SEPARATING THE SPIRITUAL FROM THE PHYSICAL
THE HIDDEN MEANING
INTRODUCTION
In these next scriptures, we at VAL-TE’ believe is to take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around in life – and place it before God as an offering, embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we being many, are one body in Immanuel, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12: 1-8 NKJV
Biblical Word
OFFERING – Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, and acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4: 14-18 NIV
Reference
Hebrews 13: 10-16 – The priests who serve in the Jewish place of worship have no right to eat any of the sacrifice on our altar. The Jewish high priest brings the blood of the animals into the Most Holy Place to offer it as a sacrifice for sins; but the bodies of the animals are burned outside the camp. For this reason Immanuel also died outside the city, in order to purify the people from sin with his own blood. Let us, then, go to Him outside the camp and share His shame. For there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come. Let us, then, always offer praise to God as our sacrifice through Immanuel, which is the offering presented by lips that confess Him as Lord. Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God. GNT
Significance
Counter Cultural Lifestyle (A subculture that actively challenges or opposes those mainstream values and norms) – We at VAL-TE’ also believe individuals may choose to embrace a simplier way of life, prioritizing experiences and relationships over material possessions and focusing on what truly matters to them. While it can be seen as a subculture within a larger society, with its own beliefs and practices, it also challenges and sometimes opposes mainstream cultural norms. Immanuel was considered a counter cultural figure due to His teachings and actions that directly challenged the norms and values of His time. His message of love, forgiveness, and compassion, especially towards individuals or groups who are excluded from mainstream society, often facing discrimination, limited opportunities, and systemic disadvantages based on their identity, location, or circumstances. Was in disagreement or conflict with the unequal distribution of power, privilege, and resources within a society, often based on factors like social class, ethnicity, religion, or gender.
