Getting The Most Out Of Church

Getting the Most out of Church

Hebrews 10:19-25

Intro.:

A. I can remember when I got out of the Navy and went to College. I took a few college courses when I was in the Navy so when I got all my transcripts as well as my Military information – I was pleased to find out that I was a Sophomore with 39 credits. Boot camp counted for 6 credits in PE and Health Sciences. My military Electronic schools counted for 12 unites in Math and Science. Then I took 21 units in other classes.

I was Disappointed that I still had to take an Art Class for my General Ed. I mean – Art – I am not really an artist or craft type of Person. I don’t really enjoy those types of things.

I tried to persuade the Administration of the College to waive the Art class – suggesting to them have you ever seen the Artistic work of folding clothes in Boot Camp. I’m serious, folding clothes in Boot Camp is an Art ! But they didn’t buy it.

Anyway, here I am, all excited to start college and learn in order to be prepared for God’s calling in my life. So I get Registered for my Classes. I am excited: GREEK – 6 unit hours; Intro. To NT, the Book of Luke – 3 hours; English Literature – 3 hours; and then Art Design – 3 hours.

But you know what? After I got over having to take the class, I found that it really was interesting and I learned a lot. I even got an A-.

B. I think that sometimes, for some people, Church can be like me having to take Art Class: if you get over that you are commanded to go, you may just find that it is interesting and that you will enjoy it! And I can guarantee this: You will get more out of the church, the more you put into it!

C. So let’s talk about our passage here in Hebrews.

- Background; things weren’t going well for individual Christians and the church at this time; Roman persecution on Jews and Christians; it is clear from the book that these Christians were being tempted to return to their Jewish roots and customs vs. a true commitment to Jesus as Lord.

- Church attendance is not a matter of Salvation, however it is matter of Discipleship and that is what we are Saved to Be!

- Explain: The 4th Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God…” Ex. 20:8-10

- Jesus our Example in how to live – he is the Light. He went to worship God the Father on the Sabbath as was His custom.

- We see the example of the First Century Believers in Acts 2:42-47; They DEVOTED themselves to God’s Word, Fellowship with one another; Worship (breaking of Bread), and Prayer…. Vs. 46; Every day the continued to meet together in the Temple courts…

- VS. 22; Let us Draw Near to God…

- Vs. 25; Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing…

D. Scripture Teaches us clearly that to gather with God’s people for Worship regularly is something we are commanded to do.

Individualism in our society has created a culture contrary to God’s Word that often forsakes our commitments to a CHURCH Body.

But my point today is this: If we can just accept the Fact that we are commanded to be part of and Participate in the Church Body regularly – even as I did when I had to take Art Class – We might actually find that we Like it and get something out of Church!

So, as we look at this Passage, I raise the Question: How can I get the Most out of Church?

Body:

A. You will get the Most out of Church when you take some time to THINK about what you HAVE in Christ, vs. 19-21

- Vs. 19; Since you HAVE CONFIDENCE to enter the Most Holy Place … How? Blood of Jesus…

- Vs. 21; Since we HAVE a great priest over the house of God,

- You have to Consider what the Lord has done for you and what you have through Him.

This passage reminds us that Jesus is our High Priest there for us, to be our atonement, etc.

We also learn that because of Jesus and His sacrifice on the Cross, His blood shed, He provided a way for us to actually come into the Presence of the Living God – we can Confidence in this.

But each week: What has the Lord done for you? What do you have because of the Lord?