MY FRIENDS, WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE WORTH RUNNING?

Oct 16, 2014

MY FRIENDS, WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE WORTH RUNNING?

Just the idea and willingness to subject our small and insignificant Mind, body and passions, to the greater goal of following Christ and telling others of the good news of Christ soon return, as we approach the end of this great controversy. Has the god of this world, told us, it’s just not worth it?

In addition, what gave Paul such a passion to serve God, and give it all for the glory of Christ. Paul states in Acts 20:24 (KKV) “But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may FINISH MY COURSE and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Paul is now on his missionary journey as he feels the presence of God calling him to go to Jerusalem. But at every step on this journey he is being warned not to go. “On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and……. a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”

Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:7-13 (NKJV)

My friends, Paul at this point ON HIS COURSE had been crucified with Christ and [he] no longer lived, but Christ lived in [him]. The life [he now] lived in the body, [he totally] lived by faith in the Son of God, who [he knew] loved [him, because he had been] delivered over to death for [each of our] sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Gal. 2:20 (NKJV paraphrased) Romans 4:25(NIV)

So Paul knows he probably will be killed, but He also knows that Jerusalem is where God is sending him. A conscientious, and complete death to self. what man can do to the body is insufficient. Paul is no longer concerned with his life, because he gave everything to Christ long ago on the road to Damascus.

Consistent with this, Christ gave it back to him on Calvary. He is now following Gods mandate If it is Paul’s time to die then that is God’s will. Paul says, “MY LIFE IS OF NO VALUE TO ME”, Paul was focused and he endured. His whole life was centered on God and what his will for him was.

My friends, Success comes from FINISHING THE COURSE Christ sets for us. It must be all about Him and his will. I am dead in CHRIST, must forever be our response on this journey Christ has placed us on to the promise land.

Remember, It must be all about Him and his will. I am dead in CHRIST Paul says. you must tell yourself daily, the god of this world cannot hurt a dead man, or woman.

In addition, if you die in Christ, like Paul the life which [each of His children] now lives in the flesh [we now] live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us so much that He gave His life for us.” But I go back to the original question. WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE WORTH RUNNING.

Well my friends, as one created in the image of God as you, what I may tell you may not be conducive to what you want to hear. So I suggest If you seek God’s presence with a passion, then lay prostrate before God in heartfelt prayer and meditation.

And as long as it takes, stay where you are, and don’t get up, until you have heard that still small voice of God’s Spirit. and once you have heard it, tell him thank you, then get up, and don’t look back, until you see Christ appearing from the clouds above to take you to your new home in His kingdom and life eternal.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY