Run for Your Life

This Sunday we enter into a wonderful new section of the book of Hebrews. Our author begins chapter 12 by using two powerful metaphors of the Christian life. The first, which we will consider this week in 12:1-3, comes from the world of sports and pictures the Christian life as a long strenuous race. The readers are tempted to give up, but they must endure. The key to perseverance is looking to Jesus. We will unpack exactly how Christ helps us.

Living in Hope Conference

Living in Hope: Biblical Living for Singles Over Forty
April 19-21, 2007

Please register for Grace Bible Church’s singles conference for men and women in their prime (40+). The theme is Biblical Living for singles over forty with our keynote speaker being John Sale of Valley Center Community Church. We will have several breakout speakers including Jim Newheiser, Mike Kelley, Curt Arend and Dennis Johnson, professor at Westminster Seminary.

The cost is $75.00 including meals.

For information please call 760-747-9252 and ask for Marsha McGaugh or e-mail her at the following: livinginhopeconference@yahoo.com

Download the brochure: Living in Hope Conference brochure

Pro-Family and Pro-Life

Because of the tragic anniversary of US Supreme Court’s decision on January 22, 1973 which overturned state laws restricting abortion, this Sunday has been designated “Sanctity of Human Life Sunday”.

Approximately a million abortions take place in our country each year. 1 out of every 4 children conceived is murdered before leaving the womb. One in three women will have had at least one abortion. The overwhelming majority of people in our nation have engaged in sexual immorality (one poll suggests 95% have engaged in fornication/sex outside of marriage), which is a major contributor to the high abortion rate.

In addition to proclaiming God’s sovereignty over life and family, we will declare God’s, grace in Christ, to repentant sinners, even adulterers and murders.

The Trials of Faith

The latter part of Hebrews 11 offers two contrasting portraits of the life of faith. Last week we considered the triumph of faith in Hebrews 11:32-35a as we examined the exploits of people who won great victories and experienced wonderful deliverances. This week we will look at the second portrait of faith in Hebrews 11:35b-38 which describes the sufferings of God’s faithful people. While some escaped the sword (11:34b), others were put to death with the sword (11:37c). Some received back their dead by resurrection (v. 35a) while others were tortured to death (v. 35b). Why?

• Did those who suffered have less faith?
• Did God love them less than those who escaped suffering?
• What was God’s purpose in their suffering?
• Why do we in America suffer so little?
• Are we prepared for the suffering which may yet come?

Our text concludes with a final summary (11:39-40) of what Hebrews 11 teaches about faith. Both those who experienced victorious deliverance and those who endured suffering relied upon God’s promise and gained God’s approval. Because the promise they anticipated has become a reality for us in Christ, we ought to endure in faith all the more (which leads to Hebrews 12:1ff).

The Triumph of Faith

Sometimes preachers have more to say than they have time to say it. Such was the case of the author to the Hebrews who wrote “briefly” (13:22).

After spending 31 verses (11;1-30) summarizing the first 5 ¼ books of the Bible, he realizes time is short and summarizes the rest of the Old Testament (and more) in just a few verses (11:32-38). I, however, am not as constrained for time as he was, so we will take two weeks to study his final summary.

This week we will concentrate on the triumphs of faith among the Judges, Prophets, and Kings of Israel (11:32-35a). When you read about their heroic deeds do you sometimes question whether God could ever use you in such a wonderful way? Read the book of Judges! If God can use such flawed men, He can greatly use us also!

The Victory of God’s Anointed King

I will be preaching from Psalm 2, which declares the victory of God’s anointed King over those who rebel against Him.
Though the world is in turmoil because of its rebellion against God, He Who sits in heaven is not disturbed. He has established His Anointed One to rule over the earth.
Those who rebel will be crushed which is why all people should submit to God’s Anointed Son while there is time.

As you read the Psalm think of how it speaks of David, how it speaks of Jesus, and how it speaks of our situation.

Radical Grace for Rebellious People

No one likes to hear bad news, but often through it good can come. The same is true for the people of Judah. Their condition was far worse than they imagined, yet the Lord was willing to show them incredible grace. As we look at this passage tomorrow, we will be made aware of the sins that lie deep within our hearts, and be encouraged by God’s gracious work to remedy the situation through faith in Christ.

Please read Isaiah 1 before you come to service tomorrow.