Maki speaks from Hebrews, chapter 10:19-25. "Draw near to God"

Theme: A word for today! 

Hebrews 3 picks on how Jesus is superior than Moses.  In the back of this argument the writer is exhorting the Christian recipients to carry on with their commitment to Jesus.

He does this by giving them: 

1. Three imperative verbs in the chapter: Consider Jesus (Heb. 3:1), Be careful (Heb. 3:12) and Warn/Encourage each other.  
2. A sense urgency to check that hearts are not hardened by reminding them of Psalm 95 which in itself is a Psalm of a call to worship. (Heb. 3:7-11)
3. A reminder of a story of people of God where they missed His blessing because of hardening their hearts from Numbers 13 and 14. 1 Cor 10 recalls the story in the context of people refusing their calling to the spiritual purposes of God to worship him and to manifest His character in relationship and blessing to other.  Hebrews 3 and 4 recalls the same story in the context of unbelief and suspicion towards God’s provision and promises as too good to be true. (Heb. 3.11 cf Ps. 95, Heb 3.7-11)
4. A warning of that they are not exempt from rebelling against God and the responsibility of encouraging each other so none is deceived by sin and hardened against God.  (Heb. 3:13)

May God through His Spirit enable us that our hearts are towards the Living God!  

Maki looks at the life of Josiah, encouraging us to think about:
1. The importance of godly leaders
2. The significance of opening and acting on God's Word
3. Repentance and humbling ourselves before God being mark by actions
 4. There is strength together  in faithfulness and worship
5. Celebrate your salvation

Maki looks at the story of Namaan in 2 Kings 5.

Here is the link to the journal article referenced.

Timestamps:
0-9.30 - Reading
9:30-14:15 - Restore video, 1 Samuel 25-26
14:15-38 - Sermon
38-45 - responses and sharing

The story of Abigail and how her timely actions and words became the means of reconciliation, salvation of her household and the catalyst for David to change course of action.  There we two questions that were set as a challenge in the end: 1. How can we as Jesus' followers resonate with timely actions and words in our part of the church history? 2. Is there any pattern of behaviours and attitudes that we will need to surrender or unlearn, in order that God's purposes are not interfered with? How will the Holy Spirit manifest his work in these challenges amongst us?