A Stern Warning for the Heart

Preparing for the Lord's Day 

Jesus is Better 

Over the last month, the National Weather Service interrupted regular programming on numerous occasions to notify us of inclement weather impacting our area. Positively, the Emergency Alert System warns us of imminent and dangerous weather conditions. As I watched small hail hit my back patio one evening, the Spirit reminded me to pause and to pray for safety, also thanking the LORD for His presence and protection. 

As we come to Hebrews 6:4-8 this Sunday, God’s word sounds like an emergency alert that startles our mind and heart.  With “A Stern Warning for the Heart,” these verses force us to slow down, examine our hearts, and pray. With appropriate concern. We pray for one another to remain faithful and for those whom we love that have walked away from their profession of faith. We plead with the Lord to bring our loved ones safely to Himself. For clarify, this difficult passage provides a severe warning against apostasy, which is abandoning one’s profession of faith.  By God’s grace and mercy, apostasy does not involve losing one’s salvation after being born again of the Spirit.  I hope this becomes clear this Lord’s Day.    

To come prepared for worship, please remain in prayer for God to open the eyes of our hearts and minds. Know that the severe warning of Hebrews 6:4-8 is calling us to know Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior with hearts transformed by His grace and power.  In considering the danger of apostasy, remind yourself of Jesus’s severe words in Matthew 7:22-23; also ponder the condition of the hearts of rebellious Israel in Psalm 78:35-37. While meditating on Hebrews 6:4-8, please also meditate on the certain security we have when united with Christ:  John 6:38-40, John 10:28-30, Romans 8:37-39, and 1 John 2:1. The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 17 on The Perseverance of the Saints and Chapter 18 on The Assurance of Grace and Salvation provide Biblical foundation and encouragement for the soul.  

As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts and voices in singing the Hymn of Praise “I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art,” the Acclamation of Praise “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” and the Hymn of Response “Jesus Shall Reign.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!  

Sermon Information

Text: Hebrews 6:4-8

Title: A Stern Warning for the Heart   

Outline: 

A Difficult Passage

1. Enjoying Blessings with the Covenant Family (vv. 4-5)
2. Falling Away and Suffering Consequences (verse 6)
3. Watching the Rain and Fruit

Encouragements for faithfulness    

Sunday's Bulletin

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