The Winning Christian

By Romain DuFour

The Winning Christian is a book to help all who aspire to mature in their faith to win in the marathon of life. It is told from the perspective of a reformed sinner. This book provides various ways in which a believer can win in their walk with God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781646700127

Book preview

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The Winning Christian

Romain U. DuFour, III

ISBN 978-1-64670-011-0 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64670-012-7 (Digital)

Copyright © 2019 Romain U. DuFour, III

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books, Inc.

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Table of Contents

God Is the Owner, Jesus Is the Coach, and We Are His Players

To Do the Will of God

Spiritual Warfare: It’s No Joke!

Idolatry: An Easy but Detestable Practice

You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine

Lukewarm: It Is Now or Never

Before You Criticize, Be Conscious of Yourself

Repentance: A Step to a Changed Life

Faith: You Must Have It

Keep Praying

We Need the Word of God (the Bible)

The Winning Christian

References

About the Author

Chapter 1

God Is the Owner, Jesus Is the Coach, and We Are His Players

Many are aware that sports are a part of everyday life. At one time, friendly competition, in the majority of sports, between the players was a given. There were some players that developed strong bonds with other players.

The late legendary coach of the National Football League’s, Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi felt that a championship team could only bond if they learned how to love one another. Within that particular organization, from management, coaching staff, and players, the love of the members of the organization equated to success. Today, most sports organizations do not have unity from the owners and coaches, right down to the players.

My intent for this book is to not give you the history of the National Football League. The message I would like to convey in this book is how both God and Jesus can become understood through various aspects of life. In the world of professional sports in the new millennium, loyalty is a big question that poses concern with the majority of individuals within the organization.

Players and coaches change teams on a frequent basis, if the money is right. Now, more than ever, your favorite player is not assured to spend his or her entire career with one team. In God’s Word, loyalty is the primary trait Jesus exhibited.

Just think of how it would become for believers if Jesus became frustrated and weary of interceding for us. It is Jesus who is consistently speaking to our Heavenly Father on our behalf. We all need Jesus because no one can come to the Father without Him (John 14:6).

If it was not for Jesus, many of us as human beings would not have even a glimmer of hope for our lives. Jesus is at the right throne of God. This means that He (Jesus) is in constant contact in heaven with our Heavenly Father.

When Jesus intercedes for us when we pray, He is essentially reporting back to His Father, God. Jesus will not do anything without consulting the Father. Basically, God oversees our lives, how an owner of a sports franchise oversees their organization.

The owner of a sports organization controls the lives of every member of his or her organization. Sometimes, the coach has to report back to the owner, in regard to his players. An owner of a sports franchise has all the power.

God has full control over all our lives. We as human beings are His players. Human beings are His players on the field. The field can become a parable for life. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the coach of the world.

As both God and Jesus’s players, we have to demonstrate loyalty. When we do not live godly lives, we join another team. That other team is with the enemy, the adversary, Satan. The goal for every believer should be to never become cut from God’s team.

Players on sports teams have to always receive evaluation. Coaches evaluate the play of their players in order to win. In life, Jesus is evaluating us, by the way we live. God is the ultimate owner of our lives. Believers that repent from their sins, and strive to live godly lives will not become cut or released from God’s team.

Ask yourself, Am I willing to be loyal to God? God deserves our loyalty because He cares for all people. Jesus is our coach because He inspires us as believers. Also, He has direct contact with us in our lives. Jesus gets a plethora of communication from us through prayer.

Not only does our Blessed Savior intercede to the Heavenly Father on our behalf, but Jesus can relate to sinners because He became a Man in this world. He had the unique experience to understand life as a fleshly Man, but the difference between us and Jesus is the fact that He never committed one single sin in His fleshly body. As mere sinners, we are prone to sin.

There are some professional coaches who were former athletes. Some coaches that have experienced the rigors of professional sports can relate to some of the current professional athletes, because they understand what it is like to be an athlete from the athlete’s perspective. Jesus is the ultimate coach of humanity because He experienced many of the emotions of mankind.

He (Jesus) understands what it is like for mankind to experience betrayal, suffering, pain and trials. In sports of today, many coaches must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills with their players. Jesus is the ultimate player’s coach in a believer’s life.

We have to have a good relationship with Jesus in order to become successful in life and shine as His primetime player in life. Jesus is the best coach that a believer can ever have because most coaches who are great have their player’s best interest. When a believer is concerned about the stresses of life, His office is always open.

Jesus has an open door policy to all that call on Him. Even if one is not a strong believer, anyone can come to Jesus with a humble and repented heart. The way that one knocks on Jesus’s door is through prayer and faith that He will hear and answer one’s prayers.

To have a good team in sports, the coaches and players must have honest and sincere communication with one another. Communication is essential if we are going to have a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. We need to ask our self, Am I doing all I can do to become a shining star on God’s team? When it is time for Jesus to unite the "true Believers and Christians, when we give an account of what we did in our earthly bodies, He will evaluate our lives, just as a coach evaluates his or her players.

Jesus presently evaluates our prayers, when He intercedes for us on our behalf before God. Whether one is or is not aware, God owns us. First Corinthians 6:19 states, Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (NKJV). The Bible is clear on the fact that we are property of God.

In sports, athletes are property to their respective teams when they are drafted. The owner of the team that drafts the athlete out of college, basically, owns the rights of the perspective player. Unfortunately, the athlete is at the mercy of the owner until the athletes’ initial contract is honored.

Thankfully, we serve a kind, patient, and compassionate God. The Almighty God, the Creator is not as demanding as the owners of sports franchises. Some of these men and women have no empathy for the coaches and players that perform for their team.

If one studies the Word of God, one will become aware that God does not emphasize human effort. Most men are driven by selfish ambition, which is not of God. Although, our Heavenly Father grants us free-will on whether or not to serve and obey Him, God is patient with us when we make mistakes. Unlike powerful men and women, who happen to be owners of sports franchises, the kingdom of God does not magnify money.

In sports, as well as, business organizations, loyalty in this modern era is not a top priority for those who are members of these organizations. Once we are with God, He pays us with the gift of eternal life. We are His property forever, once we come to Him.

In these latter days, many have the mind-set of every man for himself. Many are uncaring, non-empathetic, and selfish. Second Timothy 3:1, 2, 4 states, You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God (NLT).

Some owners of these sports organizations, as well as, some Fortune 500 companies promote greed, pride, and selfishness. There are some owners and CEOs of multibillion dollar corporations that exploit their employees by paying their workers below their net worth. In modern-day sports, owners have a choice between exploiting coaches and players or be fair to the employees that contribute to their astronomical wealth.

The majority of those who work for these organizations put their blood, sweat, and tears in their work. In the secular or world’s perspective on loyalty, there is not any. Proverbs 17:17 states, A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity (NKJV).

When trouble and turbulence arises within a business or an organization, the first casualties are the employees. Sometimes, those who are in the business world are ruthless. Instead of persevering with their employees, some who are in a position of authority distance themselves from the employee when adversity strikes.

In some instances, an owner disposes of the worker without any regard for their families. Today, there are many employees that recognize their importance. For example, in sports, the only loyalty that some athletes display is loyalty toward money.

There is a majority of athletes that desire fame and recognition, along with the perks and money that comes along with the process. Individuals who desire money and fame more than God are guilty of the sin of idolatry. Idolatry can be defined as blind worship of an undeserved object. Our culture and society has committed idolatry for generations.

As believers, we have to strive to recognize when we sin. Some who commit the sin of idolatry do not recognize how severe this sin can become. Many are losing their lives trying to obtain wealth. When this occurs, it is usually too late to reverse one’s attitude toward that subject.

Sin can sometimes become habitual. When an individual is a slave to sin, it can become difficult to live a life pleasing to God. Romans 6:6 states, Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin (NKJV).

Some things like sin can consume you. As believers one must allow the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth to guide and navigate you through this fallen and sinful world. Human effort does not allow someone to cease from committing sin.

This is why it is imperative that one come to Christ and have a relationship with Him. When we come to Christ, we become a new creature. Also, one is not ruled by sin. When you study God’s Word, and not just hear the Word, but do the Word, one’s sinful nature will not rule one’s loyalty.

When we sin, we do not have to continue to commit it. Romans 3:23 states, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (NKJV). This does not mean that one should continue on sinning, but our sinful nature is always ready to commit sin.

The adversary desires those who continuously sin, to become loyal to him. This is why we have to examine ourselves for sin in our lives. After taking an honest assessment of one’s life, one can come to terms with the fact that we are sinners.

It does not matter how good one may be, there is always a constant battle with our sin nature. The only way that one can become victorious in the battle of the sin nature is by meeting the need to sin head on, by having a relationship with God and Christ. God desires for all to come to Him, whether one is a believer or nonbeliever.

One must always aspire to come to God by faith. Hebrews 11:6 states, And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (NLT).

God, as our all-knowing and powerful owner of our lives, will not become pleased until one has full faith and belief in Him. In order to demonstrate faith, we need to ask our heavenly Creator to help us build our faith. Faith does not happen by chance. It is an eventual process.

The Bible gives us the blueprint for what we need to do to please Him. Not only do we please our faithful and loving God by faith, but displaying a godly lifestyle also helps in appeasing Him. When someone is aspiring to live holy, that individual is acknowledging God.

In life, there are some business owners, as well as, some sports owners that portray an image of aloofness. They are sometimes distant from the individuals that can aid and assist them the most. Some individuals who behave with aloofness, at times have strained relationships.

Both God and Jesus are not distant. Although, they are all-knowing and powerful, both are ready to hear your call when you pray. Sometimes it may seem that God might be distant, but I can assure you that when you come to Him earnestly and sincerely, He will hear you.

Jesus is the best coach ever. He is communicating to our Heavenly Father in language that only He and the Creator knows. While we are navigating through life, we as believers are performing on the field of life. As our coach, Jesus advocates for us, His believers.

First John 2:1 states, My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (NKJV). Here on earth, we make mistakes and sin at times, but Jesus is there to help us become our best.

In most sports, there are coaches who serve as a liaison between the owner and player. Usually, the coach is put in the position as an advocate for the player. It is sometimes through the recommendation of a coach that a player, either leaves or remains playing for the team. The coach is trusted by the owner to make decisions that benefit the team.

Jesus is trusted by our Almighty God to assist believers in life. We have to go through Jesus in order to get to the Creator. He (Jesus) has been given the ultimate responsibility to rule the earth at the Second Coming. In comparison to this present world, there are some sports owners who grant coaches a plethora of responsibility to form and shape their franchises.

The owner has the final word on decisions. God, the Father is the owner of the universe. His power is infinite. Although, some business and sports owners are sometimes quite powerful, their power does not come close to the Almighty God.

As mere humans, we can never become omnipotent. There are some that profess to have eyes everywhere, but this mind-set is an exaggeration. No single human can singlehandedly see everything how our Creator sees things.

With all the billions of people in the world, it is amazing that God knows each and every one of us. From the time of one’s birth to the time of one’s death, He knows every thought and motive in our hearts. No other being has that distinction of all-knowing, but God.

An owner, supervisor, or boss cannot promise something as sacred and powerful as eternal life. I am not saying that one should defy their supervisor on the job, but if he or she requests something from you that is unreasonable, one should not comply. God will not request His followers to do anything unreasonable.

Some who are in positions of authority demonstrate favoritism toward various employees. There are many that are not aware that displaying favoritism toward someone is wrong. Favoritism is prevalent amongst families.

Acts 10:34 states, Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality’ (NKJV). God is unconcerned with how attractive one is, as well as, one’s race or economic status. James 2:2–4 states, For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (NKJV)

This passage in the Bible demonstrates how we as believers, should strive to become more like God and Christ, and not display favoritism based on appearances, which demonstrates partiality, or respect of persons. For example, an individual might become overlooked due to age, race, gender, the college or university attended, or lack of experience. Unfortunately, partiality occurs rather frequently.

In the world of business, there has been an enormous amount of partiality displayed toward women and minorities. There have been instances in the past in which women and minorities are qualified for a particular position, but were overlooked due to someone’s bias. Some of the higher personnel in these businesses and organizations, failed to grant positions based on merit and work ethic, because of their partiality and prejudice.

When it comes to God and Jesus, there is not any example of prejudice. God judges an individual’s heart. In the end, the heart of a person is all that matters. It can become difficult for individuals living in the world to recognize that bias and partiality will have no basis in God’s kingdom.

On the day that Jesus returns to this evil and vile world, it will become extremely interesting how the fate of those who have exercised bias and prejudice toward deserving individuals in the workplace will fair. Hopefully, the individuals who exhibited bias will repent. Many of us have been victims of some form of partiality, but remember that we are all equal in our Heavenly Father’s eyes.

Hebrews 1:2 states, Has in these days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds (NKJV). This Bible verse is relevant in our present times. Although God is the owner of us, as well as, the owner of the universe, His Son Jesus will become the heir and subsequent ruler of the universe. In comparison to sports, a coach can have a plethora of power in the sports franchise, if the owner allows the coach to have a prominent and important role in the franchise.

There are some families who own a family business. If the business is successful over a significant amount of time, the family will have heirs to take over the business, if the owner and family member becomes deceased. In modern terms, this is commonly known as the family heirloom.

Jesus will inherit the universe because God Almighty wants His Son to inherit the world. It is a beautiful thing when parents leave something to their children when they pass on. Although, there are similarities between a human being becoming an heir because of deceased parents, the difference between Jesus becoming an heir is that Jesus’s Father, God Almighty, is still living.

Unlike the special relationship between God and Jesus, there are some who are heirs that do not demonstrate or exercise loyalty. This reminds me of wealthy families that have dissension between one another, due to the inheritance that a deceased family member might leave. The loyalty of some family members is tested when it is time to collect one’s inheritance.

Personally, I am aware of how family members argue over inheritance. One family member might have the opinion, that they should have received more of an inheritance than another family member. In some cases, greed and envy is prevalent when an inheritance is divided.

Our Heavenly Father has made it clear to all believers that His Son Jesus will rule the new heaven and earth. When Jesus reigns on earth, there will not be any question about who rules. If you read the Word of God, you will know that the Blessed Savior is like His Father.

As believers we know that God is fair. Unlike mere humans, Jesus will not squander His inheritance. I have seen some individuals inherit an enormous amount of money. For some, inheriting a significant amount of money can become a curse more than a blessing.

Some, who inherit a plethora of money when they are young, eventually, waste their inheritance on unnecessary things. Without the proper advice and guidance, individuals with an astronomical inheritance may become broke. In some cases, too much inheritance