What is hijacking your faith?
A look at four subtle "hijackers" that try to pull our faith away from the simple, full life we already have in Jesus.

Paul Durbin • Lead Pastor
June 21, 2026

7 Minute Read
OVERVIEW 👀

In this fifth message from the Book of Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through Colossians 2:8–23 and uncovers four sneaky "hijackers" that try to pull our faith away from Jesus. Using a memorable story of a bait-and-switch taxi ride in China, Paul reminds us that in Christ we already have fullness, newness, and forgiveness—and we don't need anything more added to that. He challenges us to spot godless philosophies, legalistic rule keeping, mystical experiences, and traditional wisdom that try to take us for a ride to places we don't want to go. The invitation is simple: keep your faith squarely rooted in Jesus.

168 | What is hijacking your faith?

In this fifth message from the Book of Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through Colossians 2:8–23 and uncovers four sneaky "hijackers" that try to pull our faith away from Jesus. Using a memorable story of a bait-and-switch taxi ride in China, Paul reminds us that in Christ we already have fullness, newness, and forgiveness—and we don't need anything more added to that. He challenges us to spot godless philosophies, legalistic rule keeping, mystical experiences, and traditional wisdom that try to take us for a ride to places we don't want to go. The invitation is simple: keep your faith squarely rooted in Jesus.

Paul Durbin • Last Sunday
TIPS 📌
  • For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
  • You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
  • Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage.
ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊
Have you ever been "bait and switched" by something that promised one thing and delivered another (a vacation, a product, a meal)? Tell the story.
BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖

Colossians 3:1–4:1 (NIV)

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. 1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

OBSERVATION 🔎
  1. What words or phrases does Paul use to describe what we already have "in Christ"?
  2. What specific warnings or "watch outs" does Paul give in this passage?
  3. What does Paul say happened to the record of our sin, and what imagery does he use to describe it?
APPLICATION 👋
  1. Where are you most tempted to believe Jesus alone isn't enough—that you need to add something to your faith to feel secure?
  2. Paul compares our fullness in Christ to a cargo ship that can't take on one more piece of cargo without sinking. What "extras" have you been tempted to load on top of Jesus?
  3. Is there a "godless philosophy" or smart-sounding idea you've been quietly absorbing that leaves Jesus out of the equation?
  4. Do you find yourself measuring your spiritual life more by rules you keep (or break) than by your relationship with Jesus? What might that be hiding?
  5. Pastor Paul shared that he's had real, unexplainable spiritual experiences—but warned against chasing the experience over the relationship. Where might you be chasing a spiritual "high" instead of a steady walk with Jesus?
  6. What cultural expectations (being on time, independent, successful, polished) do you sometimes confuse with being a good Christian? These are good things, but they're not the same as righteousness in Christ.
  7. If a friend asked you, "What does it actually mean to follow Jesus?" how would you answer without sliding into a list of do's and don'ts?
LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️
  • Pick one "hijacker" from the message (philosophy, legalism, mysticism, or cultural wisdom) and ask a trusted friend this week to help you spot it in your own life.
  • Write down three things you have in Christ—fullness, newness, forgiveness—and share them with someone who needs that reminder.
  • Reach out to someone who feels disqualified or "not enough" spiritually and remind them what Jesus has already done for them.
  • Invite someone over for a meal this week and have a real, unhurried conversation about faith—relationship, not rules.
  • Spend one morning this week unplugged from social media or news, and use that time to simply talk with Jesus like a friend.
PRAYER 🙏
  • Thank Jesus for the fullness, newness, and forgiveness you already have in Him.
  • Ask the Spirit to show you any "hijacker" that's slowly pulled you off course.
  • Pray for someone you know who's stuck in rule-keeping religion instead of relationship.
  • Ask God to keep your faith simple, steady, and rooted in Jesus alone.
  • Pray for Belay'ers to live on belay this week—on mission, in step with the Spirit.
WORSHIP 🙌


OUTLINE 📝

Main Idea: In Christ, you already have everything you need—don't let anything hijack that.

What We Have In Christ

  • Fullness — the cargo ship is full
  • Newness — buried and raised with Christ
  • Forgiveness — nailed to the cross

Hijacker One: Godless Philosophies

  • Smart-sounding ideas that leave Jesus out
  • True wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord
  • C.S. Lewis: by Christ we see everything else

Hijacker Two: Legalistic Rule Keeping

  • Measuring faith by do's and don'ts
  • Rules are a shadow; Christ is the reality
  • Relationship, not a rulebook

Hijacker Three: Mystical Experiences

  • Chasing a high over a connection
  • Experiences without the Head are empty
  • Welcome them, but don't worship them

Hijacker Four: Traditional Wisdom

  • Cultural norms can look like righteousness
  • Good citizen ≠ citizen of heaven
  • Honor culture, but don't bow to it

Takeaway: Put your faith squarely in Jesus—He is enough, and anything added only sinks the ship.

