Let Us Draw Near With a Sincere Heart

In one paragraph

The pastor worked through Hebrews 10:19-25, showing how the theology built up through the whole book of Hebrews lands in three practical "let us" commands for the congregation. The sermon drew a straight line from what Christ has done as our great high priest to what his people are therefore called to do together. Along the way, the pastor shared pieces of his own story and invited members of the...

Read together

1. Hebrews 10:19 confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way
2. Hebrews 4 let us fear if while a promise remains of entering his rest
3. Hebrews 4 let us be diligent to enter that rest so that no one will fall through following the same example of disobedience
4. Hebrews 4 since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, let us hold fast our confession
5. Hebrews 6:1 leaving the elementary teachings about the Christ, let us press on to maturity
6. Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean
7. Hebrews 10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful
8. Hebrews 10:24 let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds
9. Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, encouraging one another all the more as you see the day drawing near
10. Acts 15 Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement over John Mark that they separated from one another
11. Matthew 11:28 Jesus said come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest

Talk about it

1. The pastor described the new covenant as 'all on Christ' rather than 'all on you.' How does that shift in responsibility actually change the way you approach your relationship with God day to day?
2. The sermon described the 'let us draw near' as requiring a sincere heart, not showing up out of habit or social pressure. What does it look like practically to come to worship, or to God in prayer, with that kind of sincerity?
3. The writer of Hebrews uses a word for 'stimulate' that also describes the sharp falling-out between Paul and Barnabas. What is the difference between the kind of provocation that drives people apart and the kind that stirs one another up toward love and good works, and have you seen either one play out in a church community?
4. The pastor challenged people who are struggling with church to ask themselves whether they have spent real time lately getting to know Jesus, and suggested reading through the Gospel of John. Has there been a time when going back to Jesus himself, rather than to church life or doctrine, helped reorient you?
5. Several people in the room named ministries they are already doing, and the pastor told his own story of handing out Spanish New Testaments in sawmills. Is there something God has called you to that the church does not yet know about, and what would it take for you to bring it into the open?