The Discipline of Faith

The Race of FaithHebrews 12The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnerswho by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrectionHebrews11:33-38 The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureand others were tortured, not accepting their releaseThey were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Hebrews (11:33-38)Hebrews11:33-38 Lives == UNSTABLE

Yet these are Gods HEROES! (world ~Worthy ==DESPISED)

3The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense raceTherefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1Gs Will 4 U+ME==INENSE RACE!!

~Sedate,~Calm,~BUSINESS As USUAL

4The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense racethe race that is set before us.The RACE ==ACTUALLY EXISTS

~Matter WHO U R: Xian/~Xian > Only Here Long Enuff 2 Mk FEW,Simple DECISIONS

5The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense raceAgainst great pressuresAgainst timethe race that is set before us.PRESSURES / TIME > 1,2,3decisions are made, > The DIE is CAST, the DIRECTION==Set

? R U Racing 2Wards? \ ? Do U Hope to GAIN? ? R U ACCOMPLISHING? \ ?Hv U ACCOMPLISHED?

6The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense raceIt means purpose, direction, pursuitthe race that is set before us.PURPOSE==G. has a RACE for YOU to run! ==Challenging/EXCITING thought!!

G.DESIGNED A PURPOSE for my lifea purpose that I CAN DISCOVER and FULFILL

?What is this race?

RACE BEGINS: ~When U R Born..When U Receive JC > 4 Me BEGAN 35+ Yrs ago > That decision==END of my LOSTNESS > & The STARTING GUN of the Race God set b4 Me > Im STILL RUNNING that race!

7The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense raceIt means purpose, direction, pursuitIt means tearing worlds apart!the race that is set before us.MY Race==TCH the BIBLE Here & Elsewhere... > UrRace==diff, > But ALWAYS Means

IMPACT/Tear Worlds Apart!! > Dismantling Status Quo, > Spawning a REVOLUTION Lives of Ppl around U

8The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense raceIt means purpose, direction, pursuitIt means tearing worlds apart!the race that is set before us.= AGONY! > STRONG WORD9The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense raceIt means purpose, direction, pursuitIt means tearing worlds apart!the race that is set before us.Paul describes it in Col.1:28,29 > VERB FORM agonizomai.

AGONIZING ABOUT? 10The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense raceIt means purpose, direction, pursuitIt means tearing worlds apart!the race that is set before us.Vs.28== > SHARING/Teaching JCs LOVE > Ppl == RESIST

WHENEVER U Share the LOVE of JC > in an UNLOVING WORLD

AP: U Thnk U can CHANGE Ppl E.Z.? > U=OSTRACIZED/Avoided/Persecuted Hated/Resisted/Reviled/Supressed11The Race of FaithBiblical Faith Means ActionLast Time: a long history of winnersBut their lives were not secureThe Walk of Faith is an intense raceIt means purpose, direction, pursuitIt means tearing worlds apart!The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:4-5 the race that is set before us.JC==ALWAYS introduces UPHEAVAL

> Ppl. FIGHT/DENY/DEMAND > Against the REALITY of Gods LOVE.

Somehow, SOME WAY, He WILL USE U > &He IS USING you

Like a JAVELIN to PIERCE the DARKNES > A Flash LIGHT STREAKING by

12The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinNow faith is the substance of things hoped forHebrews 11:1 (BBE) Substance=He.11:1

And U NEED SUBSTANCE 2 Grasp this GREAT HOPE13The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBecause its a Marathon race (not a Sprint)let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) Substance == ENDURANCE

..Because the race is a marathonnot a sprint.

filled with OBSTACLES: > OPPOSED by Ppl ~In the RACE > Ppl ~WANT U 2b in the RACE

> Cultural VALUE-SYSTEM: LIVE 4 SELF > DEMONIC Spirits: that HATE JC & U

14The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBecause its a Marathon race (not a Sprint)Because its possible to lose.let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) ==Danger of DROPPING OUT > We GO 2 HEAVEN > But ~All FINISH the Race.

