???????????? HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2021! ????????????
. .. Sunday, January 10, 2021

. . ???????? HIS STORY, HIS GLORY!????????
... . . I'm just BLESSED to tell it!

. . "The Need for Perseverance!"
. ~•~ Hebrews 2:10; 10:36-38~•~

. . Sundays @ 10:00 a.m. KDIV Listen Live.
. . 98.7 MHz FM. Online Radio Box

. . CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH BROADCAST
... Immanuel Outreach Church Ministries!
. . Pastor Joe White & Lady Donna White
.. Host: Evg. Subrina White • 501-622-0271

INTRODUCTION

Jesus told his disciples that in this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world (John 16:33). The Book of Hebrews informs us of those who suffer. Paul addresses his concerns to the congregation concerning their suffering. So they can reflect back on the suffering and work of Jesus and how things will be in these last days. Hebrews. 9:26b-28.

Paul, credited with writing this book in some circles, is concerned about the people to whom he writes in a time of their suffering. One way of understanding the purpose of the author is to see how he gets them/us to think and gaze upon Jesus as our High Priest. Hebrews. 1:1-4; 2:10-18. Jesus is greater than the angels Hebrews 2:5-13; Jesus is greater than Moses Hebrews. 3:1-6; Jesus performed a better sacrifice because he is a greater High Priest Hebrews 5:10; 6:19-7:28; 9:11. Hebrews 13:8 in their suffering, they can be encouraged that Jesus who was GREATER identifies with them/us! Hebrews 2:10-18; 12:1-11; Acts 3:15; 5:31.

The Believer's life is a race run, according to the author of the Hebrews 12:1. That is, the race believers in Christ must run in these last days! Hebrews teaches us to understand our lives as pilgrim people in the world. This world is NOT OUR HOME! JOHN 14:1; Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 10:38; 2:14-18; 4:15.

The believers in Hebrews were greatly disheartened or "sluggish" and losing faith because of the persecution and suffering that they were undergoing. Hebrews 5:11; 6:12; 12:3. This sounds like some of the believers today.

According to Hebrews 10:32, the believers had "endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and affliction. Today, so far, most believers have not suffered to this extent. Yet, the suffering that believers today suffer is disheartening. They have lost love ones, financial loss, lost jobs, lost homes, lost businesses, sadness, church closings, cancer and so much more. Yet, JESUS will not put more on you than you can bear even in temptations JESUS has made a way!

The Greek word for perseverance is Hupomone (Hoop-om-on-ay) means to be steadfastness, consistency, and endurance. Hebrews 12:1

This perseverance in Jesus leads to victory and development of a godly, sanctified, and holy transformation.

I. KEEPS THE BELIEVER FROM GOING BACK TO THE WORLD OR FROM ACCEPTING A FALSE RELIGION!

Obey Acts 2:38 The Holy Ghost helps our infirmities, and He gives us the strength to grow! He helps us to Persevere!

A. BECAUSE SPIRITUAL GROWTH TAKES TIME

• Time to grow is implied in Hebrews 5:12
• It takes time to learn.
• Learn the Word of God, PRAY, GAST , WORSHIP and to be THANKFUL!
• To learn what areas of service may be open to us.
• It takes time to develop a Christ-like character
and to function holy 8n Jesus.
• Utilize our functions in the body of Christ by: attending prayer calls, Zoom Bible Classes, or phone bible classes help develop you to grow and stay ENCOURAGED!

B. SPIRITUAL GROWTH CAN REGRESS
1. Regression Revelations 2:4-5
2. We can regress by simply SLOWLY failing to grow, GETTING COLD!
a. Such was the case with the Hebrew Christians.
b. Hebrews 5:12
3. We can regress by going back into the world.
a. Such was the case with false teachers.
b. 2 Peter 2:20-22.
Like physical health, spiritual health requires persistent exercise, or we will regress into spiritual sickness and DARKNESS!

II. MAINTAINING PERSEVERANCE

A. DISPLAY SELF-CONTROL DAILY
Self-control must be exercised one day at a time. Self-control, staying steadfast and thinking on POSITIVE things, that are good report and lovely!

B. KEEP YOUR EYE ON YOUR PURPOSE

Paul tells of his perseverance READ:2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 3:12-15. Jesus is our example of enduring what comes our way. Hebrews 12:1-3. We, too, must persevere!

How? It starts and ends with daily habits.
• Bible reading 1 Peter 2:2
• Prayer frees from anxiety through the peace of God. Philippians 4:6-7
• Encouraging each other, spending time with one another help protects against apostasy. Hebrews 3:12-15
• Witnessing to others leads to spiritual growth. Our perseverance is to remain focused on Jesus and KEEP HIS WORK GOING!

CONCLUSION

Progress in the past is not sufficient. We need to perseverance for today and tomorrow!

HEBREWS 10:36-38

But we are not of those who draw back to perdition but of those who believe in the saving of the soul.