Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.
Acts 9:20-22 (NKJV)
20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?"
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?"
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Do you know people who are good at starting but seldom finish? In high school, I tried out for the track team during gym class. A group of us set out around the track. I easily pulled out in front. I could tell the coaches were watching me. I was feeling confident until about ¾ around the track three other guys passed me by. I came in fourth. I was disappointed, but to my surprise the coaches congratulated me saying that I had finished well. Some of the guys didn’t even finish. It only takes a dream to start but determination to finish. When it came to following Him, Jesus warned about not finishing (Luke 14:28-33). He even warned that it might cost us our family relationships (Matthew 10:34-38). The Apostle Paul could say near the end of his life that he had finished.
2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
One thing we should remember about the Christian race is that it is not a sprint but a marathon. The KJV uses the word “course” instead of “race”. Vines says that the Greek word is a metaphor that denotes "a career, course of occupation, or of life". In other words, you’re in it for the long haul. This requires planning, training, conditioning and perseverance.
Another thing we should remember about the Christian race is that it is not when you cross the finish line that matters. You just need to finish well and with joy. Paul was met with a lot of skepticism when he accepted Christ. As a new believer, many did not believe he was genuine. He did not let that or anything else deter him, however (Acts 20:24). Neither should you or I. 03-12-09
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