are we soft?
Topic: actually 2001
hebrews 11:36-12:4

others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. they were poor, mistreated, and tortured. the world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground.

ALL OF THEM PLEASED GOD BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH! but still they died without being given what had been promised. this was because God had something better in store for us. and he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.

such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! so we MUST get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. and we MUST be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. we MUST keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. he endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! so keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. then you won't get discouraged and give up.

none of you have yet been hurt in your battle against sin.


**** so, my question is: are we too comfortable? does complacency keep us from following Christ as we should?...............