Sports betting has grown exponentially since its widespread legalization across the United States. According to research by Statista, the online sports betting market is expected to achieve $9.65 billion in revenue this year and the number of users in the market is projected to reach 52 million people by 2028. As sports betting increases in popularity, Christians who are working in sports or simply fans of sports are faced with the question, “Should I be involved in sports betting as a follower of Jesus?” In this blog, we will look to God’s eternally perfect Word to provide an answer to this question and help guide professionals to make a God-honoring decision regarding this difficult topic. Contentment The Scriptures do not specifically mention gambling in the way that we know it in the 21st century. However, there are a plethora of verses that help guide us in spending money, which can be applied to gambling. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul teaches on contentment. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Contentment is a theme throughout Paul's teachings. His most famous teaching on contentment is found in Philippians 4:12-13, in which he states that he has learned to be content in every situation, being strengthened by Christ to endure all things. Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 applies a similar principle: the Christian must learn and practice contentment. It is obvious that the goal of sports betting, or any form of gambling, is to increase wealth. You place a bet in hopes that your return will be higher than your investment. The question that the Christian must ask is, why am I engaging in sports betting? If we apply Paul’s teaching to our lives, we can conclude that our goal should be to live in a constant state of contentment for what the Lord has provided us with. Verse 6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” While the goal for those who engage in sports betting is to receive financial gains, the goal of the Christian should be contentment for all that the Lord has provided us with. Paul states in verse 8, “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Our contentment honors the Lord because it displays faith in His provision with no extracurricular efforts of our own. Furthermore, contentment displays to non-Christians the great joy and satisfaction of a relationship with Christ. The Root of All Evil In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul teaches, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Paul provides a clear warning for those who desire to become wealthy. A love for money is a trap and temptation that leads to ruin. Furthermore, Paul warns that an eagerness for money has caused people to wander from faith in Christ and become pierced with many griefs. In light of this warning, the Christian should be cautious in their approach to sports betting. Does the euphoria of sports betting cause me to fall into the trap that Paul speaks of? Does my love for sports betting cause me to wander from my allegiance to Christ? Does my love for sports betting lead me into sinful behaviors that will not only hurt myself but others? Followers of Christ should heed Paul’s warning in 1 Timothy 6. Desires for monetary wealth conflict with our allegiance to Christ and lead us into an idolatry that will never satisfy but rather lead us into harmful desires and many griefs. When considering sports betting, Christians should consider Paul’s warning, as well as recognize that the love of money is the root of all evil. Stewardship Psalm 24:1 reminds us that everything on the earth belongs to the Lord, including our finances. Therefore, it is a responsibility for the Christian to be a good steward of the finances that God provides. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” As followers of Christ, we acknowledge that He is the Lord over our lives. He is our Master in everything, including being the Master of our wallets. If that is the case, then the manner in which we use our finances should reflect devotion to the Lord and His purposes in the world. The simple question we should be asking ourselves as Christians in relation to sports betting and financial stewardship is, “How does placing bets on sporting events benefit the kingdom of God?” If we are honest, sports betting does not advance or serve God’s kingdom and purposes in the world. Considering our responsibility to be good stewards of our finances, Christians must submit their spending to the Lord and allow Him to be the Master over their finances. In doing this, our spending will become eternally focused and responsible, honoring the Lord and the gift of finances that He has provided us with. Conclusion Sports betting has gained