Hebrews 12:1, “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.”
Now that you have come
to the end of this book, what are you going to do? I believe God is
looking for people in this generation that will use the examples of the
disciples of the past and go for great things in the Kingdom of God.
It is now your turn to
learn the faith of the fore fathers, to accurately preserve the teachings of
Jesus, and to lay down your life for what you believe in. Today’s culture
would want you to be non-judging and tolerant of what others believe, but that
is not what the early church fathers did. They wrote entire volumes
fighting against the heresies within and outside of the church. And when
they were given the chance to either accept others religion or be put to death,
they choose death.
The writer of Hebrews
is admonishing you in the Lord to look to their example of faith, holiness,
doctrine, and sacrifice and to run your race in the same way. Imagine
what Paul and Peter must be thinking as they see you today. I am sure
they are saying, “Run! Run the race of God with all your might by the power of the Holy Spirit!"
Imagine what Justin
Martyr, Ignatius, and Polycarp must be saying from heaven, “Keeping going strong for God! Never give up- the reward of Christ and eternity are worth it!" I pray that you would rise up in your generation and stand for the
truth of God, set your eyes on Jesus and run for the glory of God. The race has already been started, the last generation handed you the torch and they are
say, “Run, run, run!"
Do not look back or
around you to see what others are doing, set your heart on Jesus and the Holy
Ghost will give you the strength you need to finish the race. And if you
need some encouragement from godly men, read the church father’s writings and
stories and be encouraged to give God your all everyday!
Here are some helpful
steps to take so that you will be responsible with the knowledge you have
received:
1. Begin
to ask God to use you like he did in the early church, pray for another
powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
2. Study
God’s Word and search it out for the truth it holds in every situation in your
life, make God’s Word your playbook for life!
3. Remain
a student of history, stay connect to the generations of past disciples by
reading and studying their life’s work. Quote them in your sermons, Bible
studies, and small groups.
4. Defend
the integrity of God’s Words and His truths by using this information with
those who oppose orthodox Christianity. Be prepared to use this
information with people who doubt the truth of God. Share the stories of
the millions of Christian martyrs.
5. Give
your life to God everyday and never settle for less than God best! Be involved
in the church, go to leadership class, serve the Body of Christ, do outreaches,
preach on the streets, go on mission trips, challenge your family and friends
to do the same!
Reflection
1. List
three things you have learned from your studies in this book?
2. What
church father is your favorite? Describe why?
3. What
will you do different now based on this book?
4. Pray
for God to make you a history maker and a world changer!
