Run-to-Win

Introduction Weekend celebration: ~3,000 participants graduating from the 10-week “Rooted” discipleship experience at Lake Pointe. Upcoming evangelistic weekend: “Christmas at the Movies,” Nov 29–30, designed for guests far from God. CS Lewis’s fictional dialogue in hell: the most effective lie is “There is no hurry.” Transition to Acts 24: the Apostle Paul on trial before Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla—powerful, elite, yet spiritually undecided. Scripture References Acts 22–24 Proverbs 25:28 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 1 Corinthians 7:3–5 Romans 12:1 2 Corinthians 5:21 John 5:22 Matthew 16:27 Hebrews 9:27 Romans 14:10 Matthew 24:37–39 Isaiah 66 Key Points / Exposition 1. Righteousness: Achieved or Received? Every world religion & secular philosophy views righteousness as something to earn; Christianity alone sees it as a gift to receive. Islam: Five Pillars; Buddhism: Eightfold Path; Mormonism: obedience for salvation; secular humanism: activism & virtue signaling. Romans says “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Ten-Commandment “pop quiz” demonstrates universal guilt (adultery, murder in the heart, theft, lying). Two possible paths: Achieve flawless obedience—impossible. Receive Christ’s righteousness by faith (2 Cor 5:21). 2. Self-Control: The Gatekeeper Virtue Paul speaks to Felix & Drusilla’s sexual sin (adulterous relationship). Principle: most destructive sins flow from lack of self-control (gluttony, addiction, gossip, greed, wrath). Proverbs 25:28—person without self-control is a city with broken walls. Specific cultural application: Singles: any sex outside covenant marriage = porneia (1 Thess 4). Marrieds: commanded not to deprive one another (1 Cor 7), yet many neglect intimacy. Bodies belong to Christ (Rom 12:1); believers must “learn to control” desires, not be ruled by them. 3. The Judgment to Come Felix trembles yet postpones decision: “When it is convenient I will call for you.” Biblical certainties: Jesus Himself is Judge (John 5:22). Everyone will face judgment (Heb 9:27; Rom 14:10). Two distinct judgments: Great White Throne—condemnation for unbelievers. Bema Seat—commendation & rewards for believers (Matt 16:27). Christ’s return is certain and could interrupt ordinary life (Matt 24:37-39). Historical prophecies already fulfilled (nation of Israel, Messiah’s virgin birth, 1948 statehood) assure future ones will also occur—Jesus will return. Major Lessons & Revelations Delayed obedience is disobedience; spiritual procrastination destroys souls. Righteousness cannot be earned; it is imputed through faith in Christ. Self-control guards every other area of holiness. The final judgment is not mythological—it is certain, personal, and imminent. Practical Application Receive Christ’s righteousness today—repent and believe the gospel. Conduct a self-control audit: identify desires (sexual, financial, verbal, appetites) where walls are down; submit them to the Spirit. Married couples: honor God by honoring marital intimacy; singles: honor God by abstaining until marriage. Live with eternity in view—invest time, resources, and testimony so you will be rewarded, not merely rescued. Invite unreached friends/family to Nov 29–30 outreach; prioritize their salvation. Conclusion & Call to Response Like Felix, many “believe in heaven and hell” yet assume there is “no hurry.” Pastor’s personal story: friend Ian postponed decision, died suddenly, and is now eternally lost. Urgent appeal: forgive, confess, reconcile, share the gospel, join serious discipleship—do it now, not later. Video testimony of a recent Rooted graduate shown to illustrate life-changing power of immediate obedience.

