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May 12, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
The Cure for a Self-Absorbed Heart
What if the cure for a self-absorbed heart is a generous one? When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he'd just spent fifteen chapters (of 1 Corinthians) confronting some serious mess—lawsuits, immorality, even doubts about the resurrection. And then, almost out of nowhere, he pivots in chapter 16 and starts talking about… a collection. For people a thousand miles away. People the Corinthians would never meet, never hear from, never get a thank-you note from. I don't think that pivot was random. I think Paul knew something we forget: one of the surest ways out of our own stuff is to start paying attention to someone else's. Generosity has a way of breaking the gravitational pull of self. It reorients our hearts. It reminds us we're part of something bigger than our own bank accounts and our own backyard. I remember the first time Patty and I gave away money I really wanted to keep. It was guitar money—mine—and the Lord nudged me to give it to a friend so he could buy a bass. It hurt a little. But when I saw his face the next day, something cracked open in me. Money lost a little bit of its grip, and joy moved in. That's what missional giving does. It loosens what's tight in us and makes room for God to work. If you want to hear more, listen to the full sermon or dig into the study guide—and ask Him where He might be inviting you to look beyond yourself this week.View Media
June 28, 2026 • 8 Minute Read
What's Your Next Step After Meeting Jesus?
OVERVIEW 👀 In week six of the Colossians series, Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through Colossians 3, where the Apostle Paul lays out what comes next after we've been raised with Christ. Using stories from hiking, camping, and a little dog named Perry, Paul unpacks four practical next steps every follower of Jesus can take: pursuing heaven's perspective, putting off old hindrances, putting on Christ's qualities, and practicing Christ-like relationships. This is a message about moving from the parking lot into the real beauty of life with Jesus—and discovering that how we treat others is really how we treat Him.step 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 family went on vacation growing up, were you a "stay at a hotel" family or a "camp out of the car" family? Any stories? 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 does Paul say has already happened to us in verses 1–4, and what does he say is still to come? In verses 5–11, what specific things does Paul tell us to "put to death" and "rid ourselves of"? What words or themes show up more than once? According to verses 12–17, what are believers told to "clothe themselves" with, and what role does Christ play in holding it all together? APPLICATION 👋 Where are you currently parked at the "trailhead" of your faith—seeing the view but not actually stepping into it? Pastor Paul described people who visit national parks but never get out of their car. Sometimes we settle for a windshield view of Jesus instead of hiking deeper in. What does it actually look like for you this week to "set your mind on things above" in the middle of bills, stress, and a busy schedule? This isn't about escaping real life—it's about letting heaven's perspective shape how you handle it. What's your "Perry"—the thing you keep holding onto even though you know it's holding you back? For the woman in Tijuana, it was a tiny dog that kept her in an unsafe situation. For us, it might be a habit, a relationship, an old wound, or an attitude. Paul says in Christ there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free. What identity are you tempted to put above your identity as a follower of Jesus? Our culture loves labels. Paul reminds us that being "in Christ" is the identity that reshapes all the others. Which one of these qualities do you most need to "put on" right now—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience? We don't drift into Christlikeness. We have to choose to clothe ourselves with it. Who is one person you've struggled to forgive, and what would it look like to forgive them "as the Lord forgave you"? Forgiveness isn't pretending it didn't hurt; it's releasing the debt the way Jesus released yours. If you really believed that how you treat others is how you treat Jesus, what's one relationship that would change this week? Spouse, kid, coworker, barista, the driver who cut you off—Jesus says it all counts as how we treat Him. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Pick one quality from verse 12 (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience) and intentionally practice it every day this week with the people you usually rush past. Write down your "Perry"—the thing holding you back—and share it with one trusted Belay'er who can pray with you and check in on you. Treat one service worker this week (barista, server, cashier, delivery driver) as if you were serving Jesus Himself. Make eye contact, learn a name, leave a generous tip, speak a blessing. Reach out to someone you've had a grievance with and take a step toward forgiveness—a conversation, a text, or simply releasing it before the Lord. Invite someone who feels stuck at the "trailhead" of faith to join you at Belay or for a meal, and share one next step Jesus is leading you to take. PRAYER 🙏 Ask God to lift your eyes to heaven's perspective in the middle of everyday stress and noise. Ask the Spirit to show you the "Perry" you're still holding onto, and for the courage to let it go. Ask Jesus to clothe you with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience this week. Pray for one specific relationship where you need to treat the other person as if you were treating Jesus. Thank God that you've been raised with Christ and that your real life is hidden with Him. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: Since you've been raised with Christ, take the next steps into the new life He's prepared for you. 1) Pursue Heaven's Perspective Set your heart and mind on things above Stop viewing life from the windshield—get out and hike in You've died; your real life is hidden with Christ 2) Put Off Old Hindrances Put to death sexual immorality, impurity, lust, greed, anger, slander, lying Drop your "Perry"—the thing you keep holding that holds you back Your old identities don't define you anymore; Christ is all and in all 3) Put On Christ's Qualities Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience Bear with each other and forgive as the Lord forgave you Let the peace of Christ rule and the word of Christ dwell richly 4) Practice Christ-like Relationships Wives, husbands, children, parents, workers, leaders—all changed by Jesus It is the Lord Christ you are serving How you treat others is how you treat Him Takeaway: You've been raised with Christ—now take the next step into the life He's already prepared for you.
June 23, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
The Ship Is Already Full
Paul used a word in Colossians that I love: pleroma. It described a cargo ship loaded so full you couldn't squeeze one more crate on board without sinking it. That's the picture he uses for what we have in Jesus. Full. Maxed out. Complete. And then he says something almost startling: try to add anything to that, and you're not improving the trip—you're sinking the ship. I get why we try. Our brains keep whispering that the gospel is too simple. Surely there's more we need to do, feel, prove, or perform. So we start stacking extras on the deck. A little legalism here. A flashy spiritual experience there. A nice coat of cultural respectability on top. Before long, the boat's groaning, and we're wondering why our faith feels heavy instead of free. Here's the good news today: you don't have to earn what you already have. If Jesus is in you, the cargo hold is full. You're not behind. You're not lacking. You're not one more discipline, conference, or experience away from being a real Christian. Just sail. Trust the Captain. Enjoy the fullness.ship
June 23, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Don't Get In The Wrong Taxi
Years ago in China, I walked out of an airport tired, saw a sharp-dressed guy with a clean car (technically, it was an “illegal” taxi, but they were quite common), and thought, "Sure, why not?" I was tired, and a comfy ride home in a nice care from the airport sounded great. 5 minutes later he pulled over next to a rickety van, pointed, and said, "That's your ride." Bait and switch. I'd been “hijacked.” Paul says our faith can get hijacked the same way. Something polished pulls up, promises a smoother ride, and the next thing you know you're being driven somewhere you never meant to go. The hijackers are sneaky—smart-sounding ideas that leave Jesus out, rule-keeping that replaces relationship, spiritual highs that bypass real connection, and cultural respectability that masquerades as righteousness. Each one promises a better ride. Each one charges a price you didn't agree to. Here's what I've learned: the "legit taxi"—the real, authentic walk with Jesus—isn't flashy. It's not always exciting. But it always gets you home. Stay in that ride. Talk to Jesus today, and let Him lead. He's the only one who actually knows where you're going.taxi
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.
