Ana's Valentine to Me

This is the end of a fantastic day of missions planning and preparation. Tomorrow, we drive to the big Memphis ATP/WTA tournament for a large-scale mission trip. I'm excited. God is blessing the International Christian Tennis Association.

Today has been great. Great weather... fun with my academy students as we packed... excitement everywhere about our mission trip tour! Paid for a couple of exhibitor's booths, one at an incredibly famous tournament I'll write about later. Partnered with a company/friend for our booth at the 2008 Australian Open. Spent some time on the phone building a relationship with a new friend.

And, I received this awesome Valentine's Day card from Anastasia.

Don't know Ana? She one of my tennis academy students. Ana is 17 years old. Her tennis is pretty good... she is #1 Ukraine junior and has top 100 WTA potential. More importantly, Ana accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior recently.

Here's what Ana wrote to me in her card...

Dear Scotty!

When I saw this card I knew that is especially for you! Because you are teacher! And not only teacher but coach, father, friend, listener, helper... and so many things just in you!!! For me you are Blessing from God!

I thank Lord for you being in my life and I thank you so much for everything you did and doing in my life! If there is anything I need help with I know that I can be confident about you. And thank you so much for opening my eyes and found God as my Savior.

This gift of Salvation are very expensive and none of us on earth can pay back the same price for that, but we can do our best in everything we do & serve as hard as we can!

:) Love You!!! Anastasia 2/14/07

Christian Tennis Association Mission Trips 2007

ICTA Missions is about to get into full swing.

The International Christian Tennis Association has three main types of mission trips.

1. Large scale, short term mission trips to world famous professional tennis tournaments where ICTA leases a vendor booth for the entire duration of the event and reaches tens of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of people.

2. ICTA Pro Tennis Team mission trips to ITF pro tournament where ICTA missionaries compete in the events while building relationships with the players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and tournament staff.

3. ICTA Junior Tennis Team mission trips where ICTA junior academy students learn to share their faith by passing out tracks at their tournaments.

For 2007, ICTA will:

1. ICTA Global Missions will seek to attend 12 WTA or ATP tournaments; including a Grand Slam, several International Series, and two to three Masters-Series.

In total, the International Christian Tennis Association will seek to reach well over 1,400,000 attendees, give out tens of thousands of Bibles, Christian books, tracks, DVDs & CDs, ICTA Tshirts, and other ICTA product... and gain tens of thousands of new ICTA members from countries worldwide.

We will also plan to travel to Wimbledon on an exploratory mission trips designed to lay a foundation for a yearly tennis tour with the Scott Paschal Tennis Tour Co., and prepare the groundwork for a yearly ICTA Mission Trip, Tennis Camp, and ICTA Tennis Show.

2. ICTA Pro Tennis Teams will seek to attend and compete in 25 ITF & WTA Pro Tournaments worldwide while sharing the Gospel with those they meet, speaking in churches, and building lasting relationships with players on tour.

3. ICTA Junior Tennis Teams will compete in tournaments throughout Florida while learning to share their faith to those they meet.

For me, I love mission trips. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing I am being obedient to the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus in Mathew 28... if you've never heard of the Great Commission, check this out--->

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' "

Don't you just love Jesus!? Isn't it great having a reason to live! I really can't imagine what life would be like without the hope I have through my faith in Christ. That thought drives me to share my faith with others as much as I can.

Before I sign off, I'd like to ask you to keep our own Rachel Snelen in your prayers as she leads a mission trips to Canada this weekend to a $50,000 ITF tournament. And please keep her twin Melody Snelen in your prayers as she leads a mission trip to a junior tennis tournament in Florida this weekend.

Melody Snelen will also lead a mission trip to a Wild Card tournament for an ITF $25,000 tournament beginning the following Monday... and a 3rd Mission Trips to a $25,000 in Florida the following weekend.

Thank you for your prayers, emails, phone calls, and ecards of support. I can't say enough how appreciated each of our friends are to us.

God bless you,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557

PS. The cute gal with me is our academy dog, Bearby! She's been sitting in my lap each morning for nearly 4 years, since she was a puppy, as I study and/or write. Bearby often goes on mission trips with us.