So many START WELL..End Poorly.. > IVE SEEN: Basso/J.Kunkle==Sobering15The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBecause its a Marathon race (not a Sprint)Because its possible to lose.let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits methe crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT) I want to be able to say w/Paul: 2Tim. 4:8

AND ITS 4 EVERYONE!! > ~Just 4 Paul

The PRIZE? A life well-spent

16The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) ~Race if Ur CARRYING Xtra BAGGAGE!

Need 2 GET RID of USELESS Things

Like17The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Escaping destructive trapslet us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) SIN==DESTRUCTIVE ==Most Common CAUSE 4 FAILURE

~Mean: ~SIN at ALL (wed ALL BE OUT!)

Means: u ~Stay in long if: > CLUTCHING / RATIONALIZING > Things U KNOW God says R Wrong & DESTRUCTIVE.==Saps MOTIVATION & STAMINA.

IL: PORN / Substance abuseIL: GREED==Thorns/Thistles > Worries of the world & deceitfulness of riches & desire for more & more things just chokes the life right out of you!

Some of us think were into something great, but we find out

18The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Escaping destructive trapsJesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. John 8:34Jn.8:34 > its sticky, gooey, entangling & life-robbing > This is the nature of sin: > I lost 10 years

AP: r U ENTANGLED? > RECOGNIZE IT!

19The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Escaping destructive trapsLeave useless bulk

also lay aside every encumbrance Heb. 12:1& EVERYTHING that hinders Progress. > Even "GOOD THINGS"

A winning athlete does not choosebetween the good and the bad;he chooses between the better and the best! BEC

IL: ME==Fiction writingOBSESSION >~Do both\ Dropped It ~Regretted It

IL: Young BroDownsize LIVING SITUATION ~Time + Energy 4 Growth/Loving Oths

20The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Escaping destructive trapsLeave useless bulk

also lay aside every encumbrance Heb. 12:1~ Black & White ONKOS==BULK > IL: my CHUBBY tummy

> VIDEO GAMES; INTERNET surfing; SHOPPING; > FISHING; TV/CABLE.

1Cor.6:12==May be lawful, But when HINDERING ==time to DROP IT

AP:How About U? U Carrying Xtra WEIGHT?

> IL: Complain Living 4 JC==Exhausting ? REAL problem==Xtra WEIGHT

AP:Agree w/GodCall it BULK > Ask Him 2 FREE YOU

FREEDOM==BEAUTIFUL!!

21The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftTherefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us alsoHebrews 12:1 (NASB)Read 12:1a. Witnesses ==OT Heroes

22The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftTherefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us alsoHebrews 12:1 (NASB)LEARNING HistoryU 2day23The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftIt is not what you think it is~What U THINK ~Grow UP w/It

~Used 2 it

24The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftIt is not what you think it isIt is a supernatural giftFor through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 (NASB)Ro.12:1 ==GIFT from GOD

GOSP: G==Given U Enuff Faith 2 RCV JC

AP: XianUr ABILITY 2 Run ~SELF-EFFORT > ~Winner by Ur GREATNESS > Must RECV this ABILITY from GOD

25The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftIt is not what you think it isIt is a supernatural giftSo faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17Source==Gs WORD:

* WITNESSES == G.Working in OTHERS Challeng/InspireMobilize,Clench FIST

AP: Read about PAUL/ELIJAH,ELISHA,Jeremiah,David,Solomon,Abraham,Joseph,Sampson,Gideon,Daniel,Shadrack

Witnesses == b DISCIPLED!! > in Gs WORD & by OTH WITNESSESKnw MORE

26The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftIt is not what you think it isIt is a supernatural giftSo faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us alsoWITNESSES == G.Working in OTHERS Challeng/InspireMobilize,Clench FIST

AP: Read about PAUL/ELIJAH,ELISHA,Jeremiah,David,Solomon,Abraham,Joseph,Sampson,Gideon,Daniel,Shadrack

