Life Mission Church

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 12.12-17Jobey McGintyWe all know the tension of wanting real change, but feeling stuck in the same patterns. We tell ourselves that repentance means trying harder, feeling worse, or cleaning ourselves up before God. But Scripture invites us into something far more hopeful.Hebrews reminds us that God's discipline flows from love, not anger. From a Father who refuses to give up on His children. True repentance is not fear-driven or shame-filled. It's a turning of the heart toward Jesus. A surrender that trusts His care, even when the road is hard.In Christ, repentance becomes a gift. A pathway to healing. A way back to life. God is not waging war against you. He is fighting for your heart.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 12.3-11Jobey McGintyWe all long for seasons where life feels blessed. When things are working. When joy feels close. When faith feels easy.But we often assume that God's favor only looks like comfort and clarity. We quietly believe that struggle means distance. That discipline means disapproval. That dry seasons mean God has stepped back.Hebrews reminds us of a gentler truth. God's love does not leave when life gets hard. In fact, sometimes His love is most active there. “The Lord disciplines the one he loves” (Hebrews 12). Not to punish. Not to shame. But to heal. To form. To produce fruit that lasts.This is an invitation to trust Jesus in every season. To receive His love even when it comes through pruning. And to abide in Him together… believing that every moment held in Christ is marked by grace.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 12.1Jobey McGintyWe all want to finish well. But somewhere along the way, faith can feel heavy. We get tired. We stumble. We quietly wonder if endurance is really possible.The world tells us the answer is to try harder. To be stronger. To keep proving ourselves. But that lie only deepens our shame and leaves us running alone.Hebrews reminds us of a better way. “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking to Jesus.” He is not just the one who starts our faith. He is the one who sustains it. The founder. The perfector. The faithful witness who carries us when we're weak.Let us lay down the weight we've been carrying and lift our eyes again to Christ, trusting that He is at work in us.

Training for Godliness - Proverbs 27.6Jobey McGintyIn our journey of faith, we often struggle with the idea of training and correction. We may believe that we can grow on our own, without the guidance of others. Yet, the truth is that God designed us for community and mutual support. Proverbs 27:6 reminds us that 'Faithful are the wounds of a friend.' It's in the loving correction of those around us that we find true growth and healing. Jesus invites us into this beautiful process of being trained and equipped, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of others. Let us embrace the gift of community, allowing each other to speak truth in love, and together, we can become who God has called us to be.

Training for Godliness - Psalm 150.6Tyler WillisIn our journey of faith, we often feel the weight of our prayer life. We might believe that we should have it all figured out by now, but the truth is, prayer is a continual starting line in our relationship with Jesus. Just as we breathe to live, prayer is essential for our spiritual vitality. Today, let's explore the beauty of prayer as we deepen our connection with God, remembering that every breath we take can be an act of worship. Let us come together to embrace this gift of communication with our Father.

Training for Godliness - 2 Timothy 3.16-17Tyler WillisContinuing the series on Training in Godliness, we learn from 1 Timothy 4:6 that the Word of God is the essential "protein" for spiritual growth. Just as junk food harms the body, consuming the world's fear and slander trains us in anxiety.Holiness requires active training, not drifting. With the Holy Spirit as our helper, we must move from passivity to action—confessing our lack of desire and choosing to obey, trusting that delight will follow discipline.

1 Timothy 4.1-8Jobey McGintyWe start our new year as we always do, with a short sermon series that reminds us of the basics and shines a light on critical role of the Word, Prayer, and Gospel Community in our lives. In this first sermon from Timothy, we see Paul instructing Timothy to be nourished in the words of faith. This "taking in" is the first step of training—we must feed on sound doctrine and actively reject the "silly myths" and distractions of our age, such as the digital "brain rot" and controversies that clutter our minds.But taking in truth is not enough; we must also exercise (gymnazo) it. Just as an athlete moves from being coached to training on their own, we must move from receiving external discipline to disciplining ourselves. We are called to be doers of the Word, not just hearers (who forget what they look like in the mirror). By limiting what we might see as our freedoms and cutting out distractions, we allow God to equip and mend us, making us whole and ready for every good work He has prepared.

