Know Where You Are Going Series

Extreme Cowboy Race

John 16:5-16

Pastor Louis Gibson April 15 2008

“Extreme Cowboy Race” RFD tv airs with Craig Cameron. A race with obstacles like the Texas Three-step, log drag, water hazard, etc…

It is a timed event with points awarded based upon a set of five criteria; 1. horsemanship, 2. cadence, 3. control, 4. horse’s attitude, and 5. overall execution.

Our life as a Christian is like the Extreme Cowboy Race, in that we too are being judged and awarded points. But to kick things off, in order to win, we need to know the course, know the rules, and know how points are awarded.

The thing about this race and what makes it extreme is, instead of competing against one another, we are competing against ourselves! And were doing it all blindfolded!

I. We Need To Know Where We Are Going Vs. 5

a. In order to get an idea of the course, we need to know where we are going vs. 5

John 14:1-4

“Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know where I am going and how to get there.”NLT

b. With the target in mind, I may have to go through some valley’s, through some mud bog’s, through deep water’s, even high mountains, but as long as I keep the vision of where I am going, I can make it through!

II. We need to know the rules vs 6

But we seem to be caught up in what’s going on around us. vs. 6

a. The first rule is

i. what’s going on around you does not determine your destiny

1. your decision determines your destiny

a. Horses are naturally herd animals. It’s amazing to me how everything can be calm and peaceful one moment, then one horse spooks and the whole herd bolts… if you could ask the horse what happened, it would probably say, “I don’t know. I thought I saw something.”

b. Sheep are naturally herd animals, and they too, follow the crowd.

c. The bible describes people that they are like sheep…

i. Even though these sheep have a shepherd, even the horses have a rider, when they spook, they forget they have a guide.

b. 2 rule is

i. Calm down and remember we have a guide.

1. It’s hard to navigate when you are blindfolded, when you can’t see what tomorrow holds.

a. Jesus say’s in vs 7 “look I must go away in order for your guide to come.

2. so we place our hands into the hands of the one who can see tomorrow, and let Him lead us

III. We need to know how the points are awarded vs 16

a. Points are awarded for

i. Attitude

Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. NLT

1. Jesus had a mission to go to Calvary… He never wavered

2. On the other hand the bible tells us of another group of people who it says…

James 1:8

They can’t make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.NLT

3. Christ was not just running the race He was finishing the race!

ii. Control

1. self-control

1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. NLT

iii. Relationship

1. With God

Romans 5:11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.NLT

2. With Others

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. NLT

iv. Faith

1. In Christ

a. To save us

b. To protect us

c. To provide for us

d. To Lead us

v. Endurance

Revelation 2:19

“I know all the things you do—your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things. NLT

Points are kept.

He knows all the things we are doing.

He tells us to remain faithful, keep moving forward, have endurance, and finish the race, and we will receive a crown of life.

Maybe tonight you want to enter the race

There’s an entry fee, but it’s already been paid.

Jesus paid the fee, so you could ride!

Remember you’re not competing against anyone else, your competing against yourself, so no one is ahead of you. You can start the race tonight.

Are you ready? Pray with me if you are accepting Jesus for the first time tonight.

I’m ready to ride, how bout you?

Saddle up for the Extreme Cowboy Race!