Zack Bowman, a cornerback and co-captain on the Nebraska football team in 2007, didn’t wear his black shirt to practice following Nebraska’s 49-31 loss against USC. He didn’t deserve to wear it, Bowman said, because he wasn’t playing as a Blackshirt should play. Not that others on the defense necessarily were, but the system was in place. If you were on the first-team defense, you “earned” a black practice jersey.

The Blackshirts’ tradition began in the 1960s and was inspired by the black jerseys that Nebraska’s first-string defenders wore during practice. As the tradition developed, it was understood to represent both a particular attitude and action on the field. As a former Husker defensive player myself, in the 1970s, I understood it wasn’t enough to say you believed in the virtues represented by the Blackshirts; you also needed to live up to the standards set by previous Blackshirts.

1 Corinthians 15 – Right Belief and Right Practice

Failure to believe and live up to a certain standard has been a problem since the earliest days of the church. Two errors crept into the Christian faith: errors that challenge orthodoxy (right belief) and errors that challenge orthopraxy (right practice). Paul has addressed the failure of the Corinthians to live up to standards of Christian virtue in chapters 1 to 14. Now, he turns his attention to their failure to believe the central doctrines of the faith. Especially the resurrection, which is the centerpiece of Christian doctrine and human history.

Paul begins his theological or doctrinal teaching with that which is “of first importance.” This is the gospel of the Person and work of Jesus Christ (15:1-11). He also details the doctrine of the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (15:12-58). Getting these fundamental doctrines right means getting Christianity right.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe they have been forgiven their sins and have entered a relationship with the Almighty God through faith in Jesus Christ. They believe Jesus lived a perfect life and was crucified to pay the penalty for their sins. They believe Jesus rose from the dead, and the grace of God saves them. They also live out their beliefs with the right living by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1

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