OUR CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST

Keith O’Connor

Woodland Church

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

(Hebrews 10:19-25, ESV) Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

(Hebrews 4:16, ESV) 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.

1. Draw near to Him

(Hebrews 10:19-22, ESV) Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

For believers the veil is not rolled up, but rent. The veil was not unhooked, and carefully folded up, and put away, so that it might be put in its place at some future time. Oh, no! But the divine hand took it and rent it front top to bottom. It can never be hung up again; that is impossible. Between those who are in Christ Jesus and the great God, there will never be another separation – (Spurgeon)

a. Draw near to God in Worship

(Romans 12:1-2, NLT) And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

b. Draw Near to God in Prayer

(Acts 2:42) Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.

c. Draw Near to God through His Word

(Joshua 1:8, NLT)Study this Book of Instruction continually. Mediate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

2. Hold Fast

(Hebrews 10:23, ESV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

3. Be a Positive Pest (Encourage One Another)

(Hebrews 10:25, NLT) Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

(1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT) So, encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

(Proverbs 16:24) Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

How can we encourage one another and be a Positive pest to each other?

1. Text someone

2. Call someone

3. Use social media for the good of others

4. Invite someone to church