Champions For Christ

In keeping with the Olympics, this morning's worship was themed "Praise on the podium". We reflected on the Apostle Paul's writings from 1 Corinthians and 2 Timothy that contain athletic/sporting imagery.

2 Timothy 2:5 ~ "…if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ~ “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8 ~ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,…will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

The Bible message compared an athletes' "heart, mind and will" dedication to winning their respective races with that of Christians running the Faith Race. Believers intent on finishing well need to run the race with a "heart, mind and will" faith, focussed on living to the praise of God's glory.

At the conclusion of the service each member of the congregation was presented with a "Champion for Christ" gold medal inscribed with the words, "Fight the fight, Run the race, Keep the faith" - an inspirational reminder to pursue their holy calling to live Christlike lives.

The choir sang Major Howard Davies composition, Praise God For Everything, with its timely reminder:

"Set your sights on things above, know He loves you still

Praise Him with gratitude of heart, mind and will"