"Finishing Strong: Preaching Until the Trumpet Sounds."

Since yesterday marked my 73rd year, why not preach a sermon that reflects on "Finishing the Race with Endurance"—a message that glorifies God for sustaining me thus far and leaves the door open for continued preaching until Christ calls me home or calls His entire Church home?

Here's a grace-based, no-compromise sermon that ties my journey, Scripture, and the urgency of the Gospel together:

Key Verse:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)

Introduction:

Yesterday, I celebrated another year of life—not for my own sake but to give glory to God, who has carried me through every season. Every breath I have is borrowed, and every heartbeat is a testimony of His grace. If I am still here, it means my assignment is not over.

The world may change, but my mission has not. I will continue to preach the truth until either He comes for me or He comes for His Church.

1. The Race is Not Over Until God Says It Is

• Paul, nearing the end of his journey, did not quit—he fought, finished, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

• Illustration: Imagine a marathon runner who slows down before the finish line—what a tragedy! We must run to the very end, giving God our best until our last breath.

• The Gospel does not have a retirement plan. If you're breathing, you're still called!

  
  

2. Warning to the Lazy and Deceived Church

• Many today slumber in complacency—some preachers avoid the truth, and believers exchange conviction for comfort.

• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns that many will seek teachers who tickle their ears rather than those who speak the truth.

• Illustration: An old warrior does not surrender his sword just because he has fought for years. Instead, he sharpens it!

  
  

3. A Charge to Keep Preaching Until He Comes

• Jesus said, "Occupy till I come" (Luke 19:13, KJV)—this is a call to be faithful in our work, not passive.

• Paul reminds Timothy to "Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season." (2 Timothy 4:2)

• The Gospel must be proclaimed without compromise, even when the world turns against it.

  
  

4. The Coming Glory and Eternal Reward

• We are closer to the Rapture today than ever before. The signs are unfolding. The Bride must be awake, watching, and working (Matthew 24:42-44).

• A crown of righteousness awaits those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

• Illustration: Imagine a runner who collapses at the finish line, only to have the King Himself lift him up and say, "Well done!"

  
  

Conclusion: My Birthday Commitment

Today, I renew my commitment to preach the Gospel until my last breath! I will continue to call sinners to repentance, challenge believers to wake up, and remind the Church that Jesus is coming soon!

No matter what happens—whether He calls me home individually or takes His Church collectively—I will not stop proclaiming His Name!

Final Call to Action:

• If you have not repented and received Jesus Christ, now is the time. (Romans 10:9-10)

• If you are a believer who has grown complacent, wake up! (Romans 13:11-12)

• If you are a preacher, speak the truth boldly without compromise! (Jeremiah 1:7-9)

  
  

I am 73 today, and I am still preaching. What's your excuse?

I pray this sermon glorifies God, encourages believers, warns the complacent, and invites the lost to salvation—all while keeping the door open for continued preaching until Christ calls us home!