Steady faith in a shaky world

In a world that feels increasingly unstable, it’s easy to look backward—to the life we left behind, to old comforts, or to ways of living that don’t require as much surrender. But Hebrews 12:14–29 reminds us that steady faith isn’t built on nostalgia or fear. It’s built on moving forward with Jesus. Just like the illustration from the sermon—about driving backwards with only your rearview mirrors—faith becomes dangerous when we try to move forward by constantly looking behind us.

The early Christians in Hebrews were facing that very tension. They had left behind Judaism to follow Jesus, and now the pull of their old life was strong. Discouraged and overwhelmed, they were tempted to retreat. But the writer of Hebrews calls them—and us—not to shrink back, but to lean into a better future. There’s something far greater ahead: a life shaped by peace, love, and holiness, rooted in Jesus and his unshakable kingdom.

This passage gives us a clear call to action: live in peace with others, uproot bitterness in community, and pursue holiness. These aren’t just moral checkboxes; they’re the evidence of a faith that pleases God. When our lives reflect Jesus in how we treat others, care for each other, and live set apart, our faith becomes more than belief—it becomes a visible witness to the world around us.

Hebrews goes even deeper by comparing the old and new covenants through the imagery of two mountains—Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. Sinai was terrifying: smoke, fire, thunder, and fear. Even Moses trembled. But Mount Zion paints a different picture—a heavenly city filled with celebration, grace, and a God who invites us close. In Jesus, we don’t tremble in fear; we come boldly into God’s presence, confident in his love.

That doesn’t mean God is any less holy or powerful. He still deserves our awe, reverence, and obedience. But we are no longer cut off or condemned. Through Jesus, we’ve been made right with God, and that changes how we approach him. We fear God’s greatness, but we don’t fear losing his love. His kingdom cannot be shaken, and those who belong to him can stand firm—even when everything else feels uncertain.

Bitterness, compromise, and fear are all symptoms of shaky faith. But God calls us to steady faith—faith that expresses itself in Christlike love. One way to fight bitterness, the sermon reminded us, is through generous love. Pray for the person you’re struggling with. Serve someone who’s difficult to love. Give with no expectation of return. It’s hard to stay bitter toward someone you’re blessing.

As we grow in holiness and walk in love, we find the strength to keep going—even when our hands are tired and our knees are weak. Hebrews 12:12–13 tells us to “take a new grip” and “mark out a straight path.” Not just for our own sake, but so others can follow and find strength through our faith. That’s the kind of steady, forward-moving faith we want to cultivate as a church.

So let’s be people of peace. Let’s be a community of grace. Let’s live holy lives that point others to Jesus. When the world shakes, we will stand steady—because our faith is anchored in the unshakable kingdom of God.

- Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 4/6/25.