From the Back Porch

Sunday, August 23, 2026

I am the Lord their God

Exodus 29: 35-46

October 18, 2024

I am the Lord their God

“Thus, you shall do to Aaron and to his sons, according to all that I have commanded you. Through seven days shall you ordain them, and every day you shall offer a bull as a sin offering for atonement. Also, you shall purify the altar, when you make atonement for it, and shall anoint it to consecrate it. Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it, and the altar shall be most holy. Whatever touches the altar shall become holy.

“Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day regularly. One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight. And with the first lamb, a tenth measure of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hinof beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering. The other lamb you shall offer at twilight, and shall offer with it a grain offering and its drink offering, as in the morning, for a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord. It shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance of the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there. There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory. I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

As a follower of Christ, how are we to consecrate ourselves to God? I often look to “Got Questions” and I believe this part is key to setting ourselves apart from the world to our Lord for His use.

“Being consecrated is a critical component in our relationship to God and to those in the world. Paul tells us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).

In other words, as true believers in Christ, the act of consecration involves our lives being a living sacrifice to Him; we are totally separated from the defilement of the world. Each day, we are to live out our lives as a “holy” and “royal” priesthood to the glory of God, for we are now God’s people (1 Peter 2:9-10).” “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

But how can we live in the world and not be part of it? Jesus prayed for you and me in John 17:14, “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” Why does the world hate followers of Christ? Because their God is the devil; you will find that in 1 John 5:19, “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

Once more I look at “Got Questions”; “We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is necessary if we are to be a light to those who are in spiritual darkness. We are to live in such a way that those outside the faith see our good deeds and our manner and know that there is something “different” about us. Christians who make every effort to live, think, and act like those who do not know Christ do Him a great disservice. Even the heathen know that “by their fruits, you shall know them,” and as Christians, we should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit within us.

Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us, but we are not to immerse ourselves in what the world values, nor are we to chase after worldly pleasures. Pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was, but rather the worship of God.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

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Bob Rice

Canyon Lake, Texas

Please click here to view my blog

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Character Profile of Satan

Character Profile of Satan

Jan Rice

Who is he – What he does?

We cannot allow ourselves to be ignorant of who and what he is about.

John 8:42-44: Jesus had this to say to the religious people: Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. I added verses 42-43 for more clarity.

Satan has no problem with you having a zeal for God if one stays ignorant of what the righteousness of God is. Romans 10: 1-4, “Brothers, my heart's desire, and prayer, to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Jan, ask this question to a follower of Christ about

Acts 5:3, But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? You might want to read the full account

Questions

How can these truths help you in your warfare with the devil and his demons?

How does Satan fill your heart and mind? Are you ready for his next attack?

1 Peter 5: 6-11, gives us a warning of your adversary. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

A Follower of Christ Instructions in the Verses Above.

· Humble

· Cast all anxiety on Christ

· Be of sober spirit and alert

· Resist the devil

· Stand firm in Faith

How to apply the above actions steps

· One must first understand their identity in Christ and pray for guidance.

· Stand firm in your faith, and seek God’s will

· Know that you are greatly loved by God. He cares for you; He will strengthen you, and God is the one who has established you.

The Enemy

Questions that will be answered

· What is the devil like?

· What does he do?

· What are his limits?

· What are we to do?

· What is his relationship to God?

Adversary

· An accursed

· A Slanderer

Do not forget these words!

Let’s look at the book of Job to learn Satan’s strategy and limits of his power.

Do not forget that Satan was thrown out of heaven and where is he reins on the Earth, he knows what is going on.

Job 1:1-22

Verse 6, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.”

Has access to God’s throne

Verse 7, “The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”

He on the Earth

Verses 8-9, ^“And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?”

God bring up Job name. And Job has not been tested.

Verses 10-11, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.”

Verse 12,^“And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So, Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.”

Satan didn’t challenge God’s statement- his powers is limited, and God set the limits.

It is of upmost importance to recall the accuser Satan’s goals is to kill, steal and destroy.

Job’s response

Verses 1: 20-22, “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. ²¹And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.”

Job, knows who has given him all that he has. “As a follower of Christ, you should also affirm this truth.” (From Bob)

Job 2:1-10

Job 2:3, “And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” Once more we have God bring up Job to Satan.

Job 2:6, “And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.” God allows Satan limited powers to afflict Job.

Job 2:7, “So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” Satan afflicted Job.

Job 2:9, “Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” Wife loses it.

Job 2:10, “But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”

What insights from the Book of Job?

Satan was allowed access to God’s throne. Righteous and Zealous are his targets. Satan roams about the earth, and knew there was a hedge around all that Job had been given. And it was God who protector Job, and it is God who protected you and me.

God is totally supremely, and his overall things, in heaven and the Earth. God is sovereign and has always had power over Satan.

Daniel 4:34-35

At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

God rules over: all people, powers of heaven, people on earth; He has eternal dominion, His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

Isaiah 45:6-7

“So that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting
people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

Deuteronomy 32:39

“‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.”

Job 42:5-6

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

From Bob, Have, you come to understand that it is Christ in you that is your only hope.

Because God is Sovereign, it limits Satan’s powers

1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be temptedbeyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

2 Timothy 1:7: “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Luke 22:31-32:“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

As a Follower of Christ, we are on the ascension side of the Cross we have Christ in us His power, His hope, His strength.

A Great Question

If Satan were to stand before the Lord right now, would your character be such that God would boost of you to him?

What we need to know about Demonic Activity

Prayer for one another

A Tool of the Enemy is ignorance, which leads to Disobedience

1 John3:8: “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”

Ephesians 2:2: “In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”

Ephesians 6:12:” For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

John 12:31: “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.”

Revelation 12:7-9: “Then there was a war in heaven. Michael^[^a^] and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they were not strong enough. The dragon and its angels lost their place in heaven. It was thrown down out of heaven. (This giant dragon is that old snake, the one called the devil or Satan, who leads the whole world into the wrong way.) The dragon and its angels were thrown to the earth.”

2 Corinthians 11:14-15: “That does not surprise us, because even Satan changes himself to look like an angel of light. So, it does not surprise us if Satan’s servants make themselves look like servants who work for what is right. But in the end those people will get the punishment they deserve.”

2 Corinthians 4: 4, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Matthew 13:19, “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.”

1 Timothy 4:1-2, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,”

Matthew 16: 23, “But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

! Thessalonians 3:5, “For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.”

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”

Satan sows’ bad seeds or Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30, “He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So, when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not so good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So, the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’

Matthew 13:37-39, “He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.”

Spiritually & Physically: Healed those under Satan's powers

Luke 13:16, “And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”

Acts 10:38, “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

Revelation 12:12, “Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

Counsel to the Elders of the Church

1 Timothy 3:6-7, “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”

Note: To the Elders, zeal or worldly success does not replace Spiritual maturity. From Bob

Satan has this in common with humans; he also was created. And he knows the plan God has for him and his demons; it is a place of eternal punishment. It was not designed for people, but many have rejected God's gift, His Son, His only Son, Jesus Christ, and by a foolish choice they will end up there. Also, from Bob. Only where you see my name added it is all Jan’s work over many months.

Friday, August 21, 2026

The ordination of Aaron and his sons

Exodus 29: 22-34

October17, 2024

The ordination of Aaron and his sons

“You shall also take the fat from the ram and the fat tail and the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of ordination), and one loaf of bread and one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer out of the basket of unleavened bread that is before the Lord. You shall put all these on the palms of Aaron and on the palms of his sons, and wave them for a wave offering before the Lord. Then you shall take them from their hands and burn them on the altar on top of the burnt offering, as a pleasing aroma before the Lord. It is a food offering to the Lord.

“You shall take the breast of the ram of Aaron's ordination and wave it for a wave offering before the Lord, and it shall be your portion. And you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the priests' portion that is contributed from the ram of ordination, from what was Aaron's and his sons. It shall be for Aaron and his sons as a perpetual due from the people of Israel, for it is a contribution. It shall be a contribution from the people of Israel from their peace offerings, their contribution to the Lord.

“The holy garments of Aaron shall be for his sons after him; they shall be anointed in them and ordained in them. The son who succeeds him as priest, who comes into the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy Place, shall wear them seven days.

“You shall take the ram of ordination and boil its flesh in a holy place. And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram and the bread that is in the basket in the entrance of the tent of meeting. They shall eat those things with which atonement was made at their ordination and consecration, but an outsider shall not eat of them, because they are holy. And if any of the flesh for the ordination or of the bread remain until the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

As you read this what comes into your mind? I once more thought about Moses on that mountain with Joshua, and all the details that God had required him to do and remember. And my mind went to God changes not verse found in Malachi 3:6: "I, the LORD, do not change"; and Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever"

People also do not change concerning Romans 3:21-24, “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

We all enter the world with a sin problem, and we are condemned by the Law of God, but in Christ Jesus, we can experience the righteousness of God manifested apart from the law. It is a verse many have read on the paper at “In-N-Out Burger” comes in. But it is also found in the Bible, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Is that not the best news one can hear: that your creator loves you and has allowed His Son, His only Son, to take your guilt and sins to the Cross, and His blood covers all sin?

Now, you do recall we show up on planet Earth with this sin problem, and its main focus is to get our needs met to the best of our ability. Many will look to religion to make them ok with God. Many have not only joined churches, but have become active in Bible studies, and even become teachers or preachers. Does that work? Not according to the Word of God. Look at Ephesians 2: 8: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

The apostle Paul, talking to the Church in Philippi, found in Philippians 3:8-12, ^“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

That describes me up to the age of 26 years, a Baptist, a tither to some degree, who was doing everything I could to look good, but was getting my needs met outside of Jesus. We are told that the agents who look for counterfeit money study the real thing. That was how I came to know Christ, by attending a Bible study with 5 men who not only love Jesus but had Him living in them. I knew a lot about Jesus from church since birth and believed He was God's only Son, born of a virgin, and died for the sins of all people. But it was when I was exposed to the real thing that I saw that I was the counterfeit, one foot in the world, and put my hope in Church membership.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Consecration of the Priests

Exodus 29: 10-21

October 16, 2024

Consecration of the Priests

“Then you shall bring the bull before the tent of meeting. Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull. Then you shall kill the bull before the Lord at the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall take part of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and the rest of the blood you shall pour out at the base of the altar. And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar. But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering.

“Then you shall take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, and you shall kill the ram and shall take its blood and throw it against the sides of the altar. Then you shall cut the ram into pieces, and wash its entrails and its legs, and put them with its pieces and its head, and burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord. It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord.

“You shall take the other ram and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, and you shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his sons, and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right feet, and throw the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar. Then you shall take part of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and his sons' garments with him. He and his garments shall be holy, and his sons and his sons' garments with him.”

The LORD describes the sin offering required to atone for the sins of Aaron and his sons. Sinful and fallen people must be cleansed before they can minister in the presence of the holy God.

Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock. —By this symbolical action, which was commanded in the case of every sin offering; Leviticus 4:4, “He shall bring the bull to the doorway of the tent of meeting before the LORD, and he shall lay his hand on the head of the bull and slaughter the bull before the LORD.”

Leviticus 4:29, “And he shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter the sin offering at the place of the burnt offering.”

Leviticus 16:21, "Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the wrongdoings of the sons of Israel and all their unlawful acts regarding all their sins; and he shall place them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who stands ready.”

The offeror identified himself with the animal and transferred to it the guilt of his own sins and imperfections. The animal thereby became accursed, and its death paid the penalty due to the sins laid upon it, and set free those who had committed them. Similarly, Christ, our sin offering, was “made a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13.) ^“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree — in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Ellicott's Commentary

How often do we take for granted the act of Jesus becoming the Lamb that was slaughtered for our sins? Jesus took the full wrath of God's judgment for everyone who has ever sinned. And many who go by the title of Christian have never grasped what the blood of Jesus did for them. I did not for 26 years of age, till I saw a group of men who knew the Jesus I was only informed about.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Consecration of the Priests

Exodus 29:1-9

October 15, 2024

Consecration of the Priests

“Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish, and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil. You shall make them of fine wheat flour. You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, and bring the bull and the two rams. You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. Then you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breast piece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod. And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. Then you shall bring his sons and put coats on them, and you shall gird Aaron and his sons with sashes and bind caps on them. And the priesthood shall be theirs by a statute forever. Thus, you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.

You may be wondering why it was important to do all of this, why not just have Moses declare Aaron and his sons as the priestly line? For God ordained it, and they were the keepers of truth till Jesus became our High Priest; by dying for the sins of all people, the veil is torn, and we have access to the Father.

It is also important to understand that, unlike Aaron, some of the High Priests drop the ball; we have the example of Eli, whose sons were evil. Others who were more interested in power and traditions, and the fear of losing it they also became foolish men. The only source of Truth today is Jesus; the Scriptures are clear that all men are liars, and only God is truth.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

The Priests' Garments

Exodus 28:31-43

October 14, 2024

The Priests' Garments

“You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. It shall have an opening for the head in the middle of it, with a woven binding around the opening, like the opening in a garment, so that it may not tear. On its hem, you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.

“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban. It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.

“You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash embroidered with needlework.

“For Aaron's sons, you shall make coats and sashes and caps. You shall make them for glory and beauty. And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs; and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.

What is a follower of Christ: a person who, with the faith God has given them, and the grace to ask Jesus to forgive their many sins, and take over the management of their lives. What does Scripture give as a title for that person? Words that both the Church and the World are not comfortable with the word Saint, the Catholic Church, is made to be a person whose service to both God and people is exceptional. Is that what God has said in the Scriptures? The Scriptures are very clear that all who are in Christ are saints.

“Got Questions” handles this very well. The following is some of what they said: “The word 'saint' comes from the Greek word hagios, which means 'consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious." It is almost always used in the plural, “saints.” "…Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem" (Acts 9:13). "Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda" (Acts 9:32). "And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons …“ (Acts 26:10). There is only one instance of the singular use, and that is "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus…" (Philippians 4:21). In Scripture there are 67 uses of the plural “saints” compared to only one use of the singular word “saint.” Even in that one instance, a plurality of saints is in view: “…every saint…” (Philippians 4:21).

The idea of the word “saints” is a group of people set apart for the Lord and His kingdom. Three references are referring to godly character of saints: "that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints …" (Romans 16:2). "For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12). "But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints" (Ephesians 5:3).”

The other word is being called to be Holy and into the Priesthood. But Scripture addresses both of these; let’s begin with being holy. 1 Peter 1:15–16: "Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy because I am holy'" Leviticus 20:7: "Be holy; for I, the Lord your God, am holy" And also in the book of Ephesians 1:4-6, “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love ⁵he predestined us^[^a^] for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” It is clear that we are saints that sin, so our holiness is not found in our actions, but only when we allow and obey our Lord, for it is His holiness that makes us holy.

What about the word priest? Has God said you, as a follower of Christ, have been brought into the holy priesthood? 1 Peter 2:5-9 give a very clear picture of our calling; “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. ”So, the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

In my career as a professional salesman, I was trained to ask questions that would open the door to share what my product would do that exceeded what they were using or doing. So here is the question: why do followers of Jesus not understand their identity in Christ? And the second question is, if we do, why do we not act on it?

Could it be that you are so busy with all the things of this world that you don’t have time to study the Scripture, to know who you are in Christ? Maybe you are like the man who brought his son to be healed by Jesus and said, “IF” you can, please do so. When Jesus addressed the “IF,” the man said, “I believe; help my unbelief.” I find myself in need of getting my eyes off this dark and evil world and onto what Jesus calls me. Could it be that we just have an identity problem?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice