Hebrews 10:32-39

Tonight was a very good reminder to evaluate our lives. When coming to Jesus we are called to give up our lives, not gaining anything but Christ. So many times, in our culture, we see people coming to Jesus with false motives. Maybe we "walk with God" because our parents want us to or maybe because it is the socially acceptable thing to do. Whatever the reason- if we are not doing "Christian" things simply because we are in love with Jesus who was crucified on our behalf, we are not going to be pleasing to the Lord.

Hebrews 10:32-39 recap:

~32: "enlightened"- the people are called to remember when they first came to know Christ. From Matthew 5:13-16, we see that 2 things will come with our salvation:

1. persecution

2. glory to the Father

Q: Are you being persecuted for your faith? (see 2 Timothy 3:12)

Q: Why do you "walk with God?"

Q: What are your motives for doing "Christian" things?

Q: Have you come to Christ to gain something other than Him or have you truly lost your life to have it found completely in Him?

~34: The believers in this passage had joyfully endured hardship as they knew that they had something much better awaiting them after this life is finished. Be encouraged that if you are in Christ and are suffering- it IS worth it! Something better- something eternal- HEAVEN with JESUS- awaits you. Endure. Keep going! Glorify the Lord in the midst of your suffering.

Q: How do you handle suffering for Christ?

Q: How to you handle times where you feel like you want to give up?

~38: There were many people during this time that were just "going through the motions" and they thought that was good enough (Pharisees). They thought that if they just had the appearance of godliness, they would be okay. God is concerned about our hearts (Isaiah 29:13, Psalm 51:17) and wants us to love Him from the inside having our external deeds being a reflection of our incredible love for Him. He wants us to have contrite (apologetic and repentent) hearts that are broken for Him. Check your life and motives...

Q: Are you someone who honors God with your lips but your heart is far from Him?

We received Christ by grace through faith and that is how we must continue to walk with Him. Do not try to walk with Him on your own strength but come to Him every day knowing that you need Him to help you do the things that honor him. We encourage you to start every day this week asking for His grace.

Colossians 2:6

"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him."

We love you!

~Sonny & Casi