Following the Unchanging Christ

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

• The times sure are changing, but God never changes and nor does Jesus

• In the light of all that God has done for us through Jesus, the writer of Hebrews exhorts his readers to live in particular ways.

1.  BE LOVING

• We are to love one another as brothers and sisters.

• Practise hospitality, remember those who are imprisoned and suffering.

2.  BE PURE

• Marriage is to be honoured, not cheapened or twisted to suit your preferences.

• Rebellion against God’s ways is an ongoing issue in our world.

3.  BE CONTENT

• Ambition to succeed in God’s work is not to be stifled.

• Covetousness, envy, greed and the lust for more possessions are to be rejected too.

4.  BE LOYAL

• We are to take notice of wise people who have gone before us.

• We should be wary of those who claim to have “new truth” – the  “progressives”.

5.  BE BOLD

• Jesus was crucified outside the walls of the city, a reminder of his willingness to suffer abuse and rejection.

6.  BE WORSHIPFUL

• Come early to church and pray for “holy expectancy”.

• Praise will often involve sacrifice on our part.

7.  A BLESSING

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep…

8.  FINAL GREETINGS

• Instruction to heed.  God’s Word is to be obeyed.

• Fellowship to cherish.  Let love for one another flourish.

• Grace to appropriate.  The Christian faith is all about grace.

Bible reading:  Psalm 150, Hebrews 13:1-25