Parkerville Baptist Church
Parky Baptist Church is wanting to support up-and-coming preachers who are currently undertaking study in ministry, and this week we will be hearing from the first of a number of students who will be taking part in regular preaching spots @Parky.
This Sunday we have a guest speaker from Morling College, Vose Campus – Joshua Huggett. Josh will be continuing our "Family Ties" series,speaking to us about the importance of the family of God.
Joshua says, “The big idea is that the mutual encouragement and exhortation of the family of God is a means of God’s preservation and self-revelation to us. A snappier way of putting it might be that ‘a relationship with God’s people is part of a relationship with God.’”
HOW DO I KEEP MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
Hebrews 10:19-31 NIV
Context: Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice.
Compare with Jewish sacrifice on Yom Kippur (day of atonement); see Leviticus 16
High priest would wash himself in water, put on priestly clothes, enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood of a bull and a goat on the mercy seat.
BUT (Hebrews 10:4) it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
The day of atonement points to the necessity of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Because of this sacrifice, some say we don’t need Christian community; the author of Hebrews has this kind of argument in mind.
Hebrews 10:19 NIV
"Brothers” = Christian community; talking to Jewish Christians
Like the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once per year, we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.
Hebrews 10:20 NIV
The Holy of Holies was separated by a veil which the high priest had to pass through to enter.
Jesus’ body is our veil (see Matthew 27:51).
Through His body, we can be with God.
Matthew 27:51 NIV
Hebrews 10:21 NIV
Jesus is our great priest
Hebrews 10:22 NIV
ANSWER 1: By drawing near to God
Practically: Reading the Bible (listening to God) and praying (speaking to God).
We can do this because our hearts have been sprinkled clean and our bodies washed.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
ANSWER 2: By holding fast to the confession of our hope
By sticking to the truth of Jesus no matter what.
We are tempted to deny Jesus because we fear people and what they can do to us, but we should realise that God is far scarier (Luke 12:4-5).
But we don’t have to fear God because He’s not just a judge, but also a Father.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
ANSWER 3: Considering how to provoke one another to love and good deeds
NOT loving one another (per Matthew 22:34-40), but encouraging one another to love.
God doesn’t draw us to Himself through the work of the church, but He keeps us there.
Our relationships with God and one another go hand-in-hand.
ANSWERS 1 and 2 happen together, in light of answer 3.
Hebrews 10:26-31 NIV
Why do we need this community of love? What are the stakes?
The judgment of the good God.
But because God is good, we can approach Him as a Father.
Conclusion
How will you:
Draw near to God?
Hold fast your confession?
Provoke your fellow Christians to love and good works?
