What’s the discipleship journey?

Our Discipleship Journey is designed to help you see that God is near and that he wants to have a meaningful relationship with you. Whether you have been walking with God for years or you just met him today, the tools below will help you get to know how deep, how wide, and how vast his love really is.

Our Discipleship Journey is made up of 3 main tools:

Spring 2025

Introduction to Hebrews and James

Hebrews and James are both important books of the Bible for the way we live as people of faith. They’re full of practical truths balanced with encouragement, and most importantly, teach us what a life changed by the Holy Spirit can look like. Before we dive into these Scriptures, here’s a few things to keep in mind while reading.

Hebrews was written primarily to people of Jewish heritage who believed in Jesus. For these people, “Christianity” wasn’t a separate idea from their faith. Instead, their belief in the resurrection of Jesus–trusting that he was the Son of God and Messiah they had been longing for–was the correct way to be Jewish. As a result, we read about many Old Testament prophecies and ancestors of faith in Hebrews. The connections made between the Old Testament stories and the life and ministry of Jesus is an integral part of this book, and ultimately of our faith today. We read about salvation not just from when Jesus was born, but from Genesis! 

This history of faith culminates in chapter 11, often called the “Hall of Faith.” Its rootedness in the Old Testament teachings combined with the truth of Jesus gives us a book of challenging encouragement for how to live. We read about the victorious Jesus and the persecuted Jesus, which serves as a reminder of what to expect in our lives, too. Believers across time can hold on to the victory we have in Jesus in the midst of struggle, especially persecution. As you read Hebrews, consider how the teachings of Scripture–the history and how-tos–combined with the expectations of a Christian life–the challenges and encouragement–would have been received by these first Jewish Christians to hear this message.

James continues with similar ideas of what the life of a Christian looks like, and is often seen as a “how-to” guide for the Christian life. This book is thought to be a record of the brother of Jesus, teachings and advice written as short sayings more like Proverbs instead of as a letter like what Paul wrote. 

While James gives us many practical instructions for living as a person of faith, there are a few important ideas to remember when reading it. James is not a book focused on evangelism, nor is it really centered on the gospel. The author assumes the audience is familiar with who Jesus is–they would have known about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ministry, and teachings. James isn’t focused on telling the world about Jesus; he’s more focused on sharing the characteristics of a life devoted to following Jesus. The teachings and instructions written are not a method of sharing about Jesus with others. Instead it’s more focused on how the church functions and how people of faith relate to each other and the world around them. 

It can be tempting to read James through a lens of guilt and legalism, thinking “I can’t be a good Christian if I don’t do what James said.” The goal is not guilt, but an invitation to what life could look like when faith is expressed by all church people. When reading James, consider how Paul’s words about being saved by faith and grace, not by works, can be complemented with a life of good works. 

Both Hebrews and James rely heavily on the Old Testament Scriptures to be fully embraced. They share the importance of history to our faith, and solidify Jesus as the cornerstone of God’s ultimate plan of salvation for all people in all places. As you read, be encouraged by the grand story you’re part of that began in Genesis 1! Allow the words of Hebrews and James, along with the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus, to transform you to become more like Christ.

Week 1 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 1:1–4

Day 2: Hebrews 1:5–14

Day 3: Hebrews 2:1–4

Day 4: Hebrews 2:5–18

Week 1 Journal Entry

It would be hard to surpass the beauty and precision of the opening passage in the book of Hebrews. In describing Jesus, the writer presents His identity as Creator, the exact image of the glory of God, and as the only pure sacrifice as the Son of God.

To be a Jewish Christian in Jerusalem and elsewhere, in the first century, was to live a divided existence; torn between two worlds. The temptation for these new converts was to attempt to follow the Jesus whose testimony they believed, while submitting to the familiar laws of faith followed at the time.

The King of King’s sacrifice on the cross surpasses all former methods of dealing with man’s sin, by virtue of the most extreme act of love possible. The old system was always intended to be temporary. Imagine owning a smartphone that is eternally updated with every capability and trying to integrate that with a backpack full of old pagers and random power cords that no longer fit? They were at risk of drifting back and following the law instead of following Jesus. It was time for them to move on, fix their eyes on Jesus, and stay with Him, remembering Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13-14 of “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead” (ESV).

Jesus is the fulfillment of every word spoken by God to His people by Moses and through the Prophets. He is God’s final word to all mankind!

