The Olympic Games The original Olympics games began in Ancient Greece. They lasted from 776 BC to AD 393.

The reason for these friendly city-state sponsored competitions are shrouded in mystery. Probably they were used to please the ancient Grecian gods. The Ancient Games featured running events, a pentathlon (consisting of a jumping event, discus and javelin throws, a foot race, and wrestling), boxing, wrestling, pankration, and equestrian events. After the demise of the Olympics, they were not held again until the late 19th century. Presently more than 200 nations participate in the games, with thousands of athletes who perform in a variety of competitions. Here's a bible study with an Olympics theme. There are a number of bible passages that are available for an Olympic themed bible study. I came up with this list (not a complete one by any means): "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:14-15) Ecclesiastes 9:10-12 - The race is not to the swift. 1 Kings 19:2-4 - Elijah runs for his life. Judges 16: 28-31 The strength of Samson. 1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath. 1 Corinthians 9:23-25 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? 2 Timothy 4:6-8 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, Hebrews 12:1-3 - Let us run with patience (endurance) the race set before us. 2 Timothy 2:4-6 - An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The Olympic Poem "The Olympic Games The Games of Life Are not about trouble Are not about strife Its not the winning, Its the taking part,

Its all about Whats true to heart Its not the loosing, Its all nations uniting Its not about war but peace inviting Not about trouble Not about strife Just the Olympics And the Games of life." May you all win in the game of life. The first altar call recorded was in the book of Acts. There the first, never changing and true message of salvation was given there. "Now when they (the believing Jews from every nation under heaven) heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:37-42)