UNPACK This...Evangelism for Sports FansSample

Not The Real Thing

The 2022 NFL season presented a reimagined Pro Bowl that took place with top players competing in flag football and other skills competitions instead of a true game.

While there were elements of the event that were entertaining, it simply wasn’t the real thing!

When it comes to the Bible and the Gospel, do we know the difference between what’s true and what’s not the real thing?

Unfortunately, many people water down the real Gospel to make it “more comfortable.”

There are even those who remove parts of Scripture they don’t like and add in their own beliefs.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 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.”

As followers of Jesus, we’re responsible for seeking the real truth. We must remain rooted in God’s Word while clinging to the actual Gospel of Jesus.

Jesus 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 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 but on the grace of God (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

As we share our faith with others, we must tell them the whole truth, fighting the temptation to change the message to make it more palatable.

Paul writes in Galatians 1:8-9, “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 be faithful to share the whole truth with those around us.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me the wisdom to discern the truth in Your Word and help me to faithfully convey it to those around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.