Week 1 Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever been challenged to release a strong belief or tradition that hindered your ability to see Jesus clearly and take him at his Word that He alone is sufficient?

2. Have you ever felt rejected or alone when you took the stand to follow Jesus?

3. In Hebrews 2:17-18 we read that He is our High Priest who was fully human in every way. How does this help you understand His heart and love for you more clearly?

Week 2 Discipleship Journey

Week 2 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 3:1–6

Day 2: Hebrews 3:7–19

Day 3: Hebrews 4:1–7

Day 4: Hebrews 4:8–16

Week 2 Journal Entry

The book of Hebrews starts out by discussing the supremacy of Christ. The author uses an analogy of a house and a builder to explain this. He says, “Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses- as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself” (Hebrew’s 3:3). We can respect Moses for being faithful to God and fulfilling Gods’ appointed roles for him; however, Jesus is superior and deserves all the glory, as God is the builder of all things.

The author warns against unbelief that is caused by sin. “Let there not be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).  Sin is what separates us from God, and the further away from God we are, the more our hearts become hardened. The author goes into discussing how the people that were led by Moses responded in disobedience and unbelief. This led to their death, and, consequently, they were unable to enter the rest of the Promised Land.

This example is used as a warning that we as Gods’ people should “strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). That promise of rest still stands for us if we remain faithful and obedient. We can remain confident that the Lord’s promises are true because “the word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). We can also draw near to the Lord in confidence because He is our great High Priest. Although he is our High Priest, he is not one without “being able to sympathize with our weakness” (Hebrews 4:15). He himself became flesh to empathize with us in this way. It gives us the confidence to know we can draw near in times of weakness to experience His mercy and grace.

Week 2 Discussion Questions

1. Talk about the analogy of the builder and the house in Hebrews 3:3. How does this analogy show the Supremacy of Christ?

   2. When the author mentions “rest” they are writing about the Sabbath. Do you find it important to keep a day of Sabbath? If so, what does that look like for you?

   3. What are some ways that you can stay steadfast in your belief and obedience to God?

Week 3 Discipleship Journey

Week 3 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 5:1–10

Day 2: Hebrews 5:11–14

Day 3: Hebrews 6:1–8

Day 4: Hebrews 6:9–20

Week 3 Journal Entry

The writer of Hebrews continues exalting the supremacy of Jesus over any earthly high priest. Jesus is without sin, the perfect Son of God, the source of eternal life for all who obey Him, and permanent high priest forever (Hebrews 5:9-10 NIV). No earthly priest can ever be any of those things, no matter how beloved, how devout, how righteous or how godly. Jesus is our only hope.

All of this would have required a shift of thinking for Hebrew believers, whose traditions and laws depended on the high priest to offer sacrifices for atonement of the people’s sins once a year in the most holy place of the temple, the inner sanctuary (Leviticus 16 NIV). Jesus entered this inner sanctuary through the cross paying the ultimate sacrifice once for all. The hope found in Him is the anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV).

We are encouraged to build on the foundations of the truths about Jesus and “go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1 NIV). Those who are mature have trained themselves with the solid food of God’s Word to discern good from evil. This is not a worldly discernment based on worldly views and desires. It comes from the Holy Spirit working deep within our souls (Hebrews 5:14).

Those of us who have tasted this heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit are warned against abandoning or renouncing our faith in Jesus.  This is a call to persevere in our faith to the end (Hebrews 6:11 NIV), even in the face of doubts, fears and all other attacks by the enemy.

Week 3 Discussion Questions

1. How can you trust that your discernment is from the Holy Spirit and not your own views and desires?

2. Hebrews 6:4-8 uses strong images to show how serious it is for a mature believer to fall away. The word impossible is used when it comes to repentance. Is the writer really saying that there is no hope of salvation in these instances?

3. The writer mentions God keeping His promises to Abraham centuries earlier (Hebrews 6:13-14, NIV), which included the promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 22:18 NIV). How has this promise been fulfilled throughout history?

Week 4 Discipleship Journey

Week 4 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 7:1–10

Day 2: Hebrews 7:11–19

Day 3: Hebrews 7:20–25

Day 4: Hebrews 7:26–28

Week 4 Journal Entry

The book of Hebrews is a truly brilliant, beautiful sermon given to the Israelite people, pointing to Jesus as eternal Prophet, Priest, and King. Old Testament references are written throughout this book to make this case, starting with Hebrews 7. The author connects two essentials of drawing near to God in the Old Testament were the inner sanctuary of the temple, or the holy of holies, and the high priest, who alone was allowed to enter on behalf of the people, with very intentional preparation and structure.

Hebrews 7 introduces us to Melchizedek, a mysterious figure from the Old Testament who appears briefly in Genesis, as both a king and a priest, without recorded lineage or end to his priesthood. Melchizedek means “king of righteousness” or “king of peace”. Parallels to Jesus are drawn - was this actually Jesus in the flesh? This sets the stage to show Jesus as a greater, eternal priest, offering something far superior to the temporary sacrifices of the Old Testament.

The Law of Moses could not bring complete reconciliation between God and man (v18-19). Jesus though, who serves as our high priest forever, guarantees a better hope. His priesthood is based not on ancestry but on the power of an indestructible life. This is the new covenant, but it is as old as time. It was always God's plan. It brings a transformative relationship with God, breaking away from the limitations of the old law and offering us a pathway to confidently draw near to God. Jesus’ priesthood is a source of unshakable hope, securing for us a relationship with God that is rooted in grace, love, and eternal faithfulness.

Week 4 Discussion Questions

1. From your reading and your understanding, who is Melchizedek? Why would the author draw a parallel between him and Jesus?

2. In Hebrews 7:18-19 we are told the Law, or old covenant, could not bring reconciliation between God and man, that the law could make nothing perfect. Why is that? If this is true, what purpose did/does the law serve?

3.  How is it that Jesus' sacrifice did once and for all what the Law and all the Old Testament sacrifices could not do?

Week 5 Discipleship Journey

Week 5 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 8:1–6

Day 2: Hebrews 8:7–13

Day 3: Hebrews 9:1–10

Day 4: Hebrews 9:11–15

Week 5 Journal Entry

 In the beginning of these passages, the author of Hebrews shares the difference between the High Priests of the old covenant and the High Priest of the New Covenant. Under the old covenant, to make a sacrifice you would have to use the blood of goats and bulls. 

This passage points to the truth that Jesus, our great High Priest, has entered the heavenly sanctuary once and for all, and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we would no longer be subject to the regulations and punishments of the old covenant. Jesus through the shedding of his blood has come to mediate a new covenant between God and people. Verse 9:15b says “For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.” 

The main theme of this passage is that Christ is the perfect sacrifice. What does this mean for us now? This means that once you enter into a relationship with Christ, you no longer live under the requirements of the law, but instead, you now live under the freedom of God’s grace (Romans 6:14). As a result, we are now able to worship freely, knowing we are saved by God’s grace rather than live in fear that our imperfections would keep us from God’s love. 

Week 5 Discussion Questions

1. How can understanding the contrasts between the old covenant and the New Covenant deepen our hope, faith, and commitment to following Christ?

2. Talk about forgiveness. What is it and how does Jesus’s sacrifice offer it?

3. What does a life look like knowing we have full assurance of salvation through Jesus? How does this impact your daily worship?

Week 6 Discipleship Journey

Week 6 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 9:16–22

Day 2: Hebrews 9:23–28

Day 3: Hebrews 10:1–10

Day 4: Hebrews 10:11–18

Week 6 Journal Entry

Throughout this passage, the author is reminding the Hebrews of their salvation and is warning them against leaving the faith. During this time, the Hebrews were doubting their faith because of how rigid the Jewish law was. It was hard to believe that the law was no longer necessary after following it closely for hundreds of years. However, the laws were temporary guidelines until Jesus came to bless us with the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:1 says, “the law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities.” To the Jews that were considering leaving Christianity, the law was their lifeline and gospel. For the law to now only be a shadow of the greatness coming brings in a new idea of hope.

Along with the fulfillment of the law, the Hebrews also struggled with the fact that Jesus is the one true sacrifice. It was difficult to grasp that Jesus only needed to shed His blood once because the Hebrews were accustomed to regular sacrifices as required by the old law. But Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, once and for all. It was within God’s will for us to live in freedom, therefore, Jesus stood before God and willingly became the sacrificial lamb. 

Because Jesus came and died for us, there is no need for animal sacrifices; His blood covers us completely. Jesus has fulfilled the Lord’s law and is calling us to live in freedom!

