Living in Hope: Drawing Near and Holding Fast

Today, we gathered to remember the unshakable foundation we have in Christ Jesus, the Rock upon which our lives and our church are built. No matter what storms may come, or what uncertainties swirl around us, we are secure because our hope and trust are anchored in Him alone. We reflected on the reality of Christ’s promised return—a hope that is woven throughout the New Testament and has been the cry of the church from its earliest days: “Even so, Lord Jesus, come.” Yet, we are reminded that no one knows the day or the hour, and our calling is not to speculate or be swayed by predictions, but to live every day ready, with hearts that are sincere and lives that are consistently devoted to God.

Drawing from Hebrews 10:19-25, we explored three essential exhortations for the church: to draw near to God with a true heart, to hold fast the confession of our hope, and to consider one another in love and good works. Drawing near to God is not a one-time event but a continual journey of surrender, submission, and growing intimacy. It begins with salvation through Jesus—the only way to the Father—and deepens as we pursue Him daily, allowing His Word and Spirit to cleanse and transform us. We are called to approach God with sincerity, not out of fear or mere ritual, but with genuine faith and repentance, knowing that He knows our hearts and desires truth within us.

Holding fast to our confession means clinging to the hope of Christ’s return and the promises of God, regardless of circumstances or shifting opinions. Our confidence is not in ourselves, leaders, or worldly systems, but in Christ alone, who is faithful and unchanging. This steadfastness is not passive; it is a commitment to endure, to finish the race, and to trust that God will keep what we have entrusted to Him.

Finally, we are reminded that our faith is not lived in isolation. We are called to consider one another, to encourage, honor, and spur each other on to love and good works. The church is a community—a body where each member matters, where we gather not just to be blessed, but to be a blessing. Assembling together is both a spiritual and habitual act, strengthening us and bearing witness to the world of the resurrection and coming of Christ. Let us be a people who draw near, hold fast, and build one another up, living each day in readiness and love as we await the Day of the Lord.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Live in Readiness, Not in Speculation The return of Christ is certain, but its timing is unknown. Rather than being distracted by predictions or sensational claims, cultivate a heart that is always ready—living each day in faith, repentance, and expectation. Readiness is not a last-minute scramble but a consistent walk with God, marked by sincerity and truth. [51:35]
• 2. Drawing Near Requires Sincerity and Submission God invites us to draw near, but this approach must be with a true heart—free from pretense, malice, or hidden motives. True intimacy with God grows as we surrender our will, allow His Word to cleanse us, and invite Him to search and transform our hearts. The closer we come, the more He reveals both His love and the areas in us that need His grace. [68:23]
• 3. Hold Fast to the Hope Anchored in Christ Our confession of hope is not wishful thinking but a living, enduring trust in the faithfulness of Jesus. This hope sustains us through trials, doubts, and the unknown, reminding us that our confidence is in Christ alone. Endurance in faith is a daily commitment, strengthened by remembering God’s promises and the ultimate joy set before us. [84:21]
• 4. Faith is Personal, but the Journey is Communal While salvation is an individual experience, the Christian life is meant to be lived in community. We are called to consider, honor, and encourage one another, recognizing that each member’s well-being affects the whole body. True fellowship is marked by mutual care, humility, and a willingness to both give and receive blessing. [92:42]
• 5. Consistent Gathering Strengthens and Testifies Assembling together is not just a tradition but a vital practice that affirms our faith, strengthens our resolve, and bears witness to the world. It is both a spiritual discipline and a habit that shapes our identity as the church. Especially as we see the Day approaching, let us not neglect meeting together, but prioritize it as a source of strength, encouragement, and preparation for Christ’s return.
  
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Thanksgiving and Opening Prayer
• [02:30] - The Foundation of the Church in Christ
• [05:10] - The Return of Jesus: Hope and Misconceptions
• [10:20] - The Cry of the Church: “Maranatha”
• [13:00] - Living Ready, Not Reactive
• [16:30] - Hebrews 10: The Call to Assemble
• [20:00] - Drawing Near to God: What It Means
• [27:00] - Sincerity and Assurance in Faith
• [34:00] - The Cleansing Power of Christ’s Sacrifice
• [39:00] - Holding Fast to Our Confession of Hope
• [45:00] - Endurance and Commitment in the Christian Life
• [51:00] - Considering One Another: The “One Another” Commands
• [58:00] - The Power and Purpose of Assembling Together
• [63:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Bless One Another

Bible Reading

Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV) —
> Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 10:19-25, what are the three main instructions given to believers in this passage?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the reason we can have confidence to enter God’s presence? ([01:41:26])
3. What does the phrase “hold fast the confession of our hope” mean in the context of this passage and the sermon? ([01:18:40])
4. How does the passage describe the way we should approach God? What does it mean to have a “true heart in full assurance of faith”? ([01:08:23])

Interpretation Questions

1. The pastor emphasized that “drawing near to God” is not a one-time event but a continual journey. What does it look like for someone to pursue God daily, and why is sincerity so important in this pursuit? ([01:08:23])
2. The sermon warns against living in speculation about Christ’s return and instead calls us to live in readiness. What is the difference between these two attitudes, and why does it matter for our daily lives? ([51:35])
3. The passage and sermon both stress the importance of not neglecting to meet together. Why is consistent gathering with other believers so vital for our faith, according to the pastor? ([01:39:38])
4. The pastor mentioned that faith is personal, but the journey is communal. How does considering and encouraging one another help us endure in our faith? ([01:32:42])

Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “Readiness is not a last-minute scramble but a consistent walk with God, marked by sincerity and truth.” Are there areas in your life where you tend to “scramble” spiritually only when you feel pressure? What would it look like to develop a more consistent walk with God? ([51:35])
2. Drawing near to God requires sincerity and submission. Is there anything in your heart or life that you feel God is asking you to surrender or be honest about? How can you take a step toward greater sincerity with God this week? ([01:08:23])
3. The sermon challenged us to “hold fast to the hope anchored in Christ,” especially when circumstances are uncertain. When have you found it hard to hold on to hope? What practical things help you remember God’s promises in those moments? ([01:24:21])
4. The pastor said, “Our faith is not lived in isolation.” Who in your church or small group could use encouragement right now? What is one specific way you can encourage or honor them this week? ([01:32:42])
5. The message highlighted that assembling together is both a spiritual discipline and a habit. How do you prioritize gathering with other believers? Are there obstacles that make it hard for you to be consistent, and how might you address them? ([01:39:38])
6. The pastor talked about being a blessing, not just coming to be blessed. In what ways can you shift your mindset from “What can I get?” to “How can I serve or bless others” when you come to church or small group? ([01:36:45])
7. The sermon ended with a challenge: “How can I be a blessing to you this week? How can I pray for you?” Who is one person you can ask this question to, and what step will you take to follow through? ([01:54:41])