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#583 Hebrews 13:1-3 Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! Ever feel like you're on a spiritual scavenger hunt, trying to find the "how-to" guide for a good Christian life? Today, we're diving into Hebrews 13, and let's just say the author is pulling out the spiritual equivalent of a to-do list—and it’s a good one. Grab your coffee and let's get into it. 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 ❤️ There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/ 🎬 Setting the Scene: The book of Hebrews shifts from deep theology to practical living in chapter 13, serving as the "so what?" for the entire letter. The author begins with the command, "Let mutual love continue" (Hebrews 13:1), using the Greek word philadelphia, meaning "brotherly love." This wasn't a vague feeling, but an active, specific love for fellow believers essential for survival in their isolated culture. The author urges them to show a radical commitment to one another. He provides two specific examples of this love: hospitality and remembering those in prison or suffering. Hebrews 13:2 references Old Testament stories like Abraham unknowingly entertaining angels in Genesis 18. Hospitality to strangers was a sacred and costly duty in the ancient world, often the only safe option for travelers. This command wasn't limited to a close circle; it meant opening one's home and resources to unknown believers. Verse 3 calls for believers to "remember those in prison as if you were together with them," a powerful call to radical empathy. In the first century, visiting prisoners was dangerous and crucial for their survival, as they depended on others for food and care. The command to "remember" is an active participation in their suffering, a reminder that their burdens are our burdens. The latter half of Hebrews 13:3, "and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering," expands the call to solidarity beyond imprisoned believers to include anyone undergoing hardship. The Greek phrase here, literally translated as "as if you yourselves being in the body," emphasizes a profound, embodied empathy. The author isn't just asking for a sympathetic thought; he's urging the readers to internalize the pain and oppression of others as if they were experiencing it physically. This powerful command highlights that the suffering of one member of the Christian body is the suffering of the entire body. It’s a call to a radical, active form of compassion that sees the pain of others as a shared reality, compelling believers to act on their behalf. 🗣️ Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) How has the concept of philadelphia (brotherly love) been watered down in modern Christian culture? What are some practical ways we can reclaim its original, active meaning in our own lives? 2) Think about the last time you practiced radical hospitality. Did it make you uncomfortable? What about the last time you saw someone in need and didn't act? What were the reasons for your inaction, and how can you prepare yourself to be more open to acting on the needs you see around you? 3) The author tells us to remember those suffering "as if you were together with them." This requires a deep sense of empathy. Can you think of a time when someone showed you this kind of radical empathy? How did it impact you? 🗣️ Journey Group Discussion Starter: Starter: "The author of Hebrews is writing to a community facing persecution and division. He tells them that the antidote is to love one another—to be hospitable and to care for the suffering. How might our own fears (of vulnerability, of not having enough, of the unknown) get in the way of living out this kind of radical love? What’s one step we can take this week to overcome one of those fears and practice hospitality or solidarity?" WANT SOME HELPFUL TIPS & SUGGESTIONS TO APPLY WHAT YOU'RE LEARNING FROM THIS PASSAGE? BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY GUIDES THAT TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO EACH PASSAGE WE COVER IN THE DAILY BIBLE PODCAST. YOU'LL FIND CULTURAL & HISTORICAL CONTEXT, MAPS, PICTURES, AND GUIDANCE ON HOW TO APPLY WHAT YOU'RE LEARNING FROM EACH PASSAGE. 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 And that's our journey for today! If this devotional stirred something in you, maybe it's a call to find your people. If you're tired of doing the Christian walk alone and you're ready to get messy with some brotherly love and hospitality, it's probably time to join a Journey Group. No more hiding in the back pew—it’s time to find your crew. Head over to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about joining or starting a group. #jesusjourney #christianfaith #dailybiblepodcast #biblestudy #hebrews

