Sermon Preview 11-30-08

Special Note: Since the 30th is a 5th Sunday there will be donuts and coffee in the basement at 9:30 am. Everyone is welcome.

Morning: Lord willing, we will conclude the sermon series, Jesus Our Great High Priest. This sermon is entitled, "Nothing but the Blood" and comes from Hebrews 9:1-10:18. The main idea of the the passage is, "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Heb 10:14).

One of my favorite hymns asks:

What can wash away my sins? (Nothing but the blood of Jesus)
What can make me whole again? (Nothing but the blood of Jesus)

This passage expresses this truth through an elaborate discussion of the tabernacle and the sacrificial system. The author tells us that the tabernacle pointed to the coming of a greater sacrifice that could cleanse the conscience, not just make one ceremonially clean. He tells us that Christ had to die to cleanse us, because "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22). And he also demonstrates that Jesus willingly shed his blood on our behalf.

I. The division of the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place points to the reality that the sacrifices were not sufficient to cleanse the conscience (9:1-10).
Hebrews 9:9 states, "This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper."

II. The Law decrees that blood must be shed in order for sins to be remitted (9:11-28).
Hebrews 9:22 states, "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

III. It was for this purpose that Jesus willingly entered our world (10:1-18).
Hebrews 10:9-10 states, "Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ . . . And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

This passage compels us to cling to Christ alone as our righteousness. It calls us as believers to worship the Lord for his gracious gift. It calls us to walk in confident faith, knowing that Christ has perfected us in righteousness. It compels the unbeliever to turn to Christ and find forgiveness.

Evening: We will look at giving thanks.