Sunday Words of Encouragement June 23, 2019

It was nice to be back to the home church this morning. Our substitute Sunday School teacher showed a video of geologist and scientists discussing a young earth as proof of creation rather than evolution.

We had nice praise and worship before Pastor’s sermon. The sermon titled Resolution was based on Hebrews 7, 8 and 9. The author of Hebrews was addressing confused believers. Those accustomed to Jewish practices or other religions have to reconcile their mixed cultures and traditions with the new faith in Christ.

People try to find the perfect house, spouse, job, church. It is hard to find the ‘perfect’ fit because it doesn’t really exist. Most often we have to adjust to circumstances; we have to fit or learn to do without. We learn to settle or make allowance. The author tried to explain four areas that were fundamental issues to Christ followers.
Issue 1: The Priesthood. The Priest used to have to make the sacrifices for the people but now the people can go the one true priest by faith in the cross. Hebrews 7:9-12, 18.
Issue 2: The Law. Hebrews7:19. The law made nothing perfect. There was no righteousness to be found in the law. Hebrews 8:7, 13. The law reveals our need for salvation.
Issue 3: The System. Only the High Priest could enter the first room and make blood sacrifices for atonement of sins. Hebrews 9:7-13.
Issue 4: The Tabernacle (copies of things in heaven Hebrews 9:23).
Hebrews 10:1-3. The law was only a shadow of what was to come. The law provided for repeated sacrifices while Christ died once and for all.

The Point: We all need resolution with God, and it comes through Jesus.

Hebrews 7:23-26, 19 – Nothing was made perfect through the law but a better Hope draws us closer to God.
Hebrews 8:6 Jesus brings a better covenant than the system of the laws.
Hebrews 8:1 Jesus is not in a tabernacle that was made by human hands.
Hebrews 8:11-12 Jesus provides redemption forever.

God made the perfect way. The only thing in the way, is us. Do we/ will we surrender to Christ?
Are we going to choose to worship Him? Can it really be that simple?
Our resolution gives us a free relationship with God... No carry-on luggage is needed.

This song fits this morning if you listen to the words.

Verse for Today:
Hebrews 7:18-19
18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

Heavenly Father I thank your for providing a better way, a better hope through the sacrificial blood of Jesus.