WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:10.519 ! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:10.519 --> 00:00:20.339 ! We are going to hear that same invitation from God's Word this morning. 00:00:20.339 --> 00:00:28.820 It's a beautiful, amazing, hope-filled passage. 00:00:28.820 --> 00:00:33.899 Hebrews chapter 4 verses 14 through 16. 00:00:35.039 --> 00:00:45.100 Remember as you turn there in your Bibles that you are dealing with and holding in your hands something so powerful. 00:00:46.379 --> 00:00:56.880 Living and active Word of God, sharper than any two-edged sword that pierces to divide soul and spirit, 00:00:56.880 --> 00:01:02.719 joints and marrow to expose the thoughts and intentions of your heart. 00:01:03.400 --> 00:01:06.219 Maybe even some you didn't know were there. 00:01:07.320 --> 00:01:08.740 He's going to show you this morning. 00:01:09.780 --> 00:01:10.659 This is His Word. 00:01:11.240 --> 00:01:14.060 Hebrews 4 at verse 14. 00:01:14.060 --> 00:01:23.879 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. 00:01:24.280 --> 00:01:26.420 Let us hold fast our confession. 00:01:27.299 --> 00:01:32.280 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:39.460 but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 00:01:39.459 --> 00:01:51.500 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 00:01:52.299 --> 00:01:54.280 Let's go to Him together now. 00:01:54.280 --> 00:02:04.640 Father, we are here to acknowledge that that's who we are, those who stand in need of You. 00:02:06.379 --> 00:02:08.599 Oh, Father, for so many reasons. 00:02:09.439 --> 00:02:14.199 We hardly know how to count them or name them. 00:02:14.199 --> 00:02:22.599 And yet You promise that we can come and that this morning again we will find mercy and grace. 00:02:23.739 --> 00:02:29.599 And so would You use Your Word by Your Spirit to meet with us now. 00:02:30.079 --> 00:02:32.039 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:02:32.799 --> 00:02:33.079 Amen. 00:02:33.080 --> 00:02:33.219 Amen. 00:02:36.900 --> 00:02:48.180 The verses that we just read together begin a long section of Hebrews that talks about Jesus as the great high priest greater than any other. 00:02:48.480 --> 00:02:50.560 So we're going to be revisiting that theme. 00:02:50.800 --> 00:02:51.860 Okay, get used to that. 00:02:52.760 --> 00:03:01.360 I think at the beginning of it, it's worth asking something that you may think when you hear that. 00:03:01.360 --> 00:03:08.100 You may be thinking, why would I need a priest? 00:03:09.520 --> 00:03:10.980 It's a good question. 00:03:11.880 --> 00:03:17.240 A priest is someone who represents you before God. 00:03:18.160 --> 00:03:22.980 Who stands in God's presence on your behalf. 00:03:22.979 --> 00:03:31.459 And perhaps then in our ruggedly individualistic culture, some might think, oh, well, then no bother. 00:03:31.659 --> 00:03:33.359 I'll stand up for myself. 00:03:34.199 --> 00:03:37.539 You know, I don't really need a representative. 00:03:38.239 --> 00:03:39.599 God and I are cool. 00:03:39.799 --> 00:03:40.719 I mean, we're fine. 00:03:42.479 --> 00:03:50.000 Well, remember some of what the old covenant people of God would have been unable to forget. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:04:00.759 Even though we were made for close relationship with God, he is holy, holy, holy, as we sang earlier. 00:04:00.879 --> 00:04:05.520 He is totally other and above us. 00:04:05.800 --> 00:04:11.920 In fact, the Bible says he dwells in unapproachable light. 00:04:11.919 --> 00:04:18.399 But try to approach and you'll find out. 00:04:18.579 --> 00:04:21.819 You'll find out God is a consuming fire. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:25.659 Flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. 00:04:26.039 --> 00:04:27.219 They'd witnessed it. 00:04:27.339 --> 00:04:30.519 These people of God had seen it happen. 00:04:31.079 --> 00:04:38.360 For most of the Old Testament, access to God personally was by one man, once a year, 00:04:38.360 --> 00:04:44.540 with a rope tied around his ankle in case you needed to drag his body back out. 00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:53.180 Ever since Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden and it was guarded by flaming swords to keep them out. 00:04:53.180 --> 00:04:59.080 Access to God is much more like a no trespassing sign. 00:04:59.960 --> 00:05:03.680 Beware of God on the fence, right? 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:13.980 The first people reading Hebrews knew that they needed someone to represent them before God. 00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:15.860 They wouldn't dare to have come on their own. 00:05:15.900 --> 00:05:23.120 They needed someone to bring a sacrifice on their behalf, to speak for them before the judge. 00:05:24.439 --> 00:05:29.060 Watch enough people get burned and you might want someone to stand in for you too. 00:05:29.060 --> 00:05:41.519 Would you really want to put your record of mixed motives and inconsistent performance, up and down, living, 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:48.199 before a perfectly holy, righteous, just God? 00:05:48.620 --> 00:05:50.920 Just take your chances, see how it goes. 00:05:51.759 --> 00:05:53.759 Your life is on the line. 00:05:53.860 --> 00:05:54.699 He said, eternity. 