Video Illustration: Game day!
Question: Are you ready for the Big Game?
Today is the day of the Big Game for Sports – Kickoff is at 5pm – It is called the Super Bowl if you have not heard of it - one of the most watched programs in the world. Super bowl: 60 = Roman numeral = LX!
? New England Patriots are playing Seattle Sea Hawks for the title of number one – tonight!
? An estimated 127 million people will watch the Super Bowl.
? Do you remember who won last Year? Who do you think will win this year?
? The halftime show cost 10-20 million dollars – featuring a singer who says he is cross dressing and promoting woke today.
• But this year we have the first ever rival Christian alternative half time show – Put on by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) It’s being portrayed as the "All-American" alternative halftime show, featuring Kid Rock, airs live on February 8, 2026, around 8 p.m. ET. It streams on TPUSA's YouTube, X, and Rumble channels, with TV broadcasts on Daily Wire+, Real America's Voice, TBN, OAN, Charge!, and The National News Desk.
? The cost for Super Bowl tickets this year ranges from $4,500-$5,000. If you go and stay for the game the cost could run $8,000-10,000 dollars for hotel, food and the game. That’s a three-night package.
• One person in Philadelphia about a year ago re-mortgaged their house to buy tickets for the Big Game – crazy right.
? A commercial for only 30 seconds cost 8-10 million dollars!
? For the 2026 Super Bowl (Super Bowl LX), players on the winning team earn approximately ($178,000 apiece) each, while members of the losing team earn ($103,000 apiece). These are bonuses from the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, not including their regular-season salaries or specific contract bonuses with each team.
? The total potential pay for good players can get to around $376,000 for the game! The special elite players can make as much as 1 million for the game.
? Top Super Bowl MVP Winners
• Tom Brady (5): SB XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX, LI, LV.
• Joe Montana (3): SB XVI, XIX, XXIV.
• Patrick Mahomes (3): SB LIV, LVII, LVIII.
• Bart Starr (2): SB I, II.
• Terry Bradshaw (2): SB XIII, XIV.
• Eli Manning (2): SB XLII, XLVI.
? When Was the First Super Bowl Played? The first Super Bowl was held on January 15th, 1967.
• The game was not yet known as the Super Bowl and was instead called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game.
• Who Won the First Super Bowl?
• The first Super Bowl was won by the Green Bay Packers by a score of 35-10 over the Kansas City Chiefs.
? Why Is It Called the Super Bowl?
• During meetings about the AFL-NFL merger, Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt referred to the game as the "Super Bowl", which he later suggested he likely thought of the name due to a toy his children were playing with at the time.
• Therefore, the name didn't come around until the merger, coinciding with the game now referred to as Super Bowl V.
? Which Team Has the Most Super Bowl Wins?
• Both the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have six Super Bowl victories.
• The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have five wins each.
• Three teams have four Super Bowl wins: the Kansas City Chiefs, the Green Bay Packers, and the New York Giants.
? Which Teams Have Never Won the Super Bowl?
• Currently, 12 active NFL franchises don't have a super Bowl victory.
• Buffalo Bills (4 appearances)
• Minnesota Vikings (4 appearances)
• Cincinnati Bengals (3 appearances)
• Atlanta Falcons (2 appearances)
• Carolina Panthers (2 appearances)
• Los Angeles Chargers (1 appearance)
• Arizona Cardinals (1 appearance)
• Tennessee Titans (1 appearance)
• Cleveland Browns (no appearances)
• Detroit Lions (no appearances)
• Houston Texans (no appearances)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (no appearance)
? What Was the Highest Scoring Super Bowl Ever?
• The highest-scoring Super Bowl ever was Super Bowl XXIX between the 49ers and the Chargers. The 49ers won 49-26 for a total of 75 points.
• Two other Super Bowls have scored at least 70 points.
• Super Bowl LII: Eagles 41, Patriots 33 (74 combined points)
• Super Bowl LVII: Chiefs 38, Eagles 35 (73 combined points)
? What Was the Lowest Scoring Super Bowl Ever?
• The lowest-scoring Super Bowl in history was relatively recent.
• In 2019, the Patriots beat the Rams 13-3 for a total of 16 points in the lowest-scoring championship game in the Super Bowl Era.
? What Was the Most Lopsided Super Bowl Ever?
• The largest point differential for a team in Super Bowl history was a +45, posted by the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIV, as they beat the Denver Broncos by a score of 55-10.
? What Was the Closest Super Bowl Ever?
• Only one Super Bowl has ever been decided by a single point: Super Bowl XXV.
• The Giants beat the Bills 20-19 as Buffalo missed a field goal (wide right) as time expired.
? How Much Does the Super Bowl Trophy Weigh?
• The Super Bowl Trophy, officially known as the Vince Lombardi Trophy (commonly referred to as the Lombardi Trophy), weighs 107.3 ounces (6.71 pounds or 3.04 kilograms) -- according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The trophy also stands 20.75 inches tall (1.73 feet or 52.71 centimeters).
? What Is the Super Bowl Trophy Made Of?
• The Lombardi Trophy, created by Tiffany & Company, is made of sterling silver.
• Each trophy is valued at over $10,000 USD.
Things to watch for at today’s Super Bowl 60!
• The rival Halftime show – how many will watch a family friendly Half-time show?
• How many players and owners will give glory to God for their play in the game today? Will the news media play it at the Super Bowl or seek to edit it out?
• The kneel prayer at the end of the game at the fifty-yard line with the Christian players. Will they show any of it on TV?
• The point toward Heaven after a touchdown is made. Will they show it happen?
• Who gets the glory in the athlete’s comments today themselves or God?
o All these actions will be watched by the Lord in heaven, and these are the most important plays of the game for God today.
• Super Bowl LX features several players outspoken about their Christian faith, including Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who testified to returning to his faith this season, and teammates like wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. New England Patriots players, including corner Christian Gonzalez and tight end Hunter Henry, have also shared their commitment to glorifying God.
o Seattle Seahawks: Ernest Jones IV (linebacker) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (wide receiver) have publicly discussed their faith, with Jones focusing on his renewed dedication to Jesus and Smith-Njigba emphasizing his foundation in Christ.
o New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez and Hunter Henry are noted for bringing their faith onto the field.
o On a Wider Context: The NFL has a strong community of Christian athletes who use the Super Bowl platform to discuss their beliefs, with many viewing their careers as a means to share their faith about Jesus.
So are you ready for the big game – reference handout of trivia!
Funny Illustration: Is there such a thing as Christian church – football?
• Quarterback Sneak - Church members quietly leaving during the invitation.
• Draw Play - What many children do with the bulletin during worship.
• Half-time - The period between Sunday school and worship when many choose to leave.
• Benchwarmer - Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit.
• Backfield-in-Motion - Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during the service.
• Staying in the Pocket - What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord's work.
• Two-minute Warning - The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and begin to gather up your children and belongings.
• Instant Replay - The preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week's illustrations.
• Sudden Death - What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes "overtime."
• Trap - You're called on to pray and are asleep.
• End Run - Getting out of church quick, without speaking to any guest or fellow member.
• Flex Defense - The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life.
• Halfback Option - The decision of 50% of the congregation not to return for Wednesday services.
• Blitz - The rush for the restaurants following the closing prayer.
o (From Webpage Fortune City)
Sermon: Are you ready for The Big Game of Eternal life?
Thesis: The Super Bowl is the most watched sports event in the world, but it is not the most important game of life. Question: Are you ready to play for the coach of coaches in the big game of eternal life? The game that if you win you will live in Paradise forever- the one with eternal rewards.
Question: Are your ready?
The question "Are you ready?" in the context of the Book of Revelation stems from the imminent, three-fold promise of Jesus: "Behold, I come quickly" (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20). It serves as a call for spiritual preparation, faithfulness, and anticipation of His return and rewards.
Key References in Revelation 22 regarding Readiness:
• Revelation 22:7: "Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book".
• Revelation 22:12: "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work".
• Revelation 22:20: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus".
Contextual Meaning:
• Urgency: The term "quickly" implies the return is imminent or sudden, not necessarily immediately in human time.
• Preparation: It calls believers to live in a state of readiness, purifying their lives and serving Him, often termed a "greater preparation" for the final events.
• Response: The appropriate response to this announcement is the plea, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" “I am ready!” (Revelation 22:20).
Recent study and statistic which just came out this month: How many of Jesus 2nd return prophecies have been fulfilled – or in the process of being fulfilled – revealing His coming is soon – any guess?
? I have researched it and some say 2,000 out of 2,500 but others say that there are only 200 left to be fulfilled - One Research group boldly said that the actual statistic is 97%! Yes 97% of Jesus 2nd return prophecies have been fulfilled. What do you think of these statistics?
? Others say Hundreds are Yet to Be Fulfilled: One group of Scholars suggest the number of unfulfilled or in-process of being fulfilled – that is prophecies for the Second Coming at a little over 200. So -What are some of these prophecies?
? Signs of the Times (Fulfilled or In-Process): Many believe that numerous, although not all, preparatory prophecies are currently being fulfilled. These would include:
• The Re-establishment of Israel: The formation of the nation of Israel in 1948 is frequently cited as a major, fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 66:8) that serves as a precursor to the Second Coming. The birth pains to the season of Jesus 2nd Coming1
o Along with this is the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem – which currently has a Mosque on it – but according to one report all the stuff needed to rebuild the Temple has been gathered and in a large warehouse waiting for the right moment!
• Global Proclamation of the Gospel: The spread of the gospel to all nations (Matthew 24:14) is considered a key sign. Some believe it will be completed within 2 years or less with global technology! Some believe it was achieved in 2025! "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)
o Some say it has happened already.
• False Prophets and Deception: Many will come claiming to be the Messiah or leading people astray with "great signs and wonders." (Matthew 24:24)
• Wars and Natural Disasters: An increase in "wars and rumors of wars," famines, and earthquakes in various places. (Matthew 24:6-7)
• Moral Decay: A description of society becoming "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud... without self-control." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
• The "Abomination of Desolation": A specific prophetic event where a sacrilegious object or person is set up in a holy place. (Matthew 24:15)
• Technological Advancement: The ability for the entire world to witness events simultaneously (e.g., in Revelation 11) is now possible, which some view as a sign of the times.
o The means to have everyone take - the Mark of the Beast to buy and sell within the world. Tech is there to do this! Note Uk declaration and recanting by Prime Minister on Jan 2026!
• Other signs of the time of the Second Coming season are:
o Social and Moral Decline: The Bible warns of a rise in iniquity, where the love of many grows cold, and society experiences a "time of trouble".
o Geopolitical Instability: “Wars and rumors of wars” will occur, with nation rising against nation.
? Just look at our current news.
o Environmental Catastrophes: An increase in the intensity and frequency of earthquakes, famine, and plagues is expected.
o Religious Apostasy and Deception: The last days will feature false prophets and false Messiahs deceiving many, alongside a "great falling away" from true faith. Deceiving even the elect in God’s Kingdom.
? We have many being exposed in the church as frauds and predators!
o Knowledge and Travel Increase: A rapid increase in knowledge and travel, as suggested in Daniel 12:4.
o Signs in the Heavens: Specific, dramatic signs involving the sun, moon, and stars.
• The Second Coming Itself: The actual event of the Second Coming—where Jesus returns visibly to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4)—remains in the future.
• Global Visibility: Revelation 1:7 states that "every eye will see Him" during His return.
• The Seven Seals: The Book of Revelation outlines a series of events, including the rise of the Antichrist and various global judgments, that precede the return.
o We also have the Rapture happening before Jesus Return!
• In summary, many preparatory signs (or "signs of the times") are in the process of fulfillment or already fulfilled, particularly those regarding the nation of Israel, while the final few, culminating events of the Second Coming itself are still pending.
• One warning: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36)
o Because of this, the primary instruction given in these prophecies is not to "calculate the date," but to "keep watch" and remain faithful in the mission. We are looking for the seasonal signs of His 2nd Coming! We need to be ready – which is the message of the Book of Revelation!
So back to my question: Are you ready for the Big Game of Life – Eternal Life – are you ready to win the “Super Bowl of your Life?”
Jesus warned us about being ready in many of His parables: The NT commonly notes that 1 in 30 verses in the NT refer to the 2nd Coming of Jesus!
Scripture: Luke 12:35-40: 35“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Question: Are you ready if this event happened?
Ephesians 6:10-18: 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Hebrews 12:1-3: 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
2 Timothy 4: 7, 8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearance.
Revelation 19-22: Please read!
Today’s Scripture verses teach us about the importance of priorities, preparation, prayer and perseverance in the Big Game of Eternal Life. The game that really matters!
T.S. – A couple Super Bowl players share their view of what really matters in the Big Games of life. They say, “It’s all about priorities!”
I. How important is it to have right priorities in this life?
a. How important is winning the big game of football verse the big game of life? Let’s hear from professional football players:
i. Benjamin Thomas Hamilton (born August 18, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a guard and center for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Minnesota, and was a two-time consensus All-American. The Denver Broncos picked him in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft, and he played professionally for the Broncos and Seattle Seahawks of the NFL.
1. Thoughts from Ben Hamilton – Drafted top 10 linemen out of college refused to do Playboy article – he would never degrade his mother that way!
2. I taught Ben in Sunday School, Kids Church at Crossroads Community Church in MN. – I was a good friend of his dad Wes Hamilton who was playing at the time with the MN. Vikings!
3. Ben now 48 - He now teaches at Valor Christian High School in Colorado as a Math teacher! He is also involved in coaching. He has served as an offensive line coach at Valor Christian High School in Colorado.
ii. Wes Hamilton - OG – Wes and I first me at Bethel Church in St Paul and he and I started playing Racquetball together – we then were sent out by Pastor Jacobsen to help Pastor Richard Doebler plant Crossroads Community Church in Plymouth Mn. Wes was playing for the Vikings at that time and Kathy, and I became friends with Wes and Linda Hamilton!