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June 21, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
What is hijacking your faith?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this fifth message from the Book of Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through Colossians 2:8–23 and uncovers four sneaky "hijackers" that try to pull our faith away from Jesus. Using a memorable story of a bait-and-switch taxi ride in China, Paul reminds us that in Christ we already have fullness, newness, and forgiveness—and we don't need anything more added to that. He challenges us to spot godless philosophies, legalistic rule keeping, mystical experiences, and traditional wisdom that try to take us for a ride to places we don't want to go. The invitation is simple: keep your faith squarely rooted in Jesus.hijack TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 Have you ever been "bait and switched" by something that promised one thing and delivered another (a vacation, a product, a meal)? Tell the story. BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Colossians 3:1–4:1 (NIV) 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. 1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. OBSERVATION 🔎 What words or phrases does Paul use to describe what we already have "in Christ"? What specific warnings or "watch outs" does Paul give in this passage? What does Paul say happened to the record of our sin, and what imagery does he use to describe it? APPLICATION 👋 Where are you most tempted to believe Jesus alone isn't enough—that you need to add something to your faith to feel secure? Paul compares our fullness in Christ to a cargo ship that can't take on one more piece of cargo without sinking. What "extras" have you been tempted to load on top of Jesus? Is there a "godless philosophy" or smart-sounding idea you've been quietly absorbing that leaves Jesus out of the equation? Do you find yourself measuring your spiritual life more by rules you keep (or break) than by your relationship with Jesus? What might that be hiding? Pastor Paul shared that he's had real, unexplainable spiritual experiences—but warned against chasing the experience over the relationship. Where might you be chasing a spiritual "high" instead of a steady walk with Jesus? What cultural expectations (being on time, independent, successful, polished) do you sometimes confuse with being a good Christian? These are good things, but they're not the same as righteousness in Christ. If a friend asked you, "What does it actually mean to follow Jesus?" how would you answer without sliding into a list of do's and don'ts? LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Pick one "hijacker" from the message (philosophy, legalism, mysticism, or cultural wisdom) and ask a trusted friend this week to help you spot it in your own life. Write down three things you have in Christ—fullness, newness, forgiveness—and share them with someone who needs that reminder. Reach out to someone who feels disqualified or "not enough" spiritually and remind them what Jesus has already done for them. Invite someone over for a meal this week and have a real, unhurried conversation about faith—relationship, not rules. Spend one morning this week unplugged from social media or news, and use that time to simply talk with Jesus like a friend. PRAYER 🙏 Thank Jesus for the fullness, newness, and forgiveness you already have in Him. Ask the Spirit to show you any "hijacker" that's slowly pulled you off course. Pray for someone you know who's stuck in rule-keeping religion instead of relationship. Ask God to keep your faith simple, steady, and rooted in Jesus alone. Pray for Belay'ers to live on belay this week—on mission, in step with the Spirit. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: In Christ, you already have everything you need—don't let anything hijack that. What We Have In Christ Fullness — the cargo ship is full Newness — buried and raised with Christ Forgiveness — nailed to the cross Hijacker One: Godless Philosophies Smart-sounding ideas that leave Jesus out True wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord C.S. Lewis: by Christ we see everything else Hijacker Two: Legalistic Rule Keeping Measuring faith by do's and don'ts Rules are a shadow; Christ is the reality Relationship, not a rulebook Hijacker Three: Mystical Experiences Chasing a high over a connection Experiences without the Head are empty Welcome them, but don't worship them Hijacker Four: Traditional Wisdom Cultural norms can look like righteousness Good citizen ≠ citizen of heaven Honor culture, but don't bow to it Takeaway: Put your faith squarely in Jesus—He is enough, and anything added only sinks the ship.

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

June 14, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
How Can I Grow Toward Greater Christ-Like Maturity? P2
OVERVIEW 👀 In part two of his teaching on Christ-like maturity, Pastor Paul Durbin walks Belay'ers through Colossians 1:24–2:7 to unpack three more deliberate practices that grow us into spiritually mature followers of Jesus. He shows how spiritual discernment, continual growth, and overflowing thankfulness move us past fine-sounding arguments and shallow faith into a deeply rooted life in Christ. Using the picture of a pinyon pine sending its taproot deep into rocky ground, Paul invites us to stop spreading wide and start going down—anchored in Jesus, who is all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.part 2 TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If you had 10,000 hours to master any skill (no responsibilities, no excuses), what would you pick and why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Colossians 1:24–2:7 24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. 1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. OBSERVATION 🔎 What words or phrases does Paul use to describe what Jesus is and what He gives to believers in this passage? What does Paul say is his goal for the believers he writes to, and what reasons does he give for telling them all of this? Paul uses agricultural and construction images (rooted, built up, strengthened). What do these word pictures suggest about the kind of life Paul is describing? APPLICATION 👋 Paul warns about being deceived by "fine-sounding arguments." What's a spiritual idea or message you've encountered recently that sounded great on the surface but didn't quite line up with Jesus? We grow in discernment by knowing the real thing—Jesus Himself. How would you describe your current rhythm of getting to know Jesus through His Word? The legalism trap says, "Jesus plus something else." Where might you be tempted to add conditions—rules, performance, or proving yourself—to your relationship with God? The mysticism trap says other voices or practices are also needed to be whole. Are there any "extra voices" (horoscopes, self-help gurus, trending spiritual ideas) competing with Jesus for your attention? Blue spruce roots grow wide but shallow; pinyon pine roots grow deep. Honestly, which one better describes your spiritual life right now? Take a moment to consider why. Paul says to "continue to live your lives in him." Where are you tempted to coast or stop growing? What does pressing on look like in this season? Paul mentions thankfulness in every chapter of Colossians. What would change in your daily life if you actually overflowed with gratitude instead of complaints or excuses? LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Pick one passage of Scripture this week (try Colossians 1–2) and read it daily. Let it sink in so you can recognize the real thing when fine-sounding arguments come along. Write down three things you're thankful for every morning this week—and tell at least one person each day something specific you appreciate about them. Invite someone further along in their faith to coffee and ask them how they've grown a deeper taproot in Jesus. Listen, take notes, and apply what you hear. Identify one "extra voice" you've been listening to (a podcast, app, influencer, habit) that's been crowding out Jesus, and take a break from it for two weeks. Send a quick text, note, or voice message to someone outside your normal circle this week to encourage them and remind them that Christ in them is the hope of glory. PRAYER 🙏 Thank Jesus that the gospel is simple: He came to save sinners, and that includes you. Ask the Holy Spirit for sharper discernment to spot fine-sounding arguments that pull you off course. Pray for a deeper taproot—ask God to root you in Him and in His Word this season. Ask God to make you a person who overflows with thankfulness, even on hard days. Pray for someone in your life who needs to hear the hope of "Christ in you" today. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: Growing toward Christ-like maturity takes time, mentors, and deliberate practices that root us deeply in Jesus. Quick Review of Last Week's Practices joyful suffering willing service strenuous contending walking in glorious hope 5) The Practice of Spiritual Discernment fine-sounding arguments still exist today the legalism trap: Jesus plus rules the mysticism trap: Jesus plus other voices we discern by knowing the real Jesus 6) The Practice of Continual Growth blue spruce: wide roots, easily blown over pinyon pine: deep taproot, survives the storms the parable of the soils—go deep in good soil 7) The Practice of Overflowing Thankfulness we overflow with apologies, excuses, or complaints Paul mentions gratitude in every chapter of Colossians what if we went overboard with thankfulness? Takeaway: Practice these things and immerse yourself in them, so all may see your progress.

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

June 12, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
How Can I Grow Toward Greater Christ-Like Maturity?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this message from Colossians 1:24–2:7, Paul Durbin unpacks the Apostle Paul's vision of becoming "fully mature" (teleios) in Christ. Drawing on Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000-hour rule and the pushback that real mastery requires deliberate practice with coaching, Paul shows that spiritual maturity works the same way. Jesus isn't waiting at the finish line tapping His foot—He's the world-class expert walking with us, filling us with His Spirit. Through four deliberate practices—joyful suffering, willing service, strenuous contending, and glorious hope—we grow into the kind of mature, seasoned followers who reflect Jesus to the world.Grow TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 Have you ever been in an outdoor situation that got way more serious than you expected? (Lost on a trail, stuck in weather, kayak drifting out to sea…) BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Colossians 1:24–2:7 24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. 1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. OBSERVATION 🔎 What words or phrases does Paul repeat in this passage, and what do those repetitions emphasize about his focus? According to verse 28, what is Paul's goal for the people he serves, and what methods does he use to get them there? What does Paul say about the source of his energy and strength in verse 29, and how does that contrast with how we usually think about hard work? APPLICATION 👋 Paul says he rejoices in his suffering. Where in your life right now are you tempted toward bitter suffering instead of joyful suffering? Reframing pain through the lens of knowing Jesus better is hard—but it changes everything. Think about a current frustration or hardship and how Jesus might be in it with you. What's one area where you've stopped growing because you've gotten comfortable just doing what you already know how to do? Like the violinists who needed deliberate practice and coaching, we can plateau spiritually without realizing it. Comfort is often the enemy of maturity. Paul went from persecuting the church to becoming its servant. What does it look like for you to "become" a servant in this season—at home, work, or church? Maturity shows up when we walk into a room asking how we can serve instead of how we'll be served. When was the last time you strenuously contended for something spiritually—prayer, a relationship, a habit, a calling? Kapos means weariness like you've been beaten. Most of us avoid that kind of effort in our walk with Jesus, but it's where real growth happens. Where do you feel like you've got "nothing left"—and how might Jesus be the speedboat showing up on the swell? Paul didn't fight with his own energy; he fought with Christ's energy in him. That changes both what we attempt and how long we keep going. What "new hacks" or quick fixes have you been chasing for spiritual growth instead of the old, proven ingredient of Jesus Himself? The master stock isn't impressive because it's new—it's rich because it's ancient. Maturity comes from time spent with the timeless One. Who in your life is farther along in faith, and how could you invite their honest feedback into your spiritual growth? Mastery requires coaches and mentors. We need people who'll tell us the truth and help us see our blind spots. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Pick one current hardship and write down three ways God might be using it to grow you—then share it with a fellow Belay'er this week. Show up somewhere this week (Belay, work, neighborhood, family) with one question on your mind: "How can I serve here?" Then actually do it. Choose one area where you've been ready to quit—a relationship, a habit, a calling—and recommit for 30 more days of strenuous contending, with prayer and a friend cheering you on. Reach out to someone you know who's suffering and simply sit with them—bring a meal, a text, or a coffee. Be the speedboat showing up on the swell. Find a mature believer and ask them to coach or mentor you in one specific area of your faith for the next season. PRAYER 🙏 Jesus, when suffering shows up, help me reframe it as a doorway to know You better. Lord, give me a true servant's heart—make me someone who walks in asking how to give, not how to get. Holy Spirit, fill me with the energy of Christ to strenuously contend where I'd rather quit. Father, free me from chasing quick fixes and root me deeper in the ancient, proven goodness of Jesus. Jesus, make me a giant in the faith—not for applause, but for the sake of the people You've placed around me. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: Christ-like maturity (teleios) doesn't happen by accident—it's the result of deliberate, Spirit-empowered practice over time. 1) The Practice of Joyful Suffering Paul rejoices from prison Reframing pain to know Jesus better Praying for breakthrough while receiving the work 2) The Practice of Willing Service Paul "became" a servant Maturity shows up not on stage, but in the kitchen Putting childhood selfishness behind us 3) The Practice of Strenuous Contending Kapos—weariness like being beaten The kayak story: when the fight leaves you Fighting with Christ's energy, not just our own 4) The Practice of Glorious Hope The master stock: ancient, not new Christ in you, the hope of glory Yielding daily: "Fill me up, Jesus" Takeaway: Don't chase new hacks—press into the ancient, Spirit-filled practices that grow giants in the faith.

