Dear Congregation,
Grace and peace to each of you!
I share with you these verses from Hebrews 12:1-2 which will be part of our focus text in Sunday worship.
The Example of Jesus
12Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with
perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
As you can see, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of followers of Jesus running, with perseverance, the race of life. I particularly noticed that his words are “…the race that is set before us.” Unlike athletes who choose the races in which they’ll participate—sprints, marathons, Iron Man, and more—each Christian is entered into the race of life by God. Although we have free will to make some choices that affect the race, many times we find ourselves in a figurative race we never would have chosen. Even in what might seem like the easiest of races, when compared with other possibilities, the race of life is not easy.
The good news is that we have the example of Jesus to look to in the running of this race. He has shown us how it’s done. His words and actions embodied faithfulness as he persevered throughout his earthly life. He was faithful in following God’s calling to preach and teach, to heal and love, to trust in God and to serve his neighbor.
I hope you will be with us in worship this Sunday as we delve more deeply into what it means in our contemporary world to run this race, fueled by faith, persevering to the end.
God Bless You!
In Christ’s love.
Pastor Candy
click here to download this week's bulletin!Enjoy this visual liturgy,
“Earth As The Original Cathedral”
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