“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” v.23-25 (NLT)
As believers in Christ we have significant privileges because of what he has done on our behalf. This passage points out four things we need to remember, understand, and then apply.
We have personal access to God through Christ!
We can grow in our faith, overcome doubts and questions, and deepen our relationship with God.
We can connect and enjoy fellowship with other believers! (in fact, we need this)
We get to worship together and tell others how great our God is.
Today, be encouraged by the hope we have in Christ and encourage someone else by letting them know how God has used them to bless you!
“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, 28 so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” v.27-28 (NLT)
Judgment in not a popular theme today, but the Bible teaches that judgment is coming. In fact, the Bible says that one day Jesus is coming back and when He returns He will usher in Gods Kingdom. This Kingdom will include a new Heaven and a new Earth. Those that have repented of sin (turned away from it) and committed their life to Jesus, will spend eternity with God in His Kingdom. Sadly, those that have not repented of sin and committed their life to Jesus, will be judged by the good and bad things they have done. Because they have not committed their life to Jesus, and not been forgiven of sin, the Bible says they will spend eternity away from God in a very real place called Hell.
So when it comes to Christs return and the judgment that awaits all of us, we can either stand in confidence because we have trusted that Jesus is who He says He is, and He will do what He said He will do, or we can stand condemned, hoping that we were good enough and God will not do what He says He will do.
So the question today is this, If Christ was to return today, do you have confidence that you will spend eternity in Heaven?
Today, Ask Jesus for bold confidence. Confidence in the fact that if you were to breath your last breath, you know you would spend eternity with Him in Heaven. If you don’t have this confidence, or have questions about having this confidence, click here!
Well this morning marked the last Fusion Worship Service for the year and the conclusion of our CHRISTmas series. I thought today went well. It was good seeing some of our former students, who have graduated and now in college, back leading and attending today! Here is the outline and the songs we sang today!
CHRISTmas God becomes Man … 12.20.09
To be our SACRIFICE!
Have you ever sacrificed something for someone else? I am not talking about killing the neighbors cat, (show picture of cat) we’re not talking about animal sacrifices here, we are talking about you giving up something for someone else?
Isaiah 53 (NLT)
CHRIST BECAME HUMAN BECAUSE …
We NEEDED HELP!
“No one is righteous — not even one.” Romans 3:10 (NLT)
* One of the joys of being a dad is when Josiah says “Daddy can you …”
We needed a PERFECT SACRIFICE!
Will you circle that word “PERFECT”, Have you ever tried to be perfect? It’s pretty tough … think about it …
* We try to look perfect
* We try to talk perfect
* We try to have a perfect game
The fact is, no matter how hard you try, it’s impossible to be perfect ALL THE TIME!
”For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.” Hebrews 10:10 (NLT)
We need a MEDIATOR!
* If we break the law and have to appear in court we have an option to represent our self or have someone else represent us and plead our case.
* Old Testament High Pries
“Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. 2 And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses.” Hebrews 5:1-2 (NLT)
* Jesus is now our High Priest
“There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. 24 But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to savethose who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:23-25 (NLT)
“When God speaks of a ‘new’ covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.” v.13
Some of the Jewish believers were clinging to the obsolete old ways instead of embracing Christ’s new covenant. People today, still reject Jesus and believe He is not the only way to Heaven as He declares in John 14:6. But here’s the truth: Who you say Jesus is … is very important!
We declare who we really think Jesus is by what we choose to believe, but we also do this by the way we live. This includes where we spend our time, money, thoughts, and includes the things we say and do. When you evaluate these thing in your own life, Who do you really say that Jesus is? Is He Lord over all areas of your life?
“There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. 24 But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save[e] those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” v. 23-25 (NLT)
In the Old Testament, God established High Priest to represent the people by offering sacrifices daily for themselves and then for the people. These sacrifice were sin offerings to God because we are sinful people. Chapter 7 explains why this is important and if this is something you are interested in I encourage you to read it. When Jesus steps out of Heaven and comes to Earth, He lives, teaches and models what it means to have a relationship with God and to be Gods people. By His death, he offers Himself as a perfect sinless sacrifices and by His resurrection he becomes our High Priest and representative, speaking on our behalf before God.
Wow, I know that’s a lot to take in early in the morning I hope I have confused you. But here is the Bottom line: Jesus has a permanent priesthood because of his life, death, and resurrection. He should be everyone’s ultimate authority for spiritual life. However, in our culture today, many people have other advisors and counselors whom they elevate almost to the role of a priest. Some people even still visit and confess sins to a priest. People look to political leaders, lawyers, physicians, and many others to provide hope, long life, and security against disaster. Many Christians regard the advice priest and ministers, Christians friends, and even pop musicians before they consider the words of Jesus written in the Bible.
Because of what Jesus has done, we have direct access to God. Talking to people and getting their input is good, but talking to God and getting His input is the greatest thing we can ever do.
Today, let’s talk to God like we talk to a friend. When we pray, let’s ask Him for advice and tell Him how we feel. Let’s open His Word, and listen when He speaks to us. Let’s thank Him for the things Jesus has done on our behalf and remember, Jesus stand before God on our behalf! Thank you Jesus!
