Riverdale | Hebrews - Week 09 - “Therefore Run With Endurance” (John Belles)

·30 min·2 clips

John Bellis compares studying Hebrews without chapter 12 to watching only Olympic opening ceremonies, missing the actual race.

This episode is the final week of a sermon series on the book of Hebrews at Alpine Church's Logan campus, delivered by pastor John Bellis on Palm Sunday. Bellis expresses bittersweet feelings about ending the series, noting it covered rich theological truths about Jesus, faith, and the new covenant. He transitions to Hebrews chapter 12, framing it as the practical application of previous teachings, akin to watching Olympic events after the opening ceremonies. The core text is Hebrews 12:1-2, which calls believers to run the race of faith with endurance, stripping off weights and sin. Bellis explores the 'cloud of witnesses,' debating whether it refers to past heroes of faith or present observers. He analogizes the Christian life to a long-distance race, emphasizing the need to remove not just sin but good things that become hindrances. The sermon details five training habits: embrace divine discipline, pursue reconciliation, practice practical holiness, be your brother's keeper, and uproot bitterness early. Each habit is explained with scriptural references, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, such as asking trusted friends if people walk on eggshells around you. Bellis shares a personal story of apologizing to an overseer for a hurtful joke. He concludes by highlighting the reward of an 'unshakable kingdom' and the necessity of keeping eyes fixed on Jesus, who initiates and perfects faith. The message ends with a prayer and an invitation for non-believers to put faith in Jesus.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Alpine Church Sermons