CHURCH GAMES PT1

TURNING POINT MINISTRIES

BAHAMAS

CHURCH GAMES PT.1

On Friday, August 19, 2005, The Nassau Guardian ran a story in its paper saying, the Bahamas Christian Council will hold the country’s first “Church Games”. The games be consistent of; Baseball, basketball, boxing, cycling, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field and volleyball. Why will the Church be using these games? The church says “Sports is a powerful vehicle”! So, is the Christian Council saying; if we want power, we must turn to sports? Because the bible tells us: For [WE should] not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it [THE GOSPEL] is the POWER of GOD unto salvation to every [Bahamian or Person] that believeth. ROMAN 1:16. The Bahamas Christian Council also said: “The Games are being held in conjunction with The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and it is hoped they will “unite the religious denominations through sports”, and at the “same time address the challenges the country face”. But is it Sports, which is needed “unite the religious denominations”? NO! JESUS told us: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. [Not Sports] JOHN 17:17. If the churches really want to “address the challenges the country face” the bible tells how: "My sons, [my daughters] forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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 3:1-6. But the problem with the church is, the Church doesn’t want the Bible and those who know the Bible won’t Preach it! Today, I would like for you to read two quotes that was written about Sports: “What force of powers is put into your games of football and your other inventions after the way of the Gentiles -- exercises which bless no one! Just put the same powers into exercise in doing useful labor, and would not your record be more pleasing to meet in the great day of God? Whatever is done under the sanctified stimulus of Christian obligation, because you are stewards in trust of talents to use to be a blessing to yourself and to others, gives you substantial satisfaction; for all is done to the glory of God. I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ where He devoted time to play and amusement. He was the great Educator for the present and the future life. I have not been able to find one instance where He educated His disciples to engage in amusement of football or pugilistic [boxing] games, to obtain physical exercise, or in theatrical performances; and yet Christ was our pattern in all things. Christ, the world's Redeemer, gave to every man his work and bids them”… “Occupy till I come”. Fundamentals of Christian Education. October,1923, Pg. 229. “Satan has devised a multitude of ways in which to keep men from serving God. He [Satan] has invented sports and games, into which men enter with such intensity that one would suppose a crown of life was to reward the winner. At the horse races and football matches, which are attended by thousands and thousands of people, lives for which Christ shed His blood are thrown away. What will become of the souls of the men and boys whose lives are thus extinguished? Will they be counted worthy of the redemption which Christ died to secure for them? Looking upon these God-dishonoring scenes, Christ asks, "What is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" The Review and Herald, September 10, 1901, Pg. 5. Now Satan says to the Churches “Let the games begin” and GOD is saying to His Church “let the games...not begin”. Which one will win the Games; GOD or Satan???