Sunday January 10, 2021 | Greg Boyd
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
This short sermon and panel discussion challenge us to respond to God’s call to offer ourselves totally and completely to God by embracing spiritual disciplines that will shape our lives.
This final sermon in the Salt and Light for a Changing World series is actually a panel discussion followed by a short reflection by Greg. The panelists include Shawna Boren, Rob Kistler, Kevin Callaghan and Paul Eddy. The panelists address the following questions:
In Greg’s reflection, he offers a challenge to embrace disciplines because the Christian walk is akin to a race, as suggested in the focus scripture. Just as Christ ran the race, we too run as we put our focus on Christ, who is our model. With this in mind, Greg raises the question that God spoke to him: “Is this your best?”
If we are not giving God our best, God invites us to repent so that we can enter into the training, to develop a way of life that reflects the life of Christ. To partner with Christ in this race, it requires our all, not a part of who we are. Jesus gave his all for us and invites us to give our best, and this is what God uses to release his life in the world.