In this session, we discussed The Reward of Sacrifice; a heartfelt and powerful conclusion to our Living Sanctuary series. We centered our discussion on Philippians 2:12–18 and 2 Timothy 4:6–8, drawing rich meaning from Paul’s imagery of being poured out like a drink offering, which is offering everything for God’s glory, even if it goes unseen by others.

We also unpacked the Greek term for “reward” (misthos), meaning a wage or payment that is not earned in merit but given graciously by a generous God. This helped reframe our view: God isn’t watching to tally points, but to reward our faithful hearts.

One of the richest parts was reflecting on the five crowns in Scripture; righteousness, life, glory, incorruptible, and rejoicing. It reminded us that God’s rewards are eternal, not flashy or fleeting like those on earth.

What we concluded together was this: Finishing well matters more than starting strong. The sacrifices we make, big or small, seen or hidden, matter to God. He sees them, He values them, and He promises a reward. So, as we move into the next season, we left with renewed encouragement: to keep burning for God, to keep rejoicing, and to never forget that we are Living Sanctuaries, being poured out for eternal glory.

Led by Presley

In this session, we discussed the deep and personal implications of what it means to live as a sanctuary for God, centering our conversation on the theme “Costly Grace.” We reflected on how grace, while freely given, comes with a call to radical discipleship and surrender. Using Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s teachings, we explored the distinction between cheap grace (grace without repentance, discipleship, or the cross) and costly grace, which calls us to follow Christ fully, even when it costs us something deeply personal.

It was powerful to acknowledge that grace isn’t a license to stay the same, but an invitation to transformation. The session reminded us that the sanctuary God desires isn’t just a building—it’s us, our hearts, our lives, laid down in full response to His call.

We were encouraged not to fear the cost, because what we gain in Christ is far greater. It was a sacred, honest, and challenging time together—and we left stirred to count the cost and carry the cross.

Led by Stan

In this session, we discussed “The Altar as a Place of Surrender,” and it was both heartfelt and thought-provoking. We shared personal stories about times we had to make hard decisions that required surrender—letting go of dreams, friendships, comfort zones, or control. Each testimony reminded us that surrender isn’t passive; it’s a powerful, faith-filled act of obedience.

We studied Genesis 22:9-14, exploring Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac and God’s miraculous provision. We were moved by how this story not only reflects Abraham’s faith but also Isaac’s trust—he didn’t resist. We saw a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice and identified Mount Moriah as symbolic of places in our lives where God calls us to surrender something dear.

Then we looked at Luke 22:42, where Jesus, facing the cross, prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” This opened a rich discussion on the tension between our desires and God’s will, and how surrender often feels like wrestling before it feels like peace. We also wrestled with some deep theological questions, like the mystery of the Trinity and how Jesus, as God, could still submit to the Father’s will.

We left reminded that surrender is both a decision and a daily journey, fueled by faith, not feelings. Ultimately, we walked away encouraged to trust that God’s plan—though often uncomfortable—is always good. And that when we come to the altar with empty hands, God always fills them with more than we could imagine.

Led by Presley

In this session, we discussed the significance of keeping the fire burning on the altar—a powerful metaphor rooted in Leviticus 6:12–13, where priests were commanded to never let the fire on the altar go out. We explored how this translates into our New Testament reality: our hearts are now the altar, and our lives the living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

Together, we unpacked the symbolism of fire. It can represent the presence of God (like the burning bush), purification (Malachi 3), judgment (the lake of fire), and passion or zeal (Romans 12:11). We saw how fire isn’t just a dramatic biblical image—it’s a call to spiritual vigilance. One member insightfully reminded us that fire must be fed with the right wood, just like our spiritual lives need the right fuel: prayer, worship, the Word, and community.

We learned that the priests’ role to keep the fire burning was one of discipline and attentiveness—and now, as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), that responsibility rests with us. Someone brilliantly noted that Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, and our offerings—like worship, service, and prayer—keep the fire of His presence alive in us.

There were rich analogies too: one participant likened a believer without fire to a woodpile housing a snake—safe for the enemy to camp in! But when lit with prayer and the Word, hidden vipers flee. Another reminded us from 2 Timothy 1:6 to fan into flame the gift of God—meaning, spiritual fire needs intentional stoking.

We concluded that to keep the fire burning, we must:

1. Be consistent in prayer—talk to God before reacting or deciding.

2. Stay rooted in Scripture—God’s Word is the oil that sustains the flame.

3. Live a life of worship and service—purified acts that fuel the altar.

In the end, we encouraged each other not only to maintain our personal fire but to watch out for each other’s flames too. After all, fire spreads—and so should our zeal, our encouragement, and our love. Let’s keep that fire burning. And hey, maybe double-check your spiritual kindling—it might just be time to throw on some fresh wood!

Led by Stan

In this session, we discussed the concept of building and maintaining spiritual altars as a way of encountering God and sustaining our devotion. We explored how, in the Old Testament, figures like Abraham and Elijah responded to God’s revelations by constructing physical altars—Abraham building one immediately after receiving God’s promise (Genesis 12:7–8) and Elijah repairing a fallen altar as a testimony against idolatry (1 Kings 18:30).

We reflected on how these principles transition into our New Testament practice, where our hearts become the living altar—a sacred space not bound by physical structures but by our intentional acts of worship, prayer, and reflection. This realization reminds us that the external, ritualistic aspects of worship in the Old Testament have been fulfilled by the internal, spiritual dedication that defines our relationship with Christ today.

Ultimately, we concluded that our devotion is most effective when it arises from a well-maintained altar—a heart that is constantly being sanctified and restored through dedicated time with God.

Led by Stan

In this session, we discussed the idea that our hearts serve as living altars—a sacred place where we offer genuine worship and sacrifice for our Lord Jesus. We explored how, historically, physical altars in the Old Testament were used for animal sacrifices to atone for sin, while in the New Testament, Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice transforms this concept into a spiritual reality. We looked at Hebrews 13:10–15, which reminds us that Jesus suffered outside the city gates to cleanse our sins, and at Psalm 51:16–17, where David teaches that God desires a broken, contrite heart over ritual offerings.

We shared personal reflections, even comparing our inner spiritual journeys to theme songs that capture our struggles and victories. Many of us likened the process of refining our hearts to tending a garden—requiring daily care, honesty, and accountability to grow and bear lasting fruit. Our discussion also touched on the importance of being vulnerable and accepting our imperfections, much like a broken vase that is lovingly mended, so that God’s transformative power can shine through.

In summary, we concluded that true worship isn’t about mere performance or ritual; it’s about a heartfelt, continuous offering of our lives to God, marked by repentance, authenticity, and a commitment to living out our faith every day.

Led by Presley

In this session, we discussed how being consecrated for service means being set apart to fulfill God’s holy purpose. We explored the Old Testament instructions in Exodus 29:1-9, where Moses was guided to consecrate Aaron and his sons through specific rituals—using unblemished animals, special bread, water for cleansing, and sacred garments—to symbolize purity, atonement, and the establishment of a covenant relationship with God. We recognized that these physical elements pointed to an inner transformation that God desired.

We also dove into the New Testament perspective in Romans 15:14-22, where Paul describes his role as a minister of Christ, offering the gospel as a spiritual sacrifice to God. His emphasis on being “set apart” reminded us that our consecration today is less about outward rituals and more about the continuous inner renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Our conversation was rich with analogies, such as comparing the sacred garments to a school uniform that both identifies and distinguishes us, and emphasizing that even though we no longer perform animal sacrifices, our acts of service and obedience remain as our offering to God. We concluded by encouraging one another to support our community through prayer, communication, and creative outreach, reinforcing the biblical principles of sanctification, covenant, and spiritual transformation.

Led by Presley

In this session, we discussed the powerful role of intercession in the life of a believer. We explored the concept of standing in the gap for others through prayer, drawing from 1 Timothy 2:1-6 as our foundation.

We reflected on how Jesus is the ultimate intercessor, granting us direct access to God, and how we, as believers, are called to intercede for all people—including those in authority, even when we may not agree with them. We shared personal experiences of interceding for friends, coworkers, and even strangers, highlighting how our everyday interactions can serve as a testimony of Christ’s love.

A key takeaway was that intercession is not always easy, but it is essential. We recognized that sometimes, God calls us to pray for people we struggle with or to persist in prayer even when we don’t see immediate results. Ultimately, we concluded that interceding for others aligns with God’s will and that our prayers can open doors for salvation, peace, and transformation in ways beyond our understanding

Led by Minister Clem

In this session, we discussed what it means to serve God and serve others, exploring it as an act of worship and a reflection of our devotion to Him.

We focused on key scriptures, including Romans 12:1, which calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, and Hebrews 13:15-16, which emphasizes continual praise and doing good. We reflected on how our service to God is not just a one-time act but a daily, intentional offering of our lives. Through discussions on John 13:12-17, we examined Jesus’ humility in washing His disciples’ feet and what it means to lead by example, setting aside status and pride to serve others.

We also looked at Acts 2:42-47, highlighting the generosity and unity of the early church. This led us to a conversation on how we can still embody this spirit of community today, whether through acts of kindness, financial support, or simply being present for one another.

A key takeaway was that ministry is not limited to Sundays or church roles; it is a lifestyle of service that extends into our workplaces, homes, and daily interactions. We were encouraged by the story of Joseph, who served faithfully in every season of his life, no matter the circumstances.

Led by Presley

In this session, we discussed the priesthood of believers, exploring what it means to be called a royal priesthood and how this identity shapes our daily walk with God. We reflected on the scriptures 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6 which reminded us that we are chosen, set apart, and entrusted with priestly responsibilities.

We talked about how embracing this identity means walking in authority and responsibility, not just as individuals, but as a community of believers. We acknowledged that priests in the Old Testament had distinct roles—offering sacrifices, interceding for the people, and instructing them in God’s ways—and we recognized that, as believers today, we carry these same responsibilities through worship, prayer, and teaching.

A key takeaway was that our faith should not be passive—we are called to actively intercede for others, grow in our spiritual walk, and boldly proclaim God’s goodness. Some of us shared personal experiences of praying for others at work or school and seeing God move in powerful ways. We encouraged one another not to rely solely on pastors or leaders to do the work of intercession, but to embrace our priestly role in everyday life.

Ultimately, we concluded that being a priest isn’t just a title—it’s a divine privilege and a responsibility. We committed to walking boldly in this identity, praying for others, growing spiritually, and serving in God’s kingdom with confidence. As we closed in prayer, we asked for God’s strength to help us live out this calling daily.

By Stan