Sunday Service
July 27, 2008
Pastor John Jenks

Hebrews 12:1-2 "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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. "

If we are going to make changes, it takes courage and being specific.

Remember that our vision is vital.

Key Truth: The right focus leads to real strength.

Our mental and spiritual vision is vital.  We need the right focus and attention in the right place.  Fix our eyes upon Jesus.  Trust, seek, learn from, obey.  Not from a detached point of view, but from a posture of humility, availability, allegiance and faith.

When life is hard and you are worried and scared, we are encouraged to trust in Christ even when we don't understand.

1.  What do I see when I focus on Jesus?
-the pioneer and perfecter of faith
-the joy of vision Christ had on the cross.
Ephesians 3:14-21 "For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family ^[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. "

2.  What can happen when I focus on Christ?
-remember that I am not alone in my sufferinf.  Jesus suffered.  he is a suffering Lord.
-I am understood in my suffering.
-I can be redeemed.

Book recommendation: Philip Yancey "Prayer"