Olympic Challenge

In 1Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul puts out the challenge to run the race of the Christian life well - like we want to win the prize.
On the last two Sundays we've been reflecting on this challenge and asking what the prize is, why how we run matters, what running well is and is not, how the gospel makes it possible and the role others can play in helping us (the spiritual equivalent of a running club, team, partner and coach.)

We've also used Will Rochfort's drawing to help us identify where we are when it comes to "the race"? Are we just about to start, have we been knocked down? Are we exhausted? Are we aimless and distracted? Are we looking like we're going to finish strong or are we only just going to make it over the line? Or, are we in the stands not quite sure still whether we want to get in the race at all? And then, critically, we asked what will help us to take the next step towards running well, what do we need?

It's been a big challenge but one, I hope, which also encourages us knowing that there is a prize; the crown of righteousness which comes to those saved by Christ and the prize of the "well done good and faithful servant" offered to all who have run well and finished strong.

Check out Olympic Challenge Part 1 http://bit.ly/Rt2rsa
Part 2 http://bit.ly/O1mA4X