August 29, 2010
The sermon preached at Drumoak Church on Sunday 29th August was based on Hebrews Ch 13, verses 1 – 8. It’s an interesting question, “Who wrote the Letter to the Hebrews?” Generally, it’s been assumed that it was Paul but there are suggestions that it might have been someone else. Be that as it may, the Rev Jim Scott used the text to reinforce a number of messages for Christians today.
The text is titled “How to please God” with one answer being “Keep on loving one another as Christian brothers (and sisters).” Strangers should be welcomed into our homes with the context being the very early days of Christianity when indeed it was normal for people in the Middle East to welcome travellers and visitors. Another point made is that the stranger might just be an angel.
There’s a strong reminder that for Christians marriage is a very strong relationship and that it should not be lightly cast aside even if, or rather, especially as contemporary society treats it as just another event in one’s life; just an excuse for a party. All the evidence points to marriage being the best way for society to conduct relationships, especially when it comes to nurturing children.
The love of money per se is condemned; Christians should learn to be satisfied with what they have.
Christians today are in a minority and young and old come under peer pressure to conform, and conformity today means not going to church on Sunday, or indeed any other day. But whenever Christians doubt that they have the strength to swim against the tide they are to remember that God has said, “I will never leave you.” So, Christians have no need to be afraid, God is with them.
Verse 8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and for ever” again gives Christians strength to stand for what they believe is right.