Bible passages

Hebrews 10:19–39

Draw Near, Encourage Each Other and Endure

Read with an adult. Confidence in Jesus, severe judgment and memories of suffering all belong in this appeal.

Hebrews 11:1–3

Faith Concerns Hope and What Is Unseen

These opening words introduce the trusting lives described later in the chapter.

Hebrews 11:4–7

Abel, Enoch and Noah Respond by Faith

Three short examples show trust connected with giving, pleasing God and acting on a warning.

Hebrews 11:8–19

Abraham and Sarah Trust Beyond What They Can See

Read with an adult. These examples include waiting for a homeland, an unexpected birth and the testing involving Isaac.

Hebrews 11:20–22

Faith Looks Ahead through Blessing and Worship

Isaac, Jacob and Joseph each act in trust about a future beyond the present moment.

Hebrews 11:23–29

Faith Protects Moses and Shapes Costly Choices

Read with an adult. These examples include threatened children, oppression and deaths at the sea.

Hebrews 11:30–40

Faith Is Seen in Rescue and in Suffering

Read with an adult. The examples include war, sexual work, torture, killing, imprisonment and poverty.

Hebrews 12:1–3

Keep Going by Looking to Jesus

A race pictures steady faith, with Jesus as the focus when people grow tired.

Hebrews 12:4–13

Painful Discipline Is Aimed at Growth and Healing

Read with an adult. The father-and-child comparison is difficult; its stated aims are holiness, peace and healing.

Hebrews 12:14–17

Pursue Peace and Do Not Trade Away What Matters

Read with an adult. Esau's example makes a serious warning about choices and consequences.

Hebrews 12:18–29

A Heavenly Gathering and an Unshakable Kingdom

Read with an adult. Two mountain scenes lead to a serious call to listen and serve God with awe.

Hebrews 13:1–4

Keep Loving, Welcoming and Remembering Others

Read with an adult. The practical instructions include strangers, prisoners, mistreatment and sexual faithfulness.

Hebrews 13:5–14

Be Content and Stay with the Unchanging Jesus

God's presence grounds courage, while the passage also remembers costly allegiance to Jesus.

Poetry and prayer

Hebrews 13:15–19

Praise, Share and Pray for One Another

Words of praise and practical generosity are joined to accountable care and shared prayer.

Hebrews 13:20–25

God Equips His People, and Grace Closes the Letter

The farewell moves from a blessing through Jesus to personal news and greetings for all.

James 1:1

James Greets the Scattered Tribes

One sentence tells us the named writer, his service and the readers he greets.

James 1:2–12

Ask for Wisdom and Keep Going through Trials

James joins endurance, wise asking and a warning that riches fade.

James 1:13–18

Wrong Desire Harms, but God Gives Good Gifts

James distinguishes the lure toward wrongdoing from God's truthful, life-giving goodness.

James 2:1–13

Give the Poor Visitor the Same Respect

A seating example exposes favouritism and leads to the command to love neighbours with mercy.

James 2:14–26

Faith Must Help, Not Only Speak

James asks what claimed trust is worth when someone lacks food and clothing.

James 3:1–12

Small Words Can Cause Great Harm

Speech can guide, burn or bless. James makes its responsibility clear with vivid pictures.

James 3:13–18

Wisdom Is Shown by Gentle, Peaceful Actions

James tests wisdom by the life it produces rather than how clever a person sounds.

James 4:1–6

Selfish Desires Feed Quarrels, but God Gives Grace

Read with an adult. James uses severe words about killing and unfaithfulness while challenging motives behind conflict.

James 4:7–12

Draw Near to God and Stop Acting as Final Judge

Humility includes turning from wrong and refusing to place yourself over another person as God.