EYES ON THE PRIZE
Preached by Rev. Kelvin L. Parks
Maine Street Baptist Church
Brunswick, Maine 04011
11 June 2006
Prayer
Thanksgiving
Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)
[v.13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
[v.14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Alternate translation from “The Message”
[v.13] I am not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, do not get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I have my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward -- to Jesus. I am off and running and I am not turning back.
[v.14] So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision -- you will see it yet! Now that we are on the right track, let us stay on it.
Subject: Eyes on the Prize
This morning, we are going to see from the Scriptures that life is a race to be run. Now, I realize that you may not feel much like running, this early on a Sunday morning. In fact, someone of you are like me and you may not ever feel like running again.
But ... the type of running that we are going to talk about this morning does not involve a cardiovascular workout, nor does it give you blisters on your already sore feet. Instead, it gets us from where we are spiritually to where God intends for u to be.
Speaking of exercise ... I am reminded here of a story of a retired couple who decided that they should walk two miles a day to stay in shape. They chose to walk a mile out on a lonely country road so they would have no choice but to walk back.
At the one-mile mark on their first venture, the man asked his wife, “Do you think you can make it back all right, or are you too tired?” “Oh no,” she said. I’m not tired. I can make it just fine. He said good ... I will wait here. You go back, get the car, and come get me.”
Let us look again at our text ...
Walk with me ...
[v.13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things, which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things, which are before,
[v.14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Bear with me for a moment as I set the context of what is taking place in this letter to the Church at Philippi.
We see here in Philippians 3, Paul giving us his spiritual biography. If we look back, we see Paul describing his past in [v.1-11], his present, which we will examine more closely in our text [v.12–16], and his future [v.17–21].
Now ... I need to make sure ya’ll get this. You see ... although Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Philippians saints, he wanted them to know that he had not yet attained the goals stated in verses 10-12.
Well ... lets back up real quickly take a took at this goals ...
Goal #1
[v.10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Goal #2
[v.11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Goal #3
[v.12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
This leads us to our text...
[v.13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended ...
We see here... that Paul was still actively pressing on toward the prize of his high calling.
With all that he had accomplished ... he was not ready to sit back, kick his feet up, and chill for the remainder of his life
He knew that he still had some running to do ... he knew that he had not by no means reached the finish line. He know that if he wanted to make that he had to keep his eyes on the finish line.
Now ... let us put a pen right here and deal with this for a minute.
If any human being had a right to brag, or get high minded about there status, or their position in society ... it could have been Paul. Oh yeah ... just think about for a second, he is responsible for 13 of 27 book of our New Testament.
In fact, we can look at his life and his qualifications speak for themselves.
Philippians 3:5 he names off his credentials
1. “Circumcised the eighth day,
2. of the stock of Israel,
3. of the tribe of Benjamin,
4. an Hebrew of the Hebrews;
5. as touching the law,
6. a Pharisee”
But wait that is not all... over in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 he gives us a few more.
• I have worked much harder,
• been jailed more often,
• beaten up more times than I can count,
• and at death’s door time after time.
• I’ve been flogged five times
• with the Jews’ thirty-nine lashes,
• beaten by Roman rods three times,
• pummeled with rocks once.
• I have been shipwrecked three times,
• and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day.
• In hard traveling year in and year out,
• I’ve had to ford rivers,
• fend off robbers,
• struggle with friends,
• struggle with foes.
• I have been at risk in the city,
• at risk in the country,
• endangered by desert sun and sea storm,
• and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers.
• I have known drudgery and hard labor,
• many a long and lonely night without sleep,
• many a missed meal,
• blasted by the cold,
• and naked to the weather.
But with all of this credentialing and although, he had won many spiritual battles in that time and had grown much in those years, but he candidly confessed in 3:13 “I count not myself to have apprehended”
Oh what humility ... you see the Apostle Paul did not put confidence in his flesh. He knew that he still had more spiritual heights to climb.
