Jesus Christ is better!!!
The book of Hebrews was written to a small group of Jewish
Christians who were undergoing persecution at the hands of the local
authorities. Although many of them under went this persecution with joy, many
of them were entertaining the thought of returning to Judaism. You see, to be a
Jew, at this time and in this place, resulted in an easier way of life. In
Italy, especially near Rome, Christians were the very target of persecution,
much more than their Jewish counterparts. Homes were being repossessed, men and
women were imprisoned and overall harsh treatment was the daily reality of
these Jewish believers. To make matters worse things were just getting started,
for Nero was soon to ascend to the throne. Nero’s reign of terror on the
followers of Christ was likely unparalleled to any in history.
So what within the bounds of logic would keep
them from returning to Judaism? What would keep one loyal to Christ during
these perilous times? Why not go back to Judaism? It just makes things easier, doesn't it? Why remain a Christian?
Because of the reality that Jesus Christ is better!!! He is quite
simply the best!
Hebrews Chapter one spells out some of the “anatomy” of
Christ and His supremacy. And after evaluating this text, you will undoubtedly
come to the same conclusion. Hebrews 1.1-3 describe Christ as the Epitome of
the Prophets, Deity in bodily form, The greatest high priest and the King of kings.
Hebrews 1.1-3 “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our
fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,
whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the
world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his
nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making
purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, “
What’s the implication of this text? Why can’t the Jewish
believers go back? Why can’t we go back?
Because God
has spoken to us, for Christ is the epitome of the prophet, and we know we have
undoubtedly heard His word.
Whether it be through a sermon preached in a church service you may have
attended or that scripture that was read at the funeral service you went to
last year. Whether it was from the testimony of a friend or the few words you
heard from the TV preacher before you changed the channel. If you have heard
the famously misused bible verse of John 3:16, you have heard His word and most
likely have access to His word. In fact it’s highly probable that you have a
dusty Bible somewhere in your home right now! Your excuses are none! You have
heard Him! For you can only ignore that which you consciously know is there!
He is the
sovereign God who knows all things, ordains all things and sustains all things,
and who can sustain us in our current circumstances. We have no reason to believe that our
circumstances are too much for us to bear. For what does His word say? “No temptation has overtaken you that is not
common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your
ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that
you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10.13
He is the high
priest whose sacrifice of himself is the only thing that can keep us from
hell’s gates, and if he sacrificed all earthly comforts for us, how dare we replace Him with ours.
He is the
almighty King of kings and Lord of lords who is reigning from on high! (To
rebel against the King is not only treason, but warrants the Kings eternal
punishment)
To go back to our
former manner of life is simply to serve the finite God of our own desires. And
that false god grants us no assurance, give us no safety and has no
power.
If you are
trusting in your self for some kind of truth! Remember Gods Word is Truth!
If you claim to
have no God, you are your own God.
If you think your
good works will outweigh your bad and thus give you entrance to the kingdom,
your method of atonement is insufficient.
And if you’re
seated on the throne of your own heart I beg you, urge you, implore you to
repent of your sins, trust God and follow Christ!!!
(See the full sermon in the sermon link, Because of the supremacy of Christ!)
Be sure to check out the blog of Pastor Matthew Fletcher and all the sermons of Webster Bible Church