Introduction Pastor opens by honoring students who led worship, remembering his own first preaching opportunity. Announces “Christmas at the Movies” (Nov 29–30) designed for evangelism. Sets tone: Today’s shorter message focuses on what will matter when believers are “hugging Jesus”—handing down the faith. Scripture References Hebrews 12:1–2 Hebrews 11 Judges 2:7–10 Genesis 25:21, 25–26 Genesis 37 Key Points / Exposition 1. The Christian Life Is a Relay Race Hebrews 12:1–2 links believers to the “great cloud of witnesses” (Heb 11). Analogy progression: Sprint = initial zeal (energy fades). Marathon = long-term rhythms (helpful but incomplete). Relay = success hinges on the baton pass. Olympic 4×100 illustration (Tokyo 2021): U.S. team lost despite fastest runners; failure occurred in the exchange zone. Spiritual exchange zone: the unbroken transfer of the gospel from the apostles to today’s church. 2. A Charge to the Younger Generation (< 35) Cultural narrative labels Gen Z/Millennials as lazy, purposeless; Scripture and history disagree. Ordinary vs. Extraordinary operations of the Spirit: periods when God does more in minutes than humans in decades (revival). Survey of U.S. Great Awakenings: First (1730s–40s) – Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield. Second (1790–1850) – Charles Finney, Father Nash. Third (1900–10) – D. L. Moody, Azusa Street. Fourth (late 1960s–70s) – Billy Graham, Chuck Smith, Jesus Movement. Pattern: roughly 50-year intervals; timeline points to potential new move (≈ 2025). Current indicators: Bible sales +42 %, Christian app downloads +80 %, worship streams +50 %, Gen Z/Millennials now largest church-attending block. Historical fact: every awakening was sparked by leaders in their teens, 20s, or early 30s. Call: Consecrate these years; trade drinking, gaming, and scrolling for gospel mission; ask, “What would I attempt if I knew God was in it?” 3. A Charge to the Older Generation (35+) Judges 2:7–10—tragic failure when one generation doesn’t pass on what it has “seen.” Gospel is always one generation from extinction; complacency is dangerous even in seasons of growth. Biblical model of multigenerational transfer: Abraham → Isaac → Jacob. Abraham: first believer in family, a “blessed mess,” but changed the family tree. Isaac: did “a little better”—one wife, prayed, trusted God. Jacob: walked intimately with God; father of the 12 tribes. Principle: each generation’s ceiling becomes the next generation’s floor. Societal commentary: culture dismantles fatherhood and expects government to fill the gap; church must raise strong spiritual mothers and fathers. Pastor’s testimony: Grandfather Jerry—saved late, first college graduate at 50, small-church pastor. Father Rick—encourager, seminary-trained, church planter. Josh—beneficiary of 80 years of accumulated ministry experience at 35, now leading Lake Pointe. Illustration of baton successfully passed. Major Lessons & Revelations God sovereignly places believers in a particular time with specific gifts to advance His kingdom. Faith transmission is the central task of the church; revival often ignites through consecrated young adults supported by faithful elders. Spiritual legacy requires intentionality; without it, an entire generation can “arise who do not know the Lord.” When the baton is rightly passed, God multiplies impact—each generation stands on the shoulders of the previous one. Practical Application For the Under-35s: ...

