let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings ... · pdf filelet us also lay aside...

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and

let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated

at the right hand of the throne of God.

Church Family,

You are precious in the sight of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and you are a

blessing to me and my family! It is a joy, privilege, and honor to serve

with you as we are salt and light in this world!

For this next season in our church family, we will RUN THE RACE! This

race will parallel the season of Lent, the forty-six days prior to

Resurrection Sunday (Easter). For centuries followers of Jesus have

observed Lent as a special time of fasting, repentance, and spiritual

discipline as they reflected on Jesus – his suffering and his sacrifice, his

life, death, burial and resurrection.

As we RUN THE RACE together, please let this season be a time to deepen

your relationship with God and a time to encourage your church family

to do the same! God does not want to simply help us be a little better in

our Christian walk. He wants to transform us so we can RUN THE RACE

with endurance as He empowers us to reflect His glory and have an

eternal impact on this world!

During this season each person is encouraged to:

1. Spend additional focused time each day with the Lord. I pray this booklet is a useful tool to assist you.

2. Join with your church family on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 pm for prayer, study, and mutual encouragement. Childcare will be available for nursery through 5th grade.

3. Fast in some way during this season. Fasting is simply abstaining from food or routine pleasures in order to adjust our time and effort so we are able to focus on our relationship with God in a more intense way.

Welcome to the starting line. Let’s RUN THE RACE toghether!

On your mark, get set, go!

With the Love of Jesus,

Tim

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Table of Contents

Running the Race of Life February 14, 2016… 2

Running to Win February 21, 2016… 14

Preparing to Run – Focus February 28, 2016… 26

Preparing to Run – Habits March 6, 2016… 38

Running as a Team March 13, 2016… 50

Crossing the Finish Line March 20, 2016… 62

The Legacy of the Resurrection March 27, 2016… 74

Schedule as we RUN THE RACE:

Community gathering on Wednesdays (2/17 thru 3/23) from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Let’s join together for prayer, study, and mutual encouragement. Childcare will be available for nursery through 5th grade.

Sunday 3/20 (8:45 & 11 am) - Palm Sunday services to begin Holy Week.

Thursday 3/24 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm) - gather for prayer, praise, and

communion. It will be a special time indeed! This will be followed by an

outdoor service (Night in the Garden) for our youth (GROUND ZERO) but all

will be welcome!

Friday 3/25 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm) - Good Friday service.

Saturday 3/26 (9:30 am – 11:00 am) - Community Egg Hunt, an outreach to

invite the community to hear the Gospel.

Sunday 3/27 (Resurrection Sunday) - two services – 8:45 am and 11:00 am.

(GROUND ZERO will not meet that evening.)

Wednesday 3/30 (6:30 – 8:00) - church fellowship dinner

Wednesday 4/6 (6:30 – 8:00) - we will begin an 8-week seminar on Spiritual

Leadership.

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RUNNING THE RACE OF LIFE Bible reading for the week starting February 14th

Matthew 25:31-46 (ESV) 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

1 John 4:10 (ESV) 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

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Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God

a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the

likeness of men.

Luke 9:1-2 (ESV) 1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority

over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

Hebrews 9:11-28 (ESV) 11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have

come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with

hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood

of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an

eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons

with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit

offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead

works to serve the living God. 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are

called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has

occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under

the first covenant. 16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be

established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the

one who made it is alive. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses

to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and

scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the

people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for

you.”

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21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all

the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and

without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. 23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be

purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better

sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are

copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the

presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy

places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of

the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages

to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes

judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear

a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly

waiting for him.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let

us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us

run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy

that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is

seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

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Notes on Bible Passages

Memory Verse Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us

run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is

seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

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February 14, 2016

RUN THE RACE

Running the Race of Life

I. What Race are you running?

II. Where is the finish line? (Matthew 25:31-46)

a. Hell.

b. Heaven.

c. What finish line are you running to?

III. What Race did Jesus run?

a. The Race of sacrifice. (1 John 4:10)

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b. The Race of servanthood. (Philippians 2:5-7)

c. The Race of power and authority. (Luke 9:1-2)

d. The Race of redemption. (Hebrews 9:11-28)

IV. Running with Jesus – the race set before us. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

a. The cost of running with Jesus.

b. The blessing of running with Jesus.

What Race do you want to run?

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PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE WEEK

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Small Group (2/17) Questions

1. Read the Scriptures on pages 2-4.

2. Share a key point from the previous Sunday’s message.

3. Review the devotional questions from M, Tu, W and share your key thoughts. What is the Lord saying to you?

4. What will it cost you to run the race Jesus has set before you?

5. Describe what it looks like to win the race set before you.

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Tuesday 2/16 – (Read Matthew 25:31-46)

What/Who makes your life complicated?

Do you agree that there are only two finish lines – Heaven and Hell?

What finish line are you running to?

If your life was like a cross country race, what would your coach be encouraging you to do?

Monday 2/15 - (Read Hebrews 12:1-2)

Jesus has a race for you to run! Who else has a race for you to run?

What has been the hardest race for you to run?

What race are you running today?

What race would you like to run?

How will you be fasting this week?

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Wednesday 2/17 – (Read 1 John 4:7-21, Philippians 2:1-11)

Describe Jesus’ race of sacrifice. What does His sacrifice compel you to do?

Describe Jesus’ race of servanthood. What does His servanthood compel you to do?

Thursday 2/18 – (Read Luke 9:1-6, Hebrews 9:11-28)

Describe Jesus’ race of power and authority. What does His power and authority compel you to do?

Describe Jesus’ race of redemption. What does His plan of redemption compel you to do?

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Saturday 2/20 – (Read for Sunday the Scriptures on pages 14-16)

Take time to pray. Talk to the Lord about the race set before you. Tell Him how you feel about the race He wants you to run. Also, tell Him what you think you need for the race. Also, take time to listen to Him!

How did your fasting go this week? What did the Lord show you?

Friday 2/19 – (Read Hebrews 12:1-2)

Why do you want to run the race with Jesus?

What will it cost you to run the race with Jesus?

What blessings come from running with Jesus?

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RUNNING TO WIN Bible reading for the week starting February 21st

1 Corinthians 10:1-22 (ESV) 1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to

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God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? John 17:14-19 (ESV) 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against

the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,

against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present

darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to

withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on

the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the

gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can

extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is

the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that

end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth

boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I

ought to speak.

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Psalm 4:5 (ESV) 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.

Acts 20:17-24 (ESV) 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the

church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know

how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in

Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that

happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable,

and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of

faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not

knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that

imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if

only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord

Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

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Memory Verse

1 Corinthians 10:13-14 (ESV) 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is

faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with

the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be

able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

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February 21, 2016

RUN THE RACE

Running to Win

I. The Race has already been won. (1 Corinthians 10:13-14)

a. God is faithful.

b. We must flee idolatry.

II. The Race is in enemy territory. (John 17:14-19)

a. In the world.

b. Not of the world.

c. Declare your allegiance to Jesus.

III. Run with your armor on. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

a. Belt of Truth.

b. Breastplate of righteousness.

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c. Shoes of readiness.

d. Shield of faith.

e. Helmet of salvation.

f. Sword of the Spirit.

g. Praying at all times in the Spirit.

IV. The Race is a rescue mission.

a. Obedience. (Psalm 4:5)

b. The Gospel of grace. (Acts 20:24)

Are you running to win?

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1. Read the Scripture on pages 14-16.



4. What brings your life value?

5. What does it mean to “offer right sacrifices?”

6. Describe your discipline of regular time in God’s Word. How can you improve in this area of your life?

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Tuesday 2/23 – (Read John 17:14-19)

What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world?

