Yesterday, was the first Sunday without real football since September. However, the reimagined Pro Bowl took place with top players competing in flag football and other skills competitions. I’ll admit, there were elements of the event that were entertaining and interesting, but ultimately it was just so different from what we’ve been watching all season long. It's not the real thing! I understand the NFL wants to honor their players and put on a unique event, but what I saw was a watered-down version of football. They removed offensive linemen and tackling, and even had fake coaches. I love the Manning brothers, and they took it very seriously, but they aren’t NFL head coaches! While making it safer and more comfortable for the players, they eliminated important aspects of the game. Even though it was just for fun and the players seemed to have a good time, for those of us who love real football and follow the sport closely, this wasn't true football. Thankfully, this is just an exhibition all-star format and the real football we desire will return this Sunday when the Eagles take on the Chiefs for the Super Bowl. When it comes to the Bible, the Gospel, and who Jesus is, do we know the difference between what is true and what is not the real thing? Unfortunately, many people have watered down the real Gospel to make it “safer” or “more comfortable.” There are even those who decide to remove parts of scripture they don’t like and add in their own beliefs. They don’t like the truth and choose to put their personal false spin on God and His word. It's so different than what has always been true. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT) says, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” Colossians 2:8 (NLT) encourages us, “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” Sadly, many people listen to false teaching and don’t know the difference because they don't study God's Word for themselves. But as followers of Jesus, we are all responsible for seeking, discerning, and recognizing what the real truth is. We must remain rooted in the authority of God’s Word as we cling to the actual Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and came back to life. We are all sinners in need of a Savior and Jesus paid our sin debt on the cross. When we place our faith in Him, we are saved and given eternal life with Him. This is not based on anything we have done or will do, but by the amazing grace of God (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9). When we surrender our lives to Him and follow Him, we must long for the real truth and not settle for anything less. We must stand firm against the lies of the enemy, the always-changing culture, and the ways people try to distort and water down the Bible. Paul writes in Galatians 1:6-9 (CSB), “I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!” Let’s hunger for the truth found in God’s Word and allow the good news of Jesus Christ to continue to transform our lives. There is one true God and we can know Him personally and deeply when we place our faith in Jesus. Today, let's remember the assurance we're given in 1 John 5:20 (ESV): “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are the one true God and I thank You for saving me and making a way for me to know You. Please give me eyes and ears to discern the truth that comes from Your Word and help me not get caught up in any lies or false teaching. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What lies did you once believe, but God revealed His truth to you? 2. What concerns you most about the false teaching that is out there?
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