Finishing Strong 1
- June 17, 2015
- by
". . . Christ in you, the hope of glory:" Col. 1 : 27
Strong finishers are focused on the finishing line.
Not the cheers of spectators, not the noise of
the people, not the sound of the drum, not the
glory of the beginning, or the victory of the past,
but the final line of glory. That final line is
inevitable, some cross it into eternal glory, some
into eternal agony. After reading this short story
of a Christian comrade, you will be encouraged
to yearn for the shout of victory and not the
noise of the battle.
NOT THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT
"John P. Finley, my brother, was born in North
Carolina, June, 1783. He was in the ministry
about fifteen years. He was ordained deacon by
Bishop Asbury on the 17th of september 1815.
He received ordination as elder at the hand of
Bishop Roberts, July 2, 1820. At the time of his
death he was a member of Kentucky Annual
Conference actively dividing his time and
energies between the business collegiate
instruction and the labour of the pulpit. . . .
As a minister, in the pulpit he was able,
impressive, and overwhelming. THE CROSS OF
HIS REDEMPTION was his theme; and in life and
death, it became to him the "EMPHASIS OF
EVERY JOY". In all these relations, I knew him
well, and can, therefore, speak from the
confidence of personal knowledge and accredited
information. . . .
He died on the 8th of May, 1825, in the forty-
second year of his age, and sixteenth of his
ministry: and at the same time that bereaved
family wept upon his grave. The sadness of the
Church told that she had lost one of her brightest
ornaments. Just before his triumphant spirit rose
and sigh no more, he was asked how he felt, and
what were the prospects of entering the dark
valley and shadow of death. He replied, in
language worthy of immortality,
Not the shadow of a doubt, I have Christ within,
the Hope of glory. That comprehend all."
and then, with the proto-matyr, he 'fell asleep'"
====>AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF REV. JAMES B.
FINLEY
This short reality is full of messages between the
lines. This great soldier never compromise the
standard of His (JESUS) words for the world. All
he preached is THE CROSS OF HIS REDEMPTION
(from a sinful world). On the beautiful bed of
death, he victoriouly proclaim, "NOT A SHADOW
OF DOUBT, CHRIST IS WITHIN, THE HOPE OF
GLORY. . ."
As we sail toward the shore of eternity, where
we will soon step into from the boat of life, here
are two question we must answer in our secret
place with God. "Have I not compromise to the
standard of this world? Is Christ, who is the hope
of glory still within me?"
No doubt, if we have Christ within us on that
final day, we will cross into eternal glory with
triumph, without doubt or fear, but if not, or not
sure if Christ is still inside, this is the right time
to seek God's presence in our heart. His plans
towards us is to give us an expected end.
Just to remind you we have a home above, with
God, free from labours and tears. What joy to
know heaven is mine. Amen.
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