VICTORY IS IN THE NOW

VICTORY IS IN THE NOW
Imagine leading the entire race, enjoying a small, but significant lead. Imagine a pit crew that excelled in performance, putting you back on the track in record time. Imagine having all of the resources necessary to win the final race of the season, and the World Championship. Now imagine that you make a decision, against the advice of your crew chief and contrary to your instruments, to run the last laps without a needed pit stop (which would not lose you any position). As you are starting into your last lap, your car runs out of gas and you lose the race.

Now, imagine that God has given you everything that pertains to life and godliness, and your are endued with power from on high and, your are endowed with powerful gifts of the Spirit, and you have enjoyed a victorious life, and you have had the advantage of a great church life and pastoral leadership. But imagine the absurdity that you thought you could live on your former victories and your earlier faith. Imagine that you neglect the care of your soul and hope you will make it to heaven because of former blessings.

Do not neglect the care of your soul.

Hebrews 10:23-33(23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
(24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
(25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
(27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
(28) He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
(29) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
(30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
(31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
(32) But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
(33) Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.