Where we go for help

October 6, 2013 Evening:

Title: What a Friend We Have in Jesus!

Old Testament Passage: Psalm 34:8 – Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Gospel Passage: Mark 13:24-27 – The coming of the Son of Man

Sermon Text: Hebrews 2:17-18 – Like us in every respect to save us, able now to help us in every temptation

Sermon Point: Our friend in justification. Our friend in sanctification. Our friend in glorification.

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

God is great. God is also very good to us. God is far off. He is also very near. He has shown Himself to be a friend to us through His Son Jesus.

Jesus is the Lamb of God. The true Lamb had to be more than a lamb. He needed to be a human being. He needed to be just as human as you and I in order to atone for our sins. He did not do this from afar. He came near.

We had a debt that had to be paid. We also had a need to be credited with a great righteousness that we simply did not have. Someone with all the heavenly gold needed to pay the debt and to fill our account with the proper balance. Jesus was the only one who could do that. He did not do it by a remote transfer. He came to us and saved us.

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

He is still near to us. He is a present friend. He was tempted and He suffered during His days on this earth. He is able to help those who are being tempted.

He has mercy. He has sympathy. He has power.

He can help you today as a present friend in whatever trouble you face.

We need to turn to Him. We receive His correction, and we change by His power. He will help us to the end. We will be with Him on he day when His resurrection kingdom comes in glorious power.

O taste and see that the Lord is good! Let us worship the Lord together.