00:05:55.439 --> 00:05:57.819 Do you really want to represent yourself? 00:05:59.060 --> 00:06:01.680 Or would you like a priest? 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:08.220 And you may say, oh, pastor, but you're not any better than I am. 00:06:09.180 --> 00:06:10.899 No, that's exactly right. 00:06:10.980 --> 00:06:12.079 I'm not a priest. 00:06:12.819 --> 00:06:13.780 Not like that. 00:06:15.480 --> 00:06:16.740 I need one too. 00:06:17.800 --> 00:06:18.480 We all do. 00:06:18.480 --> 00:06:26.400 And the writer to the Hebrews says, you have one. 00:06:26.759 --> 00:06:30.000 You have a great high priest. 00:06:30.060 --> 00:06:31.280 It's not hypothetical. 00:06:31.879 --> 00:06:32.960 It's not potential. 00:06:33.140 --> 00:06:34.920 Maybe one day, someday you might get. 00:06:35.500 --> 00:06:37.740 It's relational reality. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:40.759 If you have trusted Jesus by faith. 00:06:40.900 --> 00:06:45.720 If you have claimed him as your substitute, as your representative before God. 00:06:46.439 --> 00:06:50.699 We have a great high priest. 00:06:51.980 --> 00:06:53.300 Let's just stop there. 00:06:53.720 --> 00:06:55.939 Before I go on, let me just ask you. 00:06:57.300 --> 00:06:58.160 Do you? 00:06:58.160 --> 00:06:58.760 Do you? 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:01.280 Do you? 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:07.820 Do you have a great high priest? 00:07:07.980 --> 00:07:10.620 Do you have Jesus as priest? 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:15.120 I didn't say, do you identify as a Christian? 00:07:16.260 --> 00:07:19.140 I didn't say, do you go to church sometimes? 00:07:19.139 --> 00:07:25.639 I didn't say, do you feel like you deserve good representation before God? 00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:31.800 Listen, this is a case where if you do not have a representative, one will not be assigned 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:32.939 to you by heaven. 00:07:33.479 --> 00:07:40.259 You will stand on your own before the judgment seat of God, before his holy throne. 00:07:42.319 --> 00:07:48.079 You say, but what if I can't afford good legal representation to speak well for me? 00:07:48.079 --> 00:07:49.859 Listen, there's good news. 00:07:50.139 --> 00:07:53.779 The best in the business is absolutely free. 00:07:54.099 --> 00:07:55.979 You just claim him as yours. 00:07:56.039 --> 00:08:00.240 You just get to look him up and pick him and he's yours. 00:08:00.879 --> 00:08:09.360 If you haven't personally asked Jesus to represent you before God, you can do that today. 00:08:11.039 --> 00:08:16.339 And if you're not sure you want to yet, I'd invite you to keep listening. 00:08:16.599 --> 00:08:17.539 I hope you will. 00:08:17.540 --> 00:08:18.460 Keep listening. 00:08:18.580 --> 00:08:22.640 God's going to tell us why Jesus is the best option. 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:26.520 The one I need, the one you need. 00:08:27.680 --> 00:08:31.580 What kind of priest do we have in Jesus? 00:08:33.779 --> 00:08:35.779 Well, he's unstoppable. 00:08:35.779 --> 00:08:46.699 Jesus is a great high priest in ways that we are going to unpack over several chapters in Hebrews. 00:08:47.699 --> 00:08:55.259 This is only the start, but the first thing we're told here is that he has passed through the heavens. 00:08:55.259 --> 00:09:04.179 This refers to Jesus' ascension from earth back to his father's glory. 00:09:04.179 --> 00:09:15.960 Most high priests, they would pass through a curtain in the temple into the holy of holies where God dwells on earth. 00:09:15.960 --> 00:09:17.200 But this is different. 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:28.019 Jesus passed through the heavens to stand in the very presence, the high and holy throne room of God. 00:09:28.160 --> 00:09:31.180 That room where there's no trespassing, right? 00:09:31.179 --> 00:09:36.479 No human goes before God's awesome glory. 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:46.700 But Jesus has security clearance, high level access to God himself. 00:09:46.899 --> 00:09:51.940 He is seated at his right hand in his majesty in glory. 00:09:51.940 --> 00:09:57.980 That's the representative that you have in Jesus. 00:09:58.760 --> 00:10:04.560 It's like the difference between Jesus and the other priests would be like the difference between saying, 00:10:05.100 --> 00:10:11.300 you have seen the resolute desk that the president sits behind. 00:10:12.140 --> 00:10:18.160 But you've actually only been beside a copy in a presidential library 00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:27.219 instead of having stood in the White House's oval office in front of the desk with the president of the United States 00:10:27.219 --> 00:10:30.659 sitting behind it and speaking directly to you. 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:31.939 That's the difference. 00:10:31.939 --> 00:10:37.620 Jesus has passed not into the copy of God's throne room, 00:10:37.759 --> 00:10:41.399 but into the throne room itself. 00:10:41.399 --> 00:10:49.419 I'm going to keep showing you this picture that I've showed you multiple times before 00:10:49.419 --> 00:10:57.860 because I think that we all struggle to believe that we have this kind of access to God. 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:02.600 That is the actual resolute desk. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:11.319 With underneath it, someone, no one was allowed to stop from going to it. 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:16.699 Right under the nose of the POTUS, JFK himself, 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:20.100 and this little guy just keeps walking in there. 00:11:20.659 --> 00:11:21.279 Who is it? 00:11:23.120 --> 00:11:24.799 That's John Jr., right? 00:11:26.679 --> 00:11:27.360 Unstoppable. 00:11:28.379 --> 00:11:31.980 With unlimited access to the president. 00:11:32.799 --> 00:11:33.220 Why? 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:34.059 You know why? 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:37.559 Because he's his son. 00:11:37.559 --> 00:11:44.039 See, Jesus' access to the Father is not merely unstoppable. 00:11:44.579 --> 00:11:51.879 It is unparalleled because he is the one and only son of God. 00:11:52.039 --> 00:11:52.419 Look at that. 00:11:52.679 --> 00:12:02.599 Jesus, his human name, the son of God, highlighting his divine standing. 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:11.820 Jesus is alive today in glorified flesh and blood before the throne of heaven. 00:12:12.259 --> 00:12:18.980 And because he is the son of God, you can be absolutely certain that he will never be kicked out. 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:22.220 He will never have his access denied. 00:12:23.040 --> 00:12:27.779 That is a great priest to have in your corner, isn't it? 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:35.980 The next verse highlights one more thing that makes Jesus a great high priest for us. 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:38.179 He's understanding. 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:41.899 Double negative for emphasis here. 00:12:42.559 --> 00:12:50.039 Not a high priest who's unable to relate, to sympathize. 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:53.839 No, that's not who Jesus is. 00:12:54.199 --> 00:13:00.240 But one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:03.699 Now, some object. 00:13:04.199 --> 00:13:10.299 Jesus hasn't faced the temptations associated with being a woman. 00:13:11.179 --> 00:13:13.860 With being a married man. 00:13:14.659 --> 00:13:18.639 With being a 21st century American in a digital world. 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:21.159 That's a fair point. 00:13:22.519 --> 00:13:32.299 It's not saying here that he has personally endured every specific situation that you might find yourself in. 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:42.700 But rather, that he has personally experienced and then understands all the ways that people are tempted. 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:51.620 In other words, you could think about it like the three classic forms of temptation that Satan uses. 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:53.480 Starting with Adam and Eve. 00:13:53.600 --> 00:13:55.100 And then when he tempts Jesus. 00:13:55.300 --> 00:13:56.200 And then us. 00:13:56.960 --> 00:13:59.000 The lust of the flesh. 00:13:59.360 --> 00:13:59.440 Right? 00:13:59.780 --> 00:14:01.420 Eat the apple. 00:14:01.580 --> 00:14:03.080 It tastes good. 00:14:04.220 --> 00:14:07.660 Or Jesus, turn that stone to bread. 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:08.360 You're hungry. 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:13.740 The second one is the lust of the eyes. 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:17.060 It looked pleasing, didn't the fruit. 00:14:17.180 --> 00:14:19.200 It looked pleasing. 00:14:19.720 --> 00:14:23.600 Or Jesus, come here and look at all the kingdoms of the world. 00:14:23.680 --> 00:14:24.840 They could be yours. 00:14:24.840 --> 00:14:29.399 The pride of life. 00:14:30.720 --> 00:14:33.340 They saw the fruit and they thought, I could gain wisdom. 00:14:34.000 --> 00:14:36.000 We could be like God. 00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:47.440 Or Jesus, throw yourself down and angels will come and catch you and it'll prove your position, your divine status. 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:52.120 See that the same types of temptations that we face. 00:14:53.660 --> 00:15:01.240 I mean, just think of all of the ways just being human and experiencing this world tempts us to sin. 00:15:01.400 --> 00:15:03.280 What kinds of things do you face all the time? 00:15:03.279 --> 00:15:18.659 Jesus has faced grief, hunger, thirst, pain, sickness, betrayal, hatred. 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:26.039 All of which tempt us to turn from God to think only of ourselves. 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:31.000 To pursue our own path to comfort, to pleasure, to success. 00:15:31.000 --> 00:15:40.940 Jesus, specifically in the garden, is tempted this way to insist on his own way, to prioritize his own will and what he wants. 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:46.860 Jesus was tempted from an early age to disrespect his parents. 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:47.899 You ever felt that? 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:53.779 Jesus was unjustly accused. 00:15:54.220 --> 00:16:00.059 So he was tempted to respond vengefully and selfishly to avoid suffering. 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:04.699 Jesus has lived in a friend group with relational tension. 00:16:06.119 --> 00:16:11.279 Jesus has dealt with family dynamics and sibling rivalry. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:16.659 He's faced rejection even from people he loved. 00:16:17.019 --> 00:16:19.419 Listen, he knows, doesn't he? 00:16:20.259 --> 00:16:21.399 He understands. 00:16:21.819 --> 00:16:26.500 He gets us, as the ad campaign points out. 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:27.500 He's faced temptation. 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.500 He's faced temptation. 00:16:28.500 --> 00:16:34.500 And yet, he was without sin. 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:38.600 Which doesn't mean it was easier for him. 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:40.059 What does that mean about temptation? 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:46.480 It actually means he faced temptation longer and deeper than those of us who give in. 00:16:47.259 --> 00:16:48.100 Doesn't it? 00:16:48.100 --> 00:16:52.399 It also means there's hope, thankfully. 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:58.379 He could deal with all of those struggles and still never sin? 00:16:58.980 --> 00:16:59.620 Yes. 00:17:00.420 --> 00:17:05.880 He's stronger than the enemy that's attacking me and tempting me? 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:07.519 Yes, he is. 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:14.619 But you mean, but he still doesn't think that I'm ridiculous for struggling and that this is really hard? 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:16.720 He doesn't want to shame me for failing? 00:17:17.039 --> 00:17:19.619 He doesn't want to run me off for being so weak? 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:21.359 Yes, it's true. 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:23.220 He's like that. 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:26.799 This is the high priest that we need, isn't it? 00:17:27.220 --> 00:17:31.119 One who understands and yet loves. 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:34.339 Well, that's who we have. 00:17:35.399 --> 00:17:37.479 We don't have to dream about the possibility. 00:17:38.179 --> 00:17:40.319 That's the high priest we have. 00:17:40.619 --> 00:17:42.000 Praise the Lord, right? 00:17:42.399 --> 00:17:43.539 Trust him now. 00:17:43.639 --> 00:17:45.859 You can have this great high priest. 00:17:45.959 --> 00:17:47.779 He can be yours too. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:53.959 And so the writer says, there are two things. 00:17:53.960 --> 00:18:03.140 For anyone who has this great high priest that must be different in your life as a result. 00:18:05.720 --> 00:18:09.360 Two things in the first one we already covered last week, so you're off easy. 00:18:11.340 --> 00:18:13.579 Hold fast to Jesus. 00:18:14.100 --> 00:18:14.600 Remember that? 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:16.779 Verse 14. 00:18:17.299 --> 00:18:21.620 Let us hold fast our confession. 00:18:21.619 --> 00:18:23.579 We let go of our resumes. 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:27.559 We cling to Jesus' record and we rest in him. 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:34.919 Specifically here, don't drift from him by changing what you believe about him. 00:18:35.319 --> 00:18:40.659 You've said he's the perfect messenger from God, the radiance of God's glory, the human, 00:18:40.839 --> 00:18:42.759 divine, great high priest. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:44.000 Well, he is. 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:46.519 He really will save you. 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:50.479 Hold fast to the one who holds fast to you. 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:52.480 Oh, that's the exhortation. 00:18:55.380 --> 00:18:56.819 And that sounds great. 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:59.620 And we like that message. 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:07.599 But I think for many of us in our lives, practically, we tend to stop there oftentimes, don't we? 00:19:07.599 --> 00:19:12.899 Maybe you don't go through this process, but we live kind of like this. 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:20.699 It's good to know that Jesus is up there in the throne room of God, that he has access, 00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:28.240 that he can represent terrible old me who could never stand on my own. 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:31.319 You know, I see you up there, Jesus. 00:19:31.620 --> 00:19:33.700 You're saving people. 00:19:34.079 --> 00:19:35.339 Great job. 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.440 That's awesome. 00:19:36.920 --> 00:19:44.599 I'm going to stay way off over here myself, hoping that God doesn't notice me much. 00:19:44.819 --> 00:19:47.700 You do your thing up there in the throne room. 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:51.299 You've done so much better than I could, Jesus. 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:56.919 Jesus, and see, see, that's not untrue, so it's really easy to think. 00:19:58.299 --> 00:20:04.759 But it's actually far less than what it means to have Jesus as your priest. 00:20:06.399 --> 00:20:07.559 Look at verse 16. 00:20:08.639 --> 00:20:10.419 There is a life-changing. 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:13.799 That's a reality that might help you one day, someday. 00:20:13.919 --> 00:20:15.200 This will help you today. 00:20:16.639 --> 00:20:17.099 Beautiful. 00:20:17.099 --> 00:20:24.399 Let us then with confidence stand far off and cheer for Jesus. 00:20:24.879 --> 00:20:25.480 Is that what it says? 00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:27.980 Let's go back. 00:20:28.659 --> 00:20:34.379 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, 00:20:34.659 --> 00:20:40.279 that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:43.399 Do you see what has happened now in Jesus? 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:45.000 Something entirely different. 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:50.759 God's throne, that holy throne where you would have deserved judgment, 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:56.740 is now a throne of grace where undeserving people get what? 00:20:57.779 --> 00:21:01.019 Good things and more good things. 00:21:01.319 --> 00:21:07.079 The place marked beware of God now says belong with God. 00:21:07.420 --> 00:21:14.220 The full, never denied access that the Son has to the throne is shared with you. 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:17.960 If he won't get kicked out, you won't get kicked out. 00:21:18.220 --> 00:21:21.620 You belong where Jesus does, near to his Father. 00:21:21.900 --> 00:21:24.420 In fact, calling his Father, what? 00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:26.279 Our Father. 00:21:26.779 --> 00:21:27.839 Child of God. 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.079 Draw near. 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:30.019 Right? 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:30.980 Draw near. 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:34.480 Draw near. 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:35.059 What? 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:38.099 How do I do that? 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:42.319 The word means keep coming close. 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:45.740 Live there in his presence. 00:21:46.119 --> 00:21:50.740 Never stop drawing near to God and his throne of grace. 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:52.700 See, we're needy. 00:21:53.179 --> 00:21:55.419 Not just we were once upon a time. 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:57.319 We are needy. 00:21:57.319 --> 00:22:04.720 And when we draw near to him, we will, he says, find mercy and grace. 00:22:06.619 --> 00:22:12.559 Anybody who draws near with Jesus as his high priest finds mercy and grace. 00:22:13.099 --> 00:22:20.319 The words in this context mean mercy for your weaknesses and your sins. 00:22:20.319 --> 00:22:24.379 Not punishment. 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:27.059 Not guilt. 00:22:28.399 --> 00:22:29.859 Not shame. 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:31.759 Forgiveness. 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:33.539 Pardon. 00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:35.799 Mercy. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:36.539 Every time. 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:38.299 Every time that's what you get. 00:22:39.599 --> 00:22:42.539 And then grace to help in time of need. 00:22:43.099 --> 00:22:44.859 What kind of grace is that? 00:22:44.919 --> 00:22:46.399 The Bible talks about grace a lot. 00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:50.860 This is grace to strengthen you against temptation. 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:53.600 To meet you in your grief. 00:22:53.800 --> 00:22:55.820 To comfort you in your pain. 00:22:56.100 --> 00:22:57.940 To secure you in your doubts. 00:22:58.240 --> 00:23:00.019 To assure you in your fears. 00:23:00.320 --> 00:23:03.480 To calm you in your anxieties. 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:05.920 Whatever it is that you need. 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:07.340 Right when you need it. 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:09.360 Because he knows perfectly. 00:23:11.140 --> 00:23:13.900 And remember what we've already learned in Hebrews. 00:23:14.280 --> 00:23:15.820 Jesus, how does he feel about you? 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:20.480 He's not ashamed to call you brother or sister. 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:22.639 He understands your weakness. 00:23:23.079 --> 00:23:23.639 Your struggle. 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:24.779 Your hurt. 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:27.679 And he says, not shame on you. 00:23:27.859 --> 00:23:30.559 He says there's grace made just for that. 00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:31.519 It's yours. 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:35.339 I have purchased your access to the throne of grace. 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.939 To this God of grace. 00:23:37.159 --> 00:23:38.960 I've purchased it for you. 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:40.179 So draw near. 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:43.439 I mean, can you imagine if you had a friend. 00:23:43.440 --> 00:23:44.940 Maybe you don't even have a friend this good. 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:49.840 But imagine your friend bought you a ticket to the big game. 00:23:50.620 --> 00:23:51.559 Come with me. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:58.700 Got you a VIP backstage pass to the concert of your favorite band ever. 00:23:58.700 --> 00:24:03.799 Now imagine that you just said, no, I'm going to stay at home. 00:24:04.580 --> 00:24:05.080 What? 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:08.299 Are you kidding me? 00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:11.559 How sad. 00:24:12.360 --> 00:24:13.559 How ungrateful. 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:28.399 See, what we must not do is despise the cross and resurrection of Jesus and treat it as though it is not enough for weak and sinful people like us. 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:29.819 No, no, no. 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:31.159 Don't do that. 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:32.860 He's warning us against that. 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:37.480 Don't doubt this forgiveness and stay all your life kind of hiding at a distance. 00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:38.240 No. 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:46.860 Don't live paying with guilt and shame a debt that Jesus has paid all of already. 00:24:47.140 --> 00:24:50.040 And you're just hoping to kind of maybe one day slip into heaven. 00:24:50.840 --> 00:24:58.180 But you have full access today to this God in Jesus' son. 00:24:58.180 --> 00:25:07.380 Don't live life on your own thinking that it's all up to you to manage temptation, to come up with a new strategy, to be strong enough. 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:12.500 When he is inviting you with him, remember, united to Christ. 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:18.880 He's inviting you into the throne room of the one who causes Satan to flee and his demons to shudder. 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:22.400 Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. 00:25:22.840 --> 00:25:24.560 His grace is sufficient. 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:30.480 And his power is made perfect exactly where you're worried it won't be, in your weakness. 00:25:31.059 --> 00:25:38.339 That power that could consume you can comfort you. 00:25:38.599 --> 00:25:47.220 That transcendent far above and beyond you, God, is actually also imminent right here for you. 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:50.579 His power made perfect in your weakness. 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:51.779 Draw near. 00:25:51.779 --> 00:25:51.859 Draw near. 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:53.879 Draw near. 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:56.779 Don't mess up your microphone. 00:25:57.559 --> 00:25:58.399 But it's worth it. 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:09.879 It's really a life of prayer that he's inviting us into, urging us into, isn't it? 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:18.280 I'm not talking about some formal kind of rote process or time where you have to go say these words. 00:26:19.780 --> 00:26:23.480 I'm talking about a warm relationship. 00:26:24.520 --> 00:26:26.040 I want you to have this picture. 00:26:27.160 --> 00:26:30.780 Prayer isn't always sitting under your desk. 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:32.240 You can hear me. 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:34.619 You can hear me even when I whisper. 00:26:34.619 --> 00:26:41.019 You hear me whether my words are beautifully organized or not. 00:26:41.019 --> 00:26:43.200 That kind of prayer. 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:51.420 Has it been too long since you've been regularly under that desk with your Father? 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:55.880 Y'all, let's pray often. 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.200 Joyfully. 00:26:56.200 --> 00:26:58.200 Joyfully. 00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:59.840 Desperately. 