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For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9:24-26

On Philip Bliss’s thirty-third birthday, his wife, Lucy, presented him with a copy of Things New and Old, a collection of religious meditations and essays. One of the chapters focused on how the sacrificial death of Jesus delivers believers from the power and the curse of sin forever. Inspired by his reflections on that precious doctrinal truth, P. P. Bliss wrote one of his best-loved hymns, “Once for All” in 1871.

Free from the law—oh, happy condition!
Jesus hath bled, and there is remission;
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,
Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

Now we are free—there’s no condemnation;
Jesus provides a perfect salvation:
“Come unto Me,” oh, hear His sweet call,
Come, and He saves us once for all.

Once for all—oh, sinner, receive it;
Once for all—oh, doubter, believe it;
Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,
Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

The blood of Jesus Christ is the final sacrifice ever needed for sin. The work of redemption has already been completed. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30). Nothing more needs to be added—indeed nothing else can be added without corrupting God's plan of salvation—for us to be accepted in God's eyes. Unlike the high priests in the Old Testament making yearly sacrifices for the sins of the people of Israel, Jesus fully accomplished the final sacrifice, and we can rest confidently in Him.

We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Hebrews 13:10-14

The sacrifices of the Old Testament were an expression of faith that the promised Messiah would one day come to deal with the sin that separated man and God since the Garden of Eden. There were regular sacrifices, but once a year on the Day of Atonement, blood was shed and sprinkled on the mercy seat. This symbolized what Jesus would do, and indeed from the very beginning of His ministry, it was clear that was His purpose. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus came to save all those who would trust Him as Savior. Unlike the sacrificial animals, Jesus blood paid the price in full.

But the Lord has far more in mind for us than just a change in our eternal destination. Jesus also came to sanctify us—to set us apart from the world to be His people. This was God's purpose even before the world was created. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). The same power that justifies us, placing the righteousness of Christ on our account and putting our sin on His account, is the power that sanctifies us, making us increasingly like Christ in our daily lives. We do not turn away from sin to become more like Christ through our own strength or will power or determination. We can only do that through the power of the Spirit of God who lives within us.

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:16-18

Though the Apostle Paul tends to be the focus of the stories of the spread of the gospel in the Book of Acts, he was far from working alone. He was the head of a team who traveled together, faced danger and persecution together, and endured the suffering and opposition of both Jewish and Roman authorities. Yet at the end of Paul's life, when he was imprisoned in Rome and awaiting execution, his circumstances were different. He wrote in his final letter to Timothy, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:10-11).

Most of us are blessed to be part of churches where we have friends and fellow Christians laboring alongside us for the Lord. Often they provide help and encouragement that makes a great difference. But even if that is not our situation—if friends have left and we feel like we are all alone—we never truly are. God is always there, even when no one else is. And He is always faithful to provide the strength, help and encouragement that we need. 

David wrote Psalm 3 when he was fleeing from the rebellion of his son Absalom. Even in the face of hardship and uncertainty, David trusted in God. “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me” (Psalm 3:5).

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:16-18

For seventy-two years Louis XIV reigned as king of France. The “Sun King” lived a lavish life in palaces adorned with gold. He identified himself as great, even declaring, “I am the state.” When he died in 1715, the state funeral was elaborate. Thousands passed by to see the body of the king. Jean-Baptiste Massillon was tasked with preaching the funeral. Many wondered what he would say, as there was much in the king's life to remember. Massillon began his funeral sermon by snuffing out the candle that burned by the casket and declaring, “Only God is great.”

The purpose of life is not to accumulate wealth and power, nor is it to promote ourselves and gain fame and influence. The purpose of life is to glorify God. He is the only one who is worthy of worship and praise, and He must have first place in our lives. “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone” (Psalm 86:9-10). Those who live for themselves rather than giving God preeminence above all else may attain success in the eyes of the world, but that quickly passes away. 

Rather than wasting our lives on trivial things, we are commanded to invest them in things with eternal value. That requires us to put the things of God first as we make our decisions, set our schedules and determine what matters most to us. Only by keeping God first can we gain the things that truly matter. “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39).

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

2 Timothy 1:6-8
 

Known for his audacious advances on the battlefield, General George Patton played a key role in the defeat of both Italy and Germany in World War II. “Old Blood and Guts” as his men called him believed that rapid advances toward the enemy were the key to victory in modern warfare, and he backed up that belief with his military decisions. Yet when he was fighting in Italy and someone complimented him for his courage Patton replied, “Sir, I am not a brave man. The truth is, I am an utter craven coward. I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn't so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands.” How did Patton become a successful military leader? In his autobiography, War As I Knew It, Patton later wrote: “I learned very early in my life never to take counsel of my fears.”

Most of the fears we experience do not come from God. He is the source of our courage and help. When we are tempted to be afraid, we should remember truths about God and His love for us: He is with us, He saved us, He knows us, and we belong to Him. “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1). If we allow fear to dictate our actions, we will never accomplish all God has for us to do. Instead, we must trust Him and move ahead.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:3-5
 

Jesus was not surprised by the cross in any way. It was why He came into the world and was actually part of God's plan before the world was created. The Lord knew the physical agony He would endure, and even worse the spiritual agony of a perfect and holy Savior taking on the weight of our sins. But Jesus went through that because of His love for us so that we could have our sins forgiven. Jesus willingly chose the cross.

J. C. Ryle wrote, “Did He wear a crown of thorns? It was that we might wear the crown of glory. Was He stripped of His clothing? It was that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness. Was He mocked and reviled? It was that we might be honored and blessed. Was He declared unable to save Himself? It was that He might be able to save others to the uttermost. Did He die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful of deaths? It was that we might live for evermore, and be exalted to the highest glory.”

Jesus did not die for us because we were talented, righteous, or worthy. He died for us because we were sinners and there was no other way for us to be saved. “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

1 Peter 2:6-8
 

Not long before his election to his second term as President, George Washington traveled to the new capital city being constructed to lay the cornerstone for what we now call the White House. The stone was marked with this inscription: “This first Stone of the President's House was laid the 13th Day of October, 1792, and in the 17th Year of the Independence of the United States of America. George Washington, President. Thomas Johnson, Doctor Stuart, Daniel Carroll, Commissioners. James Hoban, Architect. Collen Williamson, Master-Mason. Vivat Republica.” When the White House was being remodeled in the 1940s, President Truman instructed the workers to search for that stone, but they were unable to find it. According to some accounts it may have been lost when the British burned the building during the War of 1812. Others suggest it disappeared the day after it was put in place.

A lost cornerstone for a building may be of historical interest, but it doesn't change anything about the structure. But without Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith, everything would fall apart. He is the Rock chosen by God, and no matter how much some reject Him, He remains the only sure basis of hope for this life and the next. Nothing else can take His place. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). The role of Jesus Christ is not subject to popular opinion or our approval. He is the King and the Lord and the Savior and there are no others.

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Philippians 4:15-18
 

According to a report from Grandview Research, the global perfume industry's sales topped $50 billion in 2023. Massive advertising campaigns and celebrity endorsements promote products to people with the message that the right smell will bring happiness and even love. Some manufacturers now even offer custom, one-of-a-kind perfume fragrances to those willing to pay for them.

When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi to thank them for their financial support for his ministry, he described their gift as something that smelled good to God. David used the same figure of speech to describe his prayers. “LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:1-2). 

On the other hand, Isaiah wrote to self-righteous people describing how their behavior seemed to God. “Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day” (Isaiah 65:5). 

Every believer has the privilege of bringing joy to God through the fragrance of a grateful heart. When we give out of love, when we lift our prayers in faith, the aroma rises before Him as something precious and pleasing. Just as perfume fills a room, sincere generosity and heartfelt prayer fill heaven with delight. What we offer to God in worship—our gifts, our prayers, our praise—is never unnoticed. It ascends as a sweet savor to the Lord who gave Himself for us.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Romans 12:17-20

When the final shot went through the hoop just before the buzzer sounded giving them the championship, the girls' basketball team from Academy of Classical Christian Studies in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, celebrated a one-point victory over Apache High School. But there had been trouble with the scoreboard earlier in the game. Academy coach Brendan King told an interviewer, “As soon as I walked out of the locker room, my stomach kind of turned into knots. And I said, ‘I’m going to need to know if we really won this game or not.’” He reviewed a recording of the game and realized that even with the final basket his team still should have been one point behind. Under OSSAA rules there was no provision for Apache to challenge the result, but in a gesture of good sportsmanship, Academy filed a request to have the game score corrected and delivered the trophy to the rightful winners.

Things don't always work out right in this world, but we have a Father in Heaven who sees everything that happens. He doesn't need video review to determine who is right and who is wrong. And we have His faithful promise that He will bring about justice if we leave it to Him rather than taking matters into our own hands. When we are wronged or mistreated, our natural tendency is to want to get even—to see those who hurt us get what they deserve. God calls us to live differently. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Luke 14:12-14
 

On December 24, 2009, President Obama hosted his first state dinner at the White House. The guest of honor was India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh. But among the guests present were a Washington couple who had not been invited: Tareq and Michaele Salahi. The Salahis went through multiple security checkpoints without being challenged. During the evening, they even had their photo taken with both President Obama and Vice President Biden. A scandal erupted when it came to light that they were attempting to get publicity for Michaele's role on an upcoming reality TV show. The security breach forced changes to White House protocol, but it did nothing to help the Salahis. Their show was soon canceled.

When we do things only to promote ourselves or to get something in return, our motives undermine our actions. God sees our hearts, and we cannot conceal from Him what we may be able to hide from others. If we want to please Him and receive His rewards, we must not do things for our own glory and benefit. “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:2). There are no eternal rewards for selfish actions. There are no praises from God for acts we do for the praise of men. This life is not about what we can get from it for ourselves but what we can do in it for God and for others.

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Isaiah 55:1-3

Lucy Rider Meyer graduated from medical school and planned to go to the mission field, but the death of her fiancé changed her plans. Instead, she became a teacher, including a stint at D. L. Moody's Northfield, Massachusetts, school. She eventually married a pastor. In addition to starting and teaching at a school for young women and serving as a pastor's wife, she began publishing a magazine and writing as well. Among her best-known hymns was “Come, Everyone Who Is Thirsty” based on the promise of Isaiah 55.

Child of the world, are you tired of your bondage?
Weary of earth-joys, so false, so untrue?
Thirsting for God, and His fullness of blessing?
List to the promise— a message for you.

“I will pour water on him who is thirsty,
I will pour floods upon the dry ground;
Open your heart for the gift I am bringing,
While ye are seeking me, I will be found.”

The things of this world can never truly satisfy the longing in the heart of man that a lack of relationship with God creates. No matter how much wealth or fame or power someone accumulates it is all empty apart from Him. The good news is that God's invitation for us to come to Him is still open. Rather than settling for substitutes He offers us a way to come to Him through Jesus Christ, and welcomes all those who respond to His invitation.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:31-33
 

Every day of our lives, our words, thoughts, and actions reveal what matters most to us. If we say we have one thing as a priority, but never talk about it or think about it or do anything about it, it obviously is not as important as we claim. It is important for us to take stock of our lives and ask whether the things that are most important to us—the things we seek—are things that are temporal and fleeting, or things that are eternal and lasting. The people of this world seek the things of this world, and that is no surprise because the things of God are foreign to them. As Christians we are called to live differently, putting God's kingdom ahead of our own, and valuing what He values.

Missionary David Livingstone wrote, “I place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of God. If anything will advance the interests of the kingdom, it shall be given away or kept, only as by giving or keeping it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time or eternity.” 

The world tries to allure us and get us to focus on it instead of God. He is looking for people who will be diligent about their desire to be with Him and be like Him, and to see His purposes and will accomplished. Above all else we must be seekers after God. David wrote, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Psalm 63:1).

