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Church of the Nazarene Harrisonburg

Christ Above All: Hebrews Part 6 – Harrisonburg

Today’s speaker is Brian Charette, a part of our church staff. Brian, his wife Pam and their family have been part of our church for many years.

As we enjoy the afterglow of our Independence Day celebrations, it’s poignant to think of brothers and sisters around the world who don’t have the freedom to meet together as we do. For those dear souls, the risks are significant. Why do they risk it?

Hebrews 10:19-25

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The imperatives of the Hebrews text:

> Hold tightly to hope

> Consider how we may spur one another on

> Don’t give up meeting together

> Encourage one another

Acts 2:46

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

It wasn’t always easy or comfortable or safe to commit to a life in Christ – to commit to brothers and sisters in the church.

There was pressure to flee, pressure to scatter…to isolate.

And if your enemy has anything to do with it, there will always be pressure to give up the habit of meeting together.

Hebrews 10:32-36

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

The central problem in the text: As some are in the habit of doing.

Davis, Graham and Burge (2023) The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will it take to Bring Them Back?

The more serious dechurching began in the early 1990s. What happened then? First, When the Soviet Union collapsed and that struggle ended, it became more culturally acceptable to be both American and non-Christian. Second, the rise of the religious right and its involvement in politics alienated some people, but, as is sometimes unsaid, left-wing politics alienated just as many. Finally, third, the internet. People could get what they wanted online without the bother of getting dressed and going to church. But, perhaps most importantly — people who went to church but weren’t really Christians in the biblical sense felt free to stop attending.

There is likely a connection between people giving up the habit of assembling and the increase in loneliness in America. We are the most connected, yet the most isolated generation. But the importance of this lesson goes well beyond that. Consider how Jesus Himself characterized the church.

Matthew 16:18

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

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The author of Hebrews is writing to Jewish Christians, perhaps second-generation Christians who were undergoing fierce persecution, socially and physically.  

Times were hard. They were well-versed in the Old Testament and had professed their faith in Jesus Christ.   

However, they were considering returning to Judaism because of persecution, false teaching, and Christ had not returned to establish His Kingdom and overthrow the Romans.   

The writer’s desire is to establish the superiority of Jesus above the angels, Moses, and high priests.       

Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV) 

¹⁹Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,  

²¹and since we have a great priest over the house of God,  

²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 

²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  

²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  

²⁵not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

The message of Hebrews is that Jesus is better, Christ is superior, and He is completely sufficient for our salvation.   

Jesus is King of kings. He is Lord of lords. He is the Great High Priest and the sacrifice of Jesus should change the way we approach the world.    

Or to put it another way, what we believe and know about Jesus should impact how we live as individuals. 

Hebrews informs us how we should respond to each other during the ordinary moments of life, the good times and the not so good times.   

The practical implications of following Jesus will touch on the new covenant and the way to holiness.    

Verses 19 and 20, ¹⁹Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,  

Therefore is a connecting word.  Hebrews Chapter 10 is a connecting point of the book.   

Everything from Hebrews Chapter 1 to Chapter 10, the writer has shared because of Christ’s work we can have the confidence to approach God in a way that was never before thought possible. 

Under the Old Covenant, in the Jewish temple, there was a veil that served as the barrier to the Holy of Holies.  

The Holy of Holies was said to be where God’s presence rested.  Only the high priest could enter this area to make atonement for the sins of Israel. 

We can enter the holy place because of what Jesus did on the cross, by the blood of Jesus, He died and rose again, and ascended to the Father.   

The tearing of the veil is profoundly significant and provides a pictorial foundation for how we can approach God today.  

We can directly and boldly come before God through Jesus to receive mercy and grace. Jesus meets our needs and even identifies with our weaknesses. 

Verse 21, “and since we have a great priest over the house of God,” 

Jesus is the Great High Priest that is over the house of God.   

We no longer need to rely on the religious practices of the Old Testament.   

Every believer, through faith, can go directly to God. 

Since Christ has provided us such open and free access to the Father, the writer of Hebrews says “Let’s use it!” 

What joy and freedom—and yes, liberty—for the person who is in an intimate relationship with Jesus. 

Verse 22, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” 

Let us draw near to God, is an urgent plea to enter into heart holiness, an intimate relationship with God, so that we gain a clean conscience, and walk in faith according to His plans for our lives. 

Where the Old Testament ceremony and ritual could make the worshipper ceremonially clean, the blood of Christ can purify our hearts; and through Christ alone, we can approach God the Father. 

As we draw near to God, we can persevere in our lives through the most difficult of times of suffering and hardship. 

Verse 23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” 

The author reminds us that God made the promise and He is always faithful.   

For the believer, then and now, live your faith, do it without being apologetic or hesitant.   

We can all agree there are times in our lives, when it is a fight to hang on to hope. 

That’s the fight the original audience was in, times of persecution.  Their friends and family, were being taken away and killed, all for the name of Jesus.   

And the writer says “Hold on! Don’t let go of your hope in Christ.” 

No matter the circumstances, we are called to hold fast without wavering.   

We must not compromise. It is a choice to hold on! 

And when we’re asked, we can point people to the source of our hope, Jesus; as others need the steadying influence of our steadfastness.   

What has God done in your past or is doing in your life today that encourages you to keep going?  

Everyone knows that it isn’t a secret that Christians indeed experience spiritual discouragement, weariness, and doubt.  Adversity is real. 

The author of Hebrews says “Hold on to your hope!” 

We must remember that the greatest danger of every believer, including me, is to lose our grip, to lose our personal walk with Jesus Christ.  

Jesus is the only sacrifice for our sins.  Outside of Jesus, there is no other way! 

Verse 24, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,”  

The writer of Hebrews instructs us to consider one another, to be thoughtful to inspire love and good deeds in others. 

Consider your words, your body language, and your thoughts, are they inspiring others to be better? 

As we encourage each other, we must bear in mind that forgiveness will be a key in our relationships. 

Church family, we need each other.   

And guess what…you need people more than you think you do. 

Through the years I have had wonderful people who have inspired and incited me to love and good deeds. 

Opal Rush.  I knew Opal when I lived in Tampa.  Opal would always tell me, “You can’t out give God.”  Opal was a generous woman.  She didn’t want to see the church with a mortgage payment.  Prior to her death, she took her life savings and paid off the balance of the church.  Opal spurred me to have a heart of generosity.   

Vickie Dove.  I met Vickie in 1999.  We have been intentional to enjoy a monthly breakfast or lunch together.  She has listened to many things about my life during the good times, and the tough times.  Always providing sound counsel, crying and laughing with me; spurring me on to be the woman that God is calling me to be.     

Amanda Montanez.  We meet together monthly, usually on an early Friday morning.  We invest in each other by giving full attention to the conversation at hand, praying together, and the Holy Spirit gives us words to respond.  Thus, my time with Amanda stirs me on towards love and good deeds.      

Are you encouraging others for Jesus? 

Every time we act in love toward others, we point people to Jesus, and we are building up the body of Christ.   

God is faithful to help us live out Verse 24, by providing encouragement and support in all circumstances.    

God created you and me to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.   

A video to spur us to make an impact for God’s glory. Go DO something! 

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/0onw41tq11kld1hc6btq4/Do-Something-3_49.mp4?rlkey=06io2pw3raotk7qwdctri131v&st=wq6oe7w4&dl=0

Why don’t you encourage someone today, tomorrow and the next day?  Make a point of doing it every day. 

God is faithful to help us live out Verse 24, by providing encouragement and support in all circumstances.    

Verse 25, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” 

When the writer wrote Hebrews 10:25, people were falling away from meeting together because of severe persecution.   

People were being martyred for their faith.   

There was a real danger for them to meet together.  

Today, church attendance has dropped nearly 10 percentage points from a decade ago.   

Mom and dad, how can you raise your children right if you are putting everything else in front of Jesus and the church? 

To put Jesus first is a choice!  

The most important choice you will ever make is to put Jesus first!   

Don’t settle for just enough, one or two Sunday’s a month, because one day, just enough will not be enough. 

There are various reasons church attendance is down, just to name a few:  

• A growing number of kids are playing on teams that require travel.   

• Work obligation.   

• People choose to sleep in because they do not see the value in attending church. 

• And many others. 

People always make time for the things they value most.   

Although we live in a time that social media makes it possible to contact individuals around the world, ‘Social Media’ is a major contributor to the general decrease in live interactions.   

