sermon from Nov. 14

Hope for the Church

Hebrews 10:19-25

Series on “Our Mission” (part 10)*

Some people have the idea of “going to church”, i.e. something you do one day a week and then where you live your individual life in the world. Actually, it is God’s indispensable way of growing people so they become more like Christ. Do you have a rock-solid conviction about the indispensability of the church in your life and for your family? Here is a definition of the church: The church is God’s people (who we are), who are saved by God’s power (what He has done and is doing) for God’s purpose (the good works he created us in Jesus Christ to do (Jeff Vandersteldt). If so the church is who we are and it is a 24/7 activity!!!

THE INDISPENSABLITY OF THE CHURCH

• Vs. 25 – “Let us not neglect to meet together as the manner of some is.”
• The key word is “together” (eat together, learn together, love one another together, confess sins to one another, be on mission together)
• Christianity is “good infection”. You catch it from each other...
• Why Sunday mornings are not enough.

FOUR INDISPENSABILE ACTIVITIES FOR US TO “BE THE CHURCH”

• Vs. 24 – “Let us consider one another”

1. Do you have anyone in your life who is considering how you can better grow into the likeness of Jesus?

2. Not just the job of the pastor, but everyone!

3. For men as much as women!

• Vs. 25 – “Spur one another to love and good deeds” (KJV)

1. Like a horse’s spur, we are to irritate each other in a positive way.

2. We are to give permission to one another to do this (and not give in to

Eastern “face” or Western “individualism)”.

• Encourage one another (just read the book of I Thessalonians for a great example; how do your words compare to Paul’s?)
• Be on mission together.

THE INDISPENSABLE PRIVILEGE OF THE CHURCH, vs. 19-24, “Access to God through the blood of Jesus.”

* Some material has been drawn from Jeff Vandersteldt and Tim Keller.