CELEBRATE NEW CHAMPIONS!

From mid-December through the beginning days of the New Year it seems countless college football bowl games (34 to be exact) play out across the country. Excited teams and bandwagons of supporters pour into host cities to fill stadiums.

Everyone parties hardy and enjoys the spirited competition on the gridiron. Players grunt, groan, gyrate, and jubilate as points are scored. Fans cheer their teams to victory. At the end trophies are brandished with glee and the celebration is euphoric. Those who fund player scholarships have special pride to see the results of their investment.

As fun and entertaining as these football games are, a different sort of “game” happens every week near you. Excited “fans” and guests fill the arena. Though no one has to pay to enter, financial supporters make investments with eternal dividends.

The “players” sweat and toil and do everything possible to lead their team to victory. There is great celebration in spite of “spirited” competition between opponents that are clearly good and bad. After the “battle” is over, there are great “trophies” of grace who sometimes give testimonies with shouts of victory and tears of happiness … better than any sideline interview after a game.
Yes, indeed, gathering in a local fellowship with followers of Christ is better, more satisfying, and more important, than any sport.

Thoughtful, caring people bring wondering (wandering?) friends. Others make it financially possible for the “game” to go on. “Players” prepare and practice week after week, and pour out their heart and soul for the community. Behind the scenes team members bathe the “game” in prayer, and some come out on Wednesday night or other times to show their support and love.

The “Owner – Coach – Manager” of the team is greatly pleased with each “win.”

Someone has described a football game as 60,000 fans, who are in desperate need of exercise, watching 22 guys, who desperately need rest.

I invite you … I challenge you … exercise your faith and get involved in a fellowship of faith in some way. They need you. God wants you. Be involved in the celebration of new champions as new believers experience the refreshment and victory of Jesus Christ.