Growing in Grace

Preach the Gospel             Lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified . -1 Corinthians 9:27b It is with pride that we often look back on our past accomplishments. While it might feel amazing to win a 1 st place trophy, be named MVP or to be accepted into the Hall of Fame for our sport, it will be even more fulfilling at the end of our Christian race to hear Jesus tell us “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (1) We want to know that our lives have counted for something important. Francis Chan has said that “our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” Photo Credit We read in Hebrews chapter 11 about “God’s Hall of Faith”. Although these faithful ones faced many hardships and many did not see the promised outcome, they remained true to their calling. We cannot “allow fear – fear of change, the unknown, failure, ridicule, not following the crowd, our own inadequacies, or do

Persevering in the Race But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection . -1 Corinthians 9:27a The word perseverance is defined as “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.” (1) It is an active staying power that gives us a long-term perspective. Perseverance plays a big part in a long distance race. As a runner goes mile after mile, he begins to “hit the wall.” This is the point where the body physically begins to tire and weaken and he emotionally begins to feel spent. The finish line seems very far away and quitting becomes a strong temptation. Like in a long distance run, perseverance is necessary in the Christian life. Hebrews 12:1 tells us that we are to run the race marked out for us with perseverance. It is what helps us to consistently pursue right living in spite of the many obstacles we encounter. While non-believers will rely on their own personal determination and grit, the believer has an important he

Prepare for the Race Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. -1 Corinthians 9:26 Every sport requires players to learn fundamental skills that lay the foundation for excellence. At times, the basics can be boring. Sometimes they can even be difficult to learn. But in any sport, mastering these basics is always the key to success. Much like fundamental skills in sports, a core set of basics will guide you in living a life focused on Christ. There are three areas of basic training essential to a successful endurance run with God. The first basic is to study God’s training manual – the Bible. Each sport has its training manual to develop excellence. For the Christ-follower, the Bible is like a rule book, playbook, and training manual rolled into one. Its inspired words come from the heart and mind of God. (1) 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture comes from God; it is literally God-breathed. “The Holy Spirit of God us