Perspective | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

If you could go back in time and live in any biblical era, which would you choose and why?

MESSAGE NOTES:

[Hebrews 11:1]

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

[John 1:29]

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

[Hebrews 8:6]

But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.

[Hebrews 10:1-6]

The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. 2 If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. 3 But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. 4 For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. 6 You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin.

[Hebrews 10:9-10]

Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

[Hebrews 10:11-12]

Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time.

[Hebrews 10:15-18]

And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, 16 “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” 18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

Faith gives me a perspective of the future that gives me confidence right now.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

QUESTION 1:
How does understanding that Jesus paid the price for our sins impact the way we handle guilt and shame? How can this perspective lead to a healthier emotional and spiritual life?

QUESTION 2:
The message discussed the misconception that God causes bad things to happen as punishment for our sin. How can this warped view of God affect our relationship with Him and our outlook on life? How can we help others, including ourselves, cultivate a more accurate and compassionate understanding of God's character?

QUESTION 3:

How can faith change our perspective on challenging circumstances? Share an experience when faith helped you navigate a tough time. How can we cultivate a faith that remains steadfast even when situations seem bleak?

GUIDED PRAYER:

We come before you, grateful for the reminder that you are not a God of punishment but of grace. Help us release guilt and shame, knowing Jesus paid the price for us. Give us confidence in our future and strength in our present challenges. Be our source of strength and identity. Guide us with unwavering faith as we navigate life's uncertainties. We surrender our worries and fears to you, trusting your plan. In Jesus' name, amen.

One ChurchAugust 30, 2023