Sermon: Hebrews 11:32 - 12:3 Looking to Jesus

In almost every area of music, entertainment, and sport, there’s a Hall of Fame. And those who are inducted into their respective hall of fame are honoured for their achievements and their example. So, for example, the Football Hall of Fame in Manchester includes legends such as George Best, Gary Lineker, and David Beckham. If football’s not your thing, then maybe the MTV Rock and Roll Hall of Fame might be. Recent additions include Dire Straits, Bon Jovi and Nina Simone. Heroes. Legends.

Our New Testament reading is a bit like the Bible’s Hall of Fame - although it could also be called the Hall of Faith. In Hebrews 11, the author reminds his readers of some of the famous people in the Bible. The Hall of Fame. But why do each of them stand out? It’s because of their faith. It’s because, in many difficult circumstances, time, and time, and time again, they continued to believe the promises God had made to them; they continued to trust God; they continued going on with God.

Now, we didn’t have time to read the whole chapter, but if you glance back, you’ll see some of the names you know (and maybe a few you don’t as well). People like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Rahab. They all did it, as you might see, the way (almost) every paragraph begins: ‘By faith.’ They lived by faith in God. Throwing their whole weight on him and what he had promised.

And, as we picked up the reading at verse 32, the writer realises that he can’t continue to retell the whole story of the Old Testament. He has to cut it short, just the highlights, just the briefest mentions of people like Gideon, Barak (not Barak Obama, just in case you were wondering), Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets...

And he shows how those Old Testament saints lived by faith. For some, it was an amazingly positive experience, as we see in verses 33-35. (You might want to work your way through this list, and see if you can work out who is meant by each reference!). So, these people, through faith, did amazing things - ‘conquered kingdoms, administered justice, gained what was promised, who shut the mouths of lions (that’s the easy one, that must be Daniel!), quenched the fury of the flames (Daniel’s three friends), escaped the edge of the sword, whose weakness was turned to strength, and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again.’

And those are the kinds of experiences we want to have. Living by faith, and everything always going well, and living a really victorious life. It happens for some people. But, for some, living by faith in God really does take faith. We see that in the rest of the list, continuing in verse 35.

‘Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawn in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and ill-treated - the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.’

These Old Testament saints went through all these hardships and persecutions, and still continued to trust in God. They lived by faith, even when things were difficult. They were ‘commended for their faith’ - yet they’re all still waiting for what has been promised. They’re waiting for us to share in it with them.

And this is why the writer gives us the Hall of Fame, or the Hall of Faith. He wants us to also live by faith, to keep trusting even when we find it hard to keep trusting. Believing all that God has promised - forgiveness, and peace, and full salvation, and eternal life with him - where there is no more sadness or sickness or suffering or sin.

The first people who received this letter - the Hebrews, Christians from a Jewish background - they were tempted to give up on Jesus, and to go back to the Jewish temple religion. But, the writer is saying, don’t do it! Don’t give up on God, or on Jesus! And the Hall of Fame in chapter 11 is urging us to say, don’t give up!

At the start of chapter 12, the hall of fame is described as a cloud of witnesses. The image is the stadium full of supporters, cheering us on. Except, these aren’t just people who have come along to watch - these are people who have already finished the race, who have already covered the distance. Now, you might be able to tell that I haven’t run a marathon. But friends who have run a marathon or a half-marathon tell me that the cheering really does help them to continue. It spurs them on to keep putting one foot past the other.

And we are surrounded by this cloud of witnesses. They’re witnessing to God’s faithfulness; they’re witnessing to the fact that they have run the race. And they’re cheering us on to live by faith. They’re calling us to run the race of life, depending on God to get through, and finish to his glory.

But if we’re to run the race, if we’re to keep going in the marathon of faith, there are some things that we need to do. There are some things we need to get rid of - we see them in verse 1.

‘let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles...’

We need to get rid of the things that hold us back. We might instinctively think that whatever holds us back is sin - but there are two separate things here. There are things that hinder us and hold us back; and then there are sins that so easily entangle.

We need to get rid of the sins. They can trip us up. They can make it hard to make any progress. It’s as if sin ties our shoelaces together so that we trip and stumble. And getting rid of sin is obviously needed.

But there can be other things - not wrong in themselves - but they hinder us. They keep us from making as much progress as we could or should be making. The problems come when good things become God things. Good things that God gives us become things we put in God’s place. And then they hinder us. We need to get rid of both the things that hinder and the sin that entangles.

At the same time, we’re to ‘run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ The Christian life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. We need to run with perseverance, keeping on keeping on. Never giving up.

And our focus, the one we look to, the one we are running towards, the one we fix our eyes on, is... Jesus. We’re surrounded by the cloud of witnesses, but our focus is on Jesus. Looking to him. Focusing on him. Fixing our eyes on him. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He’s the one who started it, wrote the book on it, and completed it. From start to finish, our faith is to be in Jesus. And how did he perfect our faith? He went to the cross, and died for us.

As verse 2 says: ‘Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’

We are called to live for Jesus, run for Jesus, because of all that he has done for us. The crowd in his hometown thought they knew all about Jesus. So when he taught with wisdom, and performed miracles, they asked, ‘Is not this the carpenter’s son?’ But, the Jesus we look to, the carpenter who made furniture in Joseph’s workshop, is the Jesus who fashioned the universe and hung the stars in place. He is the light of the world, who calls us to shine for him - so that our light is not hidden. Jesus is the Son of God, the radiance of God’s glory (as Heb 1 puts it). And yet he gave his life for you, and me.

The carpenter stretched out his arms on a wooden cross. The light of the world was extinguished. He endured the cross - the pain and agony, the weight of your sin and mine, bearing down on him, him carrying the full burden, paying the penalty in full. He scorned the shame, the shamefulness of it all - out of love for you. He endured it all because of the joy that was set before him. The joy that could only be obtained by going through the ordeal of the cross.

And what was the joy that kept Jesus going? It was the joy of fulfilling the Father’s plan of salvation. The joy of having each of his chosen children in his new heavens and new earth. The joy of sharing salvation with you, if you’ll receive it, and believe his promise.

The cloud of witnesses all encourage us to keep going, to live by faith. But it’s only possible because of what Jesus has done for us, for you. So fix your eyes on him. He’s bringing you home, giving you power for the next step, the next challenge. Get rid of all the things that hold you back, and the sins that entangle. And run. Run your race. Live your life by faith in Jesus, the Son of God who loved you and gave himself for you.

This sermon was preached at the Service of Dedication for new memorial windows for Charles & Elizabeth Rowntree and Rev David Somerville in St Matthew's Church, Richhill on Sunday morning 24th June 2018.

Sermon: Hebrews 2: 5-18 Jesus, our Brother

I wonder if you were surprised to discover what day it is today. Now, I don’t mean that it’s Sunday - even though it’s hard to keep track of what day it is around Christmas. And I don’t mean that it’s New Year’s Day, as we begin 2017 - as if you missed all the buzz about New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I wonder if you were expecting a new year’s theme today - only to discover that the church calendar brings us to what might seem a strange feast day.

It happens all the time, that the same day means different things to different people. The day that you celebrate as your birthday or wedding anniversary is the same day that someone else remembers a loved one’s death. And so on New Year’s Day, we remember the naming and circumcision of Jesus.

So why do we do this? Why focus on this little piece of ritual performed on the baby Jesus? Well, we’re told that it happened, in Luke 2:21. It’s a verse that we could easily miss, sandwiched between the shepherds and Simeon’s song. It shows us that Jesus was circumcised, like all Jewish boys on the eighth day. (Today is the 8th day of Christmas, with the maids-a-milking and so on...). So if we keep Christmas Day as the 25th December, it follows that today is the feast of the circumcision.

But you might still be asking yourself... WHY? Why does it really matter? And will it make a difference to us in this new year? To grasp the significance of today, I want to focus on our reading from Hebrews.

The letter to the Hebrews is a short letter of exhortation and encouragement, urging Jewish Christians to keep going in the faith. They’re thinking about going back to the temple religion, but time and again the focus in the letter is on why Jesus is better. In the opening verses of Hebrews we’re given an insight into God’s Son, the one whom God has spoken through; the heir of all things; through whom the world was created; the radiance of God’s glory, the exact imprint of his nature, the one who upholds the universe by the word of his power.

As you read the opening verses of the letter, you see the divine glory of the Son, shining through. But now, here, in chapter 2, we discover something amazing: This divine Son took on our flesh and become one like us. As we’ve already sung today - what child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? This, this is Christ the King. The baby lying in the manger; the baby who was circumcised on the eighth day, is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity.

Hebrews uses lots of Old Testament references and quotations, and in 2:6 we find today’s Psalm, Psalm 8. The writer quotes from David’s Psalm - the Psalm in which David surveys the wonder of creation; the vastness of the universe; and then asks: ‘What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honour.’

David’s original point is that, even though we’re so small and insignificant in terms of the universe, God is mindful of us and cares for us. He formed Adam and Eve to be the governors of his creation. But the writer to the Hebrews shows us that David was also pointing to the Lord Jesus, the Son of Man, who for a little while stepped down from his throne in heaven (where he was higher than the angels), and he stepped down to become man (where he for a little while was lower than the angels).

Why did Jesus do this? Why did Jesus give up his place in heaven, and take on our flesh to become man, and submit to the full human experience - including circumcision? The answer that Hebrews gives is - he did it for us.

Over the past couple of weeks, the TV has been full of review of the year type programmes. Reminding us of the year that has just gone; bringing us up to speed on where we stand as this new year dawns; showing us where we might be going with Brexit and President Trump and so on. At the end of verse 8, we’re given a review of our current position - what we can see:

‘At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.’ Isn’t that a fair picture of the world around us? Not everyone bows the knee to Jesus. Many disregard him. They go about doing what they want to do. But there is something else we do see: ‘But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.’

Jesus came into the world to taste death for everyone. He died so that we don’t have to. He has eaten the bitter fruit to save us from death. In our flesh, Jesus has defeated death on our behalf, for our sake.

There are many names for the Lord Jesus. Over the Christmas period we’ve thought about quite a few of them - Jesus, Immanuel, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. But in Hebrews 2 we find another name for Jesus - brother. Imagine the privilege of being able to call Jesus your brother - to be part of the family, to share in his inheritance.

Verse 14 shows us why Jesus came to be one like us and with us: ‘Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.’

In our human flesh and blood, Jesus submitted to death in order to destroy death itself and the devil. As we trust in Jesus we are delivered from our lifelong slavery of the fear of death. Perhaps you felt the fear of death in 2016; perhaps you saw its power up close and personal; perhaps you feel it breathing down your neck. This new year can be different - no fear - not just in a wishful thinking this year’s going to be different kind of way; no, it can be different when we know that Jesus has destroyed the one who has the power of death. You can be delivered from your fear of death - through Jesus who was born and suffered and died and was raised for us; for you.

But there’s another way in which the Lord Jesus gives us help and strength for the new year. Jesus was made like us in every respect. He has shared our human existence, in every way - as one of the verses of Once in Royal David’s city which we won’t sing this morning puts it: ‘and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness.’ Jesus is our merciful and faithful high priest, who has made propitiation for our sins, precisely because he was one with us, made like us.

Look at verse 18: ‘For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.’ We may not know exactly how this new year will turn out, but one thing we can know for certain is this - there will be temptation at every turn. Especially when we resolve to go God’s way; when we make time and sit down to read God’s word; temptations will come. But you are not on your own. Jesus knows what you’re going through! He has been there, endured it, and resisted every time. He is able to help you when you face temptation. He is with you, and for you.

The circumcision of Jesus reminds us that he is one with us - that the eternal Son has taken on our flesh, dwelt among us, and is for us. See him crowned with glory and honour - the one who suffered for us; the one who takes away the fear of death; the one who helps us when we’re tempted. As we start this year, give your all to him, our brother, our Lord, our God, our all.

This sermon was preached in Aghavea Parish Church on Sunday 1st January 2017.

Sermon: Genesis 14 1-24 Meeting Mysterious Melchizedek

One of the challenges of venturing into the Old Testament comes in a passage like ours this morning. It’s the sort of reading that strikes fear in the heart and a twist in the tongue of whoever has been allocated it to read. A list of unheard of and unpronounceable names, people we might only hear about once in the whole Bible. Why would we want to bother reading about Chedorlaomer or Shemeber?

It might transport you back to your history classes at school, when you heard of kings from over a thousand years ago. At least those kings could be pronounced easier. What could Genesis 14 teach us?

We want to be a church family that takes Jesus’ words seriously. In Luke 24:44 Jesus says that ‘everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ The whole Old Testament is all about Jesus. So that means that Genesis 14 will, in some way, point us to Jesus as well. Yet it comes in a way you wouldn’t expect. It’s a blink and you might miss it type of signpost. And it comes in one of those hard to pronounce proper names, as we’ll see.

On Friday, Parliament was recalled to debate joining a Middle Eastern alliance to wage war on ISIS. As Genesis 12 opens, we find a royal rumble taking place. On the sermon outline, I’ve tried to summarise it. The kings of Shinar, Ellasar, Elam and Goiim are taking on the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Bela. For so long, the second group had served Chedorlaomer, but now they rebelled. So he brought his mates to fight against them.

The Sodom group turned and ran away, so Chedorlaomer took all their goods and provisions and went away. They’ve taken the spoils of war, captured the tanks and tents and all the food and wine. But look at what else they took. Verse 12: ‘They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.’ A fortnight ago, Lot pitched his tent near Sodom, now he’s living in the city. But he has been captured, kidnapped.

Someone escapes, and they run to tell Abram what has happened. Abram has his own private army and sets off with them and his friends to rescue Lot. Abram is a powerful man - he has 318 men of his household trained in war. He sends his forces by night, with military strategy. He wins the victory and brings back the goods and everything that had been taken. The rescuer returns. We see that in verse 17. As he returns, the King of Sodom goes out to meet Abram. His conversation is found in verses 21-24.

Abram refuses to take any reward - not even a thread, not even a sandal-thong (a shoe lace) - ‘so that you might not say, “I have made Abram rich”’ Abram is holding on to God’s promise of descendants and land and blessing. That’s all he needs. And so that the glory goes to God, he refuses to take anything from Sodom. You can imagine the king of Sodom in later years: ‘Ah yes, that Abram is all rich now. I remember when he had nothing. You know, I started him off. I gave him his first break. He would still be nothing if it wasn’t for me!” But the glory is God’s. The rescuer returns.

I wonder if you noticed something strange when we were reading earlier on. Look at verse 17. The king of Sodom went out to meet Abram. You expect him to speak, to say something, but before he does, this other mysterious king appears and speaks instead. When you look at it closer, we could probably do without verses 18-20. The king of Sodom comes out in verse 17, and he speaks in verse 21. You could seamlessly move from 17 to 21. But why are 18-20 there? Why do we need to deal with Melchizedek? Let’s see what we’re told first. He’s king of Salem. He brings out bread and wine. He is priest of God Most High. He blesses Abram, and Abram gives him a tenth, a tithe.

If this was the only reference to Melchizedek, we could lump him with the other kings from the royal rumble. Interesting, but not particularly helpful. Perhaps only useful for a Bible Trivia Quiz. Who was the King of Goiim? Tidal. It’s as if Melchizedek drifts in and out of the text in these three verses.

