Sunday School Lesson for Aug. 15, 2010: Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4b-16)

Matthew 25:21 (Amplified Bible)



21His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, [a]admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the [b]blessedness) which your master enjoys.



Acts 7:55-56 (The Message)



54-56At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God's side!"



2 Timothy 4:6-8 (The Message)



6-8You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.



Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)



1Therefore, 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.



Usain Bolt is arguably the fastest man in the world right now. For those who don’t know, he is a Jamaican sprinter who currently holds the World and Olympic records in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4 x 100 meter events. He’s so fast, that near the end of his races, he often mugs for the cameras, runs sideways, or taunts his competitors and tantalizes the rest of us with what might have been possible had he pressed through the finish. As far as I know, he hasn’t lost a race ‘looking back’. However, Bolt’s example is not to be emulated by Christian. No, we are to stay focused until the end. Let me encourage you this week. For those of you who are in this race in earnest.. all of Heaven is cheering you on., waiting for you at the finish line. Listen, you can hear Heaven calling you, can’t you? I can. For those of you who may grow tired along the way. Cheer up! Be encouraged. Don’t lose hope. I can see the hand of the Father waving in the distance. I can see the hosts of Heaven rejoicing as you get closer. Hang in there. The rewards that await us far out weigh the challenges we endure along the way.



Blessings,



wb