Running The Race

by Steve Copland

Every generation of Christians face challenges in 'running the race of faith'. Living for Christ in the 21st Century is no exception. The Apostle Paul warned that 'the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear'. We are living in such times. We should not be surprised, for Jesus warned us there would be many false prophets in the Last Days before His return. 'Running the Race' challenges the extremes, throws light on the shadows, and illuminates the path which Christ has set before those who have trusted Him with their lives. Running the Race offers Christians sound, balanced, time-tested, Biblical truths for those who desire to 'walk as Jesus did'. If you have questions about salvation, spiritual gifts, surviving the storms, serving, prayer, worship, and growing in love for Jesus Christ, this book is for you. Reviews. "A crisp, clear, and challenging guide for competitors in the greatest race of them all!" (Stephen Clark, Consulting Elder at Cornerstone International Church, Dunedin, New Zealand) “The first time I read it through I had to stop at the first chapter. I used what I read in presenting the gospel. Now I get to use the other chapters while I disciple the one who got saved!” (Joel Missionary, Pastor & Church Planter) "Steve Copland’s Running the Race is a must read for all who seek assurance of their salvation. He pulls no punches in describing the cost of discipleship. A wonderful guide in first steps for the new believer and an excellent review of fundamental principles for the mature Christian." (David Mullen, Distributed Elder for Northland, A Church Distributed, Longwood FL, USA)

146 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 2013

About the author

I was born into what seemed like a tribe rather than a normal family, having seven siblings. In my early years until the age of eight my family moved around New Zealand as my father was a full-time Baptist pastor. I found it difficult to accept Christianity. At thirteen I joined a heavy rock band and started learning martial arts. A deep interest in philosophy saw me reading books from my father's extensive library, especially anything connected with Eastern religion.

A close friend and school mate of mine died when she was only fifteen. This event, coupled with the darker influences of music in the genre of Black Sabbath and the like, started me on a journey into the occult, seances, occult literature etc.

I had all but written off Christianity. There were too many ideas which seemed to contradict for me. The theology of hell for example. The teaching that if a person rejects salvation for seventy years, God will punish them for billions in a fiery torment. This idea had no place in a mind that demanded justice. I would ask countless questions concerning such issues and receive cliche answers. This was the same God who declared an eye for an eye and tooth for tooth, even a life for a life. This is the God who punished His own Son for a few hours on a cross, but demanded billions of years of torture for those who chose to reject Him.

I was angry at such a God, after all, no one asks to be born and according to Christianity we are born with this sin nature which drags all of us into sin, indeed, we could say that we end up doing what is natural for us to do. No matter how much we try, we cannot remain sinless (in the sense of a child who has never committed actual sins) or reach a perfection lost.

I turned to eastern forms of satanism seeking answers. I spent years in Transcendental Meditation, spent thousands of dollars on courses learning to levitate, thousands of hours on karate and reading literature by Eastern philosophers including the rig Veda, Bhagavad-Gita and the likes, and ended up as empty as when I started. I kept seeking.

On July 19th 1982 I met someone I was convinced was long gone and dead. He opened my arrogant eyes to His truth, for He is Truth. I was 'born again', nineteen demons came out of me, and I fell in-love with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Since that day He has answered my questions, dissolved the contradictions, healed my broken life and taught me to love. Everyday I marvel at His immeasurable grace and forgiveness, His willingness to love, call, and save a man who hated Him.

Serving Him is my first love, seeing souls come to know and love Him my greatest joy, worshipping Him the essence of my life, and seeing Him face to face my deepest longing.

It is my prayer that you find the One who is Truth.

Reviews

[Richard Monyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just get the book and read it if you want to be challenged to a closer walk with Jesus and know what a true disciple should look like.

Download the free eBook or buy a hardcopy...
https://stevecopland.com/running-the-...