Plans for Overton

My family and I will be traveling to Overton, Nevada to visit a church which is interested in me as their pastor. Overton is about 60 miles Northeast of Las Vegas and is on the northern shore of Lake Mead (Hoover Dam is on the south end of Lake Mead). This visit is not in view of a call but just so that they can get to know us and we can get to know them.

I will be preaching on Sunday morning, which will be Father's Day, and then we are supposed to have a dinner for them to get to know my family and I.

I am working on a sermon from Hebrews 10:19-25. The author of Hebrews presents two theological truths. First, we have confidence when approaching God. The Greek word translated "confidence" is parrasia and means "freedom of speech" or "speaking without fear." We can go to God and we have the freedom to say whatever we want to him. We do not need to be afraid. We can do this through the blood Jesus shed on the cross for us. Secondly, we have a Great or High Priest that intercedes for us. Jesus is that High Priest. First John calls Jesus our Advocate (1 John 2:1), the One who is our defense attorney, our help, the one who comes beside us and encourages us to continue.

In light of these two theological truths, the author presents three results in the believer's life. First, believers should be maturing in their relationship with God ("let us draw near"). This results from a changed life by accepting Christ ("hearts sprinkled clean") and following in obedience through baptism ("bodies washed"). Once we have become Christians, we need to mature in our faith.

Secondly, believers must be consistent in their faith ("hold fast the confession"). Once one becomes a believer and they continue to grow in their faith, they must hold fast to that commitment no matter what. There is no reason, NO REASON in which one can give in abandoning the relationship with the God who bankrupted heaven just to have a relationship with us. Christians must stand firm in their faith.

Finally, believers must develop fellowship with other believers - true fellowship ("consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds"). These are manifested by gathering together regularly and encouraging one another. Additionally, these are to be done even more often since the day of Christ's coming is closer and closer every day.

This is just an outline of my thoughts. Hopefully, the sermon will be a bit more polished and structured. However, I like the flow of providing the theological truths and then the results of those truths. I pray that it will be used by God to help someone and that our visit to Overton will help my family and I find the will of God for our future.