Week 6 Discussion Questions

1. What would you say to someone who is doubting their salvation and faith in Christ? 

2. “We have been made Holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all” (Hebrews 10:10 NIV). How does Jesus’ sacrifice change the way you view yourself? Others?

3. What makes Jesus a different, more worthy, sacrifice compared to the animals of the Old Testament or even any other person today?

Week 7 Discipleship Journey

Week 7 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 10:19–25

Day 2: Hebrews 10:26–31

Day 3: Hebrews 10:32–39

Day 4: Hebrews 11:1–7

Week 7 Journal Entry

The author of Hebrews is writing to a group of Christians in Rome who were experiencing intense persecution beginning to doubt their faith and wonder if it was worth all the hardship they had previously endured. The author reminds us of the heart of the gospel we profess to be true in the midst of intense suffering and calls us to persevere. He intentionally starts out by explaining that we can boldly enter God’s presence and be in communion with Him. Because the veil was torn we can now have intimate fellowship with the One who we suffer for. 

The author calls us to persevere through trials, even though carrying this message will be hard at times. Since we believe that this gospel is true and can bring people from death to life, it is still a divine privilege to partner with God’s plan to save the world. We can apply this letter to our lives as an encouragement and reminder of why we serve the Lord: because as human beings we deserve death as consequence of our sin. But everything we have, down to the constant beat of our heart, is the glorious grace of God toward the people He loves and dwells among. 

“Let us hold tightly, without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted” (Heb. 10:23 NLT). If God can hold true to His promise of the Messiah over the course of almost 4,000 years, then He can hold true to His promise to us that He will take care of us, His children. He’ll never desert us, especially in times of need. 

Week 7 Discussion Questions

1. What are some tangible ways we can “motivate one another to acts of love and good works” according to Hebrews 10:24? 

2. What does this passage make you think about “being persecuted for the Gospel”? 

3. How can we practically remain grounded in our confidence in the gospel while the world around us tries to distract us from it?

Week 8 Discipleship Journey

Week 8 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 11:8–16

Day 2: Hebrews 11:17–22

Day 3: Hebrews 11:23–29

Day 4: Hebrews 11:30–40

Week 8 Journal Entry

Hebrews 11 is one of the most captivating and inspirational chapters in the New Testament, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith”.  It says, “These all died in faith, not having seen the promises, but having seen them afar off, were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 1:13 ESV). Verse 39 reminds us once again, that sometimes faith calls ordinary people to action in times when the reason and benefit are not understood or seeable in the moment. 

The rest of the chapter is a masterful history of those who lived and by faith ruled kingdoms, saved nations, beat lions, outwitted rulers, escaped death, and whose weaknesses became strength. The writer even declares that he would tell us of more, but doesn’t have the time. The shadow side of this victorious list includes mention of the tortures, isolation, cruel executions, and mocking so many of the faithful endured. 

As a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is always with us. So, by faith we can also be courageous, trusting in God just as the men and women written in this chapter did.

Week 8 Discussion Questions

1. The Hebrew’s Hall of Faith names many of our Old Testament faith heroes, but not all. Can you think of someone not mentioned in this passage from the Old Testament, and share why their example encourages you?

2. Can you describe a time in your life where you had to be brave and do the right thing on trust alone?

3. David knew something of believing and acting on a promise he could not yet see, while enduring hardship in the waiting, and as a result was inspired to write Psalm 27. Is there a scripture that has encouraged you? Is there a person who came to your side and strengthened your heart?

Week 9 Discipleship Journey

Week 9 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 12:1–8

Day 2: Hebrews 12:9–17

Day 3: Hebrews 12:18–24

Day 4: Hebrews 12:25–29

Week 9 Journal Entry

As followers of Christ, we are called to live in freedom and community with one another. Living in community requires us to fight for peace between each other and to have a heart that is surrendered to the Lord’s leading. The first step to living in freedom is to, ”throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). We are not called to bear the weight of our sins because Jesus already sacrificed Himself to pay the price and atone for our sins. Although we still sin and fall short, the Lord does not call us to walk in defeat. The Lord disciplines us, not out of malice, rather out of love and a desire to be closer to us.

As we turn away from sin and allow our hearts to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, we become more like Jesus, cultivating a life of holiness. To become holy means to walk closer to Jesus than to sin. The author of Hebrews refers to Proverbs 3:12 to remind believers that God’s correction is not meant to be taken offensively, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you” (Hebrews 12:5 NIV).  Discipline is not pleasant at the moment, yet it produces fruits of the spirit and will be used to glorify God. And, as we learned in this chapter, God disciplines those He loves. 

We are also called to live in peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ. To live in peace is a display of His character to those around you. By having a teachable heart and living out of the grace that the Lord displayed to you through Jesus, living in peace can become a reality. We also must hold each other accountable and remind each other of the life that God has called us to. So, one day we can rejoice in our heavenly inheritance because we followed the Lord’s decrees. By living in community with one another, we can endure hardships side by side and seek to understand the Lord’s will daily. The Lord desires closeness, and this closeness will be achieved through letting go of sin and allowing the Lord’s desires to reign over your life. 

Week 9 Discussion Questions

1. The author instructs the Hebrews to “Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). How do you remind yourself to walk away from any hindrances in your life?

2. To live in community means to “Make an effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14 NIV). What does the author mean by stating that “without holiness no one will see the Lord”?

3. What does it look like to live in peace in today's society? How do you fight for peace?

Week 10 Discipleship Journey

Week 10 Reading Plan

Day 1: Hebrews 13:1–8

Day 2: Hebrews 13:9–14

Day 3: Hebrews 13:15–19

Day 4: Hebrews 13:20-25

Week 10 Journal Entry

Throughout the Book of Hebrews, the writer has exalted the name of Jesus above all else. Here in this closing section, the writer turns to practical ways to live a life that honors our Savior, our Healer, our Shepherd and perfect High Priest, the One who is “the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Notice how the writer echoes many of the gospel teachings of Jesus in the admonitions sprinkled throughout this chapter. Love one another. Welcome the stranger. Remember those who are in prison and who are mistreated. Keep free from immorality and greed. Avoid strange teachings. Do good. Share. Offer continual sacrifices of praise. Confess His name. These are fundamentals for living a Christ-honoring life. 

The writer promises we can trust with confidence in God’s help and be strengthened by His grace. Two Old Testament promises -- which would have been very familiar to the Hebrew readers -- are paraphrased (Hebrews 13:5-6): “Never will He leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:5-6); and “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper.” (Psalm 118: 6-7).

The letter concludes with a prayer for the God of peace, who raised Jesus from the dead, to equip us with everything good for doing His will and work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13: 20-21).

Week 10 Discussion Questions

1. How do you personally connect to God’s promises, that He will never leave or forsake you and that you to not need to fear man because He is our helper and always with us? Discuss the challenges in living with this kind of fearlessness.

2. What does the phrase “sacrifices of praise” mean to you?

3. The writer encourages us to imitate the faith of godly leaders. How do you discern godliness in leaders?

Week 11 Discipleship Journey

Week 11 Reading Plan

Day 1: James 1:1–8

Day 2: James 1:9–18

Day 3: James 1:19–27

Day 4: James 2:1–7

Week 11 Journal Entry

The book of James starts out by saying to “count it all as joy” (James 1: 2). James discusses that as followers of Christ our faith will be tested in the world. If we stay joyful and steadfast in the Lord during these trials, we will lack nothing. And when we feel that we are lacking something, we can ask God for it, but we must “ask in faith with no doubting” (James1:6). The one who doubts is a “double minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Having faith can be the firm foundation that carries us through difficult seasons of our lives.

This world will bring temptations but those are not brought on by God himself. Temptation comes when one is “lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:14). Our selfish desires are what give birth to sin, and sin leads to death. We cannot say that temptation comes from God, but “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). James reminds us of the importance of displaying our faith through our words and actions, to be doers of the word and not just hearers. This includes ways of acting in service to those who might need it. The Lord will bless us in our doing (James 1:25).

Being part of the family of Christ, we are called to not judge based on outward appearance. God does not judge or show partiality to anyone; He loves all of His children. James warns against this practice, saying that as believers who walk in faith, we are called to do the same. He has “chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those that love him (James 2: 4). As the body of Christ, we are called to a higher standard; to be pure and undefiled before God and to “keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1: 27).

Week 11 Discussion Questions

1. James 1:2 says to “count it all as joy.” We all know that can be a tough thing to do, especially during trials. What are some practical ways we can remain joyful and steadfast to the Lord through our trials?

2.   James discusses the importance of being doers of the word and not just hearers. Discuss the difference between the two.

3. The first section of Chapter 2 discusses the sin of partiality. Partiality refers to favoritism based on status in society. What are some things we can do to remind ourselves that we are all the same in the eyes of God?

Week 12 Discipleship Journey

Week 12 Reading Plan

Day 1: James 2:8–13

Day 2: James 2:14–26

Day 3: James 3:1–6

Day 4: James 3:7–12

Week 12 Journal Entry

Here, James is talking about the importance of controlling our tongue and warning us against the consequences of not stewarding our speech well. He talks about how the tongue is small yet holds the power of life and death just as a small spark can cause a forest fire. It says in Proverbs 12:18 “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing” (NLT) 

James calls us to a higher standard and says in verses 11-12 that a spring cannot produce fresh water and saltwater at the same time, meaning that it is wrong or out of place for kind speech and demeaning speech to come from the same person. If we are called to be teachers of the Word,  we will be judged more strictly because of our knowledge of the truth. 

We can apply this to our lives by understanding that what we say is important and is not something to be careless about. The passage says that no one can control the tongue and that if we could we would be “perfect” (NLT) and could “control ourselves in every other way”. This inability to be perfect gives us a unique dependence on the Holy Spirit to help us speak kindly and bring healing through our words.

Week 12 Discussion Questions

1. How has someone's words impacted you recently? (can be positive or negative)

2. How can you personally surrender your speech to the Lord and let Him speak through you?

3. In what area of your life will you let the Lord bring healing? Either to yourself, through what He says about you, or to others by letting Him use you to bring healing to someone else's heart?

Week 13 Discipleship Journey

Week 13 Reading Plan

Day 1: James 3:13–18

Day 2: James 4:1–6

Day 3: James 4:7–10

Day 4: James 4:11–17

Week 13 Journal Entry

In these passages, the apostle James gives us instructions on how to seek heavenly wisdom above seeking earthly wisdom. He described heavenly wisdom as pure, peace-loving, gentle at all times, willing to yield to others, full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It also says that It shows no favoritism and is always sincere (James 3:17.) While this is a little easier said than done, the author gives us instructions on how we can seek this kind of wisdom in James 4:7-8. How do we practically seek heavenly wisdom? Humble yourself before Him, resist the devil, and draw close to Him. These are three simple but impactful steps that help us understand that God cares more about the motives behind our actions and challenges us to seek heavenly wisdom above earthly wisdom in our decisions and relationships. Drawing near to God and humbling yourself before Him is the key to living for Jesus. As we allow God to change our heart,  we live out of humility, wisdom, and purity of heart.

Week 13 Discussion Questions

1. Which of the characteristics in James 3:17 do you find most challenging to live out, and why?

2. Discuss the different ways that embracing heavenly wisdom transforms the way we interact with others and how we view the world. 

3. How can you practically “draw near to God” this week? How does it make you feel, knowing that there is a promise that He will draw near to you?

Week 14 Discipleship Journey

Week 14 Reading Plan

Day 1: James 5:1–6

Day 2: James 5:7–11

Day 3: James 5:12–20

Day 4: Final reflection on Hebrews and James

Week 14 Journal Entry

James is a powerful, practical book for believers on how to do life as a follower of Jesus. The themes of patience, perseverance and prayer are evident throughout this book, especially in chapter 5.  Beginning with an alert to the trappings of wealth and exploitation of others and then reminding us that riches (everything we own) is temporary and should not be gained or hoarded unjustly. The remaining verses emphasize using resources responsibly and treating others with fairness, as God sees all and judges all. As such, we should be compelled to live generously and with compassion, valuing people over possessions.

Then, the author shifts to encouraging patience and perseverance in the face of suffering, using the example of farmers waiting for the harvest and the prophets who endured hardship. James urges us to trust in God’s timing, reminding us the Lord’s return is near (v8).  Patience is a virtue. It's an expression of love when dealing with others and an expression of faith in trials. Let us persevere, remaining steadfast in knowing God’s purposes are good and that He is compassionate and merciful (v11). And let us not swear any oath, let our yes be yes and our no be no (v12).

Next, James highlights the power of prayer and community (v13-18). As believers we are encouraged to pray in every situation—whether in trouble, for healing or in celebration. And we are called to confess sins to one another and support each other in prayer. These heartfelt prayers are powerful and effective. If Elijah can pray to stop the rain, so can we.

