1 Timothy 6 v 11 - But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

O man of God - This was a title of Honour that was rare in the New Testament but very frequent in the Old Testament. Paul was affirming Timothy’s authority and contrasting him from the false teachers he had described in the previous verses of Ch 6.

Flee these things - A man of God must flee thee things and pursue others things. This is a complete rejection of those things that take your eyes of God. In this case Timothy was being warned about false teachers and false doctrines. True ministry is not motivated by greed but the reality of eternal life and an awareness of accountability to God. What do you need to flee from to fix your eyes on God and live for him.

Righteousness - Pursue righteousness for Timothy it was upstanding in his character and in his dealings. How are you doing pursuing righteousness in all you do.

Godliness - Relationship with God, we must reflect both the vertical and horizontal out workings of our faith in God. That is our relationship with God (vertical) and others (horizontal). The emphasis is on our observable conduct.

Faith and Love - These are the supreme christian virtues. The importance of faithfulness and integrity and on the other hand pure love that of self sacrifice and service.

Steadfastness - Patience in difficult circumstances

Gentleness(endurance) - Patience with other people

Paul gives Timothy this practical list of things to pursue. Today in this world we can be distracted caught up in the wrong things, but if we conciously pursue these things perhaps we will be called Men of God and able to fight the good fight. Amen

Do please enjoy this resource. Do feel free to leave comments and what you got from the sermon. If you would like Josh to speak at your church or any other events do just get in contact on info@ninetyplusministeries.com.

In this 2nd part Josh considers the imapact the gospel has on the people of Ephesus and what impact it should have on us. 

90+ helped the NCFL launch their first ever Open Day. This was aimed at allowing communities and churches to have a look at what the NCFL is all about. Allowing those not involved to understanding what the league stand for and for those to have a look who are considering entering the league. 

In the morning at Heartsease Towers there was u18 5 a side match. A first for the league followed this when an Adult League Select 11 took to the field to play a U18 League Select 11. Josh Walsh (Assistant Director) managed this side. Both he and James Jaggard (Director) were heavily involved. Josh himself bagged 3 and James 1 help the Adult side to a convincing win.

The match demonstrated the influence the league can have. Many spectators watched as both sides gathered around the centre circle for a prayer. A fantastic opportunity before a match to help remind players that their focus should be on something more important, to display the love of Jesus Christ and honour him using the gifts and talents that he has given us in the game of football.

In the afternoon was the NCFL Awards Presentation for the Youth League. This was held at the newly opened venue in Norwich called the Open Venue, which is offering an alternative to the young people of Norwich. A non-alcoholic contemporary venue for the young people of Norwich. Fully kitted out with the largest screen in Norwich. The largest climbing wall in Norfolk and endless games consoles and pool tables. For more information visit http://www.open247.org.uk

With over 50 teams in the age groups from u10 – u16. Josh was the guest speaker. He addressed the audience consisting of players, managers, mums and dads. Josh was able to share with them all how success in the world cup and all our hopes there are all but a fleeting moment in our lives. Josh spoke from 1 Corinthians 9 v 24 – 25. It says Do you not know that in a race all the runners run but only one will get the prize. Run in a way to get the prize. Everyone goes into strict training they do it to get a crown that will not last but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

This letter of Pauls is very true in reference to the World Cup. Josh used the example of all the teams training under strict orders to ensure they are at there best to win the world cup, however only 1 will win the world cup and hold on to the crown for 4 years. To listen to the talk please visit our News Section for the full viewing.

The audience were introduced to the Chasing the Prize DVD which interviewed several of the Christian players in the world cup namely Kaka and Lucio. They shared how their faith has impacted there life and how they play football. How God has perfected their football talent and they want to play in a way that honours and glorifies him the creator of all things.

Josh presented all the youth awards to the winners of the leagues and cup winners.

Again in the evening as anticipation of England’s first World Cup game the NCFL and 90+ welcomed the u18 and adult league players, managers to the Open Venue. Again Josh was guest speaker and helped present the awards before we all watched the game.

A fantastic way to end a memorable day. 90+ and the NCFL continue to work in great partnership to further the gospel to those passionate about football.

If 90+ can serve your church in anyway in being a guest speaker, equipping your leaders of your church in Sports Ministry to advise your church in Sports Ministry Events please contact us:

via email or phone - Josh@ninetyplusministries.com or 07912304496
James@ninetyplusministries.com or 07850540295

90+ Ministries Launch Norfolk Christian Football u18s League

Assistant Director Josh Walsh helped launch the new league in Norfolk. The Norfolk Christian League was established as a Christian one and its central purpose is to reach team-mates, colleagues and young people for Christ through an example set in playing and administering football. With 6 leagues from u10s up to Adults there is now 51 teams in total competing throughout the age ranges.

