Notes of Faith May 30, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
July 13, 2003
WHERE DO YOU GO FOR HELP?
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
Many of us carry heavy burdens all week long. However, most of us hide them when we come to church. As we look at the world around us and we see calamities all over the place - the distortion of truth, eruption of lawlessness, natural disasters, to name a few. In addition, many of us are carrying around our own burdens: guilt, bitterness, discouragement, depression, fear, discontent, disillusionment, worry, anxiety and so on and so on and so on!
Do we then live out our days in quiet desperation? Or do we find help? Some try to find help in alcohol, drugs, or excessive pleasures (Isaiah 41:10; 31:1). In today’s text we see that the believer has a high priest to whom we may, “draw near with confidence … and receive mercy and grace to help in time of need.” What a blessing!
WHY DO WE NEED A PRIEST? The Old Testament priest was a living, breathing link, between man and God. The Old Testament saint with problems did not come directly to God – he came to his contact person – his priest who shared the same human weaknesses. The priest’s job was to minister to men in things that involved man’s relationship to God. Today the believer’s contact with God is the LORD JESUS CHRIST, our high priest.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS PRIEST? Unlike the Old Testament priest, we have someone who is continually available to us. Our high priest does not keep office hours. He is open 24 hours a day and never quits.
We have someone who completely understands us. He became like us in every way (Heb. 2:17). He has been tempted in all things just as we are so we can count on His understanding of the pressures we feel.
We have someone who is completely competent as He is “without sin.” Sin disqualifies and weakens. Only God is without sin. He deals with us by Divine grace and not by our human works. Grace is the absence of human effort. It is God exclusively. He does it all. In Him we find mercy (the remission of deserved judgment) and grace (the supply of undeserved blessing). We may come with confidence, boldness, and without inhibitions.
We can expect help in every area of life. We shouldn’t isolate certain problems and label them as “impossible” (Genesis 18:14). We can expect help from Him at any time (Psalm 46:1). We can expect help from Him when we recognize our need for Him. He help us resist temptation to sin. (James 4:8).
Let’s go to our Great High Priest daily. He ever lives to make intercession for us. GOD BLESS.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
Phil 4:13
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Matt 11:28
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."
James 4:1-2
What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.
Ask of God, with the right motive (not for worldly pleasures), for His will, and it will be graciously and abundantly given to you!
Eph 3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Pastor Dale