Introduction Pastor begins with lighthearted remarks about arriving “disheveled” after family soccer and cheer events, then quickly shifts: no sleepy listeners—today is about the return of Jesus. Series theme: “Run to Win” (1 Cor 9)—races have a finish line; believers must live in view of the end. Hide-and-seek illustration with his children: escalating count and the shout “Ready or not, here I come!” parallels Christ’s escalating signs and certain return. Scripture References Revelation 22:12 John 14:3 Matthew 24 Matthew 24:9 Matthew 24:14 Daniel 12 Revelation 11 Revelation 13 Acts 1 Acts 17 Ezekiel 44:1-3 Zechariah 14:3-5 2 Thessalonians 2:3 2 Peter 3:9 Key Points / Exposition 1. Jesus Is Coming Revelation 22:12 first declaration: “Look, I am coming.” Wedding imagery (John 14:3) explained through 1st-century Jewish customs: Groom negotiates a mohar (bride-price) with the father—Christ paid the ultimate price at the cross. Groom departs to prepare an addition onto his father’s house—“In My Father’s house are many rooms.” Bride lives in expectancy; the father decides the moment of return; a trumpet (shofar) announces the groom. Church = Bride; Jesus = Groom; Father alone sets the day; trumpet (1 Cor 15:52) will signal His appearing. 2. Jesus Is Coming Soon Revelation 22:12 second declaration: “I am coming soon.” Unknown day/hour (Matthew 24:36): even angels and the Son do not know—only the Father. Purpose of secrecy: discourages idleness, encourages perpetual readiness (“If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready”). Believers must avoid divisive speculations over timelines (pre-trib, post-mill, etc.) and unite on the indisputable fact of His return. Signs of the Season (Spiritual “Contractions”) Increase in travel (Daniel 12:4) – from horseback distances to global air travel within hours. Explosion of knowledge (Daniel 12:4) – information now doubling every two months (AI age). Global live-stream capability (Revelation 11:9) – technology allows every tribe to witness the same event simultaneously. Movement toward a one-world economic system (Revelation 13:16-17) – digital IDs, CBDCs, global agencies foreshadow commerce control. Rise in Christian persecution (Matthew 24:9) – historic high in martyrdom; Nigerian believers cited. Mass apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:3) – cultural “falling away,” seeker-sensitive drift, churches compromising truth. Rebirth of Israel as a nation (May 14 1948) – prophetic prerequisite fulfilled. Gospel preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14) – still in progress; fuels missionary urgency. Mount of Olives to split (Zechariah 14:3-5; Ezekiel 44) – geological fault line discovered; East Gate sealed by Suleiman yet destined to open at Christ’s arrival. 3. His Reward Is With Him Revelation 22:12 third declaration: He will “give to each person according to what they have done.” Distinction: Salvation is free; rewards are earned. Parable of the Talents: faithfulness versus laziness (Matthew 25). Ways rewards are stored: Enduring persecution for righteousness. Deeds done in secret for God’s glory. Generosity to the poor and powerless. Evangelism—bringing the lost to Christ. Goal: Hear “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not merely “Well, you’re done.” Delay of Christ’s coming explained (2 Peter 3:9): God’s patience secures one more day, one more soul. Major Lessons & Revelations Christ’s return is certain, imminent, and personal. God withholds the date to cultivate daily holiness and mission. Global, cultural, and technological shifts align with biblical prophecy, intensifying expectancy. Earthly choices carry eternal consequences; believers will experience varying degrees of heavenly reward. Practical Application Live in a continual state of readiness—daily prayer, repentance, and obedience. Refuse speculation that breeds division; focus on gospel proclamation and holy living. Cultivate courage: expect hatred, prepare for persecution, remain faithful. Invest in secret service, generosity, and global missions; give where return is eternal. Discern worldly systems—maintain allegiance to Christ over any governing power. Conclusion & Call to Response Pastor urges listeners: “Ready or not, here He comes.” Examine your life: Are you hiding from God or welcoming His appearing? Receive Christ’s salvation, join His mission, and run your race to win the eternal prize.

Introduction Guest preacher: Ernest Smith, Lead Pastor of Front Range Church (Castle Rock, CO), a Lake Pointe church-plant (2013). Ernest recounts Lake Pointe’s partnership, highlighting the Strategic Launch Network and personal support from Pastors Steve & Josh. Sets the stage by confessing a lifelong struggle with comparison and the cultural pressure to “be successful.” Central tension: God’s definition of success vs. our drive for status, wealth, and control. How God re-defines achievement through Naaman’s healing and our own obedience. ...

Introduction Pastor returns from vacation and 20th-anniversary trip, grateful for church family and fellow pastors who preached in his absence. Launches new series, “Run to Win,” promising some weighty themes. Opens with a lighthearted “St. Peter at the gate” joke to expose common confusion about salvation and judgment. States pastoral priority: preparing believers for eternity above all else. Sets goal for message—clarify exactly what happens the moment after death and at Christ’s return. Scripture Reference(s) Romans 14:10-12 Revelation 20:11-15 2 Corinthians 5:10 Matthew 7:21-23 Romans 1:16 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 1 Corinthians 3:13-14 Matthew 16:27 Revelation 22:12 1 John 1:7 Psalm 51:1 Isaiah 43:25 Habakkuk 1:13 Key Points / Exposition 1. Everyone Faces Two Judgments Scripture shows not one but two distinct judgments. Great White Throne Judgment – “everybody” judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). Judgment Seat (Bema) of Christ – rewards ceremony for believers (2 Corinthians 5:10). Paul warns Christians not to focus on judging others because “we will all stand” before God (Romans 14:10-12). 2. The Great White Throne Judgment – “What Did You Do With Jesus?” Vision: books (plural) and a single “Book of Life.” Books = exhaustive record of every deed—good and bad. Book = only names, no sins. Illustration with permanent marker: our sins are indelibly written; good works or apologies cannot erase them. Only the blood of Jesus can “blot out” transgressions (Psalm 51:1; Isaiah 43:25; 1 John 1:7). Hell is ultimately the place where people choose to pay for their own sin instead of accepting Christ’s payment. Correct answer on Judgment Day: “I gave my life to Jesus—I knew Him.” Warning from Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23): many will rely on religious activity rather than relationship. 3. Personal Testimony – From Religion to Relationship Pastor’s upbringing: constant church attendance, prayed prayer at 8 to avoid hell. At 16, encounter in a charismatic church; Romans 1:16 awakens him to a living relationship with Christ. Distinction between external religion (doll) and internal life (living child): only genuine faith saves. 4. The Judgment Seat of Christ – “What Did You Do With What I Gave You?” Greek “Bema” imagery: Olympic officials rewarding victorious runners. Believers’ works pass through a refining fire (1 Corinthians 3:13-14). Whatever survives receives eternal reward. Jesus is eager to reward (Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12). Life resources—time, talents, finances, nationality, era—are stewardship trusts. 5. What Lasts Forever Only one category endures the fire: the souls of people. Believers can’t change the whole world but can change someone’s world by leveraging their resources for eternal impact. 6. Modern Example – Lewis & Casey’s Foster Journey Video testimony: infertility led couple to pray and attend Lake Pointe’s Foster & Adoption Conference. Turned painful past and personal experience with the system into redemptive ministry for children. Demonstrates using life story and resources to make eternal difference in others. Major Lessons & Revelations Death is certain; preparation is optional but essential. Salvation hinges on relationship with Jesus, not religious résumé. Eternal rewards are real and tied to how believers steward God-given resources for people’s salvation and welfare. God delights to erase sin, rename believers, and celebrate their faithful service. Practical Application Examine relationship with Christ—move from knowing about Him to knowing Him. Place faith in Jesus’ finished work; stop trying to self-erase sin. Inventory resources (skills, finances, influence, time) and ask, “How can these reach or serve people for eternity?” Engage in ministries that touch eternal souls—e.g., foster care, missions, evangelism, discipling the next generation. Live daily with the Bema Seat in view—run the faith-race to win imperishable rewards (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). Conclusion & Call to Response Two unavoidable questions await every person: “What did you do with Jesus?” “What did you do with what I gave you?” Pastor urges congregation to settle the first by surrendering to Christ today and to orient life toward the second by investing in people who will last forever. References & Resources Lake Pointe Foster & Adoption Conference – catalyst for Lewis & Casey’s ministry story.

