Milt Tenopir, who built the “Pipeline” and coached the best offensive lines in Nebraska football history, asked me to publish The Pipeline. Most of the books I publish are spiritual training manuals for Christian athletes and coaches, not training manuals for offensive line coaches. Though this wasn’t the ideal fit for me, I agreed to do it out of respect for him. He was one of the most respected coaches among all the players. Head Coach Tom Osborne said, “He would be firm but never denigrate or embarrass any player, and he earned their loyalty and devotion.” In addition to providing blocking schemes for football, his book was filled with stories about his offensive line, nicknamed The Pipeline. One of his most significant accomplishments came in 1995. His offensive line lost four starters to graduation, including Stai and Wiegert, and only Graham returned as a starter. That season, Nebraska averaged almost 400 rushing yards a game on its way to the national title.

Hebrews 4 – Piercing Truth

Milt Tenopir knew how important it was for his offensive line to protect their quarterback. He used rigorous training methods and taught proper line techniques to maximize protection. Likewise, the author of Hebrews explains the importance of the sword for self-protection or for attacking the enemy (4:12). God refers to His Word as a sword. A soldier needed rigorous training in the proper use of the sword to achieve maximum protection. All Christian soldiers need the same strict training to handle the Sword of the Spirit, “which is the word of God.” The phrase “sword of the Spirit” appears in Ephesians 6:17. Paul tells Christians to put on the “full armor of God” to enable them to stand their ground against evil (Eph. 6:13). In Hebrews 4, the sword is described as living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword. The Roman sword was made this way. Its two edges made it easier to penetrate and cut in every direction. The idea is one of piercing; the Word of God reaches the “heart,” the very center of action, and lays open the motives and feelings of those it touches.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete love the Word and embrace the surgery from the Divine Surgeon, who performs His gracious cutting. They allow God’s Word to pierce their personalities to the depths and bring conviction.

Bible Memory Verse – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Pipeline

Our featured book this week is The Surrendered Christian Athlete (The Ultimate Victory in Sport) by Brant Tolsma. Click HERE to review. 

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