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Troy Hudson

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Tebow's Chains Advance the Gospel

Posted: 12/21/11 03:27 PM ET

In the last few months, devout Christians, like myself, have been offended from the insensitive actions taken with regard to Tim Tebow's zeal for Jesus Christ. Last week two New York high school athletes received a one-day suspension from school for impersonating Tim Tebow in what is now known as Tebowing. The gesture from the students happened to be a self-admitted joke that prompted 40 of their peers to join in -- whether their participation was of sincerity is unknown.

Last Saturday the world's most recognized comedy show SNL (Saturday Night Live) performed a skit mocking the Holy Trinity's favor and anointing that lay upon Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Although it's natural for Christian sports fans to be angered by these objectionable acts, we should rejoice and this is why; in Philippians 1:12-18, Paul says:

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

So in the far or near future when someone jokes about the amazing grace of Jesus Christ, know that even beyond their puns, His spirit is still stirring. Although the Apostle Paul chains were that of an incarcerated prisoner, and Tim Tebow's are that of a football field, like Paul, Tim is using them to advance the Gospel while under heavy scrutiny.

Whether Tim Tebow wins his current game or the Super Bowl doesn't matter. What does matter, and of more importance, is that he continues to gain first downs in the heavenly realm by winning souls for the Kingdom of God. Tim Tebow gets it and understands that his first priority while playing professional football is to go for the guaranteed victory by glorifying Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Tim Tebow exudes all the characteristics of what a professional athlete should exemplify. So, regardless of how critics feel about his technicalities as a professional quarterback, in the grand scheme of life and sports, Tim Tebow is a champion and a MVP.

 
 
 
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
William Blomberg
Lying is Never Patriotic
09:59 AM on 12/28/2011
"Tim Tebow gets it and understands that his first priority while playing professional football is to go for the guaranteed victory by glorifying Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior."

Here, I thought as being a professional football player, his first priority would be to follow his coaches and do what he can to win football games.

I am sure that he thought it was to first and foremost glorify God, that he could do that in much easier and less painful ways then from behind a center, or when trying to prevent getting crushed by (obviously Satanic) DEs!
TomMartin
Freedom and equality.
03:38 AM on 12/23/2011
Tim Tebow's chains are the football field? If he does not like it he can quit football, Paul could not quit the prison, so your comparison is ridiculous.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
viking1969
04:12 PM on 12/22/2011
Religion and sports do not mix. God has nothing to do with winning or losing.
03:19 PM on 12/22/2011
Troy, you said it beautifully. Tim Tebow is living out his dream on the football field and his faith through his every day actions. Good for him. Thank you for sharing these very helpful thoughts with your readers.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
cindyperry
03:18 PM on 12/22/2011
This man crush 24x7 unending coverage of a sub par average player really needs to quit
09:40 AM on 12/22/2011
Get columns like this out of here and into the Religion section. Sports is about his performance on the field. sports fans don't give two hoots about his soul or anyone else's. Real fans like me already have sold our souls for a chance at a championship.
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09:33 AM on 12/22/2011
Troy, there is no shortage of religion openly practiced in the NFL. You see these guys before a game and after the game knee bowing and holding hands with heads down all the time long before Tebow came aboard. The problem is Tebow extended this practice during playing time where many feel it is inappropriate behavior.
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HUFFPOST COMMUNITY MODERATOR
writerjohnny
08:56 PM on 12/21/2011
Yes Tim Tebow thanks your make believe savior when he scores a touchdown against the other team who are obviously heathens. Yea there's a lot of stirring going on and it is mostly from people who are tired of organized religions and their manipulations. Seriously, god cares who scores a touchdown in a game for children by millionaire athletes but he lets millions of children go without water EVERY FREAKIN' DAY. Get a freakin job.
08:36 PM on 12/21/2011
Broncos win this week and get into the playoffs. The defense can't play as bad as they did last week and they won't turn the ball over three times in six minutes again... hopefully lol

http://www.whatthehellbook.com/the-book/
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06:44 PM on 12/21/2011
How about any Denver Broncos player come fwd & agree to do an "It Gets Better" video?

Can't believe they all feel same way as Tebow.

Any takers?

Would like to see at least one of them man up.

I understand Christ thinks Tebow is a wuss & thus, an embarrassment. He doesn't help T win games, but IS willing to help Broncos win one IF Tebow will stop embarrassing Him with his false displays of piety.
05:29 PM on 12/21/2011
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.