immense popularity as of late, and its impact is sweeping the sport industry for better or worse. As Christians, our foremost mission should be to honor the Lord Jesus in our actions. Considering sports betting, our desire should be to have contentment in the finances that God has provided us with, to avoid the temptation and danger of desiring money, and to be faithful stewards of the earthly riches that God has provided us with. Be encouraged that God has called us to live righteously before Him for His glory and to do so in every area of our lives, including sports betting. If you struggle in this area, do not be discouraged! The Scriptures are clear that there is grace for every believer who falls short of God’s glorious standard (Hebrews 4:14-16). Approach His throne of grace with confidence and a desire to live righteous lives before Him. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

The NBA All-Star Weekend is an annual event that brings basketball fans and players together to celebrate the best the sport has to offer. While the focus is primarily on the players and the games they play, there is a group of individuals who work behind the scenes to provide faith-based support and guidance to the athletes during this high-intensity event - the Professional Basketball Chaplains (PBC). Uncommon Sports Group had the privilege of coming alongside these Chaplains while they served not only the NBA but the city of Indianapolis as well. It was an honor for USG to help this service-minded group while they set out on a mission to share how much Jesus loves us all and how that message can be shared, regardless of the logo on your shirt. The weekend kicked off with the NBA All-Star Weekend Gospel Celebration hosted by the Madam Walker Legacy Center. It featured gospel artists Dante Brown, Koryn Hawthron, Kelonte Gavin, and an outstanding session by Angella Christie on the saxophone. This event centered around honoring God and included testimonies from Oscar Tshiebwe from the Indiana Pacers, locals Kyra and Mike Epps and Andre Iguodala, and mother Linda Shanklin on how their belief and the persistent pursuit of a relationship with God has been vital throughout their many achievements.. It was an inspiring night knowing that the NBA has so much more to offer than the game of basketball. Taking time to serve the NBA All-Star Game host city of Indianapolis through various outreach efforts was a priority for the NBA Chaplains and its partners..  This included visiting three blocks of inmates at the Marion County Jail alongside the Fathers & Men of Professional Basketball Players. These visits were marked by time in prayer and testimonies of encouragement and hope. Uncommon Sports Group's service time with the NBA Chaplains included a free laundry and gear distribution event. We aided many community members in covering the costs of their laundry while providing some inspiration and conversation during their time at the facility. The time spent in between loads of laundry and sharing life experiences with locals who were able to brave the six inches of snowfall was an encouraging experience for everyone involved. We were also able to hand out over 100 lbs of apparel that we’ve collected through our Clean Out For A Cause (COFAC) program. Thanks to our generous Clean Out For A Cause supporters and our hosts at Laundry and Tan Connections, we distributed over 100 pounds of apparel to individuals in need. On the penultimate day of All-Star Weekend, we continued celebrating what the Lord is doing in the NBA while attending the Athletes In Action All-Star Breakfast and the PBC Chaplains Luncheon. Both of these events honored past and present members of the NBA community for their faithfulness in honoring the Lord while serving their communities.  These events featured great testimonies from NBA legends like Jerry Colangelo and Bobby Jones, as well as current athletes like Cody Zeller and Oscar Tshiebwe. The 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis is just a glimpse of the invaluable work performed by the Professional Basketball Chaplains. Through their dedication, the chaplains provide an essential foundation of faith, support, and inspiration to the NBA players during one of the most exciting events of the basketball season. Their presence and contributions not only impact the players' performance on the court but also foster an environment of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Uncommon Sports Group is thankful for the opportunity to come alongside these unsung heroes and be a part of such an inspiring weekend. If you'd like to know more about Clean Out for a Cause of the community of Uncommon Sports Group, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you!

