In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, the Apostle Paul reflects on his life and ministry, declaring, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” As he nears the end of his journey, he charges Timothy—and us—that the race we are running is not by accident. It has been given to us by God, and we are charged to finish it by fulfilling everything God has spoken to us!
At Church of the Living God, we have been called to run our race with PURPOSE. Over the past weeks, we have settled our “why” and “how”—understanding that this race is ours to run as individuals, families, and as a church body, following the Holy Ghost. Jesus designed and gave us this race as drew near to Him. The details are His, as is the OUTCOME. Now, we shift our focus to the “what”—what does this race look like? How do we run in a way that glorifies God, impacts those around us, and is fulfilled through complete submission?
1. Preach the Word – In Every Season
Paul exhorts Timothy to “Preach the Word…” (2 Timothy 4:2). This charge applies to us today as well! Preaching is to “herald” or “proclaim.” This isn’t just for the pulpit and those who occupy it—it’s a calling for every believer to herald what Jesus has done in their life.
Our church is committed to spreading God’s Word beyond Sunday services. Through social media and other online platforms, new church plants, and raising up called and anointed folks, we will extend the reach of the message across Winchester and Central KY. This year, we are making sermon notes and resources more available, increasing engagement through the week through the YouVersion Bible app and other social media platforms, so that the Word can be deeply rooted in every believer’s heart.
2. Be Present – Whether Convenient or Not
No part of running this race is dependent upon convenience. Paul’s words remind us that showing up matters. “…be ready in season and out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2). We gather each week not out of routine or obligation, but with expectancy—ready to spend time in God’s presence, ready to serve, and expecting to see lives changed!
Being present also means making space for the unlikely—those that society often overlooks. The broken, the wounded, the lost—all need a place to encounter Jesus! We are committed to being a church of the unlikely, for the unlikely, creating an environment where all can experience the transforming power of God’s presence. Whether it’s convenient for us or not!
3. Make Disciples – With Patience and Instruction
Discipleship is more than inspiration—it requires rebuke, correction, and encouragement. From children’s ministry, through J12 and youth group (ONE14 Students), to Adult Christian Education and Life Christian University, COLG is dedicated to raising up believers who are rooted in truth. Part of our race is to EQUIP and help empower the disciples! When someone needs correction or rebuke, with great patience and instruction, that will come. When someone needs ENCOURAGEMENT, with all patience and instruction, COLG will ENCOURAGE!
4. Run with Self-Control – Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Paul charges Timothy to use self-restraint in all things (2 Timothy 4:5). This isn’t human willpower—it’s the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and complete submission to God as our commander, arranging our lives as He sees fit. We are called to move FREELY in RESTRAINT in God’s presence, yielding our flesh and our liberty. Through a mobilized prayer team, a renewed focus on spiritual fruit and gifts, and dedicated time in the altars at the end of services, we will operate in both power and self-control to set people free as the Holy Ghost sees fit!
5. Endure Hardship – With Faith in God’s Strength
Hardship is inevitable, but our endurance has proven supernatural! God has proven that He will sustain us through trials. We can all safely say that Jesus in us has enabled us to endure MUCH MORE than we ever thought we were able to endure! Therefore, we can reason that no obstacle, persecution, or hardship can derail His plans. We will keep running, knowing that He is our strength to endure!
6. Evangelize – Locally and Globally
The heartbeat of our church is evangelism. Every week, we give people the opportunity to know Jesus in our services. But it doesn’t stop at our doors—we are committed to missions in our community, our region, and globally. We will return to the nations, to places like Africa and India, expand our outreach through tried and true local ministries, and equip believers to share the gospel wherever they go. We will raise up new evangelists, take them to new places, and see new people come to know Jesus!
7. Fulfill Our Ministry – The Work is Not Done
Paul’s final charge to Timothy was to “fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). This is our call too! The work is not finished, and the responsibility is ours. We will fight the beautiful fight, finish our course, and guard the faith—knowing that a crown of righteousness awaits all who run faithfully toward Jesus.
Are you ready to run and finish well? Let’s commit to exerting ourselves, to spending our strength, and completing the race God has given COLG!
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