Discipline in a Long Distance Race

The Olympic Games are in full swing, unifying the world and bringing entertainment to millions. Of course the Bible often makes use of athletic metaphors to help Christians persevere in our faith. In our Services over the next two Sundays, we’ll be diving into scriptures with athletic themes. I pray that the Services and Sermons will encourage and inspire us all to ‘Run the Christian Race’ and ‘Fight the Good Fight of Faith.’ I’m reminded about one wonderful Olympic story when an athlete crashed to the ground during a 100 meters race in the paraplegic Olympics in Los Angeles. The rest of the competitors stopped running and helped the fallen runner up. They all crossed the finishing line together. ‘Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we are in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed. When you find yourself flagging in your faith, go over the story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility Jesus plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls.’ From Hebrews 12 The Message Version. And thank you to everyone who came along to our first '1st Priority' prayer gathering. It was such an encouraging hour of prayer and worship praying away for the church, the community, the ministries and for each other. Our next 1st Priority will be on Tuesday August 24 7pm to 8pm. Kia tai mai tou rangatiratanga (may Your Kingdom come)