9 November 2014 Finish the Race Malolos, Bulacan – A twist in the old Jack-en-poy got the excitement rolling as the Next Gen service started. A spirit-filled worship was followed by Patty Alvaro’s powerful testimony. She narrated her experience as a Christian being tested by God again, and again. The continuous comparison by her parents between her and her peer, adding the pressures of ministry and her role as a youth leader made her exhausted and disappointed. She opened to her leaders who encouraged and helped her get through. Towards the end of her testimony, she told everyone why she didn’t quit. It was because of the help of her leaders and co-leaders, the encouragement from her ministry and MG group, and most importantly, her knowledge of her purpose with God. For fellow Christians who are going through tests and trials she says, “Quitting should not be an option”. Joy Belgira, a Next Gen leader, told the Next Generation to finish the race and not quit just like Patty. The Next Generation is a Finishing Generation. They are in a race similar to a marathon. A marathon is a relay run composed of four runners. It is an endurance contest where great length of concentrated effort is needed. Those who run in a marathon are usually called long-distance runners. She asked the Next Gen, “What will be your attitude if you’re almost there but tired? Will you go one and finish or will you stop and rest?” Just as in a marathon, the generation today are the finishing runners. Hebrews 11 illustrate great examples of faith. People like Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Enoch ran while holding on to God’s promise. In Hebrews 11:39-40, it is said that the completion of the race they (the ancestors) are in would not be made perfect without the finishing generation. And only when the finishing generation crossed the finish line will they complete the race and win. It is like so because those who endured the race before and those who are running the race today have a commonality, their faith in God. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:6-7 (MSG) that this journey with God, together with His promises, is the only race worth running. And if the runner is as convinced as Paul in finishing the race, then he will certainly finish his leg. If not, he’ll have the tendency to back out. Yet the question is how Paul and the other men of faith ran their part. Joy shared three points to answer this question. 1. RUN WITH YOUR EYES ON THE PIRZE. Hebrews 12: 1-2 The Race of Faith Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher ofour faith, 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. The ultimate prize and goal is Jesus. However, if one has no personal goals in life, the chances of stopping in the middle of the race based on feelings are high. A person cannot be part of the finishing generation if they don’t have goal. Supporting this, Philippians 3:12-14 says, Pressing Toward the Goal 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. When running, it should never be back ward but always forward. There should be no turning back. As one runs, know the goal, know the purpose of the running, and run to win. 2. ENDURE THE TRAINING OF GOD The word chasten in Hebrews 12:3-11 means discipline. When God disciplines his people, it only shows his love for them. People have not yet shed blood because of sin, nor did die physically because of God’s chastening. For his people, God’s training and discipline will make them stronger. 3. KNOW THAT YOU ARE PART OF A TEAM Hebrews 12:12-13The Message (MSG) 12-13 So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it! Runners in a marathon team help each other out as they run. Runners do not isolate themselves but they practice connectivity. It is a matter of connecting and opening up to the same team you’re in—God’s team. Being a part of a team requires helping each other, building one another, and connecting to each other. This is affirmed by Philippians 3:12-16, The Message version Focused on the Goal 12-14 I’m 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, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. 15-16 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’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. God is giving his people a clear vision to see the path, and a grace to have total commitment. Joy ended her sharing telling the Finishing Generation that there should be no more quitting or giving up among them. The Next Gen sang “Christ is Enough” as a personal declaration of their commitment to finish God’s race for them. They later declared in MG groups that each person will finish the race and that none will be left behind. All of them went home ready to finish the face the forefathers started.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 12:18:27 +0000
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