“A community that draws near together”
SERMON Title: A community that draws near together
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV)
Introduction:
As we continue through the Book of Hebrews, we see more clearly how Jesus is the culmination of the greatest to come. In comparison to the angels, to Moses, the prophets, the temple, the priests, and the sacrificial system - Jesus is better and higher. The writer of Hebrews points to the importance of connection and to our church community for it is ultimately better to be joined to others in the presence of Jesus than to be alone.
We are called to seek a life with God that flourishes, a life with God that soars, and this depends on being a part of a strong root system consisting of different people in the body of Christ strengthening us.
Overview:
Neglecting to meet with the church:
Over the past 2000 years, there has been a running theme in the Christian faith to not be connected to the church community.
But what the New Covenant points to (Hebrews 10:16) is to be in a genuine relationship with Jesus requires us to be in a relationship with one another.
Our personal relationship with Jesus is not only spending time in prayer with Him or reading the Bible, but the essence of loving God is found in our connection and our love for God and His people (Matthew 22:37-39).
The New Covenant redefines our understanding of what being connected with our community means. Community is never losing the awareness that we are connected to one another.
Jesus’ death on the cross accomplished not only a vertical reconciliation on our behalf to God but also a reconciling of a horizontal relationship with one another.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:22-23)
With this, we are called to not only be a community that draws near to one another but also be a community that attracts and draws others into our community.
How do we become a community that draws people near?
We are to become a community that spurs one another towards love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)
Do you see this present in your life?
Do you extend the grace and gratitude you receive from Christ to your neighbor?
We are the image-bearers of Christ and because of this, our lives are to reflect and represent His goodness in this world - through loving and serving others by good works.
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 10:25)
Is your life marked by encouragement?
Does your presence bring greater discouragement or one of peace and encouragement to others?
Encouragement is marked by life-giving words, actions, thoughts, and attitudes for those around you.
Our ability to spur one another on towards good deeds is because of our genuine gratitude in response to receiving God’s grace.
God moves toward a sinful world in His forgiving grace and compassionate love.
In Christ, He forgives us, offers us salvation, a new future, a new heart, a new perspective, and a new hope.
Application:
Let us not give up meeting together.
To re-establish and re-cultivate the habit of meeting together again.
Let us lift up our worship to God as we draw near to Him altogether as a community.
Sermon reflection questions:
Do you currently feel connected to your church community? What does connecting with your local church look like?
What is your view on the need to be horizontally connected with your church community in comparison to the necessity of being vertically connected to God? Do you see the spiritual disciplines of reading the Word and being in prayer as sufficient to your walk with Him?
Do you wake up with a desire to bless others? How do you think you can share hope with one person this week instead of falling back on focusing on the faults of others?
