"Follow the Rules of the Race"

 

Hebrews 12:1-2 "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, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD."

     Every believer who is persistently running the race of life must exercise patience while running. This is the first "rule of running." Yet patience is not enough. The author of Hebrews gives us a second rule: Run without hindrances. Just as a marathon competitor would never run a race encumbered by heavy clothing or a weight belt, every believer who is running the spiritual race of life must be sure he is not spiritually weighed down. We find two particular categories of hindrances listed.

     First, we must remove every "weight"; they may not be inherently sinful, but they can prevent us from running the race effectively. These encumbrances can be people or relationships; they can be hobbies or interests - whatever we spend our time doing at the expense of our spiritual well-being. They can also be beliefs or passions - something we feel strongly about such as politics or social issues. Even if a weight is not intrinsically wrong, it becomes a sin whenever it keeps us from faithfully, patiently, and effectively moving forward in the Christian life and making the LORD our priority.

     Second, we must lay aside any "sins" that "so easily beset us" (v.1). The visual picture being painted by the author of Hebrews is that of a person becoming ensnared or tangled up by something that clings to him. These transgressions can be particular beliefs, such as embracing false doctrines that lead to ungodly behavior. Or they can stem from our own pride and laziness. They can entail passions such as lust, covetousness, or idolatry. All of these sins can easily entangle us and keep us from running as we should. Let us put off sins and hindrances for our good and for GOD's glory ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Patiently Running the Race"

 

Hebrews 12:1-2 '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, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD."

     The race of life, which the author of Hebrews exhorts us to keep running, can only be completed successfully by following certain rules. Notice 2nd.Timothy 2:5 pictured above for here the Apostle Paul reminds us that "if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." GOD has set the guidelines for running the race of life, and only by following these rules will we experience the peace and joy of the LORD and simultaneously, bring glory to HIM. Today's text describes two edicts for running this race. We will consider the first one today and the second one tomorrow.

     First, we must "run with patience" (v.1). Every child of GOD must persistently face the race of life with fortitude. Tribulation and trials will happen, and this text exhorts us to endure through the hardships that will inevitably come. Consider Psalm 73:1-17, 22-28 and compare these verses to Hebrews 11. From our finite, human perspective, it seems as though unbelievers "have it good" and are getting away with everything. Yet patient perseverance with the eye of faith puts everything in its proper perspective.

     Patience is so essential to the Christian life, yet it goes against everything our flesh and our culture stand for. We want everything now, and we do not want to experience difficulties in order to get what we want. But consider the men and women listed in Hebrews 11 and notice how faith and patience coincide. Each of these individuals demonstrated faith by believing GOD and patiently awaiting the fulfillment of HIS promises - and sometimes they died before even getting to see them become a reality (Hebrews 11:39 pictured above) ! The race of life requires patience, and a lack of patience reveals a lack of faith. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"We Are ALL Running the Race, Keep Running !"

 

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,"

     The first verse of Hebrews 12 makes it clear that every Christian is a participant in the race of life. Notice the pronoun "us" in the phrase "let us," for the author of this letter includes himself as one who was in the process of running and enduring life's race. We are not certain who the author is, yet we know that he was either a New Testament Apostle or Prophet who was led along by the HOLY SPIRIT to pen GOD's very WORDs to HIS church. In other words, GOD mightily used this author of Hebrews to communicate HIS truth. And yet, as important as this person was, he too, needed to endure. He did not receive "special treatment" from the LORD that let him take a spiritual shortcut or live a life that was free from any trials or difficulties.

     Sometimes we get the idea that a status of "super Christian" exists. Perhaps we feel like some people are above the realm of trials or difficulties and receive a special "pass" from GOD that keeps them from needing to endure or they have some kind of unique ability to press on and be victorious while we - the common man - are not so equipped. Or, conversely, maybe we feel as though we are this "super Christian" who is allowed to coast through life on autopilot without needing to run the race and obey the rules GOD has established. Yet this is not the case. Every Christian is a saved sinner who has been called by GOD to endure and press forward through the difficulties of life. Those such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses - all mentioned in the previous chapter 11 - were not "super saints" but were simply men who persevered and relied on the LORD as they walked by faith and overcame the obstacles they faced.

     Not only does the author of Hebrews remind us that we all must run the race of life, but he also tells us that we must keep enduring without giving up or giving in to the pressures that surround us - the compulsion to quit or "cut corners." The verb tense of the world "run" in our text means to "keep on running"; quitting, stopping, or even slowing down and taking it easy are not options in the life of a believer. It is interesting to note that the Greek term underlying the word "race" (v.1b) transliterates as "agony" in English. Life is not a ride - it is a race, and running can often be painful.

