How to Run Like a Champion

How to Run Like a Champion

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Hebrews 12:1-2Living the Christian life is much like running in a race, and Hebrews 12 shows us how to run like a champion.First, we must remember there is a purpose to pursue.“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1). We are in this race until our very last breath. There is no retiring or quitting from this race against ourselves.There is a person to prepare.“...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us…” (Hebrews 12:1).Many of us lag behind because we are weighed down by excess baggage. Remember: we are free to enjoy our hobbies, treasures, and friendships until they keep us from running our race.Adrian Rogers says, “Good things become bad things when they keep you from the best things.”If we’re not careful, our baggage will cause us to stumble completely. When we find ourselves tripped up by sin, we must confess and repent so we can get back on track.Third, there is a price to pay.“...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1). No one strolls over the finish line; endurance is necessary in order to run a race well. We must get our hearts and minds right and finish the course.Fourth, there’s a promise to plead.“...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2). The One who first calls us to the race will enable us to finish the race. We must keep our eyes on God, who gives us faith, because He is the One we are running toward.Finally, there is a prize to possess.“...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). As we run this race, living by faith, we know we are headed toward eternal victory. Because Jesus finished the race on Calvary, He has become our reward. The race will have been worth it when we see Him face-to-face.Apply it to your lifeAre you running with endurance today – setting aside the things that weigh you down and cause you to sin? Are you living a life of faith well, sharing the Gospel with others, so that they may enter the race toward Jesus?

When Faith Seems to Fail

In this powerful sermon, Adrian Rogers delves into the essence of faith, exploring how it serves as an anchor through life's most challenging circumstances. Through Biblical examples and personal anecdotes, he illustrates how true faith transcends superficial beliefs and aligns with God's sovereign will. By examining the lives of Biblical figures who overcame obstacles by faith, Rogers encourages believers to develop a mature, enduring faith that trusts in God's promises no matter the outcome.

Star Wars

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:32-34   Hebrews 11:32-34 lists several champions of faith, who exemplify tremendous character all throughout Scripture. One figure mentioned is Barak, a military leader, whose faith in God helped deliver Israel from a 20-year oppression of Canaan.   Judges 5:20 explains, “They fought from the heavens; the stars from their courses fought against Sisera.”   These passages reveal four reasons why the heavenlies sided with Barak and fought to bring him the victory.   First, we identify the woman that God chose: Deborah.   Deborah was a judge and prophetess in Israel. She was a godly woman who used her gifting and wisdom to minister to Barak. God still chooses women like Deborah to use their gifts and talents in ministry.   Second, we see the warrior that God called: Barak.   There was a battle to be fought to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. God chose Barak to lead the charge because his faith was rooted in the God of Israel and he lived as he believed.   Third, we recognize the warfare that God conducted.   Barak and his army did not stand a chance against the Canaanites’ flashy weaponry and 900 iron chariots. But the fight was fixed, for the stars themselves fought the battle. Before the battle began, God sent a rainstorm to soften the ground. This rendered the chariots useless and weighed down the Canaanites’ heavy armor.   Adrian Rogers says, “The God who created the Universe and flung those stars out into space, programmed everything against Sisera.” When we love and serve God, God is on our side and programs us for victory.   Finally, we notice the wickedness that God cursed.   Judges 5:23 says, “‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the Lord, ‘Curse its inhabitants bitterly, because they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.’”   In a time of crisis, the city of Meroz did not join the fight against the Canaanites. This is a crucial reminder to stand up for what is right and to fight alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.   Apply it to your life   Every day, we face battles even more real than the one on Mount Tabor. As we face spiritual warfare and principalities and powers of darkness, we must act as men and women of…

People God Uses

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:32-34 The champions of faith listed in Hebrews 11 give us an idea of the kind of people God uses to accomplish His mighty plans. Hebrews 11:32-34 says, “...For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon… who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle...” This passage reminds us of Gideon’s story in Judges 6-7 and shows five characteristics of people that God uses. First, God uses common people. By His Spirit, God turned Gideon, a once fearful farmer, into a valiant warrior. God does not rely on our abilities, but on our availability to Him to work through us in extraordinary ways. Second, God uses cleansed people. Before God could send Gideon to battle, Gideon had to do away with the idols in His life and surrender in worship. Adrian Rogers says, “An idol is anything you love, fear, serve or value more than God.” God will not use us if there is unconfessed sin in our lives. We must crush our idols, repent, and be cleansed from the inside out. Third, God uses courageous people. In Judges 7, God gives Gideon the command to send away soldiers who are afraid. This shows us that God can better use a smaller number of brave souls than a larger group of fearful ones. As children of God, we have been given a spirit of power and love. This does not mean we become naturally courageous—it means we are filled with His Spirit. Fourth, God uses cautious people. We are called to be on guard at all times, ready to fight against the temptation to sin. Adrian Rogers says, “Sin is a combination of an unexpected opportunity, an unprotected life and an undetected weakness.” Finally, God uses confident people. Gideon led the charge with confidence because He knew God was with Him. God gave them victory that day, and when we are confident that God is with us, we can be used in victorious ways. Apply it to your life God has mighty plans and He wants to use us to accomplish them. Make certain that your heart is clean. He may not use you the way you expect, but if you make yourself available to Him, He…

Transforming Power of Faith

In this episode, journey through Hebrews chapter 11 as we delve into the transformative story of Rahab, a harlot who became a revered figure in the lineage of faith. Known as the Shady Lady of Jericho, Rahab's story echoes the profound power of faith to change lives. Explore with us how her encounter with divine providence and the Word of God led to her remarkable redemption and inclusion in the spiritual Hall of Fame.