June 13, 2021
Sunday Sermon
A PLAN TO STOP EXCUSES
Hebrews 10: 22 – 25
"22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our
bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised:) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
To make it possible for everyone to attend church, how about having a special “No Excuse Sunday?” The internet!
Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say “Sunday is my only day to sleep in”.
There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard.
Eye drops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night.
We will have steel helmets for those who say, “The roof would cave in if I ever came to church.
Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot.
Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present.
Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can’t go to church and cook dinner, too.
We will distribute “Stamp Out Stewardship” buttons for those that feel the church is always asking for money.
One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature.
Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday.
We will provide hearing aids for those who can’t hear the preacher and cotton for those who can.
Introduction: I am reminded of a story; A husband and his wife woke up one Sunday morning and the wife dressed for church. It was just about time for the service when she noticed her husband hadn’t moved a finger toward getting dressed.
Perplexed, she asked, “Why aren’t you getting dressed for church?”
He said, “Cause I don’t want to go.”
She asked, “Do you have any reasons?”
He said, “Yes, I have three good reasons.”
First, the congregation is cold.
Second, no one likes me.
And third, I just don’t want to go.”
The wife replied, wisely, “Well honey, I have three reasons why you should go.”
First, the congregation is warm. Second, there are a few people who likes you.
And third, you are the pastor!
In this particular text today the Hebrew writer is telling us the most wonderful thing. We can now know God, really know Him. We can commune and fellowship with Him and have His presence and power operating in our lives.
Let’s look at how this great passage of Scripture gives us A Plan To Stop Excuses.
This morning, I believe that we need a plan to stop making excuses in the church. If you would, join with me as we look into these verses and talk about A Plan To Stop Excuses.
I.
THIS PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE FAITH
v. 22
A. Faith Regarding Our Salvation - You need to be sure you are saved! Salvation is not accepting a plan, but accepting a man and placing your faith in Him. Are you saved this morning?
B. Faith Regarding Our Situation - We are to draw near to God! James 4:8 reveals, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."
C. Faith Regarding Our Separation - We are to have a true heart. The term "true' carries the ideas of being sincere, genuine, and without hidden or secret motive. Our walk with God should be in sincerity. If you are sincere about your walk with God,
it will be seen in 2 areas of your life.
1. A Clean Heart - Sins confessed and dealt with before God.
2. Clean hands - Consistent clean walk! Walking in the light.
When these things are in place, then our excuses will start to diminish.
1. This Plan Should Include Faith
II.
THIS PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE FAITHFULNESS
v. 23 - 25a
A. Faithfulness Regarding Our Walk - The Bible tells us to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering." Holding on, or perseverance of the saints, is the human side of eternal security. It is not something done to maintain salvation, but is rather an evidence of salvation. We are not to fall back into our old sinful ways.
B. Faithfulness Regarding Our Worship - Verse 25a tells us there is a great need to be faithful to the gathering of the saints at the House of the Lord. Collective and corporate worship is a vital part of spiritual life.
Illustration: When a pastor called on a wayward church member, he found him sitting by a fireplace. He asked about his absence from services, and the parishioner replied, "I think
I can worship as well alone as at church." After reflecting a moment, the pastor took the fireplace tongs, lifted a live coal from the fire, and set it down at the side of the gate. As they
watched, its color turned to gray and the heat slowly died. The church member got the point. after a pause, he said, "I'll be in church Sunday."
1. This Plan Should Include Faith
2. This Plan Should Include Faithfulness
III.
THIS PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE FAMILY
v. 24
(In this context, we are referring to the family of saints that make up the body of Christ!)
A. We Are To Consider Our Family - There is the sense of family among the church of God. Gospel Tabernacle is a family. The word "consider" means to give attention to; to fix
our attention upon; to give continuous care; to watch over. This is how we are to care for one another.
B. We Are to Challenge Our Family - By the way we conduct our lives, we should be a living challenge to those around us. Our lives should provoke them to have a deeper commitment to serve God.
Verse 25 (NIV) says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as
some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.”
Conclusion: Don't misunderstand me, I believe we have some great people at Gospel Tabernacle. Yet, I look around and I see areas where there is plenty of room for improvement. As we as individuals get closer to the Lord, you will see improvement within the church! So, stop making excuses and implement this plan to stop excuses.
A PLAN TO STOP EXCUSES!
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