1. Wes and his family loved the Lord! Wes is 72 years old now and retired!
2. Wes also spoke for me with Ben at Liberty Chapel in Grygla Mn. And he shared his faith and insights from football – the whole town just about attended church that morning!
a. He shared of - The first appearance he had in the Super Bowl – it was Super Bowl XI, where he helped protect Vikings’ Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton. Although the Vikings lost, he said the experience was etched into his memory. But Jesus was by far the greatest thing he could have done with his life!
b. Winning a Super Bowl helped Je'Rod Cherry DB and special teams’ player for the Patriots put his priorities in order. Article from: Fellowship of Christian Athletes - By B. Eric Stark
STV Correspondent
i. "Is that it?" Even as time expired and the most famous field goal in Super Bowl history sailed through the uprights, Je'Rod Cherry knew there must be more to life. All of his life, Cherry had tried to win a championship, any championship. Now, as a member of the New England Patriots, he had realized that goal in the most improbable of seasons, in one of the most exciting Super Bowls in history. But, even as he and his teammates were joyously celebrating their victory on the field, Cherry realized that he needed to reassess his priorities. “There I was,” Cherry says, “where I had always wanted to be, living the dream of every football player, and it was a great feeling! But I realized that even winning the Super Bowl does not completely fulfill you. I became completely aware that there is something bigger than football out there.” That lesson, like most things in his life, did not come easy for Cherry. Growing up near Oakland, in the impoverished section of Berkeley, Calif., the one constant in his life and the person to whom he owes his relationship with God, was his father’s aunt, Geraldine Cumby. He called her “Granny.” “She really gave me my first introduction to doing more than just going to church. She taught me how to pray,” he recalls fondly. Granny taught vacation Bible school in the summer. “We had to come home at noon every day or we would be in big trouble. We would be playing and looking at a clock and realize, Oh no! Time to go!’” Cherry took religion and prayer seriously, and Granny responded with encouragement and support. However, as he began to excel at sports and noticed girls, God began to take a back seat. “Football became my god,” Cherry recalls. “That should never happen, because football is just a game that can be taken away. I don’t think anyone is going to be concerned about playing football in Heaven!” That is a mistake that he regrets today. “Football got me out of the ghetto and paid for my college and everything I have today, but I need to give God more credit. I do not need football to be successful. Success should be measured by how I live my life and whether I am giving each day to God.” After a stellar college career at the University of California, Cherry was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1996. Things did not go the way he planned in New Orleans, however, and his playing time was limited. “I beat myself up thinking too much. I would think, ‘I have to make the Pro Bowl, “I have to make the Hall of Fame,’ or ‘I have to make this play or my kid ain’t going to eat.’ My play was affected by my worrying about how good I needed to be.” Cherry did grow spiritually through those difficult times. “The bad experience I had in New Orleans was my fault because I had the wrong perspective on things. It would not have been that way if football had not been my god, rather than letting God be God. I can pretty much say that about all the mistakes I have made in my life.” After four years with the Saints, Cherry signed with the Raiders. Practically growing up in the shadow of the Oakland Coliseum, he was returning to his hometown, and his future never had looked brighter. Working hard in the off-season, he received his master’s degree in education, bought a house and planned on a long career close to his childhood home. However, he was cut by the Raiders before the season even started. Even though this was a devastating blow to his ego and Cherry was reduced to working out at a nearby high school track and playing catch with the author of this story, he still could not stop trying to control his own life. He would not allow God to be God. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000 a few games into the season, had a productive year and expected to be with the team the following season. They did not call him back. This time, working out alone in Ohio, Cherry was facing an even more uncertain future. Training camps were starting, and he had not been picked up. “This is something I don’t like to admit about my relationship with God,” Cherry says. “When things were bad, I was devout in prayer; but once things got good again, I fell back into my old patterns.” Cherry feels this time his relationship with God has changed. “Before (the 2001) season I had a primitive religion,” Cherry confesses. “I would say, ‘Okay God, I need this or that and can you do this for me? If you do, then I will do this for you. I appreciate it. Thank you,’” Cherry admits. This time, however, Cherry recalled the teaching of Granny and began to start truly praying. Soon he was called by the Patriots, and Cherry realized that it was time to “let God be God” and let Him take control of his life. With God in charge, Cherry was able to stop worrying and start enjoying football again. This change in focus even helped him during the Super Bowl. “The week before the Super Bowl I was focused on communicating, focusing and serving God, rather than having God serve me. When God is all that really matters in my life, I get a renewed sense of strength and power. God allows me to recognize what is important and what is insignificant; but that can only be accomplished through prayer. Without prayer, I am just blowing in the wind.”
ii. Cherry learned through the lessons of life what really matters in his life. When he was able to win with his team the Patriots in Super Bowl 36, he said, “Is That It?”