Why has Jesus sent His followers into the world?

Are there any areas in your life where you have not publicly declared your allegiance to God? How will you change that?

Monday 2/22 – (Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-22)

How has God been faithful to you?

How has God already won the race?

How does God’s victory impact you?

What are the most prominent idols in your life?

How will you flee these idols?


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Wednesday 2/24 – (Read Ephesians 6:10-20)

Describe the belt of truth.

Describe the breastplate of righteousness.

Describe the shoes of readiness.

Describe the shield of faith.

Do you run with the Armor of God on?

Thursday 2/25 – (Read Ephesians 6:10-20)

Describe the helmet of salvation.

Describe the sword of the Spririt.

How does prayer affect your life?

What does it mean to pray at all times in the Spirit?

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Saturday 2/27 – (Read for Sunday the Scripture on pages 26-28)

Take time to pray. Talk to the Lord about the race set before you. Ask Him to show you the short cuts you will be tempted to take this week as you run. Ask Him to give you a spirit of obedience this week. Also, take time to listen to Him!


Friday 2/26 – (Read Psalm 4:5, Acts 20:17-24)

Why is obedience to God necessary for running to win?

What does it mean to “offer right sacrifices?”

What brings your life value?

How does your life testify to the Gospel of the grace of God?

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PREPARING TO RUN - FOCUS Bible reading for the week starting February 28th

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV) 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Peter 1:13-16 (ESV) 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded,

set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the

revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your

former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Philippians 4:8 (ESV) 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is

just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if

there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about

these things.

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for

reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Joshua 1:8 (ESV) 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall

meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to

all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and

then you will have good success.

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2 Timothy 2:1-26 (ESV) 1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses

entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please

the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the

crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in

everything. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as

preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of

God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also

may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live

with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will

deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to

quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who

has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more

ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus

and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has

already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows

those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord

depart from iniquity.” 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but

also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.

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21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will

be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the

house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and

peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that

they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone,

able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them

repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the

devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

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Memory Verse

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for

reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…

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February 28, 2016

RUN THE RACE

Preparing to Run - Focus

I. Run to obtain the prize.

a. What race are you running? (Hebrews 12:1-2)

b. Are you running to win? (Ephesians 6:10-20)

II. Exercise self-control. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

a. Our thoughts. (1 Peter 1:13-16)

b. Our sight. (Philippians 4:8)

c. Our aim. (1 Corinthians 9:26)

d. Our actions. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

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III. Discipline Begins with the Word. (2 Timothy 3:16, Joshua 1:8)

a. Meeting.

b. Method.

c. Meditation.

IV. Discipline the body (actions). (2 Timothy 2)

a. Submission.

b. Submersion.

Practice in the Light what you will need in the darkness!

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4. How much of the Bible is relevant to your life? Based on your answer, how should you reposition your time, talent, treasure, and the use of God’s Truth?

5. What daily habits draw you closer to the Lord? What daily habits distance you from God?

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Tuesday 3/1 – (Read Ephesians 6:10-20)

Do you recognize that the battle has already been won?

Do you recognize that you are in enemy territory?

Are you wearing God’s armor?

How has intentionally wearing God’s armor affected your race in the last week?

Monday 2/29 – (Read Hebrews 12:1-2)

What has the Lord said to you about the race you have been running?

What has the Lord said to you about the race that He wants you to run?

What adjustments is He calling you to make as you run the race?


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Wednesday 3/2 – (Read 1 Corin. 9:24-27, 1 Peter 1:13-16, Philippians 4:8)

Reflect on this statement – “Our thought lives ultimately determine our character.”

How can you prepare your mind for action?

Does what you look at affect your thought life?

Regarding temptation, some say, “you can window shop as long as you don’t buy.” When a person “window shops” are they more or less likely to “buy” than if they just stayed away from the window?

Are you doing any window shopping?

Thursday 3/3 – (Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

What are you aiming at as you run the race?

How do your actions affect your aim?

In what aspect of your life would you like to exhibit more self-control?

How does exercising self-control improve your race?

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Saturday 3/5 – (Read 2 Timothy 2 and for Sunday read pg. 38-41)

In 2 Timothy 2 how are you called to a life of submission to God?

Is submitting to God unconditional or conditional for you?

In 2 Timothy 2 how are you called to a life of submersion in your relationship with Jesus?

What part of your life is not yet submersed? Will you take “the plunge?”


Friday 3/4 – (Read 2 Timothy 3:16, Joshua 1:8)

How much of the Bible is relevant to your life?

Do you have a daily meeting with the King of the Universe? Is it scheduled or just when you get around to it?

What method do you use to hear from God through His Word?

What is the purpose of meditating on God’s Word?

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PREPARING TO RUN - HABITS

Bible reading for the week starting March 6th

Luke 19:1-10 (ESV) 1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax

collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd

he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for

he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him,

“Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest

of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my

goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I

restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he

also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it

and is safe.

Mark 10:17-22 (ESV) 17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before

him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good

except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit

adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor

your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one

thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have

treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

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22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great

possessions.

Luke 11:1-4 (ESV) 1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of

his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his

disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your

name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is

indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

Judges 5:31-6:10 (ESV) 31 “So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But your friends be like the

sun as he rises in his might.” And the land had rest for forty years. 1 The

people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD

gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. 2 And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the

people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains

and the caves and the strongholds. 3 For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the

Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. 4 They would encamp against them and devour the produce of the land, as

far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel and no sheep or ox or

donkey. 5 For they would come up with their livestock and their tents; they would

come like locusts in number—both they and their camels could not be

counted—so that they laid waste the land as they came in. 6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of

Israel cried out for help to the LORD. 7 When the people of Israel cried out to the LORD on account of the

Midianites, 8 the LORD sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them,

“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and

brought you out of the house of slavery. 9 And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of

all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their

land.

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10 And I said to you, ‘I am the LORD your God; you shall not fear the gods

of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.’ But you have not obeyed my

voice.”

Judges 6:33-35 (ESV) 33 Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East

came together, and they crossed the Jordan and encamped in the Valley of

Jezreel. 34 But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet,

and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him. 35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, and they too were

called out to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and

Naphtali, and they went up to meet them.

John 14:26 (ESV) 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Acts 8:26-40 (ESV) 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and

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the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.


Memory Verse

Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it

and is safe.

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March 6, 2016

RUN THE RACE

Preparing to Run - Habits

I. The Starting Line.

a. Stepping up to the right starting line. (Luke 19:1-10)

b. Heading in the right direction. (Proverbs 18:10)

c. Running when the starter’s gun is fired. (Mark 10:17-22)

II. The Marathon.

a. Running every day. (Luke 11:3)

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b. Running in freedom. (Judges 5:31-6:10)

c. Running with the Holy Spirit. (Judges 6:33-35, John 14:26)

III. The Sprint. (Acts 8:26-40)

a. Listen to the Lord.

b. Listen to others.

c. Repeat.

Start doing what is necessary, then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. Francis of Assisi

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4. What is life like when you are clothed with the Holy Spirit?

5. What makes it hard to run the race as a team (church family)?

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Tuesday 3/8 – (Read Mark 10:17-22)

What race was the rich man running before he met Jesus?

What was at the finish line of the race Jesus called the rich man to?

Why was the man disheartened when Jesus “fired the starter’s pistol?”

Do you ever walk away from the starting line disheartened? Why?

Monday 3/7 – (Read Luke 19:1-10, Proverbs 18:10)

What race was Zacchaeus running before he met Jesus?

What race were you running before you met Jesus?

Each morning, as you start a new day, how do you make sure you are stepping up to the right starting line?

Reflect on our routine at the starting line. Are you fully prepared to start each day running the race God has for you?

At the starting line are you facing in the right direction?


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Wednesday 3/9 – (Read Luke 11:1-4, Judges 5:31-6:10)

Why does God want you to ask for daily bread instead of weekly bread?

What daily habits draw you closer to the Lord? What daily habits distance you from the Lord?

How does the cycle of God’s Grace encourage you?

Reflect on the blessing of True Freedom. Describe how walking in True Freedom transforms your life.

Thursday 3/10 – (Read Judges 6:33-35, John 14:26)

How did God clothe Gideon?

What is life like when you are clothed with the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit gives you power. How?

As you run the race God has for you, can you ever get lost if you run with the Holy Spirit?

Read Galatians 5:22-25. Are you encouraged to keep in step with the Holy Spirit?

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Saturday 3/12 – (Read Acts 8:26-40 and for Sunday read the passages on

pages 50-51)

What was the first thing Philip did when he got to the Ethiopian?

What was the second thing Philip did when he got to the Ethiopian?

The Ethiopian invited Philip into his life. What open invitations do you have?

Which open invitation is God calling you to run to?


Friday 3/11 – (Read Acts 8:26-40)

How did Philip respond when he received a command from God?

How did Philip respond when the Holy Spirit called him to connect with the Ethiopian?

How does this passage encourage you to respond when you receive a command from God and/or a Word from the Holy Spirit?

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RUNNING AS A TEAM Bible reading for the week starting March 13th

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Galatians 6:2 (ESV) 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 1 Peter 3:13-17 (ESV) 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 1 Corinthians 12:1-7 (ESV) 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

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1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (ESV) 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

Matthew 28:18-19 (ESV) 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth

has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the

name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

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Memory Verse

Galatians 6:2 (ESV) 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

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March 13, 2016

RUN THE RACE

Running as a Team

I. Racing Together.

a. Bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-3)

b. Bear (or carry) each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)

c. Bear to share the Good News of Jesus (1 Peter 3:13-17)

II. Setting the Pace. (1 Corinthians 12)

a. Different gifts.

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b. Common good.

c. All important.

d. Set the pace.

III. Passing the Baton. (Matthew 28:18-20)

a. Who are you discipling?

b. Who is discipling you?

“A relay race is meaningless unless the baton is successfully passed from one runner to the next. A runner without a baton is running in vain.”

(Bob Kauflin)

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4. How has God been challenging you in the area of discipleship? (Who are you discipling? Who is discipling you?)

5. Where do you go to find your joy?

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Tuesday 3/15 – (Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-7)

Think of someone who has different gifts than you. Do something to encourage them (text, email, note, etc).

How do people with gifts different than yours help you grow?

How does knowing that your gifts are for the common good affect how you use your gifts?

Monday 3/14 – (Read Ephesians 4:1-3, Galatians 6:2, 1 Peter 3:13-17)

What struggles do you have bearing with others in love? Ask the Lord to change your heart.

How willing are you to bear the burdens of others? What holds you back, if anything?

Think of a time when someone put up with you when you were unlovable or a time they carried a burden for you. Praise the Lord for that person.

How are you fasting this week?

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Wednesday 3/16 – (Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-18)

Rest in this – you are a necessary and important part of your church family.

God has arranged your church family to be together in order to run the race together.

Are you using your gifts to set the pace for those who need your gifts to grow?

If you think your gifts or someone else’s gifts are not needed, you are telling God He has made a mistake! Oops – you don’t want to do that!!

Thursday 3/17 – (Read Matthew 28:18-20)

Who is watching you? (I do, you watch)

Who is helping you? How? (I do, you help)

Who are you helping grow? How? (You do, I help)

Who are you encouraging as they grow? How? (You do, I watch)

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Saturday 3/19 – (Read for Sunday th passages on pages 62-63

Praise God for the RACE He has given you to run!

