As a kid, I had an opportunity to play football for the Richton Park Raiders. It was our entire team’s goal to get to the end zone. Just as it is the theme of today, the purpose of this message, and the purpose of our lives is to reach The God Zone. What is the God Zone? The God Zone is God’s special place for us- Heaven.
Just as a coach prepares a playbook, a game plan, and assigns a captain or quarterback to lead the team. God has provided us with a playbook (the Bible), a game plan (to be overcome), and a great captain and quarterback….JESUS.
As it is with football, the purpose is to reach the end zone. For Christians, it should be our purpose to reach heaven. Because we serve a wonderful captain, Jesus provides us the way to score.
Jesus will only draft those players who can be a winner on His team. Let’s look at Matthew 5:3-11.
Jesus’ draft picks will:
Be poor and realize a need for him
Mourn
Be Humble
Hunger and thirst for justice
Okay, now we are in the red zone, where getting to the end zone is the hardest. We must be:
Merciful
Pure hearts
Work for peace
Be persecuted for doing right
Mocked, persecuted, lied about, and have all sorts of evil things said against us
These traits that Jesus spoke about seem almost impossible, but only when we try in our own strength. If we hold on to the promises of God, that we are more than conquerors and all things are possible. No matter how hard something seems Jesus will always provide a way to do it!
If we are poor and realize a need for him, the Kingdom of Heaven is ours.
When we mourn we will be comforted.
When we are humble, we inherit the entire earth.
When we hunger and thirst for justice, we will be satisfied.
When we are merciful, we will be shown mercy.
When our hearts are pure, we will see God.
When we work for peace, we will be called the children of God.
When we are persecuted for doing right, the Kingdom of Heaven will be ours.
Even when we are mocked, persecuted, lied about, and talked about.
God has the final play!
Alright… get ready to do your touch moves!
For Jesus declares in verse 12, Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
TOUCH DOWN! My good and faithful servant!
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