Don’t Quit Your Race

Staring out of my icy window pane, I shivered with dread as Hagee’s words echoed in my ears, “This is not a race for the fainthearted, it is not a race for cotton candy Christians who refuse to take tough stands on tough issues least they be ridiculed by local media or rejected by their socialite friends…”

Hagee’s “The Rules of the Race” is taken from Hebrews 12:1 … “let us run with patience the race which is set before us…” This race is the brutal race of our forefathers, Hebrews 11:32-37 “…They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented…”

But, being a Christian was all about love? That’s all God wants from us. From God, we can expect love and a get-in-free pass to heaven. Right?

The Bible is the rule book and Hagee explains, God will hold us accountable on judgment day. Many churches are helping Christians to feel good without being good, it’s just a big party and everyone is singing ‘Amazing Grace’ on their way to hell.

But… as long as I listen in my pastor, I’ll get to heaven, right? Besides, we have grace? Doesn’t that mean we can live like we please?

Hagee states that God will curse the churches of America for not supporting the Bible. The Supreme Court redefined marriage! Planned Parenthood is murdering children with our tax dollars! Christians are told in the Bible to be “salt” and “light”. Salt fights corruption and light is offensive to darkness…

Well, I don’t think Christians should be offensive to anyone. Now-a-day Christians are called to be politically correct and, well, we have to change with the times, right? After all, an all-knowing God knew about these changing times. He doesn’t expect us to stand up against all this—controversy. Well, yes, there was Sodom and Gomorrah—and God rained His fiery judgment, but that was in the Old Testament, that doesn’t apply to modern day, right? Then there were the people of Nineveh who did repent…?

What about Matthew 24:13 “…But those enduring to the end shall be saved.” And James 5:11 “We count them happy which endure.” Is the Bible of yesterday preparing us to fight against the evil of today?

What Hagee says make sense, “You can’t have a victory unless you fight something.”

Fight what? We don’t have to worry about anything. All we have to do is give to the local charities and go to church and make sure we tithe.

Hagee said that as Jesus suffered, and as our forefathers suffered, Christians, too, will be called to suffer. 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it all I have kept true to Him…”

“Say not that a man has lived a good life until you know how he died.” Hagee continues. The church of America is at war! Churches need to get off the sidelines, America needs them!

God is love, however, Hagee explains that if there is hidden sin in your life—confess it! (Proverbs 28:13) Hebrews 12:2 says to focus your eyes on Jesus who endured the cross, despising the shame for us. Don’t allow the past to control your future. Run your race! Jesus has prepared a place for YOU and you will have a glorious mansion forever if you don’t quit your race. Run to win the prize of eternal life with Jesus!

Do you think your pastor or your loved one needs to here this sermon?

John Hagee The Rules of the Race