WITNESSES == b DISCIPLED!! > in Gs WORD & by OTH WITNESSESKnw MORE

27The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftBiblical Faith means focusing on JesusWe do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faithHebrews 12:2 (NLT) do this ALL by Eyes Jesus > INITIATES & PERFECTS r Faith > ==Beginning / End of Race

== Looking AWAY unto Jesus

HE RAN the RaceWALKED in it > Gave it all up28The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftBiblical Faith means focusing on JesusWe do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faithHebrews 12:2 (NLT) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 MORE than EXAMPLE: EMPOWERMENT > Others==INSPIRE / JC==EMPOWER > Day by Day/Wk by Wk/Yr by Yr

Hes NOT OUT THEREhes WITHIN US > Where we NEED STRENGTH

AP: GO MEET HIM in Scriptures > R u SPENDing TIME with Him in PRAYER??

29The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith is a GiftBiblical Faith means focusing on JesusBiblical Faith means the joy of winning.Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside Gods throne. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)Converts DEFEATS in2 VICTORY & HONOR!! > 2 WIN==Real JOY!!!

JCs Joy ==YOU! > Throne of HONOR ==2day Mk INTERCESS..

Ur JOY==Ur AGONIESIL: Agony of SWIMMINGBLUE RIBBON!!

30The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith must be receivedBiblical Faith means focusing on JesusBiblical Faith means the joy of winning.Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside Gods throne. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 11:33-34Shut any LIONs MOUTHS Lately?

==What OVERCOMES WORLD: Ur Faith

AP: BUCK UP! Get a GRIP on Your GIFT!

31The Race of FaithBiblical Faith means ActionBiblical Faith is the Substance to WinBiblical Faith means the Freedom to Move!Biblical Faith must be receivedBiblical Faith means focusing on JesusBiblical Faith means the joy of winning.Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside Gods throne. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 11:33-34You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; Hebrews 12:4 (NASB) It can ALWAYS get FAR WORSE w/o FAITH

32The Race of FaithThe Race means ActionThe Race is the Character to WinThe Race means the Freedom to Move!The Race is a GiftThe Race means focusing on JesusThe Race means the joy of winning.Faith == THE RACE

This List==Why its WORTHWHILE 2 STUDY & Build faith > ~Ever WASTE of Time

33The Race of FaithThe Race means ActionThe Race is the Character to WinThe Race means the Freedom to Move!The Race is a GiftThe Race means focusing on JesusThe Race means the joy of winning.Your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)Praise / Glory / Honor WEIGHT of GLORY

U have NO IDEA of the IMPACT of YOUR LIFE

34Stedman Features of Godly DisciplineIt always could be worseIts always Gods loveHes always right, never wrongIts always an opportunity for victoryNecessary pain, which will make sense.A conspiracy? No doubt.It always requires a demonstration of faith.Christians who live victoriously are inexplicable.Else lameout of jointStrengthen what remainsIt can always damage irreversiblyNo Root of bitternessAlways wrong, no matter whatHighly contagious.Flippancy, like EsauRepentance became impossible.It requires our deep concernFor the suffering of othersIt requires an assemblyNot being driven by fearNot law-driven, self-effort, clenched teeth, asceticism, fearZion GraceA new government, new mangementAngels: ministering spirits sent forth to help us when we need it.Assembly is the church, names written in heaven, those we share withUniversal Judge we all stand before Him.Old Testament Saints, who already lived by faith, now waiting for us.Jesus, the Mediator indwelling and available.With all this on our side, theres no need for failure.Have you taken advantage of your resources?Theres no reason to fail! This is the entire argument.It requires attentionBe grateful for the Kingdom weve been givenReverence and Awe: a great fire.Perilous times will come and things go in cycles.God is shaking the heavens & earth: something going on right now, the universal shakeup.The false securities are being tested now.Security in numbers agreements become untrustworthyThe failure of our organizations: big government only dominates.Violence & indifference, even in our civilized societyFor whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NASB)

Expanding the Threshold of our FaithWhy expand ?God has a purpose: to continue JCs work.