July 25, 2025, 8:00 PM
Greetings in Christ. Happy Friday to you!
Many of you know I am a pro wrestling fan. Yesterday (07.24.25), one of the great wrestling heroes of all time - Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) - passed away at the age of 71.
The Hulkster entertained many starting in the 1980s. As the wrestling storyline would go, the good guy would overcome what seemed like insurmountable odds and get a final victory over the heels (bad guys).
That was all just a show. It was, however, wildly entertaining in my eyes (and millions of others).
There is, however, ONE TRUE HERO who overcame opponents that we may share in a victory for eternity.
In John 12:31-32, Jesus declares that one day He will have a complete victory over the kingdom of the world.
Jesus says, "Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
This victory would come in an unusual way -- death on a cross for all the sins of mankind. What looked like defeat was actually a victory!
We can share in that victory as well. When we die to our old selves and are buried with Christ in the waters of Christian baptism, we overcome the world. I pray we share our joy of victory with the world so that some (and even many) would follow that same path to salvation.
BTW - I was thrilled to read a story about Hulk Hogan being baptized about 18 months ago.
Sports Spectrum reported on December 21, 2023, "While wearing a cross necklace, Hogan professed his faith in Christ and was baptized, along with his wife, Sky Daily, at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, near where he grew up in Tampa." Hogan later wrote on X, "Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment…only love!”
Sometimes, reading stories from the Old Testament reminds me of a wrestling show with good guys, bad guys, feuds, fighting, etc!
On recent Sunday mornings at FCC, we've been looking at how to find Jesus throughout the Old Testament.
We will continue in this series this coming Sunday as we look at "Two Sons Pointing to One Savior."
Our sermon is from the Patriarchal Period in the Bible. This is a period, recorded in Genesis (Chapters 12-50), that involves the lives of the line of men God used to establish the nation of Israel. The three primary men are: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Jacob had many sons. Jacob’s sons became the patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel. They, however, did not always get along.
If you grew up in a home that dealt with sibling rivalry, then you can relate. Come to FCC this Sunday morning (07.27.25), as we explore the fascinating (and very different) lives of two of Jacob’s sons: Joseph and Judah.
God bless, and hope to see you again soon!
In Him,
Greg H.
