'Running the Race of Faith'

In I Corinthians, Paul compares our lives with a race at the Isthmian competitions which were held just outside Corinth every two years. Paul made two important observations that are true for our lives today. We need self-control and self-mastery to win the race. Paul writes, “Therefore

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Courage for God’s Calling'

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” – Joshua 1:6

The people of Israel stood at the edge of the Promised Land. Moses had led them faithfully for forty years, but because of his disobedience, he could only see the land from Mount Nebo. God

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Grow Groups Matter, Profoundly'

Grow Groups have been critical in the development of my faith and practice. When I was a child, I remember my parents’ small group meeting. They sang (my mom played the piano), read scripture, shared how God was working in their lives, prayed for each other, and followed up.

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Grounded in Faith'

Faith as a virtue is grounded in God’s grace and a relationship with Jesus. Scripture reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Our standing with God is not earned by our works; it is received as a gift. Virtue, then, is never a way to earn salvation—

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Where do your loyalties lie?'

Jesus gave us fair warning: money competes with God for our loyalty. Our loyalty to God is regularly tested by money, but Jesus says, “You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matt 6:24). Jesus draws a clear contrast—there’s a choice to be made. Who will you be loyal to?

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Mars or Jesus?'

In Mark 10:42, Jesus gathered His disciples and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.” When He referred to “rulers of the Gentiles,” He was talking about the Romans—250 years into a system built on conquest,

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Running the Right Race'

“Run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” – Hebrews 12:1–2

Ever try walking in a straight line while staring at your feet? You end up veering off course. The same principle applies to life.

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'God Has a Plan for All of Us'

"God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 11:40

Hebrews 11 is often called the “Faith Hall of Fame.” It tells the stories of Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and others who trusted God, even though they didn’t see the full results of His promises in their lifetimes. But the chapter ends with a surprising twist: “God had planned something

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Rev. Jonathan Beck
'Confidence in Christ'

This summer series from the letter to the Hebrews invites us into a rich theological tradition rooted deeply in Jewish history and practice. Though the authorship of Hebrews remains uncertain, the writer clearly possessed an intimate knowledge of the Old Testament sacrificial system, including

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Rev. Jonathan Beck