Two Questions

-Events of the world

-Signs of the last days

-These could cause us to give up

-We will not give up

-TO MAKE SURE WE DO NOT GIVE UP AND TO CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE LORD, THERE ARE SOME BIBLE PRINCIPLES TO PRACTICE AND REMEMBER

(1.) WE MUST UNDERSTAND WE HAVE FANS IN THE STANDS – Hebrews 12:1

-in sports right now, there are no fans in the stands

***THEREFORE – this refers to Hebrews 11

– great faith does not exempt any believer from experiencing great trials

-Hebrews 11:32-38

vs32-35 – the great things that happen through faith in Jesus

vs36-38 – the difficult things that happen when we have faith in Jesus

***THEREFORE – since we will go through hard times, we have fans who will cheer us on  – A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES…….

***They are encouraging us with a heavenly perspective

***They are encouraging us about how great heaven is

***They encourage us everywhere

-A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES-

-cloud – this is an all encompassing cloud like a heavy fog that surrounds us wherever we go……..

(2.) TO MAKE SURE WE DO NOT GIVE UP AND CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE LORD, THERE ARE SOME BIBLE PRINCIPLES TO FOLLOW, PRACTICE AND REMEMBER

                 LOSE SOME WEIGHT – HEBREWS 12:1

THROW OFF – 3 POINTS ABOUT THROWING OFF THINGS

1. it means to lay something down and push it out of reach…kick it away

2. it is a picture of removing leg weights before you.  Getting rid of the weights makes you feel lighter

3. this statement to lay aside and throw every weight is a direct charge to fight

THROWING OFF MEANS SOMETHING IS ON US………….

                What Weights Do We Need To Throw Off?

(1.) FEAR – THE POWER OF AUTHORITY – Acts 16:16-18

(2.) WEARINESS – Isaiah 61:3 – THE POWER OF PRAISE

(3.) ANXIETY – THE POWER OF PEACE – Philippians 4:6-7

TO MAKE SURE WE DO NOT GIVE UP AND CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE LORD, THERE ARE SOME BIBLE PRINCIPLES WE NEED TO FOLLOW

(3.) KEEP A GOD FOCUS – Hebrews 12:1-3

-never take your eyes off of Jesus

-How can we keep a God focus?

1. USE SELF TALK – Psalm 42:5-6, 11

-King Hezekiah did this in this Psalm

-He was dieing from an illness

-He had served the Lord and turned things around as King of Judah

-People were out to get him & mocked him

-He would not give up as he kept his eyes on the Lord and not on his circumstances or situation —-and the Lord healed him and gave him 15 more years to live…….