Facing persecution, the people to whom Hebrews was written had every reason to isolate. But even in the face of this reality, the author of Hebrews champions the value of gathering - showing why it's important and what biblical commuity looks like.

In John 20, we discover that Thomas is questioning the resurrection of Jesus. In the face of this doubt, Jesus approaches Him with no condemnation, but pointing Thomas toward confidence - confirming His resurrection. In seasons of doubt today, let's not run from Jesus but to Jesus, and consider carefully the reasons that exist that confirm the Christian message.

Some variation of "do not be afraid" is one of the most constant drumbeats of biblcial faith - it runs throughout the Bible. We start to fear when things get out of proportion in our lives - when we focus too much on ourselves, on others, or on the future, for example. But when we include a big view of God in the picutre (when we fear Him), faith grows greater than fear and we can walk forward in faith and trust.