WEBVTT 00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:05.219 We can turn back now to a reading in Hebrews chapter 10. 00:00:07.219 --> 00:00:12.620 We're going to look at this section, verse 19 to verse 25 in particular. 00:00:13.300 --> 00:00:14.900 We read at verse 19, 00:00:14.900 --> 00:00:21.440 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 00:00:21.440 --> 00:00:27.580 by the new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh. 00:00:27.579 --> 00:00:37.140 And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith, 00:00:37.259 --> 00:00:46.320 with hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water, and so on. 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:54.119 Do you have confidence in Christ as you come here tonight? 00:00:54.119 --> 00:01:00.379 That word is used here as we look at this section that begins in verse 19. 00:01:01.019 --> 00:01:08.099 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence, there's a sense of them having confidence as they approach God. 00:01:08.519 --> 00:01:11.819 But you see also in verse 35, it says, 00:01:11.819 --> 00:01:14.979 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence. 00:01:15.299 --> 00:01:22.719 So there was a struggle going on in the people that the writer was writing these words to. 00:01:22.719 --> 00:01:26.599 Do you have confidence in Christ? 00:01:27.739 --> 00:01:36.480 As you read God's word, whether it's here in the book of Hebrews or just as you read throughout the scriptures, 00:01:37.319 --> 00:01:43.599 you realize just the wonder and the privilege that it is to be a people called by God, 00:01:43.739 --> 00:01:47.519 called into his presence, called in to worship him. 00:01:47.519 --> 00:01:50.619 Because by nature, we turn our backs to him. 00:01:51.159 --> 00:01:52.159 We turn away from him. 00:01:52.199 --> 00:01:53.920 We all go and do our own thing. 00:01:54.500 --> 00:01:57.319 And yet we hear this call of God. 00:01:57.399 --> 00:02:04.359 It might not be an audible call, but we have this desire, this longing that God puts into our hearts. 00:02:05.099 --> 00:02:10.379 And he brings us to that place we recognize that we are to be a people who worship him. 00:02:10.539 --> 00:02:12.819 It doesn't come just naturally of ourselves. 00:02:12.819 --> 00:02:16.659 It's that desire that the Lord puts into our hearts. 00:02:16.699 --> 00:02:17.819 And we can't ignore it. 00:02:17.900 --> 00:02:19.939 And then we try and push it away. 00:02:20.859 --> 00:02:25.719 And yet there are times when we don't have that confidence as we come to worship. 00:02:26.120 --> 00:02:30.539 There's times when we feel maybe like we're throwing away that confidence, 00:02:30.539 --> 00:02:36.539 which has great reward that verse 35 speaks of there. 00:02:36.539 --> 00:02:38.439 So what is our focus? 00:02:38.639 --> 00:02:43.560 Where is our confidence as we come and worship the Lord this evening? 00:02:44.319 --> 00:02:45.599 We're easily distracted. 00:02:46.500 --> 00:02:48.620 We can come in maybe with good intentions. 00:02:48.840 --> 00:02:50.219 We're going to listen to God's word. 00:02:50.340 --> 00:02:52.159 We're going to worship with all our hearts. 00:02:52.919 --> 00:02:54.439 And yet we can be easily distracted. 00:02:55.180 --> 00:02:58.139 We can be distracted by just practical things. 00:02:58.620 --> 00:03:01.219 We can think about what's going on this week ahead. 00:03:01.219 --> 00:03:06.060 We can start to wander into the days, making our plans as to what lies ahead. 00:03:07.319 --> 00:03:15.719 We can also be distracted as we focus on the Lord in just ways that we feel that we don't deserve him. 00:03:16.439 --> 00:03:18.000 We don't belong to him. 00:03:18.120 --> 00:03:19.680 We don't belong here even. 00:03:19.780 --> 00:03:25.099 We can have that sense put into us at times where the devil, when there's a good work going on, 00:03:25.159 --> 00:03:28.639 comes in to try and rob us of any desire for the Lord. 00:03:28.639 --> 00:03:31.239 So we feel unworthy. 00:03:32.119 --> 00:03:34.339 We struggle in different ways. 00:03:35.579 --> 00:03:37.659 We come saying, I'm not good enough. 00:03:38.059 --> 00:03:40.259 That's the common phrase we often hear. 00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:41.839 I'm not good enough. 00:03:43.259 --> 00:03:47.839 And nowhere does the Lord tell us that we don't come because we are good enough. 00:03:48.679 --> 00:03:51.199 We're never good enough, but he still says come. 00:03:52.019 --> 00:03:55.179 Or we have another attitude which says, I need to add more. 00:03:56.019 --> 00:03:57.279 Jesus is not enough. 00:03:57.280 --> 00:04:02.759 That's the other common aspect of not just faith in the Lord, but faith in any religion. 00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:06.400 It takes us away to think we've got to do something ourselves. 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:10.080 But faith in Christ is all that we need. 00:04:10.780 --> 00:04:15.800 Because as we come to worship, we're recognizing that dependence on him. 00:04:16.199 --> 00:04:18.720 And him alone now focuses on the Lord. 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:23.100 The Lord Jesus who died for our sins, who rose from the grave. 00:04:23.100 --> 00:04:26.020 And the Lord who is coming again. 00:04:26.980 --> 00:04:31.780 And that's very much what the writer of the Hebrews is giving to us in this book. 00:04:31.920 --> 00:04:35.160 The book of Hebrews writing to a Jewish people. 00:04:35.900 --> 00:04:41.540 He's giving them this insight into who God is and what Jesus Christ has done. 00:04:42.260 --> 00:04:46.920 He's writing to them in their own difficult situation. 00:04:46.920 --> 00:04:52.020 We've given a bit of insight into that in the chapter that we've read here as well. 00:04:52.019 --> 00:04:57.500 You read there in verse 34, you had compassion. 00:04:57.699 --> 00:04:58.479 Or just to go back. 00:04:58.579 --> 00:05:00.019 Recall the former days in verse 32. 00:05:00.799 --> 00:05:05.439 When you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:09.859 Sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction. 00:05:10.500 --> 00:05:12.719 Sometimes being partners with those so treated. 00:05:13.399 --> 00:05:15.779 You had compassion on those in prison. 00:05:15.779 --> 00:05:18.939 And joyfully accepted the plundering of your property. 00:05:19.399 --> 00:05:22.239 So there were so many things going on in their lives. 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:24.759 There were those who were being put into prison. 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:25.959 Those who they knew and loved. 00:05:26.059 --> 00:05:28.719 There were those who were having properties taken off them. 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:33.259 They were enduring struggle and suffering in so many different ways. 00:05:34.199 --> 00:05:37.639 And yet the writer here is saying, but have confidence. 00:05:38.199 --> 00:05:40.719 Have confidence in Christ. 00:05:40.839 --> 00:05:42.859 They've been persecuted for their faith. 00:05:43.479 --> 00:05:44.859 Led away from the faith. 00:05:44.860 --> 00:05:47.960 And yet he's encouraging them. 00:05:49.060 --> 00:05:54.020 In verse 25, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some. 00:05:54.160 --> 00:05:55.920 Some were turning away. 00:05:56.699 --> 00:06:01.000 Coming away from this worship because they were finding it all too much. 00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:01.980 Not good enough. 00:06:02.340 --> 00:06:03.259 I need more. 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:04.520 Or this is too hard. 00:06:04.960 --> 00:06:07.680 All these things going on in their life. 00:06:07.759 --> 00:06:12.840 And the writer is saying what you need is confidence in Christ. 00:06:12.839 --> 00:06:16.459 That is where you need to place your hope. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:20.939 Today you may feel unworthy and that's no bad thing. 00:06:20.939 --> 00:06:24.259 But the word of God stirs us up. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:25.540 It gives us that assurance. 00:06:25.719 --> 00:06:26.860 So that as we are seeking. 00:06:27.079 --> 00:06:28.339 As we are trusting. 00:06:28.459 --> 00:06:30.240 As we are a people of faith. 00:06:31.040 --> 00:06:35.500 Trusting the Lord more and more through what he gives us in his word. 00:06:36.839 --> 00:06:38.639 And so that's what we find in this passage. 00:06:38.740 --> 00:06:40.040 That as we look at it this evening. 00:06:40.199 --> 00:06:43.500 Is about having that confidence in Christ. 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:45.420 What Christ does for us. 00:06:45.899 --> 00:06:47.779 And indeed to us. 00:06:48.759 --> 00:06:52.139 It begins with confidence in who he is. 00:06:52.920 --> 00:06:54.300 And then we see in these verses. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:55.860 Verses 19 to 25. 00:06:56.079 --> 00:06:58.899 That confidence leads to these words. 00:06:59.160 --> 00:07:00.060 Let us. 00:07:00.959 --> 00:07:02.040 It leads to action. 00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:04.800 You see in these verses that there are three. 00:07:05.360 --> 00:07:08.360 Let us do a certain thing. 00:07:08.420 --> 00:07:09.300 We're going to look at that. 00:07:09.379 --> 00:07:10.680 First of all the confidence. 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:14.439 And then what it leads to when it says let us. 00:07:15.680 --> 00:07:18.660 So first of all we see the confidence. 00:07:19.800 --> 00:07:20.480 Verse 19. 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:21.900 Therefore brothers. 00:07:22.519 --> 00:07:28.199 Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus. 00:07:29.280 --> 00:07:31.180 Therefore means it's connected. 00:07:31.920 --> 00:07:35.180 It's connected to what has come before. 00:07:36.079 --> 00:07:39.120 And the reality is that you could say it's connected to everything. 00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:40.939 That has come in this. 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:43.540 In the writing of the Hebrews up until this point. 00:07:43.639 --> 00:07:44.560 From chapter one. 00:07:44.759 --> 00:07:47.180 Up until this point. 00:07:47.879 --> 00:07:49.660 Because it's been focusing on. 00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:52.340 The doctrine of who God is. 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:55.680 Of who his son Jesus Christ is. 00:07:56.300 --> 00:07:58.439 Of the supremacy of Christ. 