Live In The Light Of Eternity Series

Live in the Light of Eternity

Hebrews 12:1-3

The title of today’s message, “Live in the Light of Eternity” is a good word for all of us, and especially for young people. The Hebrew writer is saying: “Fix your eyes on Jesus – make decisions in the

the light of eternity. Don’t make decisions based on what you want today. Make decisions in the light of eternity.

Billy Graham tells a story about Albert Einstein, who was going on a train to an out-of-town engagement. The conductor stopped to punch his ticket.

The great scientist, preoccupied with his work, with embarrassment Rummaged through his coat pockets and briefcase to no avail. He could not find his ticket. The conductor graciously declared, “We all know who

you are, Dr. Einstein. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.

Everything is okay.” The conductor walked on down the aisle punching other tickets. Before he moved to the next car he looked back and saw Dr.

Einstein down on his hands and knees looking under his seat trying to find

his ticket. He came back and said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about it. I know who you are.” At which the great Einstein looked up and said,

“I, too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”

Studies reveal that a high percentage of decisions for Christ are made before the age of 21. After the age of 21 the percentage rate goes into a sharp decline of people that become disciples of Jesus. King Solomon knew that concept well when he wrote: “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 are words of exhortation for all of us, but especially for youth. Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore,” since all this has happened - Hebrews 11 – Hall of Faith – List of Heroes of Faith prior to the coming of Christ. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.”

We are surrounded by people that have given us a great Christian Heritage. Here is a picture of a Greek or Roman Olympic Amphitheater. Christians are on the playing field participating in running a race. The race is compared to your run through life. For some the run is short and others is it long. But every Christian is to participate in the race. The grandstands are filled with Heroes of the Christian Faith. There are hundreds and thousands – people you know and people you don’t know. You look and see your own Booster Club. Some are holding up a banner with your name on it. They are rooting and cheering for you.

I look up and see people I know in my cheering section. These are people who have had a great influence on my life. There on the front row is my mother. Next to her is my High School Sunday School Teacher. On the second row my grandparents and great grand parents on my mother’s side are seated. I still have fond memories of their Christian character and words of encouragement. My mother who had the greatest influence is leading the cheering section for me.

Carollyn looks up and has an even bigger cheering section. Grandparents and Great Grandparents on both sides of her family are seated there. Carollyn’s father was a Free Methodist Minister and both her Grandfathers were Free Methodist Pastors. One was a Bishop in the Free Methodist Church.

Today Carollyn and I are cheering for our 4 married children and our 13 grandchildren. Plus the Lord willing we will add another grandchild in December. Your youngest daughter Janette is expecting the first part of December.

You say, “I don’t have many relatives who are Christian. My cheering crowd is small.” Look around you. Everyone here this morning is part of your cheering crowd. You are part of a community of caring people. You have a lot of people cheering for you.

I. Throw off Everything that Hinders You

Hebrews 12:1

Since you are surrounded by a great throng of witnessed, “throw off every things that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…”

As you run the race of life, don’t let any baggage weight you down. Get rid of any sin that entangles you. If your feet are tangled up of if you feet are tied to weights, you are slowed down.

The best way to run is to run in step with Jesus. Have you ever competed in a sack race. Carollyn and I competed in a sack race. You each put your leg in a large sack that comes up to your waist. When given the “go” word you start running in unison. If you get out of step with each other then you fall. When Jesus is your partner you will never get out of step. You will not fall. You only fall when your life gets out of step with Jesus or when you get sidetracked or think you can run better by going backwards.