Yet... all of these accolades meant nothing to Paul, in fact in verses 7-9 he referred to them as lost cow chips – to put it mildly.
Watch this -- jump up to verse 7
[v.7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
[v.8] Yea doubtless, [just in case you did not understand] and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
Now you know how we do, let us just keep it real, the Apostle Paul said he counts “ALL THINGS lost.”
Now we sing songs and say that we will surrender all but do we really. Now, I know that I am preaching to myself right here ... you see I got some titles that still want to hold on to. In the military, they say that once you are a Chief, then you will always be a Chief. But I need to break these shackles of earthly confidence in my titles and positions and realize that knowing Christ as Savior is the most important information that I can ever know.
It never ceases to amaze me how some people have a problem with letting go of the past. Grown men still trying to squeeze into that varsity letterman jacket from high school. I think that you need to listen to your wife and count it as lost.
Some women who have gained two, maybe three sizes and still trying to squeeze into that plaid poodle skirt. Some of you, your pride want allow you to change out our wardrobe because do not want the tags sizes to reveal who you really are.
Paul goes on to say in verse 8
for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[v.9] And be found in him [now that is a good place to be], not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Ephesians 2:8-9
[v.8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [v.9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This testimony of the Apostle Paul reminded the saints at Philippi and should serve notice to use this morning ... that there must never be a stalemate in our spiritual growth or a plateau beyond which we cannot climb.
Walk with me...
[v.13]
Those of you familiar with the writing style of the Apostle Paul may have noticed that he often used everyday illustrations from the time in which he lived to communicate truth about the Christian life. Four example:
Military:
“Put on the whole armor of God” - Ephesians 6:11
Architecture:
You are the temple of God” 1 Corinthians 3:16
Agriculture:
“Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap” Galatians 6:7
Athletics
As stated in our text
[v.13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended ... [we have dealt with that, now let us deal with] “but this one thing” I do,
There are those who call this world we live in the Rat Race of life. As humans, we get up, go to work, race around, and seek to gather all the riches that seem to be around us. Some people in this life are motivated by Power. Power over others, power over self. To control rather than being controlled is there hearts desire.
Others seek wealth above all else. Money, diamonds, precious metals, real estate: the more wealth they have the more satisfied they become. Others run a race for beauty, to satisfy their pride.
In this Reality TV based generation in which we live ... there are those who run for fame, to be well known and loved. All of these thing have one thing in common ... it is for a corruptible crown.
I am convinced that Christians are involved in “many things,” that do not result in eternal rewards, when the secret of progress found here in verse 13 ... is to concentrate on “one thing.”
Yes ... believe it our not, “One thing” is a phrase that is important to the Christian life.
Mark 10:21 - Jesus to the rich young ruler
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Luke 10:41-42 - Jesus explained to busy Martha when she criticized her sister
[v.41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
[v.42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
You see ... Mary had her eyes on the Prize!
John 9:24-25 - the story about a man who had received his sight by the power of Christ
[v.24] Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man {taking about Jesus] is a sinner.
[v.25] He answered and said whether he is a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
Walk with me ... verse 13
So what is this one thing that the Apostle Paul is speaking of in out text...
The Apostle Paul says that the one thing is “forgetting those things, which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things, which are before,”
Now ... I know that some you are saying, that is easy said than done ... forgetting things that are behind
Well ... I do not stand before you this morning saying that if you look back over your life that you will turn in a pillar of salt as Lot’s wife (Gen 19:30).
But ... I am saying that if you waddle in the sorrows of your past ... then that could hinder your outlook on the future.
That is why Paul said, “I forget about what lies behind.” Paul had a lot that was behind him. In fact, Paul had a very bad past.
He persecuted the church. He used his authority to kill Christians. By his own admission he said, “I am chief of sinners.”
Now ... he could have walked around all his life with this tremendous burden of guilt crippling him & he would never have become the great apostle we know & love today.
In fact ... Stephen Motyer say in the Zondervan Handbook of the Bible that “the Apostle Paul was possibly the greatest Christian theologian and missionary.” Motyer goes on to say that:
He was the first to fully explain the death and resurrection of Christ as the focus of God’s plan of Salvation
He first understood the new nature of God’s people, now made up of Jews and Gentiles bound together in one body.
It was Paul who first saw how God’s new action in Christ fits together with his special relationship with his old people, Israel
And it was Paul who first spread the gospel effectively around the Gentile world, telling people simply of Jesus the Saviors, and not requiring them also to become Jews.
Wow what a man ... just imagine if he had just focused on his past and given up.
[v.13]
Notice that Paul did not say, “One thing I will do. “He did not say, “One thing I’m going to do,” or “one thing I will get around to someday.” He said, “One thing I do.”
You see ... Paul was living and acting in the present. Truth of the matter is that too many people today try to live in the future.
In fact, do you know what the busiest day in the world is going to be?
It’s not Christmas.
It is not the day before and after your Anniversary.
It is “someday.” Everyone in the world has something scheduled to do “someday.”
I am sure that we have all made plans for “someday,”
someday I’ll but a bigger house
someday I drive a bigger car
someday I’ll go back to school and complete my education
Someday I’ll get married
Some day I’ll have children
But have you ever stopped to think ... what if that someday never comes.
Paul is the ultimate example of living each day to the fullest ... living each day as if it were his last. When he was imprisoned in Rome, he did not sit there resting, thinking about all the things he would do when he got out of jail.
He wrote letters to churches, sang praises to God, and even converted some of the people who had imprisoned him! Paul used everyday to the uttermost.
Walk with me...
[v.14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
We see here in our text the Apostle Paul using the analogy of a runner in foot race.
Those of you familiar with sports ... know that the fastest race in track and field is the 100-meters. There are those who can run this distance in just under 10 seconds. In this race -- every step is crucial -- every second is precious. One simple mistake can mean the difference between gold and silver.
One itsy, bitsy mistake can mean the difference between qualification and elimination. That’s why, one of the first things taught before completing in this event is to never, ever ... look to your right and to never, ever look to your left.
You are taught to never look to the right and to never ever look to your left because it slows you down. You are taught to look forward and to keep your EYES fixed on the finish line. You are taught to keep you eyes on the prize.
You know ... the example of the runner is a lesson that we can use in life today. Which, is when you a running in the race of life ... I say, when you are running in the race of life. Do not slow down, looking to your right, worried about what somebody else is doing.
Do not slow down, looking to your left, listening to all of the gossip that is going on around you. But, Keep yours eyes on the finish line. Keep your eyes on the prize.
Watch this
[v.14] I press...
Here we have the idea of straining. I am sure that most of you have seen an Olympic track and field event.
As the runners are approaching the white tape ... you may have noticed that they lean forward.
And if you ever got the chance to see the finish in slow motion you can see the mere determination and effort written on their face as they strain every nerve and muscle and use every once of their strength to win.
This same verb is translated “I follow after” which, carries the idea of intense endeavor. The Greeks used it to describe a hunter eagerly pursuing his prey.
Well ... let deal with the athletic analogy
It never ceases to amaze me how people when they lived their lives for the devil ... how they were in the starting line up. They ran around life’s lane aimlessly doing some unseemly things ... and was not ashamed if anybody saw them.
But the moment some of you got saved ... they got shy. Although God words tells us in 1 John 4:4 that Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Some of you although you were in the starting line for the devil ... you got saved and decided that they would rather ride the beach for Jesus.
Well ... I came to tell you this morning that a man does not become a winning athlete by listening to lectures, watching movies, reading books, or cheering on the sideline at the games.
He becomes a winning athlete by getting into the game and determining to win! The same zeal that Paul employed when he persecuted the church (Phil. 3:6), he displayed in serving Christ.
Now wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christians put as much determination into their spiritual life as they do their golfing, fishing, or bowling?
Walk with me ... [v.14]
Toward what goal is the runner pressing with such spiritual determination? “The prize of the high [upward] calling of God in Christ Jesus”
When he reaches the goal, he will receive the reward!
It is important to note here that Paul is not telling us that running a good race in life is how to be saved. If he were, it would be a picture of salvation by works or self-effort, and this would contradict what he wrote in the first eleven verses of Philippians 3. He is simply saying that just as the athlete is rewarded for his performance, so the faithful believer will be crowned when Jesus Christ returns. He is telling us that we must press toward that crown wit all of our might and strength.
The Apostle Paul gives us yet another lesson on running over in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
You can turn there if you like ... but I will be reading form the translation from “The Message.” Is says:
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You are after one that’s gold eternally.
I do not know about you, but I am running hard for the finish line. I am giving it everything I have. No sloppy living for me! I am staying alert and in top condition. I am not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it, and then missing out myself.
Here Paul is telling us -- to forget the ground that we have covered in the race.
He is saying do not waste your time over the past. Don’t waste time looking to your right or looking to your left, worried about the circumstances; worried about the detractions that might come in your way.
Paul is telling us not to get caught up in the moment. Not to get caught up our past circumstances, but to press on and keep our eyes on the prize.
I reminded here of Peter ... the night when him and the disciples were caught in the storm at sea.
You’ll know the story. You see shortly before sunrise on the night after Jesus had performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes and fed 5,000. Jesus had command His disciples to get into a ship and to go before Him unto the other side.
The disciples went out on boat in Sea of Galilee. And the Bible tells me that a storm arose, and Jesus after He had finished praying some 3 to 6 hours later ... walked on the water out to them.
Peter ... being Peter saw Him and got caught up in the moment and said “Lord if it be thou, bid me to come unto thee on the water.”
And the Lord said Peter ... come, but one thing first Peter, if you come Peter:
You got to have faith in me
If you come you have to trust in me
you have to keep you eyes on me
If you come you have to keep your eyes on the prize
If you come you must believe that I AM
So the scriptures tell us over in Matthew 14th chapter, around the 29th verse that Peter got out the boat and walked on the water.
But all of sudden, Peter took his eyes off Jesus. Well some of you may be saying how you know. I know that he took his eyes off of Jesus; I know that he took his eyes off of the finish line; I know that he took his eyes off of the prize because the scriptures goes on to tell us in Matthew 14:30 that “when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid.”
I found it interesting that the scriptures say that he saw the wind the boisterous. This leads me to believe that he was caught up in the whistling sounds of the wind and that he got caught up the sounds of the waves crashing about the ship that the fear of dying overwhelmed his faith in living.
You see one thing we need to understand is that you cannot have faith and at same time have fear... the two are like oil and water they don’t mixed.
In fact ... Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
I don’t know, maybe he got caught up in the moment or maybe he start thinking that he could do it all by himself but whatever the reason, when the winds started blowing.
Peter took his eyes off the Lord and started looking to the right. I said when the winds started blowing, Peter instead of keep his eye on Jesus looked over to his left and got caught up in the circumstances ... and Bible tells me that he started to sink.
The lesson learned from this story is that when you take your eyes off Jesus ... you will do not hear me. I said when you take your eyes off Jesus. The only place for you to go is down and the only thing that you will do in life is sink.
Jesus said in John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
So, do not be like Peter, caught up in the moment caught up in your circumstances but Run the race -- and Keep your eyes on the Prize.
I am reminded here of an old story that I am quite sure some all of you are familiar with. The story of Betsy, the mule.
You see -- there was a farmer who had a mule name Betsy. Betsy worked hard for the farmer all the days of her life. Then one day the farmer hit it big on a power ball ticket ... and then went out and bought himself one of those big John Deer Tractors and he did not need old Betsy around to till his farm anymore.
So Betsy sat idle, became blind in one eye and grew old and wasn’t good for much ... and the farmer decided that he didn’t want her around anymore.
You see Betsy had become an eyesore ... besides why do you need a mule around when you have a top of the line tractor.
However, he was not man enough to shoot old Betsy in the head as they do cattle in their old age. So he decided to dig a ditch and he climbed up in his new tractor and pushed old Betsy in. As he started to shovel, filling the hole with dirt.
But he was not man enough to watch as he tried to bury poor Betsy alive. So he turned his back and proceeded to shovel, filling the hole with dirt.
But old Betsy ... I say ... But old Betsy, down in that hole look up as the dirt came down on her head and she just shook it off and stomped it under her feet. Meanwhile, the farmer keep pitching the dirt ... but old Betsy keep looking up & shaking it off & stomping it down.
When the farmer finished with the pile of dirt, he turned around and there was old Betsy chewing the cud staring him in the face.
Point of the story is:
when obstacles come in your life;
when friends forsake you and try to shovel the dirt of life over your head;
when family members turn their backs on you.
When brother and sisters in the church refuse to help you; and halfway speak too you
Mothers, when your kids do not want to listen to your instructions.
Kids -- just when it seem that nothing is going your way and when it seems that your parents or any adults for that matter just don’t listen to anything you have to say.
JUST REMEMBER to keep your eyes on the prize. Just remember to look up to Jesus -- and ... shake it off -- and -- stomp it under your feet.
I am reminded of some examples of Old Testament Saints who keep their eyes on the prize. I reminded of the 3 Hebrew boys - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who was dumped into the fiery pit by Nebuchadnezzar because they refused to bow down and worship a golden image.
Kids -- let this be a lesson that just because everybody else is doing something does not make it right for you to do it.
Just because everybody easy has a MY Space account does not make it right for you
Just because everybody else is drink and smoking weed does not make it right for you
Just because everybody else is having pre-marital sex doesn’t make it right you
Just because everybody else is skipping school and disobedient to their parents does not make it right for you
You see right is right, even if nobody is doing it and wrong is wrong even if everybody doing.
You see ... Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had and sense of values that they were not willing to compromise ... even if it meant their death.
My Bible tells me that anyone who defied the King Nebuchadnezzar’s order was to be thrown in the fiery furnace.
But wait -- I say But wait The Bible also says that before Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were sent to the furnace, they assured old Nebuchadnezzar that the God they serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of his hand
I say they assured the king that their God was able of seeing them through. The king heard this, got angry ..., and ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he tied them up and throw them in. But I’m glad the story does end there.
You see -- when Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace after he had thrown them in, he saw not three but four men walking around in the fire untied and unharmed and He said that the fourth man looked like the son of the God.
You see ... Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, keep their eyes on the prize. The kept their eyes on their Father in Heaven.
I am reminded of Job, who was diseased, bankrupt, wounded close to death, discouraged by his wife, forsaken by friends. But through all of his troubles he keep his EYES on the prize. Through all of Job’s struggles he said: “Though he slay me yet will I trust in Him.”
I am reminded of King David who was at his best, not sitting on his throne wearing robes of purple and gold, but rather in the twenty-third Psalm, walking through the valley and shadow of death. When he cried out, I will fear no evil; for thou art with the rod; thy staff and me they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in presence of mine enemies.
I’m reminded of my Savior ...My Redeemer, God’s only begotten son, the second person of the trinity, Mary’s baby ... ya’ll know Him, His name is Jesus.
Jesus prayed best while he hung bleed and died on Calvary, for you and for me.
During His time of pain and suffering He prayed not for himself but for those responsible for his crucifixion when he said “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus keep his eyes on the finish line. Our Savior keep his eyes on His Father in Heaven.
Church, I came to tell you today to Run the race -- and Keep your eyes on the prize.
Don’t get caught up in the moment -- when problems come in your life. Just, Look to Jesus.
Don’t run to another church, but run to Jesus.
Don’t look for any man to solve your problems. But, look to Jesus.
I tell you Church -- we need to start looking to Jesus.
