The SPARK with FRC FCA

Imperative: Read the Truth

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:57:09 GMT

Know Your Anchoring Point

We’re always pursuing something--a championship, a personal best, a fit of belonging on our team or earning a scholarship--and we set our sights on the end prize and give our all to see our goals achieved.

In life, we do much the same--pursue relationships, promotions, meaning and accolades. Our human nature craves success. But to measure our success, we must know the standard and our anchoring point.

Over the next year, we’ll explore what it means to Pursue Truth, Life, Team and Mission. Each of these themes connect to engage in intentional pursuit of God and His great call on our lives.

For this, we start at the root of things: Truth.

What is Truth?

Truth comes to us in many forms from many people and ideas. We wonder what is right and if there really is a standard of one specific truth over everything else. And we dedicate effort and pursuit into finding what and how we believe.

We seek it because our souls want certainty.

The Bible has specific directions that lead to a full and everlasting life if we trust
that God knows where He is taking us.

Think about it. Have you ever felt like there was something more to this life, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it? That outside the winning seasons, the personal bests and scholarships, something else called to you? It’s a big world; where do you fit in, and what’s it all about, really?

If we feel uncertainty within us, it’s because there is something more to our days. There is Someone who knows our name and has shown us a way in which to live that brings truth to life. Jesus Christ brings us to the Father and sets the standard for how we love our neighbor, respect ourselves and seek first the will of God that has been already reconciled through the blood of His Son.

In just a few short sentences, Jesus points us towards truth: “ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

In a world that can make us feel like we don’t know where we are going, Jesus grafts a greater Truth as we make a point to learn more about God through His Word.

Get in The Word

If we want to improve our skills in our sport, it only makes sense to spend time practicing, studying the game and taking care of ourselves to become better. In the same way, our spiritual training should be exercised if we want to grow in Christ. This is why it’s important to be in God’s Word every day.

Now that we’ve determined the truth of God in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we can prepare ourselves to dive deeper into the first layer of pursuing truth: Read the Truth.

How do we read truth? By pursuing God’s voice, which He shares with us in His word, the Bible. The more we read the truth of God, the more natural it will be brought into our daily life. It’s important to know why we believe what we do, and the Bible centers us in the unchanging certainty of God.

Here are three reasons why reading the Bible is imperative to our spiritual well-being:

God’s Word is a Road Map

It takes us where we need to go.

In a culture that can lead us in circles, we are on the lookout for places of rest and the right way to go. It can be a tiring journey, but God delights in giving us the fuel we need to continue forward. The Bible has specific directions that lead to a full and everlasting life if we trust that God knows where He is taking us.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.” -Psalm 32:8

God’s Word is an Anchor

It keeps us grounded.

As Jesus assures us of His position as the Son of God, His word magnifies and ties us to this truth. As the source for how we believe what we do, the Bible is a firm foundation from which we share our beliefs, find answers to the things that trouble us and keep us confident in God’s promises.

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.

-Hebrews 6:18-19

God’s Word is a Lamp

It gives us light in the dark.

At times when we don’t know where to turn and all around us feels dim, oppressive and confusing, Jesus, the light of the world, illuminates our hearts. The more we get into Scripture, the more we begin to understand God's love and how we can apply it to our lives and relationships.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path. -Psalm 119:105

The more we commit to knowing God’s Word, the more at peace we are and certain in times of trouble. The road of Pursue is long, but if we start with pursuing the truth, we’re well on our way to find a firm foundation for our faith.

Consider: Where have you gotten your truth? What makes God’s truth different?

Action: Challenge yourself to spend the next 30 days reading the Bible a little each day.

True Life Sessions | Hope - Episode 001

ssmall@fca.org (Scot Small) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:56:17 GMT

Hope brings life when it is in the right Person!

So much has happened in your life as a coach and athlete. If we are putting our hope in the wrong places it can get pretty tough. There is only one place we can real hope and that is in Jesus Christ. Watch this and be inspired with HOPE!

