The story of building the tabernacle in Exodus 35 reveals profound truths about biblical giving that transcend mere financial contributions. When Moses invited the Israelites to participate in constructing God's dwelling place, he emphasized the importance of giving from a willing heart rather than out of obligation or external pressure. This stands in stark contrast to religious manipulation, highlighting how true giving flows from genuine devotion and gratitude to God.The Israelites' response demonstrated the multifaceted nature of giving, as people contributed their skills, raw materials, time, leadership abilities, and artistic talents. This collaborative effort created a sense of ownership and unity within the community. The giving was so abundant that Moses eventually had to ask the people to stop - a powerful testament to what happens when giving is motivated by authentic worship and thanksgiving.This biblical account teaches that everyone has something valuable to contribute based on their unique gifts and resources. When people give generously from transformed hearts, it not only meets practical needs but also builds community and advances God's kingdom work. The principles demonstrated here continue to guide how we should approach giving today - with cheerfulness, gratitude, and a willingness to offer whatever God has equipped us to give.

Continuing our Centrality series, today we look at John 13. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of servant leadership during the Passover feast by washing His disciples' feet - a task considered beneath even slaves. This radical act revealed that authentic leadership flows from God's character and is demonstrated through humble service rather than position or status. Even Judas received this act of service, illustrating the boundless nature of Jesus' love. Being transformed into Christ's image requires maintaining a constant focus on Jesus, developing an attachment to His ways, and allowing His character to shape our actions. This journey involves both the one-time act of salvation and the ongoing process of sanctification. True service emerges naturally as we grow closer to Jesus, manifesting in practical actions like taking on menial tasks without recognition, serving in community outreach, and supporting ministries that help vulnerable populations. The challenge for believers is to identify areas where pride prevents service, actively seek opportunities to serve without recognition, and willingly take on tasks others might consider beneath them. This path of servant leadership isn't about the tasks themselves but about being shaped into Christ's image through humble obedience.

Growing to look like Jesus is the essence of true discipleship. When Christ enters our hearts through faith, He begins a transformative remodeling process that affects every area of our lives. This transformation develops His character within us - grace, compassion, patience, faithful love. Being rooted in God's love enables us to understand His deep love for us and empowers us to love others in the same way. This complete transformation requires giving Jesus access to every part of our lives, resulting in visible representations of His character to the world.

Grow like Jesus. The world needs to see Him through you!

This week marks the start of a new series examining the core values, focus, and vision that fuels EDFBC. It all starts with "Jesus First."

The supremacy of Christ demands that He be central in every aspect of life. As the image of God and creator of all things, Jesus holds authority over all creation and sustains everything through His power. When He takes His rightful place at the center of our lives, our values and actions align properly, leading to genuine transformation and positive impact on others. This alignment requires regular evaluation of priorities, intentional time with God, and practical steps to ensure Jesus remains preeminent in all areas of life.

When Jesus spoke His final words on the cross, 'It is finished,' He was declaring the completion of God's divine plan for humanity's redemption. The Greek word 'tetelestai' carried significant meaning in ancient culture, often used to mark completed tasks, ended military service, or fully paid debts. Through His sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled three crucial aspects: complete obedience to the Father's plan, full revelation of God's heart for humanity, and total redemption from sin and death. This wasn't a partial victory - it was absolute and final! Understanding the completeness of Jesus' work transforms our relationship with God. We no longer need to strive to earn our salvation or approach God through religious rituals. Instead, we can live in the freedom of Christ's finished work, accessing His resurrection power in our daily lives. This truth challenges us to stop trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts and instead trust fully in what Jesus has already accomplished!

Complete trust in God transcends surface-level confidence, requiring us to place our entire lives in His hands. Jesus demonstrated this perfect trust throughout His ministry, culminating in His final moments on the cross. The supernatural darkness that covered the land during His crucifixion and the miraculous tearing of the temple curtain were powerful demonstrations of God's sovereign control and the removal of barriers between humanity and God.Jesus' unwavering trust, even in His most challenging moments, teaches us vital lessons about faith. His example shows that we can trust God completely, even in our darkest times, and that God is trustworthy with every aspect of our lives. Through this level of trust, we can accomplish more than we imagine and inspire others to seek God. This kind of faith challenges us to identify areas where we're holding back and surrender them completely to God's control.

Jesus's declaration of "I thirst" on the cross was more than just a physical need - it carried deep spiritual significance. This moment fulfilled ancient prophecies and demonstrated both His complete humanity and divine purpose.

Everything Jesus did was purposeful and to complete His mission. By refusing initial pain-relieving wine but later accepting sour wine that prolonged His suffering, Jesus showed His commitment to fully completing God's plan.

Everything Jesus did brought the Word into context and focus. The use of hyssop to deliver the wine connected His sacrifice to Passover traditions and cleansing rituals, establishing Him as our perfect sacrificial lamb.

Even this seemingly insignificant detail, that Jesus was thirsty, shows us who Jesus is so that we can follow.

Jesus's cry of 'My God, why have you forsaken me?' on the cross represents a pivotal moment where He experienced the full weight of human suffering and separation from God. By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus demonstrated both His human anguish and divine purpose. This moment revealed His role as the ultimate sacrifice, bearing humanity's sins and experiencing genuine separation from the Father. Through His suffering, Jesus provided complete payment for sin and assured victory over death, offering hope and comfort to all believers who face their own trials.