Exhortations to Gospel Obedience

This morning’s sermon text from Hebrews lists several practical exhortations on living the Christian life, concluding with a comforting quotation from the psalter: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” Much of today’s service focuses on this aspect of God as our helper. Throughout the morning, we’ll be reminded that “[our] help comes from the Lord” (Psalm 121:2), that He “helps the fatherless and widow” (Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah—Psalm 146), that He supports us and “gives His help” (O Thank The Lord, For He Is Good—Psalm 118), and that His provision shall attend us throughout all our days (My Shepherd Will Supply My Need—Psalm 23). We cry out to the “help of the helpless” (Abide With Me), asking Him to “make haste to help us” (Psalm 38:22). We confess that we find “all [our] help” in Him (Jesus, Lover Of My Soul) and that our God is “Our Helper” who prevails even amid a flood of mortal ills (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God). As we struggle to live out the faith, as all of us do at times, let’s take comfort in the promise that we serve a master who promises to help us accomplish the things He calls us to do. —Henry C. Haffner