The Coach

          Many athletes are born with an innate ability to perform certain tasks. The truth is that not everyone is enabled to be an exceptional or even a good athlete; although even a mediocre athlete can, through much practice and dedication, achieve athletic excellence[1]. Those with eyes that won't see and ears that won't hear[2], or even a hardened heart[3], are not able to function to the level necessary; a great deal of effort and discipline is necessary to become a good athlete.[4] The Coach and the Franchise Owner are the final word on discipline for the team[5].

          The Franchise Owner sent His varsity Coach to earth[6], to set up for the big game.  The Coach was only given about 3 years to recruit, organize and train the winning team.

          The original team of 12 were selected from a diverse group of dedicated men. After the initial training period, the Coach sent them out for a practice run; to learn to work together and strengthen each other.[7] After they returned, the Coach sent out another 72 with essentially the same directions, for further training, because practice makes perfect.[8]

          There was a lot of pain involved in getting the team ready, and prepare the whole organization, for what was to come. After His three day hiatus[9], the Coach further strengthened the team through multiple visits over a 40 day period, with  more training and assurance of  His never leaving them alone.[10]   

          One of the original 12  was not a team player. He thought he knew better than the Franchise Owner and the Coach. Mathias was a first string substitution, after Judas fouled out

          After the Coach had to leave, to be with the Franchise Owner, they sent the Play Designer[11] to instill the right play book.  The Play Designers job is to be available at all times to lead and protect the team members. Once you are a member of the team, you never have to be alone again.

          There have been qualifications set up for joining the team[12].  The Coach has said that the team member must give up his original tendency[13] to act as a one man team[14], and promise to work for the good of the entire team[15].  He must be willing to act on the guidance of the Franchise Owner and the Coach, as the Play Designer enables them[16].  They must completely submit to the will of the Franchise owner and Coach for the good of the team[17], and to keep an eye out for new players.

          Once the team was set up, the Coach explained that nothing could ever stand against it.[18] He also said he would keep an eye on its progress and came back in the future to handle things Himself[19]. He also said not to be fooled by others who say they are coaches[20]. He then agreed to meet us at the awards banquet[21]. In the mean time, we are advised to huddle and have team meetings whenever possible.

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[1] A good example of this is Johnny Unitas who said he wasn't better than the others, he just worked harder.

[2] Isaiah 232:3, Matthew 11:12;  Mark 4:9, etc.

[3] Mark 8:17, John 12:40, Hebrews 3:8

[4] 2 Timothy 4:7, 1 Corinthians 9:4

[5] The Word of God - ie: The Bible

[6] John 3:16-18

[7] Mark 6:7

[8] Luke 10:1

[9] On the third day He rose again from the dead according to the Scriptures.

[10] Jesus said: "I will never leave you nor forsake you"

[11] The Holy Spirit

[12] Ye must be Born Again, John 3:3-8

[13] Pride of self

[14] Self will

[15] Team here means the Body of Christ

[16] John 16:13

[17] Team here means the Church, or body of Christ

[18] Matthew 16:18

[19] Matthew 16:27 - For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he       shall reward every man according to his works. Matthew 24:36 - But of that day and hour knows no man,     no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

[20] Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many."

[21] Marriage supper of the Lamb