As we celebrate the season of Advent, let us remember and celebrate the blessings that Jesus’ miraculous birth enabled us to have. Because of what Jesus has done, God can equip us to do his will and work in us to live a life that glorifies him.

God is holy and righteous and our works are not. So what in the world is the writer of Hebrews talking about when he says to not “neglect to do good and to share…for such sacrifices are pleasing to God?”

God is sovereign over our losses so that what’s left will be the unshaken. God created us to yearn for what’s unshaken, secure, constant, strong – all attributes of God, our Father and His kingdom. God created us to serve and glorify Him in our yearning.

“Look at Jesus!” the author of Hebrews says again. But this time when we fix our eyes on Jesus, what should we consider?

Whether you realize it or not, if you are a Christian, the moment you received Jesus Christ as Lord of your life was when He gave you a pair of running shoes and a number. You began a race. A marathon.

As we finish chapter 11, we are reminded of miracles and great works by men and women of faith. People were rescued, healed, and raised from the dead. These heroes had faith in their future Messiah.

Our faith is not blind, naïve, or empty. Because that faith has a solid foundation, we can hang our hope (choices, resources, and lifestyle) on this stunning story of encountering Jesus alive and still making a difference.

So you want to live boldly? You want to slay giants? You want to have an unshakeable faith? Don’t rely on yourself. We have a better and more enduring possession.

Today’s Bible reading passage is entitled, “Warning Against Deliberate Sin.” The focus of the passage isn’t on the negative aspects of what happens when we ignore God’s truth, when we choose to willingly disobey God. Let’s focus on the unique sacrifice that Jesus Christ offered by being crucified on the cross, giving up his life for our sins so that we could have eternal life with God.

Because of Jesus’ one and done sacrifice for sin, God is always calling us back into fellowship with his people and himself. So what is one way God might be either calling you back into fellowship, or calling you into a deeper fellowship with his people?