The Logical and the Least - Pastor Marvin L. Winans

Main message: By the mercies of God believers are called to present their bodies as a living, holy, reasonable sacrifice — dying to self and living by Christ — which is the logical response to Jesus’ atoning work. The preacher grounds this call in Old Testament sacrificial imagery (the two goats) and warns against disobedience that treats worship as “strange fire.”

Key points:

• "Beseech" (parakaleo) is an urgent invitation to come near and respond to God's mercy by offering your life to Him.
• Leviticus 16’s two goats (one sacrificed, one sent away as scapegoat) point to Christ: He died for sin and carried our iniquities so we no longer meet them.
• The altar/offerings in the Old Testament entail death; the New Testament calls for a paradoxical “dead but alive” life — crucified with Christ yet alive by Him.
• Presenting ourselves as living sacrifices is rational and reasonable because Jesus gave everything for us; therefore we must die to fleshly desires and live holy.
• Warning from Leviticus 10: ministers and their families must not act presumptuously or offer “strange fire”; there are consequences for disobedience.
• Believers should not be ashamed of past sin — Christ’s work removes it — and should walk in the power to live, speak, and give rightly.

Scriptures mentioned: Psalm 34, Romans 12:1, Leviticus 10, Leviticus 16, Isaiah 53:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17