Full Service

There is a real danger when encouragement is lacking in the life of a church family.
We are instructed in Heb. 3:12-13, to “encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today” …

Three grace filled reminders to boost our confidence in the hope found in Christ.

1. Remember who you were – “once you were” … (vs. 21)
     -Alienated from God (Rom. 3:22-23; Eph. 2:1-3, 11-12)
     -Enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour.

    A renewed mind is critical to living a transformed life (Rom. 8:7-8)

    We need to regularly preach the gospel to ourselves.

*Reflect on who you were but don’t camp there! (Php. 3:13)

2. Remember what God has done – “but now he has … (vs. 22)
    -Reconciled you!
    -How? by Christ’s physical body through death (Matt. 20:28; Eph 5:2)
    -When? While we were enemies of God (Rom. 5:8-10)
    -Why? To present you:
        - Holy in His sight (Rom. 5:18-19; 2 Cor. 5:21)
        - without blemish and free from accusation (Rom. 8:1-3)

*Rejoice in what Christ has accomplished on your behalf! (Ps. 51:12)

3. Remember your responsibility – “if you continue… (vs. 23)

“In Paul’s theological understanding, divine provision does not preclude human responsibility”
(Garland)

    -continue in the faith
    -established & firm
    -and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel (Eph. 4:14)
    -faithfully serve as an ambassador of reconciliation both in word & good works (2 Cor. 18-20)

*Resolve to live as a child of God! (Rom. 12:1-2)

Have you been reconciled to God by receiving Christ as your personal saviour and Lord?
-He is the way the truth and the life and no one can come to the Father but through Him (John 14:6)

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