Psalm 107 - Jobey McGintyAs we do every year, we close out 2025 remembering God's goodness to us through the lens of Psalm 107. We are reminded that if God's steadfast love endures forever, then the redeemed of the Lord ought to say so. The Psalmist describes four types of people God redeems: the wanderers who are lost and aimless, the prisoners sitting in darkness due to rebellion, the fools suffering affliction because of their sin, and the storm-tossed who face life's overwhelming waves.In every scenario, the solution is the same: "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress." We see that God uses all things—even meaningful affliction—to draw us back to Him. We can trust God's hand even when it hurts, knowing He works in faithfulness.

Advent: Behold the True and Better - Luke 2.21-40Jobey McGintyWe conclude our Advent series by looking at Luke 2, witnessing the beautiful passing of the torch from the Old Covenant saints to the arrival of the Messiah.We look to Simeon and Anna, who faithfully waited into their old age for God's promises to be fulfilled. They remind us that Jesus is the Consolation of Israel, coming to bring comfort to a weary world filled with darkness, grief, and exhaustion. Jesus comes as the Light of the World, bringing clarity, warmth, and beauty into our lives. While we often fear the light because it exposes our hidden sin and shame, we are reminded that His light is not meant to condemn us but to free us.We are called to come out of hiding and let His light frame our sorrows and heal our internal struggles. We must not be a "cul-de-sac" of God's blessing, keeping it to ourselves, but rather a "through street," acting as a chosen race and royal priesthood to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Advent: Behold the True and Better - Luke 2.1-52 Jobey McGintyWhile the world looked at Caesar Augustus as the ultimate authority, the Christmas story reveals that the heart of the king is merely a stream of water in the hand of the Lord. God ordained a global census, mobilizing millions of people and causing massive inconvenience, just to move one family from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy of Micah 5:2. God is willing to move heaven and earth—and even frustrate the plans of peoples and nations—to accomplish His specific purposes for the salvation of His people.We are often tempted to complain about the inconveniences, government overreach, or trials in our lives, much like the people of that day likely did. But we are called to look behind the curtain and see a Sovereign God who orchestrates all things—even the frustrating ones—for the good of those who love Him. Because He holds every square inch of the universe, including our personal struggles, we can hear the angel's command to "Fear not," knowing that no purpose of God can be thwarted.

The Holy Spirit is not merely a force; He is the fully divine third Person of the Trinity, sent as our indispensable Helper, Guide, and Comforter. His primary role is applying the salvation Christ purchased directly to our lives. At conversion, the Spirit acts as our Seal and Guarantee of redemption, ensuring we possess an imperishable inheritance kept safe for us. This sealing confirms our Adoption, transforming us from enemies and children of wrath into beloved sons and daughters of God. This is only the beginning! We then enter Sanctification—the lifelong "home renovation" project that makes us holy. While this requires our diligent effort and discipline, our ultimate Perseverance is rooted 100% in God's faithfulness, not in our inconsistent works. If we grieve Him by living in sin, the Father intervenes with loving Discipline to destroy the flesh and draw us back to holiness. The proof of true faith is the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. To maintain growth and conquer sin, we must continually seek the ongoing Filling of the Spirit by practicing radical repentance—we dig out the rocks of sin to make room for more of Him.

Behold the True and Better - Luke 1.8-25,56-80Tyler WillisGod's plan for redemption was not a backup plan but something foretold through the prophets. Even so, Zechariah, a priest who knew the stories of old, still doubted the angel Gabriel's message that he and Elizabeth would have a son. His doubt reveals how our knowledge doesn't always equal belief. But God's faithfulness remains even when we waver.Zechariah's temporary muteness was a gift of humility, leading him to eventually proclaim God's goodness and prophesy over his son, John the Baptist. Like him, we must learn to lean not on our own understanding but trust in God's perfect timing and power. When we humble ourselves, God magnifies His power through us, inviting us to proclaim the excellencies of the One who called us out of darkness.

Advent: Behold the True and Better - Luke 1-7, 26-55Jobey McGintyGod's strength is displayed not through earthly power, but through weakness. He came not as a superhero or a conquering king with an entourage, but as a helpless baby born to poor parents in a lowly town. This was God's plan to show that He is stronger than sin and death!Like Mary, who believed God's promise despite her humble status, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness, not our own strength. Faith is believing that God will fulfill His promises, even when we are weak or don't understand.

In this class we look to further understand salvation, exploring the theological debate between Calvinism (Reformed Theology) and Arminianism (Wesleyanism), particularly focusing on the "five points" of disagreement. A central point of discussion is the nature of the atonement, contrasting the Arminian belief in unlimited atonement (salvation made possible for all) with the Calvinist view of limited atonement or "definite redemption" (Christ died specifically for the elect). God's Word seems to point towards a middle position, sometimes called "unlimited limited atonement," which holds that Christ made salvation available to all, but its effectiveness is limited to those whom God elects through irresistible grace to complete the work of salvation (monergism). Ultimately , we must understand that these are often deeply held convictions and we must not focus on maintaining unity and humility among believers as we seek deeper understanding of God's grace and sovereignty.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 11.23-28Jobey McGintyMoses had a pretty amazing life. He had all the fame and treasure of Egypt right at his fingertips. But when he grew up, he refused it all. Why? Because he chose to get mistreated with God's people rather than enjoying the "fleeting pleasures of sin."He had an eternal perspective. By faith, he saw something the world couldn't: the "reproach of Christ" was greater wealth than anything Egypt had to offer because he was "looking to the reward." This is our model—to trust God's unseen promises over the world's visible threats. It's that faith that let him lead God's people right through an impossible situation at the Red Sea, proving God's power when their own strength ran out.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 11.11, 12, 17-22Jobey McGintyFaith is not about believing so strongly that God will give us what we want. That is the prosperity gospel—a lie. Instead, faith is believing and laying hold of the things God has already promised. Like Sarah, who considered God faithful even when she doubted and laughed at His promise, we must repent of cynicism and hold fast to the promises guaranteed at the cross.Faith is the marriage of our soul to Christ. It is walking in the humility and dependence that recognizes we are not our own and that our lives were bought with a price. We must strive to do everything in faith, whether in word or action, not to earn favor, but as a reasonable response to glorifying God in our bodies.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 11.7-16Jobey McGintyThe world encourages us to be ambassadors for the pleasures of this life, but we are citizens of a better, future homeland. Like Noah, who built an ark for an unseen event, and Abraham, who left his home for an unknown country, we must acknowledge that we are strangers and exiles on this earth. Our earthly pursuits are merely a path toward something greater, a steppingstone toward our eternal inheritance.When we focus on heaven, our eternal perspective should fuel our present passion and diligence, making us better ambassadors for Christ. We must imitate those who pursue Christ, putting all our time, treasures, and talents into the Kingdom, because where your treasure is, your heart will be also.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 11.1-6Jobey McGintyWe must understand that without faith, it is impossible to please God. In fact, it is arrogant to assume that our good works, moral uprightness, or obedience can earn His favor. The true work of God is simply to believe in the One He sent. Rejecting Christ, the only solution to sin, makes all other accomplishments meaningless.We look to Abel, highlighted here in Hebrews 11, whose sacrifice was acceptable not because it was valuable to God, but because it was given by faith from a heart acknowledging sin's severity. God requires us to sacrifice and let go of the idols we cling to—like money, time, or grudges—because our heart follows our treasure, and God wants our hearts!We must make it our highest aim to please God in everything. By offering all of our life—time, treasure, and talents—as a living sacrifice, we open our hands to receive His freedom and leave a legacy of faith that will outlive us.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Isaiah 40.28-31Tyler WillisLife has a way of draining our energy, leaving us spiritually weak and exhausted. The world tells us to “dig deep,” but our faith teaches us that when we are weak, His strength is made known. As Isaiah 40 reminds us, the Lord is the everlasting God who does not grow weary. We receive strength not by striving, but by waiting for the Lord—looking forward to, hoping for, and expecting Him.If you have a lack of strength in your marriage, parenting, or finances, His grace gives you endurance. The Lord gives power to the faint so that we may run and not be weary toward the promises of eternal rest. Jesus Christ, our perfect forerunner, ran the race to the cross, securing your rest. Come to Him, the only one who can carry the weight of sin and give you rest for your soul.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 10.36-11.3Jobey McGintyWe all face moments where the weight of the world—whether it's discouragement, fear, or temptation—tempts us to give up. The world tells us to "dig deep" and be strong, but the Gospel reveals that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. We have a need for endurance so that, having done the will of God, we may receive what He has promised.Remember, faith is not the size of your strength, but the conviction in the unseen promises of a faithful God. We look to the Old Testament heroes of the faith not because they were awesome, but because they modeled dependence, trusting in the God who guaranteed their salvation. When we are faithless, He remains faithful, because He cannot deny Himself.We have the Holy Spirit as our helper and our guarantee, helping us in our weakness and interceding for us. Let's keep our eyes fixed on Christ, boasting in our weaknesses, as His strength is made known, enduring to the end by faith.

