What Do You Have?
March 11, 2010
In December 1977 the Arkansas Razorbacks, coached by Lou Holtz, were preparing to play the Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl. Because of recent suspensions on the Razorback team (and the resulting dissension among players) Arkansas had become a 24 point underdog.
The negative press took its effect on the players as they prepared for the game; it was evident in the way they practiced. They were listless and unfocused, completely lacking confidence.
Holtz called the team together for a meeting. As the players sat slumped in the chairs, staring at the floor, he told them: “Just because the press is writing our obituary doesn’t mean that we have to die. We’ve read all the reasons why we can’t win; I want to hear why can.”
The players sat silent. Nobody offered an opinion. Holtz told them plainly, “We’re not leaving this meeting until I get some answers.”
Slowly the players began speaking up: Even though they had lost some key offensive players, the defense was still intact. They still had the best place-kicker in the country. They had a great quarterback, and on and on. The more the players talked about why they could win, the more their confidence soared, and the more their outlook changed.
If you’re a football fan, you know what happened a few days later. The Razorbacks pulled off one of the greatest upsets in bowl history, beating Oklahoma 31-6.
Holtz said, “We won that ga
me the moment our players focused on what we had instead of what we lacked.”
Moses faced a similar situation when God called him to lead the people of Israel out of slavery. Moses’ response was “What if they don’t listen to me?” God’s response was “What do you have?”
Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2)
What Moses had was a rod. But it was more than a rod; it symbolized the power of God, and it was all Moses needed. That rod taught Moses not to look at what he had lacked, but look at what he had: the power of God in his life.
What do you have? Along with your talent and your determination, you can list the power of God among your assets. And needless to say, it goes at the top of the list.
Whatever challenges you are facing — whatever seemingly insurmountable odds — remember that the key to victory is focusing on what you have, not on what you lack. - S. May
God bless you all and have a great week,
Michael
What is the Gospel?
May 5, 2009
The apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Corinth reminds that congregation of the gospel he had been preaching (I Corinthians 15:1-4):
“1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day…(NIV)”
The gospel then is the same gospel today.
How do I become a member of the church of Christ?
May 4, 2009
There is no membership required in any formal organization. When you obey the call of Christ, or are saved, you are part of his church. Once you are part of Christ’s church you will naturally want to associate with other members of the church of Christ. By worshiping with a congregation you will fall under the guidance of a group of elders that help ensure the congregation is based in Biblical principles.
How am I saved?
May 4, 2009
If you believe Jesus Christ is the son of God, was crucified as a sacrifice for our sins, and was resurrected triumphant over death you have the faith necessary for salvation. At the very beginning of the church the apostle Peter was given the “keys to the kingdom” which are the instructions for salvation (Acts 2:38):
38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call. (NIV)
Repentance is turning away from, or putting to death, your worldly life of sin.
Baptism is the immersion (Romans 6:2-4) into water as a pledge of a good conscience towards God. (I Peter 3:18-22)
The Resurrection of Christ
March 19, 2009
I Corinthian 15
1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…
