Podcast Summary: Tetelestai Church - Hebrews 2020: We See Jesus (Increment 327) - "The Outsiders are IN"

Introduction and Remembrances

In the February 4, 2024 episode of Tetelestai Church's podcast series "Hebrews 2020: We See Jesus" (Increment 327), Pastor Alan Rick Knapp opens with heartfelt remembrances of beloved congregation members who have recently passed away. He honors the lives of Aunt Linda Pam and Maurice DeSimone, highlighting their faith and the impact they've had on the church community. Pastor Knapp shares a poignant tribute to Rick Robinson, a dedicated soldier and veteran who succumbed to the adversities of Agent Orange and PTSD. Reflecting on Rick's steadfast faith, Pastor Knapp emphasizes, “He was, by unsolicited testimony of others, a man of God and by my testimony, a soldier of Christ in the greater war” (05:30).

Main Sermon: The Outsiders are IN

Old Covenant vs. New Covenant Sacrifices

Pastor Knapp delves into Hebrews Chapter 10, contrasting the old covenant's repetitive sacrifices with the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He explains that the old sacrifices were mere shadows of the good things to come, incapable of perfecting those who approach God (12:15). “With the same old sacrifices they continually offer year after year, can never make perfect or complete better those who draw near” (12:20), Pastor Knapp quotes the scripture to underscore the insufficiency of the old covenant.

Jesus’ Proclamation in the Synagogue

Drawing parallels to Luke 4:16, Pastor Knapp recounts Jesus’ first sermon in Nazareth, where He proclaimed, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it” (18:45). He emphasizes Jesus’ declaration of fulfilling God’s will, highlighting the shift from ritual sacrifices to the offering of His own body as the ultimate sacrifice (19:10). This act signifies the establishment of the new covenant through Jesus' obedience and sacrifice.

Inclusion of Outsiders in Salvation

Pastor Knapp introduces the core theme, "The Outsiders are IN," by referencing biblical figures who were outsiders yet became integral to God's redemptive plan. He cites Naaman, Rahab, Ruth, and the Magi, illustrating how God’s salvation extends beyond Israel to all humanity. “All of humanity are the blind who. Who need recovery of sight in order to see Jesus” (27:30), he asserts, emphasizing the universal scope of Christ’s mission.

Biblical Examples: Naaman, Rahab, Ruth, etc.

Highlighting stories from the Old and New Testaments, Pastor Knapp explains how individuals like Naaman, a Syrian commander, and Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, played pivotal roles in God's plan. For instance, Naaman’s healing and conversion demonstrate God’s willingness to redeem even those outside His chosen nation (24:20). Rahab’s faith and inclusion in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus underscore the breaking of ethnic and societal barriers (25:50).

Universal Reconciliation and Sanctification

Expanding on the theme of reconciliation, Pastor Knapp explores the theological implications of Hebrews 10:10, linking it to 2 Corinthians 5:18. He discusses how reconciliation and sanctification are intertwined, presenting a vision of a world where all creation is redeemed through Christ. “We are born of God not of our own will, but of God's will” (34:10) he explains, highlighting the transformative power of divine grace that includes every aspect of creation.

Application for the Church

Pastor Knapp challenges the congregation to embody this inclusive vision, urging them to see every individual as part of God’s salvific plan. He encourages believers to step outside their comfort zones, akin to Rahab, and engage with those who are marginalized or considered outsiders. “Rahab is a testimony of Christ. Melchizedek, a testimony of Christ. Naaman, a testimony of Christ. The widow of Zarephath” (43:15), he declares, reinforcing the call to active participation in God’s universally inclusive mission.

Conclusion and Prayer

In his concluding remarks, Pastor Knapp reiterates the message that “the outsiders are in” and that the church must reflect this divine inclusion in its outreach and community life. He emphasizes the continuous journey towards a redeemed and sanctified world, anchored in the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, where Pastor Knapp thanks God for the congregation, prays for upcoming messages, and seeks divine guidance and blessings for the Tetelestai community.

Notable Quotes:

• “He was, by unsolicited testimony of others, a man of God and by my testimony, a soldier of Christ in the greater war” (05:30)
• “With the same old sacrifices they continually offer year after year, can never make perfect or complete better those who draw near” (12:20)
• “Today this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it” (18:45)
• “All of humanity are the blind who. Who need recovery of sight in order to see Jesus” (27:30)
• “Rahab is a testimony of Christ. Melchizedek, a testimony of Christ. Naaman, a testimony of Christ. The widow of Zarephath” (43:15)

Final Thoughts

Pastor Alan Rick Knapp’s sermon in this episode of Tetelestai Church’s podcast deeply explores the inclusivity of God’s salvation plan, emphasizing that "the outsiders are in." By intertwining scriptural exegesis with real-life applications and biblical narratives, the sermon invites listeners to embrace a broader, more inclusive understanding of faith. This message not only honors those who have passed but also challenges the congregation to live out their faith in a way that reflects the universal reach of Christ’s love and salvation.