A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES

Introduction:

A. Don’t Give Up.

1. Others have endured before us.

2. They are our examples of accomplishment.

B. We Have Reason To Continue.

Body: Hebrews 12: 1, 2

I. The Great Cloud Of Witnesses.

A. The Men of Old (Abel, Enoch, Noah [11: 4 - 7]).

B. The Forefathers (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph [11: 8 - 22]).

C. Israel, The Early Years (Moses, Crossing the Red Sea, Rahab [11: 23 - 31]).

D. Judges, Kings, & Prophets [11: 32 - 34].

E. Many others of faith [11: 35 – 40].

II. Our Response.

A. Lay aside our burdens.

B. Rid ourselves of sin.

C. Run with endurance.

III. The Great Witness.

A. Jesus our Hero!

1. He laid aside the weight of worldliness.

2. He laid aside the weight of negative attitude.

3. He laid aside the weight of selfishness.

B. Jesus' Perspective.

1. His mission was one leading to joy.

2. He brought God's gift to mankind.

3. No suffering was going to deter Him from accomplishing the task set before Him.

C. Jesus' Accomplishments.

1. He won the race.

2. He enjoys the joy.

3. He has sat down with God.

Conclusion:

A. The Place Of Faith.

1. It reminds us of what others have done before.

2. It keeps us on the right track.

3. It leads us to survive whatever comes our way.

B. Do We Have Faith?