All Sports have Rule Books

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Rule Book? Who Needs It?

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all (track and field), but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain . 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things . Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown (ex. Olympic Gold Medal); but we an incorruptible (eternal glory and reward). 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I (boxing), not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Here Jesus’ apostle Paul speaks of two sports, running (track and field) and boxing. He uses them due to the widespread knowledge of them by the people. Paul uses these sports to illustrate divine truths we must grasp to successfully follow the LORD Jesus. In another place Paul uses the sport of wrestling when illustrating spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).

Paul illustrates a spiritual truth by speaking of running in a race as an athlete according to the rules of the marathon, hurdle, or relay race. Then he says that in his walk with Christ, he makes sure he is not wasting his time only to be “castway” from the LORD in the end as Jesus promised that “many” who think they are serving Him will be (Matthew 7:21-23). If a boxer doesn’t land his punches on the chin or body of his opponent and just throws those punches into mid air, at the end he will lose.

Are your punches landing on the chin of your enemy? Or, are you spinning your wheels?

Would it be better to find out the answers to these questions before it’s too late?

Sports are not a new thing and as is the case for their predecessors, all modern sports have rules that must be followed or disqualification follows. How many times have we seen players fail to follow the rules and their play or whole body of work becomes nullified? We are all aware of recent Heisman trophies that have been taken back and various achievement awards due to violations of the rules including the use of steroids. Can you remember seeing where a track runner steps off the track or a basketball player commits a foul or a good football play is brought back and negated due to a penalty, like offensive holding? Though it grieves us at the moment, we know that the game must be played according to the rules, right?

What’s your favorite sport? Does that sport have rules? Of course, right. And where are those rules contained? In a rule book, right?

The rule book for any sport is the script as to exactly how that game works, what qualifies and what disqualifies a team, a player, or a play. Each play is either qualified or disqualified based on whether or not the player(s) conforms to the established rules of that game.

The same is true concerning the Savior and His salvation. His rules are contained in His Rule Book. Think about it. God’s script is revealed in His Holy Scriptures and His agenda is to save you for His eternal glory. His Rule Book keeps safe and sound those who live by it (Psalms 17:4; Proverbs 30:5-6). They are assured eternal blessings while violators will be penalized and punished eternally (Revelation 1:3; 21:7-8; 22:14-15).

To those who had just believed upon Him, Jesus said “IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) In other words, “Now that you are saved, you must continue in My Word and as you do you will be made free, otherwise you will fall away and not make it. Now that I have found and apprehended you for My glory and kingdom, you must follow My ways and hear My voice and no other.”

“Ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

It’s interesting to notice that rule books are universally accepted in every arena of life except with the Almighty. We are all glad and agree that our favorite sports have to have an established set of rules. That is, rules established which govern how the game is played. In the games we like there is always a written standard to play by so that fairness is executed. Breaking the rules of the game brings disqualification. In fact, my favorite football team played in a big game recently and a running back from the team ran in for a score/touchdown, apparently. Yet, upon reviewing the play, it was discovered that the athlete had stepped out of bounds on his way to the end zone. So, operating according to the rules of the game of football, the officials nullified that touchdown and the ball was placed back where the player stepped out of bounds. Why? –Because the rules say so. No one from either team or fan base disagreed because we all agree with and find safety and fairness in the rules establishing that game.

The Rule Book for the Game of Life

No, life’s not a game, but this is an illustration in accordance to how Paul’s used sports.

It’s interesting that when it comes to the Almighty, our very Maker, Judge, and the One whose air we now breath to keep us alive, we want to scrap, trash, change, ignore, twist, and attack His Sacred Rule Book, the Holy Bible. Many insist upon making up their own rules and playing their own way, never realizing they may be disqualifying themselves by their denial of the Rule Maker. This will end is eternal separation from the LORD in hell.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

Just why do people not want to humble themselves and walk simply according to the Word of the One they claim to have be saved by? – It’s simple – they have not surrendered to Him or are presently serving self and not the Savior. They have chosen to reign over the affairs of their own lives and oust Christ as LORD and Master. Jesus calls them His very “enemies.”

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slaythem before me.” Luke 19:27

In the sport games we like, we all trust and generally agree with the rules that establish the parameters of that game and yet, when it comes to the LORD, so many who claimed to know Him, could care less to even learn His Rule Book, much less walking accordingly.

You see, rules are a blessing. Keeping them is certain to keep us safe, sound, and secure in the end.

Soon, you and I shall stand before Him to give account of every thought, motive, and action done in this life. We will each give account to the ultimate Law Giver as to whether or not we obeyed what He said in His Word. Those who ignore and do not do things His way – by His Rule Book – have this to look forward to:

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away ; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened : and another book was opened , which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15

You see, God’s Rule Book is the only eternal Book of Rules for life and blessing (2 Peter 1:3-4). His Rule Book reveals the One Savior whereby the individual can play by the rules He has established and not be disqualified in the end. His blessings and promises are all there to be received by His children. All that we need and desire is found therein.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divinenature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

Saved or Sorry?

At the end of a whole game, no one wants to find out that they have been disqualified due to not following the standards set forth in the rule book, right? This is why it makes no sense and is deadly to assume one is following God’s Rule Book if that person does not even study and know the Word. Many think they are following the LORD and believe they will be accepted into Heaven in the end and miss the eternal, conscious misery and suffering of hell. But Jesus foretold of them. He said that “many,” not a few, will be shocked in the end to be told that they are rebels who refused to get to truly know Him in their earthly lives. “Many” will be misled by “false prophets” who preach a “broad way” or wide acceptance instead of what the only Savior taught – “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” Then He tells us who and who is not building their eternal futures upon the rules of the game. This determines who is safe and who will be eternally sorry. Whatever you do, listen closely to these words from the Son of God:

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits . Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down , and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them , I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended , and the floods came , and the winds blew , and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended , and the floods came, and the winds blew , and beat upon that house; and it fell : and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:13-29

Whose rule book are you following? God’s, or your own?

Warning:

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men,after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8

The prayers of the rebellious are not answered. Rebels don’t like rules because they are lawless, full of pride, deliberate unbelief, and self-righteousness. The lake of fire awaits.

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (Word), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9

One thing’s for certain – with no exception – ALL who know and follow Jesus Christ, count His Word as highest authority and refuse to put their worship and honor toward mere men or ministries (Ezekiel 14:3; Zechariah 11:17; John 5:41-44; 8:47; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5; 8:5). Any person who thinks they are saved and isn’t following Christ according to the written Word of God, is deluded and the LORD is calling them to repent and be saved.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105

Whether we like it or not, when we get pulled over by a policeman and we say to the officer “But I didn’t know the speed limit,” he says “that’s no excuse and it’s your responsibility to know the speed limit.” We then get a ticket. Right? The Bible says “And if a man also strive for masteries (to win), yet is he notcrowned (qualified), except he strivelawfully (according to the rules).” (2 Timothy 2:5) God has guidelines and those who ignore or refuse to learn them are doomed (Jonah 2:8).

“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:8

God forbid that we get to the end of our lives, which could be today, and discover the horrific truth that we did not truly follow Christ according to His Word but rather other notions, philosophies of mere men, and wolves who misled us!

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalms 127:

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“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” Colossians 4:12-13

One source notes:

“Epaphras’ prayer is a powerful New Testament model of intercession found in Colossians 4:12. As the founder of the church in Colossae, Epaphras is described by the Apostle Paul as “wrestling” or “laboring earnestly” in prayer so that his congregation would stand mature, firm, and fully assured in the will of God.”

Jesus Heals the Paralytic Man who was Dropped Down to Him from the Roof

Mark 2

“1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:1-12

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“O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. 16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: Jeremiah 15:15-16

Dwelling “in the secret place of the most High”

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalms 91:1-2

“In the secret place of the Most High – Spoken probably in reference to the Holy of holies. He who enters legitimately there shall be covered with the cloud of God’s glory – the protection of the all-sufficient God. This was the privilege of the high priest only, under the law: but under the new covenant all believers in Christ have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus; and those who thus enter are safe from every evil.” Adam Clarke

“[Psalms] 91:1, 2 Jesus is the One who in a preeminent way dwelt in the secret place of the Most High, and abode under the shadow of the Almighty. There never was a life like His. He lived in absolute, unbroken fellowship with God, His Father. He never acted in self-will but did only those things that the Father directed. Though He was perfect God, He was also perfect Man, and He lived His life on earth in utter and complete dependence on God. Without equivocation He could look up and say, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him I will trust.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

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It’s “ungodly men” who mislead the gullible with the eternal security heresy, and the heretical doctrines and system of calvinism. Jude warned us of just that, as did the prophets (Jude 3-4; Jeremiah 23:17, etc.). Then Jude reminds us of God’s judgment upon His own covenant people who were saved out of Egypt (the world) and then “afterward destroyed.” Then Jude reminds us that God judged the angels, a third of them, who rebelled against Him and were terminated from His domain, Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-12, etc.).

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Jude 4-6

The Book of Jude

Greeting

1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Judgment on False Teachers

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

A Call to Persevere

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Doxology

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

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