Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Born February 5 th, 5 th, 1837 Dad died when He was four Oldest brother, at age 15, ran away from home. At age 10 he had to leave his house to live and work far away (this was good because it left his mom with one less mouth to feed) Left school for good by the 6 th 6 th grade Became a shoe salesmen around age 17 At age 18, he was finally saved. When he was 20, God began to give him a great desire to share his faith. He found a Mission organization in Chicago and told them he couldn’t teach, but he wanted to help. The man there told him to find kids and bring them to Sunday School.

He didn’t plan on teaching, but everyone once-in-a-while the teacher wouldn’t show up and he would have to teach. He wasn’t a good speaker and was very nervous. The Sunday school grew to 600 members As time went by, this young man got married and became a full-time evangelist. He even started a Bible College to train others to do what he was doing. There was one important statement he heard that he never forgot “The world has yet to see what God can do through one person totally dedicated to Him.” Dwight responded by saying, “By God’s grace, I want to be that one person.”

Who was this man? Dwight L. Moody Founder of the Moody Bible Institute

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author (of our faith) and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, Whenever we see the word, “THEREFORE”, we must ask what it is there for. ABRAHA M MOSES GIDEON SAMUEL

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and What Are Some Hindrances to our Christian life? What Are Some Sins that might hurt our Christian life? What sins are hurting your walk with God?

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Would a friend view your Christian life as a race, a fast walk, a slow walk, or a snooze? What does “perseverance” tell you about the race? What is the race marked with?

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author (of our faith) and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Focus on Christ Because… He Started our Faith – he’ll get us through He’s been thru everything He went thru everything – and he did it by focusing on the joy to come – not the present pain

It is easy to give up on the Christian life. The problem with Christianity is not that it’s been tried and found wanting, but that it’s been found difficult and left untried. - G. K. Chesteron When you want to throw in the towel, think of all that Jesus went through for us. Jesus gave His life for you – what are giving for Him?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT If you had NOT been part of youth group last year, what difference would it have made in the lives of everyone else that was there? How is your school different for Christ because of you?? If you had never gone to your school, how would everyone’s view of God be different than it is now?

The Christian life is not always easy (that’s a promise). It’s a race – a marathon – and we’re in it for the long haul. SO 1.Throw off entanglements and sins 2. Run with perseverance 3. Fix your eyes on Christ Take time now to write down your sins and entanglements. I challenge you to share those with someone who loves you enough to keep you accountable.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. THE WORLD HAS YET TO SEE WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH ONE PERSON TOTALLY DEDICATED TO HIM.

I hope these slides help you in some way (feel free to delete this slide). Feel free to contact me for any reason. I have some handouts and extra info for some of the slides that I did not include. There are also a few notes at the bottom of some slides, but not as much as I should have. If you have some great ideas or help or criticisms, or just want to talk, give me a call or shoot me an . (515)