[Editor’s note: In this week’s editorial, Mike Cope, who serves as Pepperdine University’s Director of Ministry Outreach, describes the theme of this year’s Harbor: The Pepperdine Bible Lectures, based on the book of Hebrews.]

I love a meme I saw recently: “Perseverance is just a fancy way of saying indefatigability!”

We need a good dose of indefatigability these days! I’m guessing many churches and individuals can identify with the Hebrews’ writer’s description of his audience as having “feeble arms and weak knees” (12:12). Anyone feel like admitting the marathon was just too much?

To weary people he offers a “word of exhortation” 13:22) to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (12:1).

How does he cheer them on? Certainly not with weak slogans or shallow positivity. Rather, he encourages a fresh reading of scripture, and he insists on the importance of the Christian community. But mostly, he paints fresh images of Jesus, our great leader who is the forerunner in this race of faith.

Please join us in Malibu from April 30 to May 3, 2024, as these ancient words guide us afresh. Surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, we will worship, fellowship, pray, and learn together.

conejochurch
Author: conejochurch