November 17th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

The Perfect Priest, The Perfect Promise (Hebrews 10:11-25)

Lectionary Readings — Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost — November 17, 2024

1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25; Mark 13:1-8

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Call to Worship (based on Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25)

Leader: Through Christ's perfect sacrifice, once for all,

People: We draw near to God with confidence and hope.

Leader: The curtain has been torn, and the way is open;

People: We come with clean hearts and renewed spirits.

Leader: Let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess,

People: For God who promised is faithful.

Leader: Let us consider how we may spur one another on,

People: Toward love and good deeds.

Leader: We will not give up meeting together,

People: But encourage one another as we see the Day approaching.

Leader: Come, let us worship together and draw near to God,

All: For Christ has made the way for us. Amen.

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Opening Prayer (based on Mark 13:1-8)

Gracious and Eternal God,

As we gather in your presence today, we are reminded of the temporary nature of all earthly things. Like the disciples marveling at the great stones of the temple, we too often place our trust in that which can crumble and fall.

Lord, in a world full of those who would lead us astray, grant us discernment to hear Your true voice. When we hear of wars and rumors of wars, when nation rises against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, help us remember that You remain sovereign over all.

In times of uncertainty and change, when the foundations seem to shake beneath our feet, remind us that these are but the beginning of birth pains. A new creation is emerging through the chaos, shaped by Your divine hand.

Guide us, O God, to place our hope not in human achievements or earthly powers, but in Your unchanging love and eternal promises. Give us courage to stand firm in faith when false prophets arise, wisdom to recognize Your truth, and compassion to serve those who are fearful or lost.

May Your Spirit move among us now, opening our hearts to receive Your Word and transforming us to be bearers of Your peace in a troubled world.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our sure foundation, Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "The Perfect Priest, The Perfect Promise” (Hebrews 10:11-25)

Introduction

• Contrast between the old system of repetitive sacrifices and Christ's once-for-all sacrifice

• Historical context: Jewish Christians tempted to return to old covenant practices

• Key Theme: The superiority and finality of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice

1. The Priest's Perfect Position (10:11-14)

A. Permanent Seat

B. Powerful Sacrifice

C. Progressive Sanctification

2. The Prophet's Perfect Proclamation (10:15-18)

A. Proof from Scripture

B. Promise of Forgiveness

C. Pleasure of God

3. The People's Perfect Privileges (10:19-25)

A. Profound Access

B. Personal Approach

C. Persistent Assembly

Conclusion

1. Embrace the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice

2. Exercise your privilege of direct access to God

3. Engage in meaningful Christian community

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers