How Many Ways Are There to be a Super Bowl Champion?

The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are set to face off in this year’s Super Bowl. There will be many bets including who will score first, have more passing yards, and have more first downs. However, none of these things make either of the teams a Super Bowl champion. The only way to be this year’s Super Bowl champion is to score more points than the other team during this year’s Super Bowl.

How many ways are there to know God the Father? Jesus said “...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). We are told in John 3:17-18 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe in him stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. And how are we saved? Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast”.

At the end of the Super Bowl there will be only one champion. More importantly, we as Christians know that belief in Christ’s redemptive sacrifice for our sins and acceptance of His lordship in our lives is the only way to have a personal relationship with God. Will you take a moment to be thankful that “...everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21)?

Ronald Reagan and Jesus

Who is responsible for solving the healthcare issues in America today? The politicians that we as Americans have elected appear to say that government is better able to care for the healthcare of Americans than individuals and the free market. This is in stark contrast to Ronald Reagan’s famous quote “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem”.

What does the Bible say about the poor? Jesus tells us that the poor will always be a part of society (Mark 14:7). We are also told that laziness is not a characteristic to be encouraged as evidenced by the rule “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2nd Thessalonians 3:10). That being said, there are people whose plight is not caused by a lack of effort. Jesus healed many people with debilitating diseases (i.e. blindness, paralysis, leprosy) while He was physically on Earth. The apostles also set up a food distribution program for widows to ensure their needs were met (Acts 6:1-5).

We are clearly told that we as individuals are responsible for the care of each other and not to leave such matters to an impersonal government organization. I am reminded of Matthew 25:40 where we are told “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”. Is God able to say that about you? If you are not happy with your answer, today is yet another opportunity to help those in need.

Playing Within the Game Plan

Have you ever seen a player who has hurt his team by trying to do more than he has been asked to do? It winds up frustrating the player who is trying too hard, as well as his teammates, and isn’t a productive way to achieve the team’s goals.

Peter cut off the ear of a Roman soldier who came to arrest Jesus (John 18:10-11). Jesus told him “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Annanias and Sapphira wanted to look good by claiming to give the church all of the money from the sale of their property (Acts 5:1-11). They had actually held some money back for themselves. Their deceit led to both of their deaths. Moses striking the rock and David committing adultery with Bathsheba are yet other reminders in the Bible of people thinking their plan is better than God’s.

What area of your life do you think you know better than God? Jeremiah 29:11 tells us “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Won’t you trust your next decision to the God who gives you hope and a future?