1. Let me share what some may think might happen if you win the Super Bowl:
a. “We won the Super Bowl and the Heavens opened up and they sang praises of glory to us Superstar athletes and fans.”
b. “We are the Champions would start to be sung by the crowd and the entire city that one!”
c. “My life has reached its pinnacle moment, and this is it! Nothing gets any better than this!”
d. For those whose team has won, “I am getting drunk and stoned tonight because my team won the Super Bowl!” Life does not get any better than this!
i. Then you wake up the next day and face reality!
2. Truth is winning a Super Bowl will not bring the pinnacle moment of life! It will not bring you personal fulfillment.
a. Learn from Cherry he said he found real life-real contentment-perfect peace and fulfillment in life because of his relationship with Jesus Christ not in winning a Super Bowl.
3. Notice he says, “Without prayer I’m just blowing wind!”
a. Are you just blowing wind?
iii. Cherry has gone on to experience the win of other Super Bowl - 3rd Super Bowls to be exact.
1. But he still tells everyone that his greatest moment in life was when he discovered Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
2. Playing and even winning in the Super Bowl does not bring fulfillment in life. It only comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus. Cherry’s story teaches us that we must have the right priorities in this life.
3. He teaches us that fulfillment in life comes from making sure our priorities are in the right order. God first then family then your job.
a. When they are not in the right order, life has no fulfillment or peace.
4. Fulfillment in this life comes from prayer and communication between you and the Great Coach of all time – Jesus!
iv. Cherry models for us what plays God is looking for at the Super Bowl.
1. Revelation 12:11a “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
c. Here is the story of a well-known NFL coach who knows how to prioritize his life:
i. Former Green Bay Packers’ [now Seattle Seahawks] head coach Mike Holmgren looks back at a heartbreaking moment, when he was cut from the New York Jets as backup quarterback to Joe Namath, that directed him to a bigger plan. "I had committed my life to Jesus Christ when I was 11, but in my pursuit to make a name for myself in football, I left God next to my dust-covered Bible. But after getting cut from the Jets, I pulled out my Bible and found comfort in a verse I had memorized in Sunday school: ’Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths’ (Proverbs 3:5-6).
"I asked Jesus Christ to take control again. My priorities in life are faith, family, and football--in that order." [Confidence in a Crisis, Citation: Men of Integrity, Vol. 1, no. 2.] Contributed to Sermon Central by: A. Todd Coget
d. Here is a testimony of another MVP player of the Super Bowl Kurt Warner?
i. Jesus spoke to Kurt and Brenda and said, “Kurt and Brenda put your faith in me, and you will discover that all things are possible with me as long as you put me first!”
1. He was working at Hy Vee grocery store to support his family when the Rams called him up!
ii. The Warner’s favorite Texts:
1. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
2. Matthew 19:26 “…with God all things are possible.”
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight."
4. James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
iii. Kurt’s testimony: “Before accepting Jesus as my Lord I lived my life for only me. I never asked God what he wanted for my life. I was living only for what I wanted. When I was 25 years old, I realized I was nothing without Jesus and that I was separated from Him because of sin. I asked Jesus to come into my life and show me His way. He did! Jesus became first in my life, and a great change took place.”
iv. Kurt’s Bio: He is the biggest success story in NFL history…rare accuracy…tremendous poise in pocket...steps up and delivers ball under duress consistently…vision is uncanny…uses his entire receiving corps…puts ball in perfect spot to catch and run with it...signed with the Rams 12/26/97...defied odds in taking long road to NFL success.
1. NFL Most Valuable Player (1999, 2001)
2. Named to Pro Bowl (1999, 2000, 2001)
3. Named Super Bowl XXXIV MVP after leading Rams to 23-16 victory over Tennessee
4. Threw for Super Bowl record 414 yards and two touchdowns in Super Bowl XXXIV
5. Inherited starting quarterback job when Trent Green was injured during 1999 preseason
6. Along with Dan Marino, is the only QB in NFL history to throw 40 or more touchdowns in one season
7. Led NFL with 109.2 passer rating 4,353 yards and 41 touchdowns in 1999
8. Starting QB for Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe in 1998
9. After that short Europe football career, he became the starting Quarterback for the Rams for 5 years – he played 12 seasons for the NFL .
a. 2001: Earned NFL Most Valuable Player honors for second time in three seasons, edging teammate RB Marshall Faulk by one vote…completed 375 of 546 passes for 4,830 yards with 36 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.
