Thoughts of Grace

Good Morning,

Every Labor Day weekend, our church hosts a Fellowship Meeting.
Dear ones, family and friends, come from all over the United States to worship with us.
I am borrowing (and editing a little) what my Daughter posted
on Facebook about the meeting.

August 29, 2013 Thursday

First night of the Fellowship Meeting. We are off to a great start, with a purpose to worship, to get our souls fed, to be an encouragement to the saints, to see souls saved. All are welcome . . .

Pastor from New York brought the message: Strive Lawfully

In 1 Corinthians 9:24,

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,
but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.

Paul uses the example of running a race to describe this life of Salvation. He says that we run a race to receive a prize and in order to do so, we keep our body under subjection. In a literal race or competition in order to compete one must consider all of the conditions of the contest. One has a particular diet and training that they participate in. There is a proper attire, attitude and behavior that must be kept in order to be considered a candidate for the competition.

Salvation is the same. God has outlined the requirements for this race. There is a spiritual diet and training that we need to comply with. There is preparation that we need to be diligent to follow through with. There are conditions we need to meet during the race in order to qualify at the finish. As in a literal race, we can’t take a short cut to the finish line, we need to be in the race 100%. We need to strive (work for, be diligent, devote serious effort or energy, to struggle in opposition) lawfully (according to the conditions set by the governing authority) to make the goal.
We can strive, but if we take a short cut, thinking our way is better than God’s and don’t follow the conditions stipulated, we will not be able to receive the crown.

2 Timothy 2:5 – And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Are you striving for a mastery in Salvation lawfully?
Have you meet the conditions of the race?
Have you attempted to run but have stepped out of the race thinking you can take a short cut?
Renew your focus on the goal
and make what ever changes necessary to meet it.
Try again.
It is possible, through Christ, to strive lawfully in “this present time” to receive a crown in heaven.

Strive . . .Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie