Building Community
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Introduction –Thank you Pastor Jeff and Dr. McCuddy for affording me the opportunity to share God’s word with His people, it truly is an honor. Good morning! My name is John Lutz, and I am an undergraduate student at Carolina College of Biblical Studies. I’ve recently retired from the Army after 29 years, 11 months, and 28 days (but who’s counting, right?).
Introduction –Thank you Pastor Jeff and Dr. McCuddy for affording me the opportunity to share God’s word with His people, it truly is an honor. Good morning! My name is John Lutz, and I am an undergraduate student at Carolina College of Biblical Studies. I’ve recently retired from the Army after 29 years, 11 months, and 28 days (but who’s counting, right?).
Building community in the church can be tough and it became even tougher since 2020. A survey from the Barna Group identified “data showing 22 percent of practicing Christians—and 52 percent of practicing Christian Millennials—say they replace traditional church with digital spiritual tools such as podcasts, streamed sermons, and radio regularly, at least half the time. While the digital platforms allow for us to propagate the Gospel, what is missing is community. So, today I’d like to share with you three of the “Let us” statements found in the Book of Hebrews and how that ties to building community.
Building community in the church can be tough and it became even tougher since 2020. A survey from the Barna Group identified “data showing 22 percent of practicing Christians—and 52 percent of practicing Christian Millennials—say they replace traditional church with digital spiritual tools such as podcasts, streamed sermons, and radio regularly, at least half the time. While the digital platforms allow for us to propagate the Gospel, what is missing is community. So, today I’d like to share with you three of the “Let us” statements found in the Book of Hebrews and how that ties to building community.
Background - Before we get to the reading, I just want to set the stage for this passage. This comes from the Book of Hebrews and is written more like a sermon than a letter! It reiterates the deity of Jesus, how He is better than even Moses. To say that statement would be contentious in the Hebrew community is an understatement, but the Gospel was meant to be provocative, to open the eyes of those still under the Law. Throughout the Book of Hebrews, we see how Jesus is a better priest, a better king, and a better sacrifice. Leading up to Chapter 10, we see Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished what no other sacrifice could do, forgive our sins, and restore our relationship with the Father. Before Jesus, the sacrifices could only cover our sins, not wipe them away and only the high priest could enter the presence of God, once a year entering the Holy of Holies (the holiest place inside the temple) to sprinkle a blood offering for the atonement of sins, not forgiveness. As a side note, I think it is important to dwell on that fact – Jesus’ sacrifice is the only thing that saved us, nothing else comes close!
Background - Before we get to the reading, I just want to set the stage for this passage. This comes from the Book of Hebrews and is written more like a sermon than a letter! It reiterates the deity of Jesus, how He is better than even Moses. To say that statement would be contentious in the Hebrew community is an understatement, but the Gospel was meant to be provocative, to open the eyes of those still under the Law. Throughout the Book of Hebrews, we see how Jesus is a better priest, a better king, and a better sacrifice. Leading up to Chapter 10, we see Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished what no other sacrifice could do, forgive our sins, and restore our relationship with the Father. Before Jesus, the sacrifices could only cover our sins, not wipe them away and only the high priest could enter the presence of God, once a year entering the Holy of Holies (the holiest place inside the temple) to sprinkle a blood offering for the atonement of sins, not forgiveness. As a side note, I think it is important to dwell on that fact – Jesus’ sacrifice is the only thing that saved us, nothing else comes close!
Turn in your Bibles to Hebrews 10:19-25
Turn in your Bibles to Hebrews 10:19-25
Passage Reading Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV)
Passage Reading Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV)
Opening Prayer – Focus on You Lord – laying all our concerns at your feet Lod Jesus, our ears, eyes, hearts. Transform and renewed
Opening Prayer – Focus on You Lord – laying all our concerns at your feet Lod Jesus, our ears, eyes, hearts. Transform and renewed
Lead up to point One: The word THEREFORE in verse 19 tells me that what comes next is a result of what we just read, as in the previous chapters. So, because of Jesus’ blood sacrifice and because He is our High Priest, we have confidence to enter into the presence of God through the new and living way He opened up for us as we can see in verse 20 and 21! We can enter the presence of God because Jesus lives within each and every one of us, our High Priest is with us always!
Lead up to point One: The word THEREFORE in verse 19 tells me that what comes next is a result of what we just read, as in the previous chapters. So, because of Jesus’ blood sacrifice and because He is our High Priest, we have confidence to enter into the presence of God through the new and living way He opened up for us as we can see in verse 20 and 21! We can enter the presence of God because Jesus lives within each and every one of us, our High Priest is with us always!
This passage uses the phrase “let us” three times and what jumps out to me is that it is plural “us”. This is a call for community, what we should do, not just individually, but also together. This leads me to my first point:
This passage uses the phrase “let us” three times and what jumps out to me is that it is plural “us”. This is a call for community, what we should do, not just individually, but also together. This leads me to my first point:
Point One: We build community by drawing near to God
Point One: We build community by drawing near to God
Explanation - When you bring something closer to you, it becomes clearer, doesn’t it? You can see more detail, see subtle designs and things that were not apparent when it was far away. The same goes for drawing near to God. When we do, we see Him and His splendor more clearly. We see the details of His majesty and His character. From afar, God’s discipline of us can look like punishment or His wrath, but as we draw closer to Him we see that He chastens those He loves (Proverbs 3:12). Drawing near also implies action! Drawing near is intentional, not passive. Look at verse 22 where it says “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.[1] A true heart is a heart that is sincere and believing. We cannot draw near to Him if we are just checking a block. Reading the Bible is extremely important, but it must be so that we get to know the Almighty better, not just so we can say we read the Bible. Where it says evil conscience, it implies a corrupted thinking or pattern of thought and dead works (see Hebrews 9:14). We see pure water as a symbol of sanctification and purification through Jesus Christ! This portion of verse 22 references Ezekiel 36:25 which says “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you”[2]. We must be intentional in drawing near to God with sincerity – free from the corrupted thought patterns of worldly performance. When we do, God will draw near to us, just as it says in James 4:8!
Explanation - When you bring something closer to you, it becomes clearer, doesn’t it? You can see more detail, see subtle designs and things that were not apparent when it was far away. The same goes for drawing near to God. When we do, we see Him and His splendor more clearly. We see the details of His majesty and His character. From afar, God’s discipline of us can look like punishment or His wrath, but as we draw closer to Him we see that He chastens those He loves (Proverbs 3:12). Drawing near also implies action! Drawing near is intentional, not passive. Look at verse 22 where it says “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.[1] A true heart is a heart that is sincere and believing. We cannot draw near to Him if we are just checking a block. Reading the Bible is extremely important, but it must be so that we get to know the Almighty better, not just so we can say we read the Bible. Where it says evil conscience, it implies a corrupted thinking or pattern of thought and dead works (see Hebrews 9:14). We see pure water as a symbol of sanctification and purification through Jesus Christ! This portion of verse 22 references Ezekiel 36:25 which says “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you”[2]. We must be intentional in drawing near to God with sincerity – free from the corrupted thought patterns of worldly performance. When we do, God will draw near to us, just as it says in James 4:8!
Illustration – Look at it this way: It’s like going into a courthouse and having to pass through the X-ray machine. They have them in place to make sure you aren’t bringing any prohibited items with you into the building. What would happen if you went in with something that is prohibited? It probably wouldn’t be pretty. But let’s say before you go in, someone removes anything that would be prohibited. When you walk through the machine, you have confidence that all those items have already been removed from you. Here’s the catch: the guy is waiting for you to move towards him, and you must be intentional and sincere when you approach. In the same way, Jesus’ blood has removed the things that prevented us from being able to enter the presence of God and, because of His blood, we can enter in confidence!
Illustration – Look at it this way: It’s like going into a courthouse and having to pass through the X-ray machine. They have them in place to make sure you aren’t bringing any prohibited items with you into the building. What would happen if you went in with something that is prohibited? It probably wouldn’t be pretty. But let’s say before you go in, someone removes anything that would be prohibited. When you walk through the machine, you have confidence that all those items have already been removed from you. Here’s the catch: the guy is waiting for you to move towards him, and you must be intentional and sincere when you approach. In the same way, Jesus’ blood has removed the things that prevented us from being able to enter the presence of God and, because of His blood, we can enter in confidence!
Application – So this week, in our time with God, let’s draw near to Him with intention. Let’s seek Him sincerely! Let’s approach Him with confidence! This brings me to the second point!
Application – So this week, in our time with God, let’s draw near to Him with intention. Let’s seek Him sincerely! Let’s approach Him with confidence! This brings me to the second point!