On the weekend of February 14-16, Uncommon Sports Group hosted ten USG Academy participants in Dallas, TX, for an Impact Weekend! USG offers a fully-funded Impact Weekend for every individual who completes the eight-week virtual USG Academy. These weekends allow Academy graduates to put what they have learned in the virtual Academy into action, such as networking with present leaders of the college and pro sport industry, fellowshipping with other Christians in sports, and being challenged to grow in their walks with Christ. Read a full recap of our latest Impact Weekend to Dallas here. One of our participants during the Impact Weekend, Laura Leist, is presently working with NBC Sports Next in Minneapolis and coaching soccer with Twin Cities Rush. Below is a testimony of her experience during the Impact Weekend: "I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Dallas Impact Weekend in February 2024. I just want to thank USG for facilitating this weekend for us and working hard behind the scenes to set up the itinerary, figure out logistics, and being gracious hosts while we were in Dallas. We were able to experience a great mix of collegiate and professional athletic spaces and network with other USG members in the Dallas area at our Friday night networking event. We also served with a local non-profit, and that was a highlight for me! We had a Bible study, a short message that USG leaders prepared for us, and a strengths session. We ended our weekend by attending a Sunday morning church service, which was a great way to end our time together. My experience with USG thus far has been great. I think the best part of the program for me has been the career development and networking aspects. We met people who were a few steps ahead of us or a couple of miles ahead of us in their careers and who were able to give us advice, encouragement, and challenge us. Everything we do is through a faith-based lens, which has been really cool to experience the sports world with like-minded believers. In my own experience, it’s a difficult space to be in as a follower of Jesus at times. However, it’s also an incredible opportunity and privilege. I think some people are called to become pastors, worship leaders, theologians, or missionaries and they will make a huge impact for the kingdom of God. I also know there are people who will never step foot into a church setting, but we get to meet them on the field, the court, the rink and introduce them to the love of God. I get emotional talking about it because I have seen lives changed through sports. It’s an incredibly powerful tool to build relationships, and when you build those relationships and that trust, your relationship with the Lord and the joy and love He has for you and those He’s intentionally put you around is going to make an impact. I think the biggest takeaway from this weekend was the stories of life change that people working in sports have seen happen because of their obedience to go where God’s called them and living out their faith authentically. If anyone is on the fence about joining USG, I say do it! The community USG has built is a great resource, and having a massive group of people rally around you as you continue your career in sports is so rare and special." Seeing how God used this Impact Weekend to challenge, encourage, and grow the participants in their faith and careers was so encouraging. We are grateful to Laura for her testimony and commitment to serving Christ through the sport industry. If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can come alongside you as a Christian in the sport industry, click here to contact us or click here to see how you can get involved in our community.

What does it look like to implement a Christ-centered coaching philosophy? In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, the volleyball head coach at the University of Northwestern St. Paul, Beth Wilmeth, discusses her coaching journey and how she has worked to implement a coaching philosophy that both honors Christ and produces results. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here!

In the tapestry of faith, there are threads of prayer—moments where our hearts pour out to God, seeking His guidance, intervention, and provision. As Christians, we are encouraged to bring our requests before the Lord with faith and persistence, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. Yet, amidst our fervent prayers, there are times when we are met with silence, and our petitions seem to echo back unanswered. The experience of unanswered prayers is a universal aspect of the Christian journey, one that has been grappled with by believers throughout history. It's a paradox that challenges our understanding of God's character and His ways. How do we reconcile the tension between our heartfelt prayers and the apparent silence of heaven? The Reality of Unanswered Prayers For many of us, the experience of unanswered prayers can be disheartening and perplexing. We may wrestle with doubt, questioning whether God hears us or if He truly cares about our concerns. In moments of desperation, we may plead for answers, searching for reasons behind the silence that seems to envelop our prayers. Finding Comfort in Scripture In times of uncertainty and unanswered prayers, we find solace and guidance in the timeless truths of Scripture. The Bible is replete with accounts of faithful men and women who experienced seasons of unanswered prayers. From the lamentations of the psalmists to the cries of prophets and the struggles of Job, we see real life examples of human emotion and spiritual longing. One of the most poignant examples is found in the life of Jesus Himself, as He prayed fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking for the cup of suffering to be taken from Him. Yet, in submission to the Father's will, Jesus ultimately surrendered His own desires, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Trusting in God's Sovereignty At the heart of wrestling with unanswered prayers lies a foundational truth: the sovereignty of God. While we may not always understand His purposes or timing, we trust that He is working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Our finite understanding is limited, but His ways are higher, and His thoughts are beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9). In the midst of unanswered prayers, we are invited to relinquish control and surrender to God's perfect will. It's a posture of faith that acknowledges His wisdom and goodness, even when our circumstances may suggest otherwise. As we yield our hearts to Him, we find peace in knowing that He is always with us, walking alongside us in every trial and uncertainty. Embracing a Spirit of Persistence and Hope While unanswered prayers may test our faith, they also invite us to persevere with hope and trust. We are encouraged to continue seeking God earnestly, knowing that He hears the cries of His children and that His timing is perfect. In the waiting, we are called to draw near to Him, finding strength and comfort in His presence. As we journey through seasons of unanswered prayers, may we cling to the promises of Scripture, trusting in God's faithfulness and resting in His unfailing love. Though the road may be fraught with uncertainty, we walk by faith, confident that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). In the struggle of dealing with unanswered prayers, may we discover the beauty of faith refined, the strength of perseverance, and the unwavering hope that anchors our souls in Christ. For in Him, even amidst the silence, we find the assurance of His presence and the promise of His unfailing love. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

An often forgotten member of college and professional sports teams is the mascots. While they are often an integral part of the marketing of university and professional sports teams, the positive impact of mascots is not clearly seen. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, Assistant Director of Digital Content Strategy and handler of Butler University's live mascot, Evan Krauss, discusses the impact that Butler's Bulldog mascot "Blue" has had on athletics, how he got involved in Butler's live mascot program, and much more! A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here!

