Towards the end of his sermon, Pastor Brian shared an encouraging word: victory is possible for all Christians running the race of faith.
Are you burdened, or do you feel that you have lost all chance of living a victorious life? Don't despair! We have obtained victory through the work of Jesus Christ- the One who humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross; the One who confounded the devil and made an open show of him; the One who was fit to suffer on our behalf.
Lord, help us to remember that it is You who works in us and through us. Help us to drop our personal agendas and fully embrace Your program and plan for our lives.
Showing posts with label First Corinthians 9. Show all posts
Showing posts with label First Corinthians 9. Show all posts
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Resource Room!
On this past Sunday, Pastor Brian summarized some of the resources we engage as believers in Jesus:
And, because each of us in Christ has been given spiritual gifts, we also have the benefit of our spiritual siblings as resources.
With these invaluable tools, we can run the race of faith successfully!
- Reliance on the Holy Spirit
- Reading God's Word
- Putting our faith in to action
- Focusing on Jesus Christ
And, because each of us in Christ has been given spiritual gifts, we also have the benefit of our spiritual siblings as resources.
With these invaluable tools, we can run the race of faith successfully!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Serious Race. Serious Gear.
On Sunday Pastor Brian shared with us that we are all "running the race of faith". As we reflect on this analogy, we must keep in mind that there are certain characteristics of the sport and industry of running. Let's look at just one.
The sport of running requires certain equipment. Anyone who has spent time in a sporting goods store knows that footwear worn by runners is distinct and different from other sports footwear. Clothing, too, is specialized. No runner would show up at the starting line wearing swimming goggles or soccer cleats!
The race of faith requires certain equipment. Yes, we hear the echo of Hebrews 11: "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). What is the "serious gear" for the people of faith? Praying to God. Hearing from God. Believing what Goad has said. Acting on that belief. And, like runners exercise their muscles, we can exercise our faith by continually using it in the situations we face in life.
So, friends, do you have on the right gear?
The sport of running requires certain equipment. Anyone who has spent time in a sporting goods store knows that footwear worn by runners is distinct and different from other sports footwear. Clothing, too, is specialized. No runner would show up at the starting line wearing swimming goggles or soccer cleats!
The race of faith requires certain equipment. Yes, we hear the echo of Hebrews 11: "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). What is the "serious gear" for the people of faith? Praying to God. Hearing from God. Believing what Goad has said. Acting on that belief. And, like runners exercise their muscles, we can exercise our faith by continually using it in the situations we face in life.
So, friends, do you have on the right gear?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
On Your Mark...
On Sunday our guest speaker, Pastor Brian, spoke on First Corinthians 9:24-27. It was an interesting continuation of the sermons we have heard over the past two weeks. God's theme remains constant, shared through the words of pastors who literally are from all over the world:
"Church, you have work to do!"
For the next few days we'll reflect on the analogy found in First Corinthians 9: runners in a race, seeking to win the prize. Today, I'll just leave you with a few questions to think about for yourself:
"Church, you have work to do!"
For the next few days we'll reflect on the analogy found in First Corinthians 9: runners in a race, seeking to win the prize. Today, I'll just leave you with a few questions to think about for yourself:
- How do you prepare for engaging in the work of the Lord?
- Are you willing to risk everything for the sake of the kingdom of God?
- If someone else were to evaluate you, would they say you're "giving your best" to God?