our external circumstances but is a choice we can make in every situation. Dealing with Loneliness: During the holidays, it is common to experience feelings of loneliness, especially if we are u...

By: Charles Barksdale, M.A.B.E. | Doctoral Student, Biblical Exposition Introduction: Welcome to our biblical blog, where we explore the joys that come from being in God's presence. In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, it is vital for us to find our joy in the Lord. The Bible provides us with numerous examples of individuals who discovered unparalleled joy by seeking and dwelling in God's presence. Join us as we delve into these biblical examples and discover how we too can find joy in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 - "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Example 1: Moses' Encounter on Mount Sinai (Exodus 33:14-15) Moses was a man deeply devoted to seeking God's presence. In Exodus 33, Moses pleads with God to show him His ways and to be in His presence. God responds by assuring Moses of His presence, saying, "My presence ...