Christian Tennis Expansion in 2007

The flight to Dallas, Texas on Friday was smooth. I've enjoyed a tremendously productive weekend working on highly specific aspects of taking the International Christian Tennis Association, ICTA, to the next level in terms of ministry reach, depth, and scope.

For those of you just tuning in for the first time, ICTA is poised for a breakout year in 2007. After 7+ years of establishing tremendous credibility and ministry programs, I am adding two new ministry programs to the ICTA arsenal.

First, the International Christian Tennis Association will build a tennis facility in 2007.

Second, the International Christian Tennis Association will offer professional tennis tours in 2007 for our ICTA members and guests.

In addition, 2007 will see ICTA is entering 6 new markets in the United States, including New York as ICTA attends the US OPEN on a large-scale, short term mission trip for the first time in our brief history.

The work and planning involved in ICTA's newest ministry objectives is intense. I am grateful to have two amazing full time staff members, Melody Snelen and Rachel Snelen, handle many of the ICTA's administrative and academy duties, which frees my time up to grow my dreams and visions of worldwide ministry. Without their incredible dedication to excellence in their work for the ICTA, this ministry would not be successful.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to be able to visit my grandfather on Friday. Grampa is turning 88 years of age in March. I tremendously appreciate him.

Looks like I might be extending my stay in DFW for an extra day and will fly home to Florida on Tuesday. The work has been gratifyingly productive and I have enjoyed staying with my longtime friend, Breck.

The plan is for me to fly back to DFW next weekend to wrap things up, then off to Charlotte, NC to meet with a friend as we discuss housing during an exploratory ICTA mission trip to 2007 Wimbledon, look back on his 12+ years as a sports chaplain, and enjoy spending time together.

Thank you for your prayers, emails, and phone calls this week.

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557

Over 5000 Hits on Christiantennis.net in 7 Days!

The International Christian Tennis Association website, www.christiantennis.net, has undergone a major renovation in concert with a highly strategic marketing and internet partnership program.

What's the results of this multi-thousand dollar effort which included hundreds of highly specific planning/work hours?

Drum roll, please...

ICTA is pleased to announce our first 5000+ unique homepage hits week which included over 20,000 page views!

To put this in perspective, the majority of sports ministries we've contacted receive between 75 and 500 unique homepage hits a month. Christiantennis.net received 5000+ in one week.

5000+ unique hits in only 7 days more than doubles the weekly web site production we had in 2006. I remember around 2002 when we first started our web site we were excited to have 5 hits in a week! Now, we've received those five 1000 times! God is good and ICTA is so blessed.

Our record breaking 5000+ homepage hit week leads to a 20,000 to 25,000 web site hit week as visitors and ICTA members flip around our site enjoying pictures and articles.!

20,000 to 25,000 web site hits a month is what we expected for a whole month in 2006, not 7 days!! Fantastic.

The average visitor flips through 4 to 6 areas of our site before moving on... this quadruples weekly production from our site in 2006!

5000+ homepage hits in 7 days...
20,000 to 25,000 web site page views in 7 days...
AWESOME.

Want to hear something even more cool!? I hope so 'cause I can't wait to tell you.

Worldwide, our ICTA marketing/partnership effort generated over 1,634,165 internet impressions on computers worldwide during those 7 days.

That's...
One Million
Six Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand
One Hundred and Sixty Five!

1,634, 165!!!!!

One internet impression is when our ministry name/slogan/etc appears on a computer screen as the person surf's the internet.

Through highly specific and strategic partnerships, the International Christian Tennis Association ministry is appearing worldwide at a rate we NEVER could have imagined possible. Not even in my dreams. NEVER!

7 days
5000+ homepage hits
20,000 to 25, 000 web site page views
1,634, 165 impressions

I pretty much freaked out when I saw the numbers. Though as the new ICTA Memberships and Academy Interest Forms rolled in to our email account, I new something big was happening!

Based on this new data the International Christian Tennis Association is now on pace for a 250,000 homepage hit year with over 1,000,000 web site page views.

And over 75,000,000 internet impressions.

I can't believe I just typed this... pinch me.

God is Good!

Scott Paschal

Christian Tennis Association on TV!

Hey There! This is Scott Paschal, Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association. We're going to be on TV!

See the fella in the blue shirt, he owns a Christian TV show. His show is broadcast to over 5 million homes in Florida, alone!

He wants to come out and film ICTA in a "reality" type show. I hope he has a lot of film for taping because the ICTA is one busy sports ministry!!

World class, high performance tennis training every day... cutting edge discipleship training classes at the academy... large scale mission trips to the most famous tennis tournaments in the world... pro tennis travel teams sharing the Gospel worldwide... as I said, he's going to need a ton of film!!

Awesome! He has great ideas for the show he wants to do on ICTA. His company is based out of Hawaii and Florida. I've send you more info on the show as things progress!

I met him through the two people to the right, Marjorie and Ricky, who are my friends and own the Christian TV and radio station in the Pacific Islands. I coach their son, Joseph (top of stairs), full time here at my Christian tennis academy.

We all had a great visit and he was impressed with our program. Should be a neat TV show. It will be great to have our ministry broadcast nationwide. He is even allowing me to ask for donations and support! Would be great to receive such donations... then all of my students could train at no cost and their parents $ could go straight to tournament mission trips!!

We'll keep you informed on when the show will be filmed and aired so you can follow along.

In addition, would be great to have you come out to ICTA and visit us while the show is being filmed. We could do a Christian Tennis Celebration weekend event here in Palm Coast.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

A South Pacific Island Hello!

I'm pretty excited to have this picture. For the last couple of years, God has been moving the young man to my right towards fulltime training with me at my Christian tennis academy. Well, he's here now fulltime and I'm really glad.

His parents, Ricky and Marjorie, own the Christian TV and radio station in their area and are tremendous people. Marjorie and I have been friends for 2 years now.

Joseph is a neat kid. I've enjoyed getting to know him and he is settling into the place really well. Will be neat taking him to Clarity this weekend. I don't think he has ever attended anything like it before!

'Tel just arrived this morning! So great to see here. 'Tel is awesome and I feel really special to have her call me her coach. Ana arrived from Ukraine just a few days ago and is adjusting to the time change. Ana is so great. I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone appreciate becoming a Christian as much as Ana. She is a sponge right now and that is exciting. Mark has been here for a week and is getting back on track. He and Joseph will have a great time training hard. Newbie will be here tonite. Newbs is awesome.

Please keep these tremendous kids in your prayers as God works with them during this season of their lives. The older I get the more I appreciate the time I have to spend with our next generation.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

Student Life's Clarity Conference-Orlando

Hello there! This is Scott Paschal.

The International Christian Tennis Association's Spring 2007 Semester is kicking off with a bang as we head to Orlando, Florida to attend Clarity, a Christian youth conference from Student Life.

The focus of Clarity is to make God's Word more clear. Our students will be challenged to let God's Word become a more real and useful part of their lives... help them know what they believe.

I'm excited to attend Clairity. David Nasser, a speaker for the event, mentioned it to me when we were in Gatlinburg last week. This is a tremendous way to begin a semester with a Christ- centered focus.

I'd like to ask you something... what is your child doing that is Christ-centered on MLK weekend at his or her tennis academy? Even more than that, is there anything Christ-centered at any time where your kids are being raised at their tennis academy?

If not, you are invited to contact me at any time to discuss your child attending an ICTA Mission Trip or a Youth Conference or Discipleship Training or a Christian Concert, or even training for a week or longer in our Christ-centered environment.

Clarity

Student Life

Here's the schedule:

Orlando, FL - Jan. 13 - 15

Day 1:
12:00 - 2:00 PM	Registration at First Baptist Church
2:00 PM	Session 1 - David Nasser & Kristian Stanfill
4:00 PM	Dismiss
5:00 PM	Youth Worker Training Session
7:00 PM	Session 2 - David Platt & Kristian Stanfill
8:30 PM	Casting Crowns in Concert
10:00 PM	Dismiss
Day 2:
8:00 PM	Session 3 - David Platt & Kristian Stanfill
10:00 PM	Leeland in Concert
10:45 PM	Dismiss
Day 3:
8:00 - 9:00 AM	Check-Out of Hotels
9:00 AM	Session 4 - David Platt & Kristian Stanfill
11:00 AM	Dismiss

Here's the Theme to Clarity from their web site...

Clarity is...

An experience in God's Word.

It’s that simple and that essential.

We are being faced with generations increasingly less familiar with the living and active Word of God. This problem is vital for us today.

“How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” How will they know?

Clarity is not a solution, but a challenge to you, your workers and your students.

A challenge to develop a passion for God’s Word.

A challenge to understand and engage the Bible as the complete story of God’s redemptive plan.

A challenge to live out daily the mission for your life presented in God’s Word.

You will hear God’s Word.
You will see God’s Word.
You will sing God’s Word.
You will speak God’s Word.
You will experience God’s Word.

And the Word will bring Clarity to your life.

Hawk Nelson and David Crowder

Here are a few of the pics you asked to see. I'll post more in the coming week. Right now, I'm slammed designing our tennis center, welcoming in the Spring 2007 Semester academy students, planning Rally to Win TM events, and finishing up the Summer 2007 Missions schedule... and a host of other Christian tennis ministry duties.


This is a pic of the back of the log home I stayed in. Two patios with amazing views. I also enjoyed my hot tub which was located on the first balcony. One nite it snowed while I sat in the hot tub . So great!Here we are packing up my stuff before I drove home yesterday morning.


The upstairs of the log home was awesome! Pool table, stand alone Galaga, Pac Man, Donkey Kong video game machine, air hockey, table w/ chairs, bunk beds, 42' flat screen TV, patio, Jacuzzi tub, leather couch, amazing views. Nasser slept in the bunk while I took the room downstairs since he was flying out early in the AM. I totally recommend everyone rent one of these places when they travel to Gatlinburg. The name of the resort is called Gatlinburg Falls.


This is my living room! Awesome, huh? My bedroom was to the right and I'm pretty much standing in the kitchen. The balcony w/ hot tub and rustic chairs is to the left.


As I drove home I thought about the fantastic concerts I'd seen. Hawk Nelson, though he's not my style, did a great job and the tweeners loved him. I think I saw his band 4 times at the conferences. David Crowder Band lit up Liberty's Winterfest in Lynchburg. So talented. He's definitely kind of funny looking. It took me a while to get used to his look! Sure makes him stand out in a huge crowd of bands. I hope you have a chance to check out his music.

During my break today I drove to Daytona to pick Mark up after his flight from Mexico. Mark is training with me for 3 years and is one heck of an amazing kid. Mark is the type of person who makes everyone around him feel good about themselves. Joseph arrived to Daytona today, also. He flew in with his Mom and Dad, who own a Christian TV station in the South Pacific. They will all come over on Sunday. Joseph will train for this semester, possibly longer. His Mom is amazing and a big supporter of ICTA.

I have a prayer request for you guys. My mom has advanced Pneumonia. It's pretty bad and could end her life. Please keep her in your prayers.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

Casting Crowns & Jeremy Camp

We're back home now in Palm Coast. What an amazing week and a great time of growth.

One of the highlights for me was driving back to Gatlinburg from Lynchburg with Nasser. We had a great time just hanging out in the car talking about everything, yet nothing. Kinda like sitting at a campfire.

Rach and Mel went to a conference, too! Actually 3, but they were all in the same place on different days. They ran Nasser's merchandise table for a week. They had a great time, plus made some $ to help cover tournament expenses.

This past week I was able to attend 3 Christian youth conferences in 2 different states, watch 12 different Christian bands, and listen to 5 world class speakers. This was better than any pro tournament I've ever attended. I had a great time and learned so much.

Casting Crowns is a Christian band I want to make sure I mention. I know 99% of you reading this have never heard of them. They led worship New Year's Eve at Winterfest. Mark Hall did an amazing job. Everything Hall did was so sincere and caring. The event was broadcast live on TV. What a great way to ring in the New Year.

The next day after David Nasser spoke, Jeremy Camp led worship. He was really fun. I hadn't heard of Jeremy Camp before. The 6000+ kids there sure had and really loved his music.

I hope you guys google these two bands and check out their sites.

I'll post some pics tomorrow, right now I'm kinda wiped from the drive home and lack of sleep, plus I've been sick all week, so after some rest I'll come back and show you the cabin and some neat pics.

Hope your New Year has been good. Checked out Passion '07 online, yet? Go to www.268generation.com. Follow the links to the video. I think each session is online for 24 hours. ICTA has a small group there. Chris D called today to check in with me and said he is having an amazing time.

Big Spring 2007 coming up! Huge, actually!

Please keep us in your prayers as we work to push back the darkness in the sport of tennis and shine His light.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

Welcome 2007

I'm writing to you from the campus of the finest, boldest, most forward-thinking Christian college campus in the world. Liberty University.

I drove in from Gatlinburg, Tennessee a couple of days ago to participate in Winterfest. My role is to manage David Nasser's booth and product during the event. David will speak this morning to the 7000+ high school and college students, then we'll pack up the remaining supplies and drive to Gatlinburg to spend the nite. Then, we'll both head home. I've really enjoyed spending time with my friend. To learn more about Nasser, visit his web site, www.davidnasser.com.

Last nite was pretty awesome. I was able to ring in the New Year with Casting Crowns, Kutlass, and Dr. Ergun Canor... and 7000+ excited kids. Casting Crowns is a tremendous Christian band. They have a heart for worship. I'm not sure what their web site is, google it and check them out. So special to have the opportunity to gather together with so many Christians. Today is the final day of the event. I'm looking forward to this morning's session.

Also today, in Atlanta, Passion '07 begins! ICTA has a small group attending Passion '07 and I couldn't be more excited for them. Be sure to watch everything on their web cast. 268generation.com. Each main session will be online for 24 hours. I'll be able to attend Passion '07 online. I had wanted to attend in person, but God called me elsewhere, so the online option is such a blessing for me and for others.

Happy New Year,

Scott Paschal

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Hello there! This is Scott Paschal, Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association, writing to you today from beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee, right in the heart of the amazing Great Smoky Mountains.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few days in this outstanding mountain resort town. The place I'm staying at is amazing, too. I am so blessed to have a 2-story log cabin... think log home... in a place called Gatlinburg Falls to stay in.

The log cabin is fully loaded, including a pool table, hot tub, stand alone video game machines (85,000 high score on Galaga, which you can't do...deal with it), full kitchen, amazing balconies with views of the Smokies.

I hadn't been planning to be here, just kinda happened, which is nice. I'm writing a book, fiction based on spiritual armour, and had planned on writing in Florida while all of my tennis students are home for Christmas.

My friend, David Nasser, invited me here to Gatlinburg. He is one of the speakers at the conference. Nasser was here just the first day, then flew to Ft. Worth, Tx... then Chattanooga, Branson, Knoxville... I'll meet up with him in Lynchburg, TN at Liberty University where he will speak at their event. So great of him to invite me here. Tremendous to spend time with him, then enjoy the log home/town/conference. I've met so many wonderful people and have enjoyed the sites.

Today, I went to Ripley's Aquarium. What a cool place. Also headed over to the homemade candy place and watched the guy make different flavors of taffy. What a great place to spend the holidays for sure.

The speakers at the conference have been outstanding... Tony Nolan, Johnny Hunt, Josh McDowell, and David Nasser. The bands are Third Day, Newsong, Kutless, Hawk Nelson... awesome.

Most of you reading this have most likely never heard of any of these people. My hope is that God can use this blog to connect you with them in some way. Some of them I'll know, most I won't, but either way as I travel neat places I'll work to find internet access and take you along with me.

Before I sign off, I'd like to say a special hello to our visitors from the Middle East. We've noticed an amazing amount of visitors from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Turkey, Pakistan... and I am really grateful to have you here.

So amazing ICTA is known in places that seem so anti-Christian to most Americans, yet when you write to me I realize how loving and kind people from these countries really are.

So many of you thank me for this ministry, though you are of a different faith. One Mom from Syria is negotiating with me to train her son, who is a top ITF junior. So amazing and wonderful.

God bless you.

Scott Paschal

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

But when the fullnes of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under them law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!'" Galations 4:4-6

I went walking last night, kinda late. I looked up after a mile or so. Man, the sky was clear. I could see a few billion miles. You know, it can be areally powerful thought to know you are a child of the God who created all that is up there. There's a lot of stuff up there, too.

Today, as I drove to pick up a rental car, I saw a teen walking by the side of the road in the rain. Just a t-shirt, no jacket. He was walking slow and looked pretty sad this Christmas. I was him when I was a teen. He brought back some memories. But, my problem back then is no one taught me to look up. I needed someone to take the time and teach me why I needed to look up and not look down.

I know not many people have that great family we all think others have. Yet, we do have a great Father. No matter how rough 2006 was, start looking up. Read your Bible and do what it says. Have you been doing that? If not, get started. And pray, everyday talk to your Dad in heaven. Tell him everything and ask him to help you. It works. I know, I actually did it and my life changed.

The birth of Jesus is the most powerful event in human history.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

More Christmas Cards & Letters...!!

Scotty and the ICTA staff,

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Canada

Continue In God's leading and remember you are not alone- never.

I just got back from a tennis holiday in Mexico with three tennis
buddies from home.

I have had an opportunity to witness to two of them!!  They wanted to
know why- I believe the way I do.  What I think about the crazy world
events, global warming, earthquakes, etc.

Anyways these guys are hard core tennis players and I ask for your
prayers during my walk and leading of them to the Saviour.

I hope to talk to you during one of the big events and maybe even
eventually bring the boys to clinic someday.

Richard (Rick) B

----------------------------------

Merry Christmas to all of you.

I am so very thankfull for your ministry to the tennis community. You are on the list of ministries I pray for regularly. I pray the Lord will give you a very fruitful ministry and keep you in the center of His perfect will.

God Bless.

Jack

-------------------------------------

dear icta. we have not had the pleasure of meeting but is so great what you are doing and I would love to be a part of it. my name is Liz. I live in Cincinnati Ohio that was my first exposure to the group. I am getting ready to move to Las vegas, so I would love to stay in touch with someone. Thanks, Liz

-------------------------------------

hey scotty,thnx for the e_mail and i wish u and all the stuff a happy
and wonderful christmas,and i will look forward coach from you to send me
all the news about the academy,for now have a nice day.

best regards

hussein mohammed hamade
malaysia
                -------------------------------------

Hi Scott and Staff,

My name is Sarah ---- and I am currently a 21-year old senior on the ---- women's tennis team. I'll graduate in August and I'm very excited! (I played 2 years at the University of ---- and then transferred to ----)

My mom came across your website a year or so ago, and I am happy to finally get in touch with y'all. Basically, I have always wanted to play professional tennis, and with my college career coming to an end I know I still have more left in me.

I am in the process of making tennis plans for the future and I wanted to look into your program as a possiblity of a training, working, or in some way fitting in with my tennis ambitions. I would love to hear more about your program as y'all continuously serve the Lord while playing a sport you love.

I was so shocked to hear about your place a year ago, but now I'm even more excited to see what the future holds for y'all and how I may be able to be a part of it.

Thanks for your time.

Merry Christmas !

Sarah
-------------------------------------

Hi Scotty, Nice to see a note from you. Wishing you and the fam there a good one as well. All the best. Great tennis and good living. JB

-------------------------------------

Hey Scotty

I think you changed your email, not sure if this is the good one, but Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we have to meet in 2007 for sure..
Juan
-------------------------------------

Dear ICTA staff

I live in Australia and will be in Melbourne for the Australian Open, I was just wondering if you will have people from ICTA down under this year

Cheers

Marcos

-------------------------------------

Hi Scott,

I received your mail and i'm happy about what is happening in the sport ministry (International Christian Tennis Association) and being a partaker of this golden opportunity to be a member of this highly esteem association.

