WHO IS YOUR PRIEST? (8 OF 29)
by Bob Ingle
Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 5:1-10
This content is part of a series.
Who Is Your Priest? (8 of 29)
Series: Once and For All
Bob Ingle
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Open your bible to Hebrews 5. If someone was to ask you the question ‘who is your priest’, more than likely you’d give them a funny look, and say, ‘I don’t have a priest, I’m a Baptist.’ It’s not uncommon for most 21st century, American, evangelical Christians to think they don’t need a priest. ‘We don’t need a go-between us and God. We can go straight into God presence on our own any time.’ If that is your thinking today, let me say this as nicely as I can: You’re wrong! You cannot approach God on your own. You must have a priest. You need a go-between. You need a mediator between you and God.
Before you start arguing with me, I want you to think about the story of Martin Luther. He grew up in a Catholic family, and he was training to become a Catholic priest. At the end of his training, the big day arrived when he would help preside over his first mass. All of his family was there, and his dad was so proud of him. On this day of his first mass, all he had to do was stand at the alter and say, ‘We offer unto thee, the true, living, and eternal God...’, but as soon as he started to speak, Martin Luther froze at the altar. He was paralyzed. He couldn’t say a word. His family was disappointed in him and embarrassed for him. What happened to Martin Luther that day? Years later, he wrote about that experience. He said:
‘‘At these words, I was utterly stupefied, and terror stricken. I thought to myself, with what tongue shall I address such majesty seeing that all men should tremble in the presence of even an earthly prince? Who am I that I should lift up my eye or raise my hands to the divine majesty? The angels surround Him. At His nod, the earth trembles. Shall I, a miserable little pigmy, say, ‘‘I want this; I asked for that?’’ For I am dust and ashes and full of sin, and I am speaking to the living, eternal, and true God.’’
Who are we that we should think that we ca ...
Series: Once and For All
Bob Ingle
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Open your bible to Hebrews 5. If someone was to ask you the question ‘who is your priest’, more than likely you’d give them a funny look, and say, ‘I don’t have a priest, I’m a Baptist.’ It’s not uncommon for most 21st century, American, evangelical Christians to think they don’t need a priest. ‘We don’t need a go-between us and God. We can go straight into God presence on our own any time.’ If that is your thinking today, let me say this as nicely as I can: You’re wrong! You cannot approach God on your own. You must have a priest. You need a go-between. You need a mediator between you and God.
Before you start arguing with me, I want you to think about the story of Martin Luther. He grew up in a Catholic family, and he was training to become a Catholic priest. At the end of his training, the big day arrived when he would help preside over his first mass. All of his family was there, and his dad was so proud of him. On this day of his first mass, all he had to do was stand at the alter and say, ‘We offer unto thee, the true, living, and eternal God...’, but as soon as he started to speak, Martin Luther froze at the altar. He was paralyzed. He couldn’t say a word. His family was disappointed in him and embarrassed for him. What happened to Martin Luther that day? Years later, he wrote about that experience. He said:
‘‘At these words, I was utterly stupefied, and terror stricken. I thought to myself, with what tongue shall I address such majesty seeing that all men should tremble in the presence of even an earthly prince? Who am I that I should lift up my eye or raise my hands to the divine majesty? The angels surround Him. At His nod, the earth trembles. Shall I, a miserable little pigmy, say, ‘‘I want this; I asked for that?’’ For I am dust and ashes and full of sin, and I am speaking to the living, eternal, and true God.’’
Who are we that we should think that we ca ...
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