1. The Future Of This Church
Staying the course Hebrews 12:1-3
September 5 - AM

2. Last in Series
The Sunday AM sermons have looked at “Our Future As A Church”
The future of this church is dependant on each of us “staying the course.”
Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

3. Last in Series Runner’s World (8/91)
Beth Anne DeCiantis trying to qualify for the 92 Olympics
Marathon – 26 miles yards
To qualify they must run this under 2:45
At 2:43 – 200 yards from finish – stumbled, got up, stumbled
As crowed yelled – she crawled last 10 yards
Crossed finish line at 2:44:57

4. Why do churches quit? 1. Failure to understand God’s purpose
What if God had quit - Adam and Eve; Noah and sinful world; Israel’s rebellion and unbelief
2. Weariness, discouragement, failure, set-backs, roadblocks
Matthew 16: Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

5. Why do churches quit?
2. Weariness, discouragement, failure, set-backs, roadblocks
Luke 14: Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

6. How can we stay the course?
Staying the course requires some things of us –
Remember the previous lessons – Be positive in attitude; Have dreams and hopes; Show commitment and dedication; Remain faithful
And I have just a few more to add

7. How can we stay the course?
Staying the course requires some things of us –
Don’t quit working when things don’t go your way
Don’t let the world get in the way of faith
Be ready to work for something eternal
Have a vision for this church
Seek to realize our full potential
Willing to give money to see the dream realized.

8. How can we stay the course?
Staying the course requires some things of us –
Finally –
Give yourselves to the Lord