The Friday Update--November 15

Good morning,

I hope that you are having a good week. One of the key priorities we have with continuing education is growth. Our desire is to learn and become smarter with each passing year. 

The same is true for your knowledge of the Bible. Yet to grow we must do more than simply attend church on Sunday, or read a daily devotional each morning. We must read the Scriptures regularly.

This passion for improvement is the hallmark for top athletes. Consider trying to make a Division 1 college team by playing once a week. Maybe even more to the point, look at what top college athletes are doing to improve. 

They practice most every day, not just in season, but out of season too. They are willing to get up early in the morning and change their eating habits. They will lift weights and work on their cardiovascular fitness on the side. 

In short, they will train 15-20 hours/week to become better. Students studying for medical school will commit to the same regiment. How much more important this is when it comes to knowing the Greatness of Jesus Christ.  

They have great passion for what they are doing. Compare the enthusiasm of college football fans today to the ‘average church-goer’ on Sunday. Consider the energy these football fans bring when attending a game.  

They will arrive at the game hours early to ‘tailgate’ with friends. Many wear a team jersey, or a player’s number, to the stadium. They tend to talk about the game for the rest of the weekend. In short, they are committed fans!

Compare this to how we go to church on Sunday to worship “the Awesome God.” Jesus Christ is seldom discussed before or after the service; people often complain if the message went long. 

According to a recent study, less than 30% of ‘church-goers’ have never read the whole Bible—less than 50% read the Bible even once a week. 

My point is simple. If you have little enthusiasm for your Savior, you probably won’t grow much. Football or TV should not hold your interest more than spending time with the Living God. 

If He is boring to you, then you simply don’t know Him very well. 

Steve 

I hope that you are each having a good week. Last night I led a Bible study for college students at PFW here in Fort Wayne. The topic that I was asked to teach on is ‘having a worldview.’

Everyone has a worldview. Whether you realize it or not you have an opinion on almost everything that goes on in this world. Circumstances, people, and events all impact how you think and feel.  

For instance, consider the following questions. 

· Which presidential candidate did you vote for (or would you have voted for)? 

· Are you Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

· Are you in favor of Gay Marriage?

· What is your favorite sport, sports team (or music group)?

· What is your favorite food; what is your least favorite?

Let me pursue your worldview a bit further. What do you believe about the Bible? I don’t mean do you like it or do you agree with it. No, my question runs much deeper. How does the Bible impact how you think?

Here are a few more questions.

· Are you a Catholic or a Protestant? Why?

· Do you believe that the Scriptures are the VERY Words of God? How often do you read the Bible?

· Do you believe the miracles of the Bible were real and happened to real people? 

· Do you believe Hell is an actual place, and is forever? Who goes there?

· Do you truly believe God hears your prayers? How often do you pray?

· Do you believe that Jesus Christ will One Day come back? Could He come back today?

Here in this second set of questions my desire is to ‘prick your conscience.’ Here we separate “the sheep from the goats.” What do you TRULY believe about Jesus Christ? God knows the truth of your worldview. It is He “Who searches the heart.”  

Each of you has a belief system, it impacts how you think and act. Therefore, now 3 months into college, how much is Jesus Christ impacting what you do and say? 

Steve