We need Jesus in our
homes,
we need Jesus on the street corners,
we need Jesus on our jobs
We need Jesus in the schoolhouse
We need Jesus in our court house
We need Jesus in our hearts
We need Jesus to control and regulate our lives.
We need to look to Jesus -- in our Servitude;
we need to look to Jesus in our solitude;
we need to look to Jesus in our gratitude;
I’m I right about it.
I came to tell you to, Run the race -- and Keep you eyes on the prize. Because it’s time, in fact it’s past time; church its already time; it’s right now time -- to get our business fixed with Jesus.
Now here is a message to all of you faultfinders out there ... to all of you trouble starters and excuse makers.
I came to tell you that it is time for you to stop trying to pull of the roots of your failures in somebody else’s garden.
It is time for you to stop trying -- to find your faults in everybody else. Just run your race, stay in your own lane, and keep your eyes on the prize.
A messages to the parents - don’t get caught up in the moment, don’t get caught up in the circumstances. I know your kids do not want to obey. You have raised that boy or that girl the best you could -- they are grown now and they have to live and answer to God for themselves.
So don’t be discouraged because you have done your part and the best that you could do. Just remember to run your race and keep your eyes on the prize.
Women, when that man just flat out refuse to come to Church and repent of his wick ways and get his life on the right track.
Do not worry about it – all you got to do is turn him over to Jesus in prayer and press on and you are your eyes on the prize.
Church we need to keep your eyes focused on Jesus.
Stayed of Jesus -- the redeemer,
Focused on Jesus -- the Good Shepherd, who seek and saves the lost. Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a retch like me, I was lost, but now I am found I was blind by now I see.
Keep you eyes, focused on Jesus, the Wonderful, Counselor,
Jesus - The mighty God,
Jesus - The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace,
Jesus - The Lily of the Valley,
the Rose of Sharon,
The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Jesus my all and all.
I do not care what it takes. I do not care if I stain every nerve in my body. I do not care if I pull every muscle or use every once of my strength. I am going to press on to the mark of the high calling because my future depends on it. In fact -- I am running for my life.
I running trying to make a 100 ... because 99½ just wont do.
I am running for eternal life. I am running because I want to see Jesus. I running because when this old dusty race is over -- I say when this old dusty race is over; I shall see my Savior face to face; I say when this race is over -- I will receive my incorruptible crown.
When it’s all down here (repeat)
I’m going to put on my robe and tell a story of how I made it over.
I came to tell you to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Don’t turn to you right ...don’t turn to the left ... don’t let nothing (repeat) or nobody slow you down. Just, Press on -- Press on -- Press on and follow Jesus; don’t worry about what everybody else is doing just press on (repeat); and follow Jesus.
Run the race -- and Keep your eyes on the Prize
Keep you eyes on Jesus; Mary’s baby; God’s only begotten son; Keep your eye on Jesus - the chief Corner stone.
Run the race (repeat) and keep your eyes on the prize.
Closing
The doors of the church are open. If there is someone out their who has not accepted Christ as their personal Savior. You can do that now by getting up from where you are and come down these aisles and giving me your hand and God your Heart. I extend to you the invitation to unite with this church or some other church in this area.
Is there is someone that is willing to run the race of life with his or her eye stayed on the Lord.
If there be any man, boy, women or girl willing to take off the shackles of old and put on the new to become a new reborn servant of Christ, you can do that by coming down this aisle and committing your whole self to Jesus.
Seek the Lord before it gets too late
Tomorrow is not promised -- Tomorrow might be to late. Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
What if there were no church tomorrow because we were too busy to worship God today?
What if God could not hear your prayers tomorrow because you were too busy to pray and ask Him to save you today?
What if there were no Bible tomorrow because you would not believe His Word today?
What if there were no forgiveness tomorrow because you did not ask for forgiveness and commit your life to Him today?
Jesus said Rev. 3:20
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me."
The invitation to Christian discipleship is yours. Want you come?
BENEDICTION
KJV Hebrews 13:20-21
20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
