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WisconsinChristianNews.com
Volume 26, Issue 8
2026: The Race Before Us
By Jim Schneider, Executive Director,
so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1). The problem is that too many are hanging on to weights — the burdens, and the en- cumbrances — that either slow them down or cause
ments of this world (which are many.) Such diver- sions come freely and easily and this is why it is nec- essary to keep one’s eyes concentrated on the Savior. Paul also wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philip- pians 3:14). Paul was singular in his focus doing that which pleased the Lord. He pressed “toward the mark.” It is imperative for every believer in Christ to have this same sort of focus. It does not come by osmosis, rather one needs to be daily in the Word, spending time in prayer, and being faithful in a local church that upholds the authority of God’s Word cou- pled with diligent service to God. There will be much that comes our way in 2026. Many will be lulled to sleep thinking everything is “okay.” Others will rest in the laurels of certain political leaders to carry the load, and others will relegate responsibilities to “the pastor.” Like Paul, it is imperative for be- lievers to fulfill their role of being “salt and light” realizing his responsibility as stated in I Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” The Apostle Paul was such an example. He stayed the path with his eyes focused on Christ. He found that the path is not easy. He was imprisoned, beaten and later martyred, but he had a testimony for pres- ent believers in Jesus to follow. What a remarkable witness he left for all to follow today, “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.” (II Timothy 4:7,8). As this New Year is already underway, may each be- liever in Jesus Christ run well, endure and stay en- gaged in the race until God calls us home or until Jesus returns! VCY.org
VCY America January 2026
As a new year has dawned, it is vital for every believer in Jesus Christ to be
engaged and proactive. There must be a realization that one’s
purpose on this earth far exceeds the simple occupying of space. Rather, there is a race to run and each must faithfully endure in 2026! In many Scriptures, the Christian life is likened to a race. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (I Corinthians 9:24). Many today seem content to sit back and watch others en- gage in the race, carry out the tasks and do the heavy lifting. But yet, the charge is for all to participate and to go all-out. The word “run” carries the idea of exerting one’s self and striv- ing hard. Believers are not called to be spec- tators, but participators, and to do so in such a way that will allow them to cross the finish line with success. Sadly, as we examine the culture today, it’s obvious that many have given up and have retreated to the sidelines. There is great temptation to not rock the boat, to be everybody’s friend and to live a life of ease. After all, who wants confrontation? Such an attitude neglects dutiful Christian responsibility. Paul again addresses this, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). In other words he is asking, “You were doing so good in this race, who ran you off the course?” It’s trouble- some to know many have left the race. Some are side- tracked by errant doctrine; others are captivated by pleasure, or swallowed up by entertainment and do not want to be disturbed. Yet others are consumed by apathy toward the plight of this world. The book of Hebrews provides guidance on this mat- ter. In the great “hall of faith” chapter in Hebrews 11 many clear examples are given of those who followed the Lord in faith. Following this the writer says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with
them to have to leave the track. While a runner will often wear weights during the training process, those weights are removed when it comes to the actual race. This is such a race that each is presently running. A reference is also made to besetting sins that grab hold of the runner and render the individual as non- effective in the race. Such besetting sins can be that which involves alcohol, sexual perversion, pornogra- phy, marital infidelity, a lust for popularity, lying, thieving, foul speech, etc. Such sins need to be con- fessed and forsaken. They will not only hinder the runner, but completely sideline them in the race. In- stead, the runner is exhorted to have endurance through the race set before him. How can one keep from these many distractions in the race? By, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Fin- isher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (He- brews 12:2). Indeed, it is critical for the believer to keep their eyes focused on Jesus, thus freeing them from being captivated by the distractions and allure-
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