In Hebrews 11 and 12 we find the writer
of the Hebrews explaining about the character, courage, conviction and
endurance of the people of faith in the Old Testament. In chapter 12 vs1 we
hear “Therefore,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside
every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us” The author of Hebrews inspires
us to have the same character, courage, conviction and endurance as the saints
of old. He compares what they did with an endurance race and places us in that
race too. A race that will expend all our energy, a race that will demand all
our commitment and courage. This seems to me to be a far cry from where we are
today. The point of the race is to win and we are called to courageous
discipleship, and unfaltering belief in the power of the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
Scripture:
Romans 1:21
“For
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to
everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside
every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of
our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”
DVD: The Gospel
Open Discussion :
What touched you the
most in this DVD?
How does this DVD
relate to hunger for God?
How courageous is your discipleship in Jesus?
How hungry are you for
God? (Discuss)
Further Reflection:
“We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many
players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors,
few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many
interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters.”
Leonard
Ravenhill –“ Why Revival Tarries”
“Many
pastors criticize me for taking the Gospel so seriously. But do they really
think that on Judgment Day, Christ will chastise me, saying, ‘Leonard, you took
Me too seriously’?”
Leonard Ravenhill.
"You
know, we're the most undisciplined generation the world has ever known…how many
of you are disciplined? How many go to bed at the same time every night, get up
every morning at the same time? How do you discipline your appetites, how do
you discipline your tongue? We're the most weak, effeminate Christianity the
world has ever had—no wonder nobody wants it. It has no strength, it has no
character…"
Leonard Ravenhill, sermon, "Hell has No
Exits."
DVD – Kirk Franklin – Lean on me.
Prayer:
