The Christian Race to Make Heaven: Focusing on the Cross
Pastor Bode Michael
September 23, 2025
Introduction
The world today is full of challenges that make people seek alternative means of survival and solutions to perennial problems. In the Christian race to make heaven, there are bottlenecks making people abandon the narrow way and seek help outside Christ. However, there is no alternative for Christians than to continue looking at the cross to make heaven.
Jesus’ Teachings on Focus and Forward Movement
– No Looking Back: Jesus said no one who puts their hand on the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).
– Focus on Jesus: Believers should look to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:1).
Challenges and God’s Guidance
– Move Forward: God told Moses to tell the children of Israel to move forward when stuck between Pharaoh’s host and the Red Sea.
– Trust in God: God doesn’t want His children to be afraid in any circumstance.
Consequences of Not Moving Forward
– Enemy’s Advantage: Failing to move forward could let the enemy catch up and overrun.
– Diminishing Faith: Faith can diminish if believers fail to move forward (Hebrews 11:6).
Walking with God
– From Walking Before to Walking With: God encouraged Abraham to walk before Him and be perfect (Genesis 17:1-3). Christians must move to walking with God.
– Benefits of Walking with God: Believers become God’s friends and confidants.
Conclusion
The kingdom race is for serious and focused Christians. Believers must remain focused on eternity’s goal, not looking back. As the song goes: “Oh when the saints go marching home..
The Power of Grasping the Primary Purpose: Believers’ Kingdom Race for Redemption and Glorification
Believers in Christ are on a journey often referred to as the “Kingdom race,” aimed at achieving redemption and ultimately glorification with God. Grasping the primary purpose of this journey is crucial for believers to stay focused, motivated, and aligned with God’s will.
Primary Purpose in the Kingdom Race
– Redemption through Christ: The foundation of the believer’s journey is redemption through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
– Glorification with God: The ultimate goal is glorification, being with God in eternity.
Importance of Grasping This Purpose
– Focus and Motivation: Understanding the primary purpose helps believers stay focused on their spiritual journey and motivated despite challenges.
– Alignment with God’s Will: Grasping this purpose aligns believers with God’s plan for their lives.
Aspects of the Kingdom Race
– Commitment to Faith: Believers commit to their faith journey, pursuing righteousness and obedience to God.
– Overcoming Challenges: Challenges are part of the journey, but believers trust in God’s strength and promises.
Outcomes of Focusing on the Primary Purpose
– Spiritual Growth: Focusing on the purpose leads to spiritual growth and deeper relationship with God.
– Eternal Perspective: Believers gain an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual goals over temporal ones.
Conclusion
Grasping the primary purpose of the Kingdom race for redemption and glorification empowers believers to stay committed, focused, and aligned with God’s will. This understanding fuels their journey through challenges toward the ultimate goal of being with God.
Concluding Remarks:
Imperative of Faith and Focus in the Race for Making Heaven
For believers, the race to make heaven is a journey that demands faith and focus. Holding onto faith in Jesus Christ and focusing on the goal of eternal life with God are essential for navigating the challenges of this spiritual journey.
Key Aspects of Faith and Focus
– Faith in Jesus Christ: Faith is the foundation of the believer’s path to heaven.
– Focus on the Goal: Focus on the ultimate goal of making heaven helps believers stay on track.
Importance for Believers
– Perseverance through Challenges: Faith and focus enable believers to persevere through life’s challenges.
– Pursuit of Righteousness: With faith and focus, believers pursue righteousness and alignment with God’s will.
Conclusion
In the race for making heaven, faith and focus are imperative for believers. By maintaining faith in Christ and focusing on the eternal goal, believers can navigate their spiritual journey effectively toward the promise of God.
Bode Michael is the pastor at Solid Rock Christ Apostolic Church, Badagry Expressway, Lagos. He is a regular contributor to GIVA note series, a program of GIVA Ministry International.
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