00:07:58.560 --> 00:08:00.319 You just have to turn back for a moment. 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:01.720 To chapter one. 00:08:02.939 --> 00:08:04.980 Read these words in chapter one. 00:08:04.980 --> 00:08:08.900 Long ago at many times and in many ways. 00:08:09.040 --> 00:08:11.600 God spoke to our fathers by the prophets. 00:08:11.759 --> 00:08:15.040 But in these last days he has spoken to us by his son. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:18.280 Whom he appointed the heir of all things. 00:08:18.860 --> 00:08:21.400 Through whom also he created the world. 00:08:22.080 --> 00:08:25.040 He is the radiance of the glory of God. 00:08:25.460 --> 00:08:27.740 And the exact imprint of his nature. 00:08:28.360 --> 00:08:31.460 He upholds the universe by the word of his power. 00:08:31.459 --> 00:08:36.000 You see just the wonder of who it is we come to worship. 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:39.559 You just read these opening few verses. 00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:42.079 And you're left with that sense of wonder. 00:08:42.579 --> 00:08:46.079 And amazement as to how can we possibly come. 00:08:46.299 --> 00:08:48.199 And worship this Lord. 00:08:49.460 --> 00:08:51.720 The one who has made all these things. 00:08:51.799 --> 00:08:53.840 By the word of his power. 00:08:54.199 --> 00:08:58.500 Who is the exact representation of the glory of God. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:03.860 How can we possibly come into that presence of worship. 00:09:04.700 --> 00:09:06.399 And it goes on from there. 00:09:07.139 --> 00:09:12.679 All through these chapters you're given an insight and a wonder of who God is. 00:09:13.340 --> 00:09:14.100 His glory. 00:09:14.340 --> 00:09:14.980 His power. 00:09:15.419 --> 00:09:16.100 His nature. 00:09:16.259 --> 00:09:18.100 In so many different ways. 00:09:19.379 --> 00:09:25.919 How every sacrifice being offered is pointing towards a once for all sacrifice. 00:09:26.059 --> 00:09:27.120 In Jesus Christ. 00:09:27.120 --> 00:09:30.100 How he would give his life for his people. 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:35.240 There is so much that just should leave us with that sense of worship. 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:36.679 And awe. 00:09:36.779 --> 00:09:43.240 But also with a sense of how can we possibly come into this Lord's presence. 00:09:44.820 --> 00:09:46.519 But then you see in verse 19. 00:09:47.279 --> 00:09:49.639 Therefore brothers since we have confidence. 00:09:50.159 --> 00:09:53.919 To enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus. 00:09:54.980 --> 00:09:56.580 By the blood of Jesus. 00:09:57.120 --> 00:10:00.580 There is no other way into his presence. 00:10:00.580 --> 00:10:03.039 But by the blood of Jesus. 00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:06.940 That is where our confidence has to be. 00:10:07.060 --> 00:10:08.179 It's a living anew. 00:10:08.679 --> 00:10:11.759 And a living way as it says in verse 20. 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:13.639 He's writing here to the Jews. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:16.419 As we're going to see in a few moments. 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:20.960 Just the wonder of how this way was being opened up for them. 00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:23.420 And for all people to come. 00:10:23.420 --> 00:10:26.700 But when you look at the book of Hebrews. 00:10:26.840 --> 00:10:28.600 And indeed when you look at other writings. 00:10:28.720 --> 00:10:30.420 Especially in the New Testament. 00:10:31.060 --> 00:10:32.960 When you're looking at the letters. 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:35.560 Paul's letters to the churches. 00:10:35.920 --> 00:10:37.060 Or to the Romans. 00:10:37.180 --> 00:10:38.519 Or his pastoral letters. 00:10:38.519 --> 00:10:41.799 You often see that he begins. 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:43.980 With that sense of teaching. 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:46.740 So we might understand. 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:48.699 Who it is that we are to worship. 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:50.840 The book of Romans. 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:52.879 Or the letter to the Ephesians. 00:10:53.259 --> 00:10:54.980 The first parts of these writings. 00:10:55.980 --> 00:10:58.620 Are examining the doctrine of God. 00:10:58.740 --> 00:10:59.720 Who is God? 00:10:59.980 --> 00:11:01.340 Who is it that we worship? 00:11:01.340 --> 00:11:01.899 His power. 00:11:02.139 --> 00:11:03.060 His power. 00:11:03.300 --> 00:11:03.680 His glory. 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:04.399 His authority. 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:06.639 Are outlined in amazing ways. 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:07.960 In these letters as well. 00:11:08.399 --> 00:11:10.019 And then it teaches us who we are. 00:11:10.780 --> 00:11:11.620 Who we are. 00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:13.660 In light of who God is. 00:11:13.740 --> 00:11:15.600 So we have all of these doctrines. 00:11:15.660 --> 00:11:16.759 That we are learning about. 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:17.860 God and man. 00:11:18.259 --> 00:11:19.860 And the ways that we are to live. 00:11:19.940 --> 00:11:21.519 But it leads us to that point. 00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:24.060 When we understand God. 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:26.220 When we understand who we are. 00:11:26.580 --> 00:11:27.960 It leads us then to ask. 00:11:28.040 --> 00:11:29.720 Well how are we to live? 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:31.899 What are we to do. 00:11:31.899 --> 00:11:34.180 With all of these things? 00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:36.220 And what you see is. 00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:37.700 That it leads us. 00:11:37.800 --> 00:11:38.779 Into a way. 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:40.899 This is therefore. 00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:42.560 How we are to live. 00:11:42.860 --> 00:11:44.019 In light of this. 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:45.879 And it's writing to believers. 00:11:46.120 --> 00:11:46.600 Predominantly. 00:11:46.740 --> 00:11:47.460 Remember that. 00:11:48.320 --> 00:11:49.779 Those who have come to trust. 00:11:50.139 --> 00:11:50.680 In the Lord. 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:52.519 But in the background as well. 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:53.460 It's encouraging those. 00:11:53.580 --> 00:11:54.480 Who have not yet. 00:11:54.879 --> 00:11:55.899 Trusted the Lord. 00:11:55.980 --> 00:11:56.580 To remember. 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:58.080 Who God is. 00:11:58.080 --> 00:11:59.360 And how your life. 00:11:59.360 --> 00:12:00.100 Should be lived. 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:01.620 In light of that as well. 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:03.240 And so. 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:05.220 The therefore we have here. 00:12:05.300 --> 00:12:06.100 In verse 19. 00:12:06.340 --> 00:12:07.960 Is tying it all together. 00:12:07.960 --> 00:12:09.060 To the teaching. 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:10.279 That's come before. 00:12:11.320 --> 00:12:13.539 Because if we understand God. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:15.360 If we understand. 00:12:15.500 --> 00:12:17.240 The supremacy of Christ. 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:18.960 If we understand. 00:12:19.139 --> 00:12:19.779 Our sin. 00:12:20.279 --> 00:12:21.840 And the only way to salvation. 00:12:21.840 --> 00:12:23.440 Is through the blood of Jesus. 00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:26.080 Then that is the only confidence. 00:12:26.080 --> 00:12:27.180 That we can have. 00:12:27.180 --> 00:12:29.700 To enter into the holy place. 00:12:30.460 --> 00:12:32.320 Because there is no other way. 00:12:32.520 --> 00:12:33.480 We could come in. 00:12:33.560 --> 00:12:34.720 There is no other way. 00:12:35.120 --> 00:12:36.160 We could worship. 00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:39.120 So therefore. 00:12:39.820 --> 00:12:41.400 We have confidence. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:42.680 The confidence. 00:12:43.400 --> 00:12:44.420 Those who had. 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:46.139 Who are turning away now. 00:12:46.280 --> 00:12:47.060 From Christ. 00:12:47.740 --> 00:12:49.480 That you see in verse 25. 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:51.800 Not neglecting to meet together. 00:12:52.019 --> 00:12:53.480 As the habit of some. 00:12:54.100 --> 00:12:55.539 Losing their confidence. 00:12:57.120 --> 00:13:00.100 And we can lose our confidence at time. 00:13:01.139 --> 00:13:02.720 Our faith can be shaken. 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:05.740 Our understanding can be dimmed. 00:13:06.139 --> 00:13:07.100 Our knowledge can be. 00:13:07.460 --> 00:13:09.019 We can see it as too little. 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:10.879 To understand all of these things. 00:13:10.940 --> 00:13:11.779 And our confidence. 00:13:12.220 --> 00:13:13.180 Can be shaken. 00:13:13.179 --> 00:13:16.439 But we are being encouraged here. 00:13:16.859 --> 00:13:18.599 No matter what we are going through. 00:13:19.139 --> 00:13:20.059 No matter how much. 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:22.359 Our confidence might be shaken. 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:25.139 We are not to throw it away. 00:13:25.799 --> 00:13:27.439 As it says in verse 35. 00:13:27.959 --> 00:13:30.019 Do not throw away your confidence. 00:13:30.419 --> 00:13:32.359 Which has a great reward. 00:13:32.479 --> 00:13:33.239 But instead. 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:35.439 We have need of endurance. 00:13:35.699 --> 00:13:37.179 Faith endures. 00:13:37.279 --> 00:13:38.599 And God helps us. 00:13:39.059 --> 00:13:39.779 To endure. 00:13:40.539 --> 00:13:41.659 And he gives us. 00:13:41.659 --> 00:13:42.879 That confidence. 00:13:43.179 --> 00:13:46.279 But the confidence of these people. 