I want to use this opportunity yo inform you that whenever you 're having any tournament i will like to be in your midst by God's grace so as to know each other very well.

My prayer is that may the good Lord help, bless, empower, strenghten, energize, equip you and every member for the great task ahead of you in the year 2007.

May this season bring you joy, blessings, promotion, and good things. I wish you a merry christmas and prosperous new year.

Thanks.

Yours in His Service,

Araotanlaye Ayodele O
-------------------------------------

Merry Christmas!! Isn't God so good sending his Son to earth? I know you are reaching alot of people and pray that your ministry continues to be blessed as you bless others. See you at The Tennis Channel Open in Vegas.

In Christ,

Susan S

-------------------------------------

Hi Coach Scotty:

We're a Christian Tennis family in Arkansas.  We enjoy your
newsletters.  Since you asked for CHRISTmas cards to be sent, we thought we'd
share ours with you!

Blessings,
The Matises

-------------------------------------

Thanks for the Christmas note,

Will you all be coming back to Las Vegas for the Tennis Channel Open in Feb? I had co-chaired one of the volunteer commitees last year but am free this year, if there is anyway I can help, please let me know.

Annette

-------------------------------------

I am looking for a Director of Tennis for a major Tennis and Fitness Club. 20 acres 16 courts, Indoor racquetball, fitness etc. Merry Christmas to you and your organization.

Charlie

               -------------------------------------


Please pray for the health of my mom, Mary, who has Parkinson's and
for my brother, Chris, who faces a daily battle to remain clean and
sober.

             -------------------------------------

Dear brother Scottie:

I wish you and you staff a Merry Christmas and a whole lot of blessing from Our Lord next year. May the Lord continue to bless you ministry and cause a lot of people to pour themselves out in help and support (materially and spiritually) of this worthy ministry. Yours in Christ, Carlos
-------------------------------------

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas and a Very Happy and Successful New Year 2007
Wishes you Kimmo from the Land of Santa Claus.

The first time I came across with ICTA my heard was filled with joy. I
share your vision of spreading the Good News through tennis in this
world. All the best. God bless your work.
PS. I am in service as a pastor- and also have a calling from God to
spread the Best News through tennis.  Take care Kimmo

-------------------------------------

Scotty, Melody, and Rachel

Merry Christmas from the Dinell family ( Ray-Schwans Man, Ali, Rachel, and Andie) !!

Thank you for the newsletter. It is exciting to see how your ministry is growing.

Here is an update on our family. We have made some significant changes this year.

First, we decided to homeschool. Several reasons motivated us to this decision....Christian education, flexible schedule around tennis tournaments, etc.. Even though homeschooling is more work for Ali and I, the benefits have been a more manageable lifestyle and I believe a better education. Andie (9) is in the fourth grade. Rachel (13) is in the 8th grade. The girls really are enjoying it.

Second, we have made some coaching changes with the girls, or I guess a more accurate description is "coaching additions". Even though ----- is probably the best city in the country in regards to tennis opportunities, the west side of town, where we live, doesn't have a lot of tennis. Ali is driving the kids 40-50 miles one way for their lessons and drills. This year we finally found a coach on our side of town that is EXCELLENT. Both his sons played college tennis. One played for Georgia and the other for Stanford. His philosophy toward the game/life is very balanced ( contrary to other coaches who think kids need to be on the court 5 to 8 hours a day ). We are still taking from our original (long distance) coaches, but are supplementing with the new (close to home) coach.

The results so far this year have been great. Andie will finish the year as the number one player in the state of ---- and the Southern Region in the 10's. Rachel is top ten in the state, and top 40 in the South in the 14's. More importantly, I see both their games improving.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray that we keep tennis in perspective. Honestly, I struggle with the fact that we often miss church for tennis tournaments. It's not good. Andie is starting to attract a lot of attention from the USTA which is great, but also means more weekends away from church. I want my kids to be the best tennis players they can be, but not at the cost of making tennis their "god".

2. We are traveling to the Arizona after Christmas for the Super National and Copper Bowl. Please pray for our safety and that the experience would be a time for us to grow closer as a family. This will be the first time I have taken two consecutive weeks off work, since I started my job in 1984. I can definitely use the break.

