How can we prepare for God's "shaking" as described in Hebrews 12:26? The Warning and the Promise “At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.’ ” (Hebrews 12:26) Why God Shakes • To remove what is temporary (Hebrews 12:27) • To reveal what cannot be moved—His kingdom and His people (Haggai 2:6) • To refine faith like gold (1 Peter 1:6-7) • To judge rebellion and reward righteousness (2 Peter 3:10-11) First Step: Secure the Unshakeable Kingdom • Receive Jesus, the only foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) • Rest in the grace that brings an “unshakable kingdom” (Hebrews 12:28) • Settle your citizenship in heaven now (Philippians 3:20-21) Daily Practices that Stand Firm • Build on the Rock by obeying Christ’s words (Matthew 7:24-25) • Fix your eyes on Jesus, the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) • Welcome God’s loving discipline; it “produces a harvest of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11) • Walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) • Store Scripture in your heart; truth is immovable (Psalm 119:11) Relationships That Survive the Storm • “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness” (Hebrews 12:14) • Stay devoted to fellowship; encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13) • Forgive quickly—unforgiveness is easily shaken, love endures (1 Corinthians 13:8) Clearing Out the Temporary • Reject world-love: “The world is passing away… but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17) • Lay aside every weight and sin that clings (Hebrews 12:1) • Hold possessions loosely; invest in eternal treasure (Matthew 6:19-21) A Lifestyle of Worship and Awe “Since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29) • Gratitude keeps the heart steady • Reverent worship aligns life with heaven’s priorities • Holy fear guards against casual faith Anchored in the Coming Glory “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:6) Hold fast to the Rock today; when the final shaking comes, everything built on Him will stand forever. |
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