Welcome to Route 412 at the Cornerstone

The Olympic Rings

THE OLYMPICS

I love the Olympics! I always have. I can't remember a time that I didn't watch. I remember Nadia, the 1980 Miracle on Ice, Mary Lou and so many other inspiring stories. I love the sense of pride that comes from watching as an American. I love the competition. I love to hear the stories of how athletes have overcome obstacles to get to where they are. I love to listen to them describe the countless hours, months and years they dedicated to run just one race, play one game, to do one routine. They have desire that is almost unmatched, they prepare with a dedication that few can understand and they are not willing to stop until they reach their goal, to hear well done. As Christians, isn't that what we all hope to hear after our dedication to serve Him? In Route 412 we are focusing on the Olympics for the next few weeks. We are going to draw a parallel between the natural and the spiritual aspects of Olympics. You aren't going to want to miss a week, but if you do, you can catch up with the note online!

Pastor Amy

The Olympic Torch

Are you a Torchbearer?

August 03, 2008

One important aspect of the Olympic games is the torch relay. The torch is a symbol of unity and the relay is an event that is designed to get the whole world involved in the Olympic games. After reaching its destination, the torch is used to light the cauldron that will be set up high to shine for the duration of the games.

Jesus was called the Light of the World, (John 8:12). He is the hope of all who serve Him and follow His teachings. But the Bible also calls US the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). For years, Christians have been "passing the torch" by spreading the good news (witnessing), and helping to change the lives of those around them. We are not to be ashamed of being a Christian, we are to let our light shine, and just like in the Olympic games, we are to set our light on high and allow it to touch many (Matthew 5:15-16).

Torchbearers are one who is obedient and willing to set aside their own will for that of God's. They do so without complaining and are blameless through Christ. (Philippians 2:12-15) So, the question to ask yourself is, are you a torchbearer? Are you not ashamed to spread the gospel? Does your light shine at home? At school? With your friends? If not, you need to make it right. Now.

The Heart of a Champion

August 10, 2008

Athletes must have the desire and heart to compete. They need to know what it is they are getting into and then be willing to do it with their whole heart. This may mean making sacrifices, like not having extra time to hang out with friends, not eating junk food, and spending a lot of time working on their skill. They have to want to do what it takes to be successful.

If an athlete goes into their sport half hearted, they could struggle to make it through the training and possibly not even be able to go through with the race. When someone decides to make a commitment to Christ, they need to understand to approach it with the heart and desire to serve Him, no matter what. Even if everyone else around them refuses to serve and even tries to cause you to stumble, you need to have the heart to continue to serve, no matter what.

So often people think they have the desire to serve, but they allow themselves to lose focus on the goal. When we allow our desires to be on things that are evil, bad things will happen. (James 1:15) We need to control our desires and make sure they are after things of God. When our heart is after God, good things will happen (Psalm 21:2 and 51:6).

So, do you have the heart of a champion? Are you willing to serve God, no matter the cost? If you're not sure, you need to examine your heart, ask God to help you stay focused on Him and turn from any sin you may have in your life. Pray, seek Him, and you will have the Heart of a Champion.

PREPARATION

If you are going to be an elite athlete, you need to do more than just have the desire to do it. You need to prepare! Same goes for being a Christian. You need more than just the heart and desire to serve; you need to be prepared for what lies ahead. Two main things will help you prepare for this race.

A. Being equipped
B. Being disciplined

A. You must be equipped to run any race, physical or spiritual. This starts with having good shoes. As any runner will tell you, if you don't have good shoes, you don't get too far. In Ephesians 6:15 we are told to put on the shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Knowing what you stand for is important. You MUST know God's Word. Read it daily; hide it in your heart. Keep your feet in good shoes.

Good conditioning is another thing that helps us be equipped. I Samuel 7:3 tells us to prepare our hearts by getting rid of anything not of God. Our hearts need to be pure and strong. Just like an athlete, if their hearts are not strong and well conditioned, they may not ever be able to complete their sport.

Finally a good trainer/coach is something every athlete needs. Someone who is always there for them, pushing them and wanting only the best for them. Someone with all the answers. That is who God is to us. The one who cheers harder and louder for us to finish this race of Christianity. He wants us to succeed and he has all the answers on how to do that.

B. Everything we have mentioned will all go to waste if we are not disciplined. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul describes having to "beat" his body daily. He had to put aside the fleshly desires of his body to do the things that God required of him. Physically, athletes crave things that are not necessarily good for them. They get sore and tired, but if they are going to be successful in their sport, they must set aside their own desires, overcome their own weaknesses and just do it! Spiritually, we need to do the same. We cannot allow our feelings to dictate our actions in prayer, reading the Word, worship and in our service of Christ.

Make sure you are finishing the race God would have you to run!

FINISH THE RACE YOU'VE STARTED

August 17, 2008

Endurance is having the ability or strength to continue or last. As Christians, we need to continue the "race" of serving God till the very end - that is until we die or He comes to get us! Sin will keep us from continuing our race. If we allow sin to take hold of our hearts, then we will drop out of the race - and Satan loves quitters! We must put aside all sin and any weight that may keep us from finishing this important race.

(Hebrews 12:1) Sometimes we allow distractions to slow us down in our race. Distractions are all around us, pulling us in many directions. They may come from memories from our past. Satan likes to remind us of our past failures. If we listen to him, we will become discouraged and will never reach the potential that we have in Christ.

Paul (formerly Saul) was a man that had bad memories of who he was in his past, and I am sure that Satan tried to remind him of those things. Paul did not let those memories of past failures keep him from doing all the things that God wanted him to. He pressed forward and went for the prize!

(Philippians 3:12-14 and 2 Timothy 4:7) Have you ever watched a runner at the end of their race? They throw themselves forward toward that finish line, pressing into it, reaching for that goal that they have worked so hard for. That is how we need to look as Christians, throwing ourselves into that line, pressing forward and reaching our goal of living a complete life for Christ!

ROUTE 412 GAMES

THE OLYMPICS

Are you a Torchbearer?

The Heart of a Champion

PREPARATION

FINISH THE RACE YOU'VE STARTED