After a long week at my new job, I am very glad to be posting the Weekend Sermon. This is my favorite part of the week when I get a chance to do what I believe God has called me to do on His behalf.
I want to thank the Lord for helping me to get the bills paid this month. With my new job and my writing income, my finances have improved somewhat. Thank you to all of those who prayed on my behalf on this matter.
This week, I would like our prayer focus to be on the nation of Thailand. Thailand is a country where about 95 percent of the people are Buddhists. Only about 4 percent of the population is part of the Christian faith. Let us all pray for the missionaries and others who are trying to spread the good news of the love of Jesus in this country.
In last week's message, we finished our discussion of the superiority of the high priesthood of Jesus Christ. We also saw that Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant. This new and better covenant was sealed by the shedding of Jesus' own blood on the cross. We can have a relationship with the Father and have the forgiveness of sins because of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf through His death and resurrection.
Today, we will see that the book of Hebrews describes Jesus as the superior or ultimate example for life and faith. Hebrews chapter 11 is one of the great chapters in all of the New Testament. Some have called this chapter the Hall of Fame of Faith.
Hebrews 11 begins by giving the reader examples of Godly individuals who by faith lived lives that were pleasing to the Lord. Abel is commended because he offered an excellent sacrifice that was pleasing to God. Enoch was a prophet and man of faith who did not die but was taken to Heaven by the Lord.
Noah is a great example of faith. God told Noah that it was going to rain and flood the world. Noah was ordered to build the ark and bring the animals into the ark for safety. Noah proclaimed God's message of warning to the people for years, but only Noah and his family heeded the Word of the Lord and were saved in the ark.
Abraham was a great example of a person living a life of faith and righteousness. God called Abraham to leave the city of Ur and go into a land that God would show him. Abraham by faith believed in the Lord's word and left all of the things of Ur behind to follow the Lord's promise.
Abraham also demonstrated great faith and trust in God when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham was willing to do what God asked of him, but Abraham knew in his heart that God could raise Isaac back to life again if need be.
Jacob and his son Joseph are also listed as examples of faith and righteousness. Joseph could have become discouraged and given up on doing right many times. However, Joseph believed in God, and Joseph always did what the Lord required.
Moses is one of the Old Testament's great examples of a man of faith. He led the people of Israel through the difficult times when they were wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Moses received the Law of God on Mount Sinai. He is the author of the first five books of the Old Testament.
The writer of the book of Hebrews goes on to mention several other people who are examples of faith and goodness. Rahab, Gideon, David, Samuel and the prophets are mentioned. David was called a man after God's own heart. Many of the prophets served the Lord faithfully. Many even sacrificed their lives in God's service.
Each of these individuals is an example for us in our lives today. We should read the Scriptures and learn about how these people lived out their lives in obedience to the Word of the Lord.
As great as these people were, Jesus is the superior example of faith and righteousness. Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. He is the one that we should look to as our ultimate example.
Jesus lived a perfect, holy and sinless life. He always obeyed and fulfilled the will of the Father in Heaven.
Being a Christian means asking the question what would Jesus do in the situations we face in life. We are to be true followers of Jesus. I John 2:6 says that we are to walk in the same way that Jesus walked. What does this mean?
This means that we should follow the example of Jesus in everything that we do. The way we do this is by finding out what Jesus did while He was here on earth. The Bible records much of what Jesus did and taught in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I encourage you to read and study diligently the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus. We as His followers are called to be imitators of our Lord. The only way that we can do what Jesus did is if we know what Jesus did when He ministered on earth. Please, study the Scriptures. Make it a point every day to read and study the words of Jesus in addition to any other Bible reading that you do. Following Jesus is what the Christian faith is all about.
One thing that we know that Jesus did and we are to do as well is that Jesus loved everyone. He did not discriminate against any person. Jesus said that whosoever will may come unto the Him. He would not cast anyone out. We need to share the message of Jesus' love with everyone. Many people in this world feel as if no one cares about them. Jesus cares. He clearly demonstrated His love and concern while on earth. Jesus healed the sick, He feed the hungry and He preached a message of love. We as Jesus' followers must be His ambassadors on earth caring for the hurting and helping those who are in need.
Whenever you are faced with a challenge in life, or you wonder how you should act in any given situation, look to Jesus. Go to the Bible and find out how Jesus responded in a similar situation, and then go and do likewise. Also, be in prayer and communion with the Lord Jesus every day. Ask Him to lead you and guide you so that you can know what to do. If you tell Him that you want to act in a way that is pleasing to Him, Jesus will help you to do the right thing.
Always look to Jesus. I can't emphasize that enough. He is the one who the Christian faith is all about. Follow the superior example of Jesus, and be His true disciple.
Next week, I will post a book review on Wednesday. I am currently reading some good animal books, and I will review one of them. Next Friday, I will conclude our series of messages from the book of Hebrews. May God bless you. Amen.
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