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

May 31, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Why Should Jesus Be the Center?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this message from Colossians 1:15-23, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through what many scholars call the most Christ-centered passage in the New Testament. Paul unpacks eight powerful reasons Jesus insists on being the center of our lives—not a welcome guest, not an add-on, but the absolute nucleus around which everything else revolves. From Jesus being the visible image of the invisible God, to the Creator who holds all things together, to the One who reconciles us back to the Father through the cross, this teaching invites us to ask an honest question: Is Jesus truly at the center of my life?Jesus at the Center TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 What's a weird life hack you've learned that nobody else seems to know about (like the South African super glue and baking soda trick)? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Colossians 1:15-23 (NIV) OBSERVATION 🔎 What does Paul say specifically about Jesus' relationship to creation in verses 15-17? In verses 21-22, what words does Paul use to describe our past condition versus our present condition in Christ? Verse 18 says Jesus is "the head of the body, the church" so that "in everything he might have the supremacy." What does this language suggest about Jesus' role and authority? APPLICATION 👋 Pastor Paul said Jesus isn't a "welcome guest" but the nucleus your life revolves around. What's the difference between treating Jesus as a guest versus the center? Take a moment to think honestly—what currently competes with Jesus for the center of your life? This isn't about shame; it's about clarity on where our hearts actually orbit. Paul warned about following political leaders, entertainers, or ideologies with cult-like intensity. Where do you see this happening in your own life or circles? Sometimes the things we follow most passionately reveal what we've actually centered our lives around. Pastor Paul shared that Jesus' fingerprint is literally on you because He created you. How does seeing yourself as God's artwork change the way you treat yourself and others? If "Jesus holds everything together," what's an area of your life right now that feels like it's falling apart and could use His sustaining grip? Naming it is often the first step to surrendering it. The "if you continue" language in verse 23 creates some tension—our reconciliation is by grace, yet we're called to keep walking in faith. How do you live in that tension without falling into either laziness or legalism? Pastor Paul shared about the long alienation and eventual reconciliation with his sister. Is there a relationship in your life where you could take the first step toward reconciliation, the way God took the first step toward you? LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Write down the eight reasons Jesus deserves the center and post them somewhere you'll see daily this week—on the bathroom mirror, your dashboard, or the fridge. Take a "centering inventory" this week. Each evening, ask yourself: where did Jesus actually sit on the throne of my heart today, and where did something else? Reach out to someone you've been alienated from. Send the text, make the call, suggest the coffee. Be the one who moves first, like Jesus did toward us. Invite a fellow Belay'er into a conversation about what it practically looks like to keep Jesus at the center in their work, family, or schoolweek. Bless someone this week who doesn't yet know the One who holds all things together—offer a meal, a listening ear, a prayer, or a simple word of encouragement. PRAYER 🙏 Thank Jesus for being the image of the invisible God and ask Him to make Himself more visible in your daily life. Pray for the grace to dethrone whatever currently sits where Jesus belongs. Ask the Holy Spirit for endurance—the kind Paul talked about—to keep continuing in your faith. Pray for a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation, asking God to give you courage to take the first step. Pray for Belay, that we would be a community where Jesus is unmistakably at the center. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: Jesus insists on being the absolute center of your life, and Colossians 1 gives us eight powerful reasons why. 1) Jesus Is God The icon of the invisible God Not Caesar, not a political leader, not an entertainer 2) Jesus Created Everything All things made through Him and for Him His fingerprint is literally on you 3) Jesus Holds Everything Together The supernatural glue of the universe If He holds galaxies, He can hold your life 4) Jesus Has Been Put in Charge Head of the body, the church Life goes better when He calls the shots 5) Jesus Is the Essence of Life "I am the resurrection and the life" Resurrection didn't happen to Jesus—He (the resurrection and life) happened to death 6) Jesus Gave His Life for Us Sin requires blood; God provided His own Atonement received, not earned 7) Jesus Reconciles Us to God We were enemies; now we're holy and free God made the move toward us 8) Jesus Sustains Us "If you continue" is held up by His Spirit's power We don't walk this road alone Takeaway: Jesus has moved toward you—why not move back toward Him and let Him take His rightful place at the center?

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

May 28, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Discovery Bible Study
What is it? DBS is a simple guide for group Bible study. In a DBS, we read a Bible story, discover what it says, and are challenged to live out what we’ve learned. Look Back ⏪ Look back on your week and discuss: What are you grateful for? What's a challenge you're facing? How have you followed through on what you’ve been learning? Look In 🔍 Read a passage of Scripture a few times, summarize it, then discuss: What stands out? What do we learn about God/Jesus/His nature? What do we learn about people/us/humanity? Look Up ☝️ Discuss the impact this DBS will have on your next week: What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through our time together? What are you going to do about it? How can this group come alongside you? Look Forward 👣 Pray together and set a time to meet again 10 Stories of Hope Party at Levi’s Mark 2:1-17 (NIV) Jesus Teaches Nicodemus John 3:1-17 (NIV) A Transformed Life Mark 5:1-20 (NIV) A Memorable Act Luke 7:37-50 (NIV) The Lost Son Returns Luke 15:11-32 (NIV) Thank You Luke 17:11-19 (NIV) What God Sees Luke 18:9-14 (NIV) Coming to Your House Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) Hungry for God John 4:1-54 (NIV) Hearing God Mark 4:1-20 (NIV) For more information and additional lists, visit https://novo.org/dbs

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

May 24, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
How Does God Keep Growing You After You Believe?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this opening message of a six-week series through Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through the first 14 verses of Paul's letter and asks a simple but powerful question: how does God's work keep growing in us after we've believed? Drawing from Paul's prayer for the Colossian church, Paul highlights five growth areas the Holy Spirit wants to develop in every follower of Jesus—clarity, strength, gratitude, awareness, and prayerfulness. With warmth, humor, and practical insight, Paul reminds us that spiritual maturity isn't about hard things going away; it's about being rooted deeply enough in Christ to bear more and more fruit, no matter the season.Sermon TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If you had to compete in curling, pickleball, or ultimate frisbee for a championship, which would you pick and why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Colossians 1:1–14 (NIV) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. OBSERVATION 🔎 What does Paul specifically thank God for when he prays for the Colossians, and what does that reveal about what mattered most to him? In verses 9-12, what are the specific things Paul asks God to do in the lives of these believers? According to verses 13-14, what has God already done for those who are in Christ? List as many actions as you can find. APPLICATION 👋 Where in your life right now are you most needing clarity from God? Paul prays that we'd be "filled with the knowledge of His will." Think about a decision, relationship, or season where you're unsure of what God wants—what would it look like to actively seek His will rather than passively wait? What's a hard thing from a few years ago that doesn't level you the way it used to? Spiritual maturity doesn't mean hard things stop hurting—it means they stop having the same power to destroy us. Consider how God has already grown your strength and endurance. When you scan your conversations from the past week, which won out—gratitude or complaining? Our culture trains us to complain and call it feedback. Be honest with yourself about the tone of your everyday talk. What's one specific thing Jesus has "buried" in your life that you sometimes still try to dig back up?Brokenness, unforgiveness, shame, idolatry—Paul says these things go into the grave with Christ. Sometimes we keep revisiting what God has already put to rest. Do you tend to think of yourself more as a sinner or as a saint? Paul never addresses believers as sinners—he calls them saints with growing to do. Our self-identity shapes how we live. Who are you currently praying for regularly, and who might God be nudging you to add to that list? Paul models growth in prayerfulness by simply praying these very things for people he had never even met. What's one practice you could put in place this week to grow in one of these five areas (clarity, strength, gratitude, awareness, prayerfulness)? Growth isn't passive. Pick one and get specific. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Start a simple gratitude rhythm this week—text one person each day something specific you're thankful for about them. Pick three people (a neighbor, a co-worker, a Belay'er) and pray Colossians 1:9-12 over them by name every day this week. Catch yourself mid-complaint at least once and turn it into a thank-you out loud, even if it feels awkward. Take a 20-minute walk with no phone and ask God for clarity on one specific decision you're facing. Reach out to someone who is in a hard season and remind them that what once leveled them won't level them forever—offer to pray with them. PRAYER 🙏 Lord, fill me with the knowledge of Your will—give me clarity for the decisions in front of me. Father, strengthen me with Your power so I can endure with patience whatever this week brings. Jesus, replace my complaining heart with a grateful one—catch me when I drift. Holy Spirit, help me see clearly what's been buried at the cross and what's been raised to new life in me. Lord, grow me in prayerfulness for the people around me, especially those who don't yet know You. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: God's work in us doesn't stop at belief—He keeps growing us in five key areas. 1) Growing in Clarity Knowing God's will for our life Asking, reading, yielding 2) Growing in Strength, Power, and Endurance Hard things still happen—but they don't destroy us the same way Spiritual maturity carries weight that used to crush us 3) Growing in Gratitude A complaining tongue reveals an ungrateful heart Contentment in every circumstance through Christ's strength 4) Growing in Awareness What's been buried with Christ: brokenness, unforgiveness, sin's reign, idolatry, shame, deception What's been raised in Christ: relationship, inheritance, sainthood, embarking on mission 5) Growing in Prayerfulness Paul models it by praying these very things for people he'd never met Mature faith prays these growth areas over others Takeaway: Keep growing—by God's grace, in His power, for His glory.

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

May 17, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
How Do We Stay on the Path of Purity?
OVERVIEW 👀 Paul Durbin teaches from Psalm 119 and asks the same question David asked thousands of years ago: how can a person stay on the path of purity? Purity is not just about avoiding obvious sin; it is a life of honesty, integrity, holiness, and character, where we have nothing to hide and our lives honor God and people. Paul walks through six practical ways to stay on that path: prioritize the Word of God, unreservedly seek God, restrict your freedom, internalize Scripture, turn and keep turning, and ultimately yield to the lordship of Jesus. The message reminds us that we cannot walk this path in our own strength, but Jesus cleanses us, forgives us, and gives us resurrection life so we can live differently.How Do We Stay on the Path of Purity? TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don’t need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If your life had a “no Bible, no browsing” rule, what app would complain the loudest? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 24:3-6 Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face, even Jacob. Psalm 119:32 I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:36-37 Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways. Acts 20:21 Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. OBSERVATION 🔎 In Psalm 119:9-11, what specific actions does the writer connect to staying on the path of purity? In Psalm 24:3-6, what kind of person is able to “stand in his holy place,” and what does that person receive from the Lord? In Psalm 119:36-37, what does David ask God to turn his heart and eyes away from, and what does he ask God to turn him toward? APPLICATION 👋 Where do you most need to prioritize the Word of God in your daily life right now? Paul talked about how easily distractions take over if we do not make a purposeful decision. Think honestly about what gets your first attention, your best energy, and your most consistent habits. What would “no Bible, no browsing” look like in your real life? This does not have to become a legalistic rule, but it may reveal something important about what is shaping your heart before God’s Word gets a chance to. What does it mean for you to seek God with your whole heart in this season? Paul described God as one who invites us to seek Him, call to Him, and look for Him. Consider what rhythms, prayers, or choices would help you move toward Him more intentionally. Where might you need to restrict your freedom so you can actually live more freely? The playground fence illustration reminds us that guardrails are not always punishment; sometimes they create the space where we can run with confidence. What “covenant with your eyes” or similar decision do you need to make before the moment of temptation arrives? Job made a decision ahead of time about what kind of person he wanted to be. Think about the choices you can make now so you are not deciding under pressure later. What Scripture do you need to internalize, not just read? Paul shared how memorized Scripture shaped his faith, his love for Jesus, and his love for people. Consider one passage you could meditate on, memorize, pray through, or revisit until it starts shaping you from the inside out. Is repentance becoming a regular habit in your life? Paul said we turn from sin and turn toward Jesus, then keep turning for the rest of our lives. Think about whether you respond quickly when the Holy Spirit shows you something, or whether you tend to ignore, defend, or delay. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Invite someone into a simple Scripture rhythm with you this week. Ask a friend, your spouse, your kids, or someone in your Belay community to read Psalm 119:9-11 with you each day and share one thing God is highlighting. Create one practical guardrail that helps you walk the path of purity. It might be a phone boundary, a content boundary, a relationship boundary, a spending boundary, or a time boundary. Then tell someone you trust so they can encourage you. Encourage a graduate, student, young adult, or someone in transition. Send them a note, take them to coffee, or pray over them. Remind them that the path of purity is worth it, and they do not have to walk it alone. Practice quick repentance this week. When the Spirit nudges you about an attitude, action, word, or thought, pause and turn toward Jesus right away. Do not spiral into shame; turn and keep turning. Be a blessing through integrity. Choose one place where honesty, humility, or holiness could bless someone else this week, maybe at work, home, school, or in a friendship. Let your life make Jesus look good. PRAYER 🙏 Jesus, help me walk the path of purity with honesty, integrity, and a heart that honors You. Father, teach me to prioritize Your Word above the distractions that compete for my attention. Holy Spirit, show me where I need wise guardrails, and give me the humility to receive them. Lord, turn my heart away from selfish gain and my eyes away from worthless things. Jesus, I yield to Your lordship again today. Cleanse me, lead me, and help me keep turning toward You. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: We stay on the path of purity by building our lives around God’s Word, seeking God fully, setting wise guardrails, turning from sin, and yielding to Jesus. 1) The question David asks How can a person stay on the path of purity? Purity as integrity, honesty, holiness, and character A life with nothing to hide 2) Why the path of purity matters Clean hands and a pure heart Blessing from the Lord Vindication from God our Savior 3) Prioritize the Word of God Living according to God’s Word Distraction is always available No Bible, no browsing 4) Unreservedly seek God Seek Him with all your heart God invites us to call and look for Him Those who seek Him will not be disappointed 5) Restrict your freedom Do not let me stray from Your commands Guardrails help us run freely Decide before you decide 6) Internalize the Word of God Hide God’s Word in your heart Scripture shapes desire and direction God’s Word transforms from the inside out 7) Turn and keep turning Turn from sin Turn toward Jesus Make repentance a lifelong habit 8) Yield to the lordship of Jesus We cannot stay pure in our own strength Jesus was tempted but did not sin In Him we become the righteousness of God Takeaway: Walk the path of purity by surrendering fully to Jesus and letting His Word, His Spirit, and His lordship shape your life.

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

May 10, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
Is There a Standard for Giving?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and uncovers six surprisingly practical standards for giving. Drawing from Paul's words to a self-absorbed Corinthian church, he shows how generosity pulls us out of ourselves and into God's mission. With honesty, humor, and stories from his own life, Paul invites Belay'ers to see giving not as a burden, but as a beautiful habit that breaks money's grip and shapes us into people who live "on belay."View Media TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If someone handed you a "silver dollar," would you actually check to see if it was real silver, or just toss it in a drawer and forget about it? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Now about the collection for the Lord's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. OBSERVATION 🔎 Who is the offering in 1 Corinthians 16 intended for, and what does that tell us about Paul's vision for the Corinthian believers? Paul instructs giving to happen "on the first day of every week." What specific details does he give about how and when this should be done? In 2 Corinthians 9, what kind of giver does God love, and what promise follows that kind of giving? APPLICATION 👋 Paul redirected the Corinthians from their own problems to a need 1,000 miles away. Where in your own life have you been so self-focused that you've lost sight of the needs of others? It's easy for our prayers, our energy, and our money to circle around our own world. Pastor Paul shared the story of giving away his guitar money so his friend could buy a bass. When was the last time giving cost you something you actually wanted? Sometimes the most formative giving moments aren't the easy ones. If giving is a normal practice for followers of Jesus, why do you think it's the one church practice people push back on most? Jesus warned that we can't serve both God and money—so our resistance often reveals something deeper about who has our heart. Paul says to give on the first day of the week, before we know what's coming. How does your current giving rhythm compare to that? Many of us wait until the end of the month to see what's "left over," which often means little or nothing is left. Have you ever sat down and made an actual plan for your generosity—a budget for giving? Without a plan, giving tends to be reactive instead of intentional, and we miss the joy of being ready when needs arise. Pastor Paul described how he and Patty consider 20% of their income as "not theirs"—designated for God, for others, and for blessing kids. What percentage feels honest for where you are right now, and what would it look like to grow from there? This isn't about hitting a number—it's about training your heart. What would it look like for you to have "margin" in your finances so you could give freely when the Spirit prompts you? Margin is what turns generosity from a struggle into a joy. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Set up a zero-based budget this week (using an app or just a notebook) and give every dollar a job—including a line item for generosity. Identify one missional need outside your immediate circle—a missionary, a ministry, a neighbor in another country—and give toward it this month. Make giving the first line in your budget instead of the last. Try it for 30 days and see what shifts in your heart. Surprise someone with a gift this week—a meal, a tank of gas, a coffee, an unexpected check—and don't tell anyone you did it. Talk with your spouse, a roommate, or a trusted Belay'er about your giving plan. Generosity grows best in community. PRAYER 🙏 Ask God to show you any way money has become your master instead of your servant. Pray for a missional vision—eyes that see needs beyond your own household and scope. Ask the Spirit to help you trust Him with the first of your income, not just the leftovers. Pray for joy in giving, that it would become a habit you look forward to instead of one you avoid. Pray that Belay would continue to be a church marked by generosity, margin, and missional giving. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: God's Word gives followers of Jesus a clear standard for generosity—six simple practices found in just two verses. Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 1) Giving is missional a. A vision for needs beyond our own scope b. Paul points Corinth toward Jerusalem, a thousand miles away 2) Giving is normal a. It's simply what the church does, like prayer and worship b. Resistance to giving reveals who our true master is (Luke 16) 3) Giving happens first a. Give before you know what the week holds b. Abel's firstborn vs. Cain's "in the course of time" 4) Giving is habitual a. Not when we feel like it, but a regular rhythm b. Like exercise, food, and sleep—built into our lives 5) Giving is proportionate a. "In keeping with your income"—no set price tag b. Examples from Jacob (a tenth) to the early church (everything) 6) Giving creates margin a. A plan creates freedom to give when needs arise b. True for individuals and for Belay as a church Takeaway: Build a plan for generosity, and let God shape you into a cheerful, missional giver.

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

May 3, 2026 • 9 Minute Read
Where Are You in the Story God Is Still Writing?
In this message, Kevan Ho walks us through a sweeping survey of the first half of the book of Acts, showing how the early church was born, shaped, and scattered—all in the rhythm of God's mission. From the confrontation of the gospel to a community marked by devotion, from facing real problems to being sent out by unnamed everyday people, Kevan invites us to find ourselves in this ongoing story. The book of Acts ends mid-sentence on purpose, because the story of Jesus at work through His people is still being written—and we're part of it.View Media TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If you had to describe yourself as a "devoted fan" of something (a sport, a snack, a TV show, a hobby), what would it be and how embarrassing is the level of devotion? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Acts 1:8 — But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 2:1-4 — When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:36-38 — Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:42-47 — And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 8:1-4 — And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Acts 11:19-21 — Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. Acts 28:30-31 — He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. OBSERVATION 🔎 In Acts 1:8, what does Jesus connect the power of the Holy Spirit to? Notice the geographic progression—what does it suggest about the scope of God's mission? In Acts 2:42-47, what four things were the early believers devoted to, and what specific behaviors flowed out of that devotion? In Acts 8:1-4 and 11:19-21, who is actually doing the preaching as the gospel spreads? What do you notice about how God uses the scattering? APPLICATION 👋 Kevan said the Christian message is sometimes comforting and sometimes deeply confrontational. Where in your life right now do you sense God comforting you, and where might He be confronting you? This question helps us recognize that a healthy walk with Jesus includes both being held and being challenged. Kevan reminded us that confrontation isn't shaming—it's like a doctor honestly telling us the diagnosis so we can be healed. When the crowd was "cut to the heart," they asked, "What shall we do?" Is there an area of your life where the Spirit has cut you to the heart but you haven't yet responded with repentance or change? Repentance simply means turning around—stepping down as king of your own life so Jesus can take the throne. Kevan shared his own story of being fourteen and hearing the gospel for the first time as the song his heart had been humming all along. The early church was marked by devotion—to teaching, prayer, fellowship, and one another. What are you actually devoted to right now (be honest), and what would it look like to grow in devotion to Jesus and His people? Kevan pointed out that devoted people can spot casual fans a mile away. Devotion shows up in how we spend our time, our money, and our attention. Ananias and Sapphira's sin wasn't a lack of generosity—it was wanting to appear more than they were. Where do you feel the pull to "image manage" in your spiritual life? This is the gap between who we are and who we want to appear to be. Kevan said the church should be a safe place to bring our honest selves in search of grace. When you see problems in the church (any church, including Belay), what's your default reaction—withdraw, complain quietly, or humbly bring it forward in a way that seeks solutions? The early church had real problems—neglect, deception, persecution—and they didn't pretend otherwise. Kevan highlighted that truthful, humble complaints brought to leadership actually moved the mission forward. Looking back at painful or disorienting seasons in your life, can you see places where God was writing a bigger story than the one you were feeling in the moment? Kevan reminded us that the scattering of the early church looked like loss but was actually the spread of the gospel. Our pain isn't wasted in the hands of a redeeming God. The gospel went to the Gentiles because of unnamed people from Cyprus and Cyrene who just started talking about Jesus. Who in your life right now might God be inviting you to simply have a conversation with? You don't need a title, a degree, or an official role to live on mission. Kevan shared how his family came to Colorado with one simple motto: "We're going to make friends for Jesus." LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Pick one person this week who doesn't know Jesus and pray for them daily by name. Then look for one natural opportunity to invite them into your life—coffee, a meal, a walk, a hike. Practice radical honesty with one trusted person this week. Share something real you've been hiding or managing, and let them speak grace and truth back to you. Identify one rhythm of devotion (Scripture, prayer, fellowship, generosity) that's been slipping, and rebuild it this week in a concrete way—even if it's small. Look for an "unnamed" act of kindness or witness you can offer someone this week. No platform, no spotlight—just a quiet conversation, a meal delivered, a need met. If you've been carrying a complaint or concern about something in the church, bring it forward humbly and truthfully to a leader or a Belay'er you trust, with a heart for solutions. PRAYER 🙏 Ask the Spirit to show you where you are in the Acts story right now—and to give you courage to name it honestly. Pray for someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel. Ask God to soften their heart and to give you the words and the moments. Pray for Belay to be a community marked by devotion, honesty, and joy—not image management or casual faith. If you're in a season of pain, loss, or disorientation, ask God to show you the bigger story He's writing, even when you can't see it. Pray for the unnamed Belay'ers quietly living on mission—at work, in neighborhoods, in schools, in homes. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE Kevan opens by setting up the strange ending of Acts—Luke stops mid-story on the word "unhindered." The Great Commission in Acts 1:8 becomes the table of contents for the whole book: Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, the ends of the earth. Pentecost in Acts 2: the Spirit comes communally and propels the disciples into mission. Peter's sermon confronts the crowd with both their sin and God's love—they are cut to the heart and respond with repentance and baptism. Kevan shares his own fourteen-year-old story of hearing the gospel for the first time. Acts 2:42-47: the early church is marked by deep devotion—to teaching, prayer, fellowship, generosity, and one another. Ananias and Sapphira: the sin of image management and deception, and the call to radical honesty in community. Acts 6: real problems of neglect in the church, and the model of truthful complaint, humble leadership, and faithful problem-solving. Acts 7-8: persecution, the scattering, and the bigger story God writes in the midst of pain and loss. Acts 11: unnamed men and women from Cyprus and Cyrene take the gospel to the Gentiles—shifting the center of gravity to Antioch. Kevan ties it back to his own family's move to Colorado and the everyday mission of making friends for Jesus. The book ends "unhindered" because the story keeps going—through us. Where are you in the arc?

Kevan Ho