We are experiencing a great moment of faith, in Brazil, as well as all around the world because of the Campaign of Israel.

Who should my sacrifice be for and what are my intentions for participating?

Sacrifice comes from the Latin word sacrificium: sacr, “sacred” + facere, “to make”. It is commonly known as the practice of offering something valuable to the gods as an act of worship.

Sacramentum: in the beginning was an oath to God;

Sacrificium: what is offered to God becomes sacred or the act of offering.

Studies of ancient civilizations such as in Rome, Africa and India show that everyone offered sacrifices either to God or to other false gods. In the Bible, sacrifice appears right from the beginning of mankind: “But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering” (Genesis 4:4).

Every important event required a sacrificial offering to God: Noah (Genesis 8:20), Abraham (Genesis 22:1), Moses (Exodus 29:38 and Leviticus).

Sacrifice is part of human nature. People make sacrifices all the time, either for themselves or for their gods. What we must be aware of is to whom are we presenting our sacrifice, and what are our true intentions. It’s clear that a perfect sacrifice brings an immediate response, but we must understand that a sacrifice can’t be a means of escape or be seen as a simple request for a solution to a problem. It must be obediently presented in response to God’s voice and, above all, a sacrificial worship of faith that requires self-denial, ridding us of any human conditions.

Sacrificing isn’t for everyone. The word sacrifice is a scary word and can be a burden to many people. Many church leaders teach people about sacrificing, but refuse to say the word sacrifice in fear of losing their tithers and offering givers. This is why they only preach about the cross as the greatest example of unconditional and selfless sacrifice. They know that this way won’t offend and disperse the uninformed, the weak or all those who lean on other people’s faith. I admire the Universal Church and its leader, Bishop Edir Macedo, and I’m proud to be part of this universal army because all who do have a great experience to tell on account of a prior sacrifice.

Everyone who comes to the church during this time; those who are suffering and drained because of so many problems, in life or death situations, between a rock and a hard place, go on to present their sacrifice to God followed by prayer, worship and gratitude because they’re certain God will answer. Unfortunately, many people, after having such needs met no longer see a reason to sacrifice.

“We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant.” (Psalm 123:4)

The way we look at sacrifice changes with every campaign because with every campaign our faith matures, just like all the men in the past had a different reason to sacrifice. For some it meant worship, for others it was a request, for others it was an act of gratitude, but for Abraham it was an act of obedience to God.

We must ask ourselves: “Who am I presenting my sacrifice to? Is it for a man, the institution called the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, or is it truly for God?”

In short: sacrifice is in the DNA of those who are born of God.

“When you sacrifice a fellowship offering to the LORD, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf.” (Leviticus 19:5)

“When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the LORD to fulfill a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable.” (Leviticus 22:21)

“Then to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 12:11)

Unfortunately, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is split in half. On one side we have the weak and on the other, the strong. On one side we have the winners and on the other we have the defeated. This is because on one hand we have people with a pure heart but a cowardly faith when it comes to sacrificing, but on the other hand, people whose hearts are not pure but are fully willing to sacrifice. If only we could have people with pure hearts, fully willing to sacrifice.

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” (Titus 1:15)

DECEMBER 13TH IS THE DAY THAT WE PLACE OUR SACRIFICES ON THE ALTARS OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH, IN BRAZIL AND WORLDWIDE, SHOWING GOD OUR OBEDIENCE TO HIS REQUEST.

IN FAITH,

Assistant Marcos
São Paulo, Brazil