Running with Endurance

Running with EnduranceHebrews 12:1-3 Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which is a 40-day period (not counting Sundays) leading to Easter Sunday. The 40 days represents Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and invites us to prepare for Christ’s death and resurrection. Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance, which means turning away from sin and toward God. It should lead to a renewed resolve to make the most of the time that we have (Eph. 5:16). Hebrews 12 compares the Christian life to a race. How do we run the race of faith with endurance? By looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith.   Take Home Message: We endure the race of __________ by fixing our eyes on the __________ of our faith. The Founder of our faith has given us…A __________ to fulfill.-       Hebrews 12:1– 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. An example to __________.-       Hebrews 12:2– 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.  A __________ to fight.-       Hebrews 12:3– Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.