Christian Pro Athletes & Sunday Church Attendance

[Paul from Antioch]

Here's something that's bothered me: How can a professional athlete participate in a sport on Sundays and claim to be obedient to God's Word when Hebrews 10:25-26 commands a Christian to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together?
I'm not saying that a person who willingly does so is not saved, but how can he/she willingly forsake attending his/her local church on Sundays?

 

[Scarlett O.]

Church attendance doesn't have to be on Sunday.

We have a local church that meets on Tuesday nights because of men/women who work on the weekends.

 

[canadyjd]

Here's something that's bothered me: How can a professional athlete participate in a sport on Sundays and claim to be obedient to God's Word when Hebrews 10:25-26 commands a Christian to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together?
I'm not saying that a person who willingly does so is not saved, but how can he/she willingly forsake attending his/her local church on Sundays?

Christian went to a restaurant after church one Sunday. When the waitress came to take his order, he chastised her for working on Sunday.

He didn’t even realize how hypocritical he was being, but the waitress did.

Every time you go to a store, or gas station, or restaurant on Sunday, you lose any credibility to complain about people working on Sunday.

peace to you

 

[Rob_BW]

It's not participating in a sport, it their job. Plenty of people have jobs that require working on Sundays.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

It's not participating in a sport, it their job. Plenty of people have jobs that require working on Sundays.

We are a republic and our economy is capitalist. If we were a Christian country then that would be different... but it’s not.

 

[kyredneck]

We are a republic and our economy is capitalist.

Not for long if the Democrats have their way.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Not for long if the Democrats have their way.

Only political leftists are to worry about... they will push a socialist agenda. My wife is, or was, a Democrat- up until she observed Joe Biden I.E. Afghanistan chaos, immigration, COVID etc. She calls it buyers remorse. But I must say, up until now liberal New Jersey has almost been a pleasure to live. We haven’t seen race riots, burnings, rioting or looting. I have been interested enough to want to study it. Florida, where Pam wants to move has seen just the reverse so I’m kind of motivated to even publish my study... get my name into the sociology books/make some money even.

 

[Salty]

How about Christian singing groups - they are hardly ever if ever in their home church on Sundays??

 

[canadyjd]

How about Christian singing groups - they are hardly ever if ever in their home church on Sundays??

I think most would consider that a Christian ministry.

Didn’t Jesus speak of Priests conducting sacrifices on the sabbath?

peace to you

 

[Salty]

I think most would consider that a Christian ministry.

Didn’t Jesus speak of Priests conducting sacrifices on the sabbath?

peace to you

It is a Christian ministry - bur are they forsaking their home church?


BTW - I have no problem with with a Christian Athlete - most teams have a Chaplin - who will have a service with team members.

 

[Dave G]

I'm not saying that a person who willingly does so is not saved, but how can he/she willingly forsake attending his/her local church on Sundays?

I willingly forsake gathering together on Sundays, because we decided to get together on Saturdays years ago.

But to answer the OP, I'm not sure that what i would say would be well-received;
Even so...what does being a believer and forsaking this world have to do with professional sports?

I don't see anywhere in the Scriptures that God's people are to be involved in such activities.

 

[just-want-peace]

------------Even so...what does being a believer and forsaking this world have to do with professional sports?

I don't see anywhere in the Scriptures that God's people are to be involved in such activities.

You seem to be implying that a Christian should not participate in "worldly" endeavors - is this correct? And if so, to what extent is this to be practiced?

Please clarify - are you saying that since "such activities" aren't mentioned in the Bible, that they are forbidden?

 

[Dave G]

You seem to be implying that a Christian should not participate in "worldly" endeavors - is this correct?

The Bible teaches that believers are to be separate from this world and its ways:

" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." ( Romans 12:1-2 ).

" Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." ( 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 ).

" Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. " ( 1 John 2:15-17 ).

And if so, to what extent is this to be practiced?

Exactly as far as the Lord says to practice it.

I wish you well, and may God bless you richly in your studies.

 

[canadyjd]

The Bible teaches that believers are to be separate from this world and its ways:

" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." ( Romans 12:1-2 ).

" Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." ( 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 ).

" Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. " ( 1 John 2:15-17 ).

Have you never read these?

Exactly as far as the Lord says to practice it.

May God bless you in your studies.

Wow! How is it you have internet if you are not being like the world?

I guess it’s a selective self-righteous indignation. As long as the worldly things you like to do aren’t criticized?

peace to you

 

[Dave G]

Wow! How is it you have internet if you are not being like the world?

One can have internet and still obey the Lord's commands regarding separation, my friend.
For example, there is a big difference between answering posts on a Christian forum and edifying my brothers and sisters in Christ by directing them to what God's word says about a given subject, and watching things that the Lord would not have me to watch.

