INTRODUCTION: Throughout the next week, Time With God will continue to explore who we are in Christ. Our prayer is that you will grow in confidence and hope as we unpack biblical truth about who God has made us to be. Please note that there will be no Digging Deeper section.
GETTING STARTED
Long ago, a great curtain hung in the temple to keep the average person from entering into the sacred space where God dwelled. On the day that Christ gave up his life on our behalf, that curtain was torn down the middle, symbolizing the freedom that we now have to approach God directly. His sacrifice removed the barrier between us and God. We must believe that is true. Any notion that we need a third party, or to be of a higher moral standard, or that circumstances must be just right to approach God, is entirely false.
- What is your spiritual posture when approaching God? How does it vary?
READ THE WORD: EPHESIANS 3:11-12 & HEBREWS 4:14-16 (ESV)
Ephesians 3:11-12
11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
RESPOND TO GOD
There’s an endless list of powerful people in this world whom I would never be able to call for a one-on-one meeting—Steven Spielberg or Bill Gates, for example. I’d be ignored or thrown out the door. Yet, somehow, we can approach the Maker of all things with full confidence. God welcomes us with no time limitations. We can stand before him in our joys and our sorrows and ask for protection and blessing over ourselves and others. Jesus, our High Priest, has made a way for us to stand before God with no curtain, and no separation, between us.
- Thank Jesus for sacrificing himself for you, and for making it possible for you to confidently approach God.
- Draw near to God and share your heart freely with him today.