Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Meets weekly at 907 Hillsboro Boulevard, Manchester, TN, 37355. Currently, our church is without a pastor/elder and the members meet weekly for praise and worship in hymn, prayer, reading of Scripture, study of the word, and fellowship.
The clearest statement of the Gospel is, no doubt, found in Romans. But the most profound substance of the Gospel is spelled out in Hebrews. Beginning with the superiority of Christ, one senses the grand theme from the outset (1:1-14). Then the writer assures us of the Lord’s High Priestly status and our grand confidence in Him (2:17-18). As the book unfolds a developing topic emerges: The need to have faith, as opposed, to unbelief. This is highlighted in chapter 11 most forcefully. In reality, it is much earlier that Hebrews begins to present this teaching. Chapter three, centers on our need for faith (3:12 ff.). Also in the next chapter we are encouraged to have faith mixed in with the hearing of the Word (4:2).
As chapter seven unfolds, we see the concept of “Drawing Near” because of the better hope that Christ brings. Of course we draw near by faith. Because of the Lord’s sacrifice we may enter through the veil (10:19-21) and our hearts can have full assurance in faith as we draw near (10:22). We should not take the gospel lightly as God is a jealous God who takes matters of indifference and rebellion very seriously. Indeed, the Lord will judge His people (10:30). It is still a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (10:31). In the midst of the discussion, the author of Hebrews wants to end on an encouraging note as he reminds his audience that they should not cast off their confidence (10:35) by allowing unbelief to steal their joy and reward. Furthermore, the writer exhibits a profound sense of hope as he proudly proclaims: “we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (10:39). Let’s not disappoint him!
The Gospel is a message centered on the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the focus, He is the message, and His will be the glory. Either you stand with Him or you stand against Him. Which will it be? Are you drawing away or drawing near?