by Shari Abbott, Reasons for Hope* Jesus
Cincinnati, Ohio is the home of the Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball team. It’s also my hometown.
So you are probably wondering, what do the Cincinnati Reds have to do with the red blood of Jesus and a red Bible?
You might be thinking that for some baseball fans the game is a type of “religious experience.” And perhaps you are right. Many faithful fans attend games at least once a week. And in between the games, they are often reading (or watching) commentaries to learn more. Then of course there are also those painful losses. They might even feel a little bit “bloody” sometimes.
But it’s not the “religious experience” that these three B’s have in common. Nor is it the color red that links them together. Read on to find out what connects the red blood, the red Bible and Reds Baseball.
The Red Blood
In the Bible the color red represents blood and redemption. The life of man is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11) and Christ’s blood atonement is necessary for the redemption of man. Without blood there is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22) and only Jesus’ pure, sinless blood could pay the penalty for man’s sins and wash them away.
Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.
1 Peter 1:18-19 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But [redeemed] with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Colossians 1:20-21 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.
(From the article, “The Meaing of Colors in the Bible.” )
One day all knees will bow to Jesus and proclaim Him Lord, but only those who have been washed in His blood will belong to the family of God. Redemption is the most important thing in all the world and it is the greatest need in every person’s life. It’s not something we do. It’s something Jesus has done for us. He paid for our sins with His precious red blood. Oh what a gift!
The Red Bible
There’s an old saying, a play on words, that carries an important message. It can also be used to open a conversation about the importance of reading the Bible. When you see someone carrying a red Bible, comment with, “Every Bible should be red…R-E-A-D.”
Bible reading in our day has taken a backseat to far too many other activities. Not only leisure time fun but also work responsibilities and social activities. All of these things compete for our time.
Reading the Bible is an activity that should be spontaneous and also scheduled. Reading the Bible is a gift that we give ourselves, because every time we open the pages of the Bible we will be blessed with the love, joy and peace of the Lord. Knowing Jesus better helps us to live victorious in daily life, especially when we are confronted with trials and tempted by sin. Make your Bible a Read Bible, whatever color it might be!
Reds Baseball?
So what does Reds Baseball have to do with the blood of Jesus and the Bible?
Baseball is meant to be fun and it’s meant to be a break from our everyday duties and responsibilities. America’s favorite pastime has long been a day at the ballpark, filled with food, friends, nine innings of baseball…and a lot of fun!
The connection comes with one very special ballgame each season that offers something more than just baseball.
Reds Faith Day bleeds red (pun intended) as no other day. It is the game at which the Reds fans linger after the game and celebrate the “red” of their Christian faith with a concert performed by a popular Christian band.
Faith Day Game — Sunday, July 24, 2016
If you live in the Cincinnati area, this is one game you shouldn’t miss. Gather some friends and go out to the ballpark for the game. The Cincinnati Reds will take on the Arizona Cardinals at 1:10 pm.
Post-Game Faith Concert
Stay for the post-game concert, and watch he ever-popular Christian band, MercyMe, rock the stadium at Great American Ball Park. Whether you’re coming with a church, a youth group, with family or friends, it’ll be a fun afternoon of baseball and music.
Make plans now to head out to the ballpark and “root, root, root for the home team.” Then stay after the game and sing, sing, sing for Jesus, For more information, or to buy your tickets, click here.
Don’t live near Cincinnati?
There are a number of other Major League Baseball teams that host Faith Day Games. Check your favorite team’s schedule to find out if they offer such an event.
As Christians, we need to support activities that are faith-based. Concerts, movies, conferences, retreats, and more. They help to encourage and strengthen us in our faith. If we don’t support such activities, they will diminish.
If your favorite team offers a Faith Day game, take time to thank them and tell them how much you appreciate it. You can bet they’ll hear loudly from those who oppose it. Let your voice be heard too.
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