James' final words are an encouragement to guide back someone who has wandered from the faith (v19-20). This would be an act of profound love.

Week 14 Discussion Questions

1. Considering this passage, does your relationship with your possessions reveal a need for a ‘heart check-up’, or perhaps testifies to your heart of service and generosity? There’s probably room for improvement in all of us. What’s one area you could strive to improve upon? 

2. Patience is an expression of love when dealing with others and an expression of faith in trials. Share thoughts on your relationship with patience in terms of service to others and as an expression of faith.

3. Verses 13-18 are an impassioned call to be people of prayer. Using the examples in this passage, share one thing you will commit to doing consistently going forward, to elevate your prayer life.

Thank you for Joining Us

So there we have it. Our journey through the books of Hebrews and James is complete. Hebrews is a profound message pointing us to Jesus as both our eternal High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, offering a new covenant and direct access to God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the old covenant, providing believers access to a better hope and an unshakable Kingdom. Things of this world will be shaken, and Hebrews encourages us to hold fast to our faith, persevere through trials, and live with confidence, knowing that Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice secures our salvation and invites us to draw near to God with full assurance. It’s a call to unwavering trust in Jesus, and obedience to God who is proven faithful. By faith is how we live, and by faith we worship God with gratitude, reverence and awe.

James takes us a step further into the "how", with a practical guide to living our faith in everyday life. True faith is demonstrated through outward expressions - showing love and compassion, and living in integrity. James encourages believers to persevere through trials with joy and be bold in seeking God for wisdom. Idolatry can be expressed as 'friendship with the world over God', and we are warned to watch our allegiance, keep our devotion pure and draw near to God - who extends so much grace, favoring the humble. We, as believers, are challenged to control our speech, avoid favoritism, and care for the needy, all while living humbly before God. With a focus on prayer, patience, and perseverance, James inspires us to live authentically, letting our faith shine through in every aspect of our lives.

Be blessed my friends - May we all not be only hearers, but also doers of the Word, walking steadfastly, listening for God's voice, trusting in Christ's eternal priesthood, and living a life of wisdom, integrity and worship - Loving each other, demonstrating hospitality and compassion, living contentedly, praising earnestly, and praying continually.

Meet Our Authors

Hannah Fry:

Hannah Rowen Fry is a writer and speaker passionate about helping people live into their God-purpose. Her thoughtful reflections on Scripture invite those who feel overwhelmed to slow down, choose simplicity, and experience greater joy in the present moment.

CHuck Cova:

Chuck loves the Lord and loves helping others find their way to a purposeful life through teaching, writing and coaching. Chuck and Pam, his wife of 38 years, are recent transplants to Jacksonville (from Michigan) and feel blessed to call Beach their new church home.

Paul Pinckham:

Paul came to Jacksonville as a newspaper reporter in 1990 and now works as an investigator for the Federal Defender's Office. He and his beloved wife Beth recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and live in Baymeadows with their dog Miles.

Ireland Kane

Ireland is a life group leader at Beach Church. She enjoys writing poems in her free time and hopes to publish a collection of writing in the near future. She finds joy from community with her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Noalani Hernandez

Noalani recently moved here to Jacksonville Beach from Gainesville, GA to join the internship program at Beach Church! She is a creative and is currently in school to receive a degree in Organizational Leadership. She has a heart for bringing the Holy Sprit into creative spaces and is passionate about leading others into deeper intimacy with the Lord.

Jordan Salsburg

Jordan is an Interior Designer and enjoys that her job allows her to do what she loves creatively and also pursue intentional relationships with people, which she is passionate about. In her spare time she loves anything outdoors- but especially the beach.

Nathan Wolfe

Nathan Wolfe is 21 years old and a discipleship intern here at Beach! He fell in love with Jesus at 16 after God chased my heart down so much that he couldn’t deny it anymore! He is a Bible college graduate from Summit international School of Ministry and is dedicated to serving the Kingdom!

Jacqui Anderson

From the time that Jacqui arrived from California with her husband Jim, Beach Church became her Jesus family and place to serve with all her heart. After she surrendered her life to follow Jesus 30 years ago, a love for God’s word and sharing the gospel in the creative communities she was a part of, became her passion. God continues to open new doors for her to show how much He loves this world.