INFORM:
- APR 8th - 6:30 pm @ Melting Pot (BridgeStreet) Lady’s Fellowship – Brandi Neals Going-Away Party
-APR 11th (Sunday) - 4:30 pm in the FLC VBS Worker’s Training
- APR 16-17 – (7-9:30 pm Friday/8-12 AM Saturday) – Marriage Conference w/ Steve Farrar ($40/per person)
INSPIRE:
Read Hebrews 9 – It is amazing how cheap we take our salvation at times (if we’re being honest). This chapter is such a beautiful reminder of the sinless sacrifice that was offered for our sins. As we read in verse 12: “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.”
What can wash away our sin? We can only say NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS. By His sacrifice the Holiest communion with God was tore open (Matt 27:51) that we may enter where even the high priests feared to tread. So here is the challenge from the writer of Hebrews in chapter 10: 19-25;
”19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Think about these words!
INCLUDE:
- What came to your mind as you read Hebrews 9?
- What does it mean to you that the Temple veil was torn?
- How does this encourage you?
This makes me consider what a privilege it is to be able to converse with the God of this universe and the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus. Jesus’ sacrifice means I no longer live alone, in fear, and without hope.
It reminds me of a special night when Jeremy and I were living in Japan–we were invited to a real Japanese tea ceremony. This is really considered an honor. As I was sitting in the ceremony, I kept hoping that I was acting the way I was supposed to act…what if I mess up and drink the wrong way? what if I forget a step in the process of the ceremony?
I realize from this experience that with Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have an all access pass to the heavenly Father with none of the worry. I never have to worry about who I am before Him–I come to Him as I am…and to be able to converse with such a Holy God is still amazing to me.