“What Race Are You Running?” | GOOD NEWS - Week 6 | September 13th, 2026

In Week 6 of the Good News series, Pastor Jason Britt unpacks 1 Corinthians 9 to address a silent trap in a culture obsessed with personal freedom and total autonomy: aimlessness. Freedom without direction leads to running in circles, expending energy without making real progress. Whether you are feeling exhausted, going through the motions, or chasing goals that leave you empty, discover how shifting your mindset from temporary crowns to an eternal prize changes the way you live, train, and run your daily race.   💡 Key Takeaways:   Aimlessness Is Activity Without Direction: The biggest threat in a culture of maximum freedom isn't always laziness—it's staying constantly busy without clear spiritual direction. Redefining True Freedom: Freedom isn't satisfying every appetite; it's the capacity to choose strict training, saying no to things you don't have to, and yes to habits that build long-term endurance. The Maturity Question: Immaturity constantly asks, "Is this wrong?" or "Am I allowed to do this?" Spiritual maturity asks, "Where is this decision taking me?" Preparation Beats Performance: The moments nobody celebrates (private prayer, boundary setting, quiet faithfulness) prepare you for the moments nobody can carry you through. Grace Sustains to the Finish: God’s grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. The same grace that pardons you at the starting line equips and sustains you all the way to the end.   ✝️ Scripture References:   1 Corinthians 9:24–27  Titus 2:11–13 Matthew 6:19–20  2 Timothy 4:7   📌 Timestamps:   00:00 - Community Event Recap: Moms & Motors Care Day 02:17 - Outdoor Baptisms Announcement 03:22 - Cultural Metaphors: How We Talk About Success 05:04 - Context of Corinth: Freedom, Status & Upward Mobility 06:58 - 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 & The Isthmian Games 10:15 - The Hidden Consequence of Maximum Freedom: Aimlessness 11:58 - What Is Aimlessness? (Activity Without Direction) 15:15 - Chariots of Fire: Eric Liddell vs. Harold Abrahams 19:04 - You Become What Your Current Choices Train You to Become 21:49 - The Deeper Freedom: Voluntary Restrictions 24:36 - Redefining Discipline (Uphill Dreams vs. Downhill Habits) 28:26 - The Maturity Shift: "Where Is This Taking Me?" 29:44 - The Moments Nobody Celebrates Prepare You 37:35 - Grace That Saves Is the Grace That Sustains (Titus 2:11–13) 42:31 - The Story of Cliff Young: Running Through the Dark 47:07 - Gospel Invitation & Salvation Prayer 50:38 - Blessing & Pastoral Prayer   📲 Download the new Bethlehem Church App to stay connected, access resources, and take your next step with us today! 🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to know more about you. Click this link to let us know you’re watching! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1284381 If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/376703  We’d be honored to pray for you! Visit https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ to post your prayer request. Give Online: Support the ministry of Bethlehem Church at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/    🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/      #BethlehemChurch #GoodNewsSeries #1Corinthians9 #JasonBritt #WhatRaceAreYouRunning #OvercomingAimlessness #SpiritualDiscipline #Grace #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline