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James Brown, CBS host of The NFL Today, shares his personal faith journey, family story, and transformation through Jesus Christ. Brown reflects on the powerful influence of his mother’s faith and discipline, his early struggles after being cut from professional basketball, and the moment in his mid-20s when he turned to God and began a lifelong spiritual commitment. He emphasizes the importance of responsibility, humility, and “walking the talk” as a Christian, both in family life and public influence. The conversation also explores themes of racial unity, the role of Scripture in addressing cultural challenges, and the lasting impact of mentors like coaches and parents.

In the Sports & Faith collection, you’ll hear powerful testimonies from athletes with memorable track records in sports and an even greater legacy in faith.

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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Psalm 23:5

Many go about today with an incorrect perspective of God. We may believe He is a cosmic killjoy, who only exists to break up our good times. However, when we know God’s heart and His goodness, we’ll find that we feel good about Him.

In Psalm 23:5, David uses three Jewish customs to exemplify how God truly feels about His children. Understanding their meanings can show us how to feel good about God.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”

The Bible is full of stories of banquets, weddings, and miracles performed over meals; one could call God’s Word a continual feast. David says that God has welcomed us to His table and that He’s expected us and prepared for our presence.

Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus meets the deepest hungers of our hearts and satisfies the deepest longings. He prepared a table of replenishment when there was the enemy of inadequacy.”

Our fullness comes from Jesus’ restoration, remembrance, and redemption. Jesus doesn’t keep score of our wrongdoings, nor does He ignore us in anger when we fail Him. His disciple, Simon Peter, experienced this when he denied knowing Jesus three times. After His resurrection, Jesus reunited with Him over breakfast and lovingly restored their relationship.

“You anoint my head with oil…”

To anoint guests with oil is to acknowledge them as valuable, and refresh them before the feast. We can be glad in His presence; His mercies are new each morning. (See Lamentations 3:22-23.)

Serving God only gets better, and His grace gets even sweeter, and His presence gets more real.

“My cup runs over...”

Filling one’s cup to the brim is the utmost sign of hospitality and friendship. To claim that our cup is overflowing means God wants us to stay in His presence for longer. It signifies that we are loved, cherished, and welcome for as long as we want.

God is not stingy with His blessings, nor does He hold back; He gives freely, lavishly, wondrously, and abundantly. His peace passes all understanding, and His joy is unspeakable and full of glory.

Apply it to your life
In Christ, we are full, refreshed, and free; don’t let the devil convince you to think negatively about God. Instead, remember Jesus’s words to you: “Come and dine.”

Here are some important questions, and, really, they’re some of the most important questions anyone could ask: What is faith? How can you be sure your faith is genuine, and that it is saving faith? John MacArthur helps you make sure you’re putting your faith where you should in his series called A Faith That Pleases God.

Spirit of God E13 — The New Testament powerfully claims that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is now also at work in his followers. The Spirit gives us new desires and ways of thinking, and one day the Spirit will recreate us with new resurrection bodies, like the one Jesus has! So how does this hope impact the way we live now? In this episode, Tim and Jon trace the connection between the Spirit and resurrection, revealing the Spirit of God as the bringer of new creation life.

CHAPTERS

1. Resurrection After the Exile and a Surprising Twist (0:00-8:55)
2. Raised by the Spirit of Holiness (8:55-22:01)
3. Living in Resurrection Life (22:01-38:20)
4. The Spirit Creating Resurrection Bodies (38:20-54:46)

OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

View this episode’s official transcript.

REFERENCED RESOURCES

• Paul and the Trinity: Persons, Relations, and the Pauline Letters by Wesley Hill
• Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ by Eugene H. Peterson
• Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.

SHOW MUSIC

• “evening drive.” by Lofi Sunday feat. PAINT WITH SOUND.
• “Snow Fall” by Lofi Sunday feat. TBabz
• “Live and Love” by Lofi Sunday feat. TBabz
• BibleProject theme song by TENTS 

SHOW CREDITS

Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey and Aaron Olsen edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.

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Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.