From “In the Beginning” to Amen –
What Does God Really Want of Me?
Micah 6:6-8 (NLT)
“What can we bring to the LORD? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:1-5 (NLT)
“Listen to what the LORD is saying: ‘Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. And now, O mountains, listen to the LORD ’s complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel. O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me! For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. Don’t you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the LORD, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.’”
God Doesn't Want Empty Religion
1 Samuel 15:22 (NASB)
Samuel tells Saul: "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams."
Hosea 6:6 (NKJV)
“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."
Amos 5:21-24 (NIV)
“I hate your festivals…I will not accept your offerings…Instead, let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
Isaiah 1:11-17 (NLT)
“God says, ‘I am tired of your offerings. When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings. I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them! Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.’"
Obedience Has Always Mattered More Than Ceremony
God Has Told Us What He Wants (Micah 6:8)
Do Justly or Do Justice
Love Mercy
Matthew 18:33 (NLT)
“Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?”
Walk Humbly with God
Do Justice. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly with God.
The Gospel Isn’t "Try Harder”, It’s "Trust Christ.”
God Isn't Interested in or Impressed by Religious Activity That Leaves Our Character Unchanged