Lindsey Blair and Bobby Gilles recap and discuss Pastor Jonah Sage's sermon from 12-11-22 on Hebrews 4:15.
Lindsey Blair and Bobby Gilles recap and discuss Pastor Jonah Sage's sermon from 12-11-22 on Hebrews 4:15.
Lindsey: Welcome to the Midweek Checkup. My name is Bobby Gilles and I’m joined by Lindsey Blair This past Sunday, we celebrated the third Sunday of Advent and Pastor Jonah Sage continued our Advent series called “A Praying Christmas.”
Bobby: Pastor Jonah preached from the first part of Hebrews Four verse fifteen. He taught that the humanity of Jesus frees us to pray honestly and wait patiently. So, for anyone who missed the sermon or needs help remembering, let’s recap:
Lindsey: Jonah began by talking about some of his Christian heroes, and how the more he learned about them, the more he realized that all his heroes were broken. And so are we. It leaves us longing for a human hero who knows us, who understands our struggles, but without all the brokenness and disappointment. Someone who knows what it’s like to be us but who doesn’t let us down in the end.
Bobby: And this is Jesus. Our passage says he “faced all the same testings we do.” The word “testings” can mean “the pull of improper behavior.” Jesus understands that pull. So if you want to know how to talk to him, think about these questions: How would you talk to a friend who feels the same pulls that you do? How would you talk to a friend that knew what it was like to go through what you’re going through? How would you talk to a friend who is just as excited about your success as you are? How would you talk to Jesus if you saw him in all of his humanness, as one who understands your weakness because he felt it like you did?
Lindsey: And how would you listen to him if you saw how the verse ends: “He faced all the same testings we do yet he did not sin.” So be honest with Jesus. Tell him something real, not something ideal. Something real about what you want, about how you are doing, what you need. Speak plainly and directly. Don’t be so worried about if what you’re saying is true or even if it’s good! It’s not good to tell God he’s forgotten you, or to question his faithfulness! But those prayers are in the Bible!
Bobby: And after Israel cried out for centuries and waited on the Lord, an angel came to a young teenager and told her their prayers had been answered. Unto them a son will be given who will be called Immanuel, Christ the Lord.
Lindsey: And in response, Mary sang: Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.” He has come near to you. He understands you. Cry out to him, wait and listen for him.
Bobby: This coming Sunday begins the fourth week of Advent. We’ll continue our series “A Praying Christmas!” And in Bible Fellowship, our last Fellowship before a two-week break for Christmas and New Year’s Day, we’ll discuss the birth of Jesus from Matthew One. Join us, and bring a friend.