Coach Ron Brown said it was interesting to see team pictures of college football players he had coached. He said some athletes never stay on the team very long. Those athletes were excited to be in the team picture because they hoped to show prospective employers that they were part of a well-known, successful team. They planned to leverage the skills they developed through sports to help them land a job in the “real world.” Coach Brown also thought this was true spiritually for some people.

2 John 1 – Abiding Truth

Many believers are simply happy to be in the team picture! They’ve trusted Christ as Savior and Lord, but they’re not interested in taking the time to develop or grow in their faith. Jesus taught a lifestyle expected of all believers. This contrasts with the teachings of false teachers in 2 John 1:7. Christians are to “abide in the teaching of Christ.” The content of Christianity is conveyed in the notion of “truth.” John says the truth “abides” in us and “will be with us forever.” 

When 2 John speaks of teaching or doctrine concerning Jesus Christ, it is shorthand for the Person and Work of Christ. It also refers to the lifestyle expected of Christians. It’s hard to embrace both love and truth. It’s not loving to let a person go to hell because we fear they will be upset. We have a responsibility to tell people the truth. Still, we must know the truth through constant training in sound theology.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete stand for truth while continuing to love and walk in grace toward others. They are ready to defend their beliefs to everyone.

Bible Memory Verse – “Be merciful to those who doubt.” Jude 1:22 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Team Pictures

Our featured book this week is Uncommon Athletes (Lead with Passion. Ignite Your Purpose) by Tim Brown. This book provides the passion to inspire greatness in sports and life. It is a powerful and practical guide for achieving excellence in competition. Tim Brown brings his vast experience working with athletes and coaches at every level to this helpful resource. It is engaging reading for any audience. If you want to be an uncommon athlete, you have to choose the seven hallmarks of PASSION: P – Preparation, A – Adjustment, S – Sacrifice, I – Integrity, O – Overcoming, and N – Nerve.

Click HERE to review. 

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