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THE BETTER RACE
by Pastor Mike Fortune
November 10, 2012
Mashable: New York Runners in Support of Staten Island
- Isn't canceled for Pathfinders (Hebrews 12:1: Isaiah 53:6; Deuteronomy 7:7-8) ACS; NAD $800k+; Who Am I / The Love of God tunes
- Is run for the joy of Jesus (Hebrews 12:2; Isaiah 53:11; Hebrews 2:9,11) 1954 British Empire Games Bannister vs. Landy
- Is run over and over again (Hebrews 12:3 MSG, Psalm 109:27,30-31; Galatians 5:7; Hebrews 12:12-13)
Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 3Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
Isaiah 53:6
6All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8
7"The LORD did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations!8 Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you (like crazy!!!)
Isaiah 53:11
11When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied.
Hebrews 2:9,11
9What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position "a little lower than the angels"; and because he suffered death for us, he is now "crowned with glory and honor." Yes, by God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 12:3 (The Message)
3When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Psalm 109:27,30-31
27Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it, LORD. 30But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising him to everyone. 31 For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them.
Galatians 5:7
7You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? 8It certainly isn't God.
Hebrews 12:12-13
12So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.