I am a man of the Bible. I read through the Bible annually. In addition, I teach and preach from the Bible weekly. I believe it is God’s inspired word. It is the source of truth and the rule for our lives. It reveals God’s plans for humanity and the redemption of our souls through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

That said, you must understand that the Bible does not come to us as precepts alone. Sure, many laws and proverbs are straightforward concepts, but that is about it. God’s word is revealed in stories, songs, prophecies, parables, and analogies.   

Many times in the New Testament, we have these words that we consider “religious” that are analogies and illustrations to help us understand the Gospel story. A word like “justification” is the picture of a law court and the penalty being paid. A “ransom” is the image of a person being held captive and someone paying the price for their freedom. Even the word “atonement” draws upon an Old Testament story for its understanding. All these big religious words use existing analogies to help us understand the cross of Christ.

When I say I teach the Bible only, that does not mean that I shout out precept after precept from the Bible. It means I explain the original word pictures within their context and use modern illustrations to drive the point home. A Biblical preacher uses all the tools at their disposal to help people understand what Jesus did on the cross. It is not someone who reads a passage and uses big words but the one who helps us know what it means and how to apply it today.

In sports, the instruction is to “play to the whistle.”  The official blows the whistle, which indicates the end of the play or the game.

It is often possible for something to happen that we think is the end of the play and is not. Our eyes or ears may deceive us into thinking the play is done, and we stop making an effort. Only later do we realize we were mistaken, and if we had kept playing, the outcome might have changed.

Each player is to give a full effort until the one in authority indicates the play is done. 

I believe this is a good analogy for the Christian life. As long as God gives us life and breath, we will continue working for his kingdom. We should not quit serving because we feel like our time is up. God is the official and decides when we are done on this earth. 

If you woke up today and have the ability to do something for the kingdom of God, then keep going to the whistle, or more Biblically correct, the final trumpet.