When January rolls around, I like to think of it as a new lap in a long race. No matter ... I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back” (Philippians 3:12-14, The Message).

The “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11 doesn’t praise what we think it praises. As a kid, I loved Hebrews 11 with its hall of famed Bible heroes who lived by faith. I imagined them among the ...