Read Psalm 68:19 and praise God for daily bearing your burdens!

Share with the Lord what you need in order to run the next leg of your race.


Friday 3/18 – (Read Matthew 18:18-20)

Who are you watching so you can grow?

Who are you helping so you can grow? How?

Who is helping you grow? How?

Who is encouraging you as you grow? How?

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CROSSING THE FINISH LINE

Bible reading for the week starting March 13th

Psalm 16:11 (ESV) 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is

fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus

for you.

John 15:10 (ESV) 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have

kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

Revelation 2:1-5 (ESV) 1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who

holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden

lampstands. 2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you

cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call

themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake,

and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at

first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the

works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your

lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

John 15:1-5 (ESV) 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every

branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless

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it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him,

he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Matthew 25:14-23 (ESV) 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and

entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each

according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with

them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and

hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled

accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five

talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have

made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have

been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of

your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you

delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have


your master.’

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Memory Verse

Psalm 16:11 (ESV) 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is

fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

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March 20, 2016

RUN THE RACE

Crossing The Finish Line

I. The daily finish line.

a. The joyful race. (Psalm 16:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

b. The joyful finish. (John 15:10-11)

II. The seasonal finish line.

a. The endurance race. (Revelation 2:1-5)

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b. The fruitful finish. (John 15:5)

III. The final finish line. (Matthew 25:14-23)

a. God’s race.

b. The final finish line.

Matthew 25:21 (ESV) 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have


your master.’

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4. Reflect on the incredible privilege of being chosen by God to make an eternal difference in someone’s life!

5. How has the resurrection of Jesus changed your life?

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Tuesday 3/22 – (Read John 15:10-11)

What do you experience when you obey God in your daily race?

What does this statement mean to you? “It is not that God’s love is conditioned on our obedience. That would be legalism. But our experience of His love is dependent on our obedience.”

At the end of every day we will cross the finish line with joy if we ran with Jesus.

Monday 3/21 – (Read Psalm 16:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

God has made known the path of life (the race). Is this the race you are running each day?

Are you finding joy in God’s presence, or are you looking for joy from other sources?

Are you experiencing the eternal pleasures that come from being at Jesus’ right hand?

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you what you need to finish each day with joy!

What will you be fasting this week?

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Wednesday 3/23 – (Read Revelation 2:1-5)

What season of life are you in? What season of life to do you think will come next?

What is the hard work and toil of this season?

The Ephesians were running their race with patient endurance and had not grown weary. What makes you impatient in this season? What makes you weary?

Have your works actually weakened your relationship with Jesus? Turn back to Him.

Thursday 3/24– (Read John 15:1-5)

Just enjoy walking with Jesus today! You are bearing fruit because you are walking with Him.

Write down just one piece of fruit you have born and thank the Lord for the privilege of being part of bearing this fruit.

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Saturday 3/26 – (Read for Sunday Matthew 27:45-28:20)

If you are reading this, you have finished the race called Lent! I hope you have experienced joy as you have born fruit by abiding in Jesus over the last 46 days!

Ask the Lord to continue to draw you closer as you follow Him each day, each season, and at the final finish line!

At the final finish line you will hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

How did your fasting go during Lent? What did the Lord show you?

Friday 3/25 – (Read Matthew 25:14-23)

You “got talent!” And you get to use it for God’s glory. Reflect on the incredible privilege of being chosen by God to make an eternal difference in someone’s life!

Ask the Lord to show you any adjustments that need to be made in how you are investing your talents.

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March 27, 2016

RUN THE RACE

The Legacy of the Resurrection

I. Led by example. (John 13:15)

II. Lost His life for us. (Matthew 27:45-54)

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III. Left instructions. (Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20)

IV. Launched His followers. (Acts 1:6-9)

Is Jesus Your Savior and Lord?

Are you Running the Race with Jesus?

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Final Notes

let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings ... · pdf filelet us also lay aside...

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