Game Changer

With so much politics and political drama going on, did anyone even notice the Cubs are in the National League Championship Series?  Whaaaaaaa?  That’s right, the Cubs–the Billy-goat-cursed Cubs.  The Cubs play the Dodgers starting tomorrow and are four games away from the 2016 World Series.  I would bet my fifth-born child that Chicago churches will be filled this weekend with Cubs fanatics doing everything possible to bring a World Series title back to Chi-Town.  They’ve waited patiently since 1908.

I don’t watch a lot of baseball throughout the season, but I do like the post-season.  I like when baseball sports drama unfolds on cool, crisp October nights.  Every year there is a game-changer.  In 2003, Steve Bartman was a game-changer for the Cubs.

Bartman didn’t even play baseball.  He was an ill-fated fan.  The Cubs were up three games to two in the National League Championship Series – with a 3-0 lead in the eighth inning.  Six more scorelesss at-bats for the Florida Marlins, and the Cubs would be in the World Series for the first time in 58 years.

But Steve Bartman leaned into a long fly ball and tried to catch it over the right field fence.  Cubs outfielder, Moises Alou, was also trying to catch the ball for a critical out.  Bartman’s interference kept Alou from making the play.  It was a game-changer.  From that point on, the Florida Marlins went on to score eight runs and eventually to win games six and seven for the series.  Bartman needed a police escort to leave the stadium, has received death threats, and will not use Facebook for obvious reasons.  Cubs fans still hate Bartman and the alleged curse dogging the Chicago Cubs for years.

Game-changer.

Jesus is a game-changer.  He changed our game of trying to earn and work and deserve a place in heaven.  He saved us from ourselves.  He changed the game from our “doing” to his all-sufficient work of being “done” on the cross.  Game-changer.  It’s the good news of the Gospel.

Because Jesus is our Game-changer, our lives and churches should also reflect being game-changers instead of playing religious games.

On Sunday, we’re unpacking a big, new, bold vision for Cumberland.  It’s a game-changer.  Our text will be Colossians 2:8-9.  God has given our church much and is also requiring much of us.  This is a God-sized vision, and I trust you’ll come ready to receive, pray, and move forward.  I also covet your prayers as I deliver this game-changing message.

God’s story at Cumberland for 30 years has been a great one.  The story continues.  We will turn the page and have the great privilege of God using us as a game-changer moving into a great adventure.

I’m excited to teach this Sunday.  I’ll see you at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.  Please bring a friend.  They will be blown away at how a church is working to BE the church.

Blessings!

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