The Better Gate

Opening:

Opening

"No Trespassing" sign in West Texas, with the ranchers name signed in blood red next to the warning:

"STOP. I know you’re thinking about crossing this gate. What you should know is that if the Coyotes, Cactus, Mesquite, Heat, Dust, or Rattlers don’t get you, I will."

Intro/Recap

Better sacrifice

Access Achieved (19–25)

Provision (19).

Through Christ’s blood we can come into the presence of God. The priest could enter the holy place only once a year to pray for the people. We may enter His presence at any time (see Eph. 3:12).

Plan (20).

His death made a new approach to God (cf. John 10:9; Eph. 3:12).

Priest (21).

See Hebrews 7:26. This priest is holy, undefiled, separated from sinners, and higher than the heavens.

He knows our feelings and our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15).

Personal (22-23).

Draw near to God. Hold to the profession without doubting.

Also remember, “He is faithful.”

Practice (24-25).

Encourage each other.

Don’t forget the church (see Ps. 122:1).

Access Provided (26–31)

Stubborn (26-27)

“If we keep on sinning because we want to after we have received and know the truth, there is no gift that will take away sins then. Instead, we will stand in front of God and on that day He will say we are guilty. And the hot fires of hell will burn up those who work against God” (NLT).

Suffering (28).

Those breaking Moses’ law suffered death (see Num. 15:30; Deut. 17:2–6).

Sorrow (29).

Great punishment will fall on those who have rejected God’s way of salvation.

Scripture (30).

This is a quotation from Deuteronomy 32:35, 36. Later God will judge. His judgment will be fair.

Sober (31).

It is a terrible thing to disobey God and then have to face Him.

Access Appreciated (32–39)

Suffering (32-33).

Remember how your Christian testimony brought persecution (cf. 2 Tim. 3:12).

Solace (34).

People suffered with Paul, knowing there was a reward in heaven (Rom. 8:18).

Steady (35-36).

Don’t lose faith. God can’t lie!

Savior (37).

Soon He will return (John 14:1–3).

Salvation 38).

Live by faith (Hab. 2:4). If we backslide we do not please God.

Surrender (39).

Those who turn their backs on God seal their fate.