THE JOY OF FINISHING WELL

If Christ’s sacrifice for man’s redemption was greater than we dare imagine, how should we then live? Paul is just one example of total abandonment; one of many witnesses. We will not find God’s approval living our lives seeking pleasure, prosperity or popularity, nor will we find any joy there; our walk in this world must be about eternal glory and the joy of finishing well.   (Pastor Tim)  Hebrews 12:1,2  ‘In light of ‘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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith’  "Paul's life was bound to Christ" accurately reflects the Apostle Paul's radical transformation and total devotion, summarized in his declaration: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).    His life had Singular Purpose: Paul's purpose became the advancement of the Gospel of Christ .   Every action, every hardship, and every joy was filtered through his mission to glorify Jesus' name.His commitment led to immense suffering, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, yet he endured it all for the sake of Christ, counting his life as nothing compared to finishing his ministry." "There is a golden thread that runs through the Bible which can sometimes go unnoticed by some. It involves this road that we travel on. For all God’s children of all generations, the walk of faith that we are engaged in does notoccur in a vacuum, rather it occurs in an onward and upward motion."TEXT: ACTS 20:13-38SONGS:I LIFT MY EYES UP, HOUSE FIRESBE THOU MY VISION, BOYCE WORSHIP COLLECTIVEYET NOT I, BUT CHRIST, CITY ALIGHTTHE JESUS WAY/ I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS, COVERLIVING FOR JESUS, THOMAS O. CHISHOLM