     Yes, life may be difficult and remaining faithful and obedient to GOD is certainly challenging at times. Perhaps we feel like it would be simpler if we could turn off our brain and not think about the hard issues of life. Maybe we assume things would be easier if we went with the flow of "everyone else." Sometimes we might reason that our path would be trouble-free if we just followed the rules of others and "piggybacked" on their religion or relationship with GOD (this is what the Hebrew believers were tending to do by falling back into legalism rather than persevering in grace, Hebrews 2:1 pictured above; Hebrews 4:1). Yet the exhortation to us today is to keep on running and do not stop. Elsewhere in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul urges us to be "always abounding in the work of the LORD" (1st.Corinthians 15:58 pictured above). He said concerning himself, "I press toward the mark" (Philippians 3:14 pictured above) so that in the end he could declare, "I have finished my course" (2nd.Timothy 4:7 pictured above). Follow the good example of the godly men and women who have gone before us (Hebrews Chapter 11) and do not quit moving forward in your spiritual walk with GOD ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Let Us Endure !"

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 "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, looking unto JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. For consider HIM that endured such contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." 

     Life can be hard. Many people struggle with family problems, financial problems, and other worries that often seem to overwhelm us. Yet the eleventh chapter of Hebrews reminds us that godly men and women suffered trials and tribulations even worse than our own and GOD commended them for their faith in HIM. While we think of Hebrews chapter eleven as the "Great Faith Chapter," a deeper truth runs throughout and culminates in today's text. Here is the command: Let us endure the race of life. This is the thrust of the entire letter to the Hebrew believers - Keep pressing forward and doing what is right; do not slide backward; continue to persevere; DO NOT QUIT ! And, of course, faith plays a principal role in this needed endurance.

     Have you ever felt like giving up on doing what you know to be right ? Does it seem like life would be so much easier if you just went with the flow rather than trying to do and be what GOD has called you to do and be ? Do you think that going your own way would be in your best interest ? Well, that is exactly what the Hebrew believers were feeling ! This letter was written to encourage them not to fall away - to keep moving forward in their spiritual life and not to slide backward in their walk with the LORD. Therefore, after elaborating on a large group of people who kept their eyes of faith on GOD and HIS promises (we are surrounded by this great "cloud of witnesses" the whole verse is pictured above), the author of Hebrews challenges us to endure - to keep persisting in the race of life, to keep doing what is right and living by faith every day despite our problems. During the next few days, we will consider several truths concerning this exhortation to press on. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the LORD"

 

"Noah found grace in the sight of the LORD." (Genesis 6:8).

The days of Noah were evil because, ". . .the wickedness of man was great in the earth. . ." (Genesis 6:5). He believed that judgment was coming, and the only safe place was in the ark, as GOD had told him.

The Bible says, "By faith Noah, being warned of GOD of things not seen as yet (rain), moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." (Hebrews 11:7).

Noah and his family put their faith and trust in GOD.

Dear Friend, have you put your trust in GOD ?

You ask, "What does it mean to trust GOD ?

FIRST, trust GOD when HE says that every person is a sinner.

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:10, ". . .There is none righteous, no, not one."

And again Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD."

Our sins have separated us from GOD. Before you can know that you have eternal life and that you will go to Heaven, you must first know and believe that you are a sinner.

SECOND, trust GOD when HE says that our sin debt must be paid for.

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death . . ."

According to GOD's WORD, we are all sinners, and our sin must be paid for. If we fail to trust GOD in this life, we will die without CHRIST and spend eternity separated from GOD in a Devil's Hell.

THIRD, trust GOD when HE says that CHRIST died for our sins and rose from the dead the third day.

The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8, "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." 

The best news that anyone could ever tell you is that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins. All our sins were laid on HIM. HE paid our sin debt in full. CHRIST shed HIS blood on Calvary for you, because ". . .without shedding of blood is no remission" of sin (Hebrews 9:22).

Then HE rose from the dead, and HE said to those who trust in HIM, ". . .Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must personally receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR.

Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." That "whosoever" means you. GOD allows you to choose whether or not you will trust HIM.

A person can believe that GOD loves him. He can believe that he is a sinner and that sin must be paid for. But if he is not willing to put his faith and trust in CHRIST, he will die lost and be separated from GOD forever.

Let us review for a moment:

Do you realize that GOD loves you ? (John 3:16)

Do you believe that you are a sinner ? (Romans 3:23)

Do you agree with the Bible that your sin must be paid for ? (Romans 6:23)

Do you believe that CHRIST died and rose again for you ? (1st.Corinthians 15:3-4)

Do you see that you must call upon the LORD to save you ? (Romans 10:13)

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance (turning to GOD from your sin) and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN

The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish . . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Now that you're a Christian:

*  Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33).

*  Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41,47).

