Jesus' life shows that righteousness makes us misfits in this world and its systems. When we follow Jesus, we are choosing to live "on the outs" here and now. In doing so, we are called to treat this world's rejection AND it's praises as irrelevant. On Palm Sunday, Jesus was praised inside the Holy City, and then was sent out a week later to be crucified and rejected. This week, as Pastor Josh wraps up our Hebrews Sermon Series, we're reminded that our place is with Jesus - tuning out the world's praises AND rejections while pursuing our true home in Heaven!

There are certain words that nobody likes - "discipline" is one of them. While today's message affirms this as normal, the Bible declares that while discipline is not a pleasure now, it pays back big later. When someone truly loves us, they love us enough to teach us delayed gratification so we can experience the greater rewards in life. God is the biggest and best when it comes to this kind of love - the question is whether we will receive and amplify his disciplining love, or reject it in order to protect the pleasures in this life!

When we are wading through hard times, it helps to have a list of heroes and role models to inspire us. Better yet, if we can gain a sense that we are connected to them, fighting the same fight with them, and even being watched by them, it turns up the heat on our perseverance. The author of Hebrews uses this concept mightily in Chapter 11, providing a long list of famous hero's of the Faith, and then the author proclaims to His listeners (including us) something amazing - we are on their team and they also look up to us!

There is a consistent message throughout the book of Hebrews about perseverance. In fact, it could be argued that the whole book is one sermon with one simple point: Jesus is God's final and best answer - so press in, press on, and don't give up. This week, as Pastor Josh Blunt preaches through chapter 10:19-39, the Word reminds us (believers in Christ) of the full assurance of our faith, and directs us to desire a deeper and closer in commitment of obedience to the Lord.