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LEARN & GROW
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Week of September 27, 2009
KEY VERSE
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19-22 / ESV)
CENTRAL TRUTH
Jesus, representing us as High Priest, makes it possible for us to come confidently into God's presence with clean hearts.
DEVOTION
The author of Acts, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, explains in preceding chapters how Jesus is a High Priest, acting on our behalf. Through His death on the cross, He made sacrifice once for all, and after His resurrection, He was seated at the right hand of God to make intercession for all those who would draw near to God. On one hand, we have the promise that God is faithful, while, on the other hand, we have a warning of the judgment for those who go on sinning deliberately. We are to stir one another to love and to do good works, as well as encouraging one another, especially as we see the day of His return drawing nearer.When I was a little girl, sometimes my dad acted as a mediator for me. I was a shy child, and, though eager to start to school, I was afraid. When Dad took my hand and led me, my fears were calmed. Because my birthday was past the cut-off point for entering first grade, he spoke to the principal for me and made it possible for me to start to school early. A particular time, precious in my memory, is when a lady, who had brought several underprivileged children to church, told Dad that I stuck out my tongue at them. I had not done that, but I thought he would believe her because she was an adult. He put his hand on my shoulder and told the lady, "I know my child's heart, and she wouldn't do that." That really did make an impression on me. I certainly would never equate my beloved father with sinless, holy Jesus, but I'm thankful for how his actions helped me as a child to understand more about God's love. Isn't it a wonderful thing that God, in His great love for us, sent His Son to die for our sins and to be our intercessor? And isn't it comforting to realize that Jesus knows our hearts? What a joy it is to have faith through His Word that we can come before Holy God with confidence!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Can you remember a time when you were encouraged by having Jesus as your High Priest when you came to God in prayer?
- In what ways are you encouraging others in their Christian walk?
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