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Our Pioneer in the Faith By definition, a pioneer is someone who explores or settles a new realm. By metaphorical expansion, however, we often use the word pioneer for anyone who accomplishes something for the first time, opening a new way for those who follow. That metaphor is applied to Jesus when Scripture declares Him “the pioneer of...

The Danger of Falling Away Any serious student of the Word knows that there are some “hard sayings” in the Bible. Sometimes the meaning of a passage is not clear; sometimes the meaning is troubling and difficult to apply. Still others, like our passage today about the danger of falling away, are hard in both ways. Nevertheless, several important...

Worship in the First Covenant Architecture and design of buildings and physical spaces often convey meaning. A Gothic cathedral directs the eye and mind upward to heaven. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater incorporates domestic space within the natural landscape. A Japanese garden is intended to instill peace and calm. In the same way, says...

A Warning to Persevere Many areas of life require perseverance, such as completing a degree program, overcoming a challenge at work, or finishing an exercise routine. The Christian life is no different; Scripture calls each of us to persevere in the faith. That call to perseverance is emphasized first by a negative example: recalling those...

Christ: The Perfecter of Faith Marathon runners know the challenge of enduring for 26.2 miles. The moment will come when lungs are burning, joints are aching, and muscles are failing. These athletes also know the power of encouragement from the great crowds cheering them on from the sidelines. In chapters 11 and 12, the author of Hebrews...

Final Exhortations: Focus on Jesus The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only thing constant is change.” Our experience and observation seem to validate his statement. From weather patterns, to political leaders, to our own bodies, life is constantly changing. Scripture reminds us that at least one thing is perfectly constant:...

Do you know the names of the people who lead your church? Pray for each of them today. You can include in your prayers your denominational leaders and other high-profile Christian leaders as well. Ask God to grant them wisdom as they interact with the congregation and perseverance as they strive to follow His leading.

Jesus promised ultimate victory to the church. He will build it and it will not be overcome. Since Jesus first made this promise, the church has had its ups and downs. Many times it has not been as faithful to its calling as it should be. But Jesus is not finished yet. The church may be opposed but it will never be overpowered.

The book All Together Different (Moody Publishers) can help you think about practical steps to uphold the church’s unity while honoring our individual identities. Each chapter includes questions for discussion. Consider suggesting it as a study for your church, Sunday school class, or community group.

Paul’s emphasis on public reading of Scripture, as well as on preaching and teaching, is not surprising. Books and scrolls were expensive in his day, and many did not know how to read. It is as important to know what the Bible says as it is to listen to what the church’s preachers and teachers say about the Bible.