Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas

Sweet-Strong

Kris Sweet was hired by Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, as offensive coordinator this past
offseason. Sweet had previously served one year as the offensive line coach at FCS Norfolk State
University in Virginia. Before that, he spent ten seasons as an offensive line coach in the
Canadian Football League. I doubt any of his previous football players have demonstrated more love
and compassion than his current team.

Recently, Sweet was diagnosed with cancer. To show their love and support for their coach, the
entire football team shaved their heads in tribute. The football program tweeted out video of the
team members surprising their coach with their newly-shaved heads. An emotional Sweet gave each of
his players a bear hug. *

When we were struggling and lost in our sins, Jesus became one of us to save us. "The Word became
flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who
came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14 NIV).

He became one of us so that He could die on the cross to save us from our sins. "Since the children
have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who
holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in
slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham's descendants.
For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a
merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins
of the people. Because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are
being tempted" (Hebrews 2:14-18).

God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts
16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans
10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

The incarnation (putting on flesh) and crucifixion of Christ were not demonstrations of solidarity;
they are the means of our salvation. "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him
we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Won't YOU accept His offer on His terms?

-- David A. Sargent

* Information gleaned from "Arkansas college football team shaves heads in solidarity with coach
battling cancer" by Frank Miles, www.foxnews.com.