BETTER TOGETHER

Hebrews 10:19–25 CSB

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus— he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)— and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 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 in pure water. Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Main Idea: God designed us to do more together.

Key Question: Are you actively living out your faith in this community of believers?

1. We are better together with Him. (v. 19-22)

Hebrews 10:19–22 CSB

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus— he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)— and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 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 in pure water.

A. We are better because of His blood. (v. 19)

Hebrews 10:19 CSB

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus—

Hebrews 9:12 CSB

he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

1 John 1:7 CSB

If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

B. We have better access to Him. (v. 20-21)

Hebrews 10:20–21 CSB

he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)— and since we have a great high priest over the house of God,

Ephesians 2:13 CSB

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:18 CSB

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

C. We can know him personally. (v. 22)

Hebrews 10:22 CSB

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 in pure water.

Hebrews 4:16 CSB

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

James 4:8 CSB

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

2. We are better with each other. (v. 23-25)

Hebrews 10:23–25 CSB

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

A. We are better believing together. (v. 23)

Hebrews 10:23 CSB

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 3:16 CSB

For who heard and rebelled? Wasn’t it all who came out of Egypt under Moses?

James 1:6 CSB

But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 CSB

He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.

B. We are better being mindful of one another. (v. 24)

Hebrews 10:24 CSB

And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works,

Romans 15:1–2 CSB

Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

1 Corinthians 10:33 CSB

just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.

Galatians 6:1 CSB

Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.

Colossians 3:16 CSB

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

C. We are better gathering together. (v. 25)

Hebrews 10:25 CSB

not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Notice that the importance of gathering is focused on what you can contribute as opposed to what you will get.

Acts 2:42–46 CSB

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts,

Acts 4:23–24 CSB

After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.

Those claiming church attendance went relatively unchanged for 60 years. Decline began in the 2000s and for the first time it dropped below 50% in 2020.

Meanwhile the “nones” have grown to 1/5th to 1/4th of the american population.

36% of americans say they attend church at couple time per month (2019).

Americans who attend religious services weekly were the only demographic group to see their mental health improve in 2020: 46 percent rated their mental health “excellent’’ in November 2020, a 4 percentage point improvement over 2019.