When we turn on the TV Sunday afternoon (after Church Worship service of course!) during the fall or winter, what do we see? Probably the NFL.
The NFL is the National Football League. The NFL has 32 teams (I think). Each NFL team is part of the same league, right? (They are, I looked)
Now, do we treat each team the same? Most likely, no. Many who watch the NFL have their favorite team, or teams, and have other teams they do not care for so much. (Does anyone like all 32 teams?) But, they are all in the same league (even if you would like some teams to not be!)
Well, ever think of Christianity like the NFL (I am sure that’s how Jesus intended it). So many denominations (which I am sure Jesus intended as well…definitely sarcasm). One denomination here, another over there, a fractured one, a split one, and on it goes. Many would like to see some denominations just sort of…. go away maybe.
Sort of like an NFL team. We hear about splits and divisions within a locker room. Disagreements. Teammates do not like each other. Gossip and stories get out from inside the locker room. Fans, and maybe some players, would just like to see some teams sort of…go away.
BUT…every NFL team is in the league together…and in the same league. (Yes, even the Cleveland Browns!)
Same with Christianity, and the True Church. Did you know that every True Church is part of the same league…the same team? (And they allow Cleveland Browns fans…just not Steelers fans…kidding!)
Every True Church is on the same team…AND (most importantly), every True Church has the same Holy Spirit working through it. Let me repeat that…Every TRUE Church has the same Holy Spirit working through it. Amazing isn’t it!…Praise be to God, Amen!
I have written much on the True Church that Jesus is building (you should read my other blog posts!) Jesus is building His Church of beloved believers who love Him and His Holy Word. That love is lived out in their life through the blessed work of the Holy Spirit transforming their hearts…and their lives.
The Church Jesus is building is a team of believers living in obedience to God…TOGETHER! A team of believers proclaiming the Good News of Salvation to any and all whom God places before them! The Good News of Salvation proclaimed to believers through the Word of God.
And just like the NFL, action is fun, joyous, and necessary! Would you watch an NFL game if they took a knee on every single play?
The proclamation, or public declaration, of God’s Salvation message IS action. It is the HIGHEST of action. It is the very Word of God unto Salvation. Shout it from the rooftops!
No matter your life before Jesus…He wants to transform your heart. (Even if you’re a Steelers fan!) Team Jesus is for anyone and everyone!
Once you are a True follower of Jesus…denomination, background, social status, economic status…mean zilch. What matters to Jesus is believer…or unbeliever.
Every believer is on the same team. Every believer has the same Holy Spirit working through them. Every Church has the same Holy Spirit working through it.
And just as every NFL team has one goal…winning the superbowl. Every single True Church, every single follower of Jesus Christ, has the same goal…seeking and saving the lost. Every Christians superbowl is eternity in Heaven with Jesus and our brothers and sisters in the Faith!
Salvation IS action. Action is when Jesus opens the heart of a person to His Saving Word…and action is seeking after others needing Jesus in their heart…and guess what…we all need Jesus!
We all seek after Jesus as He seeks after the lost of the world. And Jesus delights in working through believers to seek after the lost. And we delight in being His faithful servants.
But just as the TV doesn’t turn on our favorite NFL game for us (least mine doesn’t, but my TV is old), we must do the work…we must spring into action. We must grab that remote because we can’t turn the TV on alone…we need help!
Praise be to God, there is plenty of help!
The greatest blessing is…Believers are NEVER alone! Praise be to God we don’t have to live our Christian life alone. We have a perfect Savior, brothers and sisters in Christ…and the SAME Holy Spirit working through us all!
Jesus is building His Church. Every True believer in Jesus is on the same team! Let’s spring into action TOGETHER…and share the message of Salvation to everyone God places before us.
Let us all pray… “JESUS, MAKE ME A SERVANT!” Praise be to God!
I would love to talk with anyone seeking a relationship with Jesus!
Blessings,
Pastor Jason Pauley
