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This year we have been focused on the “Invest” theme. Those who have been at HBF this year will certainly have noted the correlation with Jesus’ investment counsel in Revelation 3 and the “Invest” theme this year.

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Revelation 3:18

As we have focused on things above, God has allowed us to strategically launch out across our communities, our country, and the continents of the world to literally fulfill the great commission! That is not the work of a few, but the investment of the membership of HBF. For those who are currently watching the stock index break 24,000, everyone knows there has to be a correction at some point.

Highs and lows, ebbs and flows are part of investing. Life and ministry is the same way. The apostle Paul said, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:12) Though Paul would run his race and finish his course in victory, he endured many circumstances that would not be attributed to a victor in the eyes of the world. At his death, he failed to win Israel, those of his ethnic and religious heritage.

The church was growing among the Gentiles, but persecution along with heretical teaching was persistent causing many problems within and without. What kept Paul focused on finishing in faith? It was not only his investment in the word of God and the souls of men, but the investment of the Word of God in him. Paul -- like any good investor -- didn’t focus on the temporary dips and setbacks or the spikes of revival and growth. He focused on the end game, the finish line. He went on to say to the Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) Paul is saying that it is the “things” he endures through Christ that strengthens him. As he goes through the valley and over the mountain top, he finds that those experiences endured and enjoyed with Christ strengthen him.

Many reading this could recount many victories and tragedies even in the past 12 months. How do you handle them? The answer is “through Christ”. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Finishing strong is a matter of faith. Just like a good investor continues to invest even when stocks are down or they have lost resources through an adjustment, a Bible Believing Christian continues investing in faith knowing the word of God will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). God knows how to make all things work together for good and take what looks like a net loss and turn if for the gain of the world.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

Every time a born-again Bible believer looks past this life into the next, all they see is sweet victory in Christ. We don’t have to wait to taste that victory and the dividends of his investment in us, we live this life from a position of victory despite our circumstances.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 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. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

As we go through the triumphs and trials of life, it’s important that we focus on the finish because it is settled in Heaven! How will you finish out 2017? If you are saved, you are finishing as a victor in Christ even if you don’t feel like it!

This Christmas season as we celebrate God’s investment in humanity through the gift of his son, may we live our lives in victory as we go from faith to faith, claiming the promises no matter our earthly circumstance; knowing we have already finished in victory because of God’s great love.

If the victory over sin and death eludes you, and your life is void of hope and faith in Christ, that can change today! Reckon your sin to be placed on Christ on the cross and judged righteously and entirely. In contrite repentance call upon the name of the Lord to save you and the scripture promises he will!

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:9-11

Please contact us immediately at contact@hbfcass.org or call us at 816.380.3033 if you have questions or concerns about your spiritual condition. We would be happy to visit with you and explain from the scripture how eternal victory can be yours. If you don’t focus on the finish you could miss eternity so make a focused finish a priority today!