Hold On Tight!
Opening Prayer
Mighty God, I come now to bow before You in worship. What a great, awesome God You truly are!
Read Hebrews 10:19-25
[19] Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] 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. [23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What admonitions are given us here ("let us ...")?“Draw near to God with a sincere heart” (22). How is this possible? The word “therefore” refers to how we are able to draw near to God because the blood of Jesus opened the way to the most holy place (19,20). We are able to draw near because we have a great high priest (21). The passage encourages us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” (23). Have you ever taught a child to ride a bicycle? As you run alongside the new rider, before you let go, you caution, “Keep going.” The bicycle goes straight for a few pedal turns, then it wobbles and swerves out of control–and the child follows. How does this tie in with v. 23? In the same way as we run alongside the bicycle shouting encouragement, so the writer tells us to do this for one another (24). As Christians, we need encouragement, and that is one of the main reasons for regularly meeting together (25). We can read the Bible on our own. We can sing and listen to sermons at home. But we need to do these things with one another. We need to worship together in order to build one another up in the faith.
Apply
Who can you encourage in their Christian walk today or tomorrow? Make a plan and then carry it out.
Closing prayer
Lord God, thank You for the good gift of worship with other believers. Help me keep faithful to Your good gift.
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