Research shows that we’re spending less time with family, and friends, and we’re not volunteering as much as people were decades ago.  

Studies indicate that many are starved for intimacy and companionship.  

Verse 25 tells us “Not to give up meeting together and encouraging one another”,  

In God’s economy, going to church is not optional.  You belong in church! 

The author of Hebrews wants everyone to know the Lordship and High Priesthood of Christ, and the sacrifice of Jesus should impact how we live as individuals.  

More than just say it with your lips, the truth of Christ Above ALL, and He paid it all for us, when we live this truth, we will live differently, in the day to day moments with everyone. 

Three exhortations from today’s message: 

1. Draw near to God. 

How do we draw near to God? 

• Through prayer, reading your Bible and daily devotionals, worshipping the Lord and through living your faith! 

2. Hold on to hope! 

What does it look like to hold on to hope? 

• Choose to trust God even when your circumstances are difficult. 

3. Encourage one another on in the faith, not giving up meeting together. 

How can you encourage one another and make a point of meeting together? 

Here are some ways: 

• Offer positive words of support and encouragement. 

• Make attending church an unbending priority.   

• Pray for people and let them know you are doing so. 

• Serve together. 

• Join a Life Group. 

Let me tell you about being a part of a Life Group.   

Currently in my Life Group there are several experiencing really difficult times with caring for their parents, a spouse, and also their own physical needs.   

We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the Lord through eating dinner together,  

sharing prayer requests and always praying with one another,  

crying and laughing together,  

and also Bible Study. 

We have learned the importance of not missing church, and not missing Life Group.   

Rather, we are intentional to make a greater effort to be in attendance because we know we ‘spur each other on as we get closer to the day when Christ will return.’   

Our Life Group is family.     

Band please come on up and play something softy.   

The Word of God says, ²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25. 

We grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ through the practical application of God’s word.   

How will the truth of Christ Above All impact your life?   

Are you willing to do something that God is saying for you to do?  

All heads bowed and eyes closed.  The question is not IF you will respond.  God’s word demands a response.  You will either say “Yes Lord” or “No”. 

Ask this question… “Holy Spirit how do I need to respond? What are you saying to me?”  

Maybe you have never invited Jesus to come live in your heart.  There is no better time than now to say “Yes Lord forgive me of my sins, and come live in my heart. Please help me live my for You.” 

Let us pray:  

Dear Jesus, thank You for providing Your Truth.  Father please search my heart.  I desire to surrender my will to Your Will.  I want You to be Lord of my life. 

Please help me to have a heart for everyone.  Forgive me for the times that I have failed to encourage others.  Help me to forgive others so that I may honor You with all of my relationships.   

Lord, please do something in my heart, and in my church, so that people in this community can’t help but see Jesus.  Help me reorder my priorities so that You are first.  Please help me to be faithful in gathering together to worship You.  

Jesus, forgive me when I have ignored You leading me to ministry opportunities. Help me to serve where You desire. 

Awaken me, awaken my church to love each other well so others will know we are Christian by our love for one another.  Help me to obey Your Call.  

If you prayed this prayer in response to God, and your answer is “Yes Lord”, please slip up your hand now, and put it back down. We love You Lord.  In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.  

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Christ Above All: Hebrews Part 5 – Harrisonburg

Hebrews 9:11-15

So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

Jesus is our high priest.

1 Peter 1:18-19

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Revelation 1:5

and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,

The people of the Old Testament “clung to the promises of God even when they could not see how these promises would be fulfilled. They were, then, people in waiting, people on a journey toward a land they could not yet see, and everything about their approach to God carried the symbolism of the transitory. They offered imperfect sacrifices through flawed priests in a temporary and movable tabernacle that screened them from the holy presence… they were reaching toward a God they could not grasp, and now God has reached back to take their hands.”

Thomas Long, Hebrews: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

The blood of Christ purifies us.

The blood of Christ saves us.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

The blood of Christ gives us hope today.

Is there anything you’re holding onto today that doesn’t let your cling onto this old rugged cross?

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1. What comes to your mind when I mention the word sacrifice

› pause

I’m an ice cream person,

sacrifice for me could be letting someone have the rest of a favorite ice cream.

maybe it is working long days to help provide for your families.

