Sermon Central
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Run To Win Series
Contributed by Steve Smith on Dec 15, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: We are all in a race of faith. A race that is to mature in faith allowing us to be the masterpiece Jesus created us to be! So run so as to win the race!
INTRODUCTION
A. Series “Becoming Contagious” to a Close!
1. “The Stockpile Factor” - Blessings
2. “A Contagious Heart” - Compassion
3. “A Contagious Faith” - Preparedness
4. “A Contagious Race” – Methods of Sharing
5. “A Contagious Storyteller” - Testimony
6. “A Contagious Message” – Gospel Message
B. The Application
God’s Mandate has been looked at each week
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
8 ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and ye shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
C. Christianity
Last week, we finished looking at the different parts. Today, we bring it together. My prayer is that through this series, you have been able to better understand that Evangelism is a lifestyle! That of living in a way that would be Contagious To Another!
“Many would say Christianity…” - How would YOU finish that statement? Better yet, what would others say your answer would be?
I believe if you asked Jesus, He would say, “it’s about joy to the fullest!”
John 15:11 (lit)
‘these things I have spoken to you that the joy of me in you may be – and the joy of you may be made full’
What does Christianity represent to you? Is it “joy to the fullest”?
D. We Are In a Race for Christ – A RACE OF FAITH!
1. WE all are IN A RACE OF FAITH – How about Your Race?
a. Some have dropped out
Pain, disappointment of a Judas, insecurity, etc.
The Problems of life, storms, have left them in a trance!
b. Some are just going through the motions
They profess to believe – but it really depends on the surroundings!
c. Some are running at full speed but not seeming to go anywhere!
Love the Lord but are secluded in their own little world not really caring!
d. Some are running at full speed and trying to help as many advance in their position!
TEXT: HEBREWS 10:19-25 - 4 ADVANTAGES OF CHRIST IN THEIR RACE.
I. THRU JESUS – RUN WITH CONFIDENCE
READ 19-21
To understand the confidence in which the writer describes, we must understand some history regarding “The Most Holy Place”.
The Tabernacle was a Tent
a. Read Hebrews 9:1-3 – The Traveling Tabernacle (Tent)
Two rooms separated by a Curtain
1st room “Holy Place” – 2nd room “Most Holy Place”
b. Read Hebrews 9:6-8 –
High priest entered the sacred Most Holy Place once per year to make atonement for the Israelites sin. He was the only one that could enter and only once per year!
c. Read Hebrews 9:11-12 – Christ became our NEW COVENANT!
A. Vs. 19 - “By the BLOOD of Jesus”
WITHOUT THE BLOOD, THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS!
We have Forgiveness of Sins (all sins)
Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
We have Access to the Father
Ephesians 2:18 (NIV)
18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
B. Vs. 20 – “A New and Living Way”
He gives us a new way of life!
John 14:6 (NIV)
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
No more sacrifice – the ultimate sacrifice is made! It’s ONLY JESUS! HE is ENOUGH! SO – RUN –THROUGH JESUS – RUN WITH CONFIDENCE!
II. THRU JESUS – RUN WITH FAITH!
READ 22
‘Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!’
1. Faith and Drawing Near to God are inseparable! They go hand in hand! You can’t have one without the other! Through FAITH we are to draw near to God!
2. Faith will Cleanse the Heart AND the Body
The priest would become sprinkled with animal sacrificed blood and would then be washed. Through FAITH IN GOD, through Christ, we become washed having our hearts (conscience) purged of guilt!
READ EZEKIAL 36:25-26
But we must DRAW NEAR TO GOD through FULL FAITH – not half hearted childishness and allow Him to Cleanse Your Heart and Your Body! SO RUN – RUN WITH FAITH TO GOD – SEEK HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART!
III. THRU JESUS – RUN WITH HOPE
READ VS. 23
‘let us ‘hold unswervingly’ to the hope we profess
‘let us ‘hold fast the confession’ of our hope
‘let us ‘seize and hold fast to …’
‘let us ‘keep a firm grip’
READ HEBREWS 11:1
Many reading this writing were discouraged from the problems, pressures, and persecutions of the church. This life of Christianity was not what they suspected. When they started, it was exciting – the church grew, everyone cared for each other, loved each other, never let anyone down – it was awesome!