This year saw a new era where the u18 league was launched initially as a 7a side however due to demand this was expanded to 11 a side and Josh Walsh was asked to come and help with the launch.

With Network Norwich and YFC Norwich present Josh gave a spiritual insight and backing to the new league. Josh challenged the players in their motives and ambitions in football. What football meant to them. He shared a brief playing background of himself. He encouraged the players to seek God to acknowledge their gifts and talents were ultimately from him and to give all the glory to him.

Josh was interviewed by Network Norwich which can be heard by using the link at the bottom of this article. He discussed the importance of this league as an outreach opportunity. The opportunity to share a verse and pray before a game with the majority of un churched players is fantastic.

We pray that God would use the NCFL and Network Norwich and all the workers there to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Making the most of every opportunity. We here at 90+ hope that we can be of help and through our partnership be a resource to further the work there.

Please do visit the Link to Network Norwich Interview of Josh http://www.networknorwich.co.uk/Articles/186518/Network_Norwich_and_Norfolk/Regional_News/Ex_international_footballer_launches_Norfolk_league.aspx

R. Kent Hughes has written a very practical and challenging guide for us men to grab and allow to affect our hearts and lives. It takes discipline to become a top athlete, it takes greater discipline to become more like Christ. Throughout the bible in particular with Paul it is often referred to in a athletic form. 1 Timothy 4 v 7 “train yourself to be godly”, Hebrews 12 v 1 “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw of everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” 1 Corinthians 9 v 25 - 27 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training....”

We see that it takes time, effort, training but we have a fantastic motivation - What Jesus did on the cross for us. We should want to do it in response to what God has done for us. It is a response. What a God we serve but what a dark world we live in. With the distractions of the technological world, material world we need to focus on what matters, serving and bringing glory to God and advancing the Gospel. We at 90+ want to use this we want to train ourselves Spiritually and Physically to compete and serve God through Sports Ministry.

This fantastic book guides you through areas of your life where you need to be disciplined to stop Satan getting a foothold in your life, everything from Purity to Marriage, Prayer, Work, Leadership and Witness to name a few with practical guides and biblical examples help us realise our reliance on God and the need to become more like him.

I’ve found every chapter I’ve read so far a help. Chapter 2 on the Discipline of Purity is masterfully written. There isn’t a Christian man who doesn’t struggle daily with purity, if he’s truly honest. And Kent doesn’t pull any punches in this area. “Face the truth—King David fell, and so can you!” (p. 30) There’s nothing startling in his advice—it’s just sensible and scriptural. But how greatly such advice is needed in our blatantly sexual culture. This chapter alone will revolutionise your life.

Each chapter ends with “Food for Thought” with challenging questions to help point you in the right direction. This book can be used in small discipleship groups for accountability or on your own as a quiet time reading. I honestly believe we as men need to face up to this and take the step to become more Godly and lead as men of Christ. I have been challenged in my life and had to face up to reality on aspects in my life. I’m so glad of this book.

May you enjoy this challenge as you work up a Spiritual Sweat in your pursuit of Godliness. 

Tim Chester’s Book is a challenging and inspiring book that gives an insight into how we as Christians can stand up and overcome whatever sin throws our way and how it can hinder our relationship from growing with Jesus Christ. This book gives practical help on how to look for God’s inspiration and apply it to everyday living. Tim has aimed this book at 4 types of people. Which category are you in?

1 - A new Christian struggling to change older habits
2 - An older Christian who has plateaued
3 - A Christian who has fallen into sin in a big way and is wondering how to get back on track
4 - A Christian beginning to disciple and mentor fellow Christians

Tim has written a very practical guide surrounded by sound biblical foundations giving us the truths that we should never forget about the Grace, Love and forgiveness that Jesus Christ exudes onto us everyday. These are centred on HOPE, the hope we have in Christ for forgiveness and hope that we can change and become more like Christ. This book will help you get to the root of the problem and help you get out and begin to live a life without the weight and guilt of sin on your shoulders. You should finish each chapter with the joy in your heart that comes from Christ. Tim calls you as you read this book to consider it as Your Change Project. What area do you want to change? With helpful reflections at the end of each chapter may you find the hope and joy in Christ and as you read it may you become firm in knowledge and security of Christ, that YOU CAN CHANGE.

What is Player Ministry? How does it work? Where and when do I Minister and share Jesus? How do I break the ice? How can I show Christ in such a difficult changing room?
These are just some of the questions we may have as we aim to share Christ in our teams. Some of you may have been sharing the Good news for years in your teams and to individuals, others, this may be your first time. Please share your experiences of opportunities to reflect Jesus. Share and encourage one another with testimonies of how weve seen our wondeful Saviour impacting the lives of our team mates and others.