b. …third QB in franchise history to earn three or more consecutive Pro Bowl berths (Norm Van Brocklin 6, 1950-55; Roman Gabriel 3, 1967-69
c. …led NFL in passing yards, touchdown passes, passer rating (101.4), yards per attempt (8.85), third down passing (109.5), and was third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in fourth quarter passing (101.4)
d. …set team records for completions (375), completion percentage (68.8), passing yards, most seasons with 4,000 or more passing yards (two), and most games with 300 or more passing yards in career (26)
e. …tied NFL record for 300-yard passing games in a season (nine) and tied a team record for most games with four or more touchdown passes in career (six)
f. …had eight games with a passer rating of at least 100.0
g. …became fastest player to reach 10,000 passing yards in NFL history, accomplishing the feat against Carolina 11/11 (36 games)
h. …number of completions ranked sixth on NFL’s single-season list
e. Information from website.
i. His commitment to Christ is summarized in this statement:
1. “I embrace my status as a role model big time, and it has nothing to do with athletics. I want to be a role model for Christ in everything that I do!”
2. He makes sure that everyone knows who it is to get the glory for any success in his life:
3. Kurt’s response: “…the only secret to my success was Jesus!”
a. “I was humbled by the magnitude of the moment. That’s what my faith does for me; it keeps me grounded and focused on what’s truly important in life.
b. Jesus said, “Put your faith in me not yourself!”
i. Kurt, “Faith in Jesus is what leads to success in anything in life.”
ii. Kurt, “The willingness to serve Him and let others know that you love Jesus is paramount to true success in life.”
iii. Quote: Matthew 19:26 “…with God all things are possible.”
f. From his book: All Things Possible - Kurt states this about his faith, “This is where faith plays and integral role for me. It’s great to believe in yourself, but in my opinion, you must believe in something more as well. For me, becoming a Christian wasn’t just a transition that made me a better person. It also made me feel less isolated. Before, it was me against the world, or my family and I versed everyone. But once I accepted Jesus and committed my life to him, I had a community of brothers and sisters who believed in a common cause. It was an extended family, like a football team, only the goal wasn’t to defeat an opponent but to share in a love and ecstasy that, in my mind, dwarfed everything else in importance” (240).
g. Kurt’s testimony shares about the importance of his faith in Jesus:
i. Before accepting Jesus as my Lord, I lived my life for only me. I never asked God what he wanted for my life. I was living only for what I wanted. When I was 25 years old I realized I was nothing without Jesus and that I was separated from Him because of sin. I asked Jesus to come into my life and show me His way. He did! Jesus became first in my life and a great change took place. (First Things First website).
ii. Kurt adds, “Many Christian athletes seem timid about enunciating their love for Jesus, perhaps because they think it will turn off the public and cost endorsement money. While I respect the fact that everyone has different beliefs. I’m personally very eager to share my views with anyone who will listen. Just as I pride myself on hanging in there against a fearsome pass rush, I’m determined not to flinch when people mock or shout down my views. My role model in this regard is my wife. When Brenda was a teenager in Waterloo, Iowa, she literally had to fight for the right to voice her faith. Classmates would call her “Jesus Freak” and “Holy Roller” and knock her down in the halls and throw punches at her simply because of her beliefs. She was kicked out of junior high school parties because she was dragging everybody down” (242,243).
h. All these football players along with a host of others will tell you – the Super Bowl is nothing compared to serving Jesus and playing for His team in the game of life!
i. Tony Dungy prioritizes his Christian faith above his media career, coaching career, and views football as a platform to represent Jesus, mentor others, and build character. He emphasizes "being Christian first," focusing on serving, humility, and trusting God through both successes and disappointments, rather than defining his identity by wins.
T.S. – We all need to learn to make sure we have our priorities in the right order so that when it’s time for us to play in the Big Game of life we are ready. So, are you ready?
II. Are you prepared to play and pray in the Big Game of Eternal Life (Luke 12:35-40)
a. What really matters in this life is your preparedness.
i. I remember from Boy Scouts that we are to be prepared!
1. I wish this was a common motto in Christianity!
ii. So how well are you preparing for the Big Game of Eternal life?
b. The truth is we need to be trained so that we can dress for the big game and not disappoint the Coach of Coaches.
i. This means practice and study.
1. We must learn the strategies of the Coach so we can win the game.
2. We must know our opponent so we can counteract his moves.
3. We must be able to recognize his tricks and deceptions in the big game.
4. We must train to be more spiritually fit than our opponent.
ii. NFL players know the importance of studying game films of their opponents so they can learn what to do and not do in the big game.
1. They also come up with game plans against their adversaries by working as a team.
iii. They also know the importance of listening to their coach and obeying their coach when they disagree.
1. Coach Tom Landry once said:
"The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don’t want to do, in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to be."
Contributed to Sermon Central by: Joel Smith
2. Tom Landry also tells us this about Discipline, “Most successful players not only accept rules and limitations, I believe they need them. In fact, I believe players are free to perform at their best only when they know what expectations are, where the limits stand. I see this as a biblical principle that also applies to life, a principle our society as whole has forgotten: You can’t enjoy freedom without limits. We often resent rules because they limit what we can do. Yet without the rules that define a football game, you can’t play the game, let alone enjoy it. The same thing is true in life” (276).
c. We train and study because we want to play for the coach in the big game and not let Him down.
i. Luke 12:35, 36: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can immediately open the door for him.”
ii. So, my question to you today is, “Do you have your uniform on? Or are you naked sitting on the bench?”
1. Are you suited up or are you sitting on the bench exposed and ashamed?
a. What would happen if a player came to the game without his uniform on?
i. He would get in big trouble if he was supposed to be dressed for the game.
ii. He would jeopardize the chance of his team winning because of his irresponsibility.
b. What would happen if the coach decided to put him in without his uniform on?
i. He would be seriously hurt!
ii. He would be knocked out and not be able to play.
iii. Then he would not be able to help the team win. Instead of being an asset he would become a liability.
2. Do you have your pads on or off today?
a. You are better because when you play in the big game for eternal life the opposing team will try to stop you from getting a touchdown.
b. They will tackle you and hit you hard.
c. They will be in opposition to you and they will seek to stop you from getting to the goal line.
d. They will hit you, slap you, push you, trip you, knock you down and try to gang tackle you.
3. Are your spikes on and ready to run?
a. Why? So, you can run out on the field and catch the ball and run toward the goal and score for the team.
b. Why? So, you can make big plays for The Coach of Coaches? And honor Him!
c. Do you think you can make a difference for the team if you are barefoot?
i. Trust me the opposing team players would stomp on your feet with their spikes and take you out of the game. Why? Because they want to win and they want you and your team to lose.
d. So, you better have your uniform on for this big game – Ephesians 6:10-18: These verses tell us what our uniform looks like and tells us to make sure we are wearing it daily for the Coach and the team.
i. 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
1. We must put on the uniform provided for us by the owner of the team so we can protect ourselves in the big game.
2. We must put on the uniform and be ready to play in a moment’s notice. We must be ready to stand on our ground and fight for the win.
a. We do this by first putting on the Belt of truth.
i. Truth is the only way we can stand against the onslaughts of the enemy.
ii. Truth is what holds our pants up so that we are not exposed in the big game.
1. We cannot lose our pants in the big game.
2. Share about the clip you saw on America’s funniest home videos.
b. We also must have our breastplate of righteousness on.
i. This is having ourselves in the right position with God. Like what Cherry talked about.
c. We must have our feet ready to move when the coach calls us.
i. Are ready spiritually to play?
ii. Have you been doing your Holy Spirit wind sprints?
iii. Have you been training in His Word?
iv. Are you willing to be obedient to His leadership- listening and learning what you need to do to be ready?
v. Truth is you can only be ready if you have experienced the Gospel of Peace.
1. Some try to play in the big game without the peace, and they get butterflies and become so scared they cannot play.
d. Do you have your defense ready to repel and stop the offense of the enemy? This is your shield of faith.
i. It is your defensive weapon against the enemy’s offensive attack.
ii. Faith is trusting in the Lord’s defensive plan to push back the enemy.
iii. It is your defensive weapon of stopping the enemy from gaining any yards on your watch.
iv. It all starts with faith and trust in the coach and his defensive game plan.
1. Are you willing to blitz when He tells you too! So, you can sack the enemy quarterback! In other words when it’s time to go do you go?
2. Are you willing to stay back and protect yourself from the pass (the flaming arrows) when you are told too? In other words – do you wait – and look and be patient yet you are ready to spring into action if it comes your way.
a. We must use the shield of faith to deflect the flaming arrows of the enemy!
3. Are you willing to attack the running back and tackle him at full - speed.
a. It may hurt when you hit him, but it is necessary if you want to drive him back.
v. We must follow his defensive plan and trust Him because it will stop the enemy’s advance.
e. You must put your salvation helmet on because this protects your mind and head and lets everyone know who you are playing for.
i. Those who are saved get a helmet with the owners and the team’s logo on it. Ours has a cross on it.
f. You must pick up the sword of the spirit the offense of God and run it at the opposing team.
i. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, and we must pick it up and attack the enemy.
ii. God gave us His Word to use and to run the offense against the opposition.
1. He may tell you at times to hand the ball to Josh for a draw play right up the middle and require others to block for him.
a. This will also require mountain-moving prayers.
b. “Lord help us move this mountain!”
2. He may direct us to do quick outs to people like Glen to keep the enemy off balance.
a. This will require the quick prayers of life.
b. Lord – Help Now!
iii. He could call a Hail Mary bomb.