In this class we look to further understand salvation, exploring the theological debate between Calvinism (Reformed Theology) and Arminianism (Wesleyanism), particularly focusing on the "five points" of disagreement. A central point of discussion is the nature of the atonement, contrasting the Arminian belief in unlimited atonement (salvation made possible for all) with the Calvinist view of limited atonement or "definite redemption" (Christ died specifically for the elect). God's Word seems to point towards a middle position, sometimes called "unlimited limited atonement," which holds that Christ made salvation available to all, but its effectiveness is limited to those whom God elects through irresistible grace to complete the work of salvation (monergism). Ultimately , we must understand that these are often deeply held convictions and we must not focus on maintaining unity and humility among believers as we seek deeper understanding of God's grace and sovereignty.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 10.23, 24, John 17.1-26Jobey McGintyWhat a blessed assurance we have in Christ. We are in a relationship with the one who has sworn on the highest level to never leave or forsake us. Our Savior has already done everything necessary to convince us of His perfect, unbreakable love by coming to earth, dying for us, and rising again. Our salvation is not secured by our own wavering faithfulness, but by His faithfulness to Himself and His promises.Therefore, because of this great news, we must hold fast to our confession without wavering and not neglect meeting together. Let's consider how to stir one another up to love and good works, all the more as the day of Christ's return draws near.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 10.26-11.1Ron OhstJesus Christ is not just another prophet or priest; He is the Creator and the exact image of God, superior to the angels, Moses, and everything in the Old Covenant. He is our eternal High Priest, and He offered Himself, the single perfect sacrifice, once and for all to secure our forgiveness.Because of this finished work, the Old Covenant is now obsolete. There is no longer any offering for sin, and God remembers our sins no more. Given this incredible truth—that Jesus is better than everything—why would anyone ever turn back? Do not be tempted to walk away from the truth, because there is literally nowhere else to go.We must endure and not throw away the confidence we have in Christ. Let's live by the faith that is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. Jesus is worthy of our complete commitment, our entire life, and all that we have.

In this class we focus on the theological significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest and sacrificial Lamb of God. We take a hard, honest look at the physical brutality of the crucifixion and its theological necessity, seeing that Jesus' suffering was central to His mission and a fulfillment of prophecy. Central to our study is the concept of atonement, which reconciles humanity with God by satisfying divine justice through penal substitution, where Christ willingly became sin to bear God's wrath. This act was motivated by God the Father's perfect love and the Son's willing participation in the Covenant of Redemption, which ultimately resulted in propitiation (satisfaction of wrath), expiation (removal of sin and its stain), and justification (being declared righteous) for believers, culminating in the resurrection and eternal life.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 10.19-22Jobey McGintyThe finished work of the Great High Priest has inaugurated a new and living way, granting us the audacious confidence to draw near to the Holy of Holies—not through our own fragile righteousness, but solely "by the blood of Jesus." This assurance is full and unwavering, a covenant sworn by God to Himself, securing our perseverance against every tribulation, persecution, and doubt.Our salvation is revealed to be imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, an inheritance so precious that the Father has Himself sealed it with the Holy Spirit as our eternal guarantee. Therefore, we are called to fan into flame the gift of God, dying to the self-preserving fear of the world and embracing a life of self-sacrificial love, for nothing—neither the darkness of the age nor the condemnation of our own heart—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

In this class, we focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as fully God and fully man, known as the Hypostatic Union. We explore the necessity of Jesus as the Kinsman Redeemer and the Last Adam to pay the debt for humanity's sin, highlighting that salvation is ultimately achieved through His perfect works rather than human merit. We review biblical prophecies concerning His heritage, birth, ministry, and ultimate death, presenting the Incarnation (God becoming flesh) and subsequent crucifixion as the pivotal events for fulfilling the biblical covenants and enacting the New Covenant. Finally, we contrast Jesus' joyful, authentic life with legalism and self-righteousness, and are encouraged to reflect His character and understand the profound, transformative nature of His sacrifice.

The Giver - 2 Corinthians 5.1-10Tim CainThere is a human tendency to be overwhelmed by fear of loss, even in moments of deep love and gratitude. We often focus on the temporary nature of earthly joys, constantly worried about losing what we cherish.However, Paul reminds us that our "earthly tent" is being dismantled, not for ultimate loss, but to be replaced by a "building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." We are called to groan not with regret for what is passing, but with anticipation for the glorious permanence that awaits.God is a giver, not a taker. He sent His Son, the greatest treasure of heaven to take on the form of a temporary tent so that He could offer us a permanent building with Him for all eternity. We are given the Holy Spirit as a guarantee that all of God's promises are true. So, love the good things in this world with open hands, knowing that any loss is simply a precursor to something infinitely greater.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 9.23-10.18Jobey McGintyUnlike the repeated animal sacrifices in the Old Testament, Jesus made a one-time, complete sacrifice for sin that has put it away forever.The work of salvation is finished, and we can rest in Christ. While Old Testament priests stood daily because their work was never done, Jesus sat down at the right hand of God, signifying that His work is complete. Our salvation is secure, an imperishable and unfading inheritance guarded by God's power.Christ has perfected us, even as we are being perfected. God remembers our sins no more, so our response should be one of thanksgiving, not guilt or self-punishment. This is a reminder to trust in the finished work of Christ and live in the freedom He purchased for us.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Romans 6.23Jobey McGintyGod's law is like a "tutor," showing us our flaws and failures, but it can never save us. It demands a level of perfection that no one can achieve on their own.But Jesus is the "new student" who lived a perfect life, earning straight A's in every aspect. He offers us a "great exchange," taking on our sins and failures while giving us His perfect record. Salvation is not about being "good enough" but about accepting this gift from Him. When we do, we are born again, and the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us.The Holy Spirit acts as a renovator, helping us to change from the inside out. As we repent of our sins and seek God's help, we are continually filled with the Spirit, empowering us to live a life that honors God and overcomes sin.