The next time he is mentioned comes in Psalm 110, a psalm written by King David. The LORD is speaking to David’s Lord - King Jesus. In verse 4, the king is given another role. ‘The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”’

There’s something about this mysterious Melchizedek that shows us what the true King of God’s people will be like. But nothing more is said in the Old Testament. A couple of strange references. It’s only in the letter to the Hebrews that the light fully comes on. Here, the Spirit-inspired writer gives us the commentary on who Melchizedek is, and why he matters.

Unlike everyone else in Genesis, there is no genealogy for Melchizedek. We’re not told of his parents; we’re not told that he died. It appears that he lives for ever. ‘But resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest for ever.’

Melchizedek, the king and priest, points us to Jesus, the Priest King. We think regularly of how Jesus is King Jesus, the one who reigns. But Jesus is also the Priest King. The King is our priest, the one who makes sacrifice for us, the one who prays for us, the one who has already entered into heaven on our behalf.

After Abram’s victory, Melchizedek brings bread and wine. Some reckon that this is what a returning soldier needs - some food and drink to keep him going. But others see in these gifts a pointer to the Lord’s Supper.

Melchizedek the priest king speaks out God’s blessing on Abram: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’ Abram, you’re blessed, not because of what you have achieved, but simply because God has given you the victory. God has been gracious to you, given you what you didn’t deserve. It’s then that Abram responds by giving the tenth - recognising that everything he has comes from God’s hand. It all belongs to God.

Among the bitumen pits and in the King’s Valley, we meet with mysterious Melchizedek. As we look at this blink and you miss him old testament character, we find that he show us what Jesus is like. Jesus the priest king, who sustains us for the journey. Jesus the priest king, who declares God’s blessing. Jesus the priest king, who receives our response.

Is this the great high priest you need to know about today? You have a great high priest who has entered the most holy place, who constantly lives to intercede for you. Your burdens are his burdens. Your concerns are his concerns. He lives to pray for you right now. Every moment of every day. When you sleep, or when you toss and turn. Know that Jesus is praying for you.

And know that where Jesus is, is where we will be. He is already in God’s holy place. His presence there, sacrifice completed, is our hope - hope like an anchor which is grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love. We can hold firm to God’s promise, because he is holding us firm.

This sermon was preached in Aghavea Parish Church on Sunday 28th September 2014.

Watchnight Sermon: Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Never Changes

We’re moving into the final moments of this year. So how was 2013 for you? Hopefully there were some happy moments mingled with the sad ones. As time advances, with no way of slowing it down or even stopping it completely, we’re resigned to the fact that time brings changes. You might have noticed some of them over the course of the year.

You may have experienced changes in family - either through additions or through loss. There might have been a gap at the table come Christmas Day; or an extra mouth to feed. Even if your family stayed the same size, everyone is now an extra year older - the signs of age may be appearing, the grey hairs may be starting to show, or perhaps you feel every one of your years - in illness, or weakness. It’s the phenomenon described as TMB - Too Many Birthdays.

As we move from 2013 and start into the new year, we’re immediately faced with changes - remembering to write 2014 on letters and other dates. But the year stretches out in front of us, none of us knowing what lies ahead; none of us aware of the changes that will confront us. The only thing we can be sure of, the only thing that doesn’t change is this - change is inevitable.

The closing chapter of the letter to the Hebrews contains lots of useful pieces of advice, indeed, commands for the new year. They all flow from the message of the letter - that Jesus is better than the old covenant, that in Jesus we have the perfect sacrifice for our sins; the perfect priest who intercedes for us; the full assurance of salvation; the perfect meeting place of God and people; the great hope of the gospel.

And right at the heart of the chapter we find a little nugget which can be the verse for the new year, in the midst of the changes that will come: ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.’ Everything may change and will change, but Jesus Christ is the same as he was yesterday, today, and will be for ever.

This means that Jesus is the solid rock on which we can build our life; the refuge in which we can shelter; the place of safety. Jesus is not like those around us who flutter and flap; he’s not like those who can change their mind at a moment’s notice; he’s not irritable or grumpy or dependent on getting his morning coffee to be in a good mood. The achievement of the cross; his ongoing work of praying for his people; his grace and goodness towards us will not and can not change, no matter what this new year will bring.

I wonder if you’ve got a friend or relative, and you never know which ‘person’ you’re going to find when you see them - whether it is grumpy aunt or pleasant aunt or evil aunt. Sometimes we think that God is a bit like this - some days he’s nice to us and other days it’s as if he got out of bed the wrong side. But our Bible verse reminds us that Jesus is not like that - he is the same every day.

It’s because his promise still holds that we can give ourselves to love and serve those around us. To show hospitality to strangers; to remember those in prison because they love Jesus. To seek holiness in marriage and contentment in money. To offer the sacrifice of praise to God as we confess his name.

It all comes down to the unchanging Jesus, who helps us cope with the changes of life. And as the new year begins, may we all know his grace in our lives, as we trust in him.

This sermon was preached at the Watchnight Service in Aghavea Parish Church on Tuesday 31st December 2013.

Christmas Eve Sermon: Hebrews 1:6 The Royal Command Performance

Each year, the nervous hopefuls line up, waiting their turn. It might be cold in Cardiff, muggy in Manchester or lovely in London, but they don’t mind. Their eye is on the prize for winning the TV series - the chance to appear in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance. Britain’s Got Talent are still taking applications if you’re bursting to sing or dance for Her Majesty.

This year’s Royal Variety Performance was recently on TV, hosted by John Bishop with Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Attraction and Jessie J among other performers. But did you know that the Royal Variety Performance has another, less well known name? It’s also known as the Royal Command Performance - because at the very first one in 1912, King George V had commanded the artists to perform, to benefit a charity. Nowadays someone else organises the acts, but the name has stuck.

In our readings this evening, we heard of a Royal Command Performance. Luke tells us that the angels were singing their song of praise: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ But it’s the writer to the Hebrews who tells us how it came about. Here’s what he says in verse 6: ‘And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’’

Throughout the letter, the big idea is to show that Jesus is better - better than the sacrifices, better than the priests, better than the old temple. And here in chapter 1, he shows how Jesus is better than the angels.

Some of the first readers were very taken by angels, they were focusing on them. Robbie Williams could have sung his song for them: ‘I’m loving angels instead.’ But the writer flicks through the scriptures to show that angels are great, yes, but they’re nothing compared to the Son.

You see, God never made an angel his Son, he doesn’t speak of the angels as being those who created the world; the angels don’t get to sit at God’s right hand in the place of authority. The Son has the place of authority. The Son is the one in that unique relationship with the Father, begotten not made. The Son is the one the angels worship by Royal Command.

The reason for the worship is clear. Lying in the manger is no ordinary baby. The angel told the shepherds about the Saviour, Christ the Lord, but the writer to the Hebrews makes it even clearer.

This is the eternal Son, the heir of all things, through whom everything was made. That baby lying in the manger is ‘the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being.’ When we look in Jesus’ face, we see God.

Lying in the manger, God’s rescue plan is unfolding. God’s Son has come to save and redeem, to make ‘purification for sins’ by giving his life for us, to bring us to God. No wonder the angels worship. Yet they don’t even receive the benefits of salvation. It wasn’t for the angels he came, but for you and me, we whose sins need to be purified.

So come tonight, to his table. Come and receive the sign of his life laid down - his body broken and his blood shed - for you. And as you come, come in praise at what he has done. Spend your life in worship, in grateful response, as you prepare for eternity with him, where we with worship without end, to the praise of his glorious grace. Amen.

This sermon was preached in Aghavea Parish Church at the Christmas Eve Communion 2013.

