When God’s Party is Too Hot to Handle. Mount Sinai: The Original ‘No Touching’ Zone. A Heavenly Jerusalem: Where the Guest List is Literally to Die For. Angels, firstborns, and Jesus – the ultimate A-list gathering.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey there, family! Welcome to our church blog. I’m so glad you’ve joined us today as we dive into God’s Word together. You know, every time we gather like this, whether in person or online, it’s a reminder of God’s amazing grace and the incredible journey He’s set before us.
Before we jump in, let me share a few quick announcements:
- Community Picnic: Next Saturday at 11 AM in Central Park. Bring a dish to share!
- Youth Group Car Wash: This Sunday after service. Help our teens raise funds for their mission trip.
- Bible Study: New series on the Book of James starts Wednesday at 7 PM.
Remember, you’re all part of this family. Let’s support each other and grow together in faith!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s prepare our hearts for worship. Today, we’re focusing on Hebrews 12:18-29, a powerful passage that reminds us of the incredible privilege we have in approaching God.
Leader: We have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire.
Congregation: We have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God.
Leader: You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.
Congregation: We have come to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant.
All: Let us be thankful and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude. Thank you for the incredible gift of your presence. As we gather today, whether in this physical space or connected through technology, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to your truth. Help us to truly grasp the wonder of your holiness and the joy of our salvation. Guide us as we worship, learn, and grow together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices together in praise! Music has such a special way of connecting our hearts to God. Whether you’re belting out the lyrics or quietly humming along, remember that God delights in our worship. Let’s stand and join our wonderful worship team as they lead us in songs that celebrate God’s greatness and love.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’re diving into Hebrews 12:18-29. This powerful passage contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant in Christ. It reminds us of the incredible privilege we have in approaching God, not with fear and trembling like the Israelites at Mount Sinai, but with joy and confidence through Jesus.
Hebrews 12:18-29
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Loving Father, as we reflect on this powerful passage from Hebrews, we’re in awe of the access we have to You through Jesus. We’re grateful for the new covenant that allows us to approach You with confidence and joy.
Lord, help us to fully grasp the significance of this gift. May we never take for granted the privilege of being part of Your unshakeable kingdom. Give us hearts that are truly thankful and help us to worship You with the reverence and awe You deserve.
We pray for those in our community who may feel distant from You, Lord. May they experience the warmth of Your presence and the joy of Your salvation. Guide us all to live lives that reflect the gratitude we feel for Your amazing grace.
Congregation’s Response: “We thank You, Lord, for Your unshakeable kingdom. Help us to worship You acceptably with reverence and awe. Amen.”
Section 7. Offering
Family, as we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let’s remember that this isn’t just a routine or obligation. It’s an act of worship, a tangible way we express our gratitude to God for His countless blessings. When we give, we’re acknowledging that everything we have comes from Him, and we’re partnering with Him in His work here on earth.
Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abundant provision in our lives. As we give back a portion of what You’ve blessed us with, we do so with joyful hearts. Use these gifts, Lord, to further Your kingdom and to bless others. May our giving be an act of worship that honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
As we continue in our worship, let’s prepare our hearts to hear from our choir/worship team. They’ll be performing a beautiful rendition of “In Christ Alone,” a song that beautifully echoes the themes we’ve been exploring in Hebrews 12. Let the lyrics remind you of the unshakeable hope we have in Jesus.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Want to dive deeper into today’s message? Our full sermon explores how we can live out the truths from Hebrews 12:18-29 in our daily lives. We’ll look at practical ways to cultivate a heart of gratitude and how to approach God with both joy and reverence.
Gain Access to the Complete Short Powerful Sermon
For those who want to take this message further, we’ve prepared a series of short, powerful devotionals based on today’s scripture. These bite-sized reflections are perfect for personal study or small group discussions. They’ll help you unpack the rich truths of this passage throughout the week.
Remember, friends, we’re on this journey together. Let’s encourage one another as we seek to live out God’s Word in our daily lives!
Bible Study: The Unshakable Kingdom – Experiencing the Joy of Intimacy with God
Hey there, my friends! I’m so excited to dive into God’s Word with you today. You know, when I read through Hebrews 12:18-29, my heart just overflows with gratitude for the incredible privilege we have as believers.
A Journey from Fear to Joy
Picture this: the Israelites, standing at the base of Mount Sinai, trembling in fear as the mountain quaked and burned with fire. Moses himself was “trembling with fear” at the sight. Can you imagine the terror they must have felt, knowing that even an animal that dared to touch the mountain would be stoned to death?
But friends, that’s not the end of the story. You see, we who follow Jesus have been invited to a different mountain – Mount Zion, the city of the living God. Instead of darkness and gloom, we’ve come to a joyful assembly of thousands upon thousands of angels. Instead of a voice that makes us beg for silence, we’ve come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.
Unshakable Hope and Eternal Life
What an incredible gift we’ve been given! No longer do we have to approach God with fear and trembling. Through the blood of Jesus, we can come boldly before the throne of grace, knowing that we’ve been welcomed into God’s unshakable kingdom.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this transformative message with you today. As you dive into Hebrews 12:18-29, my prayer is that you’ll experience a renewed sense of joy, hope, and intimacy with our Heavenly Father.
So, are you ready to take hold of the unshakable kingdom?
Click the link below to get access to the full sermon outline and study guide. Let’s grow together in our relationship with the Lord!
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May Jesus pour his grace upon you and your family during this special time in our lives.
The Following Sections 10. Outline, 11. The Sermon & 12. Final Thoughts are Paid Content:
