Erica and Pastor Jesse have the Super Bowl on the table, discussing how both teams have quarterbacks who are believers. It takes courage to share your faith publicly. These guys are seen as warriors on the field and yet they’re saying they need God’s help. They play for God. They pray to God. And that right there reminds us that all of us, where we live, work, learn, or play, can be bold in our faith. We can have courage.
Take a listen for a fresh perspective!
What is Faith Filter? We take what’s on our minds, what’s percolating in our hearts, and what’s happening in the world… and put it through the filter of our faith… everything we believe and what God Word says about it!
Guest: Pastor Jesse from Grace Community Church in Auburn/ Host of the Bonfire podcast on Purposely, AND author of the brand new book, The Power Of The Second Thought, How To Live With Indestructible Hope!
Do you have a question about faith that you’d love Pastor Jesse and Erica to talk about on the radio? Connect with Erica at Mornings@SPIRIT1053.com!
Need Prayer? Leave your requests here.
TRANSCRIPTION:
Erica:
We like taking what’s happening in the world and putting it through the filter of God’s Word. It’s Faith Filter. I’m Erica with Pastor Jesse from Grace Community Church in Auburn. He’s also the host of the epic podcast, Bonfire. Hey Pastor Jesse, you getting ready for the big game?
Pastor Jesse:
Who isn’t right? It’s exciting. I think the whole world’s going to watch. Well, it feels like that, but a lot of eyes. A lot of eyes on the players.
Erica:
Alright, who are you pulling for?
Pastor Jesse:
Well, because I lived near San Francisco, I think I’m going to go for them, but honestly I’m just going to have a good time watching the game.
Erica:
Isn’t it so true and all the snacks. Well, Pastor Jesse, I have kind of a funny question for you this week. I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Both quarterbacks are believers. So, what happens when both teams and all their fans pray for a win? I mean, it’s kind of silly, but it’s a legit question I’ve asked myself.
Pastor Jesse:
It happens all the time in sports, doesn’t it? And when you think about those two quarterbacks, we said the world’s watching. That’s the key position in football. And you have Brock Purdy for the 49ers who’s been talking about how his identity is not in football. It’s in Jesus. And then you have Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs who’s considered maybe the greatest or one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. And he’s saying he’s growing in his faith a lot, the last couple years. And he knows now his purpose on the field is to glorify God. So, it takes courage to share your faith publicly. And these guys are seen as warriors and yet they’re saying they need God’s help, they play for God. And that right there reminds us that all of us where we live, work, learn, or play can be bold in our faith, can have courage.
And I love your question. It’s so practical. It’s like, who’s going to win and which team is God’s for? Because we’re both praying to God for a victory. And I think sometimes we have to have this paradigm shift where it’s minors and majors. And for us, the major, when we’re playing a game, is we want to win. But that’s actually a minor. And the major is character and the major is relationships. And the major is walking with God. Purpose, glorify God. Even when you lose a game, you can glorify God by how you respond or your sportsmanship. And so in sports, it’s easy to flip the majors and the minors and sometimes in life like that too. But there’s a Bible passage in Joshua five where Joshua says to this commander, army of the Lord, who are you for us? Are our enemies? And he says, no, the Lord’s army. And it’s kind of like we spend a lot of time trying to get God on our side. And I think in life instead, if we focus on thy will be done, thy kingdom… God, what are you doing? And then I’m going to trust you with the results, whatever that looks like. And that shift right there is powerful.
Erica:
It really is. And I feel like the ultimate end to an answer to prayer is getting close to God, whether it’s yes, no, or wait. That’s what happens. And one of the things I love about Patrick Mahomes is that before the game, like a couple hours before, he will kneel down and pray to God. And it shows that he is in relationship with him. He’s trusting him for whatever the outcome is of the game. And he’s being an example.
Pastor Jesse:
Absolutely. Prayer is a posture we can take that we humble ourselves before God. And when you see these football players after the game, they’re on the field praying together, different teams coming together. It’s a powerful inspiring image. Before the games teams have chaplains. Why? Because the teams know the players are more than just physical athletes or the intellectual aspect of the game, like caring about the people and their soul. And you have in the stadium, there’ll be John 3:16 people hold that up. Or God still loved the world. He gave his learn only son whoever believes in him, well not parish, but have eternal life. It’s like God is putting all these different clues and people all around. The interviews after the game, listen to those. You’ll see guys wearing a cross around their neck or on their face. They’ll have a cross painted there or on their tape. And it just all these things pointing to God. And it’s a reminder for us, don’t buy into the narrative of hopelessness or you’re all alone. It’s like, no, Patrick Mahomes needs God. We need God. God’s here, God’s good. And there’s a story within the story and ultimately it’s God’s story and it’s a story of victory and it’s a story that it’s unstoppable.
Erica:
Indeed. And you know what? Both of these quarterbacks have already won. The way that they’re living their lives, they are winning. So made the best team win. But look, they got it made already.
Pastor Jesse:
That’s true. That’s right. And may we all run our race. The Bible says we’re all like athletes. Running a race for God and his strength. And so run that race. Eyes on Jesus. Be faithful and trust God with the results.
Erica:
You’re the best Pastor Jesse, enjoy the game. Happy snacking!
Pastor Jesse:
We sure will. Thanks so much Erica.
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