Hebrews 6:13-20 (NIV)

13When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

I.            Introduction:

Illust.: In the movie Mary Poppins, the two children, Jane and Michael Banks, jumped into bed after their incredible first day with the amazing Mary Poppins. Jane asked, “Mary Poppins, you won’t ever leave us, will you?” Michael, full of excitement, looked at his new nanny and added, “Will you stay if we promise to be good?” Mary looked at the two and as she tucked them in replied, “Look, that’s a pie-crust promise. Easily made, easily broken!

---Michael P. Green, Illustrations for Bilical Preaching : Over 1500 Sermon Illustrations Arranged by Topic and Indexed Exhaustively, Revised edition of: The expositor's illustration file. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

-God’s promises are not pie crust promises. He will never break a single promise he has made.

II. We Have A Clear Example: Evidence of God’s Faithfulness

A.       A Promise by God

B.      A Promise of Blessing

C.       A Promise Received

III. We Have A Sure Guarantee: Confirmation of God’s Word

A.       God Taking an Oath

B.      God Revealing A Plan

C.       God Offering Encouragement

IV.            We Have A Solid Hope: Assurance of God’s Promise

A.       We Have Hope As an Anchor

B.      We Have Hope of Heaven

C.       We Have Hope Through Jesus

V. Conclusion:

Illust.: When that great Christian and scientist, Sir Michael Faraday, was dying, some journalists questioned him as to his speculations for a life after death. “Speculations!” said he, “I know nothing about speculations. I’m resting on certainties. “I know that my redeemer liveth,” and because He lives, I shall live also.” ---Gospel Trumpet