I have to be honest … I was very skeptical about this staff outing. I love inviting people to church and even sharing with others about Christ, but for some reason, I felt this had a Rob Bell “bullhorn” video written all over it from the first time I heard about the idea for a staff outing. However, much to my surprise, our team had a great time! We got to pass out some Starbucks gift-cards, invite people to our Christmas Eve Service and ask some random Christmas questions. I feel like the morning went well and we avoided the turn or burn approach that pushes people away from church instead of inviting them to it! Here is just a quick video of some of the things that went down this morning! Enjoy!
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” v. 10 (NLT)
Have you ever felt discouraged? You work hard, serve in love, but feel like the people around you don’t even notice. I wish I could say that when you reach out to others by teaching, serving, mentoring them that you will always feel like you are making a difference. But truthfully, I can’t say that. There are times that I feel like I am ineffective, there are times that I get discouraged, there are times that I even want to quit. But it is in these times that I have to look beyond my feelings and trust that the Lord is using me. Besides, it’s not about how I feel! The enemy want me to feel these things so I give up and not trust that the Lord is using me. It’s not about my feelings but about Him being glorified by what is happening. This verse is a great reminder to all of us today.
It’s easy to get discouraged, thinking that God has forgotten us. But God is never unjust. He never forgets or overlooks our hard work for Him. Presently you may not be receiving rewards and acclaim, but God knows your efforts of love and ministry. Let His love for you and His intimate knowledge of your service for Him encourage and strengthen you as you face disappointment and even rejection here on earth.
Today, let’s find our hope and encouragement from the Lord and love, serve, teach, and model what it means to be a Christ Follower, even when we feel discouraged. Remember, He is Faithful, lets not give up, but press in!
Hard to believe Christmas is almost here!!! As a matter of fact, this weekend will be the last Fusion Service of the year! Wow!!! Special thanks to all that made this past weekend happen flawlessly while my family and I were in Missouri. We had a great trip! Even though I got sick, it was good to see family and friends. Congrats Mike on graduating College!!!!
This weekend I will wrap up our CHRISTmas series! If you haven’t been in a while, we would love to see you! If by some chance you missed last week, here’s the video intro from the talk Chris gave! It’s a great teaching on the fact that Christ became man to show Humility. I have also thrown in the announcement video so you can know what’s going on!!! Hope you’ll join us this weekend!!!
“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word.[c] You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” v. 11-14 (NLT)
What keeps you from growing? This is probably a question we don’t ask ourselves very often. In fact as I sit here and reflect on this question there isnt’t just one answer that comes to mind. I have several things that keep me from growing in my relationship with Christ here are a few:
I’m to busy
I am tired
I’ll do it tomorrow
I don’t want to …
It’s hard
My church isn’t deep enough
These are just six of many things that keep me from growing in my relationship with Christ. Have you caught yourself saying any of these? But I have to be honest, these are just excuses. Everyday I have an opportunity to grow, but it starts with a desire and it takes discipline! Let me break it down for you
Desire – When you desire to have something you do whatever it takes to get it. It may mean that you work hard to get it! But it may also mean that you sacrifice somethings in order to get the thing you desire. Sadly, when it comes to Spiritual Growth, many of us don’t desire it. That seems harsh to say, but look at our churches today. Many of us are just content with coming to church, singing songs, listening to powerful messages, as long as we get home in time for the football game.
We will continue to be immature believers until we truly desire to grow. We have to desire to let God transform us into that new person. This growth happens when we spend time alone with God. Yes, God can stir your affections for Him in a service, He can convict you of your sin and break your heart for the things that break His, but if you don’t begin to spend time with Him in a personal way, be careful . . . you could begin to stunt your spiritual growth. Jesus understood this! Many times in scripture we see him leave crowds to spend time with God. He understood how much He needed time alone with God.
Discipline – This is the part where you begin to make time for growth. This is where you do the hard things of getting up earlier, staying up later, or adjusting your schedule to spend time with God. This is also the part where you begin to apply the truths you hear from Gods Word in your personal time and from your public worship times. It will take discipline for this to happen! There will be times it’s easy, and there will be times it’s hard, but you have to discipline yourself to do these things. It’s in these times that God is growing you, stretching you, and transforming you to be more like Christ.
No great sports team wins championships without being disciplined. They work hard, practice long, study their plays so they can execute effectively on game day. The same is true for believers. We need to spend time with God, so we can wrestle with the Truth of Scripture, understand it so we can apply it, live it so people will see it, so when we explain it they will receive it.
Today, will you stop making excuses? Let’s put that desire for spiritual growth into action and start being disciplined in the truth, so we can effectively execute the Gospel to the world around us!
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” v.12-13 (NLT)
The Word of God is not simply a collection of words from God, it’s a love letter from God written to us. The Word of God is living, life-giving and dynamic as it works in us. Sometimes it’s work is easy and other times it’s work is hard. Regardless, Gods Word has the sharpness of a surgeons knife, it reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates deep into the core of who we really are and discerns what is in us both good and evil. However, the demand of Gods Word require decisions. We must not only listen, sometimes this is the easy part, we must allow it to shape our lives, many times this is the hard part. What we choose to do with the Word of God will determine how we live our life and who we live our life for.
Today, how are you going to handle the Word of God? For me, I want to read it, listen to it, think about it, effectively apply it, so I can ultimately benefit from it! Will you join me?
Dan Gould 