Devotionals

This is a Football

by Dale Buchanan 
11/05/20
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Basics of the Christian Life

Hebrews 5:12  “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God.”

The Green Bay Packers lost the 1960 NFL championship game to the Philadelphia Eagles. Coach Vince Lombardi, is famously remembered for his statement in the training camp of 1961. He was taking nothing for granted as he spoke to his squad of 38 players. He held the pigskin in his right hand and said, “Gentlemen, this is a football.”

Back to the Basics

How do you know you are a Christian? Do you remember a time and a place when you were born again? Can you prove, from the Bible, how you know you are saved?

Could you explain to a non-believer exactly what it means to be born-again? Could you show him the Bible verses explaining why he needs to be saved? And how to be saved? 

The text above points out a glaring problem among many Christians. They do not know the basics - the first principles. The Bible has been neglected at home. Bible study has not been done or even considered important.

How do you know the Bible is God’s Word? Why did Jesus die? Was Jesus more than just a good example and a good teacher? Is Jesus really God? How do you know – from Scripture? Is there really a heaven and hell? How do you know from Scripture? 

It is not enough to say, “I believe the Bible”, or “I believe what my church, or my pastor, believes.” It needs to be YOUR belief that you can support with Scripture. 

When Paul wrote in II Timothy 2:15, “Study to show thyself approved”, he meant it.  When Peter wrote in II Peter 3:18, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord”, he meant it.  

What are you doing to STUDY and to GROW and to KNOW the basics of the Christian life from the Bible?