Sermon Cloud

Pick Up That Baton

What matters most?



‘Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…’ Hebrews 12:2a

‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a
witness to all nations, and than will the end come’ Matthew 24:4-14


I am struck with the realization that the timing of God’s purposes is at
times contingent on people. God has a plan that is relying on you and me to
carry out.
We are members of the kingdom of God and to some degree responsible how it
is administered on this earth during our lifetime. So while life may be
looked at as a race that we as individuals run, as Paul described it, it is
also a relay. We are an integral part of the whole. What we do or don’t do
contributes to, or adversely affects the completion of God’s plan. We
easily lose sight of the significance of the moment in the larger picture of
what God has done, is doing, and will do.


Some characteristics of the early church (first three centuries).

1. They were moved by a burning conviction
Galatians 2:20

2. Persecution and the Christian’s response to it had a profound impact
on those who witnessed and administered it.
Hebrews 11:32-40

3. The gospel as presented filled a heartfelt need. It presented life change and grace.
Ephesians 2:8, James 1:12

4. The practical expression of Christian love was one of the most
powerful causes of early Christian success
Matthew 25:35-40

We are on the team with them and are called to ‘Pick up the Baton’ and run
our portion of the race.

The video watched during the services can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXnT84Eu-oA