Tuning up for Race Day

Tuning up for Race Day

Part 2 - Heb. 12:1-3

This is the second message in a series that deals with our being in a race for the Lord. I t may not be as exciting to some people as the INDY 500, but it is exciting if we really get in and race.

Can we not understand how excited we should be as we race towards the rewards and blessing that God has for us down at the finish line??????

First I want you to recall my request to consider/pretend or make yourself the driver of this car in your mind

Second I want to restate our goals with this series:

Find a sponsor or secure a "car."

Qualify for the "race that is set before us."

Finish the race well!

I have identified five (5) basic things that are needed to race effectively. Today I want to look at the last three, a crew that will help, a prize worth winning and the driver behind the wheel.

Last week we considered Our sponsor we race for needed to be a ...

Sponsor that is capable (God is capable)

We need a…

Car (church) that can compete (our church can compete -- not against other churches, but in the race for lost souls!)

Today, I want to look at another important item involved in a race. We need a …

Crew that will help

One that will work, not watch, or make excuses.
One that will help, not criticize or complain
One that is well trained (our responsibility)
One that has the same goal and is committed to the same cause
One that does not worry about who gets the "praise" Just so our "car" wins!
One that is always ready to do their job

Share Illustration about Bobby Cottrell's finger- and my telling him, "Just a minute!"

We need to consider the…

Prize worth winning

Looking for a Glorious victory

Looking for Great riches (spiritual)
Wants to be Awarded the "winners’ circle"
Willing to do Commercials spots (share our faith)
Keeps the Finish line in sight

Always Looking for a better finish

We cannot do without a…

Driver behind the wheel (YOU)

One that will suit up
One that will practice to improve (Moses claimed, I Can't, I can't, I can't!)
One that will use all the gears (One that will not burn out)
One that will push down the pedal (Not worried about the brakes)
One that will use the steering wheel (Stay on track)
One that is aware of the conditions around him (Spend time in prayer)
One that will slow down and check things out when in trouble (Listen to God)

Finally we see what we need is…

One that will trust his:

Sponsor - God
Crew-Chief - Holy Spirit
Race instructions - God's Word
Pit Crew, etc. - Helpers
His fellow drivers - fellow laborers

Let us look at our goals with this series:

Find a sponsor or secure a "car."
Do you have a sponsor? Is God part of your life? Have you really accepted Christ into your heart? Is He the driving force for you or is it other things that push you?

Qualify for the "race that is set before us."

How can we qualify? Membership in church, or any other organization? Works? Money? What? It is through Christ that we can qualify!!!!! He is the one that helps us get into the race! Have you trusted Him? Have you made a decision for Him?

Finish the race well!

How is YOUR race going? Are you suited up, excited about the day that is before you? Are you on the track? Headed the right way? Guided by the right Crew Chief? Are you doing your best for your sponsor?

Gary Marcum 5-30-99 AM -- East 38th Street F.W.B.