Point Two: We build Community by Holding Fast to our Confession of Hope
Point Two: We build Community by Holding Fast to our Confession of Hope
Explanation – No one likes dropping things, at least I don’t! And in order not to drop things we must have a firm grasp of what we are holding. The same is true for what the author of Hebrews says in verse 23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”[3] Hold fast here is translated from the Greek word Katechomen where we get the word Catechism. It means “to retain, keep secure, take possession”. We are to keep secure, take possession of the confession of our hope without wavering, without letting it slip. The confession of our hope is the belief in Jesus Christ and, when we take possession of that belief, nothing and no one can take it from us. This is how we hold fast without wavering – being intentional with our profession of faith – that Jesus came to Earth, died for our sins, rose again, and sits at the right hand of the father! No matter the circumstance, He is faithful. Nothing can change the fact that Jesus died for you and me. That He rose again and will come again!
Explanation – No one likes dropping things, at least I don’t! And in order not to drop things we must have a firm grasp of what we are holding. The same is true for what the author of Hebrews says in verse 23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”[3] Hold fast here is translated from the Greek word Katechomen where we get the word Catechism. It means “to retain, keep secure, take possession”. We are to keep secure, take possession of the confession of our hope without wavering, without letting it slip. The confession of our hope is the belief in Jesus Christ and, when we take possession of that belief, nothing and no one can take it from us. This is how we hold fast without wavering – being intentional with our profession of faith – that Jesus came to Earth, died for our sins, rose again, and sits at the right hand of the father! No matter the circumstance, He is faithful. Nothing can change the fact that Jesus died for you and me. That He rose again and will come again!
Illustration – It’s like holding onto a cup of hot coffee. We don’t want to drop it or even spill any of it! That’s why we must be careful not to let it slip! It’s the same when we take possession of the confession of hope. We need the same – if not a higher level of care to make sure it doesn’t slip! Holding fast is not a one-time thing – it is a constant, persevering tenacity and assuredness.
Illustration – It’s like holding onto a cup of hot coffee. We don’t want to drop it or even spill any of it! That’s why we must be careful not to let it slip! It’s the same when we take possession of the confession of hope. We need the same – if not a higher level of care to make sure it doesn’t slip! Holding fast is not a one-time thing – it is a constant, persevering tenacity and assuredness.
Argumentation - Look at what Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”[4] Jesus states in Revelation 3:11 “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” [5]
Argumentation - Look at what Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”[4] Jesus states in Revelation 3:11 “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” [5]
Application – In this world, we are bombarded with disbelief, cynicism, and doubt, but we are called to go through this life clinging to the hope in Jesus like it is our anchor. Anytime the storms come, and we are anchored in the hope of Jesus, we won’t waver. So, the next time you feel weak or faltering, declare “Jesus, you are faithful! You are my anchor! I will not waver!”
Application – In this world, we are bombarded with disbelief, cynicism, and doubt, but we are called to go through this life clinging to the hope in Jesus like it is our anchor. Anytime the storms come, and we are anchored in the hope of Jesus, we won’t waver. So, the next time you feel weak or faltering, declare “Jesus, you are faithful! You are my anchor! I will not waver!”
Point Three: We build community by considering how to Stir Up one another.
Point Three: We build community by considering how to Stir Up one another.
Explanation – Who here likes to stir things up? That phrase doesn’t really have a positive connotation to it in the world’s culture, does it? But that is exactly what we are called to do! Here in verse 24 it says “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”[6] How do we do that? How do we stir each other up to love and good works? We do that through encouragement and edification. Through mentoring and discipleship. We need to be able to both give and receive encouragement. God does not want to see us discouraged and sometimes He uses a brother or sister in Christ to provide the encouragement! God has given each of us gifts and passions that are unique and He wants us to use them for His glory! Sometimes, we can get discouraged or distracted by the things of this world, but one word of edification or encouragement can change all of that. And when we encourage each other, we ourselves are encouraged because edification is a act of love and a good work in itself!
Explanation – Who here likes to stir things up? That phrase doesn’t really have a positive connotation to it in the world’s culture, does it? But that is exactly what we are called to do! Here in verse 24 it says “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”[6] How do we do that? How do we stir each other up to love and good works? We do that through encouragement and edification. Through mentoring and discipleship. We need to be able to both give and receive encouragement. God does not want to see us discouraged and sometimes He uses a brother or sister in Christ to provide the encouragement! God has given each of us gifts and passions that are unique and He wants us to use them for His glory! Sometimes, we can get discouraged or distracted by the things of this world, but one word of edification or encouragement can change all of that. And when we encourage each other, we ourselves are encouraged because edification is a act of love and a good work in itself!