June 16, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Don't Fall for Fine-Sounding Arguments
Bank tellers don't spot counterfeit bills by studying every fake one out there. They spot them by knowing the real thing so well that anything off feels wrong instantly. That's spiritual discernment. Paul warned the Colossians—and us—about "fine-sounding arguments." Notice he didn't say bad-sounding arguments. The dangerous ones sound good. They sound smart, spiritual, even biblical. They're the ones that quietly add something to Jesus: Jesus plus rules, Jesus plus rituals, Jesus plus the latest trending voice, Jesus plus your performance. But the gospel is breathtakingly simple. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." That's it. I'm a sinner, I need Jesus, and He did everything required. Jesus didn't pay 80% and leave you to scrape together the rest. Here's the encouraging part: you don't have to become a heresy hunter or memorize every false teaching out there. You just have to keep getting to know Jesus. Read His Word. Sit with His Spirit. Walk with His people. The more familiar you are with the real Jesus, the quicker you'll feel it when something is just a little off. Stay close to Him this week. Counterfeits lose their pull when you know the real thing.counter
June 16, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Go Deep Like a Pinyon Pine
The blue spruce is gorgeous. Tall, that unforgettable color, impressive in every way. But here's the thing—its roots only go down about 12 to 18 inches. So when a real wind hits, over it goes. Meanwhile, the scrubby little pinyon pine is hanging off the edge of the Grand Canyon like it's no big deal. Why? Because it sends a taproot way down deep. It's not flashy. It's not tall. But it's anchored. I think a lot of us are trying to grow as blue spruces. We spread our spiritual roots wide—sampling every podcast, every trend, every new idea that floats by. And then we wonder why the first hard wind knocks us flat. Paul saw this coming. He wrote, "Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him." Rooted. Down. Deep. Going deep isn't glamorous. It looks like opening your Bible again. Praying when you don't feel like it. Showing up to community when staying home would be easier. It's quiet, steady, unimpressive work. But it's the kind of work that holds you up when the canyon wind starts howling. So today, instead of spreading wider, go deeper. Just a little. Jesus is worth the dig.deeper
June 12, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
The 50-Year-Old Pot of Soup
There's a Chinese cooking tradition called master stock—lu shui. It's a soup base that never gets thrown out. Some restaurants have pots that have been simmering, in some form, for 50 years. The mystery of the flavor isn't a new spice. It's the old one. The ancient one. Consider that image as you think about spiritual maturity. We live in a world that sells us a hundred new hacks every week. New morning routine. New brain trick. New five-step plan. And somewhere along the way, we start to believe that growing up in Jesus should work the same way—fast, fresh, and trending. But Paul says the mystery is this: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." That's it. The secret ingredient isn't new. He's been around since before time started. He's already seen how the story ends. And He's the one doing the simmering inside of you. So here's the invitation today. Stop chasing the next shiny thing. Sit down at the same old pot. Open the Word. Talk to Jesus like He's actually in the room—because He is. Let His Spirit keep doing the slow, deep work that no shortcut can replicate. You're not behind. You're simmering. And the flavor that's coming out of your life is exactly what the people around you are hungry for.soup
June 12, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Reframing the Hard Stuff
When Paul wrote, "I rejoice in what I am suffering for you," he wasn't chained to a desk—he was chained to a guard. And yet his first words weren't, "Get me out of here." They were words of joy. That's not normal. That's mature. In this life, we will have times of suffering. We don't really get to vote on that. What we do get to choose is whether we walk through it bitter or joyful. Bitter suffering complains, blames, and sets up camp in a bad mood. Joyful suffering says, "Jesus walked through hard things too. Maybe this is where I get to know Him a little better." That's not denial. That's not pretending the pain isn't real. Paul still prayed three times for his thorn to be removed. Jesus Himself asked if the cup could pass. We can do both—pray hard for breakthrough and receive the moment as holy ground at the same time. So if you're in a hard season right now, try this. Don't just ask, "God, get me out." Ask, "God, what do You want me to see about You while I'm in here?" That one shift can turn a prison cell into a classroom. Jesus isn't watching from the finish line. He's right there in the cell with you. And what He's growing in you might be exactly what someone else needs to see.reframe
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.
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
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.
May 20, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
The Freedom of a Good Fence
Sometimes the thing that feels like a restriction is actually the thing that helps us run. That sounds backwards, doesn’t it? Most of us hear the word “freedom” and think it means no limits, no boundaries, nobody telling us what to do. But real life teaches us something different. A child on a playground without a fence often stays close to the teacher. But put a fence around that same playground, and suddenly the child runs, explores, climbs, laughs, and plays. That is a pretty good picture of God’s commands. God is not trying to steal life from us. He is not trying to shrink our joy. He is giving us guardrails so we do not drive our lives into the ditch. David says, “I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.” That is not a trapped man talking. That is someone who has discovered that surrender to God leads to a deeper kind of freedom. So maybe the question is not, “What can I get away with?” Maybe the better question is, “What guardrails would help me become the person I actually want to be in Jesus?” That may mean a boundary with your phone, a habit, a relationship, your schedule, or what you let into your mind. Not because God is harsh, but because He is good. If you want to keep thinking about this, check out the full sermon and study guide on walking the path of purity.How Do We Stay on the Path of Purity?
May 26, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
What Used to Level You
The thing that wrecked you three years ago might not have the same power over you today. That's not because life got easier. It's because you got stronger. Paul prays in Colossians 1 that we'd be "strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that we may have great endurance and patience." Notice he doesn't pray that the hard stuff would stop. He prays that we'd be the kind of people who can carry it differently when it comes. That's spiritual maturity. Not a life without setbacks, but a soul that's been quietly reinforced by the Spirit over time. The disappointment that used to take you weeks to recover from now takes days. The criticism that used to ruin your week now rolls off a little quicker. The setback that once made you want to quit—you're still standing. If you're in a hard season right now, don't miss this: God isn't wasting it. He's building something in you. Strength, power, and endurance aren't gifts He drops from the sky—they're grown in the middle of stuff that hurts. And one day, you'll look back and realize what used to level you doesn't anymore. That's grace doing its quiet work. Keep going. You're stronger than you were.
May 26, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
A Complaining Tongue Tells On Us
"A complaining tongue reveals an ungrateful heart." That one stings a little, doesn't it? It's simple, but it lands. Because if we're honest, most of us live in a culture where complaining is just how we talk. Reviews, ratings, group texts, break rooms—complaining is the background music of modern life. And the strange part is, it never actually makes us feel better. It just puts the worst thing front and center and keeps it there. Paul prays in Colossians 1 that we'd give "joyful thanks to the Father." Joyful thanks. Not polite thanks. Not religious thanks. The kind of gratitude that bubbles up because we actually see what God has done for us. He qualified us. He rescued us. He brought us into the kingdom of His Son. That's a lot to be grateful for before we even get to coffee in the morning. Here's a small experiment this week: every time you catch yourself starting to complain, pause and name one thing you're grateful for instead. Out loud, if you can. You'll be surprised how quickly your mood shifts—and how quickly the people around you notice. You can't complain and give thanks at the same time. One of them is going to win. Let it be gratitude.gratitude
June 2, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Who's Actually on Your Throne?
Who's actually on the throne of your heart right now? Most of us would quickly answer "Jesus." But if we slow down and really look, we might notice some other things sneaking up there. A political opinion. A favorite voice on a podcast. A career goal. A worry that runs on a loop in our minds. Even good things—family, ministry, hobbies—can quietly slide into the spot only Jesus is meant to fill. Paul tells the Colossians that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the Creator of everything, the One who holds it all together. That's not someone you invite over for coffee. That's someone you build your whole life around. Jesus isn't looking to be a welcome guest who fits nicely into the life you've already arranged. He's after the center. The good news? You don't have to white-knuckle this. The same Jesus who deserves the throne also gives you the strength to keep Him there. His Spirit does the work in you. Your job is simply to keep saying yes—to keep climbing back onto the altar when you've crawled off, to keep returning to the center when you've drifted. So today, just ask the question honestly. Who's on the throne? And if it's not Jesus, you don't have to fix it alone. Just invite Him back to the seat that was always His.Throne
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?
