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Marquette Church of Christ
There are always many wonderful stories that rise up out of the Olympics. We could talk about Michael Phelps and his unprecedented eight gold medals. Or how about the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt from Jamaica who won gold in both the 100 and 200-meter events, breaking the world record in the process. And then there is the very refreshing Shawn Johnson and her outstanding performance on the balance beam to win her a gold medal. The list goes on and on.
But for every medallist in the Olympics there are thousands more athletes who worked very hard and yet did not get the chance to stand on the podium listening to their country’s national anthem being played. We all enjoy seeing the glory moment as it is televised into our living rooms. What we don’t see however are the countless hours in training, where muscles ache, bodies are pushed to the limit, and the many falls and bruises as routines are practiced over and over again. The grueling daily schedule of an Olympic athlete in the making shows great perseverance and determination.
Each of us are also in training, spiritual training. As we go through our daily lives facing and overcoming the challenges that come our way, we are being prepared to enter into our eternal home with God the Father in heaven. For us however, there will not only be a select few who receive the crown of victory, standing next to Jesus listening to “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (Revelation 4:8) All of the body of Christ who remain faithful will win the prize. Yes, in Christ we all get to taste the victory!
“Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3) Love, J.L.
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Escanaba Church of Christ "When God Opens a Door"
Change is hard, but sometimes it’s necessary. We’ve learned that from the passages we have been studying in Acts 10 & 11. When it comes to the things of God, whenever we find ourselves on the wrong side of what His word teaches...it’s time for us to change, no matter how hard it may be. No matter how difficult, we need to share the Gospel with those who need to hear it. There may be times when we feel that someone’s actions or lifestyle make them unsuitable for Christianity. Just saying that makes me uncomfortable. Yet, if we find ourselves deciding for someone based on their choices, we may be closing a door that God wants open! Remember that at one time we were without hope. If the Lord had waited for us to make the right choices in our lives before offering salvation through His blood—oh my!
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless (making our wrong choices), Christ died for the ungodly (anyone living contrary to God’s will). 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners (walking away from God), Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
Has God opened a door to someone in your world—family member—friend—co-worker? We need to be sure we are working with God in offering hope to everyone—not against Him with an attitude or mannerism toward others that reveal how we really feel. The key is to see everyone through the eyes of Jesus. I’m going to try to do that—I hope you will to! Join me this Sunday morning at 10:30 EST as we Let the Bible Speak on WLUC TV-6! God bless, Dave Grant
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