In Class 6, we explore the concept of covenants within a theological framework, emphasizing humanity's total depravity and inability to achieve salvation through works. God righteously hates sin and sinners, but simultaneously desires to show unmerited favor (sola gratia). This grace enables individuals to exercise faith alone (sola fide) to receive salvation, as exemplified by a series of biblical covenants—Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic—all of which foreshadow and culminate in the New Covenant, made possible by the Covenant of Redemption within the Trinity and sealed by the Holy Spirit. True spiritual freedom and reconciliation with God are gifts that transcend human effort, which should lead us to a profound appreciation for God's redemptive plan and a call for compassionate evangelism.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 9.11-22Tyler WillisThe Old Testament system of sacrifices was temporary, a shadow that could never truly cleanse our conscience. It was designed to point to something better—to Jesus, our perfect High Priest. He entered the heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption for us. The blood of Jesus is far more effective than the blood of bulls and goats. It has the power to purify our conscience, freeing us from dead works so that we can serve the living God. Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant, and through His death, we receive an eternal inheritance. Because of this ultimate sacrifice, we are now called to offer our own bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 9.1-10Jobey McGintyThe Old Testament provided a specific way to approach a holy God, a system of rituals and regulations that were a gracious provision for a sinful people. But these were always temporary, a shadow pointing to a greater reality.Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment—the high priest, the sacrifice, and the temple all in one. The tearing of the temple veil at His crucifixion symbolized the complete removal of the barrier between us and God. He has not only removed the guilt of our past, but has cleansed our conscience, freeing us from shame and a life lived in the past.Because of His work, we are a new creation. The old has passed away, and we are now the very righteousness of God, in Christ. Live in the reality of this new identity and approach your holy God with boldness.

In this class, we reach the introduction of evil into God's perfect creation. We learn of Satan's origin as a proud angel who rebelled and became the "father of lies," leading to the fall of humanity. We then examine the consequences of sin, including the curses placed on creation, mankind, and Satan, and, as a result, the separation from God. But God remains sovereign in the midst of the sin and evil, asserting His ultimate control and purpose in all things, even suffering. Understanding sin helps us better understand our need for daily repentance and engagement with scripture.

In this class, we explore the nature of God as the Creator and the significance of His creation, particularly humanity. God created everything ex nihilo (out of nothing) through His Word, a concept linked to the Trinity's involvement (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and He called it good! By understanding God's original design for humanity, made in His image (imago Dei) as male and female, we can have a better understanding of marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of life.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 8.1-13Jobey McGintyThe Old Covenant, with its rules and sacrifices, was never the final answer. It was a tutor, meant to expose the depth of our sin and point us to a greater solution. The Old Testament priesthood was a "shadow" of what was to come, a temporary measure that could never make anyone truly perfect. But Jesus Christ established a new and better covenant, one based on unbreakable promises. He fulfilled every requirement of the old law because we could not. And through faith in Him, we are not just forgiven, we are justified. Our sins are remembered no more, and we are given a brand new identity—from "children of wrath" to "children of God." Because of His mercy and grace, we are made alive with Christ. Now, as children of God, our purpose is to share this incredible news with a world that is still separated from His saving grace.

God, desiring to be known, has revealed Himself through His "Word," defined not merely as utterances but as His complete thoughts, will, and purposes. This revelation manifests in declarations, Scripture, and most profoundly, in Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh. The Word is "breathed out by God," serving as the ultimate authority, providing sufficiency for godly living, rebuking sin, offering correction, and training believers in righteousness. Understanding God's Word, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, is essential for recognizing false teachings, purifying one's life, and knowing Christ Himself.

