August 14, 2024 -- Hebrews 10:23-25 -- There are so many reasons to be confident, assured in your faith

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV

In the verses preceding today's text the reasons for holding on tightly to your confession of faith were spelled out this way: Jesus’ blood was spilled, so you know your sins are forgiven. Whereas Old Testament priests entered the Holy of Holies only once a year, Jesus took His sacrifice into heaven itself. He is the perfect sacrifice Who is ever in the Presence of the Father. Be assured believers, your sins are forgiven. Jesus Himself is the great high priest of His people—He lives forever defeating all enemies and praying that His victory over sin, death and grave becomes more fully yours by the powerful presence of His Spirit within you.

So, hold those promises tightly. When you struggle against sin, know that Jesus is praying. Confess your sins with the full confidence you will be forgiven. When you feel all alone in your walk with God, look for a fellow believer whom you can encourage. You know that a trouble-maker stirs people up and makes them argue and doubt the sincerity of the people around them. In grace-filled contrast to trouble-makers, the Christian stirs up people to consider the promises of God. A Christian thinks of ways to direct conversations towards the goodness of God and all the riches that have been given in Jesus Christ. A Christian who is gripped by the Spirit of God wants to see others succeed and grow in their walk with God.

Meeting together is the duty of Christians. Meet for times of prayer. Meet to talk about Jesus. Meet on Sundays—both worship services—like the pattern of the Old Testament, where there were morning and evening sacrifices, so as New Testament take time for morning and evening worship which set the pattern for the week. Day and night be filled with the praise and worship of God. Christians meet together and in so doing are stirred up by the Word of God so that wherever the Holy Spirit sends them, they go in the power of Jesus Christ. Where meeting on Sundays is impossible, those who are in hospitals, prisons, hospice care and so on, seek contact with other Christians. Look for Christians around you and encourage each other in this precious faith.

Faithful Father thank You for the great love You have poured out on Your people through the gift of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the assurance that His blood is the great sacrifice to which all the Old Testament sacrifices pointed so that by the blood of Jesus Your people are cleansed once for all. Thank You, glorious God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Who testifies to the power of Jesus which overcomes the world. Send Your people out so that by the witness of the Word and the power of the Spirit they may stir up other Christians to love and good works and by their testimony lead many to the presence of Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/0xEL0tM2U9Q?si=NQ1r1p2MQuaC80Dn “Behold the Lamb” Getty Music

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