Finishers | Fresh Wind | Pastor Steve Andres

It’s all about the finish! This weekend Pastor Steve continued our series, FRESH WIND, and New City celebrated our 5th Anniversary!Acts 8:4-7Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.At the beginning of the story in Acts we see the start of Philip’s ministry. 28 years later, Philip appears again.Acts 21:8-9The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food. He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.Philip served the Lord faithfully for those 28 years, even though his assignment changed. What are the keys to being faithful to the finish?1) Authenticity has endurance. Nothing lasts like the real thing. Philip’s commitment to Jesus was authentic, and it had staying power.2) Everyone runs their own race.Philip didn’t have to do everything. It was just as important to raise those four daughters to serve the Lord as it was to preach to the city.3) Forward is a pace.It’s easy to dwell on past successes or disappointments. To finish strong we need to stay focused on what God is calling us to do today.4) It’s we, not me.Your race impacts others, and that is the legacy that we leave. Philip was intentional about preparing the next generation to serve the Lord.5) It’s all about the finish.We don’t run our race against anyone else. In the end, it’s finishing that matters!Hebrews 12:1-2Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.