John Van Pay - Marathon Faith: Motivation from the Greatest Endurance Runners of the Bible

APPLAUSE FOR

MARATHON FAITH

Having just run my first marathon, I have a new appreciation for the title and this bookMarathon Faith. We live in a culture that celebrates fifteen minutes of fame, but in Gods kingdom, its about long obedience in the same direction. Marathon Faith will inspire you to run longer and run stronger. Thanks to my friend, John Van Pay, for setting the pace!

MARK BATTERSON, bestselling author of The Circle Maker and lead pastor of National Community Church

My friend, John Van Pay, has given us a wonderful gift in his book, Marathon Faith. He reminds us that living for Christ is an endurance race, not a sprint, and that its not how we start, but whether we finish that counts. Drawing from the stories of real people in Hebrews 11all of them as human and vulnerable as we arethis book bores into our souls with conviction, challenge, insight, humor and captivating storytelling. John is my daughters pastor and a personal hero of mine, and I commend not only his book but also the integrity of who he is to you.

DR. JAMES BRADFORD, general secretary of the United States Assemblies of God and author of Lead So Others Can Follow

Every Christian has trouble in life and struggles with living out his or her faith. John Van Pay, a pastor and endurance athlete, has written a compelling book to encourage us not only to survive but also to run our races victoriously by the power of the Holy Spirit. Marathon Faith uses the flawed examples from Hebrews Faith Hall of Fame to show us how God turns our weaknesses into durable strengths.

SCOTT WILSON, pastor of The Oaks Fellowship Church and author of Clear the Stage

Keeping pace, finding rhythm, and focusing on the prize are all things that help not only marathon runners but also everyone who is on the journey of life. Marathon Faith reminds us that Jesus is the best pace setter. It gives examples of real leaders from the Bible who will inspire you to not throw in the towel. Thanks, John, for helping so many discover the courage to live life with greater endurance.

DOUG CLAY, general superintendent of the United States Assemblies of God

Look at the table of contents. Thats all it took for me. I want to be like all those named. They had one thing in common: they finished their lives well. I too want to finish well. In Marathon Faith, my friend, John Van Pay, says, you can. You must. I will. So can you.

SAMUEL CHAND, leadership consultant and author of Bigger, Faster Leadership

You can feel Johns love for God leaping off these pages. Marathon Faith is more than a great read, its a manual for running the race. John does an excellent job of articulating the stories of the great runners who have gone before us.

BILL TAYLOR, chief meteorologist at KENS 5 Eyewitness News, San Antonio, Texas

Marathon Faith presents an innovative Faith training program that is right on target. This is a very insightful book that is extremely beneficial for anyone seeking to increase their endurance in faith. John shares his personal stories, making it even more compelling. His experience and knowledge supports athletes and anyone seeking a real and lasting relationship with God. I highly recommend reading Johns book and using it as a training tool to guide you through this amazing journey with Christ.

APRIL LEAL, owner of Your Destination Fit and Christ follower

Having known John for nearly thirty years, I have watched him live out the principles he shares in this book. John is not a quitter. Through tragedy and setbacks, John has persevered and kept his eye on the prize. As you read his story, you will be inspired to press on through your obstacles and FINISH your race! Thanks, John, for running your race with integrity and passion!

BRIAN DOLLAR, associate pastor of First Assembly Church, North Little Rock, Arkansas, and author of I Blew It! and Talk Now and Later

In a time of ever increasing darkness in the world, there stands a remnant. This band of devoted disciples is wholeheartedly committed to the cause of Christ. One of the men serving Christ is John Van Pay. He has served in excellence for over three decades, declaring vision and deeply loving the people around him. Marathon Faith is an encouraging overview and exposition of Hebrews hall of faith. Johns ridiculously funny and encouraging stories drive home the eternal principles that will help you finish your race.

W. KYLE VOLKMER, teaching pastor of Gateway Fellowship Church and author of These Things

From years of pastoral experience, Ive seen first-hand the pattern of people starting fast and hot in faith but becoming overwhelmed and flaming out over time. How can we as spiritual leaders help people finish the race of faith in a world full of challenges and difficulties? John Van Pay offers biblical solutions to real life struggles of faith in Marathon Faith. John is one of the most thoughtful and committed disciple makers I know, and hes built his life and church on the principles in this book. Whether youre starting your own race, or youve been running for a while, or youre helping others run their race of faith, you will no doubt find yourself motivated and inspired to go the next mile.

CHRIS RAILEY, network director of the Church Multiplication Network for the United States Assemblies of God

William Carey, when asked about the secret of his missionary success, said, I can plod. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything. Biblical faith is a blend of great expectations and great endurance. We believe God can do improbable, impossible, immediate things, AND we commit to arduous yet rewarding processes of trusting obedience. Using Scripture and story, John Van Pay shows how Christian life and service are enjoyable runs of endurance, plodding pleasures. As the global Church takes Jesus seriously in its obedience to Finish the Task by preaching the Gospel to every group of people, we are all going to need Marathon Faith.

DICK BROGDEN, founder of the Live Dead movement in Cairo, Egypt

Copyright 2018 by John Van Pay

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.