The Promise of Rest | Les Newsom

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:1-10

What could the writer of Hebrews mean when he describes “God’s rest?” Is it his inactivity? Is he sleeping? God’s rest it turns out is far more profound. It’s the pattern of all creation AND history itself. Tapping into that is a powerful perspective changer for those trying to remain steadfast.

Sermon Points:

  • The Rest of God
  • Entering Rest
  • Practicing Rest

The Excellent Jesus | Les Newsom

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 1:1-4

Anyone will tell you that you can listen to great works of Jazz over and over again and notice subtle nuances that continue to captivate. The Hebrews author feels the same way about the attributes of Jesus, listing them all in order at the outset to set the tone for everything that follows in his efforts to declare Jesus “better.”

Sermon Points:

  • Jesus, the Inheritor
  • Jesus, the Creator
  • Jesus, the Radiator
  • Jesus, the Representer
  • Jesus, the Sustainer
  • Jesus, the Purifier
  • Jesus, the Ruler

Christ & the Epic Quest | Les Newsom

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 1:1-2a

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey captured the imaginations of the world this summer. The story of the Epic Quest resonates even with modern audiences. The writer of Hebrews sets the scene in the opening verses of the letter by establishing the context for surviving our own quests to make sense of this life.

Sermon Points:

  • The God Who Speaks
  • The Momentous Event
  • The Resolution in Jesus

Christ the Hope | Les Newsom

Scripture Reference: Lamentations 3:19–26

What do you do when the worst possible scenario comes true? How do you live with incredible hurt but hope? The writer of Lamentations gives us a glimpse into the heart of God for his people, even as they suffer. Learning to lament well is essential to Christian maturity.

Sermon Points:

  • The Worst of Suffering
  • The Hope in Lament
  • The Practice of Waiting

Christ the Temple | Les Newsom

Scripture Reference: Haggai 2:1-9

The Temple meant that God was present with Israel. But it was destroyed and under judgment. Jesus said he WAS the Temple and would be judged on our behalf. Why? So he could make his church the new locale for his presence and each believer into a temple for the Holy Spirit.

Sermon Points:

  • ]The Temple and Israel
  • The Temple and Jesus
  • The Temple and You