This is why community is so important! We are the ecclesia – those who have been called out – the body of Christ – the church! We all have different functions and parts to play, but one function – to glorify the Father through the Son! We cannot function independently but can together! That’s why verse 25 continues by stating “25 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.”[7] In the early church, believers would meet regularly at a member’s home for worship, sharing a ceremonial meal remembering Jesus’ sacrifice (we call that communion now), exercised spiritual gifts, prayed, and instructed each other. It is a vivid picture of how connected they were to each other.
This is why community is so important! We are the ecclesia – those who have been called out – the body of Christ – the church! We all have different functions and parts to play, but one function – to glorify the Father through the Son! We cannot function independently but can together! That’s why verse 25 continues by stating “25 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.”[7] In the early church, believers would meet regularly at a member’s home for worship, sharing a ceremonial meal remembering Jesus’ sacrifice (we call that communion now), exercised spiritual gifts, prayed, and instructed each other. It is a vivid picture of how connected they were to each other.
Illustration – In Afghanistan, I served as a Detachment Sergeant of an eight-man team. We ate together, went on missions together, and relaxed together for eight months while living in a neighborhood in Kabul. When one of us was discouraged, we encouraged them, sat with them, and listened to them. We laughed with them and cried with them. Those moments caused us to bond, and that bond made our team stronger. This is the same for the ecclesia. We need to be there for one another, sharing in each other’s joys as well as burdens.
Illustration – In Afghanistan, I served as a Detachment Sergeant of an eight-man team. We ate together, went on missions together, and relaxed together for eight months while living in a neighborhood in Kabul. When one of us was discouraged, we encouraged them, sat with them, and listened to them. We laughed with them and cried with them. Those moments caused us to bond, and that bond made our team stronger. This is the same for the ecclesia. We need to be there for one another, sharing in each other’s joys as well as burdens.
Argumentation – Paul exhorts us Galatians 6:2 to 2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”[8] ; In Ephesians 4:32, Paul instructs us to “32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”[9]
Argumentation – Paul exhorts us Galatians 6:2 to 2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”[8] ; In Ephesians 4:32, Paul instructs us to “32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”[9]
Application – Sometimes it’s hard to be tender hearted, kind, and forgiving, especially how the world looks at those things. But we are not of this world according to John 17:14! So today, let’s be intentional in our encouraging of one another to love and good works! Let us be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to each other. This week, consider who you can encourage to love and good works!
Application – Sometimes it’s hard to be tender hearted, kind, and forgiving, especially how the world looks at those things. But we are not of this world according to John 17:14! So today, let’s be intentional in our encouraging of one another to love and good works! Let us be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to each other. This week, consider who you can encourage to love and good works!
Conclusion – In closing, if we are to build community we need to ask ourselves: Do we feel that connected to each other? How can we improve that connection? Are we building community? How does the ecclesia build community like that? It starts with drawing nearer to God, holding fast to the confession of hope in Jesus Christ, and stirring each other to love and good works as we gather together!
Conclusion – In closing, if we are to build community we need to ask ourselves: Do we feel that connected to each other? How can we improve that connection? Are we building community? How does the ecclesia build community like that? It starts with drawing nearer to God, holding fast to the confession of hope in Jesus Christ, and stirring each other to love and good works as we gather together!
Closing Prayer – Let’s pray! Father, you are the Almighty, creator of all things and we thank you today for the freedom to gather together to worship You! We want to see Your church come together in community, united in Christ Jesus. Help us to become the body of Christ you have called us to be. We pray you strengthen us to draw near to You, to hold fast our confession of hope in Jesus Christ, and to encourage one another to love and good works as we gather together. We pray this in Jesus’s mighty name, Amen!
Closing Prayer – Let’s pray! Father, you are the Almighty, creator of all things and we thank you today for the freedom to gather together to worship You! We want to see Your church come together in community, united in Christ Jesus. Help us to become the body of Christ you have called us to be. We pray you strengthen us to draw near to You, to hold fast our confession of hope in Jesus Christ, and to encourage one another to love and good works as we gather together. We pray this in Jesus’s mighty name, Amen!
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 10:22.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Eze 36:25.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 10:23.
[4] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update(La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), 1 Th 5:24.
[5] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update(La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Re 3:11.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 10:24.
[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 10:25.
[8] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ga 6:2.
[9] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Eph 4:32.