2020-05-31
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Key verse: Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks beto God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Last week, we looked at the three elements of our race; Remove, Renew and Return. Today, we continue in our series, Run The Race, by beginning the conversation of the purpose of the race. Where are we going, why are we going, what are supposed to do along the way? These are all great questions and there’s really no better day to begin this discussion than on Pentecost Sunday. The day the church began its mission.
Acts 2:22-28 (NLT) People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. 25 King David said this about him: ‘Isee that the Lordis always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 26 No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. 27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. 28 You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’
The church’s mission has never been more important than it is today. And, the only way the church’s mission will be accomplished is if we all “run the race” He has called us to.
1. You are never alone
Vs 25b I see that the Lordis always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
- No one likes to run alone
- The good news is that we never will
2. Joy comes in the journey
Vs 26 No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope
- We worship Him because His promises are absolute and continual
- The power and presence of God is not dependent on our action or inaction
3. His victory is our victory
Vs 27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.
- Because He lives, we live
4. The path is clear
Vs 28 You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.
- The Gospel is the way of life
- When we embrace the Gospel, let it guide us every day, we will follow the path that leads to Him
Acts 2:36 So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!