The New and Living Way

Bible Reading

If you have a Bible and I hope you do please join me in Hebrews 10.

Grateful for the ministry by and for our foster parents. Picture of the families

Banner Ministry is to help care for the families that care for children in foster care

A supply closet has recently been started. Gifts given through the orange envelope go directly to this cause.

We believe God intended parents to be the primary disciple makers for their children.

As a church we have a partnering role with the parents.

For many years of youth ministry I thought of my ministry was only for this kid. [picture]

A better understanding of discipleship has taught me that the churches ministry is to help the family.

We want our parents acknowledged, trained, and held accountable as the people primarily responsible for the discipleship of their children.

When we talk about Family Ministry

We aren’t speaking anything new. This has been the ministry of the church for 2000 years.

By God grace it has been our model of ministry for many years now as as well.

Tonight we will have our annual meeting for Family Ministry; we will discuss how we help families disciple their kids, we will look at calendars, we will look at policies and procedures, and receive ongoing education to help us as we provide a safe, healthy, holy, and happy environments for our children.

Hebrews 10:19–25 (KJV)

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Please, underline “the new and living way”

Recognizing challenges in understanding due to lack of Old Testament context.

Deep dive into your understanding of the OT

Had intentions of many stories about my family and others on this day. I do love being a dad. I do love my family.

Desire to encourage all of you today as we consider all that Jesus has done for our families.

New Series: This is How we Church - I pray this is true of us

This morning going to encourage you in some truth for you family that I pray you will commit to helping remind me and others of when we gather to meet.

Sermon Introduction

Who loves a snow day? Love how it influences every aspect of our life.

When it comes to the life of my kids I must acknowledge the condition of my heart is having an incredible influence on their life.

There are many areas of life I feel that I am not enough and need help. None more than in being a dad. #thingsnotsaidonFacebook

I know I am not alone. It would not be advisable to get involved in one another lives as we do without believing God intends for us to discover hope and healing in the context of community with one another.

Let’s not raise our family in the old shadows of religion

Hebrews 10:1 “1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”

Let’s take a trip

turn in Bible and let’s walk

Stop #1 Stand back in fear

God is making a covenant with His people, and He’s going to meet with them on Mount Sinai to inaugurate this covenant.

Exodus 19:3–5“3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:”

Listen to the conditions given.

Exodus 19:10–11“10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, 11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.” (easy enough. Do the laundry and wait.)

Exodus 19:12–14“12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: 13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount. 14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.” (things have escalated)

Lets add to the picture

Exodus 19:16 “16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.”

Exodus 19:17–18“17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. 18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.”

God meeting with His people, and they are trembling.

We do not address the God of Heaven casually

After the giving of the 10 Commandments

Exodus 20:19–20“19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.”

Stop #2 Promise to dwell among us.

The promise that God will come and dwell among us.

Exodus 25:8–9“8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”

God have specific instruction on how to build the tabernacle

There will be an outer court, inner court, holy place, and holy of holies (seats, stage, and behind the stage)

The farther you went in the more limited the access

Thick curtain (2 inches) separating the most holy place

Instructions about what would go in the ark or gold covered chest

Cherubims representing the presence of God

Here God promises to meet with them

Exodus 25:22 “22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.”

Stop #3 God will assign people to go between

Instructions on who can enter and when

Sinful man before a holy God, as we saw in Exodus 19, is a serious thing.

While God is giving Moses these instructions there are already people at the base of the mountain making their own false gods.

God calls out priests; priests who will be go-betweens between sinful people and a holy God

Exodus 28:1 “1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.”

Flip to Lev 10 and read about Nadab and Abihu being consumed by fire for not following God’s instructions. / I think of Bret Johnson standing by someone at racetrac with extinguisher

Stop #4 God assigns a day for a yearly sacrifice

This is called the day of atonement or Yom Kippur

“atonement” means to reconcile or be reconciled to something. “at one”

Leviticus 16:29–30“29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: 30 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”

The High Priest entering once a year / tradition of rope and bells

Blood would be sprinkled on the mercy seat

substitutionary death scene all the way back to Adam and Eve

God looks down on a broken law, instead of seeing the broken law, He sees this blood as a substitute sacrifice of another, and the sins of the people are atoned for.

