The Program

Rich Sawicki

 

Are you ready to join the team? All you have to do is receive the free gift. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 

 

There are a few things that are very important when joining a team. We will call these things the who, what, and where of being part of a team. Get out those Bibles and get ready to play.

 

Here is what we will cover in today’s pre-game:

1. Who is the coach?
2. What is the character of the team?
3. Where are the games played?

 

1. Who is the Coach and what is the coach’s name? 

 

• Elohim = My Creator
• Jehovah = My Lord God
• Ejsaddal = My Supplier
• Adonai = My Master
• Jehovah Jireh = My Provider
• Jehovah Rophe = My Healer
• Jehovah Nissi = My Banner
• Jehovah Makadesh = My Sanctifier
• Jehovah Tsidkenu = My Righteousness
• Jehovah Shalom = My Peace
• Jehovah Rohi = My Shepherd
• Jehovah Shammah = My Abiding Presence

 

1. What is the character of the team?

 

• We have to be ready to share the Gospel. Read Matthew 28:19-20. 
• We are going to have to be bold in the Word of God. Read 1 Timothy 1:7-8. 
• Our message has to be rooted in the Holy Bible. Read Colossians 2:6-7.
• As Christ’s disciples, we should love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Read Matthew 22:37. 
• The team has been called to love others as we love ourselves. Read Mark 12:31. 
• What holds the team together is the fellowship of believers. Read Acts 2:42-44. 
• We are called to be imitators of Christ on and off the field. Read Ephesians 5:1-2.

1. Where is the game played?

 

• The home games may or may not have a home-field advantage. Read Mark 6:4.
• Your teammates, as well as the spectators in the audience, will be encouraged by your actions. Read Romans 1:12. 
• Be ready to give them an account or understanding of how and why you conduct yourself the way you do. Read Colossians 4:5-6. 
• In all that you do, in the game and off the field, do it for the Lord. Read Corinthians 10:31. 

 

Some games are “away” games.

• How do we know that God wants us to play away games? Read Matthew 28:19-20. 
• This is good advice when we are either home or away, but we should stay focused on the game at hand. Read Acts 13:47. 

 

It is time to bring it in as a team, to recap, and replay the game in slow motion.

 

• First, who are the coaches? They are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Second, what is the purpose of us being part of the team? There are many parts of the body and a body needs all of its different parts to function.
• Third, where do we play the game? Wherever we go (home or away) we must be ready, willing, and able to share the Gospel.

 

Coach speaking: ”Huddle up gals and guys, let’s bring it in. I want to congratulate you for persevering until the end. Well done good and faithful servant.”

 

“His master said to him, 

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. 

You have been faithful over a little; 

I will set you over much. 

Enter into the joy of your master.” 

Matthew 25:23