Spiking the Football

Preaching from Matthew 5:11–12, Dr. John N. Hamlin uses the sports analogy of "spiking the football" to illustrate how believers ought to exuberantly celebrate and rejoice in spiritual victories. He outlines three key occasions that should prompt a Christian to "spike the football": when a sinner gets saved and misses hell, when a backslidden "stray" repents and returns home through prayer, passion, and praise, and when a faithful servant finishes their life's course and makes it to heaven. Throughout the message, Hamlin weaves lighthearted personal anecdotes, humor, and biblical examples to encourage the congregation to rediscover their joy and enthusiasm in serving God.