Sermon: Hebrews 11:32 - 12:2 All Saints

Halloween is a funny time of the year. The false faces sit side by side with the Christmas cakes on the supermarket shelves. The fireworks can often turn out to be a damp squib. The practice of ‘trick or treating’ seems to be on the rise - whether you’ve a bucket of sweets ready or you sit in the darkness hoping they’ll just go away. My sister-in-law went through a box of lollies and several bags of fun size bars in her housing development; whereas anyone calling at the rectory would have been disappointed. We were out at the bowls!

Halloween is now big business - from the selling of sweets and costumes, to the tourist attraction that is Londonderry with the big parade. And Christians are divided as to whether to embrace it all or not. For some, its association with all things wicked and scary is just too much; for others, a bit of dressing up and partying never harmed anyone, especially if it can be used for the gospel. Some churches even have ‘bright lights’ parties to celebrate the light of the world on that dark day.

Yet the very idea of Halloween comes from the church - Halloween being the Hallowed Even - the night before All Saints Day, 1st November. So tonight, you’ll be glad to know that we aren’t thinking about Halloween, but rather about the saints.

Saints aren’t just special holy people, as some traditions hold; nor are they stained glass window characters who are long practiced at looking very pious. Rather, the saints are Christians - any Christian, not just those who are dead and already in Christ’s nearer presence. Paul writes to the saints in Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae - he’s writing to the church, to Christians.

Tonight, for a few moments, we’re going to look at this little passage from Hebrews which brings us face to face with all saints - both those in glory (what the Prayer Book calls the Church Triumphant) and we who are here right now (the Church Militant here on earth). But, as we’ll see, the saints aren’t our main focus. We can encourage one another, but we’ll discover our main focus in a wee while.

We jump in towards the end of Hebrews 11, and we come face to face with the saints of old. The chapter has been described as the Hall of Fame of faith and there are some great stories - Abel’s faith in offering blood sacrifice; Noah’s faith in building the ark; Abraham’s faith in obeying God’s voice by trusting his promise as he went to a place he did not know; Moses’ faith in choosing to go with the Israelites rather than remain in the palace.

The writer is almost getting carried away as he surveys the Old Testament and reminds his readers of the faith in action of so many saints of old. We get this great summary of what the prophets did - including the stopping the mouths of lions and quenching the power of fire, which you might recognise from our morning series in Daniel.

All these examples of old testament saints show that it’s not always easy to be a believer, but in the end it will be worth it. And that’s important in the context of the letter to the Hebrews. These were Jewish Christians who were now thinking about giving up on Jesus and going back to the temple religion. So the whole way through the letter, the writer keeps showing them how Jesus is better than the old covenant - He is a better mediator priest; of a better covenant; through a better sacrifice.

The argument is therefore - because Jesus is better, keep going by faith in him, rather than deserting him and losing out. All these saints are pictured as ‘a great cloud of witnesses’ like the crowd in an athletics stadium, cheering on those running towards the line.

All those inspiring voices call us to keep going, to not give up as we run our race. Just think of the moment in eternity when you’ll be able to chat with Moses about what it was like when the burning bush spoke to him, or with David to hear about him slaying Goliath. So keep going.

If the saints in glory are the witnesses, the case studies of God’s grace in the past, well we find that we are the saints who are on the track. We are the ones who are being urged to run with endurance the race that is set before us.

To do that we need to do two things. First, to ‘lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely’. We need to get rid of things. Just as you wouldn’t see an Olympic champion taking to the track in a cassock and surplice or in wellies, dungarees and a raincoat, so we need to lay aside anything which will hinder us, slow us down, or keep us back.

It may be something different for each one of us. What is it that holds you back? If it’s a particular sin, Jesus has already dealt with it. Earlier in Hebrews we’re told of how Jesus is the (better) perfect sacrifice for sin. So let go of it. Don’t carry it around with you any more. It’s only hindering you.

The second thing to do is to look. I remember when I was learning to drive and my instructor said to look in the direction you’re going. Don’t just depend on the mirrors, but look where you’re going. And it’s what the writer tells us here: ‘looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith.’

Jesus is our focus - not the saints of old or the saints by our side. We’re going towards him, and so it’s to him that we look. But it’s not just a vague ‘look to Jesus’ that we’re given. Rather, we see the very same pattern that Jesus endured in order to begin and perfect our faith. He endured the cross. He endured the shame. He looked beyond the current to see what lay beyond - the joy that was set before him.

He is our joy, sitting at the right hand of the Father. His is the face we long for; his the first face we will see in glory. Look to him. Remember what he has achieved for you, and keep going.

The season of All Saints is a useful time to remember those who have gone on ahead. But don’t focus on the saints. Instead, look to Jesus as you, and I, and we, and the whole church moves closer to heaven, and closer to all that God has promised.

This sermon was preached in the Brooke Memorial Hall, Brookeborough on Sunday 3rd November 2013.

Sermon: I Believe in Jesus Christ... he ascended into heaven...

I wonder if you’ve ever asked yourself the question: Where is Jesus now? Have you ever read the gospels and marvelled at how Jesus healed all kinds of sickness - and then said to yourself, where is Jesus now? I wish he was here to touch me and take away my disease - or your family member’s illness. If only you could call him up, or wait until he visited Belfast on tour, then he could sort you out.

Or maybe it is when you see the state of the world (or the church!), with misery, depression, violence, and you think to yourself, if only Jesus was here, he could right all those wrongs. Where is Jesus now?

Or think of the new atheists who seem to dominate the media. When we read how Jesus debated with the Pharisees, Saducees and others, you might think, if only Jesus was here, he could defeat Dawkins in a debate, and things would be much simpler. Where is Jesus now?

In each of these situations, and perhaps more that you can think of, we end up saying to ourselves, wouldn’t it be great if we had Jesus with us now? We read of the first disciples, spending three years with the Lord, listening to his teaching, and we think - they had it easy. Where is Jesus now?

What I want to suggest tonight, as we continue to look at what Christians believe as stated in the Apostles’ Creed, is that Jesus is in the best place he could be. As we’ll hopefully see, we believe that where Jesus is and what he is doing is better than him being on the earth in person.

We’ve been working through the Apostles’ Creed, and come to the last section which speaks directly of Jesus, and you’ll notice it speaks of past, present and future. Firstly, the past, do you see, that after the crucifixion and the burial, Jesus was raised. This was the vindication of his death, God’s seal of approval on Jesus, and the beginning of the new age. The cross and resurrection are together, the centre of the Christian faith, but we’ll be returning in a few weeks to look at the resurrection of the body, so let’s continue, and focus on where Jesus is.

Still in the past, the creed tells us that ‘He ascended into heaven.’ We see this in Acts 1. Jesus was ‘lifted up’ (1:9) after forty days of resurrection appearances, teaching and training the disciples for the mission that was to follow. It isn’t that Jesus was the first man in space, but that he ascended into heaven - he doesn’t just go up and up, but he is taken into heaven.

So Jesus is in heaven rather than on earth. Well, that’s nice for him, you might be thinking - don’t we all go to heaven when we die? (As an aside, I noticed again that common assumption on Facebook of all places. Last week was Father’s Day, and there was a thing going around where you changed your profile picture to one of your dad, to say you loved them whether they were (and I quote) ‘here or in heaven.’) Let’s be clear, not everyone goes to heaven - but Jesus is unique and special because of where he is in heaven.

He ‘sits at the right hand of the Father.’ This is the place of honour, the special place. It’s in fulfillment of that great vision of King David, in Psalm 110: ‘The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’’ King Jesus is reigning over all, in his own special place. Jesus is the king on the throne - he occupied no earthly throne, but is now rightly seated and in control.

We can take confidence that Jesus is in charge - that he is ordering our steps, that he is watching over us, that nothing that happens to us is a surprise or a shock for him. Jesus, the King, is reigning.

But there’s more significance in the fact that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father. You see, heaven is the very presence of God, the most holy place, the real holy place, to which the temple pointed. Jesus, the King, is also our great high priest - as we see at the opening of Hebrews: ‘After making purification for sin, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.’ (1:3).