1. It’s a long shot but God loves these types of exciting last-minute answers to prayer.
iv. He could call a screen play that requires the skill of letting the enemy through to the quarterback so he can drop the ball behind them and run with blockers out in front.
1. This requires timing skills in prayer and teamwork prayers.
2. We need to be in tune with the Lord when it’s time to hold them of fold them.
g. We not only need to prepare we need to pray during our time of play. Preparation and prayer are essential twins in the training for the big game. You need both!
i. Pray is the key to getting the victory so never forget to talk to the coach for help and insight into how to defeat the enemy even while you are playing in the big game.
ii. We need to do this all as a team and be men and women of Christian character who know the importance of the Holy Huddle.
1. In football they have a huddle. The goal of the huddle is to give you thirty seconds to call the play, that is why they give you a huddle. (At a professional football game there may be) Sixty thousand people watching you huddle; they don’t mind you taking thirty seconds to call the play. They understand that you must get organized, you must know where you are going to go, the ends need to know where they are going to go, the quarterback needs to know where he is going to go, the backs need to know where they are going to go. A huddle is a necessary part of playing the game. But let me inform you if you do not already know, sixty thousand people do not pay $20 a ticket to watch you huddle. See, people don’t come to football games to watch the huddle. They want to see if their team can overcome the opposition who is daring them to snap the ball and move down the field to score. What they want to know is does your practice work? Now what Christians often do is get high on their huddles. We gather on Sunday morning and Sunday nights and Wednesday nights and we go nuts over the huddle! We say, “Boy did we have a huddle!! My quarterback can call plays better than your quarterback. And boy, do we go off on the huddle. But what people don’t seem to understand is that the huddle is so that we can play the game. The effectiveness of your church cannot be measured by how well you do on Sunday morning. … The test of the church is what it does in the marketplace. What we need today is churches that are representative of Jesus Christ not only when gathered but when disseminated.” (Dr. Tony Evans. “The Power of God’s People.” (Sermon, 1987 – Church Growth Conference, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Dallas, TX)
Contributed to Sermon central by: John Hamby
T. S. – Not only do we need to prepare but we also need to pray and then persevere as we play in the Big Game of Eternal Life.
III. How important is perseverance in the Big Game of eternal life?
a. Hebrews 12:1-3:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
i. The key in perseverance has to do with understanding who we are to focus on. We are to fix our eyes on the Coach of Coaches Jesus.
1. He was and is the MVP of the Big Game of Life.
2. We need to model his type of play and learn how he defeated the enemy.
3. He endured his mission and came out victorious for all of us. So we ourselves need to see that we need to be determined to never lose heart and quit but to press on.
b. 2 Timothy 4: 7, 8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
i. We must fight to the end!
ii. We have to finish the game and we should never walk off the field when time is left on the clock.
iii. The truth is there is a Super Bowl Crown of life waiting for those who press on to the end
c. We also need to understand that character counts in the Big Game and character is developed through perseverance and pushing through to the end.
i. Randy Moss had been attacked because of his lack of character on the field.
1. Character is defined by Webster as a pattern of behavior which models moral strength, self-discipline and fortitude.
2. Hebrews 5:1-5: 1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
3. Character is defined as “God expressing himself through man”, in other words, it is letting God have His way with you. Phillip Vollmer.
Conclusion:
Illustrations: Miraculous catches and giving honor to the Lord!
The immaculate reception - Pittsburgh – Franco Harris
? Franco Harris's faith: His upbringing: He was raised in a Catholic home with an Italian mother, Gina Parenti Harris, who influenced his spiritual life.
? Connection to "Immaculate Reception": Harris spoke about his mother praying at the very moment of his famous 1972 catch.
? Personal Beliefs: He expressed a love for Christmastime, emphasizing it was about "Jesus's birth". He loved Jesus!
? Interaction with Faith-Based Groups: He engaged with Catholic organizations and reportedly held a deep, humble faith in his later years. He always cared and showed love to others, especially his dying teammates!
The Helmet Catch – Tyree
? Tyree says his strongest memories about the hours leading up the game are from the night before: Usa today: "I'm sure there was a little prayer for me in there the day of the game, but all the miraculous stuff happened for me the night before. One of my teammates, Michael Jennings, his mother was a pastor. We're praying and she says to me, 'David, the Lord is going to quicken your feet. The Lord's going to give your feet like the feet of a deer.' Then she said, 'The Lord's going to put spiritual glue on your hands.' And the last thing she said was, 'The Lord's going to give you the big play.'
To win the big game of eternal life we will need to have right priorities, preparation, prayer and perseverance.
We must be ready to play for the coach of coaches in the big game of life! So, we must always have our uniform on. We must be ready to go in at a moment’s notice to play in a life-or-death situation. We could be the one who receives an immaculate reception and scores the winning touch
