Sermon Tone Analysis

Title:    WE HAVE AN ALTAR

Date:  8-18-96  

 

Text:                Heb.13:1-ff

Theme:            THE CROSS

Series:            

INTRO.:

The Wall Street Journal once projected a striking paradox of our time when it reported: "The elms in South Park, Pittsburgh must come down because they are obstructing the monument to Joyce Kilmer.

They have lifted their leafy arms so high that passer-by can no longer read the inscription which begins:  'I think that I shall never see ~/ A poem lovely as a tree.'"

In a world where *people surrender their rights to preserve themselves*, where *cities are bombed to protect people*, where *nations wage war to preserve peace*, where *spending determines economy*, it is tragically appropriate that* trees should be sacrificed for a poem* about trees.

Isn't it even more ironic that a single Christ would have to die so that we could find forgiveness of our sins?   2 Cor 5:15; 2 Tim 2:11

 

We ask: " the reason for Christ's Death?"  God replies: "the Sins of Mankind."

We ask: "Where do we find this forgiveness of sin?  God says: "Look to Christ."

"How do we obtain forgiveness to our sin?"

God says "humble yourself."

Where can Temporal man meet this Eternal God?

At the tabernacle of God's eternal affection, ... at the shrine of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, ... at the pinnacle of the Lord's demonstration of love...at the ALTAR..  Yes, Today we have an Altar.

Where we can transact eternal business.

TLB:

"13:1  *Continue** to love* each other with true brotherly love.

2  Don't forget to *be kind* to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

3  Don't forget about *those in jail.*

Suffer with them as though you were there yourself.

Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, for you know what they are going through.

4  *Honor** your marriage* and its vows, and be pure; for God will surely punish all those who are immoral or commit adultery.

5  Stay away from *the love of money*; be satisfied with what you have.

For God has said, "I will never, [never] fail you nor forsake you."

6  That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, "The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me." 7  *Remember** your leaders* who have taught you the Word of God.

Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and try to trust the Lord as they do.

8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

9  So do not be attracted by *strange, new ideas*.

Your spiritual strength comes as a gift from God, not from ceremonial rules about eating certain foods--a method which, by the way, hasn't helped those who have tried it!

10 * We have an altar*--the cross where Christ was sacrificed--where those who continue to seek salvation by obeying Jewish laws( NT, those who render religious service or homage,  those who perform sacred services by offering gifts, priests who officiate and discharge the sacred office) can never be helped(it can never be consumed by them).

11  Under the system of Jewish laws, the high priest brought the blood of the slain animals into the sanctuary as a sacrifice for sin, and then the bodies of the animals were burned outside the city.

12  That is why Jesus suffered and died outside the city, where his blood washed our sins away.

13  So *let us go out to him* beyond the city walls [that is, outside the interests of this world, being willing to be despised {13:13 [that is . . .

willing to be despised,] implied.}] to suffer with him there, bearing his shame.

14  For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.

15  With Jesus' help we will continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by telling others of the glory of his name.

16  Don't forget to *do good and to share what you have* with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to him.

17  *Obey** your spiritual leaders* and be willing to do what they say.

For their work is to watch over your souls, and God will judge them on how well they do this.

Give them reason to report joyfully about you to the Lord and not with sorrow, for then you will suffer for it too.

18 * Pray** for us*, for our conscience is clear and we want to keep it that way.

19  I especially need your prayers right now so that I can come back to you sooner.

20  And now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will.

May he who became the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting agreement between God and you, signed with his blood, produce in you through the power of Christ all that is pleasing to him.

To him be glory forever and ever.

Amen.

21  22  Brethren, please *listen patiently *to what I have said in this letter, for it is a short one.

23  I want you to know that Brother Timothy is now out of jail; if he comes here soon, I will come with him to see you.  24  Give my greetings to all your leaders and to the other believers there.

The Christians from Italy who are here with me send you their love.

God's grace be with you all.

Good-bye."

*I.

The Altar is a Special Place of Sacrifice.*

*A.

TWO ALTARS IN THE O.T.:*

                        1.   Brazen Altar:

                                    a.

Other names:

                                                1)  "The Altar"

                                                2)  "The Altar of burnt offerings

                                                3)  "The Altar by the door of the

                                                     tabernacle."

b.

This is where the *animal sacrifices* were

                                         made.

c.

Size  & Location :

                                                1)  It was 7 1~/2 ft in length by 7 1~/2 ft

                                                     wide by 6 1~/4 ft high.

2)  It was so huge it could hold all the

                                                     other  vessels of the temple and

                                                     still have more room.

3)  This signified that when you came

                                                     to God He would accept your

                                                     sacrifice...He is big enough!!!

                                                            a)  there was always room...

                                                            b)  There was always a PLACE

                                                               for your sacrifice at the Altar .

4)  Located between the entrance &

                                                     the laver (a gold vessel used for

                                                     washing).

a)  This represented the fact

                                                                 that you could not without

                                                                 passing the place of

                                                                 Sacrifice.

b)  Acquaintance and

                                                                 intercourse with God could

                                                                 only be formed through the

                                                                 knowledge of the slain

                                                                 lamb.

2.  Altar of Incense 

                                    a.

Located on the way into the "Holy of

                                         Holies"  - Which designated that there was

                                         only one way to God... through the

                                         sacrifice and shedding of blood.

b.

Offered twice daily (Morning & Evening)