He can sit down, because he has finished his work of salvation. The sacrifice has been offered, once for all, and so he doesn’t need to be on his feet continually offering the sacrifice. Yet his priestly work continues, as he intercedes for us - Jesus, at the right hand of the Father, is praying for you, Christian.

In the old testament, the high priest had a breastplate containing twelve precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel. He bore the burden of the people, representing them before the LORD. Jesus is our high priest, and as he sits beside the Father, he represents us, speaking on our behalf. Praying for us.

What a great encouragement that is for you, when you’re facing a time of suffering, or a trial, or something unexpected - Jesus is on the throne, and Jesus is praying for you. The whole letter to the Hebrews is the expansion of this theme, as it reminds us that he ever lives to make intercession for us (8:25). Jesus has paid for our sins, and is praying for our sanctification. What more could you want or need?!

Well, there was still the outstanding complaint from the introduction - if only we had Jesus with us. Surely it would still be better to have Jesus with us, so we could see him? Think again. You see, Jesus raises our humanity to his throne, his flesh is exalted so that God will always forever more have our flesh as part of God. At the same time, it is by going to the Father, ascending to heaven, that Jesus can send the Holy Spirit, who is the power and presence of Jesus, not just with us, but in us, as we believe in him. It is because Jesus goes, that the Holy Spirit comes: ‘I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth.’ - but more on him next week!

We’ve see Jesus in the past - risen and ascended. We’ve seen where Jesus is now - at the right hand of the Father, ruling over the universe, and praying for his people. But is that it? What of the future? Where will Jesus be? We see it in the last part of our section tonight.

As the angel said at the ascension: ‘This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’ (Acts 1:11) We are promised that Jesus will return - it is the consistent hope of the New Testament, written to people who are in the same boat as us - between the first and second comings of Jesus.

We haven’t been abandoned; Jesus hasn’t forgotten about us; one day he will return. Just a few months back we were studying 2 Peter, thinking about the scoffers who made fun of this idea, but Peter is sure that God will keep his promises. It’s the promise of Jesus in John 14, ‘I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.’ (14:3)

But we must remember that Jesus is not just coming so that everyone can go to heaven - no matter how hard some people wish it were so. The Creed helpfully reminds us why Jesus will return: ‘From there he will come again to just the living and the dead.’

I remember growing up, when it was always ‘the quick and the dead’ and we’re in school sports day season, and me thinking, well, I’m not quick and I’m not dead, maybe I’ll be ok. What it is saying is that everyone will be judged. Jesus the judge is waiting at the door, and some day the command will be all rise, the court is in session.

Those wrongs you have suffered, those sufferings you have endured, those sacrifices you made, will be vindicated when Jesus the judge is in session. At the same time, there may be those of us with tender conscience who, when you hear of judgement, immediately shrink back in fear - fear not! Your sins have been dealt with, the punishment paid - and your judge bears the ‘wounds of love’ on his own body. This is why Paul can confidently say that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus - the judge has dealt with our sin.

If you have not yet trusted in Christ for salvation, if you remain in your sins, then I urge you to be reconciled to your judge now, rather than when it will be too late. When you meet him face to face, it will have been too late to find salvation, and instead you will face condemnation from the just judge because of your sins.

So where is Jesus now? Jesus has been raised, ascended, and glorified. He reigns from his throne in heaven, interceding for us. And one day he will return to judge the living and the dead. We believe it because it is the truth about Jesus, and it gives us confidence to meet even our struggles and trials with confidence because Jesus gives us strength for every step of the way.

His prayer is effective, and our joy will be perfected on that day: ‘Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.’ (1 Peter 1:8-9)

This sermon was preached in St Elizabeth's Church, Dundonald on Sunday 26th June 2011.

Sermon Audio: Hebrews 1: 1-14

Last Sunday night I was preaching on the next part of the Apostles' Creed, on the identity of Jesus: I believe in... Jesus Christ his Son our Lord.... Here's what it sounded like.

Sermon: I Believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord

If you were to stop 100 people on the street and ask them who Jesus is, what do you think they would say? You would expect to get a variety of answers - as we saw in the video, some people reckon Jesus didn’t exist, some that he was a good teacher, a kind man; others that he was the Son of God. But what does that mean?

As we were thinking about in the discussion, we either focus on Jesus as God, in his power and greatness, only appearing to be with us, or we focus on Jesus as Man, one of us, perhaps the best one of us, but still at best human. But as we’ll see, historic Christianity, the faith of the church throughout all its existence, won’t let us have this either or way of thinking about Jesus. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

Rather than an either / or, what we have is a both and - Jesus is fully God and fully man. But how do we know that? This evening, we’re going to do a quick summary of the evidence as the Bible presents it, before thinking about why Jesus’ identity is important.

If you’ll take your Bibles and open to page 1008. Mark chapter 1, the beginning of the good news about Jesus. Now imagine that you are Simon, sitting in your boat. You are a devout Jew, you know that (as we saw last week) ‘The LORD our God, the LORD is one.’ (Deut 6:4). There is one God. This man Jesus comes along and proclaims the kingdom of God is at hand, and calls you to follow him. You do so.

Later in chapter 1, Jesus heals the man with an unclean spirit in your synagogue in Capernaum. Look at 1:27 - ‘And they were all amazed so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”’ (1:27) So who is this Jesus?

Fast forward to chapter 2, Jesus heals the man let down through the roof on the bed. Jesus forgives his sin, heals the man so he can walk, and what is the reaction of the crowd? ‘they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”’ (2:12)

Chapter 3, and as Jesus is casting out unclean spirits, they are recognising him: ‘And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried, “You are the Son of God,”’ (3:11). And it just keeps coming - Jesus doing these amazing things, and all the time you’re saying - who is this Jesus?

Not long afterwards, you’re in a boat. There’s a storm. A really bad storm, because even though you’re a fisherman, you think you’re going to die. What’s worse, Jesus is asleep on the boat. Doesn’t he care? Jesus gets up and calms the sea and the wind with a word. Look at 4:41 - ‘And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”’

Jesus is a man. No doubt about it. You’ve lived with him, travelled with him, ate with him, listened to him. Jesus is fully human. And yet there’s more to him - so when Jesus asks what you think of him, you are in no doubt: ‘You are the Christ.’ (8:29). You may not fully understand what the Christ means at this stage, but there’s no doubt who Jesus is. It’s confirmed at the Transfiguration, when Jesus becomes dazzling white on the mountain, and the voice from heaven declares: ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him.’ (9:7).

At his trial, when asked if he is ‘The Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus replies: ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’ (14:61-62). The high priest judges it blasphemy, to make himself equal to God, but what if he is speaking the truth? The whole way through, Mark’s gospel is building and building to the mighty declaration by the foreign soldier, who sees clearer than all the religious people of Israel: ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’ (15:39).

Jesus is man, yes, no doubt about it. But Jesus is also God. As Mark says in his very first line: ‘The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’ (1:1). Now what we see being displayed through Jesus’ life, we also see displayed in Jesus’ resurrection - remember just a few weeks ago we heard Thomas’ declaration: ‘My Lord and my God.’ (John 20:28)

We also see it stated elsewhere. Think of John’s gospel, and how does it begin? ‘In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.’ (John 1:1) This word (logos, wisdom) became flesh. Or think of Philippians 2, that early Christian creed, ‘who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped (exploited), but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men...’ (Phil 2:5-7)

Perhaps the greatest of these statements is found in Hebrews 1 (remembering that we could go to many more places in the New Testament... Romans 1, Colossians 1, 1 John 1 etc), the passage we had read. Who is Jesus? He is the Son, through whom God has spoken, the heir of all things, through whom God created the world. ‘He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.’ (Heb 1:3).

If you want to see what God is like, look at Jesus. As the Sunday school child once said, Jesus is ‘God with skin on.’ Now perhaps you’ve followed it all through so far, you can see that Jesus is a man, yes, but that he is also God. But the question running through your mind, perhaps you’ve been asked it by a friend is this: why does it matter? What’s the point of Jesus being the God-man?

I want to introduce you to two groups this evening, both of whom got it wrong about Jesus. First up, there was the Docetists (from the Greek ‘to seem’) - they claimed that Jesus was God, yes, but definitely not a real man - he just seemed to be human. Well, even on that brief introduction, you can see what the issues are. If Jesus wasn’t one of us, then how could he die in our place? How can he identify with our struggles and weakness if he only appeared to be human but didn’t actually take on flesh? The Jesus of the Docetists can’t save us.

A wee while later in church history, we meet a man who goes the other way. If the Docetists claimed that Jesus was only God, then Arius went to the other extreme. Jesus was just a man who came into existence when he was born of the virgin Mary, and while he was a good man, the best man ever, he definitely wasn’t God.

It’s because of Arius and his chums that the Nicene Creed (which we tend to use at Communion) is extended: ‘And in one Lord Jesus Christ, The only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made. Being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made...’ The Nicene Creed makes it absolutely sure, doesn’t it?!

Jesus the man, the good man, the best man may inspire us to the best that a man can be, but that’s it. If he’s just another man, then he is not mighty to save, he would have the same problems as the rest of us.

So you see, we affirm what Scripture affirms - that Jesus is fully God and fully man. Nothing less will do. Nothing less will save us. No one else can save us. We see it through the rest of Hebrews, as you have the vision of who Jesus is right at the start - the Son of God, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of his nature - this God took on flesh, came into the world, was made, for a little while lower than the angels, made purification for sins, identifies with us by calling us brothers, shares in our temptations, serves as our great high priest, prays for us, and has lifts our humanity to the heights of his throne.

Sometimes we can underestimate the Lord Jesus as we think of him, or undersell him as we speak of him to our friends. We all, naturally, tend to gravitate towards one or other of his aspects - either emphasising his humanity at the expense of his divinity, or focusing only on his greatness as God while forgetting his humanity. We really do need to hold both together, not in tension, but in perfect harmony, just as we see them displayed in Jesus.

I’ve used this before, but I still think CS Lewis puts it best when he says in Mere Christianity:

"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Do you?

This sermon was preached in St Elizabeth's Church, Dundonald on Sunday 12th June 2011

The Way of the Cross (24)

As we saw yesterday, none of us can fulfil God's standards or keep God's law. Even our righteous deeds can't help us, because they're so caught up in sinful motives.

Our next Psalm (40) is attributed to Jesus by the writer to the Hebrews, as the witness to what he would do when he came:

In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Then I said, "Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:6-8)

Here we see prophecied the perfect obedience of the Son to the Father, the only one who truly delighted in the Father's will, the one who willingly went to the cross in obedience. Temple sacrifices would not and could not make us right with God - but they pointed to the one perfect, sufficient sacrifice of perfect obedience, the life lived, the death died, in perfect trust.

Lawbreakers become lawkeepers, not through moral effort; not through trying harder. In Jesus' obedience we are credited with obedience, and his grace transforms us, gives us a 'heart transplant' to love and keep God's law, just as Jesus did. It doesn't happen immediately, we still fail and fall; but God's grace empowers us to get up, repent, and keep going. And all through the obedience of the Son to death, even death on a cross!

The Promise of His Coming (28)

In these days following Christmas Day, we're looking at some of the New Testament explanations of the incarnation, as the apostles reflect on why Jesus came into the world at all. Today, we come to the letter to the Hebrews, with its glorious opening chapter on the glory of the divine Son, through whom God has spoken in these last days.

As well as being divine, though, the eternal Son had to become human in order to bring many sons to glory, being made perfect (i.e. complete) through suffering. In order to save us, he had to be like us:

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Through our flesh, he destroyed our death, but more than that, destroyed the one who has the power of death. Jesus is the great substitute, who came onto our team, who took our place, and has defeated the enemy that terrified us for so long. Just like David, he stepped up to defeat the Goliath who defied the living God and the armies of the living God.

Our chains are gone, our fear is forgotten, through the serpent crusher, the one who took on flesh for us and our sake. Praise be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, very God and very man!

Sermon: Hebrews 10: 19-25 Since We Have, Let Us

If I were to ask you today ‘what do you have’, you might think it a terribly rude question. You might turn your mind to your house, possessions, bank accounts, family, friends or that special ornament that sits in the living room and reminds you of someone special. You see, while some of us may not have much, we can all quickly put together a list of the various things that we have.

But if I were to ask that question, would you think of spiritual blessings too, or would your focus only be on the material things you have? The reason I ask is because our reading from Hebrews today is a great reminder of the spiritual blessings we have been given - as the writer says ‘we have’ access and a priest.

The letter to the Hebrews can sometimes be seen as difficult to understand. All that stuff about blood and sacrifices and priests and temples and tabernacles and Melchizedek - we just don’t see what it’s all about. I’m going to let you in on a secret today - our verses are a great summary of what Hebrews is all about. You notice the very first word in verse 19: therefore. Having reached the climax of his argument, the writer is summarising all that has gone before, as he reminds us what we have, and then what we need to do about it.

So first of all, what we have. 1. ‘Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus’. This is all about access. Two years ago we were in London, and we were standing outside Buckingham Palace waiting for the changing of the guard. The Queen may well have been seated in her throneroom, but I wasn’t going to get anywhere near. The big walls and fences, the policemen, the guards, the courtiers, the corgis - all of these things would be stopping me from coming in to see the Queen.

The Old covenant was the same - God dwelt in the holy of holies, but only the high priest could enter once a year. The ordinary people were at least three sections removed (sorry ladies, you were further back!). But because of Jesus’ death (his blood), we now have access to God, to come right into his presence, the holy place, the throneroom of heaven, the seat of the king of kings.. If you are a believer today, then you have confidence to approach God whenever you want.

But more than that, 2. We also ‘have a great priest over the house of God.’ Jesus Christ is our priest, the one who prays for us, bringing us before the throne, the one who secures our blessing. Sometimes it can feel as if you have no one for you. As if no one cares about you. The Prayer Diary is a great way of praying for our church family, remembering certain people each day, and if you haven’t got one, then take one with you - and if you’re not in it, then tell me and I’ll include you in the next one. But more than the people of God praying for you - Jesus Christ is interceding for you!

These are the things we have - confidence to enter the holy places, and a priest praying for us. Both come to us because of Jesus, and his death on the cross. As we celebrate his death in the Communion, we celebrate the things that we have through him. But the writer isn’t finished. Yes, he has summarised all that we have, but we must do something about it. So the application is given to us in the passage. Look at how it is written: ‘Therefore, since we have... and since we have... (verse 22 starts with:) let us’. I call this the ‘lettuce’ passage, because we have three lettuces all in a row (4 in the NIV!)

Firstly, 1. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. We have this access, so make sure you’re using it! Don’t come fearfully, if you are trusting in Jesus, but come boldly - true heart, full assurance. Look up (to God)

Secondly, 2. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Look forward (to our hope). Later in the letter, we see what this looking forward without wavering is all about, when we’re told to look to Jesus as we run (12:2). How can we be sure about the future? Because he who promised is faithful. God does not change his mind, what he has said is sure. Those poor travellers hoping to go to Turkey and Greece with Goldtrail were left stranded, because the firm’s promise of a holiday failed. But God keeps his word. All the good promises he has given us, that we will dwell with him, forever, can not be taken away from us.

Thirdly, 3. Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. We’ve looked up, looked forward, and now we also have to look around, at our brothers and sisters. Christianity isn’t about getting a golden ticket to glory and then waiting in the departure lounge; it’s about being part of the family of God, helping one another, supporting one another, encouraging one another - because some are giving up on meeting together (a dangerous situation, trying to be a lone ranger Christian); and because the Day is approaching.

So how are we doing based on this passage today? Do you first of all realise just what you have - immensely better than your bank account or your prized possession. We have access and a priest. All because of Jesus’ death. And then what are you doing about it? Are you confidently coming? Are you trusting the promises? Are you encouraging your brothers and sisters?

The Christian life is not easy. I don’t have to tell you that. But it can be a great encouragement, a great help to have a brother or sister quietly remind you of the promises. Don’t be down - we have one who is praying for you. Don’t worry about the future - remember what God has prepared for you.

This sermon was preached at the Midweek Lord's Supper at St Elizabeth's Church, Dundonald on Wednesday 21st July 2010.

Correction or Corruption?

The LORD is 'patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.' So writes the apostle Peter in his second letter. We see that being played out in our next chunk of Zephaniah, as God comes to the end of his gracious restraint and decrees final judgement.

Last time, you may recall, we noticed that the problem of Jerusalem was particularly fierce - the righteous LORD was in the midst of her, but she was unjust, violent, being led astray by the awful leaders. It turns out that throughout Jerusalem's history, God has been providing foretastes of the final judgement. God has been destroying other cities, judging other nations, as a warning to rebellious Jerusalem what will also come to it, but they have been paying no attention.

'I have cut off nations; their battlements are in ruins; I have laid waste their streets so that no one walks in them; their cities have been made desolate, without a man, without an inhabitant.' (3:6)

As Jerusalem surveys its surroundings and looks at the near nations, it can see what happens to the evil and unjust. It knows that God punishes sin - but fails to make the connection with their own sin. It's almost as if others are punished so that Jerusalem wakes up and repents, but to no avail.

'Surely you will fear me; you will accept correction. Then your dwelling would not be cut off according to all that I have appointed against you. But all the more they were eager to make all their deeds corrupt.' (3:7)

God offered correction, discipline to bring them to their senses so that they would repent. The people instead chose corruption - even more evil than before. Hebrews 12 speaks of the discipline of the Lord, how it is not pleasant, and yet is for our good, to make us more like our older brother, Jesus.

Yet how we receive that correction from the Lord depends on our heart attitude - will we be bitter and turn to more corruption which leads to condemnation; or will we receive the correction and turn in repentance?

Jerusalem was making its choice, and turned away. Rather than be corrected and restored, Jerusalem chose to align itself with the surrounding nations, and would end up being consumed in the final fury of God's wrath (3:8). The choice is open to us - correction or corruption?

Towards the Light

This evening I had to do a turn in my garage.

It's not that the Britain's Got Talent judges were sitting waiting in the garage for me to open the door and perform a little routine for them. It's not even that the tumble drier won't dry the clothes unless I sing and dance for it.

Rather, it was the turning of some lavender plants. We got them last week for the garden, but they're not just ready for planting out yet. Instead they've been sitting on the shelf beside the window.

In just a few days, they've gone from growing straight up to growing towards the window - greedy for light, they grow towards it to maximise the sun's rays on the leaves and flowers. We don't want lopsided lavender, so I turned them around to balance the bend.

Plants are so simple - grow towards the light. They know what they need and they go for it. Pity we aren't similarly oriented.

In our natural state, we don't like the light at all - we prefer darkness, as Jesus says in John 3. Yet Jesus, the light of the world, brings his people from darkness into the glorious light of his gospel and makes us a new creation.

So why is it that we still resist so often? We still prefer darkness sometimes, rather than growing in the light and towards the light - becoming more like Jesus, growing closer to our Saviour.

Do you need to go towards the light, and continue to orient your life towards God? Even the lavender strives - why not us?

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

Back to School

This morning it was back to school, as I was in Dundonald Primary taking their Key Stage 2 assembly. I brought a load of household items, of various shapes, sizes and weights, and challenged a pupil to hold them all in his arms. Brilliantly, he managed
to hold them all - even though he disappeared behind the pile of books, clothes hangers, boxes, shower pipe and head, toilet rolls, brush, an inflatable globe, and other items!

What was the point of that? Well, it helped us to see that while we may struggle to hold a few things, Hebrews tells us that Jesus sustains the universe by his powerful word. Colossians also reminds us that in him all things hold together. Jesus is powerful, and keeps the world going - every breath we take is given by him.

Or as the old chorus goes: 'He's got the whole world in his hands.'

The Danger of Lent

"What are you giving up?" It's the question that is always heard around this time, on this, the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday. Yet as I've been thinking about it, I've come to think that Lent is a dangerous time for the Christian - not because it asks too much of us, but because it asks too little.

For many Lent is a second chance in the year, having quickly given up on the New Years Resolutions. Another milestone to begin afresh. The time to give up blogging or chocolate or takeways or whatever the vice is. The focus is on the externals, the giving up of that something which perhaps has a special hold on us - the aforementioned chocolate, for example. Yet while it's given up for the forty days of Lent, there's usually a big splurge beforehand (after all, if I'm not going to have Crunchies for over a month I'd better enjoy them now), and a return to the thing after Lent (for example, a huge Crunchie Easter Egg).

Lent is seen as an achievement - something I have done - which means that it's religion, and not grace. Yes, perhaps giving up those chocolate bars has been a sacrifice, but does it mean anything if you're stuffing your face with them on Easter morning?

Besides, when Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him - the call to self-denial and obedience, he didn't set a time limit on it. He didn't say for forty days in the year (or as many as you can manage without Crunchies) do this. Rather, it's a lifelong commitment of being discipled and disciplined.

If those things that we give up are truly barriers to our Christian life and witness, then we need to give them up for good, not just for Lent. Paul's instruction to Timothy to 'train yourself for godliness' is an everyday instruction (1 Tim 4:7), not a special seasonal statement to be ignored the rest of the year. Similarly, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews encourages them and us to stick at it every day: 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin that clings so
closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith...' (Hebrews 12:1-2).

So rather than observing a holy Lent and then slipping back into old ways, let's resolve to live a holy life, whatever the season.

Covenants and Commissionings

It's been a busy week. Following the (belated) fifth birthday of the blog, I've been unable to blog with lots going on in the parish. On Wednesday, we had our quarterly visit to the Evangelical Bookshop to turn around the church bookstall. So there's lots of shiny new books available in the back right corner of the church building.

Wednesday night we had our Fellowship Group, continuing our year-long study in the letter to the Hebrews. We reached chapter 8 and looked at Jesus being the mediator of a better covenant, and considered how the earthly Tabernacle was a copy and shadow of the heavenly throne room, and how the new Covenant supersedes the old Covenant of Sinai. A tough study (probably because of the idiot leading it), but with hard work comes great reward as we dug down deep into God's word. I'm considering some blogging on the relationship of the old covenant to the new covenant, but they'll come perhaps later next week.

Tonight, it's off to St Saviours Dollingstown, my old stomping ground, for the commissioning service for the new Ireland Team Leader of the Evangelical Anglican Mission Agency, Crosslinks. Bishop Wallace Benn is preaching at the service, and it should be a good and God-honouring evening.

That's all for now - more updates coming shortly soon...

Eagerly Waiting

Are you looking forward to Christmas? Are you counting down the days on your chocolate Advent Calendar? Are you all excited about the big day? After all, it's just three weeks today - 21 days to Christmas.

Yet before Christmas comes, we have the season of Advent. No, Advent isn't a synonym for chocolate calendars, nor something made up by Mr Cadbury. Advent literally means 'Coming' - arrival. As we wait for Christmas (when we recall Jesus first coming, born in Bethlehem), we're reminded that Jesus is coming - not again as a baby, but as conquering King and just Judge.

The writer to the Hebrews, as he explains the unique once for all-ness of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, shows the difference between the first and second comings of the Lord Jesus:

But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgement, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:26-28)

There is a corresponding pattern for man and Messiah: Man dies and faces judgement; Christ died for our sins and returns as Saviour (and Judge).

God's word is plain: there are no second chances after death; no half-way house for post-death conversion; no purgatory, no reincarnation as a beetle or a cow or a flower. Death, then judgement.

Christ Jesus will return, having already dealt with sin, to save his people. His people are those who are eagerly waiting for his appearing, who long with every desire for Christ's kingdom to come. Richard Coekin writes: 'Our highest delight will be when our Lord finally returns to gather us into his presence... We pray for all this when we pray 'Your kingdom come.' (Our Father, p. 80)

The Lord will surely come - he is coming quickly. Are you eagerly waiting for him?

Can Christians Fall Away?

Once saved, always saved, or can Christians fall away? It's one of the big debates for contemporary Christians, and we came to the issue last night in our Fellowship Group working through the Letter to the Hebrews.

The writer is warming up to his main topic: how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Jewish systems of priesthood, temple and sacrifice, by his once for all sacrificial death. En route, he mentions Melchizedek in 5:10. But then he takes a massive detour, a big pause for breath, before returning to Melchizedek in 6:20 and the explanation in 7:1. In fact, if you were to remove 5:11 - 6:20, the letter would work perfectly well. Introduction of Melchizedek, then explanation of Melchizedek. Yet that's not what has happened. Instead we have these verses, which may include some of the most fearful and difficult verses in Hebrews. So why are they here? What purpose does this instruction bring?

5:12 reflects on the fact that, even though these guys should be teachers by now, they still need to be taught themselves. There's a growth deficiency, they're not growing up and maturing as they should. They're still in spiritual nappies / diapers when they should be feasting on solid food.

In chapter 6, even though the readers need the milk, the writer is going to feed them on solids, good meaty sound doctrine for their maturing and growth. But it comes with a warning - that to receive the things of God and be under his word is dangerous - that if we fall away there is no restoration, no sacrifice for that sin because you can't crucify Jesus again.

4For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Shocking words, and a serious warning for us to continue in the faith, to persevere to the end, to not give up. But let's be clear - God's word isn't saying that if you're a Christian and you sin then you're lost. All of us sin, and we need to repent of these ongoing sins, becoming increasing like Jesus, as we are sanctified. The issue here in these verses is that of apostasy - publicly renouncing Jesus and denying God, to publicly and consistently reject God's word.

We see the picture of land in verses 7-8. The rain is God's word, but the land may produce crops or thistles. What fruit are we producing? Are we flourishing under God's word or are we seeing the increase of bitterness within ourselves?

A solemn warning. A serious warning, but it's immediately followed by some serious encouragement. The writer is confident of better things from his readers, because he can see the signs of life in them - he can see the fruits that the gospel is producing in their lives, and God sees it too:

9Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

The writer can identify the fruits of faith in them - their work, their love (for God) expressed in their service of God's people. We often can't see the fruits of faith in ourselves - we're too caught up in seeing the weakness and struggle and failures; but we can see other people producing these fruits, and they can see you. So why not encourage someone by whispering quietly - I'm thanking God for ... that I see in you.

But even though the writer to the Hebrews is confident for them to not fall because of these things, they can't and shouldn't find confidence in them themselves - that would be to fall back on works righteousness. Rather, our own confidence comes through having the full assurance of hope, trusting in God's word, imitating others who (like Abraham) waited with faith and patience for God's promises to be fulfilled.

Where does our hope lie? Not in ourselves - we're too weak and sinful. Not in our fruits - they will encourage legalism and self-righteousness (which is no righteousness). Only in the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul - our righteousness is in heaven, through the curtain, the Holy of Holies, where Jesus has gone before, and where we will go to be with him.

Can Christians fall away? Hebrews 6 suggests it is a possibility, but only if we neglect our faith. Keep on keeping on, trusting God and his promise, and we will not stumble. Jesus won't allow it. Our high priest is interceding for us as we speak.

Sermon: Hebrews 11:32-12:2

Rembrance Day is a time to remember, to look back, to reflect on our recent past; on our nation's history. We're stirred to thankfulness for the bravery of those who sacrificed their lives for ours, and we can celebrate the freedom they have won for us.

Our New Testament reading this morning is very appropriate for Armistice Day, for Remembrance Day, as we remember those who have gone before in the family of faith. But more than just looking back, Hebrews 11 and 12 encourage us to look back, to look forward, and to look up. These words are words of encouragement in the battle and in the race, to keep going.

1. Look back at the examples of God's people in previous generations. The Letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were giving up on Jesus and returning to the Jewish ways of synagogue and temple, Law and circumcision. The writer points to their Hebrew ancestors and asks how did they please God? How did the fathers do what they did? It wasn't by works, but 'by faith'.

Hebrews 11 is a great chapter, with the stories of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and many others. It's just a pity he calls time without giving us more of the story of the judges and the kings and the prophets! But why is this written, and here? The trials that we're going through aren't new - this is how the world has always treated the people of God, but they continued on through their faith in God, depending on his promise. If you think things are tough now, see what our fathers in the faith endured!

They are the great cloud of witnesses, but what does this mean? There are two main possiblities - either we have their stories to spur us on, to encourage us; or else it's like all these saints are in the stands cheering us on as we run our race, them having already finished their races. Imagine what it would be like in the new London 2012 stadium (when it's finished) and the crowd cheering you on. The cloud of witnesses is rooting for you to be faithful as they were.

2. Look forward to the race that is set before us. We can't just look back, we also have to look forward to what remains in front of us. God hasn't finished with us yet, and has given us more to complete - we still have some way to go.

But if the Christian life is pictured as a race, then we have to be race-fit. You wouldn't set out on a run bundled up in lots of layers of clothes. I couldn't run too far in my cassock and surplice (I might trip on it!). I don't know how the marathon runners in fancy dress do it. It's so much easier to run when you're in shorts and t-shirt (although I don't recommend you try it today - it's too rainy and cold to be going running!). The writer urges us to lay aside every weight, and the sin that clings so closely.

I don't know what you're like wrapping presents, but the stick tape is just too, well, sticky for my liking. I end up getting stuck in it, and it never goes the way I want to. Sin is also sticky, clingy, as the passage says. We like it too much to really give it up. We struggle to get rid of it even when determined. Yet it holds us back, it stops us from running as we should.

What are the things in your life that are holding you back? Where are the areas that you and I need to change?

3. Look up as we look to Jesus. We're not alone in the race, we look forward and up to the Lord Jesus, who is described as the founder and perfecter of our faith. He is where faith begins and ends - the start and the finish of faith. He has also endured the race that was before him, and because he has finished, we are certain of finishing too.

Let's consider his example of running the race. He saw the joy that was before him, and so endured the cross, the horrible, terrible, painful death of the cross, to pass through to the joy awaiting him. What was the joy that sustained the Lord? The joy of fulfilling the Father's plans, of redeeming sinners, and of the throne at the right hand of the Father.

Jesus has done it, and we can be sure of sharing in his victory. There's the old slogan 'no cross, no crown.' The way to glory is tinged with pain and sadness, as we follow in the steps of the Master, bearing our cross, looking forward to sharing his kingdom.

The joys of heaven are worth the pains and sorrows of this transitory life. We are not finished yet, but God's word brings us encouragement as we look back to the heroes of the faith, forward to the remaining race (making ourselves better able to run it) and up to the reigning, glorious Lord Jesus.

This sermon was preached at the BCP Morning Prayer service on Wednesday 11th November 2009 at St Elizabeth's Church, Dundonald.