Notes From the Pastor's Desk
September 6, 2026
Sacrifices God Will Accept
Jeremiah 6:20 says, “To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.” There are some sacrifices that God will not accept. God did not accept those offerings because they were offered up with wicked minds and without faith in the Lord. They brought their offerings to try to make up for sins for which they were not repentant. They persisted in sin and would not stop. They were also ungrateful to God for his kindness and goodness to them, thus, considering all those things, God would not accept their offerings. On the other hand, there are offerings or sacrifices God will accept.
I. The Sacrifice Of A Broken Heart
Psalm 51:17 states, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” God will not take lightly a “broken” and “contrite” heart. Let's consider both of those important adjectives. “Broken” means “crushed or torn in pieces.” This is the opposite of self-sufficiency and pride. “Contrite” has the idea also of a “breaking or crushing.” This speaks of at least three things, the sinful nature being broken, self being slain, and the softening of the heart taking place. God accepts this kind of heart.
II. The Sacrifice Of A Surrendered Body
The Bible says in Romans 12:1 that we are to present our bodies a “living sacrifice.” The animals they offered under the Old Testament sacrificial system were dead or slain. God wants living bodies offered to Him today. Our bodies are to be holy and acceptable unto God. That is the least we can do since He has redeemed us from our sins.
III. The Sacrifice Of A Thankful Heart
See Psalm 107.22. Our gratitude should be both constant and comprehensive.
IV. The Sacrifice Of Praising Lips
Read Heb. 13:15,16. We should make sure we praise God instead of complaining about our lot in life. God is well pleased when we praise Him with our lips.
V. The Sacrifice Of The Purse
Look at Phil. 4:18. While Paul was imprisoned, Epaphroditus sent him so much to help the apostle that he said he was “full” Let's use our money to spread the Gospel, to supply for the saints, and to sustain God's work.