Text: Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
A brand new start
Everyone competing MUST start at the starting line. The new birth is where it all begins.
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Who is running?
Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet Favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Run to win
1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
When we run a race, we do everything we can to win that race. We dress with as few clothes as we can. We do all we can to make ourselves aerodynamic. Bicycle racers go so far as to shave their entire bodies before a race to cut down on air resistance.
Not only do we get rid of all the weight we can. We also make sure we know the rules of the race and follow them so we won't get disqualified. One woman in an Olympic race pushed another off the track, she stumbled and fell. This delay caused her to lose the race. I don't remember if there was a penalty for the one that pushed her or not. In our race for eternal life, we must follow the rules.
Stay on the path.
2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
No short cuts.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Doctrine, Shows us the path.
Reproof, Tells us when we leave the path.
Correction, Shows us the way back to the path.
Instruction, Tells us how to stay on the path.
Great examples (Chapter eleven).
Hebrews 12:1 N.I.V. 1Therefore, 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.
Announcements
November 1, 10:00 a.m. Work day.
Wednesday, Bible discussion. Red letter study.
October 31 Apple Hill trip.
Wednesday February 18, annual business meeting.
Bible study available (Foundations of Faith).
Lunch after Service.
Remember the brown box, building fund, bicycle, and sewing machine jar.
Cans and food donation.
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