00:13:46.479 --> 00:13:47.639 Was being shaken. 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:49.879 Christ's death. 00:13:50.079 --> 00:13:51.579 Was being nullified. 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:54.019 So instead of there being a new. 00:13:54.099 --> 00:13:54.879 And a living way. 00:13:55.039 --> 00:13:56.539 Through the blood of Jesus Christ. 00:13:56.539 --> 00:13:57.500 They were starting. 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:58.819 To go back. 00:13:59.659 --> 00:14:01.639 To go back into their old ways. 00:14:01.719 --> 00:14:02.579 Their old habits. 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:04.459 Their old way of religion. 00:14:05.739 --> 00:14:06.819 The salvation. 00:14:07.439 --> 00:14:08.299 He provided. 00:14:09.059 --> 00:14:10.779 As you see in the earlier chapters. 00:14:10.779 --> 00:14:12.859 That supremacy of Christ. 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:15.359 Was nothing compared to. 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:17.139 Was everything compared to. 00:14:17.139 --> 00:14:18.219 What they had known previously. 00:14:18.219 --> 00:14:19.279 It was the fulfillment. 00:14:19.279 --> 00:14:20.859 Of all they had looked at. 00:14:21.279 --> 00:14:21.759 Before. 00:14:22.459 --> 00:14:23.479 When they felt. 00:14:23.659 --> 00:14:24.219 That the law. 00:14:24.439 --> 00:14:25.839 Was what had to be kept. 00:14:26.439 --> 00:14:27.399 Where sacrifice. 00:14:27.399 --> 00:14:28.859 Is what had to be offered. 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:30.379 That is the way. 00:14:30.479 --> 00:14:31.159 That they could easily. 00:14:31.159 --> 00:14:32.479 Slip back into. 00:14:32.919 --> 00:14:34.159 But they are being told. 00:14:34.159 --> 00:14:34.579 No. 00:14:34.719 --> 00:14:35.719 Have confidence. 00:14:35.720 --> 00:14:36.040 Have confidence. 00:14:36.840 --> 00:14:37.940 Have confidence. 00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:38.680 To come. 00:14:38.680 --> 00:14:40.220 And worship God. 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:41.080 Aright. 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:42.980 So he is. 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:44.120 Sparring them. 00:14:44.660 --> 00:14:44.960 On. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:47.920 That their behavior. 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:49.420 Would be changed. 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.100 And transformed. 00:14:50.320 --> 00:14:50.879 Continually. 00:14:50.960 --> 00:14:51.920 In light of what. 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:52.940 They believe. 00:14:53.940 --> 00:14:55.379 Their understanding. 00:14:55.379 --> 00:14:56.060 Of God. 00:14:56.139 --> 00:14:56.800 And Christ. 00:14:57.040 --> 00:14:58.680 Is what leads them on. 00:14:59.500 --> 00:15:00.680 So do you have. 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:02.059 That confidence. 00:15:02.059 --> 00:15:02.979 In Christ. 00:15:04.099 --> 00:15:04.959 Do you have. 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:05.739 That assurance. 00:15:05.739 --> 00:15:06.779 In Christ. 00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:07.699 That you can come. 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:08.620 And worship. 00:15:08.819 --> 00:15:09.639 By faith. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:10.259 In him. 00:15:10.699 --> 00:15:11.739 Who gave himself. 00:15:11.739 --> 00:15:12.599 For you. 00:15:14.419 --> 00:15:15.000 Therefore. 00:15:15.159 --> 00:15:15.519 Brothers. 00:15:15.599 --> 00:15:15.859 It says. 00:15:15.959 --> 00:15:16.979 Since we have confidence. 00:15:16.979 --> 00:15:17.620 To enter. 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:18.899 The holy place. 00:15:19.079 --> 00:15:19.699 By the blood. 00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:20.859 Of Jesus. 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:23.120 That is how. 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:23.959 We can come. 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:25.779 Through faith. 00:15:26.319 --> 00:15:26.959 In the Lord. 00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:28.159 Jesus Christ. 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:28.360 Christ. 00:15:29.579 --> 00:15:30.500 We come. 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:31.159 To worship. 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:32.620 Through him. 00:15:33.459 --> 00:15:34.459 No other way. 00:15:35.740 --> 00:15:36.860 And when we worship. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:37.079 Him. 00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:37.519 Aright. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:38.000 We see. 00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:39.120 Then it leads us. 00:15:39.439 --> 00:15:40.219 Into living. 00:15:40.579 --> 00:15:41.659 In the right way. 00:15:42.319 --> 00:15:42.980 Because he is. 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:44.019 Sparring them on here. 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:45.159 In that confidence. 00:15:45.559 --> 00:15:46.919 In three ways. 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:48.360 As well as we see. 00:15:48.360 --> 00:15:48.699 These. 00:15:48.939 --> 00:15:49.659 Let us. 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:52.899 We have this confidence. 00:15:53.019 --> 00:15:54.120 By a new and living way. 00:15:54.199 --> 00:15:55.100 That is opened up. 00:15:55.480 --> 00:15:55.939 For us. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:56.759 Through the curtain. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:57.980 That is through the flesh. 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:59.759 And since we have a great priest. 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:01.180 Over the house. 00:16:01.180 --> 00:16:01.899 Of God. 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:03.080 We see the first. 00:16:03.220 --> 00:16:04.139 Then let us. 00:16:04.139 --> 00:16:05.200 In verse 22. 00:16:06.200 --> 00:16:06.960 Let us. 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:07.740 Draw near. 00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:09.019 With a true heart. 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:09.740 And the full. 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:10.840 Assurance. 00:16:10.840 --> 00:16:11.539 Of faith. 00:16:11.680 --> 00:16:12.399 With our hearts. 00:16:12.680 --> 00:16:13.740 Sprinkled clean. 00:16:14.279 --> 00:16:15.840 From an evil conscience. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:16.779 And our bodies. 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:17.500 Washed. 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:18.860 With pure. 00:16:19.320 --> 00:16:19.680 Water. 00:16:20.759 --> 00:16:21.580 You could almost say. 00:16:21.700 --> 00:16:22.320 That the old. 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:23.220 Jewish way. 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:24.639 Was a closed way. 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:26.659 The axis. 00:16:26.659 --> 00:16:28.319 Wasn't there. 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:30.759 They couldn't just. 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:32.519 Have this confidence. 00:16:33.240 --> 00:16:34.080 To draw near. 00:16:34.919 --> 00:16:36.600 Because things were different. 00:16:36.699 --> 00:16:38.120 Under the old system. 00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:41.419 That only the high priest. 00:16:41.419 --> 00:16:43.919 Could go into the holy of holies. 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:45.639 And only once. 00:16:45.799 --> 00:16:47.580 A year in the day of atonement. 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:49.179 And as he went in. 00:16:49.240 --> 00:16:50.139 He had to offer up. 00:16:50.419 --> 00:16:51.220 A sacrifice. 00:16:51.220 --> 00:16:52.220 To atone. 00:16:52.580 --> 00:16:53.800 For their sins. 00:16:54.620 --> 00:16:55.540 There was a barrier. 00:16:57.160 --> 00:16:57.399 Not. 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:58.139 Not everyone. 00:16:58.139 --> 00:16:59.100 Could just come in. 00:16:59.300 --> 00:17:00.300 To the presence. 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:01.220 Of God. 00:17:02.139 --> 00:17:02.700 And yet. 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:03.800 What we have here. 00:17:03.800 --> 00:17:05.000 Is a way. 00:17:05.299 --> 00:17:06.440 That is opened up. 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:07.059 By a new. 00:17:07.160 --> 00:17:07.980 And living way. 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:09.059 Opened up for us. 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:09.559 Through. 00:17:10.039 --> 00:17:10.880 The curtain. 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:12.400 That is through. 00:17:12.860 --> 00:17:14.299 His flesh. 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:18.039 Let us. 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:19.019 Draw near. 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:19.920 Then it says. 00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:21.380 The way. 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:22.420 Is opened. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:24.740 And this is opened. 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:25.580 By Jesus. 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:27.700 And the cross. 00:17:28.840 --> 00:17:30.060 He made a way. 00:17:30.340 --> 00:17:31.340 For his people. 00:17:31.759 --> 00:17:32.519 To have access. 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:34.080 Into the very presence. 00:17:34.560 --> 00:17:35.620 Of God. 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:37.560 And it was through. 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:39.120 A remarkable way. 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:39.840 When you go to. 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:41.259 Matthew 27. 00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:42.940 Verse 50. 00:17:43.019 --> 00:17:43.740 And 51. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:45.920 You read of it there. 00:17:46.640 --> 00:17:47.820 Matthew 27. 00:17:47.819 --> 00:17:48.720 Verse 50. 00:17:49.179 --> 00:17:50.059 And 51. 00:17:50.179 --> 00:17:51.639 As Jesus died. 00:17:51.639 --> 00:17:52.899 On the cross. 00:17:53.099 --> 00:17:53.799 What happened? 00:17:54.839 --> 00:17:56.240 It says in verse 51. 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:56.960 Behold. 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:59.000 The curtain of the temple. 00:17:59.659 --> 00:18:00.740 Was torn in two. 00:18:00.899 --> 00:18:01.519 From top. 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:02.500 To bottom. 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:03.779 And the earth shook. 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:05.220 And the rocks were split. 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:07.599 It's an amazing. 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:08.460 Picture. 00:18:09.559 --> 00:18:10.039 And it's what. 00:18:10.399 --> 00:18:11.399 The writer to the Hebrews. 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:12.319 Is speaking of. 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:13.419 Of here. 00:18:13.899 --> 00:18:15.019 We can come in. 00:18:15.019 --> 00:18:16.279 Through the curtain. 00:18:17.180 --> 00:18:17.819 The curtain. 00:18:17.819 --> 00:18:19.079 Has been opened. 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:21.660 And if you had been there. 00:18:21.700 --> 00:18:22.220 At the time. 00:18:22.299 --> 00:18:22.839 And seen. 00:18:23.119 --> 00:18:23.859 What had happened. 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:25.460 You would have marveled. 00:18:26.139 --> 00:18:27.379 Because it was a curtain. 00:18:27.379 --> 00:18:28.599 That could not be. 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.839 Just torn. 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:30.500 Easily. 00:18:30.940 --> 00:18:32.019 It was a thick. 00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:32.839 Thick curtain. 00:18:33.519 --> 00:18:34.680 It blocked off. 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.460 The access. 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:37.240 From those outside. 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:38.519 Into the holy of holies. 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.660 You couldn't go in. 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:41.279 And yet. 00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:42.960 In an amazing way. 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:44.000 In a supernatural way. 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:44.859 This curtain. 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:45.980 Was torn. 00:18:45.980 --> 00:18:46.859 From top. 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:47.619 To bottom. 00:18:48.619 --> 00:18:50.119 The death of Jesus. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:51.980 Opened that way. 00:18:52.680 --> 00:18:53.599 So that we can come. 00:18:53.819 --> 00:18:54.720 Through a great. 00:18:55.059 --> 00:18:55.640 Priest. 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:56.660 Over the house. 00:18:56.859 --> 00:18:57.500 Of God. 00:18:57.559 --> 00:18:58.079 As it says. 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:59.019 In verse 21. 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:00.640 The access. 00:19:01.079 --> 00:19:01.859 Was given. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:03.720 Let us. 00:19:03.839 --> 00:19:04.579 Then it says. 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:05.619 Draw near. 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:06.859 With a true heart. 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:08.079 With full assurance. 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.420 Of faith. 00:19:09.420 --> 00:19:09.500 Faith. 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:14.440 We can only come. 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:15.440 By faith. 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:17.440 Through Jesus. 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:20.680 And as amazing. 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.680 As that curtain. 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:22.519 Being torn. 00:19:22.640 --> 00:19:22.920 Into. 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:23.720 Was. 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.779 It reminds us. 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:27.200 Of where we are. 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:29.259 What side of. 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:30.080 The curtain. 00:19:30.340 --> 00:19:31.360 Are you on. 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:31.860 Tonight. 00:19:31.859 --> 00:19:33.879 Are you coming. 00:19:33.879 --> 00:19:35.179 Into the presence. 00:19:35.179 --> 00:19:35.879 Of God. 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:36.639 To worship. 00:19:37.399 --> 00:19:38.319 Or are you still. 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:38.979 Staying. 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:39.719 Away. 00:19:40.719 --> 00:19:41.379 The way. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:42.159 Is opened up. 00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:43.179 Through the blood. 00:19:43.439 --> 00:19:44.379 Of Jesus. 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:46.019 The confidence. 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:46.879 That we are to have. 00:19:46.959 --> 00:19:48.399 In all that the Lord. 00:19:48.399 --> 00:19:49.099 Has done. 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:50.219 For us. 00:19:50.219 --> 00:19:50.819 As you see. 00:19:50.959 --> 00:19:52.139 In chapter 9. 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.319 Verse 14. 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:56.839 How much more. 00:19:56.919 --> 00:19:57.419 Will the blood. 00:19:57.419 --> 00:19:58.179 Of Christ. 00:19:58.179 --> 00:19:59.720 Who through the eternal spirit. 00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:00.939 Offered himself. 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:01.879 Without blemish. 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:02.939 To God. 00:20:03.359 --> 00:20:04.859 Purify our conscience. 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:05.980 From dead works. 00:20:06.119 --> 00:20:06.740 To serve. 00:20:07.159 --> 00:20:08.279 The living God. 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.859 It is only through him. 00:20:10.899 --> 00:20:11.740 That we can be brought. 00:20:11.899 --> 00:20:12.599 To life. 00:20:13.399 --> 00:20:14.980 It is only through him. 00:20:15.039 --> 00:20:16.480 That we find salvation. 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:18.919 That there is no other way. 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:19.659 To draw near. 00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:19.779 There. 00:20:22.060 --> 00:20:23.420 He reminds us of that. 00:20:23.600 --> 00:20:24.640 In chapter 4. 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:25.600 Verse 16. 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:26.340 As well. 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:27.540 Let us then. 00:20:27.620 --> 00:20:28.980 With confidence. 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:29.980 Draw near. 00:20:30.080 --> 00:20:30.700 To the throne. 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:31.220 Of grace. 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:32.600 That we may receive mercy. 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:33.700 And find grace. 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.860 To help. 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:35.600 In time. 00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:36.820 Of need. 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:40.180 We are a people. 00:20:40.300 --> 00:20:40.980 Who are by nature. 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:41.660 Away. 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:42.960 From God. 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:44.620 But when God. 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.259 Is speaking. 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:46.180 And calling us. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:46.980 He says. 00:20:47.100 --> 00:20:48.220 Let us draw near. 00:20:48.580 --> 00:20:49.620 With a true heart. 00:20:49.660 --> 00:20:49.820 Heart. 00:20:49.820 --> 00:20:50.540 A sincere. 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:51.920 Heart. 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:53.040 A heart. 00:20:53.100 --> 00:20:54.200 That is not divided. 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:55.340 In its loyalties. 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:56.360 As we were thinking. 00:20:56.360 --> 00:20:57.220 About this morning. 00:20:57.300 --> 00:20:57.940 The idols. 00:20:58.140 --> 00:20:58.740 Of the heart. 00:20:59.100 --> 00:20:59.680 How easily. 00:20:59.800 --> 00:21:00.279 Our hearts. 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:01.160 Are taken away. 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:01.860 From God. 00:21:02.060 --> 00:21:03.320 We are to not. 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:04.140 Be divided. 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:06.560 But that we are to have. 00:21:06.920 --> 00:21:07.820 A true heart. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:08.640 A sincere. 00:21:09.080 --> 00:21:09.460 Heart. 00:21:09.540 --> 00:21:10.000 A heart. 00:21:10.100 --> 00:21:10.920 That is faith. 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:12.080 In him. 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.540 That is where. 00:21:13.900 --> 00:21:15.160 We are to look. 00:21:16.340 --> 00:21:17.480 So the question. 00:21:17.640 --> 00:21:18.100 Comes. 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:20.199 What are we doing. 00:21:20.199 --> 00:21:21.319 With this invitation. 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:24.779 Are we accepting it. 00:21:25.539 --> 00:21:27.079 Are we trusting in it. 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.379 Are we believing. 00:21:28.879 --> 00:21:30.579 In this offer of salvation. 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:31.359 That is found. 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:33.179 In Jesus Christ. 00:21:33.439 --> 00:21:34.659 Are we confident. 00:21:35.439 --> 00:21:35.959 In him. 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:36.899 To draw near. 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:40.219 It is by faith. 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:40.899 Not anything. 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:42.319 Of ourselves. 00:21:43.519 --> 00:21:44.559 And it is a privilege. 00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:46.460 It is a privilege. 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:46.500 It is a privilege. 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:47.700 Because this invitation. 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:49.059 With. 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:49.940 To come with. 00:21:50.379 --> 00:21:51.179 Through faith. 00:21:51.259 --> 00:21:51.819 With our hearts. 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:52.519 Sprinkled. 00:21:52.639 --> 00:21:53.000 Cleaned. 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:54.480 From an evil conscience. 00:21:54.579 --> 00:21:55.259 And our bodies. 00:21:55.700 --> 00:21:57.159 Washed with pure water. 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.440 We are cleansed. 00:21:59.220 --> 00:22:00.279 We are forgiven. 00:22:00.819 --> 00:22:01.519 Our sins. 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.240 As we come. 00:22:02.639 --> 00:22:03.519 In faith. 00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:06.279 If you have come. 00:22:06.819 --> 00:22:07.799 You have access. 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:09.980 What a wonder. 00:22:10.179 --> 00:22:10.980 What a privilege. 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:11.679 That is. 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:13.000 We just think. 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:14.160 Even of this week. 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:16.480 I'm sure many of you. 00:22:16.599 --> 00:22:18.180 Have had prayer requests. 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.500 For different things. 00:22:20.539 --> 00:22:21.200 That are going on. 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.519 Or different people. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.680 Who are unwell. 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:24.920 Why do people message. 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:25.500 And say. 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:26.880 Will you pray? 00:22:29.619 --> 00:22:30.460 Because it is not. 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:31.380 What we are doing. 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:32.900 It is what God. 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:33.859 Is able to do. 00:22:34.859 --> 00:22:35.519 Let us. 00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:36.940 Then with confidence. 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.279 Draw near. 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:39.240 To God. 00:22:39.359 --> 00:22:40.000 In that way. 00:22:40.660 --> 00:22:41.900 Let us draw near. 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:42.440 To God. 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:43.279 For one another. 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:44.220 In prayer. 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:45.340 For those in need. 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:46.120 In prayer. 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:47.380 For our circumstances. 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:48.680 Going on around us. 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:49.740 In prayer. 00:22:49.900 --> 00:22:50.880 We have access. 00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:53.640 To enter into the place. 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.880 That they didn't before. 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.680 But we do now. 00:22:57.880 --> 00:22:59.039 Through the blood of Jesus. 00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:00.059 Through the curtain. 00:23:00.539 --> 00:23:01.700 That has been torn. 00:23:02.320 --> 00:23:03.500 We have access. 00:23:05.360 --> 00:23:05.680 So. 00:23:06.400 --> 00:23:07.740 If we are believing. 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.240 Use it. 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:11.859 If you haven't. 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:11.880 If you haven't. 00:23:12.339 --> 00:23:13.519 The way is open. 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:15.559 Will you come? 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:17.940 Will you come? 00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:20.839 The Lord calls. 00:23:22.120 --> 00:23:23.319 Will you come? 00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:25.799 Let us draw near. 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:26.779 With a true heart. 00:23:26.900 --> 00:23:28.480 The second thing we see here is. 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:30.880 Let us hold fast. 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.099 The confession. 00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:33.500 Of our hope. 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:34.859 Without waiting. 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:35.480 Wavering. 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.759 For he who promised. 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:38.200 Is faithful. 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:40.039 Let us hold fast. 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.940 Some of the Jewish converts. 00:23:43.420 --> 00:23:44.980 Were having a hard time. 00:23:45.819 --> 00:23:47.120 Breaking away from. 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:48.279 Their past. 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.460 Their previous. 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:50.779 Religion. 00:23:51.380 --> 00:23:52.079 And rituals. 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:54.000 They were almost. 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:54.539 As you were. 00:23:54.599 --> 00:23:55.559 Trying to hold on. 00:23:55.559 --> 00:23:56.779 To their Jewish roots. 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:58.119 And take Jesus. 00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:58.879 Into that. 00:23:59.339 --> 00:23:59.980 As well. 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:02.119 But the writer here. 00:24:02.119 --> 00:24:02.440 Is telling. 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:02.940 Beware. 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:03.700 Lest they turn. 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:05.299 Away from Christ. 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.339 And go back. 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:08.079 To their old ways. 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:09.899 Hold fast. 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.579 The confession. 00:24:10.679 --> 00:24:11.259 Of our hope. 00:24:11.339 --> 00:24:12.299 Without faith. 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:12.980 Wavering. 00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:15.319 Without going back. 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:16.000 At all. 00:24:17.399 --> 00:24:18.079 Because. 00:24:18.679 --> 00:24:19.940 He who promised. 00:24:20.639 --> 00:24:21.500 Is faithful. 00:24:23.399 --> 00:24:24.519 There is always. 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.220 A danger. 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:26.680 Of us. 00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:27.519 Turning back. 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:28.059 Isn't there? 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:29.720 There is always. 00:24:29.720 --> 00:24:31.160 The temptation. 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:33.119 There is always. 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:33.639 A temptation. 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.539 To get drawn. 00:24:34.920 --> 00:24:36.259 Back into the world. 00:24:38.579 --> 00:24:39.980 We are challenged. 00:24:40.559 --> 00:24:41.740 In so many ways. 00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:42.019 And yet. 00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:43.000 The greatest challenge. 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:43.940 Is to be faithful. 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:45.259 To the Lord. 00:24:45.740 --> 00:24:46.599 And to trust. 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.059 Him. 00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:48.700 We have all known. 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:49.279 People. 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:50.819 Who are in church. 00:24:51.799 --> 00:24:52.680 Maybe even made. 00:24:53.059 --> 00:24:53.859 A profession. 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.599 Of faith. 00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:57.459 And they wandered. 00:24:57.599 --> 00:24:58.879 Away from the faith. 00:24:59.559 --> 00:25:00.559 They turned away. 00:25:00.979 --> 00:25:01.799 From God. 00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:04.459 And the writer. 00:25:04.639 --> 00:25:05.439 Here is writing. 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:06.299 Into that very. 00:25:06.679 --> 00:25:07.319 Situation. 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:09.579 And he is saying. 00:25:09.639 --> 00:25:09.959 Let us. 00:25:10.199 --> 00:25:11.099 Hold fast. 00:25:11.479 --> 00:25:12.399 The confession. 00:25:12.399 --> 00:25:13.299 Of our hope. 00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:15.579 Don't start. 00:25:15.699 --> 00:25:16.379 Taking things. 00:25:16.479 --> 00:25:17.059 For granted. 00:25:17.779 --> 00:25:18.699 Don't start. 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:19.119 Thinking. 00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:20.099 That you are stronger. 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:21.319 Than you actually are. 00:25:21.319 --> 00:25:23.460 Hold fast. 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:24.519 Your confession. 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:26.419 Of your hope. 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:27.279 Without waiting. 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:28.759 For he who promised. 00:25:29.439 --> 00:25:30.259 Is faithful. 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.799 To hold on. 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:33.659 To the hope. 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.240 What is. 00:25:35.500 --> 00:25:36.019 The hope. 00:25:36.819 --> 00:25:37.419 Well again. 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:37.939 It is something. 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:38.720 That he is taught. 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:39.919 In earlier chapters. 00:25:40.059 --> 00:25:41.039 In chapter 6. 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:41.839 Verse 17. 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:43.839 When God. 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:44.319 Desired. 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:44.720 To show. 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.959 More convincingly. 00:25:45.959 --> 00:25:47.000 To the heirs. 00:25:47.000 --> 00:25:47.720 Of the promise. 00:25:47.879 --> 00:25:48.699 The unchangeable. 00:25:48.699 --> 00:25:49.279 Character. 00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:50.199 Of his purpose. 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.959 He guaranteed it. 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:52.799 With an oath. 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:54.319 So that by two. 00:25:54.659 --> 00:25:55.799 Unchangeable things. 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:57.379 Which it is impossible. 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:58.059 For God. 00:25:58.139 --> 00:25:58.639 To lie. 00:25:59.179 --> 00:26:00.279 We who have fled. 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.119 For refuge. 00:26:01.119 --> 00:26:02.159 Might have strong. 00:26:02.419 --> 00:26:02.899 Encouragement. 00:26:03.359 --> 00:26:04.379 To hold fast. 00:26:04.439 --> 00:26:05.139 To the hope. 00:26:05.659 --> 00:26:06.879 Set before us. 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.279 We have this. 00:26:08.379 --> 00:26:08.980 As a sure. 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:09.860 And steadfast. 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:11.400 Anchor of the soul. 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:11.940 A hope. 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:12.960 That enters. 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:14.039 Into the inner place. 00:26:14.120 --> 00:26:15.299 Behind the curtain. 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:16.000 Where Jesus. 00:26:16.279 --> 00:26:18.039 Has gone as a forerunner. 00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:19.279 On our behalf. 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.279 Having become. 00:26:20.360 --> 00:26:21.220 A high priest. 00:26:21.299 --> 00:26:21.680 Forever. 00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:23.000 In the order. 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:24.900 Of Melchizedek. 00:26:26.140 --> 00:26:27.319 What is it telling us. 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:27.900 Of the hope. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:28.579 That we have. 00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:30.400 It is in the one. 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:32.039 Who has gone before us. 00:26:32.680 --> 00:26:33.819 The one who has entered. 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:35.299 Into the holy of holies. 00:26:35.339 --> 00:26:36.319 The one who has dealt. 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:37.640 With it for us. 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:38.940 For he who. 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:40.740 Who promised. 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:42.160 Is faithful. 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:44.500 And what has he promised. 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.779 Well we can. 00:26:47.079 --> 00:26:48.819 Go on with a steadfast. 00:26:49.039 --> 00:26:49.640 Confidence. 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:50.880 Holding fast. 00:26:50.960 --> 00:26:51.779 Our confession. 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:52.620 As we trust. 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:53.440 In Christ. 00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:55.259 And what were the promises. 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.140 That he gave. 00:26:56.599 --> 00:26:57.339 There are many. 00:26:58.140 --> 00:26:59.319 There are so many. 00:26:59.319 --> 00:27:00.279 You can just go through. 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:00.960 The scriptures. 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:01.720 And see. 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:03.559 The many many promises. 00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:04.559 That he gives. 00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:07.779 Just think of a couple. 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:08.660 From the gospel. 00:27:08.660 --> 00:27:09.119 From the gospel. 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:09.139 From the gospel. 00:27:09.139 --> 00:27:09.859 Of John. 00:27:11.200 --> 00:27:12.079 In John. 00:27:12.180 --> 00:27:13.160 Chapter 10. 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.740 He gives us. 00:27:14.839 --> 00:27:15.399 Promise. 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.819 Of a life. 00:27:17.879 --> 00:27:18.799 A new life. 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:20.000 Life. 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:20.019 Life. 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:21.079 To the full. 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:23.740 Our old life. 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:25.099 It may seem. 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:25.599 Great. 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:26.420 In our eyes. 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:26.879 We might be. 00:27:27.000 --> 00:27:27.619 Enjoying it. 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:29.019 But it's nothing. 00:27:29.019 --> 00:27:30.099 Compared to the life. 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:30.719 That there is. 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.439 In Christ. 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:34.179 He promises us. 00:27:34.439 --> 00:27:34.879 A life. 00:27:34.959 --> 00:27:36.240 That is completely different. 00:27:37.419 --> 00:27:38.079 A life. 00:27:38.399 --> 00:27:39.240 That is fulfilled. 00:27:39.579 --> 00:27:41.000 Not just in this world. 00:27:41.459 --> 00:27:42.559 But in eternity. 00:27:42.799 --> 00:27:43.639 John is often. 00:27:43.859 --> 00:27:44.899 Speaking about that. 00:27:45.159 --> 00:27:45.639 Eternal. 00:27:46.299 --> 00:27:46.699 Life. 00:27:46.839 --> 00:27:47.179 Life. 00:27:47.319 --> 00:27:47.919 To the full. 00:27:49.219 --> 00:27:49.919 And then he has that. 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:51.139 Wonderful promise. 00:27:51.980 --> 00:27:52.659 To his. 00:27:52.659 --> 00:27:52.980 His. 00:27:53.139 --> 00:27:53.819 People. 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:54.980 In John 14. 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:57.319 Let not your hearts. 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:57.980 Be troubled. 00:27:58.139 --> 00:27:59.099 Believe in God. 00:27:59.099 --> 00:28:00.619 Believe also. 00:28:00.619 --> 00:28:01.359 In me. 00:28:01.599 --> 00:28:02.500 What is he saying? 00:28:03.419 --> 00:28:03.859 He is saying. 00:28:03.959 --> 00:28:04.899 I am promising you. 00:28:04.959 --> 00:28:05.679 A place. 00:28:07.059 --> 00:28:07.899 You are troubled. 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:08.439 He is speaking. 00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:09.219 To the disciples. 00:28:09.219 --> 00:28:10.679 About what lies. 00:28:10.919 --> 00:28:11.279 Ahead. 00:28:11.799 --> 00:28:12.419 There is so many. 00:28:13.099 --> 00:28:13.539 Uncertainties. 00:28:13.619 --> 00:28:13.839 I am. 00:28:13.959 --> 00:28:15.039 To leave you. 00:28:15.219 --> 00:28:15.679 But I am going. 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:16.379 To the cross. 00:28:16.439 --> 00:28:16.719 I am going. 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:17.339 To die. 00:28:18.019 --> 00:28:18.740 They are troubled. 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:21.519 But he says. 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:22.480 Let not your heart. 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:23.039 Be troubled. 00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:23.719 Be still. 00:28:23.879 --> 00:28:25.000 Believe in God. 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.399 Believe also. 00:28:26.399 --> 00:28:26.759 In me. 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.719 There is that hope. 00:28:29.099 --> 00:28:30.500 There is that great hope. 00:28:30.579 --> 00:28:31.579 Of John 17. 00:28:32.019 --> 00:28:33.399 The high priestly prayer. 00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:34.859 Where he speaks about that. 00:28:35.459 --> 00:28:35.899 Oneness. 00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:37.299 That blessing. 00:28:37.379 --> 00:28:38.000 That we have. 00:28:38.480 --> 00:28:39.679 Even as the father has. 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.240 With the son. 00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:41.219 That we might be one. 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:41.779 With him. 00:28:44.019 --> 00:28:45.219 Every promise. 00:28:45.219 --> 00:28:46.259 That he gives. 00:28:46.619 --> 00:28:48.000 Is ironclad. 00:28:49.639 --> 00:28:51.519 It has either been fulfilled. 00:28:51.959 --> 00:28:53.139 Or it will be. 00:28:53.939 --> 00:28:55.099 They are guaranteed. 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:58.119 That is the hope. 00:28:58.119 --> 00:28:59.439 That we have. 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:01.259 And so we are to. 00:29:01.480 --> 00:29:02.219 Hold fast. 00:29:02.319 --> 00:29:03.079 The confession. 00:29:03.659 --> 00:29:04.259 Of our hope. 00:29:04.379 --> 00:29:05.480 Without wavering. 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:07.019 And so were they here. 00:29:07.699 --> 00:29:09.059 Even as they are persecuted. 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:10.839 Endured hard struggles. 00:29:10.839 --> 00:29:11.879 With sufferings. 00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:14.199 Being publicly exposed. 00:29:14.299 --> 00:29:15.079 To reproaches. 00:29:15.219 --> 00:29:16.500 It says in verse 32. 00:29:16.500 --> 00:29:17.099 And 33. 00:29:17.099 --> 00:29:17.839 These people. 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:19.079 Were suffering. 00:29:19.079 --> 00:29:21.720 And yet he is saying. 00:29:21.899 --> 00:29:22.659 Hold fast. 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.539 Your confession. 00:29:24.339 --> 00:29:25.779 Because he who promised. 00:29:26.220 --> 00:29:27.000 Is faithful. 00:29:28.759 --> 00:29:30.720 And he will return. 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:33.419 He will return. 00:29:33.819 --> 00:29:34.939 There is always. 00:29:35.099 --> 00:29:35.779 That promise. 00:29:35.859 --> 00:29:37.099 Behind it as well. 00:29:38.279 --> 00:29:40.319 So we are to hold fast. 00:29:40.879 --> 00:29:41.960 Our confession. 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:42.980 And again. 00:29:43.039 --> 00:29:43.439 We are to. 00:29:44.099 --> 00:29:45.319 Encourage one another. 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:46.379 In that. 00:29:46.380 --> 00:29:48.460 The final thing. 00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:49.180 We see here. 00:29:49.380 --> 00:29:50.280 Is the final. 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:50.940 Let us. 00:29:51.080 --> 00:29:52.260 In verse 24. 00:29:53.360 --> 00:29:54.500 Let us consider. 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:55.840 How to stir up. 00:29:55.960 --> 00:29:56.360 One another. 00:29:56.540 --> 00:29:57.220 To love. 00:29:57.620 --> 00:29:58.400 And good works. 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.520 Not neglecting. 00:29:59.860 --> 00:30:00.720 To meet together. 00:30:00.820 --> 00:30:02.220 As is the habit of some. 00:30:02.340 --> 00:30:03.100 But encouraging. 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:03.700 One another. 00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:05.420 And all the more. 00:30:05.480 --> 00:30:06.660 As you see the day. 00:30:07.160 --> 00:30:07.840 Drawing near. 00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:08.180 Again. 00:30:08.260 --> 00:30:09.340 You have that day. 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.600 On the horizon. 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:11.600 Here as well. 00:30:11.660 --> 00:30:12.080 The day. 00:30:12.380 --> 00:30:13.840 Of the Lord's return. 00:30:13.960 --> 00:30:15.200 But let us. 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:16.240 Consider. 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:17.779 How to stir up. 00:30:17.900 --> 00:30:18.319 One another. 00:30:18.480 --> 00:30:19.039 To love. 00:30:19.620 --> 00:30:20.680 And good works. 00:30:20.860 --> 00:30:21.360 Do you notice. 00:30:21.860 --> 00:30:22.319 The three. 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:23.240 Let us. 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:25.180 What are they talking about? 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:27.299 The first. 00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:28.900 Is faith. 00:30:29.860 --> 00:30:30.380 Let us. 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.019 Draw near. 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.220 With a true heart. 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:33.259 With full assurance. 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:34.480 Of faith. 00:30:35.640 --> 00:30:36.279 The second. 00:30:36.460 --> 00:30:37.299 Is hope. 00:30:38.259 --> 00:30:38.740 Let us. 00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:39.500 Hold fast. 00:30:39.559 --> 00:30:40.180 The confession. 00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:41.299 Of our hope. 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.920 Without wavering. 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:44.640 And the third. 00:30:45.100 --> 00:30:45.660 Is love. 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.900 Let us consider. 00:30:48.080 --> 00:30:48.880 How to stir up. 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:49.300 One another. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.120 To love. 00:30:50.840 --> 00:30:51.560 And good works. 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:52.080 Faith. 00:30:52.360 --> 00:30:52.700 Hope. 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:53.660 And love. 00:30:55.840 --> 00:30:56.320 Fruits. 00:30:56.400 --> 00:30:56.740 That we see. 00:30:56.820 --> 00:30:57.460 Of the spirit. 00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:59.240 These are what we are to. 00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:00.240 Encourage. 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:01.320 One another. 00:31:01.560 --> 00:31:01.720 In. 00:31:01.840 --> 00:31:02.519 So the last one. 00:31:02.580 --> 00:31:03.660 Is let us stir up. 00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:04.140 One another. 00:31:04.340 --> 00:31:04.980 In love. 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:07.259 And good works. 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:09.060 We are to. 00:31:09.180 --> 00:31:10.340 To work together. 00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:10.459 Together. 00:31:11.459 --> 00:31:12.539 These people. 00:31:13.419 --> 00:31:14.319 It would be easy. 00:31:14.319 --> 00:31:15.399 For them to scatter. 00:31:15.619 --> 00:31:16.720 To go their own way. 00:31:17.159 --> 00:31:18.720 To stop meeting together. 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:19.399 As we see. 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:20.279 In these verses. 00:31:21.619 --> 00:31:23.240 But they are being encouraged. 00:31:23.559 --> 00:31:25.000 In their togetherness. 00:31:25.720 --> 00:31:27.039 In their togetherness. 00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:28.119 In the work. 00:31:28.439 --> 00:31:30.179 That he calls them to. 00:31:31.119 --> 00:31:32.799 We are to be a people. 00:31:32.799 --> 00:31:33.799 Who build. 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:36.019 Who build. 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.959 One another up. 00:31:37.759 --> 00:31:39.079 Who encourage. 00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:39.639 One another. 00:31:39.779 --> 00:31:40.659 To faithfulness. 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:41.659 And good works. 00:31:42.419 --> 00:31:43.179 Let us. 00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:44.159 Stir. 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:45.579 One another up. 00:31:46.619 --> 00:31:47.619 For to be able. 00:31:47.720 --> 00:31:48.379 To do that. 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:49.000 We are to be. 00:31:49.419 --> 00:31:49.839 Together. 00:31:51.099 --> 00:31:52.179 Because you see here. 00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:53.359 There is a sense of being. 00:31:53.819 --> 00:31:54.259 Together. 00:31:54.460 --> 00:31:55.179 In worship. 00:31:55.699 --> 00:31:56.519 As well. 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:58.359 Stir one another up. 00:31:58.419 --> 00:31:59.199 To love. 00:31:59.279 --> 00:31:59.819 And good works. 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:01.199 Not neglecting. 00:32:01.659 --> 00:32:02.460 To meet together. 00:32:02.619 --> 00:32:03.139 As the habit. 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:03.819 Of some. 00:32:04.599 --> 00:32:05.379 That is to come. 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:06.000 And worship. 00:32:06.679 --> 00:32:07.119 Together. 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:07.239 Together. 00:32:08.039 --> 00:32:09.359 Some Jewish converts. 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:10.159 Had abandoned. 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.919 That sense of public. 00:32:12.079 --> 00:32:12.619 Gatherings. 00:32:12.619 --> 00:32:13.359 Of believers. 00:32:14.179 --> 00:32:14.759 It would be easier. 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:15.879 For them to stay away. 00:32:15.959 --> 00:32:16.159 They would. 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:16.979 Maybe be. 00:32:17.899 --> 00:32:18.819 Less likely. 00:32:18.819 --> 00:32:19.699 To be persecuted. 00:32:19.699 --> 00:32:20.539 If they did. 00:32:21.839 --> 00:32:22.559 But no. 00:32:22.619 --> 00:32:23.059 He is saying. 00:32:23.219 --> 00:32:24.339 Do not neglect. 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:25.719 The meeting together. 00:32:25.719 --> 00:32:27.000 Because that encourages. 00:32:27.379 --> 00:32:28.199 One another. 00:32:29.399 --> 00:32:30.459 And it encourages. 00:32:30.459 --> 00:32:31.000 Us. 00:32:31.139 --> 00:32:31.579 As well. 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:32.879 The more. 00:32:32.979 --> 00:32:33.659 We are together. 00:32:33.659 --> 00:32:34.119 The more. 00:32:34.219 --> 00:32:34.659 We are encouraged. 00:32:34.660 --> 00:32:35.300 Encouraged. 00:32:35.620 --> 00:32:36.060 Together. 00:32:36.180 --> 00:32:37.240 Whether it is in works. 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:38.400 Or worship. 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:39.720 Whatever we are doing. 00:32:40.180 --> 00:32:41.360 We are to encourage. 00:32:41.360 --> 00:32:41.840 One another. 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:42.660 To stir. 00:32:43.060 --> 00:32:44.080 One another up. 00:32:45.019 --> 00:32:45.460 Practically. 00:32:45.540 --> 00:32:46.740 How could you look at this? 00:32:47.420 --> 00:32:48.380 What could you do? 00:32:49.360 --> 00:32:49.940 Well you think. 00:32:49.940 --> 00:32:51.519 This is about stirring up. 00:32:51.700 --> 00:32:52.120 One another. 00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:53.920 In a good sense. 