Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Choices; Consequences; Free Will; Growth; Maturity; Perspective; Pride; Pruning; Recreation; Spiritual Growth; Trials; Understanding References: Romans 8:2; 1 Corinthians 8:9; Galatians 5:13; 6:7–8; 1 Peter 2:16 Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is the youngest signal-caller ever to win a Super Bowl. In July 2005, a reporter asked Roethlisberger why he didn’t wear a helmet … Continue reading “FREE
TO CRASH”

Topics: Admonition; Confrontation; Deliverance; Direction; Drugs; Fatherhood; Guidance; Love; Parenting; Wisdom References: Proverbs 12:15; Romans 8:15; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 12:11; 1 John 3:1 Before Bill Curry was an ESPN analyst, he was a college football coach, and before that he was a lineman in the National Football League. Today he wears two … Continue reading “NO
STEROIDS, SON”

Topics: Blessings; Dedication; Disabilities; Faith; Fulfillment; Joy; Overcoming; Sports; Talents; Team; Unselfishness; Victory References: Romans 12:3–8, 15–16; 1 Corinthians 12:14–26 Jason McElwain, a high school senior with autism, was the basketball team manager for three seasons, diligently fetching water, chasing rebounds in warm-ups, and mopping up sweat. However, in February 2006, for the last game … Continue reading “JASON’S
AMAZING GAME”

Topics: Advice; Bitterness; Complaining; Counsel; Cynicism; Discouragement; Encouragement; Guidance; Motivation; Optimism; Perseverance References: Nehemiah 4:1–15; Isaiah 41:13; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:15, 29; 5:15–16; Philippians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 3:13 I discovered the importance of healthy counsel in a half Ironman triathlon. After the 1.2-mile swim and the 56-mile bike ride, I … Continue reading “IRONMAN
ATTITUDES”

Topics: Anointing; Christian Life; Divine Power; Experiencing God; Holy Spirit; Jesus Christ; New Life; Sports References: Isaiah 40:31; Joel 2:28–29; John 7:37–39; Ephesians 5:18 At age forty-seven, Julio Franco became the oldest player in major league baseball history to hit a home run. A week later, on April 27, 2006, he became the oldest player … Continue reading “JUICED
ON JESUS”

Topics: Anxiety; Commitment; Courage; Dedication; Despair; Discouragement; Doubt; Endurance; Fear; Limitations; Motivation; Overcoming; Perseverance; Quitting; Steadfastness; Testing; Trials; Weariness References: Luke 21:12–19; Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24; Galatians 5:7; 6:9; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 10:36; 12:1; James 1:2–4 The first half of the New York City Marathon is a party. You’re swept along by 28,000 … Continue reading “MAKING
IT TO THE FINISH LINE”

Topics: Attitudes; Church; Cooperation; Faithfulness; Humility; Loyalty; Meekness; Reputation; Teamwork; Thankfulness; Togetherness; Unselfishness References: Matthew 18:4; Luke 22:26; John 13:1–17; Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7–27; Ephesians 4:11–16; Philippians 2:3–4; James 4:10 In a game between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos in December 2006, LaDainian Tomlinson, running back for the Chargers, took his … Continue reading “SCORING
FOR THE TEAM”

Topics: Anxiety; Assurance; Brokenness; Consequences; Danger; Despair; Doubt; Eternal Life; Faith; Fame; Heaven; Mortality; Pain; Seeking God; Suffering; Trials References: Job 6:10; John 11:25–26; 14:1–4; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:10–26; 10:8–12; Revelation 21:4 The motorcyclist Evel Knievel became “the most famous daredevil on earth” during the 1960s and 1970s. Jumping over buses, cars, and anything else … Continue reading “BROKEN
BEFORE GOD”

Topics: Courage; Danger; Death; Evangelism; Faith; Fear; Peace; Prayer References: Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 28:19; Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Peter 5:7 Adriano Moraes is one of the best bull riders in the world. His flawless technique and natural riding ability have won him two world championships. Moraes is also deeply committed to Jesus Christ. “Work, … Continue reading “A
BULL RIDER WITH FAITH”

Topics: Commitment; Good Deeds; Medical Care; Ministry; Missions; Passion; Priorities; Sacrifice; Service References: Matthew 6:19–20; Luke 9:23–26; 12:33 Kathy Holmgren, wife of Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren, decided to skip Super Bowl XL in 2006 for something she considered more important—a faith-based humanitarian trip to Africa. Holmgren, a nurse, and her daughter, Calla, who … Continue reading “SKIPPING
THE SUPER BOWL”