Anyone involved in sports is well aware that where we fix our eyes changes everything. “Keep your eye on the ball!” is perhaps the first phrase anyone playing sports has engrained into their head. Whether it’s trying to hit a ball or catch it, the most foundational element we learn is to keep our eyes on it. It’s funny how this seemingly simple instruction is easier said than done. It’s often not necessarily because we don’t trust our coaches, but because we can become quickly distracted by the things happening around us, or thoughts about what we will do next once we catch the pass or make the hit. In Hebrews 12, God provides us with a similar charge to this foundational piece of sports advice. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ Notice the crucial words in the middle of this passage - “looking to Jesus.” Followers of Christ are called to fix their eyes upon Him. Amidst the busyness and uncertainty that constantly surrounds us, God is the steady horizon providing peace. In the words of Corrie Ten Boom, “If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” Unfortunately, just like the principle in sports, this is often easier said than done. We are prone to wander and find ourselves fixing our eyes elsewhere. Later in this passage in Hebrews 12, the author warns of how things like bitterness and sexual immorality can lead us astray. We are idol-making factories who must continuously assess where we are fixing our eyes. Two areas that have been most impactful in helping me fix my eyes back on Jesus are remembering my salvation and my purpose. 1. My salvation. Even after accepting Jesus as Lord and acknowledging that it’s only by God’s grace we are saved, we can still become like the “foolish Galatians” and quickly find ourselves forgetting that we are only saved by God’s grace, not any of our own works or good deeds. Let us remember that we were once dead in our trespasses. There is nothing a dead person can do to save themself. It’s only by God’s grace that we have been raised to new life in Him. Jesus alone is our Savior, not ourselves or anyone else. 2. My purpose. The many pleasures and instant gratification all around us can make it easy to fall into believing that life is about us, and “our” kingdom. Instead of satisfying us however, a life focused on ourselves ultimately leaves us further and further away from the purpose for which we have been created. Followers of Jesus are invited to leave behind our self seeking pursuits that will always leave us wanting, and now live for a much higher calling of living for God’s glory. Where are you fixing your eyes? Our answer to this question changes everything, and our Salvation and our Purpose can only be found in our Creator & Savior, Jesus. Therefore, let us join David in his declaration in Psalm 16:8, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

On the weekend of February 14-16, Uncommon Sports Group hosted ten USG Academy participants in Dallas, TX, for an Impact Weekend! USG offers a fully-funded Impact Weekend for every individual who completes the eight-week virtual USG Academy. These weekends allow Academy graduates to put what they have learned in the virtual Academy into action, such as networking with present leaders of the college and pro sport industry, fellowshipping with other Christians in sports, and being challenged to grow in their walks with Christ. Read a full recap of our latest Impact Weekend to Dallas here. One of our participants during the Impact Weekend, Braden Holcomb, is presently working as a Graduate Assistant for Athletic Facilities & Operations at the University of Alabama. Below is a testimony of his experience during the Impact Weekend: "Over the past weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in a USG Impact Weekend in the city of Dallas, Texas. The weekend was a unique blend of learning, networking, and spiritual growth amongst Jesus-loving sports professionals from all over the United States. From the time I landed in Dallas, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, and I couldn’t wait to see what God had in store. USG put together an awesome agenda featuring tours and speakers from UT Dallas, Dallas Baptist University, and the Dallas Cowboys. We also participated in small groups, a community service project, and networking sessions aimed at empowering attendees to make a positive impact in the sport industry while staying grounded in their faith. One of the highlights of the weekend was the chance to hear from the Athletics staff at Dallas Baptist University. Ryon Phillips and Riley Unger shared personal testimonies and insights into DBU Athletics discipleship. Their stories were inspiring as they spoke about striving for the prize of Christ in our personal walks with Jesus, the importance of discipleship within a team and organization, and the role that faith has played in the DBU Athletic Department. Beyond the professional development aspect, what truly made this weekend special was the sense of community and fellowship that was built between the members attending. Whether it was during meals, on-site tours, or casual networking, I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for sports and my commitment to living out my faith in a meaningful way. The connections and friendships that were made gave me encouragement and support as I navigate my own journey. As I reflect on my experience in Dallas, I am reminded of the importance of staying true to my values and convictions, even in the face of adversity. The lessons I learned, and the connections I made have equipped me with the tools and inspiration to pursue my career with courage and faith. Moving forward, I intend to apply these principles in both my personal and professional life, understanding that true success is not measured by accolades or achievements but by our impact on others through the love of Jesus." Seeing how God used this Impact Weekend to challenge, encourage, and grow the participants in their faith and careers was so encouraging. We are grateful to Braden for his testimony and commitment to serving Christ through the sport industry. If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can come alongside you as a Christian in the sport industry, click here to contact us or click here to see how you can get involved in our community.

1 Samuel 12:16 "Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes" First of all, I would do anything to be back in Ghana with those kids and grow closer to God every second of the day. I'm happy I walked into this trip with no expectations. There is no possible way I could have expected the things I have seen, experienced, and felt. I now see and live life much differently and I can say that I have never thought this trip would change me the way that it has. My experience in Ghana has and forever will change my life in so many wonderful ways. I also can say that I have experienced a much greater culture shock from landing back in the States than what I experienced when I landed in Accra. We have it so well here, even if some believe they do not. I can't help but feel now as if I need to do everything I possibly can to show all my respect, love, and gratefulness and just show positive energy everywhere I go. Thankfully, this trip has brought me out of my comfort zone. I could not be more thankful for that. I have grown in so many ways. I honestly never thought I could have the power and confidence to feel the way that I do now. All glory goes to God for letting me experience something as wonderful as this and all the other MOAM missionaries. Simply leading for three days has proven to me that I can do everything if I set my mind to it and have Him by my side. I have never felt so much in such a short amount of time. I can promise you that I will never forget the moments, memories, and about every second of this trip. I'm really blown away by how these young kids know the Bible inside and out. It's really inspiring. They transform their whole life around Him. I've been home for a week now and I still cannot put into words the feeling of having the opportunity to attend their nightly devotions in the cottages. I wish this were something every single person could experience. What God can do is so amazing. With every cottage I attended, the second they started to sing the Hymns, I instantly got goosebumps. Every single time. It was so beautiful; their harmony, their contagious smiles shone while singing, and just the love they showed each other during that time was so admiring. Those nights will never leave my heart. I wish I could attend just one more. The excitement, joy, and eagerness they had to learn new things was so fun to watch. Especially in baseball, the kids were so scared of the ball at first, but by the end of the day, they were all making bets on who could hit a home run first. They also loved to play dodgeball, which was very interesting to see them work together as a team and strategize every ball being thrown so they could get someone out every time. Though they learned new things, even with the sports they already knew how to play, they showed their willingness and excitement to do their best throughout the time. And when I say excitement, it was something I have never experienced here in the States. They are so appreciative. These kids really showed us a whole different level of excitement. The ones in Ghana impacted my life more than what I could ever ask for. I have learned what really matters in life. Though they have nothing, they showed and gave us everything. They showed so much simplicity and didn't rush anything; I'm bringing and keeping this home with me. I'm forever going to be thankful and will realize that I can accomplish anything if I trust in Him. God is so good. Learn more about the USG Academy, Impact Weekends, or membership! If you have any questions, contact a USG staff member here!

