August 10, 2020

“You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

As coach of the Chicago Bulls Johnny Kerr had lost seven games in a row, and decided to give his players a pep talk before the next game, which was with the Boston Celtics. He told one of his players to pretend he was the best scorer in basketball. He spoke to another and asked him to pretend he was the best defensive player in the league. Another was told to pretend he could run the team’s offense better than anyone else; and so on. The Bulls lost the game by seventeen points. In the locker room afterwards, a player approached Kerr and said, “Don’t worry about it, coach. Just pretend we won.”

Jesus spoke to people who were proud of their religious heritage. After all, they were physical children of Abraham. But they did not resemble their forefather. He was a man of faith in the Lord. He trusted the promises of God and followed Him faithfully (Genesis 15:6). These people did not believe God and rejected Jesus. As such, they followed their father who happened to be Satan. They were pretenders to salvation because they believed their father’s lies.

The devil lies about God because he would be God. He wants the worship. He hates the Lord Jesus Christ and the Cross. The resurrection is the nail in Satan’s coffin. This Enemy lies to people and helps them to pretend that they are right with God. That they can trust their own good works or their church membership. Or depend upon their baptism and church attendance. Sadly, many people will realize only too late that they were just pretending. They didn’t have real, saving faith (Matthew 7:21-23).

Loved one, is your relationship to Jesus Christ a glorious reality? Or is it a grand delusion? Are you saved and know you are going to heaven when you check out of here? Have you believed the promises of God? Are you living in repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ? Maybe in a game you can just pretend. But not when it comes to the Game called Life. It is just too important and, yes, the winner takes all!

If you some questions please contact me.

Pastor Steve