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Though America declared independence from England in 1776, the fighting in the Revolutionary War began the previous year. The American army was vastly outnumbered and under-equipped compared to the English forces. Desperate for help, the United States Congress sent Benjamin Franklin to France to seek support for the American cause. According to the State Department, “Franklin presented his credentials to the French court in 1779, becoming the first American Minister (eighteenth-century equivalent of ambassador) to be received by a foreign government. Franklin’s home in Passy, just outside Paris, became the center of American diplomacy in Europe.” The help France provided was vital to America gaining its independence, and that help came because of the success of Benjamin Franklin as an ambassador for America.

One of the most important functions of an ambassador is to represent his or her country in such a way that the people of the foreign country think well of the sending country. Paul used this metaphor of being an ambassador to describe the way Christians are to interact with the world around us. No matter what country we live in, our true citizenship is in Heaven. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 3:20).

Our task is to live as believers who reflect God's nature and character in such a way that others will be interested in the invitation we extend to them to become part of God's family. Just as the opinions of the French people were shaped by Franklin’s work representing his nation, the opinions of the world about God in large measure depend on us—His ambassadors. 

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Mark 4:16-19
 

There is no question about the power and effectiveness of the Word of God. It is far more than merely a book, or a collection of ancient wisdom. The Bible is alive and active, able to show us the true state of our condition before God, and providing the means for us to change. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). In the pages of Scripture we find all that we need to know God and how He would have us to live.

Yet despite all the power of the Word of God, there are things we can allow in our lives that keep it from doing the work we need it to do in our lives. If our hearts are full of the things of this world, there is no room for the Word to work in us to produce fruit for God's glory. The Bible must be our priority over all the ideas and opinions and traditions we may have. The Pharisees in Jesus' day had the first five books of the Bible committed to memory. Yet they did not benefit from that because they subjugated the Bible to their own ideas. “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13).

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:18-21
 

Though Paul stopped in Ephesus on his return trip to Jerusalem at the end of his second missionary trip, it wasn't until his third missionary voyage that he stayed there for three years, laying the foundation for one of the most important and influential of the early churches. Located in what is now Turkey, Ephesus was a major commercial and trade center, and also a center of idolatry, especially the worship of Diana or Artemis, whose temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Despite the devotion of the people to this false worship, Paul boldly proclaimed the truth that there is only one God, and pointed people to Him, preaching salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

This preaching had an impact, and those who made their living selling souvenirs and statues noticed a decline in their business. One of them, a silversmith named Demetrius, organized a riot against Paul, fearing the loss of his business. “Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands” (Acts 19:26). 

It would have been far easier for Paul to trim his message so that people would not be offended. It would have been much safer for Paul to overlook idol worship and talk about other things. But it would have been a betrayal of his purpose. We must never be afraid to speak the truth in love, no matter how people respond.

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Hebrews 12:15-17

Apple Computers has become one of the most highly valued companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $4 trillion. But it was once a small startup company struggling to find a place in the world of computers. In 1975, Steve Jobs attempted to secure an investment from Nolan Busnell, the founder of the video game company Atari, asking for $50,000 in return for Bushnell receiving a one-third share of Apple. Busnell declined the offer and later explained, “I didn’t want to be in the computer business. It was that simple.” One of the three men who helped start the company had a 10 percent stake, but Ronald Wayne had serious financial concerns about the company's debt load and future viability, so in 1976 he sold out for $800. Today that 10 percent stake would be worth about $400 billion.

There are times when we fail to take advantage of opportunities in the moment, and they are lost forever. We never know whether there will be another chance to present the gospel, to comfort someone who is mourning, or to give to meet an urgent need. God calls us to walk carefully and alertly through the world, looking for ways we can make the most of what He places before us. “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). 

Today is the only day we know we have. There is no promise of tomorrow. So we must make the most of each day. Motivational speaker William Arther Ward was fond of saying, “Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.”