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Gulf Coast Baptist Church

Pastor - Dr. Robert Butz

Pastor Emeritus - Dr. Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

(239) 574-1000

GulfCoastBaptist@aol.com

www.gulfcoastbaptischurch.com

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"HE Spoke Seven Times from the Cross"

 

     GOD loves us. Rather than leave us in our sin, HE sent HIS OWN SON, JESUS to pay the penalty that our sin demanded. Although JESUS lived a sinless life, HE died in our place. Before HE died, HE spoke seven times from the cross. These are HIS WORDs:

"FATHER, forgive them for they 

know not what they do."

Luke 23:34

The first WORDs from the cross are not about the pain or the injustice. They were a prayer for those who have just crucified the very SON of GOD.

"Verily, I say unto thee, today shalt

thou be with ME in paradise."

Luke 23:43

JESUS came to seek and to save those who are lost. Now, at HIS hour of death HE offers eternal salvation to the repentant thief hanging next to HIM. The offer still stands for all who repent (a turning to GOD from your sin) and believe in HIM by faith.

"Woman, behold thy son . . .

behold thy mother."

John 19:26-27

JESUS cares about those who love HIM. When HE saw his mother weeping at the foot of HIS cross, HE made provision for her. HE instructed John to take care of her. JESUS knows and cares about our needs.

"MY GOD, MY GOD, why hast

THOU forsaken ME ?"

Matthew 27:46

Separation from GOD is Hell. There was no greater agony for JESUS than to be separated from GOD the FATHER. Yet HE willingly endured this suffering on our behalf. Those who refuse to repent and believe, by faith, still face the agony of eternal separation from GOD and from everyone we have ever known or loved. Repent and believe, while there is still time !

"I thirst."

John 19:28

JESUS, though divine, assumed our human nature (but without sin), at HIS birth ,in order that the penalty due the human race would be borne by a human WHO never sinned. The agony of JESUS' thirst demonstrates the reality of HIS physical suffering on our behalf. That the SON of GOD should become MAN is a mystery. That our sin and guilt can be laid on HIM is a mystery. But we believe by faith and are saved !

"It is finished."

John 19:30

The just anger of GOD against the sin of all mankind lay upon JESUS throughout HIS life, but especially at HIS crucifixion. Now the penalty was paid. The salvation of all mankind was complete. Because of JESUS, we who believe by faith, are reconciled to GOD and are members of GOD's family now and for all eternity.

"FATHER, into THY hands

I commend MY SPIRIT."

Luke 23:46

The wage of our sin is death. JESUS paid that price in full for everyone who has ever lived, is alive today, or will be alive in the future. After three days, GOD raised HIM from the grave and after appearing to many of HIS believers, JESUS then went back into Heaven.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . . For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthian 15:1-2a;3-4).

"For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).

The salvation won for us by the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS is offered to everyone. GOD says in HIS WORD, "BEHOLD, NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD, NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b).

If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28). Everlasting life is ours when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"LORD, Teach Me Cheerfulness"

 

John 15:8-11; 16:28-33 "Herein is MY FATHER glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be MY disciples. As the FATHER hath loved ME, so have I loved you: continue ye in MY love. If ye keep MY commandments, ye shall abide in MY love: even as I have kept MY father's commandments, and abide in HIS love. These things have I spoken unto you, that MY joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."

"I came forth from the FATHER, and am come into the world; again, I leave the world, and go to the FATHER. HIS disciples said unto HIM, Lo, now speakest THOU plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that THOU knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask THEE: by this we believe that THOU camest forth from GOD. JESUS answered them, Do ye now believe ? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave ME alone: and yet I AM not alone, because the FATHER is with ME. These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

     It is easy to grow discouraged and to become irritated and cast down. It is easy to get our eyes off the LORD and become focused on the wind and waves and all the troubling circumstances that surround us on our earthly journey. Even little problems can irritate us greatly, causing us to lose our joy in the LORD. One believer of long ago said, "Our joy is too easily overclouded. Our song of gladness too easily turns into a dirge. We fret ourselves needlessly and fail to rejoice always. Sorrows come over us like a flood and bury us away beneath their dark waves; our gladness is too easily turned to sadness, as life's cares and trials come upon us. We desire to be ministers of cheer to others. Forbid that we should go out with sadness in our faces, which shall cast a shadow on other lives. May we be sunshine to others. May we show to all the world what grace can do in making us messengers of gladness."

     Even though we have tribulations in this dark world, our SAVIOR tells us to "be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 pictured at top of post). Let us remember HIS admonition: "Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:1). May we keep our heart with all diligence, for "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). We must not lose that song in our heart and the sunshine in our faces. Paul and Silas could pray and sing praises in a dungeon because they had a strong, quiet, firm faith in their SAVIOR. May the LORD rescue us from disheartenment, no matter how difficult or perplexing the circumstances around us may be. Let us allow the joy of the LORD to be our strength as we cast every burden upon HIM (Nehemiah 8:10 pictured above; 1st.Peter 5:7 pictured above). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation