WHO CARES WHO WINS THE SUPER BOWL?
SERMON STARTER
One football recruiter worked hard to assemble the perfect team. The only thing he was missing is a good quarterback. He has scouted all the colleges, and even the high schools, but can't seem to find a ringer quarterback that will ensure a Super Bowl win.
Then one night, while watching CNN, he sees a war zone in Palestine. In the background, out of the corner of his eye, he spots a young Israeli soldier with a truly incredible arm. First, he throws a hand grenade straight into a 15th story window over 200 yards away -- ka-BOOM! Next, he throws another hand grenade into a group of about 10 soldiers a good 110 yards away -- ka-BLOOEY!
Then, a car passes going 90 miles an hour-bulls-eye! Another grenade right into the barely open window.
"I've got to get this guy," the recruiter says to himself. "He has the perfect arm!"
So he brings him to the states and teaches him the great game of football.
Predictably, the young man breaks all NFL records for completed passes, accuracy, and touchdowns. His team goes on to handily win the Super Bowl.
The young Israeli is lionized as the Great Hero of the Super Bowl and when his coach asks him what he wants, all the young man wants to do is call his mother.
His coach arranges for the call and hands the phone to his young quarterback: "Mom," the young man says into the receiver, "I just won the Super Bowl!"
"I don't want to talk to you," the old woman says. "You deserted us. You're no longer my son."
"I don't think you understand, mother," the young man pleads. "I just won the greatest sporting event in the world! I'm in the middle of thousands of adoring fans."
"No, let ME tell YOU," the mother implores. "At this very moment, there are gun shots all around us. The neighborhood is a pile of rubble. Your two brothers were beaten within an inch of their life last week, and this week your sister was attacked in broad daylight...." The old lady pauses, in tears.
"...I'll never forgive you for moving us to Miami."
SUPERBOWL FOOD FACTS
1. The Super Bowl is the second largest day of food consumption in the United States; Thanksgiving is the first.
2. The average Super Bowl viewer will consume 1,200 calories while snacking during the Super Bowl.
3. Antacid sales increase as much as 20% the day after the Super Bowl, according to 7-Eleven.
4. There are a Big Five Favorites people will consume while viewing the Super Bowl: chips, pizza, pop corn, hot dogs and chicken wings
5. As many as1.5 billion chicken wings will be devoured. If the wings were laid end-to-end they would circle the circumference of the Earth — more than twice — a distance that would reach approximately a quarter of the way to the moon! That's a lot of chicken wings!
6. Domino Pizza delivert persons will log in more than 4 million miles on Super Bowl Sunday. Their tips will range from $2.00 to $20.00 per delivery.
7. The big three — Pizza Hut, Domino's, and Papa John's — will see the most sales. Pizza Hut anticipates selling 2 million pies, Domino's predicts 1 million, and Papa John's expects to deliver 9 million slices.
8. More than 8 million pounds of Guacamole will be consumed.
9. The spending doesn't stop at the food or beverages for Super Bowl. People need their football-shaped chip bowls, the stadium plates, and team napkins and cups, right? You better believe it. The National Retail Federation predicts Americans will spend a record 11 billion dollars on this year's Super Bowl bashes.
MORE SUPER BOWL FACTS
1. Last year's Super Bowl drew the largest audience in American television history, averaging 111 million viewers. All total, 163 million people watched at least part of the game. That's more than half of the population.
2. Each of the past four Super Bowls showed an improvement in number of viewers. They averaged over 103 million per game.
3. The past two Super Bowls have set records and this one is expected to do the same. The New York Giants and New England Patriots are projected to average 117 million viewers.
4. Advertiements have been the best indicator of how much the Super Bowl has become as mass-media event. 30-second advertisements are running for $3.5 mllion on Sunday.
Super Bowl Sunday - February 5, 2012
Sheepfold Ministries - Pastor Phil Roland
WHO CARES WHO WINS THE SUPER BOWL?
"Mankind and God operate in opposites. The world makes everyone a loser in its quest to extol winners. Everyone can be a winner with God."
Pastor Phil
"For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." Luke 9:56 (NKJV)
Today is Super Bowl Sunday.
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN, tonight at 6:30 pm the New England Patriots vs. New York Giants. There are 1,538 tickets left. The highest prices are $1,525.00 per ticket to $1900.00 per ticket.
80,000 to 110,000 people will be attending. 130 Million people will be viewing.
I. THE WORLD VALUES WINNERS: GOD VALUES YOU
"Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matt. 10:31
A. Athletes have one value to the team: Can they help us win?
1. Tonight night one team will be estatic
2. The other team will be dejected "losers."
B. Sportswriter, Grantland Rice, wrote in 1927
“For when the Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He marks not that you won or lost, but how you played the game.”
C. Today's Philosophy is Opposite
"Winning isn't everything: it's the ONLY thing."
D. Vince Lombardi Quote,
"I was hired here to produce winning football teams and that's what I'm going to produce."
1. Football is seldom played for enjoyment
2. Developing character and sportsmanship is "Back Burner"
3. Football Grandmother funny
E. Paul Harvey said on one of his awesome radio broadcasts,
"A great man is not one who has the courage of his convictions. Hitler and Nero had the courage of their convictions. A great man is one with the courage to examine his convictions."
II. THERE ARE TWO WAYS: USING OR LOVING OTHERS
A. The World says "Use Others"
1. The destruction of others is OK if it helps you win
2. Do whatever is necessary to win
B. Vince Lombardi is one of the Greatest Coaches of all time
"A man whose profanity was unbridled. His temper knew no bounds. He often was so mad at ball games that he would pass out and need oxygen. He fired players because they were late to meetings and humiliated players in front of others. He played on the insecurities of his men. He was so insecure personally, he was always afraid of losing. He dressed all this up in the thin veneer of religious talk."
WHO CARES WHO WINS THE SUPER BOWL?, cont., p.2
1. Lombardi USED people
2. Who you were was not important to him
3. What you could contribute to the team was everything
4. Never take time with people to work with them
C. Players sometimes mortally injured were insulted by their coaches
1. One player actually broke his neck in practice
2. His coach cursed him and yelled at him to get up and play
3. He wasn't able to get up
4. His doctor told him later he was close to dying at that point
D. Jesus just Loved People where He found them - See Luke 8,9
1. He calmed a Stormy Sea
2. He cast devils out of a man and a child
3. He raised a 12 year old girl to life
4. Healed a lady with an issue of Blood
5. Fed Five Thousand Miraculously
D. Samaritan City Leaders refused Jesus and his followers entry
1. James and John asked in Luke 9:54
"And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord,
do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and
consume them, just as Elijah did?"
2. Jesus' answer in Like 9:55,56
"But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what
manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to
destroy men's lives but to save them."
3. Jesus told us about our enemies, "Bless those who use you."
III. THE WORLD MAKES LOSERS / GOD MAKES WINNERS
A. Dallas Cowboys from 1966 to 1970
1. Won their Divisional Championships
2. Lost in their playoffs or in the Superbowl
3. People remember them from that era
a. Not as unable to win big games
b. They are remembered only as Losers
B. Four valuable suggestions from God's Kingdom Point of View
1. Learn to enjoy Sports as Fun and Relaxation
a. The "Game" isn't the most important thing in the world
b. Relationships with people is a higher priority than a Game
c. Americans spend billions pursuing their sports
d. Every year we enjoy our leasure less
e. We have forgotten how to "play"
2. We have Upended the Purpose of Athletics in Young People
a. We are Obsessed with winning Coaches and Leaders
b. We have ignored their Values, Lives and Character
c. For example, Jerry Sandusky and the Penn State Debacle
d. We have forgotten the real purpose of any athletic activity
e. The task is to shape lives and develop character
WHO CARES WHO WINS THE SUPER BOWL?, cont., p.3
3. Character Counts - The Six Pillars of Character
a. Trustworthiness - Be Honest. Don't lie, cheat or steal
b. Respect - Follow the Golden Rule
c. Responsibility - Do what is expected of you
d. Fairness - Play by the Rules - Be open-minded
e. Caring - Be kind and compassionate. Help those in need
f. Citizenship - Do your part to make your community better
#www.charactercounts.org
4. We must Win in areas of Life that are really Important
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an
imperishable crown."
a. Jesus' Good News Gospel can makes us all Winners
b. Believers especially want to win in vital matters:
c. We must win over Worry, Temptation, Family Problems
d. We must win over Personality Flaws, Death, Hell, Satan
5. Through Jesus, God has made us Victors - 1 Cor. 15:57
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ."
HUMOR:
SPORTS GRANDMOTHER
At one point during a game, the coach called one of his 9-year-old baseball players aside and asked,
"Do you understand what cooperation is?
What a team is?"
The little boy nodded in the affirmative.
"Do you understand that what matters is whether we win or lose together as a team?"
The little boy nodded yes.
"So," the coach continued, "I'm sure you know, when an out is called, you shouldn't argue, curse, attack the umpire, or call him a pecker-head. Do you understand all that?
Again the little boy nodded.
He continued, "And when I take you out of the game so another boy gets a chance to play, it's not good sportsmanship to call your coach 'a dumb jackass' is it?"
Again the little boy nodded.
"Good," said the coach. "Now go over there and explain all that to your grandmother".
DON’T QUIT
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Author Unknown
MEN AND WOMEN OF CHARACTER
The world needs men and women. . .
- who cannot be bought;
- whose word is their bond;
- who put character above wealth;
- who possess opinions and a strong will;
- who are larger than their vocations;
- who do not hesitate to take risks;
- who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
- who will be as honest in small affairs as in greater;
- who will make no compromise with wrong;
- whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
- who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it;"
- who are true to their friends through good and bad, in adversity as well as in prosperity;
- who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success;
- who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;
- who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes."
~~ Author Unknown ~~
INTEGRITY
It is not what we eat, but what we digest that makes us strong;
not what we gain, but what we save that make us rich;
not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned;
and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us Integrity.
~~ Author Unknown ~~
CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST
SERMON STARTER
Today is Super Bowl Sunday. Today is the 48th time a Super Bowl has been held. The Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks have played hard, made mistakes, been up and down, had injuries, trials, and tribulations. They’ve played in the heat, cold, rain, and burning sun. They’ve been “Cheered and Jeered,” sometimes, all in the same game. They’ve been both disappointed and elated. They’ve won and lost, but they all worked hard to get where they are! Both teams have “PAID THE PRICE” to finish at the top of their fields. They beat out both their prospective teammates and the other teams who didn’t make it as far as they did. Both teams are without a doubt “CHAMPIONS,” but there can only be one ultimate “CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM!”
My sermon today is in honor of the Super Bowl athletes who have demonstrated the commitment needed to go all the way to the top. One of my pastor friends Mark Beil of Rock of Grace Church talks about RINOS, the acrostic for Republicans In Name Only. It refers to those who do not embrace traditional Republican values.
Pastor Mark advances the concept that there are CINOS - Christians In Name Only. He says CINO’s are Those who call themselves Christians but they neither champion nor embrace Biblical truth or make a sincere effort to model the love and life of Christ in their everyday walk. This morning we're talking
about the real Champions for Christ.
Pastor Phil <><<
Super Bowl Sunday - February 2, 2014
Sheepfold Ministries - Pastor Phil Roland
CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST
2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8 - 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-27
" God may call a Champion, but those who are called must earn the right to be a champion. It takes Discipline, Hard Work, Determination, Sacrifice and careful choices. What choices are you making for God? Pastor Phil <><<
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7,8
LIST BIBLE CHAMPIONS:
JOSEPH - Called as a child thru dreams, but waited through more than 15 years of adversity for realization of the dream. He saved Israel.
DAVID - Called by God and Anointed by Samuel to be King, but it took more than 15 years to happen
PETER – God hammers him on His Anvil of adversity until his character is malleable and he actually becomes Jesus' “Fisher of Men”
MARK - Spends years becoming the humble servant of Peter and faithfully records his teaching
JAMES - Half-brother of Jesus who becomes the 2nd believer to be martyred after Jesus death on the Cross. He was killed by the sword by Herod Agrippa. See Acts 12:2
JOHN - Died an exile on the Isle of Patmos. He gave us the gospel of John, first, second and third Epistle of John and the book of Revelation.
Esp. Apostle Paul was probably martyred in the Arena at Rome. His epistles make up nearly half of the New Testament
Paul lists three choices and consequences that made him a Champion:
I. I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT - V. 7a
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
A. A Champion is a Fighter and not a Quitter – 2 Corinthians 11:22-29
”Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they
the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I
speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes
above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From
the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I
was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was
shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys
often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own
countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in
CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST, cont., p.2
the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst,
in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other
things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the
churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to
stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?”
1. The Call of Jesus is a Call to Battle in a War
a. World
b. Flesh
c. Devil
2. Paul fought his way through Failure and Rejection
a. After his conversion he was Rejected by his Jewish
friends
b. He was initially Rejected by Christian Believers
B. A Champion doesn’t see Failure as Final
1. Winston Churchill quote,
”Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close
they were to success when they gave up.”
2. Jim Rohn writes,
”Failure is not a single, cataclysmic event. You don’t fail overnight.
Instead, failure is a few errors in judgment, repeated every day”
3. Michael Jordan Interview,
“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost
almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take
the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over
and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
C. Champions are Warriors NOT Wimps - Psalm 144:1
“Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my
fingers for battle—“
1. Following Jesus is not for the Faint at Heart
2. Paradox: Non-Physical Violence entails Spiritual Violence
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of
heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” John 11:12
3. Prayer Warriors Take Satan’s Kingdom and make it God’s
Paul lists his second choice that made him a Champion:
II. I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
A. Paul Finished what he Started
1. He was no Quitter
a. Could you handle Humiliating Public Beatings?
b. Could you endure being Imprisoned Unjustly?
c. What about Shipwreck, Lost at sea? Being Robbed?
d. What about Food or Water Deprivation?
2. Paul was no Back-Slider (Apostate)
3. He was persistent, hard-headed, stubborn and determined
CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST, cont., p.3
4. If Paul had a Motto, it would be “Never Give Up!”
B. Paul was able to Endure the Trials God sent him – 2 Timothy 2:3,4
”You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life,
that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
1. Paul was Determined to Finish what He started
2. Finishing his Race made Paul a Champion
Paul lists his third choice that made him a Champion:
III. I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
A. Paul was a "Faith Keeper” – 2 Timothy 1:12
”For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed,
for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep
what I have committed to Him until that Day.”
1. He kept himself true to the faith God committed to him
2. He believed God could keep his soul safe for all Eternity
B. This evening one team will rejoice their hard-fought Victory
1. One day soon we'll stand before God and rejoice our victory
2. Paul was talking about an Imperishable Crown - 2 Cor. 4:8
"Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not
to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."
C. CLOSING ILLUSTRATION
"Limping to the Finish Line"
WE ARE RECEIVING AN INCORRUPTABLE CROWN
CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
Two couples plan Super Bowl Sunday Weddings. One couple is actually installing a 60" television at the reception so guests won't miss the event!
FIVE REASONS THEY COUCH IS BETTER THAN THE STANDS
Fans will pay $2,593 per seats with some seat going up to $10,000!!! More than one fan put second mortgage loan on their homes to attend!!
FIVE REASONS WHY WACHING THED SUPERBOWL FROM YOUR COUCH IS BEST:
1. BITTER COLD - Sunday will be a high of 36 F. . .6:30 pm will be colder. Handing out Hand Warmers and Ear Muffs. What about body warmers? Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket a home.
2. COST - You can pay up to $10,000 per ticket, plus travel, lodging and meals. Watching the cable at home with standard channels costs nothing extra.
3. TRAFFIC AND PARKING PROBLEMS - Parking Passes at the Stadium will cost $150. Traveling from your living room to your kitchen or bathroom will be easier.
4. ATTIRE - No high fashioned dresses, stiletto heels, suits and ties for this New York / New Jersey event. Consider layers of clothing, 3 to 4. You could get frostbit in the nosebleed sections of the stadium. What about PJ's or sweats in your living room?
5. FOOD - At Superbowl 2013 Nachos cost $14 and beer was $14 a pint. Food at home? At home we're talking pennies by comparison.
JUNK FOOD CONSUMPTION
Over time, Super Bowl Sunday has become synonymous with the food with the average football fan consuming 1,200 calories and 50 grams of fat from snacks on game day alone, according to the Calorie Control Council and the Snack Food Association. In terms of food preferences, Americans reportedly consume 1.23 billion wing portions, 8.2 million pounds of tortilla chips, 4 million pounds of pretzels, 11.2 million pounds of potato chips, 2.4 million pounds of nuts, 3.8 million pounds of popcorn and 51.7 million cases of beer. Check out the slideshow above for seven funny quotes, cards and memes about Super Bowl 2014.
CLOSING ILLUSTRATION
Jim Redmond helps son cross finish line in Olympics
Fathers were meant to help their sons' cross the finish line of life. In 1992 at the summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Jim Redmond literally helped his son Derek cross the finish line of the 400 meters race when he couldn't.
Derek had blazed the British scene when at age 19 he shattered his nation's 400 meter record. After qualifying for the 1988 Seoul Games he had to withdraw from competition due to an Achilles tendon injury. Five surgeries later he found himself ready to compete for a medal again.
In the semifinal of the 1992 games and with 175 meters left, Redmond found himself posed for a trip to the finals. However, within a split second Redmond heard a "pop" in his left hamstring and pulled up lame. In tears from realizing another Olympics were going to go medal less, he immediately resolved to make a new goal—to just finish the race.
Derek's Father races down the stands to help his lame son cross the finish line
As Derek hobbled down the track on one leg his father, seeing his son in anguish, rushed down the steps, jumped over the rail and with security on his tail Jim yelled,
"That's my son out there and I'm going to help him."
As father released his son at the finish line to cross on his own in front of millions of viewers and 65,000 cheering people, he caught back up with his son and told him that he was more proud of him than if he would have medaled.
Champions for Christ are like young Derek. The Heavenly Father sees our struggle and breaks out of the stands to come to our aid and help us to cross the Finish Line.
Technically He's the champion, but with His help we will make it. . .
Accumulated Enough Points While watching the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, I saw American Olympic decathlete Bryan Clay finish last in the final event of the ten events that made up the decathlon. During the awards ceremony, I was surprised to see Clay take his place on the gold medal stand. Immediately, the pain and agony on his face from the 1500 meter race turned to a triumphant smile as he received the gold medal. It then dawned on me that I only saw the last event of the race which he lost. I failed to realize he had already accumulated enough points in the other events to win the gold. All he had to do in the final event was cross the finish line to win.
When death arrives, it makes it seem as if we have lost the race of life. But if you accept Christ before death knocks, you have accumulated enough points to win. When you come to the end of the race, just cross the finish line and receive your reward.
Charles Turner, New Haven, Connecticut
W. D. When box-cars of a freight train have been used up, never to ride on a rail again, they are turned over on their sides and painted. In big letters “WD” is painted on the cars meaning withdrawn.
One day when God is through using us down here on this earth, he will call us into heaven and write in large letters on our tombstones “W. D.,” meaning “well done.”
Champion, George. 100 Illustrations for Preaching and Speaking.
Orlando, FL: Self Published, 2001. p. 97
The Clock Ran Out Week two of the 2008 Monday Night Football schedule featured the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Philadelphia Eagles in what would turn out to be one of the greatest games in NFL history. The Eagles had Donovan McNabb, and the Cowboys had Terrell “T.O.” Owens and Tony Romo. The game went back and forth all night in an offensive masterpiece, where neither team could stop the other. The game finally ended with the Cowboys winning 41-37. One commentator stated that the Eagles didn’t actually lose the game, time simply ran out. The same is true for the children of God. Life will take us back and forth. Then, when death comes, it looks like we have lost, but in death the child of God doesn’t lose; he or she is simply out of time and is now ready for eternity. Charles Turner, New Haven, Connecticut
Dr. Thomas M. Carter, an ex-convict, tells a thrilling story of his mother who constantly followed him with her prayers. On one occasion while he was in prison, she received a telegram stating that he was dead and asking what she wanted done with his body. Stunned by the news, she opened her Bible and laid the message beside it. "Oh, God," she said, "I have steadfastly believed that You are a rewarder of them who diligently seek You. I felt sure that I would live to see Tom saved and preaching the Gospel; and now this wire says he is dead. Lord, which is true, this telegram or Your promises to me?" When she rose from her knees, having won the victory, she sent this note to the prison: "You must be wrong. My boy is not dead!" There had been a mistake -- Tom Carter was alive! He was later converted and lived to preach!
Colin Chapman, in The Case for Christianity, quotes Ugandan bishop Festo Kivengere's account of the 1973 execution by firing squad of three men from his diocese: February 10 began as a sad day for us in Kabale. People were commanded to come to the stadium and witness the execution. Death permeated the atmosphere. A silent crowd of about three thousand was there to watch. I had permission from the authorities to speak to the men before they died, and two of my fellow ministers were with me. They brought the men in a truck and unloaded them. They were handcuffed and their feet were chained. The firing squad stood at attention.
As we walked into the center of the stadium, I was wondering what to say. How do you give the gospel to doomed men who are probably seething with rage? We approached them from behind, and as they turned to look at us, what a sight! Their faces were all alight with an unmistakable glow and radiance.
Before we could say anything, one of them burst out: "Bishop, thank you for coming! I wanted to tell you. The day I was arrested, in my prison cell, I asked the Lord Jesus to come into my heart. He came in and forgave me all my sins! Heaven is now open, and there is nothing between me and my God! Please tell my wife and children that I am going to be with Jesus. Ask them to accept him into their lives as I did."
The other two men told similar stories, excitedly raising their hands, which rattled their handcuffs. I felt that what I needed to do was to talk to the soldiers, not to the condemned. So I translated what the men had said into a language the soldiers understood. The military men were standing there with guns cocked and bewilderment on their faces. They were so dumbfounded that they forgot to put the hoods over the men's faces!
The three faced the firing squad standing close together. They looked toward the people and began to wave, handcuffs and all. The people waved back. Then shots were fired, and the three were with Jesus. We stood in front of them, our own hearts throbbing with joy, mingled with tears. It was a day never to be forgotten. Though dead, the men spoke loudly to all of Kigezi District and beyond, so that there was an upsurge of life in Christ, which challenges death and defeats it. The next Sunday, I was preaching to a huge crowd in the home town of one of the executed men. Again, the feel of death was over the congregation. But when I gave them the testimony of their man, and how he died, there erupted a great song of praise to Jesus! Many turned to the Lord there.
Ray Stamps.
http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/champions-randy-trotter-sermon-on-attitude-general-131657.asp?Page=2
CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST
SERMON STARTER
Today is Super Bowl Sunday.
Super Bowl Sunday - February 2, 2014
Sheepfold Ministries - Pastor Phil Roland
CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST
1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-27
" God may call a Champion, but those who are called must earn the right to be a champion. It takes Discipline, Hard Work, Determination, Sacrifice and careful choices. What choices are you making for God? Pastor Phil <><<
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7,8
LIST BIBLE CHAMPIONS:
JOSEPH - Called
DAVID - Called by God and Anointed by Samuel to be King, but it took more than 15 years to happen
PETER
MARK
JAMES
JOHN
Esp. Apostle Paul
Paul lists three choices he made that made him a Champion:
I. I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT - V. 7a
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
The Denver Broncos & the Chicago Seahawks have played hard, made mistakes, been up & down, had injuries, trials, tribulations, they’ve played in the heat & cold, wet & rain & burning sun. They’ve been “Cheered & Jeered”, sometimes, all in the same game. They’ve been disappointed, elated, they’ve won & lost, but they all worked hard to get where they are! Both teams have “PAYED THE PRICE” to finish at the top of their fields & their prospective teammates & the other teams who didn’t make it as far as they did. Both teams are w/out a doubt “CHAMPIONS” but there can only be #1 ultimate “CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM!”
Fans will pay $2,593 per seats with some seat going up to $10,000!!! More than one fan put second mortgage loan on their homes to attend!!
FIVE REASONS WHY WACHING THED SUPERBOWL FROM YOUR COUCH IS BEST:
1. BITTER COLD - Sunday will be a high of 36 F. . .6:30 pm will be colder.
Handing out Hand Warmers and Ear Muffs. What about body warmers?
Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket a home.
2. COST - You can pay up to $10,000 per ticket, plus travel, lodging and meals. Watching the cable at home with standard channels costs nothing extra.
3. TRAFFIC AND PARKING PROBLEMS - Parking Passes at the Stadium will cost $150. Traveling from your living room to your kitchen or bathroom will be easier.
4. ATTIRE - No high fashioned dresses, stiletto heels, suits and ties for this New York / New Jersey event. Consider layers of clothing, 3 to 4. You could get frostbit in the nosebleed sections of the stadium. What about PJ's or sweats in your living room?
5. FOOD - At Superbowl 2013 Nachos cost $14 and beer was $14 a pint. At home we're talking pennies by comparison. |
