What reward are we running for?

As believers, what are we running for, and what is our reward? In the Holy Bible, it is written:

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
1 Corinthians 9:25

Amen. In this verse, an athlete is used as an example. Every athlete strives to win the game. But to achieve success, they first practice self-control and endure hardships. After months of consistent effort and training, they become worthy of winning the game. But why do they put in all that effort? For a reward that is perishable. For a crown that will not last forever. All their hard work and discipline are for a temporary, perishable reward.

But the Apostle Paul reminds believers of something very important. The race we are running is not for a perishable prize, but for one that is eternal. The crown we receive in this race is eternal.

However, there are a few important things to keep in mind in this race, things we must guard in our thoughts and mindset. Indeed, the people of this world exercise strict discipline and avoid harmful things for the sake of worldly games. But as believers, we should never become arrogant, thinking, "I am worthy of self-discipline, and I am a good and perfect believer." Let us avoid such pride, because speaking like that could lead to our downfall. The Bible says:

"Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?"
Galatians 3:3

So, we should never say, "I am capable of pleasing God by my own efforts and works." No! We are nothing on our own; even the ability to control ourselves comes from God. Therefore, we should not boast about ourselves, but give thanks for God's grace. It is God's power that enables us to control ourselves. As long as we do not pray to God, saying, "Lord, help me fulfill Your will," we will never be able to truly control ourselves. We should not take pride in ourselves, but seek the true power that comes from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will help us continue our journey of faith with humility and love. Whoever asks God for the Holy Spirit, God will give generously and without hesitation. This is the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ.

After trusting in God's power, we should examine our attitudes as well. What kind of attitude are we running with in this race of faith? Do we get jealous of each other? Or is our faith race one of helping others grow? Like the worldly athletes, we should not be in competition with each other. We should not leave our brothers and sisters behind, but rather help each other, encouraging one another with patience and support. This is the true race of faith, and its crown is eternal.

May God give us the strength to fulfill His will. Amen.

Why did God sacrifice Jesus Christ for our sins?

People often ask how it is possible for God to crucify Jesus Christ in order to atone for the sins of humanity.
First of all, it is important to understand that God does not kill someone to forgive someone. Rather, the message of the Gospel is that the Creator and Lord of this world, out of His great love, sent His Word into the world in human form to pay the entire debt of human sin. What is the debt of sin? Man is indebted to death because of sin. All humans are under the penalty of death because of sin. The Bible clearly states,

The one who sins is the one who will die. (Ezekiel 18:4)

So is there anyone who has not committed a single sin? God knows that no one is completely innocent and can go to heaven because of their innocence. And no one can pay off their sin debt on their own. No matter how many times a person tries to pay off the debt of just one sin, they will still commit another sin. This means that the person is now in a situation where they will never be free from the debt of sin. So the only being who can pay the debt of sin for all people is God Himself. That is why God chose to send His Word, Jesus Christ, who was holy, sinless, and perfect, to pay off all our sin debt. Since, the debt of sin is death, for this reason Jesus Christ was sacrificed in our place to save us from the wrath and anger of God and to give us eternal salvation from death and sin.
So, should we now accept this grace of God with gratitude, or should we question and criticize it? God, out of His love, did for us something that we were incapable of doing to save ourselves from the punishment of the Hereafter.