00:32:54.580 --> 00:32:55.740 So as you come. 00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:56.560 To worship. 00:32:57.480 --> 00:32:58.440 As you come. 00:32:58.540 --> 00:32:59.140 And do whatever. 00:32:59.340 --> 00:32:59.759 We are doing. 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:00.580 Together. 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.960 We see who is there. 00:33:02.040 --> 00:33:03.160 But we also see. 00:33:03.580 --> 00:33:04.500 Who is not. 00:33:05.580 --> 00:33:06.680 Who isn't here. 00:33:07.600 --> 00:33:08.900 Who maybe hasn't been here. 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:09.980 For a few weeks. 00:33:11.160 --> 00:33:13.100 Who hasn't been for a few months. 00:33:13.300 --> 00:33:14.060 Do we notice. 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:16.720 Do we do anything about it. 00:33:16.800 --> 00:33:17.680 Do we tell anybody. 00:33:18.820 --> 00:33:20.420 One of the greatest challenges. 00:33:20.420 --> 00:33:21.380 As a pastor. 00:33:21.380 --> 00:33:22.800 Is looking after people. 00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:24.560 But one of the greatest challenges. 00:33:24.560 --> 00:33:25.460 Is if you don't know. 00:33:25.620 --> 00:33:26.700 When someone is not well. 00:33:26.759 --> 00:33:28.220 Or something has happened to them. 00:33:29.100 --> 00:33:30.360 You are oblivious to it. 00:33:30.400 --> 00:33:32.160 So let us stir one another up. 00:33:32.240 --> 00:33:33.080 In that sense. 00:33:33.079 --> 00:33:35.799 Of talking to each other. 00:33:36.079 --> 00:33:37.460 About one another. 00:33:38.079 --> 00:33:39.139 Not gossiping. 00:33:39.839 --> 00:33:41.000 But concern. 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:42.919 A concern. 00:33:43.359 --> 00:33:44.460 For one another. 00:33:45.460 --> 00:33:46.720 Maybe someone has been unwell. 00:33:46.799 --> 00:33:47.599 They haven't been out. 00:33:47.980 --> 00:33:48.839 We need to know. 00:33:49.579 --> 00:33:52.000 Maybe someone is starting to slip away. 00:33:52.579 --> 00:33:53.899 Their attendance is dropping. 00:33:54.359 --> 00:33:55.240 We need to know. 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:57.079 So that we can encourage them. 00:33:57.179 --> 00:33:58.359 Come alongside them. 00:33:58.359 --> 00:34:00.079 That's what this is about. 00:34:00.199 --> 00:34:01.939 Let us stir up one another. 00:34:02.359 --> 00:34:03.179 To love. 00:34:03.819 --> 00:34:05.099 And to good works. 00:34:06.139 --> 00:34:07.019 To love. 00:34:07.439 --> 00:34:08.059 One another. 00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:10.440 So there are practical ways. 00:34:10.920 --> 00:34:12.839 That we can work this out. 00:34:13.519 --> 00:34:14.859 Because the more we see. 00:34:14.960 --> 00:34:16.779 That we are loved by God. 00:34:16.859 --> 00:34:17.480 The more we see. 00:34:17.599 --> 00:34:18.159 We are a people. 00:34:18.299 --> 00:34:19.980 Who are worshipping God together. 00:34:20.239 --> 00:34:21.199 The more we see. 00:34:21.279 --> 00:34:22.900 That we are one together. 00:34:22.900 --> 00:34:26.740 That's what the writer is seeking here. 00:34:26.820 --> 00:34:28.960 The people bonded together. 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:32.320 With a full assurance of faith. 00:34:34.900 --> 00:34:38.180 So does this describe you? 00:34:38.179 --> 00:34:41.919 Do you have confidence? 00:34:44.259 --> 00:34:46.259 Are you drawing near. 00:34:46.679 --> 00:34:48.179 With a true heart? 00:34:49.000 --> 00:34:50.919 Are you holding fast. 00:34:51.440 --> 00:34:53.259 The confession of your faith? 00:34:54.359 --> 00:34:56.079 Are you stirring up others. 00:34:56.719 --> 00:34:57.339 To love. 00:34:58.059 --> 00:34:59.019 And good works. 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:02.460 Let us hear. 00:35:03.519 --> 00:35:04.859 It's not advice. 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:08.300 It's not saying. 00:35:09.180 --> 00:35:11.260 Here's an idea for you. 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:12.320 Here's something. 00:35:12.640 --> 00:35:14.960 You could try and put into practice. 00:35:15.960 --> 00:35:17.260 It's a command. 00:35:18.820 --> 00:35:20.140 It's a command. 00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:22.760 A command that comes. 00:35:22.760 --> 00:35:25.039 From understanding God. 00:35:26.000 --> 00:35:28.000 Understanding who we are. 00:35:28.120 --> 00:35:29.039 In light of that. 00:35:29.840 --> 00:35:30.380 And therefore. 00:35:30.760 --> 00:35:32.480 Having that confidence. 00:35:33.500 --> 00:35:34.220 To come. 00:35:34.219 --> 00:35:35.679 And approach God. 00:35:35.779 --> 00:35:36.259 In worship. 00:35:37.239 --> 00:35:38.219 In reverence. 00:35:38.439 --> 00:35:39.119 In fear. 00:35:39.679 --> 00:35:41.079 Giving glory to him. 00:35:41.899 --> 00:35:42.659 And when we do. 00:35:42.799 --> 00:35:44.379 Then that works itself out. 00:35:44.439 --> 00:35:45.399 In how we live. 00:35:46.159 --> 00:35:46.919 Drawing near. 00:35:47.879 --> 00:35:48.919 Holding fast. 00:35:49.759 --> 00:35:50.379 And loving. 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.319 And stirring up. 00:35:51.500 --> 00:35:52.539 To good works. 00:35:53.419 --> 00:35:54.959 May it be that these words. 00:35:55.039 --> 00:35:56.079 Become commands. 00:35:56.079 --> 00:35:56.959 To us. 00:35:57.839 --> 00:35:59.079 Commands that we heed. 00:35:59.519 --> 00:36:00.480 And listen to. 00:36:00.619 --> 00:36:00.959 First. 00:36:01.500 --> 00:36:03.019 By having that confidence. 00:36:03.019 --> 00:36:03.280 Confidence. 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:04.659 Confidence. 00:36:04.659 --> 00:36:05.699 Confidence in Christ. 00:36:06.480 --> 00:36:07.900 That leads us then. 00:36:08.400 --> 00:36:09.639 To let us. 00:36:10.639 --> 00:36:11.559 Let us all. 00:36:12.039 --> 00:36:12.420 Seek. 00:36:12.860 --> 00:36:14.239 To do all these things. 00:36:14.900 --> 00:36:15.559 Drawing near. 00:36:16.280 --> 00:36:17.179 With faith. 00:36:17.679 --> 00:36:18.579 Holding fast. 00:36:19.239 --> 00:36:20.099 In hope. 00:36:21.039 --> 00:36:22.039 And stirring up. 00:36:22.699 --> 00:36:23.320 In love. 00:36:24.199 --> 00:36:24.900 Let us pray. 00:36:24.900 --> 00:36:25.019 Amen. 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:30.300 Lord our gracious God. 00:36:30.400 --> 00:36:31.059 We thank you. 00:36:31.059 --> 00:36:32.019 That your word. 00:36:32.159 --> 00:36:33.300 Indeed stirs us. 00:36:34.039 --> 00:36:35.320 Stirs us in our hearts. 00:36:35.320 --> 00:36:36.039 To consider. 00:36:36.480 --> 00:36:37.079 Who you are. 00:36:37.280 --> 00:36:38.320 Stirs us in our heart. 00:36:38.420 --> 00:36:38.940 To consider. 00:36:39.360 --> 00:36:40.219 Where we stand. 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:41.079 Before you. 00:36:41.759 --> 00:36:42.860 Stirs us in our hearts. 00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:43.400 To consider. 00:36:43.539 --> 00:36:43.840 How we. 00:36:44.420 --> 00:36:45.320 Live with one another. 00:36:45.320 --> 00:36:46.480 And among one another. 00:36:47.179 --> 00:36:48.099 And we pray Lord. 00:36:48.159 --> 00:36:48.900 That these words. 00:36:48.960 --> 00:36:49.719 That we've considered. 00:36:49.719 --> 00:36:50.500 This evening. 00:36:51.079 --> 00:36:52.199 Would encourage us. 00:36:52.199 --> 00:36:52.960 In our hearts. 00:36:53.159 --> 00:36:54.019 To be a people. 00:36:54.599 --> 00:36:55.539 Closer to you. 00:36:55.639 --> 00:36:56.980 And closer to one another. 00:36:57.519 --> 00:36:58.699 Praying for one another. 00:36:59.279 --> 00:37:00.419 Encouraging one another. 00:37:00.980 --> 00:37:01.799 Lord give us. 00:37:01.919 --> 00:37:02.619 Above all that. 00:37:02.779 --> 00:37:03.460 Confidence. 00:37:03.679 --> 00:37:04.419 In Christ. 00:37:05.219 --> 00:37:05.899 That assurance. 00:37:06.139 --> 00:37:06.659 In the midst. 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:07.519 Of the world. 00:37:07.579 --> 00:37:08.319 In which we live. 00:37:08.399 --> 00:37:09.159 That in Christ. 00:37:09.319 --> 00:37:09.819 We have. 00:37:10.319 --> 00:37:11.299 A saviour. 00:37:11.819 --> 00:37:12.719 One who promised. 00:37:13.159 --> 00:37:14.419 And one who is faithful. 00:37:14.980 --> 00:37:16.079 Hear our prayers. 00:37:16.079 --> 00:37:16.419 Lord. 00:37:16.519 --> 00:37:17.500 Forgive our sin. 00:37:17.980 --> 00:37:18.759 As we ask it all. 00:37:18.859 --> 00:37:19.739 In Jesus name. 00:37:20.199 --> 00:37:20.579 Amen. 00:37:22.199 --> 00:37:26.919 We're going to. 00:37:27.159 --> 00:37:28.219 Conclude by singing. 00:37:28.219 --> 00:37:29.259 To God's praise. 00:37:29.359 --> 00:37:30.719 In Psalm 72. 00:37:33.599 --> 00:37:34.519 And sing. 00:37:34.639 --> 00:37:35.399 Psalm's version. 00:37:36.839 --> 00:37:37.599 We'll sing. 00:37:37.739 --> 00:37:38.659 From verse 16. 00:37:38.659 --> 00:37:39.399 To the end. 00:37:39.699 --> 00:37:41.000 Of the psalm. 00:37:43.279 --> 00:37:44.500 Psalm 72. 00:37:44.639 --> 00:37:45.719 Page 93. 00:37:46.319 --> 00:37:47.439 Verse 16. 00:37:47.539 --> 00:37:48.500 Let grain abound. 00:37:48.659 --> 00:37:49.559 Throughout the land. 00:37:50.099 --> 00:37:51.159 The tops of hills. 00:37:51.159 --> 00:37:52.279 Their harvest yield. 00:37:52.420 --> 00:37:54.059 May they bear fruit. 00:37:54.059 --> 00:37:54.779 Like Lebanon. 00:37:54.779 --> 00:37:56.159 And thrive. 00:37:56.279 --> 00:37:57.339 As grass grows. 00:37:57.339 --> 00:37:58.379 In the field. 00:37:58.379 --> 00:37:58.839 We'll sing. 00:37:58.960 --> 00:37:59.719 From verse 16. 00:37:59.839 --> 00:38:00.239 To the end. 00:38:00.259 --> 00:38:00.879 Of the psalm. 00:38:01.239 --> 00:38:02.319 To God's praise. 00:38:02.320 --> 00:38:09.440 Let grain abound. 00:38:09.440 --> 00:38:39.440 Through away may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may may 00:38:39.440 --> 00:38:56.780 Forever may His name endure, may it continue as the sun. 00:38:56.780 --> 00:39:14.460 All nations will be blessed in Him, whom they will call the Blessed One. 00:39:14.460 --> 00:39:31.720 Praise to the Lord, to Israel's God, His awesome deeds proclaim to men. 00:39:31.719 --> 00:39:48.359 His name be praised eternally, His glory fill the earth. Amen. 00:39:50.359 --> 00:39:54.359 After the benediction, I'll go to the door to my left. We'll close with the benediction. 00:39:54.360 --> 00:40:04.780 Now may grace, mercy and peace from God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon and abide with you all now and forevermore. Amen. 00:40:24.360 --> 00:40:26.360 Amen.