Gregg's Rest Stop (Running the Race!)

Published: Mon, 05/28/12

Gregg's Rest Stop

May 28, 2012

Journey in Christ

Running the Race!

In memory of our heroes on Memorial Day.

I love the Bible's emphasis on life as a race. It is a race already run and won by Jesus, and now we get to experience the race He pioneered!

So, life for us is a race already won. Most profoundly, we are on the victory lap. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

However, our victory lap is not for applause and is not for sitting back on our laurels. For we did not achieve the victory. By God's grace we merely receive Christ's victory.

Our victory lap is to spread the aroma of Christ the Victor throughout the world for those who have not yet chosen to join His victorious race. These people are still futilely striving to win love and acceptance on their own.

So, our victory lap is also a race to win -- a race to win precious souls to Christ. Our victory lap is still amid a raging battle in a dark world. Our lives require enduring faith as we confidently run through the world with the light of Christ shining in our hearts and lifted high in our torches of God's Word!

I hope the following story and song about two runners inspire you to keep running the race. Be inspired, not by the apparent gallant effort of both runners, but by Christ who victoriously indwells and gallantly lives through each runner!

A PERSONAL RACE

The race of life is first and foremost a personal race. Each person must personally decide to run in Christ or to run against Christ. And when one decides to run in Christ, Christ becomes his goal and nothing can ever prevent him from living that goal.

The following link is a 3-minute video clip of a young Christian lady who fell on the bell lap of a collegiate 600 meter race, but who got back up and...well, you will just have to watch to find out!

AMAZING RACE LINK

A true champion is not one who is always winning in regards to life's circumstances and who never falls. A true champion is one who, because he does indeed fall, never loses sight of his goal.

Jesus is our Champion! He took the fall for us, and He never lost sight of His goal to save us and to be glorified in the Father! He's the Champion in overcoming sin, death, and the devil. Now He's given us His victory. By faith, we can choose to run in His victory!

A RELATIONAL RACE

The race of life is not only personal, it is relational in the body of Christ. You could say it is a relay-tional! :)

I am inspired by Hebrews 12:1 revealing that we are being cheered on in our race in Christ by a great cloud of witnesses who raced before us and have passed the gospel baton on to us.

But most of all, I am empowered by Hebrews 12:2 exhorting me to fix my eyes upon Jesus as I run, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. With this focused spiritual eyesight, you and I can indeed endure!

Below is a link to video-audio of an inspiring song entitled Runner. Also below are the song's lyrics that testify of the confidence of being in Christ.

RUNNER SONG LINK

RUNNER

by Twila Paris

(EMI CMG Publishing 1985)

Courier valiant, bearing the flame

Messenger noble, sent in His name

Faster and harder, run through the night

Desperate relay, carry the light

Carry the light!

CHORUS

Runner when the road is long

Feel like giving in, but you're hanging on

Oh runner, when the race is won

You will run into His arms!

Obstacle ancient, chilling the way

Enemy wakened, stoking the fray

Still be determined, fearless and true

Lift high the standard, carry it through

Carry it through!

Mindful of many, waiting to run

Destined to finish, what you've begun

Millions before you, cheering you on

Godspeed dear runner, carry it home

Carry it home!

CLOSING

I hope this Rest Stop has helped you rest in God's truth, strengthening you for our race together for His glory!

I would love to hear from you anytime!

My email is: gregg@journeyinchrist.org

My cell phone is: (864) 483-3201

Below is a link to a copy of my new quarterly ministry newsletter. Following the link is an excerpt.

SPRING 2012 MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

About

Gregg Gibbons

Pastoral Director

Discipleship through

Counseling

Teaching

Training

Journey in Christ website link

Personal website link

Partnership

I believe with all my heart that ministry is through relationships.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you for your partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:3, 5).

Links to my recent ministry newsletters that describe my heart for partnerships:

September 2011 newsletter

December 2011 newsletter

YouTube link below of my ministry commissioning service that included testimonies from several partners, including Bobby Richardson, former 2nd baseman for the NY Yankees.

3-minute discipleship video

Please contact me to learn more about partnering with me. I'd love to hear from you!

Ministry News

Next Journey in Christ 8-month Advanced Discipleship Training to start January 2013. Click link below for details of the 2012 ADT!

Advanced Discipleship Training

Gregg teaches freedom in Christ at Haven of Rest mission in Anderson, SC Mondays 6:00-6:45 pm. You are welcome to attend with Gregg anytime! He leaves Simpsonville around 4:30 pm.

Gregg is mentoring men and couples in an office provided by Holly Ridge Baptist Church in Simpsonville SC.

Michael is mentoring men and couples in an office provided by Mountain Creek Baptist Church, Pendleton Street Baptist Church,

and Earle Street Baptist Church

all in Greenville SC.

Journey in Christ female staff are in the 10th week of teaching a 12-week on-the-job discipleship training class for women at a local heavy equipment manufacturing industry.

10 women started Journey in Christ's 8-month advanced discipleship training May 5, 2012!