Dear Church Family,

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach Gods’ throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
– Hebrews 4:14-16

Dear Church Family,

I’ve always been curious how stuff works.  As a child, I loved taking things apart and putting them back together.  One of my favorite early memories growing up was “helping” my Dad work under the hood on our vehicles.  I was amazed that he knew what to do to get our car or truck working again.  “Helping” him gave me courage and confidence as I got a little older to fix things that were broken – whether it was my bike or a friends’ computer.  Still today I’ll open up a device or grab a wrench and see if I can get something working again.

This summer, we have been taking a deep dive into the Apostles’ Creed.  Each week, we have been lifting up the hood to explore what each phrase means.  We have also been learning how all of the parts work together to guide our faith.  Last week we looked at Christ’s resurrection.  This Sunday we will study Christ’s ascension.

In our passage above, we get to peer behind the curtain to see what is going on in the heavenly throne room, where Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father.  From our study of the creed we know what is already operating in the background.

After Christ lived a full life, died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead he ascended into heaven bringing with him all that he experienced on earth.  He has entered the holiest place having made atonement for our sin, to be our representative to the Father.  He is able to emphasize with our weakness and temptation and he intercedes for us – prays for us – before the throne of the Father.  When we put our faith in him, he becomes the source of eternal salvation for all who believe.

Because Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of his Father, we can pray with boldness and find strength for every circumstance.  He has promised when we pass from this life into eternity, that we will be received into the place that has been prepared for us from the foundation of the world.

Knowing what is going on right now in heaven’s throne room gives us confidence that God is working for good in our lives and in the world.  God understands what we are going through and is working here and now, within us and among us – through the power of the Holy Spirit – to guide us through each day and to one day bring us safely home to heaven’s shore.

Now you have a glimpse of what is happening underneath the surface when we say, “I believe in Jesus…who ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”  This phrase in the creed reminds us that prayer opens the way to repair whatever is broken in your life or in the world.  Now that you know this, I hope that you will have the confidence to approach the throne of grace boldly, so that you may receive mercy and grace to help in your time of need.

Jesus is always eager to hear from you.  Have you talked to him today?

Here’s Some Of What Else Is Happening At First Methodist!