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES, FAUQUIER-RAPPAHANNOCK-CULPEPER CHAPTER, REACHES START-UP FUNDING

ssmall@fca.org (Scot Small) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 00:01:28 GMT

Warrenton, VA - December 14, 2020

We are pleased to announce today that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) of Fauquier, Culpeper and Rappahannock (FRC) has reached its goal to officially launch on November 1, 2020, with the support of the communities it serves. More than 60 organizations and/or individuals are financially contributing. The final amount raised is $109,000.

“We have a big vision,” says Scot Small, Area Director of the FRC FCA, “to change our part of the world by building and supporting a growing community of coaches that are on fire for the Lord and usher in spiritual transformation to their athletes, their families and our communities.”

Individuals and organizations from Fauquier County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County, the Piedmont region, and from other states, financially contributed to help the FRC FCA reach its initial start-up goal. Supporters contributed both one-time gifts and monthly commitments ranging from $20 to $10,000 a year. Contributions are tax deductible, as the FRC chapter of the FCA is a recognized 501c3.

“All the credit goes to God,” says Mr. Small. “I put in the effort and God moved in the hearts of those who are supporting this exciting FCA ministry. My faith in God has grown immeasurably and I am so excited to begin the work of reaching every coach and athlete.”

Further contributions will enable the FRC chapter of the FCA to offer league and camp scholarships for student athletes, leadership development for coaches and to maximize the impact that these coaches and student athletes, alike, have on the community and their schools in the name of Christ. The FRC FCA is working to grow a general scholarship fund to send student athletes to FCA summer camps and FCA-led after school programs that grow character and faith. FCA summer camps are envisioned right here in the Fauquier, Rappahannock, Culpeper region of Virginia.

About FCA - Fauquier, Culpeper and Rappahannock

FCA is the largest Christian sports ministry in the world and focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. For over 55 years, FCA has sought to impact the world through the influence of athletes and coaches. Thanks to our corporate sponsors who enable us to reach and connect within the communities that we serve: TYDAL Technology, Golden Rule Builders, Dominion Construction Group, Thrivent (Jay Tobias),Holiday Partners, Hottle & Associates, Higher Communications, and Ledo’s Pizza. Please find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FCA4You to stay tuned to the difference that we will make.

The FRC of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Announces Partnership with Kettle Run High School Cougar Athletic Boosters

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 23:12:18 GMT

Warrenton, VA - October 1, 2020

We are pleased to announce today that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) of Fauquier, Culpeper and Rappahannock (FRC) has partnered with Kettle Run High School Cougar Athletic Boosters as an event sponsor. FCA of FRC will support the Boosters’ golf tournament on October 9, 2020, at the Prince William Golf Course in Nokesville, Virginia.

“We are very fortunate to have such a supportive community, and we could not survive without groups like FCA,” says Paul Frye, Director of Student Activities at Kettle Run High School. This golf tournament will raise funds for the school’s student athletic programs, including golf, volleyball, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, cheerleading, basketball, wrestling, football and more .

“It has been a tough year for coaches and student athletes,” says Scot Small, Area Director of Fauquier, Rappahannock and Culpeper FCA. “They are trying to process all of the uncertainty that has entered everyone’s lives. I am fired up to play a small role in helping bring some fun and resources to our student athletes and coaches. Great things are coming!”

Student athletics and activities are a large contributor to community and social infrastructure in the schools and provide leadership, teamwork, and goal-oriented opportunities for the students and their families. A registration form for the event may be found here .

“My prayer is that we can all come out of this time stronger and more united as a community,” adds Mr. Small, “and I am eager to get to it and do my part in helping this vision come to pass.”

The Kettle Run High School Cougar Athletic Boosters is a non-profit, parent-led booster organization supporting hundreds of student athletes every year by selling game tickets, concessions, spirit wear, business signage on the fields, and holding fundraisers such as this golf tournament.

About FCA - Fauquier, Culpeper and Rappahannock

FCA is the largest Christian sports ministry in the world and focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. For over 55 years, FCA has sought to impact the world through the influence of athletes and coaches. Thanks to our corporate sponsors who enable us to reach and connect within the communities that we serve: Golden Rule Builders, Dominion Construction Group, Holiday Partners, Hottle & Associates, Higher Communications and Ledo’s Pizza.