HOLDING FIRM TO THE FAITH

Hebrews 4:14-16

Starting in the faith is good.
Finishing in the faith is great.

Two Faith Hangers

1. Christ the High Priest understands our weaknesses.
2. Christ demonstrates how to keep faith.

Faith must be exercised.

I. Keep faith firm.
Mercy - Not getting what we deserve.
Grace - Getting what we don’t deserve.
His goal is to redeem us, not reject us.

II. Our example to keep us from falling.
Matthew 4:1-4 - The temptation to turn to material things.
Matthew 4:5-7 - The temptation to turn to the spectacular.
Matthew 4:8-11 - The temptation to take a shortcut.

Saying - “The end justifies the means.”

There are “No shortcuts” to holy living.
Hebrews 12:27-28 - Those things which can be shaken will be shaken.

HEAVENLY CITIZENS

Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:6

Most want to go to heaven, but
no-one wants to die to get there.

I. The dilemma of now.
Philippians 3:20 Ephesians 2:6

A. Citizens of Heaven.
B. Present in this World.

II. Our Duty.

Live in the eternal now.
Reject ungodly values. I John 2:15-16
Reject anything in the present that He would not allow in His presence.
Build the kingdom to come.

III. Our Destiny.

The place we were created for.
The reunion we’ve only dreamed of. II Corinthians 5:8
The end and the beginning of all things. II Peter 3:10,12-13
Philippians 3:20