As Christians, we are called to persevere. We are on this journey for the long haul. Living for Jesus is a lifetime commitment, regardless of whatever trials or persecution you may face along the way. Learn how to be CONSISTENT AND COMMITTED: THE CALL TO PERSEVERE, as we listen to this powerful message by Ps Joy Saavedra-MacInnes.
Hebrews 10:19-25 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10 speaks of something very special. It is God’s invitation to come into His Presence. (Hebrews 6:19-20; Hebrews 10:19)
Christ’s shed blood is our invitation to enter the Presence of God. (Hebrews 10:12, 14; Hebrews 10:22) He has given us the invitation to come into His Presence and there are only two possible responses: acceptance or rejection. (Hebrews 10:23) We are admonished to run the Christian race with steadfastness, perseverance and endurance.
“To hold unswervingly” means to hold firmly to our faith inspite of the trials, temptations, or persecution we face. Perseverance is important because God has not promised us an easy life. (John 16:33) We need a community of faith like the church to encourage us, nurture us, protect us, warn us and keep us grounded. (Prov. 22:6; Heb. 10:24; 1 Cor. 15:58)
WORKS doesn’t save us or offer the way to salvation. Salvation is simply putting our faith in Christ alone. Our “abounding in the work of the Lord” – LOVE is the motive, the glue, and the expression of everything that we do. (1 John 4: 8; John 13: 34-35)
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain- whether you do it in the church or on your secular job. Work is worship!
Following Christ is not a Sunday thing or a church thing; following Christ is a life- thing, a daily thing, a 24/7thing. Don’t distinguish between sacred and secular work. A secular job can be a sacred ministry for the Lord. (Hebrews 10:25)
Church is NOT a spectator sport but an interactive time of celebration, confession, worship and fellowship.
The New Testament word for Fellowship is Koinonia. This word expresses the idea of being together for mutual benefit. Attending church is a matter of obedience, not a suggestion. Regular fellowship with believers is a necessary ingredient in Christian growth. There is no growth in isolation.