Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have exclusive access to a relationship with God, not by our own merit but by His blood and broken body. The imagery of the torn temple veil powerfully illustrates that Jesus alone opens the way for us to enter God’s presence, making clear that salvation is not one of many options but the only true path. In a culture that often promotes relativism and multiple truths, the gospel stands firm: Jesus is not a way, but the way, the truth, and the life. This truth is not just a theological point but a foundation to build your life upon, offering assurance and clarity in a world of shifting values. As you reflect on this, consider the cost and the privilege of being able to draw near to God through Christ alone. [11:51]
John 14:6 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to look for hope, meaning, or acceptance outside of Jesus? How can you intentionally remind yourself today that He alone is the way to God?
The regular gathering of the church is essential for Christian maturity, serving as a God-ordained means for holding fast to the gospel and stirring one another up to love and good works. While personal devotion is valuable, it cannot replace the unique power and accountability found in the official assembly of believers. The Spirit moves in a special way when the church gathers—through worship, teaching, and community—helping us to persevere in faith and encouraging us to live out our calling. In a culture that prizes individualism, God calls His people to grow together, not in isolation, but as a unified body. [23:45]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize gathering with your church family, even when it’s inconvenient or countercultural?
Believers are called to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,” actively fighting to remember and cling to the truth of the gospel amid life’s distractions and challenges. Just as a dead hang requires effort and endurance, so too does holding on to the hope we have in Christ; it’s a spiritual discipline that resists the temptation to drift or give up. This perseverance is not passive but intentional, requiring us to remind ourselves and each other of what Jesus has done, especially when we feel weary or discouraged. The gathering of the church is a key context where this holding fast is strengthened, as we are reminded together of God’s faithfulness. [21:55]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Reflection: When was the last time you felt your grip on the gospel slipping? Who can you reach out to this week for encouragement or accountability to help you hold fast?
The church’s gathering is precious because it was purchased at the highest price: the blood of Jesus. When we treat the assembly of believers as optional or secondary, we risk taking for granted what cost Christ everything. Around the world, many risk persecution or endure hardship just to gather, while we may neglect it for reasons of preference or convenience. Recognizing the true value of the gathering should move us to plan for it, prepare for it, and fully engage in it—not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what Jesus has done. [29:26]
Acts 20:28 (ESV)
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Reflection: How does remembering the price Jesus paid for the church change your attitude toward gathering with other believers? What is one way you can show its value this week?
True participation in the church means more than just attending; it means engaging fully by serving others and contributing to the life of the body. When we only come to receive, we miss the opportunity to bless others and to model sacrificial love, especially to the next generation. Serving stretches us beyond our comfort zones and helps us grow, while also ensuring that others can experience the same grace and community we have received. Resetting your rhythms to include both receiving and giving in the church is a tangible way to value the gathering and reflect Christ’s love. [33:34]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve your church family this month, even if it requires a sacrifice of time or comfort?
Today, we celebrate a milestone in our church’s journey: 200 families at Mercy Hill have now stepped into foster care or adoption. This is not just a number, but a testament to years of faithfulness, sacrificial giving, and the deep, slow work of God in our midst. Stories like Mike and Chelsea Ryan’s—who met as college students in our City Project, married, and became our 200th “chosen family”—remind us that the greatest fruit often comes from long-term commitment and steady obedience. For those who have served, given, and prayed over the years, take joy in seeing how God weaves together lives and legacies for His glory.
Turning to Hebrews 10, we are reminded of the foundation of our faith: the gospel. We have confidence to draw near to God, not because of our own merit, but because of Jesus—His blood, His broken body, and His ongoing advocacy as our great High Priest. The imagery of the torn veil in the temple at Jesus’ death is a powerful reminder that access to God is now open to all who come through Christ. This is not one option among many; Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life. Our culture may resist such exclusivity, but the clarity of Scripture is a firm foundation on which to build our lives.
Yet, the Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Hebrews 10 calls us to “hold fast the confession of our hope” and to “stir up one another to love and good works”—and the means God gives us for this is the regular gathering of the church. The assembly is not a mere tradition or social event; it is essential for spiritual growth. In a culture that prizes individualism and self-help, we are called to a communal faith, powered forward by the presence, encouragement, and accountability of others. The gathering is where we are reminded of the gospel, where we learn, serve, and are shaped together.
Valuing the gathering means more than just showing up. It means preparing our hearts and schedules, planning around it, and fully engaging—serving, giving, and participating in the life of the body. In a world where church is easily accessible, it’s tempting to take it for granted. But for many around the world, gathering comes at great cost. Let us not neglect what Christ purchased with His blood. May we reset our rhythms, prioritize the assembly, and treasure the privilege of being part of God’s people.
Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV) — 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
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