The Big Game

Anybody who spends more than a short time with me knows that I grew up in Michigan and that I root for the University of Michigan. I know some people here in the Cincinnati area think that is a mortal sin and that I should be taken out and publicly beaten. I even get in more trouble because I generally cheer for Ohio State’s opponents whenever they play.

This year’s game has even become more interesting as both teams are undefeated when they play each other on November 26th. With both the Wolverines and Buckeyes undefeated going into that game the winner could play in the national championship game. 

 Each team will need to have a strategy. They will create a plan, execute that plan, and - most importantly - each team member must listen to their coach to win. Even casual college football fans will be watching this game because so much is at stake. 

So, what does all this have to do with our faith?

Our life is very similar to this big game; everyone has an interest in the outcome. As a part of preparing for the big game I have … Four simple questions today:

I. What strategy are you using to get to heaven?

Have you ever spent time looking at John 3:16 and I John 5:11?  In both great scriptures, the Apostle John shares with us God’s strategy for getting us to Heaven. And that strategy is only through HIS SON!

II. According to the Bible, what is the only plan available to get to Heaven? Please take time to look up the following verses.

Ephesians 2:8 & Romans 10:13. You have been saved by grace and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. What a powerful plan!

John 14:1-6 talks of Jesus preparing a place in Heaven for us if we simply believe.

III. Are you personally willing to execute the plan; are you willing to ask Jesus into your life, so you can get to heaven?

Are you willing to follow the simple plan set up in Romans 10: 9-10? Believe and Confess

IV. Most importantly a winning team must listen to the head coach. Likewise, we must listen to the Head Coach to hear what he says about salvation.

I personally love Matthew 7:7 … “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Are you personally willing to knock at the door of salvation and ask Jesus to save you? After the Big Game ends on November 26th there will be a national championship game and a brand-new season after that. But by listening to Head Coach Jesus, you can know with certainty that you have won the most important game of all - the game the devil is losing for your soul. (And that outcome cannot be overruled by instant replay!)

Honestly, I don’t know who will win the game on November 26th; however, it will be fun to watch. But the most important thing to me is not a football game because the glory of that victory will be short-lived. But the glory of God’s salvation is eternal – if you choose to make the right call.