I guess it’s a selective self-righteous indignation.

Realizing that I'm saved by grace and not by my own efforts and works is being self-righteous?
Believing that the Lord wants me to be set apart for Himself and to follow His commands in my everyday life is "self righteous indignation"?
I never thought I would see that one thrown at me, especially by a fellow believer.

But then, there are many things that I never thought I'd see professing believers doing and saying ( especially out in the open ) until I joined forums like this...
and in my naivete, many things I've had to get used to seeing that the Bible says ought not be present in the lives of those who name His name.

What's more, I was under the impression that everyone here took the Scriptures seriously...
I guess I was wrong.

As long as the worldly things you like to do aren’t criticized?

In the above I advocated exactly what the Scriptures say ( and freely admit to failing many times in the past and probably will in the future ), and you accused me of being self-righteous.
Now it's my turn to say, "Wow".

After all, I'm not stating anything that Peter, Paul, John and the Lord Himself did not;
And to reference my post # 11, I was right...it was not well-received.

To be clear, the Bible actually teaches separation from this world and its ways... even though many of us, as believers, are unlikely to take it as seriously as we ought to until the Lord makes it plain to us that we should.


May God bless you sir, and this will be my last reply in this thread.

 

[canadyjd]

Just wants peace said:

You seem to be implying that a Christian should not participate in "worldly" endeavors - is this correct? And if so, to what extent is this to be practiced?

Please clarify - are you saying that since "such activities" aren't mentioned in the Bible, that they are forbidden?

You responded:

The Bible teaches that believers are to be separate from this world and its ways:……

You then answered the question of how far does that principle go with “exactly as far as the Lord says to practice it”.

And so my response is how can you be on the internet. Isn’t the internet part of “the world”.

You responded that the internet is ok.

So my observation is that when it comes to what is acceptable “worldly activities”, you seem to believe you have inside knowledge on what Jesus Christ approves of and what He disapproves of.

Specifically to the OP, you seem to think Jesus disapproves of Christians making a living as professional athletes.

You give no specific scripture beyond the general command not to be “worldly”, but, as I noted, you give yourself an exemption from engaging in worldly activities like the internet.

Now to answer your question, I’m not offended by what you said. I’m always bewildered when Christians seek to impose their own sense of righteousness upon others while being blind to their own hypocrisy.

peace to you

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

Here's something that's bothered me: How can a professional athlete participate in a sport on Sundays and claim to be obedient to God's Word when Hebrews 10:25-26 commands a Christian to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together?
I'm not saying that a person who willingly does so is not saved, but how can he/she willingly forsake attending his/her local church on Sundays?

I think there should be 1 day of the week where a person "takes it easy" and attends service and focuses on their family. I don't believe that must be on a Sunday. If they're working on a Sunday, perhaps they can make Monday their "easy" day and use it to reflect on God, His word and your family.

Even so...what does being a believer and forsaking this world have to do with professional sports?

I don't see anywhere in the Scriptures that God's people are to be involved in such activities.

I would partially concur with this sentiment. I don't think that Professional Sports in themselves are evil, but the way they currently are advertised and hosted is mostly bad. Got a bunch of half nekkid females bouncing around them frilly confetti balls combined with a culture that focuses on lots of money, big houses, and loose women. I know I likely wouldn't be able to withstand all that temptation, but if there are Christians who can then have at it. I have no issues with kids sports other than I'd rather my children learn life skills, but to each their own.

 

[Salty]

I don't see anywhere in the Scriptures that God's people are to be involved in such activities.

What activities God allow us to be involved in.

Now that you mention it - "I don't see anywhere in the Scriptures that God's people are to be involved in" Baptist Board. I just may have to leave this

 

[canadyjd]

What activities God allow us to be involved in.

Now that you mention it - "I don't see anywhere in the Scriptures that God's people are to be involved in" Baptist Board. I just may have to leave this

Scripture does say to encourage believers, correct the wayward, refute if necessary in love, teach if you are so gifted and let your light shine.

I think you could justify staying.

peace to you

 

[OnlyaSinner]

I willingly forsake gathering together on Sundays, because we decided to get together on Saturdays years ago.

But to answer the OP, I'm not sure that what i would say would be well-received;
Even so...what does being a believer and forsaking this world have to do with professional sports?

I don't see anywhere in the Scriptures that God's people are to be involved in such activities.

That could be said of the vast majority of vocations, and while there are some that are clearly in violation of biblical principles, IMO most are not. Col. 3:17 says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and to the Father by him."
Bob Jones Sr. once said, in context of one's vocation and life, that there should be no difference between the sacred and the secular, that all ground was holy ground and every bush a burning bush. The clear meaning was that, whatever job we're in, whatever we do in life, we are to work so that God would be glorified.