In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul discusses the issue of our behavior in the midst of a culture that honors false gods. The question was how to address food presented to idols. Of course some Christians would still have unsaved family members and friends. How should they handle accepting gifts of food already presented to idols?

1 Corinthians 8:⁵For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)⁶But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Paul reminds the church at Corinth that we have knowledge of the One true God. We know about Him and we know Him on a personal level. They that honor false gods have no such knowledge.

Remember John 17:¹ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

²As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

³And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

What difference does it mean to you to know about the One true God?

What difference does it mean to you to know personally the One true God?

What difference can be seen in your life because of your knowledge and personal relationship with the One true God?

Paul stressed to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him

we exist in the One true God

What does it mean to you to exist in the One true God?

Paul stressed to us there is but one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him

we exist through the One true God Who is Lord of all – He even conquered death!
What does it mean to you to exist through the One true God Who is Lord of all?

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will   accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti