Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

- Hebrews 2:1 (ESV)

Why is Jesus Greater Than Chuck Norris?

Because:

1. God has spoken to us through him2. He is the complete expression of God3. He’s got the whole world in his hands4. Only through him can I be forgiven5. In him is the promise of what we will be

“Drift away”: A subtle, subconscious deviation from the truth of Jesus by a very small margin.

For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution,

how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

- vv. 2-3a

It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

- vv. 3b-4

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Ferguson, MO?

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Ferguson, MO?

1) The light of God burns in every human soul regardless of race.

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Ferguson, MO?

1) The light of God burns in every human soul regardless of race.

2) Everyone of us, regardless of race or class has sinned terribly against God.

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Ferguson, MO?

1) The light of God burns in every human soul regardless of race.

2) Everyone of us, regardless of race or class has sinned terribly against God.

3) God’s forgiveness brings humility and is the basis for reconciliation.

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing…

with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

- Colossians 3: 11-13

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Robin Williams?

1) Grace extends to those who struggle with mental illness.

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

- 2 Corinthians 1:8

But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears.

For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.

- Psalm 39:10-13

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Robin Williams?

1) Grace extends to those who struggle with mental illness.

2) Suicide doesn’t necessarily send a person to hell.

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Robin Williams?

1) Grace extends to those who struggle with mental illness.

2) Suicide doesn’t necessarily send a person to hell.

3) God’s love means you’re never out of options.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

- 2 Cor. 4:8-10

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord .

- Romans 8:38-39

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Christians suffering in Iraq?

What does the “message we have heard” have to say to Christians suffering in Iraq?

Keep the faith, justice is coming.

When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge

our blood for what they have done to us?” Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters*—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.

- Revelation 6:9-11

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all

…who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

- Revelation 21:3-7