Problem: Constantly needed repeating and was not sufficient, it was only a shadow.

Hebrews 10:11 “11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:”

Served as a constant reminder of sin.

Served as a constant reminder of the fact we needed a Savior.

This life is in the shadow of the old covenant was incomplete and ultimately ineffective.

Afraid to go to God because of the awareness of our uncleanness.

Asking others to go into the presence of God for us without going ourselves

Constant repetition of reminding ourselves we are sinners

Let’s raise our family in the new and living way

After all that we just saw now lets read Hebrews 10:19-to the word way

Hebrews 10:19–20“19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;”

Old way: Stay back in fear;

New and living way: Draw near in faith

Illustration: Obsessed with update electronics. Could be using phone as a flashlight and an update pop up and I am “yes I want the latest and greatest” Some of us are trying to raise our families on something worst than old technology.

What a contrast

Remember our story in Exodus 19? It gets references in Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12:18–20“18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:”

Hebrews 12:21 “21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)”

Hebrews 12:22 “22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,”

Maybe you think I left you and this service that was supposed to be about Family Ministry and took a trip to Isreal.

Is there nothing more relevant for our families than we have unlimited access to God, authorization to go to the presence of God at any moment of any day.

How did this happen?

Hebrews 10:20 “20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;”

As the covenant was inaugurated on Sinai this has been consecrated or inaugurated for us through the dearth of Christ. Hebrews 10:9 “9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”

Jesus our High Priest entering a heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 10:21 “21 And having an high priest over the house of God;” Hebrews 9:24 “24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”

Jesus tore the veil. Matthew 27:51 “51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

Jesus demonstrates the work is complete. Circle sat down! Hebrews 10:11–12“11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”

Let’s commit to not living in the shadow of death but let fully embrace all the incredible riches we have for our families

We have access and we have an advocate. Hebrews 7:25 “25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

Moment to rejoice in the finished work

Tomorrow Ill get back to worrying about what college prep classes Thatcher should take

Tomorrow Ill get back to trying to get Carsen to eat more protein so he doesn’t get ran over on the football field

Tomorrow Ill get back to trying to figure out how to do that house repair so my family will be take care of..

But right now I am just going to rejoice in the finished, complete, sit down beside the Father work that Jesus has done for my family!

Listen to a witness report

Hebrews 10:15–17 (KJV)

15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord,

I will put my laws into their hearts,

and in their minds will I write them;

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Your sin is gone. It’s gone!

This is how we Hebrews 10:21

One of the ways we know this truth is so important because Satan gives his energy to being our Accuser.

He doesn’t care what you feel except how it will make you think and act.

The Accuser loves to tell you

You’re not worthy enough to be in His presence

You seriously aren’t going to try to start family devotion again for the 20th time

Your marriage is hopeless, you would be better off giving up

We are not without an incredible provision

In the gospel, we discover that Christ is ready to pour out the resources of His shed blood on you and every single thing you walk through, in every single difficulty you face, in every single trial you endure. Jesus is ready to pour Himself out on your behalf. He lives to intercede for you.

Practical implications of the theology we just studied

Hebrews 10:19–21 “19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God;”

We want to be and continue on the new and living way

I heard a friend, Mike Lester when preaching from this passage, tell of a certain Italian harbor that can be reached only by sailing up a narrow channel between dangerous rocks and shoals. Over the years, many ships have wrecked, and navigation is hazardous. To guide the ships safely into port, three lights have been mounted in the harbor on three huge poles. When the three lights are perfectly lined up and seen as one, the ship can safely proceed up the narrow channel. If the pilot sees two or three lights, he knows he’s off course and in danger.

Let me give you some lights before you leave today and ask you to help me keep these things aligned in my life.

If we want a family life that reflects the Gospel we will..

Draw near

Hold Fast

Consider One another

Many words showing this is a group project

Hebrews 10:22–25“22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

We should have seen this coming.

Hebrews 10:21 “21 And having an high priest over the house of God;”

What is this house of God? Hebrews 3:6 “6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

We are the house of God.

Not this building. Which you know. But also not just this service. As I said a few weeks ago “See you next Sunday is not New Testament Christianity”

You expect me to say “you need church, but I am going to say I need you in my life”

We are in one of the biggest projects of our lives raising children and and we need some godly friends helping us to remember we have access and an advocate

I don’t me or my kids departing. Hebrews 3:12 “12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

Don’t expect all these kids to attend here all their lives, but we certainly want to do all we can to not watch them depart from the living God. They need to know God is alive.

Together, we draw near to God in faith

Hebrews 10:22 “22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Sincere hearts

Our kids will see plenty of examples of hypocrites in life. Let’s not provide them with another example.

Friend of mine son was asked how to introduce his dad. He said “my dad is a growing Christian” Compliment

At The Ritz-Carlton, “We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.”

Good motto for us as parents: Growing Christians leading a family of growing Christian’s.

Full assurance

Confidence that you belong there, even when you fail.

Confident because it is not based on your own merit.

Dads God has given us to privilege and responsibility to lead our homes spiritually. Yes we sin and repent. We cannot negate our God given responsibilty.

Cleansed hearts

We come before Him with a clean conscience,

Our hearts says, “Yes, I am justified before you and able to stand before you.”

Clean lives

We know that all of us in this room still struggle with sin

But we know where to turn to forgiveness and cleansing

As with baptism. Our lives are an outward expression of an inward work of God.

Together, we hold fast to God in hope

Hebrews 10:23 “23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”

The author of Hebrews is writing to a group of people in a day where it was not easy to be a follower of Christ.

The family is certainly under attack but it is worth fighting for

Hebrews 10:32–34 “32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”

We are no longer tolerated. We once a people who were being asked to tolerate, then celebrate others.. now we are becoming people who will suffer persecution for just wanting to live a simple life, obedient to Christ.

Why is the family under attack

Inside the home is where kids find definition for the most important words in their life

It is in the family where the next generation learns how to approach God in prayer

How do you hold on? Because you have hope

Hebrews 7:19 “19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”

He is faithful that promised!

Look at the character of God.

Best way we can teach our kids to remain faithful is to constantly show them how He is faithful.

Hold fast to his promises

Hebrews 13:5 “5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Our children need to be taught to hav confidence in God

They need to have dull assurance of their salvation

Satan’s main weapon is to create doubt.

Help kids know that even when we sin and drift that God remains faithful.

Before most people become unfaithful to the things of God they believe the lie that God is no longer faithful to His promises

Together, we motivate one another to love.

Hebrews 10:24–25“24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

So much more than services are in mind here.

We gather with one another regularly, and we encourage one another continually.

Conclusion

Implication of the truth: There is a new and living way we can lead out families that was provided by the single, sufficient sacrifice of Christ

Decide today you want to help bring your family and other families out of the shadow into a new and living way

No more afraid to go to God because of the awareness of our uncleanness.

No more asking others to go into the presence of God for us without going ourselves

No more constant reminding ourselves we are sinners

Implication of the truth: Fix your focus on others and consider how to help them be more loving, how to help them do good deeds, how to spur them on towards that.

This new and living way creates a community in which we belong to each other!

It’s infinitely good to belong to Christ, but it’s also infinitely good to belong to each other.

Drawing nearer to God is a community project. Holding fast to God is a community project. We need each other to help us draw near to God. We need each other to help us hold fast to God, and we need each other. That’s the whole picture, to motivate one another to love.