(Hebrews 12:25-29)

We operate in the NT in the realm of a new covenant and a new kingdom.  The New Covenant is sealed by the blood of the Lamb and the New Unshakable Kingdom is lead by the Risen from the dead Lord Jesus Christ.  This Kingdom is not yet completed; I believe that it will be literally and fully realized in a time to come; and Hebrew 12 says that it is an Unshakable Kingdom.

We all need and long for kingdom.

Kingdoms cause or hopefully bring some order. 

We need and want this.

But we can hardly conceive of an Unshakable Heavenly Run Kingdom.

Make the Hebrews 12 comparison:

The shakable kingdom was no small potatoes.  Are we aware of what it took for the Lord God Almighty to come down and give his law to us?  It was awesome!

Hebrews 12:18-21

Mount Sinai had to be broached (how do you like that word?).  The Lord had to come down and give us warnings and promises . . . through OT Israel but now directly to us.  The Lord shook the mountain and the area all around it – directly by His presence, not remotely by an earthquake.

When you are reading the Psalms, notice the constant references to this event:

Psalm 68:8 – “. . . before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.”

Psalm 68:17 – “The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.”

Read Psalm 68:32-35

The appearance of the Lord God Almighty on Sinai was most notorious in the OT recorded appearances of our God.

But we, says the writer of Hebrews, have received something much greater!

Hebrews 12:22-24

Psalm 129:5 – “May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.”

There is an important question yet to be answered to end this series in Hebrews 12.

What will be your response to all of this?

The Sovereign Will of God coming up against the strong free will of mankind.

It always comes down to and back to this.

Don’t miss it!

Don’t get overly confused in it!

Don’t get stuck in it!

Good news – the Geo is fixed.  I know you laugh at me when you pass me in your great big Chevy’s, but I get the last laugh when I am at the gas pump!

I overhauled the motor, set it back in and had a dream.  I got up the next morning and someone stole my motor.  So I replaced it again and got up that next morning and someone stole my motor and dash board.

The old BMW I was driving for a month or two was the worst I have been in, for many years, for getting stuck.  My last day with it, I was stuck on a Thursday morning – right out here in the middle of the church driveway.  Terrible!  Larry Otto is pushing me with his bus and Roger Thomas gave the last needed hand push to get me out onto the highway.

When the Sovereignty of God comes up against the free will of mankind . . . many people get stuck.

Don’t miss it!

Don’t get overly confused in it!

Don’t get stuck in it!

Hear what the Lord says in this Living Word – and then make your response. 

And I may say . . . make it a good one.

Don’t refuse Him who spoke from Mount Sinai.

Don’t refuse Him who speaks to us right now today from Mount Zion.

FIRST RESPONSE

#1 – Refuse Him who speaks of an unshakable kingdom (vs. 25-27).

Don’t refuse Him.

Can you imagine that anyone would?  Yet, multitudes have and will continue to.

Can you believe that some of us will?  Yes, this is so.

But are you?  This is the powerful question.

SECOND RESPONSE

#2 – Commune with Him who provides His people with an unshakable kingdom (vs. 28-29).

Why commune?  Because we are having communion.

We are giving thanks.

echo charis – to be grateful

Psalm 69:30 – “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”

We are worshiping God acceptably . . . with reverence and awe.

In the Psalms this is done with shouting (joyful noise), stringed instruments, tambourines, loud cymbals, much singing and dancing.

Psalm 130:3-4, “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.”

So, what is your response?

Refuse or Commune.

Which will it be?