In chapters 1 & 2 of our Doctrine & Theology class we begin to explore the profound impact of the study and knowledge of doctrine can have on our lives. The truth is, everyone is a theologian and how knowing God—who He is, what He does, and His ways—leads to a healthier, richer relationship with Jesus Christ. We delve into God's self-disclosure, including the central and necessary doctrine of the Trinity, understanding Him as one true God in three distinct, co-equal Persons. We see to learn how this understanding transforms our worship and prayer, and provides a divine pattern for all relationships, fostering love, humility, and confidence in our unique roles within the body of Christ. This study aims to change you from the inside out, causing you to fall more deeply in love with God.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 7.1-25Jobey McGintyMelchizedek, a mysterious king and priest from the Old Testament, serves as a powerful "Easter egg," foreshadowing the coming of Christ and assuring us that God's eternal plan is true. Jesus is our true and greater Melchizedek, a High Priest whose position is not based on lineage but on the power of an indestructible life. He is the guarantor of a new and better covenant—one that isn't a fragile deal dependent on us, but an unbreakable promise God made to Him. Because of this, Jesus is able to save us to the "uttermost." He provides a "bumper-to-bumper" warranty on our salvation, accomplishing it from beginning to end. Even when we fail, Jesus, our perfect High Priest, continually intercedes for us, making our salvation secure in Him.

Colossians 3.1-17Jobey McGintyAs believers, made alive by God's grace and indwelt by His Spirit, we can pursue holiness not in our strength, but in His. It's time to intentionally "put off" the flesh and "put on" the fruit of the Spirit, as Colossians 3:1-17 urges. And, thankfully, this isn't dependent on human willpower. When we tap into the Spirit's power and God's Word, real change begins. So, what's the plan? Daily reading, memorization, and meditation on God's Word. Training ourselves to pray like Jesus, praying Scripture itself. And truly investing in purposeful, accountable community.

Zephaniah 3.14-16Ryan WentzelWhat does God truly think of you? In Zephaniah 3:14-20, we read some profoundly good news for ancient Israel—promises of an end to exile, restoration from shame, and God's very presence among them. These ancient promises find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He embodies God's presence, brings true restoration, and ends our spiritual exile by enduring exile Himself. Through Jesus, God doesn't just tolerate us; He sings over us, smiles over us, and delights in us. His love is not begrudging but overflowing with joy. Believe this good news and find rest in the boundless, joyful love God has for you through Christ.

2 Corinthians 3.1-18Forrest WeilandOne of the greatest joys of the Spirit's work in your salvation is knowing that He is actively writing your life story and enabling you to live for Him. You can take comfort knowing that your sanctification and growth come entirely from God, as His Spirit powerfully works within you. He provides all you need to grow and change—a foundational promise and gift of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.Witness how, over the consistent arc of your life, the Spirit transforms you into the very image of Christ. As you behold God's beauty and glory, fixing your eyes on Jesus, you will be changed from one degree of glory to the next, all by the Spirit at work within. Though we plant and water, it is God who gives the increase; in Him we place our hope and trust.

Proverbs 1.1-33 - Jobey McGintyBeyond mere morality or following rules, wisdom is the ability to navigate life's complex choices, even when moral paths seem unclear. A lack of wisdom, though not always immoral, can lead to disaster. True wisdom isn't just about accumulating knowledge; it's about knowing God through His Word and His Son. In fact, Christ Himself is the very Wisdom of God. We need this divine wisdom not just for ourselves, but to be salt and light, crying aloud in a noisy world, drawing others to the saving grace of Jesus.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 6.17-19Tyler WillisThe same omnipotent God who spoke the universe into existence, purposefully created you! Romans 8:28 reminds us that for those who love Him, all things work together for good, for those called according to His purpose. Yet, do we truly marvel at Him? Or do we often worship creation over the Creator, seeking our own sovereignty, thinking our finite minds know better than an infinite God? This is the subtle deception of idolatry. God's sovereign love desires His power be known by you, for your good. We are part of His redemption story, but His glory is the point.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 6.13-20Jobey McGintyThe author of Hebrews uses the story of the covenant God made with Abraham to illustrate the fact that God, when He made a promise to us, likewise did so by making the promise sure by Him making the promise to Himself rather than between us. He swore by two unchangeable things: He swore by Himself (His unchangeable character and purpose), and He swore with an oath (His promise to fulfill His promise). God's fulfilling of His promise is in Christ, not in you or me. God the Father “sealed the deal” with God the Son, and not only that, but God the Holy Spirit is the seal of this guaranteed, promised inheritance. In the meantime, while we await this heavenly hope of our future inheritance, we wait and endure patiently. We must put our hope in the fact that the promises of God are anchored down in Christ, not in us.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 6.9-12Jobey McGintyDespite the stark warning the author of Hebrews has already given, it is clear that his ultimate goal is for the reader to have confidence and assurance of their salvation. And he points out that he does have confidence in their salvation for one primary reason: they have proved it. Their works of love and service are clear evidence of their faith. The seed of the gospel has taken root and the evidence is in the strong tree which has grown and is now producing good fruit.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 6.4-8Jobey McGintyIs the author of Hebrews telling us that it is possible for a believer to get to a point where they can no longer repent? This is, indeed, a challenging passage, and so we must use the whole Word of God to help in our understanding. When things are unclear in any communication or desire for understanding, we ought to appeal to the most clear information we have in order to make sense of the less clear. This helps us understand context better. And while the short answer is "no", if the Spirit of God is within you and you have been born again in Jesus, then your salvation is secure...the longer answer is that this passage, and others like it, serve as a stern warning to all those who are unsure where their faith actually lies and we should all regularly ask God to both give us assurance and point out any area in our hearts which requires repentance.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 5.11-6.3Jobey McGintyThe basic principles of Christianity are not unimportant or something we should move on from, but they are the foundations that we most build upon and go on from to maturity. The biggest threat to the church today is not from outside the church, but from inside. “Biblical illiteracy” is an epidemic in the church despite the fact that the Bible is carried around in our pockets each and every day. We must diligently work to guard our hearts and keep our focus constantly on the Gospel, so that we are sharpened and ready for use in God's kingdom work.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 5.1-10Jobey McgintyThe author of Hebrews provides us a description of the High Priest, as it had been described in God's Word. And, eventually, a new High Priest was sent, and it was the very Son of God Almighty. But although He was the Son, He would not be given preferential treatment. He would have to go through all that the earthly High Priests would go through, even what every human would have to go through, and through this, He also became a High Priest originated from the people, with the weakness of human experience being what makes Him sympathetic and gentle.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 4.14-16Jobey McGintyPaying attention to the “small words” in the bible is of critical importance for us. Whether it is “and” or “but” or “if,” all of these make a huge difference in understanding what the Lord is telling us. And in Hebrews, we see a lot of these, and in particular we see a lot of two important phrases: Because, and Therefore. Because we have a “great High Priest” who entered into the heavens on our behalf, we then therefore should hold firmly to the confession of our faith in Him. And this great High Priest actually comes alongside of us and empowers us to hold firmly to the saving truth of the Gospel.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 4.8-13Tyler WillisGod's word is living, active, and sharper than any sword. It pierces to the heart, revealing what needs to be brought into the light and purifying us from within. Remember, we cannot change our own hearts or anyone else's; this is God's work. Our call is to earnestly desire His word and to seek our rest and fulfillment not in the fleeting things of this world, but wholly in Jesus, our ultimate source of life. Let us continue to pray that His word would dwell richly in us, continually purifying our hearts as we walk with Him.

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 4.1-7Jobey McGintyRest seems quite elusive for us in this day and age. Constant demands and keeping up with the pace of life leaves us restless. But God offers us the best and most important rest necessary, and that is rest from not only condemnation and shame, but also rest from trying to earn God's love and acceptance. The Good News is that rest is still available to anyone who still has breath. The sacrifice of Christ is sufficient to cover and pay for the sins of all who would believe in faith. And as long as it is called “today,” anyone, regardless of how “far” from the Lord they are, is able to be saved by that grace, and that grace will be sufficient for us for all eternity.