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Hebrews series message 23
Text: Hebrews 11:8-22
Abraham demonstrated his faith by following God even when he did not really know where he was going. And even when he got there, he was looking for something more, a heavenly city. His faith was demonstrated in so many ways that speak so clearly to the early Christian Jews (and us).
Hebrews series message 22
Text: Hebrews 11:1-7
Hebrews 11 is a perfect continuation of the warning passage in Hebrews 10. A working definition of faith is given, along with specific examples of how genuine faith looks. We'll note various nuances of living faith as cited in saints of old. Hebrews 11 begins not only the practical application of ten chapters in Hebrews, but the perfect bridge to our next sermon series on discipleship.
Hebrews series message 21
Text: Hebrews 10:35-39
This chapter gives a stunning overview of the work of Christ on our behalf, followed by a warning passage and a call to live possessed by the Spirit (not fear). The final word in this section is a call to persevere as a continuation of everything that's been written up to this point.
Hebrews series message 21
Text: Hebrews 10:32-34
If we are honest, we all have certain things that cause us to fear. Who hasn't made a decision based on fear? This Sunday, we will see that the church addressed in the book of Hebrews had reason to be possessed by fear but instead was possessed by the Spirit of God. God calls us to live fearlessly - possessed by Him alone.
Hebrews series message 20
Text: Hebrews 10-26-31
A final warning is given before he gives the Hall of Fame of faith. The warnings are serious and dire, encompassing judgement and raging fire for those who trample underfoot the Son of God and insult the Spirit of grace. This is admittedly a controversial and difficult passage to exegete. But as he is speaking to a congregation of believers, if the shoe fits we must respond to the Holy Spirit's conviction.
Hebrews series message 19
Text: Hebrews 10:19-25
This week we celebrate our graduates, high school and beyond. All schoolwork begins with a set of fundamentals, a foundation on which everything else builds. Once the foundation is established then more advanced topics can be introduced leading the student to greater maturity until they graduate. This week the writer of Hebrews wraps up the foundation and moves his audience into some more advanced coursework, except instead of books and papers we will be dealing with our relationships with God and one another.
The Foundational Studies – Jesus, the New and Living Way, Our Great High Priest
Advanced Lab 1 – Drawing Near in Faith
Advanced Lab 2 – Holding Fast to Hope
Advanced Lab 3 – Stirring One Another Up to Love Well
Salt Sunday is a church-wide community service event. There is no sermon for this day.
Hebrews series message 18
Text: Hebrews 10:1-18
It is finished! We'll spend eternity in gratitude for Jesus' work on the cross. The implications of His last words sum up nicely the thrust of this passage. Forgiveness is free, final and forever. The old way of doing things only served as a reminder of our fallenness, the new way actually solves the problem. Our Savior is glorious and the salvation He brings is great. This is such an encouraging passage.
Hebrews series message 17
Text: Hebrews 9
In this message and the next, we'll cover ground in Hebrews 9 & 10. A big theme for this installment is God's holiness - under the law (and under grace) most everything is cleansed with blood, for without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. God's holiness and my sin are that serious - the Son of God offered Himself. What flows from His sacrifice for me is that He purchases eternal redemption for us and also cleanses our conscience so we can (joyfully) serve Him. That's amazing!
Hebrews series message 16
Text: Hebrews 8
I had a brother talk to me after the sermon last week, he just can't believe it's really true that he's forgiven. He's waiting for God to punish him for his misdeeds and mistakes. He's not alone. Grace is overwhelming and hard to fully embrace. Yet it's true. It's real. And it's ridiculously freeing. Hebrews 8 is the hinge upon which most all of the NT turns. It's the New Covenant: not just a new high priest but a whole new construct that blows the other one away. And replaces it. It's rooted in the Old Testament. It's promised. Now it's come. It explains the Gospel and John 3:16 makes complete sense because of it. Please pray with me that that many will gain a renewed sense of freedom and live in the power and simplicity that the Gospel brings, not to mention develop an enthusiasm for engaging others with the truth.
Text: II Corinthians 10:3-5
Fear. Anxiety. Worry. Past trauma. Family of origin. It is so easy to be a pit dweller, wallow in sin, live in defeat. God calls us to more, Jesus didn't die so we could live as if nothing's happened. The Gospel writes a different script for our lives that is fueled by all the powerful truths we've been learning in Hebrews; the Son of God bleeding and interceding for us are no small items. God's called us to victory and constantly reminds us in the NT of who we are in Christ and to live accordingly, we are to renew our minds daily with His truth and walk in the newness of life. In this message we'll define what a stronghold is, and how we overcome them. It's a way of applying what we're learning in Hebrews and is helpful for us as we parent (Mother's Day) because strongholds affect how we minister to others.
Hebrews series message 15
Text: Hebrews 7:11-28
Last week we gave an overview of Hebrews 7, this week we'll drill deeper on some key truths. Such rich, fertile soil of Gospel basics and comfort. Key truths we'll cover: Jesus' indestructible life, Jesus intercession for believers, and the attainment of perfection. We'll also trace the Lion's roar from Judah, as presented in the Hebrew Scriptures. All of this, in the context of "draw near to God". So, same text as last week, just drilling deeper on some key (AWESOME) truths.
Hebrews series message 14
Text: Hebrews 7:11-28
Hebrews 7-10 is fertile soil, rich in Gospel comfort, encouragement, and perspective. I'll probably give two Sundays to the remainder of this chapter. We'll rehearse Yom Kippur, an annual bloody mess as the high priest dared to stand before God on behalf of sinful people. A Jew may see no need for things to change, but there is one single solitary utterance in the Hebrew Scriptures which set change in motion - something bigger, something better.
Hebrews series message 13
Text: Hebrews 7:1-10
Melchizedek is a mysterious character in the Old Testament who has an important meeting with Abraham. The author of Hebrews references this event in order to lead us to a greater understanding of Jesus. Sunday, we will flesh out the importance of Jesus being both King and Priest as well as what it meant to the Jews that He is better than Abraham. Essentially, an understanding of Melchizedek drives us to a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Key points: Jesus is better as our priest and king, and, Jesus is better than our family heritage.
Hebrews series message 12
Text: Hebrews 6:19-20
Jesus' followers did not expect the cross, and neither His followers nor his enemies had any idea how stupendous His resurrection would be. We will look at the historicity of the resurrection and encourage ourselves in the hope that has entered behind the curtain and is an anchor for our soul.
Hebrews series message 11
Text: Hebrews 6:13-18
Our author exhorted us to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end. He takes a page from the Jewish playbook by highlighting Abraham, who waited patiently for the promise. The two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, give us every reason to hold fast to the hope set before us. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ stand as wonderful reminders of God's grace and faithfulness.
Hebrews series message 10
Text: Hebrews 6:1-12
This text is a continuation of last week's theme and title, "Press on!". This week we also highlight the danger of not doing so. This is not an easy passage to definitively nail down, although the basic thrust seems clear enough. The congregation needs to press on and not fall away as the Israelites did in the wilderness, not having entered God's rest. One's assurance of salvation is grounded in obedience and living faith ("faith without works is dead"). If an unbeliever spurns the Gospel and does not embrace Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, there is no "Plan B" - Jesus is the only way, and He's not going back to the cross to repeat what can never be improved upon! My goal will be to give a careful and thoughtful analysis of the passage, recognizing that there are many points of divergence by godly expositors, but to let the Lord use His Word as He wills - perhaps to both believers and unbelievers. The doctrine of eternal security to the true believer will not suffer loss in this sermon.
Hebrews series message 10
Text: Hebrews 6:1-12
This text is a continuation of last week's theme and title, "Press on!". This week we also highlight the danger of not doing so. This is not an easy passage to definitively nail down, although the basic thrust seems clear enough. The congregation needs to press on and not fall away as the Israelites did in the wilderness, not having entered God's rest. One's assurance of salvation is grounded in obedience and living faith ("faith without works is dead"). If an unbeliever spurns the Gospel and does not embrace Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, there is no "Plan B" - Jesus is the only way, and He's not going back to the cross to repeat what can never be improved upon! My goal will be to give a careful and thoughtful analysis of the passage, recognizing that there are many points of divergence by godly expositors, but to let the Lord use His Word as He wills - perhaps to both believers and unbelievers. The doctrine of eternal security to the true believer will not suffer loss in this sermon.
Hebrews series message 9
Text: Hebrews 5:1-10
We're heading into one of my favorite sections of Scripture! Takes us all the way through chapter ten. Jesus, our Great High Priest. Here he lists four characteristics of a High Priest: chosen from the people, called by God, sympathizes with those he represents, and ministers sacrifices. Jesus does all this, and more. He's superior. He's awesome. It leads up to a critical truth: He gives eternal salvation. Keep that in mind when we hit chapter six ;-)