Fountain Head A.M.E. Church Sunday August 2, 2026

Giving Honor To The Father, The Son, And The Holy Spirit. Giving Honor To The Angel of this house Pastor James in her absent and her Husband. Clergy Staff In The Pulpit and Also In The Congregation. Giving Honor To The Officers and The Church Family. To My Wife, Family and Friends. I was here in June 2025 of last year on the “Church Anniversary”. I came from 1ST Corinthians the 15TH Chapter and the 58TH Verse: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. My Subject was “Keep Working, Payday Is Coming”.

If you don’t mind, open your bible to 1ST Corinthians the 9TH Chapter, I will begin reading at the 24TH Verse and conclude at the 27TH Verse. I will be reading from the “King James Version”.

24TH Verse: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25TH Verse: And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26TH Verse: I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27TH Verse: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” ”

The Grass Withereth, The Flower Fadeth: But The Word Of Our God Shall Stand For Ever (Isaiah 40:8) Amen!!! Amen!!! And Amen!!!

From the 24TH Verse; I would like to use for a

Subject: “Running The Race To Win”.

I would like to use as a Subtitle: “Don’t Run This Race In Vain”.

In this verse, Paul challenges believers to approach their faith with the same seriousness and determination as athletes competing for a prize, reminding them that the race of faith is not merely about participation but about doing so with purpose and perseverance to obtain the ultimate heavenly reward. In this passage, Paul uses the metaphor of a race to illustrate the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of discipline, purpose, and perseverance in our spiritual journey. To ensure we are running our spiritual race effectively, we must be disciplined and focused on our ultimate goal: a rich, eternal relationship with Christ. To win the race of faith, we must run with discipline, purpose, and vision toward the ultimate prize of eternal life with Christ.

Do we wish to win the rewards God gives for faithful service? There is only one way, the way Paul took. It is the way of self denial and discipline for the sake of the gospel. Is service for Christ then, like running a race? In some respects, yes. And not everyone who runs gets a prize. Because Jesus said in The Gospel of Matthew the 7TH Chapter and the 21ST Verse thru the 22RD Verse: 21ST Verse: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven; 22ND Verse: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” 23RD Verse: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. The prize Paul speaks of is not salvation this is a gift and all believers have it, not just one among many Ephesians 2:8–9 “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Many lose the Christian race before they start it. They depend on a change of mind rather than a change of heart, because Jesus said in the Gospel Of Matthew the 15TH Chapter and the 8TH Verse: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” They base their profession on feelings instead of God’s promise. We win when we begin right. We must repent and confess our sins to God and surrender all to Him. Faith, based on God’s Word, brings His forgiveness and cleansing 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Many Christians fail because of their negative outlook. They also discourage others. We must be optimistic, looking for the good not the bad. We win when we reach for the highest and expect the best.

We win in the Christian life by reaching out to others, helping the less fortunate, and witnessing to the lost. Those who reject Christ will lose the race. Their destiny will be sealed. Those who accept Christ will be rewarded with the crown of life and eternity with God. Living for Christ means embracing our God-given purpose and actively engaging in the race of faith to impact the world around us for His glory. Paul encourages believers to view their spiritual journey as a race requiring dedication and effort.

In the spirit of running to win, consider the story of a man who joined a 5K race. Enthusiastically, he sprinted ahead, confident he could maintain the lead. However, halfway through, he realized he hadn’t paced himself and ended up walking to the finish line. Life in faith can be like that race; if we don’t pace ourselves and stay focused, we might miss the rich experiences God has for us along the way. Just remember: it’s not just about finishing first, but running well! The true measure of our spiritual race lies not in our individual accolades, but in how faithfully we run to honor God and serve others, making an impact for His kingdom. The race is not for the swift, but for those who endure and strive toward the ultimate prize of eternal life in Christ, encouraging believers to cultivate a long-term perspective in their spiritual journey.

Leave you with “3 Points” to encourage you to continue to “Run This Race”

1ST Point: Run With Purpose: Jesus said I will give unto you eternal life.

2ND Point: Press Toward The Mark For The Prize Of The High Calling Of God In Jesus Christ.

3RD Point: Wait Patience On Him: Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.”

Paul told Timothy 2 Timothy 4:7–8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Hymn Writer Said: Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone,And All The World Go Free?No: There’s A Cross For Every One,And There’s A Cross For Me.

“Let The Holy Spirit Take Over”.

Doxology: “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow;

Praise Him, All Creatures Here Below;

Praise Him Above, Ye Heavenly Host; Praise Father, Son, And Holy Ghost.

Benedictions:

“Running The Race To Win”.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, And to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,‌ To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen!!! Amen!!! and Amen!!! ‌

King James Version (Jude 1ST Chapter 24TH and 25TH Verse).