The book of Hebrews reveals that God's discipline isn't punishment but loving training, like a coach developing an athlete. When we face difficulties, we often forget this truth and respond with either sinful justification or bitterness. God allows struggles to develop holiness, righteousness, and peace in our lives. Unlike Mount Sinai where people feared God's wrath, believers live on Mount Zion where we can approach God as beloved children. The key is remembering that divine discipline comes from love, not anger, and submitting to God's purposes rather than using pain as an excuse for sin.

Download 5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Consider-Jesus-Week-9-Do-You-Remember-5-day-devotional.pdf

Download Discusion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Consider-Jesus-Week-9-Do-You-Remember-Discussion-Guide.pdf

This is a replay of this past Sunday night's episode of Shaking The Gates, if you'd like to join us live, tune in on Facebook or our website at chapinccc.org/shaking-the-gates

5 Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/5-Day-Devotional_-Consider-Jesus_-Week-8_-Somebodys-Watching-Me.pdf

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Discussion-Guide_-Consider-Jesus_-Week-8_-Somebodys-Watching-Me.pdf

Life often feels overwhelming, but the book of Hebrews presents the Christian life as a race requiring endurance and proper motivation. Faith means having confidence in God's promises even when we cannot see the outcome. We are surrounded by heroes of faith who persevered through incredible trials, providing examples to follow. When we feel like giving up, we can find motivation by looking back to these witnesses, looking up to Jesus as our pioneer and perfecter of faith, and looking forward to the eternal joy that awaits us. The key is running the right race with a sustainable pace, listening to God's voice, and throwing off the sins that entangle us.

When faith feels routine and showing up becomes difficult, we need reminders of why perseverance matters. Three key reasons motivate our continued commitment: Jesus showed up for us first, wrapping Himself in flesh and making a way through His sacrifice. The way to God is now open to everyone, anytime, anywhere, because the curtain separating us from His presence was torn. We can approach God boldly with assurance, not pretense, because He loves us as we are right now. Finally, community keeps us steady when life gets tough, helping us stay spiritually vibrant through encouragement and accountability.

5 Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/5-Day-Devotional_-Consider-Jesus_-Week-7_-Keep-Showing-Up.pdf

Small Group Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Discussion-Guide_-Consider-Jesus-Week-7.pdf

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”​- Rev. 5:11-13 [NIV]

Chapin Christian Community Church exists to help people connect with the saving love of Jesus, grow in full devotion to Him, and share His love with each other and the world.

The book of Hebrews reveals why following religious rules and trying to be good never seems to be enough. Through the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, who offered Abraham bread and wine as symbols of strength and life, we see a picture of what Jesus would later provide. Abraham's response wasn't obligation but gratitude - he gave ten percent of everything because he encountered the king of righteousness and peace. The law was never meant to make us perfect; it was meant to show us we need a Savior. Jesus offers something radically different from rule-following - complete transformation of the heart, not just behavior modification.

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/5-Day-Devotional_-Consider-Jesus_-Week-6.pdf

Small Group Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Consider-Jesus-Week-6-Discussion-Guide.pdf