Offertory scripture:
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:9&version=NKJV
When times get tough, don’t give up. Keep believing; keep going. It’s not based on OUR gift; it’s our faith in God.
Sermon message:
Thesis: This year run free
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:1-2&version=NLT
It’s one thing to be freed. It’s another thing for us to REALIZE we are free.
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Colossians%201:13-14&version=NLT
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:36&version=KJV
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:32&version=NLT
Jesus gave us freedom.
who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
1 Timothy 2:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%202:4&version=NLT
Being saved means the kingdom of darkness has no more power over you.
For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%202:6&version=KJV
Don’t contradict God. Contradicting Him keeps us from walking in freedom.
Point #1: run free. God loves you.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16-18&version=KJV
The life of Jesus shows us that God loves us.
Jesus fed people. He forgave people. He healed people. He encouraged people.
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
John 14:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:9&version=NLT
Even Jesus’ suffering shows us that God loves us.
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2015:13&version=NLT
Don’t listen to lies. Don’t contradict God. He loves you.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2016:15&version=KJV
To every creature… God’s love is for everyone. God’s free gift is for everyone. Don’t contradict God.
Point #2: run free. You are forgiven.
Satan loves to beat you up. He will tempt a person to sin, and then condemn that person for sinning. That’s not God. You may feel guilty because you are guilty. But you may also feel guilty because you may not realize that God has forgiven you.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%203:23&version=KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%206:23&version=KJV
God offers free gift of forgiveness. It’s a terrible thing to not feel forgiveness. But this is a free available gift.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%201:9&version=KJV
Do not contradict God.
Point #3: run free. God wants you blessed.
It’s in the Bible. Receive the truth in the word of God.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=3%20John%201:2&version=KJV
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%207:11&version=NLT
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:19&version=NLT
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
Romans 8:31-32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:31-32&version=NLT
Point #4: run free. God makes all things possible.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:37&version=KJV
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mark 4:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%204:38&version=KJV
Believe God. Don’t believe the lies Satan says.
Point #5: run free. You can have peace.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:1-2&version=NLT
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:6-9&version=NKJV
Point #6: run free. You have a say.
Don’t contradict God. Instead, contradict Satan by using the truth of God’s word.
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Proverbs 6:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%206:2&version=KJV
Agree with God and His word, and speak it. Confess it.
Thesis: This year run free
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:1-2&version=NLT
It’s one thing to be freed. It’s another thing for us to REALIZE we are free.
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Colossians%201:13-14&version=NLT
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:36&version=KJV
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:32&version=NLT
Jesus gave us freedom.
who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
1 Timothy 2:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%202:4&version=NLT
Being saved means the kingdom of darkness has no more power over you.
For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%202:6&version=KJV
Don’t contradict God. Contradicting Him keeps us from walking in freedom.
Point #1: run free. God loves you.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16-18&version=KJV
The life of Jesus shows us that God loves us.
Jesus fed people. He forgave people. He healed people. He encouraged people.
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
John 14:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:9&version=NLT
Even Jesus’ suffering shows us that God loves us.
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2015:13&version=NLT
Don’t listen to lies. Don’t contradict God. He loves you.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2016:15&version=KJV
To every creature… God’s love is for everyone. God’s free gift is for everyone. Don’t contradict God.
Point #2: run free. You are forgiven.
Satan loves to beat you up. He will tempt a person to sin, and then condemn that person for sinning. That’s not God. You may feel guilty because you are guilty. But you may also feel guilty because you may not realize that God has forgiven you.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%203:23&version=KJV
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%206:23&version=KJV
God offers free gift of forgiveness. It’s a terrible thing to not feel forgiveness. But this is a free available gift.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%201:9&version=KJV
Do not contradict God.
Point #3: run free. God wants you blessed.
It’s in the Bible. Receive the truth in the word of God.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=3%20John%201:2&version=KJV
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%207:11&version=NLT
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:19&version=NLT
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
Romans 8:31-32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:31-32&version=NLT
Point #4: run free. God makes all things possible.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:37&version=KJV
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mark 4:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%204:38&version=KJV
Believe God. Don’t believe the lies Satan says.
Point #5: run free. You can have peace.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:1-2&version=NLT
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:6-9&version=NKJV
Point #6: run free. You have a say.
Don’t contradict God. Instead, contradict Satan by using the truth of God’s word.
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Proverbs 6:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%206:2&version=KJV
Agree with God and His word, and speak it. Confess it.
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