#582 Hebrews 12:25-29 Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! Ever feel like you're on a spiritual roller coaster? One minute you're soaring, the next you're bracing for the next big shake-up. Well, grab your safety bar and get ready, because today's devotional is all about a coming shake-up that's way bigger than any theme park ride. 🎢 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 ❤️ There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/ 🎬 Setting the Scene Hebrews 12:25-29 provides a powerful climax, contrasting the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai with the unshakable reality of the new covenant. The author is issuing a final warning: if the Israelites feared the physical voice of God on earth, how much more serious is it to turn away from the one who speaks from heaven? The passage quotes Haggai 2:6, where God promises to "once more shake not only the earth but also the heavens." This isn't a literal destruction of the universe, but rather a final, cosmic upheaval where all temporary, created things will be rattled and removed. This includes the systems and institutions of this world—earthly empires, financial systems, and even corrupt religious structures. The goal is for everything that can be shaken to be cleared away, so that what cannot be shaken—God's eternal, permanent kingdom—will remain. The passage concludes with the image of God as a "consuming fire" from Deuteronomy 4:24. This fire is not an arbitrary punishment, but a powerful, purifying force that consumes all that is corrupt and temporary. It refines God's people, removing impurities just as fire purifies gold. This is why we are to offer worship with reverence and awe, acknowledging the holy and powerful nature of the God we serve. 🗣️ Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) What are some "shakable" things in your life—things you've put your trust in that are temporary and not built on the kingdom of God? (e.g., career, financial security, reputation, etc.) 2) How does the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion change the way you view God's presence and our access to Him? 3) How can we, in our modern context, "offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe"? What does that look like on a Sunday morning, and what does it look like on a Tuesday afternoon? 🗣️ Journey Group Discussion Starter: This passage uses the powerful imagery of a cosmic shaking to describe God's final judgment and the establishment of his permanent kingdom. Think about the most significant “shaking” you've experienced in your life—a time when something you depended on was taken away or proven unreliable. How did that experience, even in a small way, prepare you to rely more on God's unshakable kingdom? Applying the Principles to Modern-Day Christians: Want to go deeper? Get our free, in-depth daily bible study guides delivered to your inbox. They provide more context and practical ways to apply what we've learned today. 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 🎢 Ready to stop riding the spiritual roller coaster alone? Want to find a group of people who are also trying to invest in the unshakable things of God's kingdom? Well, what are you waiting for? Join a Journey Group! It's like a support group for your soul, but with less bad coffee and more Jesus. It's the best way to get grounded before the final shaking! To learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or learn more about starting one, go here: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups. #jesusjourney #biblestudy #dailybiblepodcast #christianfaith #dailybiblereading #livebiblestudy #dailydevotion #learnthebible #hebrews #eternallife #eternal

#581 Hebrews 12:18-24 Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! 👋 We're so glad you're here, journeying with us as we walk through the book of Hebrews. If you've been with us for a while, you know we've been on a hike through some pretty dense theological terrain. Today, we're climbing a new mountain, one that's a bit less "don't touch the mountain or you'll die" and a lot more "come on up, the view is amazing." So, lace up your spiritual hiking boots and let's get going! 🥾🥾 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 ❤️ There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/ Setting the Scene Hebrews 12:18-24 is a powerful contrast, a theological head-to-head between two mountains: Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. The author of Hebrews is painting a vivid picture to show his readers (and us!) just how different the new covenant is from the old. He's reminding us that we haven't come to a place of fear and fire, but to a place of grace and welcome. The first mountain, Mount Sinai, is presented as a terrifying and unapproachable place. This is where God gave the Law to Moses. It was a place of divine fire, darkness, and a trumpet blast so loud the people begged for it to stop. The mountain was roped off, with a strict command that anyone, even an animal, who touched it would be stoned to death (Exodus 19:12-13). This scene underscores the absolute holiness and transcendent nature of God, a holiness that could not be trifled with. It was a place of trembling and fear, a tangible representation of the old covenant’s limitations and the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. Then, the author pivots to the second mountain, Mount Zion. This is not a physical location in the same way Sinai was. It's a symbolic place, representing the heavenly Jerusalem. The language shifts from a scary, "don't come near" to an inviting "you have come to." We've come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. We've come to a joyous assembly of myriads of angels, to the church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven. We've come to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect. Most importantly, we've come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. The reference to Abel's blood is significant. Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance (Genesis 4:10), but Jesus's blood cries out for mercy and forgiveness. This is the radical difference: the old covenant was a system of law that highlighted our sin and brought fear; the new covenant is a system of grace that offers forgiveness and brings us into God’s very presence without fear. 🤯 The author is essentially saying: "Look at what you've left behind and look at what you have now." This isn't just a change of scenery; it's a change of relationship. We're no longer approaching a terrifying, distant God, but a loving Father who has welcomed us into His home through the finished work of Jesus. 🗣️Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) The passage contrasts the "unapproachable fire" of Sinai with the "joyous assembly" of Zion. When you think about your relationship with God, which mountain does your perspective more closely resemble? How can you consciously shift your focus to the joy and grace of Mount Zion? 2) The blood of Jesus "speaks a better word" than the blood of Abel. What does this phrase mean to you personally? In what ways does Jesus's sacrifice for you continue to speak a message of hope, forgiveness, and new life in your everyday reality? 3) The author warns us not to refuse the one who is speaking. Considering that the voice is now from heaven and not just an earthly mountain, what are some of the ways we might “refuse” to listen to God’s voice in our modern lives? ‼️ Don't Miss the Deeper Dive: Today, we've only just scratched the surface of this rich and powerful passage. If you're hungry for more, we want to help you go deeper. You can get our free, in-depth daily bible study guides delivered directly to your email inbox! In these guides, you'll find a much deeper dive into the passage, important cultural and historical context, and a whole section on how you, a modern-day Christian, might apply the lessons, principles, or commands that we discovered in the passage. Don't miss these helpful guides—get signed up today! They're absolutely free! 🥾 We've explored the difference between two mountains, two covenants, and two approaches to God. We're not meant to walk this journey alone. Get connected with a Journey Group today! Learn more, get connected, or even start your own group by visiting: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups. #jesusjourney #dailybiblepodcast #biblestudy #christianfaith #dailydevotional #hebrews

#580 Hebrews 12:14-15 Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! We're so glad you're here. Ever felt like your spiritual life is a bit like tending a garden? Today's devotional is for you. We're diving into Hebrews 12:14-15, where we'll discover a spiritual weed we absolutely must pull. Let’s dig in! 🪴 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 ❤️ There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/ Setting the Scene In this passage, the author of Hebrews continues his powerful exhortation, urging his readers to "strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (v. 14). The Greek word translated as "strive" is diōkō, a very active and intentional verb. It’s the same word used for a hunter pursuing his prey or a runner chasing a prize. N.T. Wright points out in Hebrews for Everyone that this isn't a passive hope but an active pursuit. This pursuit of peace is not merely a suggestion; it's a necessary component of our faith walk, a vital part of maintaining right relationships with those around us and with God. The writer then gives a stern warning in verse 15: "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." This imagery of the "bitter root" is a direct allusion to Deuteronomy 29:18, where Moses warns the Israelites about turning away from God. This passage reads, “Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.” . Just as a poisonous root can corrupt and kill a plant, a person’s bitterness and rejection of God’s grace can infect and defile an entire community. Scholar Brad Gray from Walkingthetext.com emphasizes that this isn't just about personal bitterness; it’s about a spiritual contagion. One person's bitterness can spread and harm others, leading to a falling away from the faith. Craig S. Keener, in his commentary, highlights how this "root of bitterness" is tied to a person who has "fallen short of the grace of God." This isn't just a momentary slip but a complete failure to hold onto God's grace. The bitterness that grows from this spiritual failure then becomes a source of trouble for the entire faith community. It can lead to dissension, division, and spiritual defilement. Therefore, the author is not just giving a personal word of advice but a communal warning to the church. The community must be vigilant and proactive in preventing this poison from spreading. Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) How are you actively pursuing peace with others? Are there any broken relationships in your life that you need to mend? 2) Have you allowed any "bitter roots" to grow in your heart? What does that look like in your life, and how might it be affecting those around you? 3) How does a community "see to it" that no one falls short of God's grace? What is the church's role in helping each other remain in God's grace and avoid the defiling nature of bitterness? Application for Today The message in Hebrews 12:14-15 is a powerful call to personal and communal responsibility. For the modern Christian, it means we must constantly check our hearts for any seeds of bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness. It's so easy to let a small hurt or slight fester until it becomes a deep-seated "bitter root" that poisons our spirit and impacts our relationships. 