Running the race

This morning I had the privilege of delivering the message at our church. I feel blessed every time I speak from God's word and I wish to thank Garrison Baptist Church for allowing me the opportunity. Today I spoke from Hebrews 12. The text follows. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-12:3, NIV

 This idea that our Christian walk is a race ties together the messages of the past few weeks. We talked about points of decision, those times when God is calling us to action. We also spoke about God's vision for a body of Christ that is united and purpose with every member doing that which God called them to do.Today, from Hebrews 12, we identified specific advice for dealing with the ups and downs of our life. We explored the question, "How are we supposed to face life's ups and downs?" This passage revealed three points that we emphasized today. since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses

The phrase great cloud of witnesses may have a number of meanings. Today we identified these witnesses as those brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we share our life. God puts people in our lives that want to celebrate life's ups and help us through life's downs.

 run with perseverance

God wants us to persevere through the downs in our lives. In order to do that, we need to be steadfast in our faith. One way to be steadfast is to pray and study our Bible everyday. We must prepare ourselves for life's downs by studying the word of God.

 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

When we are faced with life's downs, we must remember the hardships that Jesus endured so that we could have eternal life and a relationship with God. Remembering puts our life into perspective with the life of our Savior.

 I hope that these ideas will encourage you to run the race God has marked out for your life.