Harbor: The Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Harbor is a flagship event for the Office of Church Relations. It is an annual four-day conference at the Pepperdine campus in Malibu, bringing together Christians from across the nation and around the world, with education, fellowship, worship, and rejuvenation.

Message 2024

Hebrews was a sermon (“word of exhortation” – 13:22) to believers who were wearing out. An apt image to describe them was: “feeble arms and weak knees” (12:12). Formerly, they’d been on fire and endured whatever came their way; now, they were needing to hang on (10:32-36).

Perhaps some of us can identify! Whether its weariness from rejection in society (as in Hebrews) or struggles in church leadership or the political divide that has cut through our churches—well, I’d guess many can identify with the image of a runner who’s about to collapse.

What a brilliant reminder to us that Hebrews begins with an exalted view of Jesus—the Son who became a human, suffered and died, rose, was exalted to the presence of God, and who still intercedes for us. To revive a weary people, Hebrews points back to vital, ancient resources: the community, scripture, and (especially) the risen Christ!

The book of Hebrews begins with what seems like a ticker-tape parade. Jesus, the human now resurrected, is seated and enthroned at God’s right hand (1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2). Angels ‑ those ministering spirits sent to minister to God’s people (1:14) —worship him!

We are not alone, dear friends. The Resurrected Son is now interceding for you (7:25); he is your forerunner showing the way (12:1-3), your high priest who understands your weaknesses (2:17-18; 4:14-16; 5:7-10), your savior who invites you to draw near to God (10:22).

Please join us as we let the ancient words of encouragement challenge us again to fix our eyes on Jesus (12:2) and to consider how we may stir one another on to love and good deeds (10:24).