My 11/18/12AM sermon, Benediction, from Hebrews 13:20-21 is now online. In this sermon, I sought to unpack Biblical hope. You see, God has all the credentials in the world in His proven track record of working for peace with mankind. He is also at work to accomplish the sanctification that Jesus’ death inaugurated. Finally, His aim in all of this is the glory of His Son. Therefore, much hope is ours through God and the Gospel. Hope you find this to be true in this passage and hope your Lord’s Day equipped you to this end.
Weekend Preview – Gospel Hope
As we near the close of the book of Hebrews on Sunday Mornings at Crestview, tomorrow we come to Hebrews 13:20-21. It is really a prayer that the writer has for his readers. He wants them to get the message of the Gospel and what it means for the people. Tomorrow, as we look at this benediction, I’m hoping to inspire hope in you as we look at the hope that this writer has for the people.
So, come expecting to built up in hope…
Weekend Recap – Worthy Heroes
My 6/17/12AM sermon from Hebrews 11:32-38 is now online. It was entitled Worthy Heroes. There were a few things that really stood out to me in this passage…
1) The hope of a better life. In v.35, there are 2 ways contrasted. 2 women triumphed in faith when they received back children from the dead. That was a pretty amazing thing, a physical resurrection. But, what captivates the writer of Hebrews was those who were tortured, and led to death in the hope of a better life, a better resurrection. This spiritual resurrection that is ours should be enough to jolt us in the here and now to live lives of endurance marked by faith. This hope of a better life should help get you through Mondays.
2) Worthy – In v.38, these suffering believers are described as those of whom the world is not worthy. Which led me to ask, well if they aren’t worthy of the world, then who are they worthy of? The answer: God Himself. When we triumph in endurance, God is pleased and esteemed as the most worthy one of the universe.
Today, then, strive to be a worthy hero that honors God by living in faith.
Hope for the Grieving…
I’ve had a busy few weeks with a couple of dear ladies passing on to glory and being privileged to serve the families. Thinking about some of what I’ve said and will say in the coming week I was encouraged by these verses from Isaiah 43:
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Truly God is good. Knowing that He is near us is sometimes all that sustains us in these times. Jesus promised us that He is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Him, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Him shall never die (John 11:25-26). Today, no matter where you are, rest in this truth and find comfort from the heart of heaven.
Assessing the Damage
It’s sad to admit, but for many, marriage includes a lot of damage from the past. A recent statement released spoke of the damage that happens in marriages because of sin. Here’s the summary:
The Fall introduced distortions inot the relationships between men and women. – In the home, the husband’s loving, humble headship tends to be replaced by domination or passivity; the wife’s intelligent, willing submission tends to be replaced by usurpation or servility. – In the church, sin inclines men toward a worldly love of power or an abdication of spiritual responsibility, and inclines women to resist limitations on their roles or to neglect the use of their gifts in appropriate ministries.
Therefore, today, won’t you ask God to change your heart through the amazing message of the Gospel. It’s there that you can find hurt for your past that affects your present and future.