Greater Than
Imagine a professional fighter sitting back down in their corner between rounds after getting pummeled in the ring. What motivates them to get up and keep fighting? Ever feel like your life is just too hard to keep going? Your burdens you carry are just too heavy? Ever been tempted to just throw in the towel and quit? What’s the use? The book of Hebrews is written as a strong source of encouragement to press on toward one thing – the supremacy of Christ over all things. He is worthy every effort! Our world is obsessed with upgrades and others around us are perpetually looking for what’s easy and comfortable. But what if instead of always chasing what’s next, your soul was able to find an anchor that would keep you grounded at all times and pull you through in all circumstances? In the first century, times were tough for the early Christians. Persecution and marginalization were a daily reality. Believers were tempted to abandon their faith and seek an easier life. In this New Testament letter, called “a word of exhortation” (13:22), we are given strong motivations to press on and run the race marked before us with discipline and courage. There are stern warnings and consequences for those who shrink back and look elsewhere for their security in life. Instead, we are told, no matter what it costs us, “Let us go to Him!” because knowing Him is worthy of all our devotion. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, we will find the things of earth will grow strangely dim, because He is greater.
Resources:
- Background Notes on Hebrews – Dave Hentschel
Schedule:
11/29 – Week 1 – KING OF HOPE: – BOB
12/6 – Week 2 – KING OF PEACE – DAVE
12/13 – Week 3 – KING OF JOY – DAVE
12/20 – Week 4 – KING OF LOVE – BOB
12/23 – Christmas Eve Eve – The King is Here
12/24 – Christmas Eve – same as above
Resources:
1. Tim Keller’s, “Hidden Christmas”
2. Tim Keller – Message on Psalm 2 “Jesus our King”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjMGMUuNpZ4
We have a king 2. We hate the king 3. We need the king)
3. John Piper – “Coronavirus and Christ.” E BOOK https://document.desiringgod.org/coronavirus-and-christ-en.pdf?ts=1586278809
Schedule:
11/29 – Week 1 – KING OF HOPE: – BOB
How has this year devastated your hopes? This sermon should focus on the Promised King of the OT, predictions, types and shadows in all the OT Kings
Text ideas: OT Prophecies; Isa 9, Micah 5, other types and shadows, David, Solomon, etc. (other texts as needed)
12/6 – Week 2 – KING OF PEACE – DAVE
How has this year destroyed your peace? This sermon focuses on Jesus as a different kind of King, compared to King Herod, a ruthless, arrogant tyrant, Jesus came to bring peace through humility and sacrifice, ”God and sinners reconciled.” Text ideas: Matthew 2; Romans 5:1 (other texts as needed)
12/13 – Week 3 – KING OF JOY – DAVE
How has this year stolen your joy? This sermon focuses on the unshakeable source of joy as we rejoice in God our savior. Text ideas: Luke 1 – The Magnificat; Luke 2 – “Good tidings of great joy” (other texts as needed)
12/20 – Week 4 – KING OF LOVE – BOB
How has this year threatened our love for others? How is Jesus the answer as the one who loved his enemies and His kingdom shows a better way.
Text idea: John 3:16; Romans 5:8 (Other texts as needed)
12/23 – Christmas Eve Eve – The King is Here
This has been a very difficult year. How can the message of Christmas be exactly what we need in 2020?
How can the presence of our savior make a difference in our shattered lives?
12/24 – Christmas Eve – same as above
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