FINISH LINE
2021 Year End
Week One:
Text:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” —Hebrews 12:1-3
A few thoughts on these three scriptures…
1. Recognize the cloud of witnesses (faithful) have themselves been in the same
2. If you’re gonna run there is no option than to
-You have to pre-wire your mind to believe you’re going to face trials.
-Your strength comes from the Lord…the maker of heaven and earth.
3. The answer (strength, faith) comes with
-He has to be the focus or you will never endure.
-“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else will be added when needed.”
4. Keep His sacrifice
Everyday should be a day of personal communion…remembering your sin and His sacrifice.
-In doing so we will not grow weary.
Connection Church Stats:
-2021 Baptisms: 32
-2021 New Partners: 69
-We financially supported in 2021: 60 missionaries representing over 34 counties
-Foreign Missions and Home Missions– $97,718.00
-93 teens participate in Under1 Summer Camp
-200 kids participate in VBS
-Over 100 kids have raised their hand in response to calls for salvation and prayed asking Jesus to forgive them of their sins in Kids Connection
-Counseled over 100 people
-Over 30 kids responded to salvation in Under1
-1,500,000 lbs of food given to 34,900 people by Open Door Ministry - each of them also heard about Jesus - estimated that 60% of them are unchurched.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” —1 Corinthians 9:24