This Kind of Worship Is Better

This past Sunday, Pastor Winfred delivered a powerful sermon at Maple Avenue Ministries, exploring the transformative nature of worship under the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. The sermon draws heavily from the Book of Hebrews, particularly focusing on the shift from the old covenant to the new covenant and what that means for believers today.

The sermon begins by addressing the context of the Book of Hebrews. The author speaks to Jewish Christians who are transitioning from the old system of worship, which required a priest to mediate between them and God, to a new system where Jesus himself is the mediator. This new covenant, made possible by Jesus' sacrifice, allows believers direct access to God.

Pastor Burns emphasizes that the old covenant was a mere shadow of the good things to come. In the new covenant, Jesus acts as both the high priest and the sacrificial lamb, fulfilling the requirements of the law and granting believers access to God without the need for intermediary priests.

A central theme of the sermon is the concept of "full assurance of faith," which Pastor Burns explains using a personal anecdote. He contrasts his approach to his father with that of his sister, who approached with confidence and received what she asked for. Similarly, believers are encouraged to approach God with full assurance, knowing that they have an inheritance as children of God.

This assurance is not based on personal merit but on what Jesus has accomplished. The veil that once separated humanity from the holy presence of God was torn, symbolizing that believers can now come boldly into God's presence.

Pastor Burns challenges the congregation to let go of the guilt and shame that the old system fostered. The old system was rooted in guilt, shame, and condemnation, whereas the new covenant offers grace and truth. Jesus' sacrifice means that believers no longer have to earn their way into God's presence; instead, they are invited to come as they are.

To live fully in this new covenant, believers must create an ecosystem that nurtures their faith. This includes spiritual disciplines such as:

• Prayer and Fasting: Engaging in regular communication with God.
• Studying the Bible: Immersing oneself in scripture to understand God's promises.
• Participating in Small Groups: Engaging in regular community with other believers.
• Worship with Singing and Instruments

By doing so, believers can transform their mindset from one of self-reliance to one of reliance on God.

The sermon concludes with a call to action: believers must decide to live in the fullness of the inheritance that God offers. This involves rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth of who God says they are.

In summary, Pastor Burns' sermon is a powerful reminder of the better system of worship that Jesus established. It encourages believers to live with full assurance of faith, free from guilt and shame, and to embrace the inheritance that God has promised. By doing so, they can experience the true joy and freedom that comes from a relationship with God.

For the kingdom!