This opens Ephesians 3, Paul’s own prayer for the church at Ephesus, that they would be strengthened with power through the Spirit and know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.

Imagine a first-century conversation with a concerned Jewish relative trying to talk you into abandoning Christ and returning to Judaism, especially around the time of year when Jewish men would travel to Jerusalem for the feasts. Consider Hebrews’ case for why Christ’s heavenly priesthood makes that return unthinkable.

Do you actually know peace, real peace in your soul, the kind that lets you sleep without worry and wake up excited rather than dreading the day? Consider why the gospel, not techniques or self-help, is the only real solution to anxiety.

This reaches the climax of the argument that Jesus is the superior high priest, after a whole chapter rallying evidence from every possible angle. Consider Hebrews’ final proof: an oath-sworn, permanent priesthood that never needs replacing.

The Christian’s great question isn’t whether God can save, it’s am I actually saved. Consider the confession’s teaching on the assurance of grace, God’s own provision for that anxious, recurring question.

One striking verse in Acts is 6:7, a great many priests became obedient to the faith, a single line hinting at untold stories behind it. Consider Hebrews’ argument for why the old Levitical priesthood had to give way to a new and better one.

Blood libel is a term now associated with anti-Semitism, and Easter itself was historically a season when persecution of Jews would spike. Consider Peter’s own answer in Acts 2 to who is actually responsible for the death of Christ.

No event in history rivals the resurrection’s significance, two thousand years of societies and nations shaped by it. Consider Luke’s account of the empty tomb on this Easter Sunday, and why the first witnesses’ own dismissal of it as an idle tale makes the record more credible, not less.

Coming to the foot of the cross is one of the most precious places a believer can stand: the place of rescue, where the unworthy are ransomed, healed, and adopted. Consider all seven of Christ’s last words from the cross.

Long-distance runners live by a mindset: if you’re not running, you’re walking, if you’re not walking, you’re crawling, but you get to the finish line no matter what. Consider the confession’s doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, the promise that genuine faith finishes the race.