Running for God: A Spiritual Journey

Jan 19, 2025

Lecture Notes: CRC Live Broadcast with Pastor Ad Boshoff

Introduction

  • Opening Worship: Songs encouraging the congregation to lay down burdens and find freedom in Jesus.
  • Pastor's greeting and introduction to the service, highlighting a spirit of praise and worship.

Key Theme: Running for God

Spiritual Readiness

  • 2025 is a year of running for God; it's a year of multiplication and blessings.
  • Congregation encouraged to have big expectations and pray bold prayers.

Focus on Faith

  • Referenced Hebrews 12:1-3: Encouragement to run the race set before us.
  • Emphasis on not being weighed down by sin or distractions, keeping eyes on Jesus.

Sermon Highlights

Running the Race

  • Analogy of life as a race, encouraging attendees to be active participants rather than passive spectators.
  • Importance of shedding 'excess weight' (emotional, spiritual baggage) to run efficiently.

Maintaining Focus

  • Importance of looking to Jesus as the ultimate guide and example.
  • Encouragement to commit to spiritual training and discipline.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

  • Running for God involves being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
  • Encouragement to live a life led by the Spirit, not by human effort alone.

Call to Action

Personal Commitment

  • Encouragement to make up one's mind to run for God and live out His purpose.
  • Necessity of letting go of past hurts and emotional burdens.

Invitation to Salvation

  • Pastor invites those who have strayed or want to commit to running back to God.
  • A prayer session for those seeking a fresh start with God.

Closing Remarks

  • Reminder of the importance of continuing spiritual growth and not being complacent.
  • Encouragement to engage actively in church and community to further God's kingdom.

Offering and Communion

  • Emphasis on giving as a form of worship and trust in God’s provision.
  • Communion as a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to seek forgiveness and healing.

Final Blessings

  • Pastor’s final prayer and blessing for the congregation.
  • Encouragement to reflect on the message and carry the spirit of the sermon into daily life.

Additional Points

  • Stories of personal experiences and analogies used to illustrate points effectively.
  • A sense of urgency and excitement for the new year, focusing on spiritual growth and community impact.
  • Importance of community prayer and support, as well as individual responsibility in spiritual journeys.

This captures the essence and the key themes of Pastor Ad Boshoff's sermon and the service as a whole, providing a concise yet comprehensive summary for later study and reflection.