2. The idea of sacrifice is familiar to us as american’s. Wartime hero’s, everyday men and women who go above and beyond what could ever be asked of them.

i. some of them making the ultimate sacrifice for the good of another.

ii. Sacrifice is something we see tin the story of Gods people from the very beginning. The example of abraham and isaac is a powerful portrat of sacrifice.

a. it could look something like this (about 4 minutes)

b. (Video) sacrifice of Issac

Transition

1. So, Did you catch the words spoken in the beginning of the video?

› PAUSE

1. Issac speaking to Abraham, Father, we have the firewood but where is the lamb?

› pause

1. Abraham speaking to Issac, The Lord will provide a sacrifice my son.

a. As we continue in our series…We will see that Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, not for a country or a single person, but for every person.

b. The spotless Lamb of God

› PRAYER (SHORT)

Welcome back to our series Christ above all

Last few weeks, diving into this series Christ above all

Part 1 we learned that Jesus is above all, greater than all other heavenly beings

part 2 we learned that while on earth jesus learned from his suffering. made perfect thru it he became our great high priest before god the father.

Part 3 we learned that The faith relationship is one of fidelity to Christ and a life

bearing fruit. we can choose to walk away from such a life, walking away from Christ.

Part 4 we learned that The new and better Covenant, superior to the Old, giving us access to God through Christ, the High Priest of this New Covenant.

Today in part 5 we will see that the new covenant spoken about last week is made possible by the sacrifice Jesus made when on the cross. That we can be washed clean, not just on the outside but can be made free of the attitude and disposition to sin. Teaching text Hebrews 9:11-15

Hebrews 9:11–15 NLT

So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

Teaching text Hebrews 9:11-12 Hebrews 9:11–12 (NLT)

So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.

For us to understand a little better what verse 11 and 12 are saying lets step back a few verses

Hebrews 9:7–10 NLT

But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. By these regulations the Holy Spirit revealed that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open as long as the Tabernacle and the system it represented were still in use. This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them. For that old system deals only with food and drink and various cleansing ceremonies—physical regulations that were in effect only until a better system could be established.

i. Did you catch what the author said in verse 8? The entrance to the presence of God was not freely open.

1. Only the High priest could enter into the presence of God, and only once a year.

ii. Coming back to verse 11&12

1. Christ Jesus made a way into the very presence of God

a. In the old covenant as spelled out in the book of Exodus there

was a large thick curtain separating the most holy place. When Jesus shed his blood on the cross that barrier that couldn’t be crossed but once a year, and only by religious authorities, was torn in two from top to bottom.

iii. In the old covenant blood sacrifice had to be offered continually. it only delt with the external effects of sin never the internal attitude.

Teaching text Hebrews 9:13

Hebrews 9:13 NLT

Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity.

• sin is more than ceremonial uncleanness and even more than moral defilement. The rites and regulations provided only temporary benefit;

• the problem would return again and require yet another sin-offering so long as the inward weakness of the worshiper remained unaddressed.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible (Chapter 9)

Our High Priest entered into heaven once for all, and has obtained eternal redemption. The Holy Ghost further signified and showed that the Old Testament sacrifices only freed the outward man from ceremonial uncleanness, and fitted him for some outward privileges.

Leviticus 1:1–5 NLT

The LORD called to Moses from the Tabernacle and said to him, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you present an animal as an

offering to the LORD, you may take it from your herd of cattle or your flock of sheep and goats. “If the animal you present as a burnt offering is from the herd, it must be a male with no defects. Bring it to the entrance of the Tabernacle so you may be accepted by the LORD. Lay your hand on the animal’s head, and the LORD will accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him. Then slaughter the young bull in the LORD’s presence, and Aaron’s sons, the priests, will present the animal’s blood by splattering it against all sides of the altar that stands at the entrance to the Tabernacle.

Teaching text Hebrews 9:14 Hebrews 9:14 HOW MUCH MORE! (greater)

Hebrews 9:14 NLT

Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

a. TO CLENSE HERE IS THE GREEK WORD KATH-ER-ID-ZO MEANING TO MAKE CLEAN

a. FROM PHYSICAL STAINS

b. IN A MORAL SENCE

i. FREE FROM DEFILEMENT OF SIN

ii. PURIFY FROM WICKEDNESS

iii. FREE FROM GUILT OF SIN

iv. TO CONSECRATE (CLENSE, PURIFY, DEDICATE)

i. If bulls and goats could do that, how much more can Christ cleanse and purify us from the guilt of sin that may be present in us?

ii. The old covenant was good at ceremonially clensing the exterior or a person, but did noting for the heart and disposition to sin.

1. Christ made a way where there was none.

a. He made a way for us no not just be clean on the outside for all to see, he made a way for all who would believe to be made clean from the attitude of sin on the inside.

Hebrews 4:14–16 NLT

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

because of the shedding of his blood we can have freedom and forgiveness. because he is our great high priest we can be free from the attitude of sin.

Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us, yet if we withhold ourselves from that blood, we will be unclean forever. – AW Tozer Teaching text Hebrews 9:15

Hebrews 9:15 NLT

That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has

promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

i. MES-EE-TACE GREEK FOR ONE WHO INTERVENES BETWEEN 2

ii. ARBITRATOR

1. MOSES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS A MESSENGER OF LAWS OF THE OLD COVENANT.]

2. JESUS WAS THE FULFILLMENT OF THAT COVENANT

iii. the old covenant was based on rules, just read Leviticus. but because of Christ we can have relationship and audience with The King.

iv. we were once held ransom by sin, captive and without hope.

1. but by the ransom paid on the cross I can be free, you can be free.

2. the blood of christ doesn’t just cover, it pays the ransom no amount of animal sacrifice could.

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Eight: The Superior Sanctuary (Hebrews 9))

As believers we can have confidence because all that we have in Christ is eternal. Hebrews 9:15 makes it clear that there was no final and complete redemption under the Old Covenant. Those transgressions were covered by the blood of the many sacrifices, but not cleansed until the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross Since Christ has accomplished an eternal redemption, we are able to share in an eternal inheritance.

› CALL UP BAND

Transition

Article 6 from the Church of the Nazarene manual says

Jesus Christ, by His sufferings, by the shedding of His own blood, and by His death on the Cross, made a full atonement for all human sin, and that this Atonement is the only ground of salvation, and that it is sufficient for every individual of Adam’s race

– there are some things we were never meant to carry. The weight of unrepented sin is one of those things.

• if the Holy Spirit is speaking to you this morning, don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

• carrying unrepented sin, and failures is akin to carrying heavy baggage around all the time

• My tool bag at work weighs between 30 and 40 lbs. I don’t carry it. I let a tool cart carry it.

• Sin is a heavy load to bear, don’t carry around something that Jesus has offered to not only forgive you of, but free you from.

• Kath-er-id-zo

Conclusion

IF WHILE DOING DISHES WE ONLY WASHED THE OUSIDE OF THE CUP, IT WILL STILL REMAIN DIRTY. IT WILL APPEAR CLEAN AND READY FOR USE FROM THE OUTSIDE, BUT WILL STILL BE FILTHY ON THE INSIDE.

1 Timothy 2:5 NLT

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 9:22–23 NLT

In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals.

WHEN WE ACCEPT HIM AS SAVIOR AND MAKE HIM OUR LORD HIS SACRIFICE MENTIONED IN TODAY’S SCRIPTURE CLEANS NOT JUST THE OUTSIDE THAT EVERYONE CAN SEE, BUT HE CLEANSES THE INSIDE MAKING US A NEW CREATION, CREATED ANEW IN THE IMAGE OF CHRIST JESUS.

Jesus gave us a way to remember his sacrifice, his body and blood as represented in the communion elements.

Today there are 3 ways to approach the communion table

• forgiveness for unconfessed sin and in rep

• maybe you have strayed away from the forgiveness and grace that is found in Jesus

• in rememberance for all he has done in your life

• There is no better moment , no better time than around the communion table to find forgiveness and faith is christ.

The Communion Supper, instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a sacrament, which proclaims His life, His sufferings, His sacrificial death, and resurrection, and the hope of His coming again. It shows forth the Lord’s death until His return. The Supper is a means of grace in which Christ is present by the Spirit. It is to be received in reverent appreciation and gratefulness for the work of Christ. All those who are truly repentant, forsaking their sins, and believing in Christ for salvation are invited to participate in the death and resurrection of Christ. We come to the table that we may be renewed in life and salvation and be made one by the Spirit. In unity with the Church, we confess our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again

Luke 22:14–20 NLT

When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.