00:26:59.840 --> 00:27:06.960 And especially, the preacher here says to us, with confidence. 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:07.259 Confidence. 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.340 Confidence. 00:27:09.420 --> 00:27:11.299 I usually get confidence from myself. 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:16.640 This is confidence not because of your record or your performance or your knowledge, 00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:20.180 but because you're looking at Jesus. 00:27:21.059 --> 00:27:24.539 You're seeing him there in the throne room. 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:27.240 You're knowing that he understands me. 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:30.259 You're believing that he forgives me. 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:37.000 See, Pastor Andrew Murray says when that happens, this means we should have an unhesitating assurance 00:27:37.000 --> 00:27:42.259 that nothing can hinder us from the very presence of God. 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:51.259 That word for confidence, it's actually the freedom of speech word in Greek. 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:57.920 You can come to him and say honestly what is on your heart 00:27:57.920 --> 00:28:00.539 because you know you need him desperately. 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:05.560 You can come to him for anything, big or small, or I don't even know. 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:13.820 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace for our lives to go like this. 00:28:13.820 --> 00:28:17.539 I'm praying right when I wake up, guide me today. 00:28:18.380 --> 00:28:22.240 I'm praying as you work, strengthen me. 00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:27.460 Praying around town, give me your eyes, Father. 00:28:28.059 --> 00:28:31.200 Praying when you wander off, forgive me. 00:28:31.660 --> 00:28:36.579 Praying for your family, give me grace and love. 00:28:37.100 --> 00:28:40.039 Praying for others, have mercy on them, Father. 00:28:40.120 --> 00:28:42.160 They're hurting, they're sick. 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:47.819 Praying when you're tempted, help me trust you and then obey. 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:51.920 Praying at meals, thank you, my provider. 00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:57.180 And praying as you prepare to lie down to rest. 00:28:57.740 --> 00:29:00.100 Give me rest, help me sleep. 00:29:00.620 --> 00:29:01.860 Help me trust you. 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:05.740 Draw near all the time. 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:08.060 Every moment, right? 00:29:08.059 --> 00:29:17.139 I want to give you one more picture of this that I love, not just because it's from Clemson, although that helps. 00:29:17.140 --> 00:29:32.220 The Clemson Life program is designed to give students with intellectual disabilities a college experience and to prepare them for life afterwards. 00:29:32.220 --> 00:29:41.640 But Charlie McGee, a student with Down syndrome, said he wanted a little bit more than what he was getting. 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:46.480 He wanted the full access college experience complete with a fraternity. 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:55.759 A couple years ago, he became the first Clemson Life student to join a fraternity on campus, which is awesome. 00:29:57.579 --> 00:30:05.920 But I want to show you his reaction when his bid is announced, narrated by this CBS News reporter. 00:30:05.920 --> 00:30:06.740 Thank you. 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:10.000 I don't know how he got there. 00:30:10.319 --> 00:30:11.339 He was so excited. 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:13.400 He ran out of his last year. 00:30:13.400 --> 00:30:31.660 He ran out of his left shoe into the arms of his new fraternity brothers. 00:30:32.600 --> 00:30:36.500 And the story goes on to show their love for one another. 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:44.700 And it ends with Charlie saying, something magical happens when you're accepted that fully. 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:53.279 When he's there with his brothers, he says, it's like my disability doesn't exist. 00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:57.000 Do you hear that? 00:30:58.140 --> 00:30:59.980 With confidence. 00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:04.420 He draws near to those who love him. 00:31:06.420 --> 00:31:09.019 That's our story with God. 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:22.180 Because of our great high priest, Jesus, the Son of God, he so delights to give us good gifts that when we're with him, something magical happens. 00:31:22.180 --> 00:31:33.380 It's like our weakness, our disability, our failing doesn't exist because it's so covered by his grace. 00:31:33.620 --> 00:31:36.980 We are so fully accepted. 00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:40.019 What a great priest. 00:31:40.880 --> 00:31:45.080 Why would I miss ever this priest? 00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:53.720 How could you not want to run out of your left shoe into the loving arms of your new heavenly father? 00:31:59.119 --> 00:32:04.699 I want to take a few minutes to do that together as we close this morning. 00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:10.599 I don't know all of the needs in here today. 00:32:12.039 --> 00:32:13.179 I know some of them. 00:32:15.079 --> 00:32:17.419 It's enough to fill my heart. 00:32:18.319 --> 00:32:19.980 And there are a lot more I don't know. 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:29.079 I know there are some of you here who are hurting physically or emotionally, both. 00:32:31.539 --> 00:32:35.379 Others are battling temptation every day. 00:32:37.439 --> 00:32:44.379 Others, you're feeling overwhelmed at the size of the decision or situation. 00:32:45.079 --> 00:32:47.079 That you're facing. 00:32:47.919 --> 00:32:50.339 I don't know how you'd describe how you're feeling. 00:32:50.339 --> 00:32:56.099 But I'd love for all of us to draw near to the throne of grace together. 00:32:57.500 --> 00:33:00.059 We often need one another for that. 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:01.799 It can be hard to do this on your own. 00:33:02.139 --> 00:33:05.559 And this passage actually says, let us. 00:33:05.559 --> 00:33:11.179 The implication is this is a group activity that you're also invited into personally. 00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:14.359 So we're going to do that now. 00:33:15.159 --> 00:33:17.059 It's kind of weird for Presbyterians. 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:17.960 I understand that. 00:33:19.460 --> 00:33:21.839 But that's the kind of family we want to be here. 00:33:21.940 --> 00:33:26.960 We want to take time to take one another to the throne of grace. 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:33.000 And we're going to spend a few minutes praying and singing and praying. 00:33:34.420 --> 00:33:44.600 When we stand to sing in just a minute, some of our elders and prayer team leaders are going to come down to the four corners of the sanctuary. 00:33:44.599 --> 00:33:47.059 Where you'll be able to see them. 00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:48.799 And they're coming to pray with you. 00:33:49.439 --> 00:33:50.379 They would love to. 00:33:51.019 --> 00:33:53.659 There will be men and women in each of those places. 00:33:53.839 --> 00:33:56.159 You can come forward or back. 00:33:56.219 --> 00:33:58.579 As I understand some of you would prefer. 00:33:59.219 --> 00:34:00.059 As we sing. 00:34:01.759 --> 00:34:03.500 You can ask for prayer when you come. 00:34:03.579 --> 00:34:04.799 For something specific. 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:06.299 Feel free to share that. 00:34:06.459 --> 00:34:08.119 Or you don't have to have words. 00:34:08.119 --> 00:34:10.719 You can just come and ask for prayer. 00:34:11.119 --> 00:34:12.659 And they're happy to pray. 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:21.679 But I figured if I was going to tell you to run out of your left shoe into the loving arms of your father. 00:34:22.039 --> 00:34:25.119 That ought to give you a chance to do it while you're right here. 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:27.940 You can do that to be clear. 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:29.759 This is not manipulating you. 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:33.219 You can run into the arms of your father while you sit in a pew. 00:34:33.519 --> 00:34:33.659 Okay? 00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:35.900 That is totally acceptable. 00:34:35.900 --> 00:34:42.900 And I hope this sanctuary is covered with empty left shoes. 00:34:43.320 --> 00:34:44.420 Here in just a minute. 00:34:46.000 --> 00:34:48.260 Let's stand and sing together. 00:34:49.519 --> 00:34:51.780 Come boldly to the throne of grace. 00:34:51.960 --> 00:35:00.420 And you just feel free to come forward anytime you would like as we sing through this song. 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:01.940 There are multiple verses. 00:35:02.180 --> 00:35:04.740 And I'll give us some breaks in between. 00:35:04.739 --> 00:35:06.959 But you can come right in the midst as we sing. 00:35:07.059 --> 00:35:10.479 You can come right now to any of the four corners. 00:35:11.739 --> 00:35:12.779 Jesus, thank you. 00:35:14.199 --> 00:35:18.019 Thank you for an invitation that does not expire. 00:35:18.019 --> 00:35:30.019 Thank you for being our great high priest. 00:35:30.019 --> 00:35:39.039 The one who meets us and our weaknesses and who strengthens us with his grace for everything. 00:35:41.099 --> 00:35:42.659 Keep meeting us. 00:35:43.219 --> 00:35:48.559 Give us grace to extend the welcome we've received to others. 00:35:49.059 --> 00:35:50.619 They may feel your grace as well. 00:35:50.619 --> 00:35:53.219 We give you thanks in your name. 00:35:54.000 --> 00:35:54.339 Amen. 00:35:55.619 --> 00:35:59.139 For more information, visit us online at southwood.org. 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719 00:35:59.719 --> 00:35:59.719