Introduction Pastor begins by greeting all campuses and online viewers, then poses a penetrating question: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” Acknowledges common, paralyzing fears—rejection, failure, success, loneliness, financial entrapment, relational stagnation. Sets the stage for Acts 23, continuing Lake Pointe’s series on the life of Paul. Scripture Reference(s) Acts 23 Acts 24 2 Timothy 1:7 Joshua 1:9 Proverbs 6:32 Proverbs 29:25 1 Corinthians 15:55 Key Points / Exposition 1. God Has Not Given a Spirit of Fear Quoting Paul’s prison letter to Timothy, the pastor emphasizes that fear and timidity are not heaven-sent; God gifts power, love, and self-discipline. Healthy instinctual fears (fire, falling, loud noises) differ from the crippling “spirit of fear.” Greek insight: hypostasis—“that which stands under, a foundation.” True confidence rests on a solid spiritual foundation. 2. Paul Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23) Paul claims a clear conscience, is struck on the mouth by order of the high priest, reacts in frustration, then apologizes—revealing his humanity. Masterful strategy: declares his Pharisee heritage and hope in the resurrection, igniting Pharisee–Sadducee debate and diverting attention. Roman commander extracts Paul for safety; that night Jesus appears: “Take courage… you must testify in Rome.” Lesson: divine encouragement often follows disappointment, assuring us our calling is not over. 3. Personal Testimony: Vegas to Kentucky Pastor recounts leaving a thriving Las Vegas church plant to return to his hometown, knowing conflict awaited. God anchors him with Joshua 1:9; unsolicited cards and emails repeatedly quote the same verse, confirming the call. Insight: Courage is forged in obedience, not circumstance. 4. Courage Defined: Potent + Present vs. Powerless Legitimate fear objects are both potent and present (e.g., a live poisonous snake). Because of Christ’s resurrection, death is present but no longer potent—therefore illegitimate as a fear object (1 Cor 15). Max Lucado quotation: when safety becomes our god, greatness is emasculated. 5. Fear of People: A Dangerous Trap Proverbs 29:25 warns that craving human approval ensnares; trusting the Lord brings safety. Humorous “candy-store prom” story illustrates how people-pleasing alters behavior. Call: let God’s acceptance eclipse public opinion. 6. A Survey of Courage in Acts (Chs 1–23) From Pentecost’s 120 Spirit-filled believers to Stephen, Philip, Ananias, Barnabas, Peter, and Paul—Acts showcases successive courageous acts. Suggestion: reread Acts focusing solely on courage to see a pattern of Spirit-empowered boldness. 7. Everyday Courage: Rapid-Fire Reflections Pastor lists dozens of real-life scenarios—parenting, ministry transition, confronting abuse, entering rehab, teaching middle school, driving in Dallas—each demanding courage. Thread: Courage is mundane and majestic, public and private; all flows from surrender to God. Major Lessons & Revelations Courage springs from living consciously in God’s omnipotent, omnipresent hands. Perfect love (God’s) expels fear; fear flourishes where divine love is doubted. The greatest battlefield is internal—governing one’s spirit surpasses conquering a city. Approval seeking is a subtle idol; reverence for God breeds true wisdom and bravery. God often over-provides protection (470 soldiers for Paul) to remind us He’s got us. Practical Application Daily ask: “What would I attempt today if fear weren’t in charge?” Identify one current fear; bring it under Christ’s authority, replacing negative expectation with faith. Memorize 2 Tim 1:7 and Joshua 1:9; recite them whenever anxiety surfaces. Keep a journal of courage—record moments you obey despite fear, noting God’s faithfulness. Limit approval-seeking behaviors (e.g., social-media validation fast) to break people-pleasing cycles. Reread Acts 1–23 within a week, highlighting every act of courage; pray for similar boldness. Conclusion & Call to Response The congregation is invited to sit quietly, let projected Scriptures wash over them, and ask God: “Lord, what courageous step are You asking of me? Where have I been paralyzed?” Jesus’ whispered assurance—“Take courage, I’m not done with you”—is extended to every listener. ...