💔 The antidote is to actively pursue God's grace and extend it to others, just as we have received it. This also means being a vigilant member of your spiritual community, lovingly holding one another accountable and encouraging each other to stay on the path of holiness. We have a shared responsibility to guard against the spiritual poison of bitterness, both in our own lives and in our community. Join a Journey Group today! If all this talk about pulling weeds and not being a bitter root is making you feel a bit… well, rooted, it might be time to find your people. It's a lot easier to tend to your garden when you're not doing it alone. So, if you're tired of pulling weeds by yourself and want to find a group to dig in with, go here: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or learn more about starting one. We'll save a spot for you! 🌱 #jesusjourney #dailybiblepodcast #biblestudy #livebiblestudy #dailybiblereading #christianfaith #learnthebible

Bad brakes can be more than just a repair job—they can be a sign that it's time for a new direction. Join me as I fix my truck's worn-out brakes and share the powerful story of the Prodigal Son. In this video, I take you through a practical brake job on my truck and show you how it's a perfect metaphor for life's journey. Just like a vehicle needs new brakes to stop safely, we sometimes need a new direction to avoid a crash. The story of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15 reminds us that no matter how far we've strayed, a new beginning is always possible through forgiveness and grace. Learn how to tell when your vehicle's brakes are worn out. Understand the spiritual lesson of the Prodigal Son. Get a dose of encouragement for anyone needing a fresh start. Subscribe for more videos on faith, discipleship, and lessons from God's amazing creation! There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/ Here are a few more links to help you get started, get signed up for the good stuff, and get connected: Guide to End Times Views for Regular People (In plain English): https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/post/the-end-times-explained-for-regular-people Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 Learn more about joining an online small group (we call them Journey Groups): https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups Check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online ‼️ Don't miss our Live Daily Bible Podcast Here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeeI1DpFw2-5pqH2qHQgnuV5WqK4JQZr5&si=jWHYDX6JxxgBw1ZA #jesusjourney #brakesafety #fordsuperduty #brakerepair #brakepads #prodigals #prodigalson #forgiveness #DIY #DIYCarRepair #ChristianLiving #NewBeginning #Hope #Forgiveness #LifeLessons #Inspirational #CarMaintenance #Luke15 #BibleStory #Motivation

#579 Hebrews 12:5-13 Welcome back to YourJesusJourney.com, where we're tackling the book of Hebrews! You've made it through the long, encouraging, and sometimes challenging chapters. It's like a spiritual marathon, and we're just hitting the part where we're reminded that our spiritual glutes might be sore, but it's for our good. So, let's stretch and dive in! 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 ❤️ There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/ 🎬 Setting the Scene: Today we're in Hebrews 12:5-13, a passage that speaks of discipline and chastening. To understand this, it's helpful to know the context: the author is writing to a group of first-century Christians who were facing persecution and considering giving up their faith. The author uses a family analogy, reminding them of Proverbs 3:11-12, where a father’s discipline is a sign of his love. The discipline mentioned here, paideia in Greek, is not about punishment but about the entire process of child-rearing and training to build character. This helps us see God's discipline as a loving, continuous process designed to make us more like Jesus, rather than a single painful event. The Discipline of the Lord The author is essentially saying that if you’re experiencing hardship, it’s a sign that you are a true child of God. God’s loving discipline, or training, is proof of His love. Just as earthly parents, with all their flaws, correct their children for their good, our perfect heavenly Father does the same for us. The passage even contrasts earthly and heavenly discipline, noting that God's is always for our ultimate good and designed to bring us into His holiness. The pain of this discipline, which is described as “grievous” in the moment, is temporary. The final result is the "peaceful fruit of righteousness." This discipline can take many forms, from trials to the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit. The section ends with an exhortation to "lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees" and "make straight paths for your feet," a call to renewed energy and perseverance, reminding us that we are not to give up on our spiritual journey. 🗣️ Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) How have you personally experienced God's discipline, and what "fruit of righteousness" came from it? 2) In what ways might we misunderstand God's discipline and mistake it for punishment? 3) How can the pain of God's discipline, in the moment, be an indicator of His love? 🗣️ Journey Group Discussion Starter: Read Hebrews 12:5-13 together. Share a personal story of a time when a difficult situation felt like God's loving discipline. What was the situation, what was the fruit, and how did it ultimately draw you closer to Him? Application for Today For a modern-day Christian, this passage offers a powerful reframe for suffering. Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" we can begin to ask, "What is God trying to teach me through this?" When we face a difficult situation, we can try to re-evaluate it not as a punishment but as a loving training session from our Father. For example, if we are facing financial hardship, instead of only seeing the struggle, we might consider how God is using it to teach us trust and dependence on Him. If we're dealing with a difficult person, perhaps it is an opportunity to learn patience and humility. This perspective helps us endure with hope, knowing that a purposeful and loving Father is in control and using everything for our ultimate good. 👬👬👬 Join a Journey Group Don't go it alone! If you've been "lacking discipline" in your spiritual journey, maybe it's time to get connected with some fellow travelers. Our journey groups are like a spiritual accountability partner, but with more people and probably better snacks. Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about joining one or even starting your own. #jesusjourney #biblestudy #dailybiblepodcast #dailybiblereading #livebiblestudy #dailybiblereading #dailydevotion #dailydevotional #hebrews #bibleverse #discipline #teacher #train

#578 Hebrews 12:1-4 Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! Here we are, another day, another devotional, another chance to dig into God's word together. You know, sometimes I feel like studying the Bible is like training for a marathon. You get to the starting line, feel all pumped, and then you realize you have to run for a really long time. Thankfully, our spiritual journey is a marathon we don't have to run alone. So lace up your metaphorical running shoes and let's go! 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 ❤️ There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/ Setting the Scene: Hebrews 12:1-4 presents a powerful image of the Christian life as a race. The author begins, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses..." The "therefore" points us back to the great heroes of faith mentioned in chapter 11. They are not simply a list of historical figures; they are the spectators in the heavenly grandstands, cheering us on. This isn't just a race, it's a spectacle! This "cloud of witnesses" isn't just a passive audience. Their very lives bear witness to the faithfulness of God, urging us to persevere. Think of it like watching an Olympic race. The athletes in the stands who have already run their race are the most invested spectators, shouting encouragement and knowing exactly what the runners are going through. The author of Hebrews also calls us to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." The Greek word for "hinders" is ogkon, which refers to a weight or an encumbrance. This wasn't just any weight, but specifically the baggage of a traveler or athlete. Imagine an ancient Greek runner trying to compete with their travel luggage! It would be ludicrous. Similarly, we are called to shed the burdens of our past, our anxieties, and anything that slows us down. The "sin that so easily entangles" is another layer to this. Brad Gray from Walking the Text suggests this could be a direct reference to the long robes worn at the time, which could easily trip a runner. In the context of the Christian life, this sin isn't just an obstacle; it's a snare designed to trip us up and take us out of the race. The next verse pivots to the central figure of our faith: Jesus. We are to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." The Greek word for "pioneer" is archēgos, a term that can also mean author, founder, or leader. Jesus isn't just a good example; He is the one who blazed the trail for us. He is the ultimate role model for perseverance. The author reminds us that Jesus "for the joy set before him endured the cross." This wasn't a joy of avoiding the cross, but the joy of what the cross would accomplish: our salvation. He didn't just endure; He endured with a specific purpose in mind. This as a deep, profound joy that gave Him the strength to face the ultimate suffering. He despised the shame and disregarded the pain because He was focused on the glorious outcome. We are called to follow His example, not by seeking suffering, but by enduring our trials with the same hope-filled perspective. 🗣️ Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) What "weights" or "sins" do you feel are most hindering you in your spiritual race right now? 2) How can you more intentionally "fix your eyes on Jesus" this week when facing a challenge? 🗣️ Journey Group Discussion Starter: Share a time in your life when you felt like you were "entangled" by a sin or an unhealthy habit. How did you break free, and how did keeping your focus on Jesus help you through it? Modern-day Application: This passage is full of mission-critical advice for the modern-day Christian like you. This isn't just ancient history; it's a blueprint for our lives today. Want to see how you might apply these principles in your own life, including some real-life scenarios to help you role-play through some situations and game plan ahead of time to live out what you're learning? Be sure to click this link and get signed up to get the FREE in-depth study guides delivered to your inbox every day: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 Call to Action: You know, running this race alone is a surefire way to get tired and give up. We all need a cheering squad. If your spiritual life is feeling more like a lonely jog than a well-supported race, it might be time to find your team. Don't be like that one guy who tries to run a marathon in flip-flops—you need the right gear and the right support system! Consider joining a Journey Group. Go here to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or learn more about starting one: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups #jesusjourney #biblestudy #dailybiblepodcast #livebiblestudy #dailydevotion #hebrews

#577 Hebrews 11. Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! Ever feel like you're on a journey where the GPS is a bit fuzzy and the destination seems more like a promise than a reality? Well, you're in good company. Today we're diving into Hebrews 11, a passage that's all about navigating life with a faith that sees what's unseen, even when the path ahead looks less like a paved highway and more like a rocky, untrodden trail. 👉🏻 Get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604 ❤️ There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/ Setting the Scene Hebrews 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith," and for good reason. It's a roster of heroes who, by faith, accomplished incredible things. But this isn't just a list of triumphs. The author of Hebrews is writing to a community that's on the verge of giving up. They're facing persecution and hardship and are tempted to abandon their faith for the comforts of the familiar. The author reminds them of their heritage, not to boast in the past, but to encourage them in the present. This chapter isn't about looking back but about looking forward with the same kind of faith that the ancients had. It's an encouragement to keep going, to finish the race. The context of the letter is crucial. The early Christians faced intense social and political pressure. They were a peculiar people who didn't fit in with Roman society. They refused to worship the emperor or participate in pagan festivals, which made them outsiders. The author of Hebrews wants to remind them that their faith isn't a new invention but is rooted in a long history of people who lived by faith. The faith of these heroes wasn't a blind leap but a confident trust in God's character and His promises. Notice how the author of Hebrews is showing that the faith of the Old Testament heroes was always pointing forward to Jesus. Their faith was in a promised future that they didn't get to fully experience. They were living in a kind of "already and not yet" reality—they had the promises, but they hadn't seen their ultimate fulfillment. Their faith was in a city they couldn't see, a promise they hadn't received, and a Savior they were anticipating. This is the faith that enables us to keep going, even when our current reality doesn't match God's promises. Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) The heroes in Hebrews 11 died without seeing the full results of their faith. What promises are you waiting for, and how does their example help you keep trusting? 2) The Bible calls these heroes "strangers and exiles." Where do you feel like a "stranger" because of your faith, and how can you find joy in that identity? 🗣️ Journey Group Discussion Starter: Share a time when you had to take a leap of faith without knowing the outcome. What was that experience like, and how did God prove faithful to you? A Modern-Day Application: How does this ancient text apply to our lives today? Just like the original recipients of this letter, we too face temptations to give up. Maybe it's the slow, grinding reality of a difficult job, a challenging relationship, or a health struggle. Maybe it's the cultural pressure to compromise our beliefs for the sake of social acceptance. This passage reminds us that our faith isn't about seeing the destination but trusting the guide. Living by faith today means we're called to embody the same kind of trust as the people in Hebrews 11. It means we trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when we can't see it. We're called to live as "strangers and exiles" (Hebrews 11:13), not because we're looking to escape this world, but because we're living for a better one. This isn't about disengagement but about a radical reorientation of our priorities. It means we invest our time, money, and energy in the kingdom of God rather than the kingdoms of this world. It means we live with an eternal perspective, knowing that the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Join a Journey Group Living a life of faith is tough, and it's even tougher to do it alone. I mean, who else can you confess your secret stash of late-night-snack-induced guilt to and get both grace and a recommendation for a better brand of chips? Seriously though, if you're looking for a group of people to walk alongside you as you navigate the sometimes-fuzzy, sometimes-challenging path of faith, we’ve got you covered. Don't be a lone wolf; let's be a pack of believers! Find a journey group, start one, or just learn more at https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups.