Recorded at Coleford Gospel Hall on 18 March 2022.
In this episode, we delve into the rich teachings from the book of Hebrews, exploring the profound shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Alastair Sinclair guides us through four essential places where we encounter Christ—places of rest, responsibility, recognition, and reproach.
Drawing from Hebrews 10-13, this message reminds us of the significance of Christ's eternal priesthood and the privilege of entering God’s presence through His blood. Join us as we reflect on the call to hold fast to our faith and embrace the responsibilities of Christian fellowship and service.
The book of Hebrews focuses on the person of Jesus Christ and the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.
Alastair emphasises how everything in the Old Testament is a shadow of the true reality we have in Christ.
The teaching will focus on four places where Christ is to be found and where believers are either entitled or expected to be with Him.1. Place of Rest (Hebrews 10:19-22)
Entering the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus: Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers have boldness and confidence to enter God’s presence.
Old vs. New: Under the Old Covenant, access to the holiest was limited to one man once a year. Now, believers have continual access through Christ.
Accomplished Work: The rest described here is a rest in the finished work of Christ.
Application: Believers are encouraged to take full advantage of this access, enjoying the privilege of entering God’s presence with confidence.2. Place of Responsibility (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Encouraging One Another: Believers are responsible for gathering together and provoking each other to love and good works.
Not Forsaking Assembly: The speaker highlights the importance of Christian fellowship, especially in difficult times.
Application: Even when circumstances make gathering difficult (e.g., during the pandemic), believers must continue to support each other, recognising the essential role of fellowship in spiritual growth.3. Place of Recognition (Hebrews 12:22-24)
Mount Zion and Heavenly Jerusalem: Believers are part of a spiritual gathering with angels, the church of the firstborn, and the spirits of just men made perfect.
Heavenly Registry: This gathering includes those whose names are written in heaven, and the reality of being part of this company gives great significance to the believer’s life.
Application: Though earthly gatherings may seem small or insignificant, believers are part of a larger spiritual reality.4. Place of Reproach (Hebrews 13:10-14)
Jesus Outside the Camp: Christ was crucified outside the city, symbolising the world's rejection. Believers are called to join Him “outside the camp,” bearing His reproach.
Separation from the World: This place of reproach reflects the believer’s separation from worldly systems and their identification with Christ.
Application: Christians are encouraged to embrace the privilege of being with Christ, even if it means living outside society's accepted norms.
The speaker ties together the four places—rest, responsibility, recognition, and reproach—emphasising that these are all locations where Christ is found.
The focus is on the centrality of Christ in the believer’s life and the call to live faithfully in these places despite challenges or opposition.
Final Encouragement: Believers are called to keep their eyes on the heavenly city and to live with the eternal perspective that the best is yet to come.
