SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
Cover
The Football Match of your Life! by Elmer Murdoch
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
FOOTBALL IS A GREAT GAME. In fact, it is played more widely than any other sport in the world. Whether it is little children kicking a rag “ball” around on a dusty street or the lush pitch of professionals, football attracts players of all ages and skills - with crowds of all sizes up to international mega stadiums. The importance of international play cannot be underestimated. A penalty - called or missed can cause a national incident when a World Cup Title is involved.
1
© Copyright 2010
Believe it or not, the football match of your life is even more important. Read on!
1300-FB
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
Everyone in the football match of life is on one of these 5 steps. Each “step” describes a heart attitude toward God and this determines your distance — near or far — from him. Jesus taught this when He said to a man SAVING FAITH seeking truth, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” REPENTANCE Mark 12:34 CONVICTION UNCONCERNED
CONCERNED
What Step are you on?
2
UNCONCERNED
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
You may have heard a lot about Jesus or very little. The point is you have no personal interest in Him at this time. Yes, you are pushing your career, working on physical fitness and caring for some serious, personal relationships. You probably would say, “I don't have time for God.� The football match of life has started and you're sleeping.
3
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
CONCERNED
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
You have handled the ball intentionally and been shown the yellow card. You may have lost a job or a friend, experienced a divorce or are just wondering what life is all about. God is trying to get your attention. 6
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
CONVICTION
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
The referee has shown you the red card because of your violent foul and you know you are guilty. Your sins have to be dealt with now or on the Judgment Day. You cannot run away from them. Your life is not just a 90-minute football match. It is every day, all day. The referee is God. He does not miss any calls. Ever. If you steal, cheat, lie or have sex outside of marriage, it is called sin. It breaks the Ten Commandments. The yellow and red cards are adding up. You are facing a life time ban from the presence and blessings of God. Is there a way out? Yes!
REPENTANCE
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
Decide to repent today by turning from your sins and running your own life. You are on your way to a new “Coach” - Jesus Christ. He takes over every aspect of your training and every area of your life. Jesus said, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:3 The Lord Jesus is waiting with open arms to welcome you. It is your choice. Repent or you'll end up lost forever.
9
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
SAVING FAITH
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
Freedom comes with knowing Jesus Christ has already paid the price for your sins in his death and resurrection. When you believe in the Lord Jesus, you are scoring the eternal goal. Your true purpose in life starts here. You are committing yourself fully to Him and His loving rule and He is free to make any changes in your life that He wants. His blood cleanses you of all your sins at this very point, “...and the blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanses us of all sin.” I John 1:7 “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10: 9 A whole new Life Match begins for you today.
12
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
To come to Saving Faith…
• Confess your sins. Name some — pride, sexual sins, lying, etc. • Tell God you are repenting — forsaking all known sin and self rule. • Tell God you are believing and receiving Jesus Christ as your resurrected Lord and loving Savior. He will forgive and live within you, giving you His new life. Your commitment may have been with or without emotions, but your heart choice stays the same and this is essential. PRAY AND ASK HIM TO SAVE YOU NOW. Then, thank Him for becoming His child. Galatians 4:6 13
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
Four reasons you can know you are saved:
1 2 3 4
Because He gave His promise. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I John 5:13
You trust in Christ and His sacrificial death. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace…” Ephesians 1:7 You’ve given Jesus the right to run your life. “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him…” Colossians 2:6 God has put His Spirit in your spirit with assurance you are His. “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children…” Romans 8:16
14
SUTL Football Booklet PrtrVersion
5/5/10
Back Cover
NEW LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS! Here are some differences you will begin to see in your life.
1. A desire to know the Bible. I Peter 2:2 2. A desire to obey Jesus Christ. John 14:15 3. Distress over sin. You can no longer enjoy sinning. II Timothy 2:19 4. Concern for the lost--those who have not yet repented and do not know God personally. II Peter 3:9 For further help contact:
Contact us for teaching/study and children’s material, CDs, DVDs or various language tract versions.
ÂŽ
Step Up to Life Ministries
20301 Wirt Street Elkhorn, NE 68022, U.S.A. (402) 933-4095 www.stepuptolife.com