"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are." -1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT

The New England Patriots team has been a dominant NFL franchise for a long time. From 2002-2019, they have won six Super Bowl championships (2002, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019) and 11 American Football Conference (AFC) championships. Many people may wonder how they win so many games. They have been able to play with a high level of consistency through phenomenal coaching, great quarterback play, and a no nonsense approach that doesn’t tolerate outside distraction. When players arrive to play for the Patriots, they have a full understanding of their roles and know how to do their job well individually so that the team can ultimately succeed.

One thing about the New England Patriots franchise that is different from any other NFL franchise is their preparation. Head Coach, Bill Belichick, and his coaching staff do a great job of preparing the team for every game. No matter the opponent, no matter the score, no matter if there is rain, sunshine, or snow, primetime television or out of market games, the New England Patriots give their very best every game. They rarely beat themselves. They typically create more turnovers on defense than they commit on offense. The reason is because of their discipline. The Patriots seem to always understand situational football whether it is knowing to play two minute offense or keeping the ball out of the opponent’s possession during crucial points of games. The coaching staff does a phenomenal job of creating great offensive, defensive, and special team schemes that will help put to the team in a great position to win. In addition, the players do a great job of executing the game plan on offense and defense.

In addition to being a phenomenal football team and being coached by the greatest NFL head coach (in my personal opinion), during those seasons they also had Tom Brady, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. But the reason that the Patriots have consistently won every year is because they are always prepared to play through great coaching and schemes offensively, defensively, and special teams. Most importantly, they respect every opponent no matter the opponent’s win-loss record.

These are the last days and Jesus is coming back soon. The enemy is looking to tempt as many people as possible through sin ranging from sexual immorality, homosexuality, lies, hatred, rage/anger, greed, etc. The enemy is blinding so many people’s eyes in this world and lying to people to the point where they are confused believing that “evil is good and good is evil” (Isaiah 5:20). It is so important for us as Christians to “not be ignorant to the enemy’s devices” and “be sober and vigilant” so that we won’t fall into the enemy’s trap. What does it mean to “be sober and vigilant?” It means being temperate, careful, and aware. It is important the Body of Christ to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. In order for us to prepare for the second coming of Christ, we must draw close to God and grow in our relationship with Him through prayer and studying the Bible. As we grow in our relationship with God, we will learn how to be a Christian which means “Christ-like.” Every day, we must live life on purpose for God and recognize that we cannot live life without Him. We should not only grow as follower of Jesus but we must also present the Gospel of Jesus to those who don’t know Him. John 3:16-17 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Those who live a life of sin and are unwilling to repent and surrender their lives to God will live for eternity in hell. Those who “confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, they will be saved” (Romans 10:9) and ultimately live for eternity in Heaven. Are you prepared for Jesus Christ’s return?

Are you ready for Christ's return?

-1 Peter 5:8-9

-2 Corinthians 2:11

-Ephesians 6:10-11

-John 10:10

-James 4:8

-Isaiah 54:17

-Luke 21:5-36