Every Christian reading this would agree that the teachings of Jesus are difficult to understand. His wisdom, being the God of Creation, is far beyond our own understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). In this blog series, we will unpack some of the most difficult teachings from Jesus, which come from Matthew 5-7 in the illustrious Sermon on the Mount. Each blog will touch on a different teaching from Jesus within His most famous sermon in an effort to help you apply His teachings to your life as a Christian working in the sport industry. In our final blog of the Sermon on the Mount series, we’ll help you better understand and apply Jesus’ teachings on the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-29. The House on the Rock In Matthew 7:24-25 Jesus says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Solomon writes in Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” A core doctrine of the Christian faith is the Incarnation, which is the belief that God took human form in the body of Christ. Jesus was both fully divine while He was on earth and fully human. So, knowing that Jesus is the second person on the triune God and knowing what Solomon wrote about wisdom, we can conclude that the teachings given to us by Jesus are truly wise and are filled with knowledge and understanding. Jesus’ wisdom surpasses the wisdom of any regular pastor, ministry leader, etc. His wisdom is divine, eternal, and the exact imprint of the character, nature, and will of God the Father (Hebrews 1:3). Therefore, Jesus is teaching in this final portion of His sermon on the mount that His teaching is exclusively wise, and no other teaching will last. As followers of Jesus, we have committed ourselves to building our proverbial house on the rock. But how can we practically live this out? Jesus tells us in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” The most practical way that we can build our proverbial house on the rock is by loving Jesus, and this is done simply by growing in our relationship with Him. As we grow in our personal relationship with Christ and the more we love Him, the more that we desire to put into practice the teachings of Jesus and build our house on the rock. The House on the Sand In Matthew 7:26-27 Jesus says, “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Luke 9:28-36 records the account of the transfiguration of Jesus. In this account, Jesus went up to a mountain with Peter, John, and James to pray. While He was in prayer, Jesus was transfigured into His divine Glory (Luke 9:29). While Jesus was transfigured, He was talking with Moses and Elijah about His coming death on the cross and resurrection (Luke 9:30-31). Towards the end of this account, a cloud appeared and covered the group on the mountain and God the Father spoke from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” The transfiguration is a powerful reminder of the authority that the teaching of Jesus carries. He is not simply a prophet, as Moses and Elijah both were, but He is the divine Son of God. Furthermore, God the Father instructed the disciples to listen to Jesus, because He was His Son, the one whom He had chosen. This authority that Jesus carries is what leads Him to teach in Matthew 7:26-27 that anyone who does not obey His teaching will have a house that is built on the sand, which will be destroyed. Jesus’ teaching is not simply wise moral instruction, or practical steps to living a better life. The teaching of Jesus is instruction directly from the mouth of God. Jesus says in John 12:49, “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.” The words of Jesus are the words of God, and because that is true, anyone who opposes His teaching will not withstand the storms of life because their own lives are not built on the solid foundation, which is only found in Christ. Conclusion Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught a number of encouraging, challenging, and radical things to His audience. It is clear to us and was clear to those listening that His teaching was different from the typical human teacher and more authoritative. The Sermon on the Mount closes in Matthew 7:28-29 saying, “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” Jesus is the Son of God, the exact image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Therefore, His teaching is authoritative above all else and as His followers, we must build every category of our lives upon it. For those that choose to do so, they will be unshakeable when the storms of life inevitably hit. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Every Christian reading this would agree that the teachings of Jesus are difficult to understand. His wisdom, being the God of Creation, is far beyond our own understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). In this blog series, we will unpack some of the most difficult teachings from Jesus which come from Matthew 5-7 in the illustrious Sermon on the Mount. Each blog will touch on a different teaching from Jesus within His most famous sermon, in an effort to help you apply His teachings to your life as a Christian working in the sport industry. In our thirteenth blog of the Sermon on the Mount series, we’ll help you better understand and apply Jesus’ teachings on true and false prophets and true and false disciples in Matthew 7:15-23. True and False Prophets In Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus teaches His audience about true and false prophets. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” The first thing to address is the role of a prophet. Most people when defining the role of a prophet would say that it primarily is predicting the future. While this is certainly a role that most Biblical prophets play, it is not all that the role encompasses. In the most general sense, a prophet is a person that speaks God’s truth to others. The English word “prophet” comes from the Greek word prophetes which means “one who speaks forth” or “advocate.” So, when Jesus is addressing true and false prophets He is addressing anyone who is in a role that involves speaking the truth of God to other people. Jesus clearly teaches in this passage that there are and will be prophets that do not teach the truth of God, but rather are misguided in their teaching. In the previous Sermon on the Mount blog, we broke down Jesus’ teaching on the wide and narrow gates. Taking this context into consideration, Jesus is making it clear that there are prophets that lead people down the narrow road and others that mislead people down the broad road. As followers of Christ, how do we differentiate between a true prophet of God and a false prophet? Jesus defines criteria of true and false disciples very clearly in this passage. In verses 16-18, Jesus teaches that true and false prophets will be recognized by their fruit. Obviously, Jesus is using fruit as a metaphor for the actions and results of prophets. By the fruit of these prophets, you will recognize them as either true or false. Based on the criteria that Jesus has provided us with, when we consider the teaching of a pastor, mentor, or any leader in our life we should carefully examine three things to determine whether or not they are a true or false prophet. The first is examining the character of the prophet, leader, or mentor. Does their life and daily actions reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? Do they resemble the humility, righteousness, and love that is expected of a born again believer? Certainly, we must be careful not to expect perfection out of any Christian, but for any true follower of Christ certain qualities will be evident in their life. The second thing to examine is the content of their teaching. Is the teaching of this prophet, teacher, or leader in tandem with the Word of God? Is this person’s aim to truthfully, faithfully, and accurately teach God’s Word, or do they desire to twist God’s Word in order to appease their audience? Finally, the third thing to examine is the impact of their teaching. Does this person’s leadership and teaching produce Godly fruit in the lives of their hearers, or does it not? While there is certainly no such thing as a perfect prophet or spiritual leader, Jesus makes it very clear in these verses that we can recognize true and false prophets by the fruit they produce. As followers of Jesus, we must be mindful of who we listen to and get our teaching from. True and False Disciples In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus teaches one of the hardest and most frightening things in all of the gospels. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord’, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never know you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” This passage has brought about concern and doubt about salvation for many, and rightfully so. It is important to continuously examine ourselves to ensure that we are walking in the ways of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, it is also important to note that salvation is not meant to be difficult to achieve. We can know for sure that we are forgiven of our sins and made righteous in God’s sight. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.” Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Clearly, salvation is achieved only through faith by God’s grace in Christ Jesus our Lord. So, what would constitute a false disciple? In order to understand what Jesus means by a false disciple we must carefully examine the passage. In verse 21 Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” The first thing to note is that the false disciple says that Jesus is Lord, but the simple profession of that fact does not make it true in that person's heart. Paul wrote in Romans 10:9 that salvation comes from a belief in the heart of the individual, not simply from the mouth or the mind (James 2:19). A faith that is rooted in the heart is genuine and displays a true repentance and trust in Christ. The second thing to note is that Jesus differentiates true disciples from false disciples by their actions. Those who do the will of God the Father are true disciples and those who do not do the will of God the Father are false disciples (John 14:15). A difficult part of this teaching from Jesus is that He acknowledges that these false disciples are doing miraculous things in His name. Verse 22 clearly states that these false disciples are prophesying in His name, driving out demons in His name, and performing a variety of miracles in His name. So, how is it that these individuals are performing miracles in the name of Jesus, but are not truly His disciples? The answer lies in how salvation is accomplished. It is not accomplished by our words or by our works, but only through faith by God’s grace in His Son, Jesus Christ. True faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins is the only way that we can become a true disciple of Jesus. Certainly, good works will be evident in the life of a true disciple (Ephesians 2:10) but salvation cannot be achieved by them. Jesus’ teaching in this passage is not meant to make salvation confusing or difficult to achieve. Rather, its purpose is to remind us that we cannot rely on our works when we stand before Jesus our Lord on the Day of Judgement (Matthew 16:27) but instead we must rely on the finished work of Jesus Christ by faith. 1 John 5:11-12 says, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” A true disciple of Jesus Christ will trust in the Son, Jesus Christ, by faith for their salvation, and not in their own works. Conclusion All of Jesus’ teachings are challenging, but these two are some of the most challenging. However, we must be encouraged to know that Jesus cares deeply about the truth, because will leads us into a salvation that forgives our sins, and brings us into right standing with our God. Therefore, we must be careful to heed to these teachings from Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we must be careful to examine the teachers that are pouring into our lives and be sure that we are being led by true prophets and we must be careful not to rely on our works to be made right with God, but only in the finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

This past weekend, Uncommon Sports Group hosted an Impact Weekend in Dallas, Texas, for ten attendees. Each attendee spent eight weeks walking through USG's virtual Academy opportunity, providing faith-based and professional development for participants. The Impact Weekend experience is a required in-person opportunity that each Academy participant attends to provide them with a more hands-on development experience and a chance to build Christ-centered relationships within the college and pro sport industry. After a long day of travel on Friday, February 16th, the weekend began that afternoon with a short kick-off activity and a Gallup CliftonStrengths activity that allowed each participant to understand one another's strengths better and build connections. After the Strengths activity, we visited with the Director of Athletics at the University of Texas at Dallas, Angela Marin, on campus for a short tour of the Comets athletic facilities and a time of Q&A with Angela. During the Q&A session, Angela talked about her journey to becoming one of five NCAA Hispanic and female Athletic Directors, what she looks for in candidates through the hiring process, and how she lives out her faith in her role. We wrapped up Friday night with a social event at Pinstack that included dinner, bowling, and fellowship amongst the group. A group of present USG members in the Dallas area also joined the Impact Weekend group during the social event! The weekend in Dallas continued on Saturday, beginning with a morning group Bible study through Acts 2:42-47. The participants were divided into three smaller groups to discuss the Scripture in the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) format. After Bible study, the group headed to the Dallas Baptist University campus to hear from two guest speakers from the Patriots athletic department and receive a campus tour. The two guest speakers were the Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Ryon Phillips, and the Student-Athlete Success Coordinator, Riley Unger. Ryon spoke to our group about having an eternally focused mindset while working in the sport industry, specifically walking the group through Philippians 3:10-16. After Ryon's encouragement, Riley spoke about DBU's discipleship focus through athletics. Our time at DBU concluded with a wonderful tour of their beautiful campus! After our time at Dallas Baptist, we headed to our service activity for the weekend with Mercy Street, a local Christian organization. The mission of Mercy Street is to cultivate mutually transforming relationships with inner-city youth through Christian mentorship. A part of Mercy Street's work is done through the vehicle of youth sports, and they have an awesome facility located near downtown Dallas that has state-of-the-art baseball, soccer, and football fields. Our group served with Mercy Street by helping clean and prepare two baseball fields for the upcoming season! The majority of our work included removing pesky rocks from the warning track and disposing of those rocks. Our group enjoyed lunch and a short break before heading to our next professional development activity with the Guest Services Coordinator at AT&T Stadium and USG member Hannah Conlisk! Hannah provided our group with an in-depth tour of AT&T Stadium, including the various concourses, the field, and locker rooms. The tour wrapped up with a time of Q&A with Hannah to learn more about her role and how she lives out her faith in the industry. Saturday rounded out with dinner, a commissioning activity on the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), and passing out USG Academy completion certificates to the ten attendees! Our final activity of the weekend was attending Watermark Church in Dallas! One of USG's core values is living connected, and a part of that includes being involved with a local church. We hope that prioritizing the local church during our Impact Weekends will encourage attendees to do the same in their communities. Each participant is officially a member of Uncommon Sports Group because of their completion of the Impact Weekend, and we’re encouraged by the ways that God grew each individual throughout the weekend. We incredibly appreciate our Clean Out For A Cause donors' generosity and making events like these possible. As we send these new USG members out, we’re confident they are prepared and equipped to be Christ-centered leaders within the college and pro sport industry. Learn more about the USG Academy, Impact Weekends, or membership! If you have any questions, contact a USG staff member here!