The writer of Hebrews has a lot to say, but is having a hard time explaining it. Why? It's not a language barrier or an issue of complexity. It's because we become dull of hearing. We become like children—dependent and self-centered. The only spiritual growth we get is from Sunday service, and we go to get something out of it for ourselves, rather than seeing it as an opportunity to minister to others and to the Lord. Sunday morning is not the "big show." It's only a small part of how we live out our faith. At the core of all we do, should be making radical mission-minded disciples. 

God has called each of us to be part of our local church body. There are times that we can be more concerned with the structure and programs of the church than what God has really called us to. Through the example of Paul in Acts 27, we are to be focused on the people and not the ship. The ship is only a means to advance the kingdom of God. His kingdom is laying down our lives and agendas for others. In that act of serving the body you will find a place of belonging.

Guest speaker Brad House from Mars Hill Church in Seattle shares about the unwritten social laws to which we all unconsciously adhere. We all have a range from intimate to public spaces that we operate within each day. Our relationships gradually step through these spaces as we get to know people better, but the awkward thing about house churches is that we are often asking people to jump from the public space of the world to the intimate space of our house. Through hospitality, service and participation in community events we can help ease the move into intimate fellowship.

Guest speaker Brad House from Mars Hill Church in Seattle continues our Community Conference by "Redefining Community." Sunday morning is where we receive conviction. Community, or house church, is where we confess that conviction and change is lived out. Through that transformation our mission becomes reaching the lost. If we don't have that missional component, our community is broken.

Satan seeks to destroy and defile anything that reflects the nature of God with his onslaught of lawlessness and immorality. God calls us to purity in order for us to be useful to Him. We can become burdened, even haunted, by this call to purity, since we are unable to live the consecrated life. For all those weary and burdened ones, Christ is the Covenant who sets them free and gives them rest. Though we may fail and make mistakes, we can be assured that He will do the work of consecrating us.