Thank you guys for your ministry. Hopefully, I will see you this Spring down at the NASQAQ ( or whatever they are callin it this year).

Yours In Christ,

Ray D
-------------------------------------

ICTA
To Scotty, Melody, and Rachel

Merry Christmas!!!! I am ALWAYS blessed to hear about your ministry... I love what you are doing there and will always remember you in my prayers.

Jesus is smiling guys... and always remember that He is not coming back until every person has heard the Gospel... and boy do I want Him to come soon so we'll do our jobs, yeah? Uh-huh. I'll do my sarin' here, you do your sharin' there and we'll see each other if not in this lifetime, then definitely in heaven. =)

God bless you and your ministry. Have a wonderful Christmas.=)

Your sister in Christ, Kai =)

-------------------------------------

Please pray that I might bring Glory to the Lord by allowing God's
word to soak in to my life and allow the Lord to prune that which is not
of Him and truly be His loving disciple, whether playing tennis or any
othe sport, in season and out of season to love the Lord with all my
heart mind, soul, and strength.

               -------------------------------------

Hello staff,
I am always inspired by your news.  Is there anything  we can do from Atlanta
to help support and spread the word about your great organization ?  I
hope to visit someday in the near future.  Have a safe and blessed
holiday.

Coach Jarvie
                 -------------------------------------

Dear Scotty,

This past year has been full of opportunities for blessings.....and the Lord sure has come through....as recently as this past week....all Glory to God.....grace and peace to all ...continued blessings in this upcoming year.......Vuyos con Dios.......(God be with you).....

Your fellow tennis brother

and brother in Christ........

From sunny so.California

Dennis N

Christmas Cards

Hello there!

I've received so many special Christmas cards, calls, letters, and emails!

Thank you so much for taking the time to contact me. Every time you contact me with your testimony, a letter of thanks, a holiday greeting, a neat story of something that happened... I get excited! Every time! Your life inspires me.

You are a child of God temporarily placed on earth to learn and grow and become everything He calls for you to be for all of eternity. Knowing He has placed our paths together is amazing and I truly appreciate each opportunity with you. Here are a few letters I'd like to share...

Scotty

----------------------------------------------

Dear Scotty,

I came to ICTA's booth in Key Biscayne about 3 years
ago... I got a gift of a bible. I gave it to my 6
year old boy. He did not read to much, but he
always treasure it. Now he reads it every day and
love it...

Merry Christmas, Amelia, Jacob 9, Adriana


Dear Scott & the ICTA

Merry Christmas! My name is James A. Im a player from London, we met
briefly during the ATP in Vegas & I have been
receiving your newsletters since I joined back in
March.

Just wanted to say keep up God's good work, its inspiring
to see & hear what you guys do, especially as
evangelism is not my strong point - so it encourages
me to keep trying push outside my comfort zone &
talk about Jesus. I will pray for next years mission
& may bump into you in the Spring.

God Bless, James A.

Dear Scott and ICTA staff,

God has certainly bless
you all and keep up the good work. Blessed are the
feet of those who brings good news!

May the Lord continue to bless you, may He enlarge
your territory, may His hands be upon you and keep
you from pain.

May there be more juniors coming from your
organisation competing and being successful in the
pro tour.

Have a wonderful blessed Christmas!
YY, Singapore

Hey Scotty!

I just read your newsletter. Great
news about the potential ICTA site donation!!!!!!!!!
Go God! ...I have been picked up by S. News and
also M. News so I am writing articles that
touch a lot of people nationally.

I have also formed
a writing partnership with a friend and we are
working on a motivational / inspirational book.
Drop me a line sometime soon, my friend.

Merry Christmas! Steve S.

Just to wish you all a Merry Christmas and
congratulate you on your years' achievements.

God bless you from Australia, Rubin , Oliver and Robin S.

Hi, Scott!

How are you doing? Thanks for the
newsletter. I just wanted to give you an update on
Jakub and where things stand with him regards to him
coming to train with you in Florida.

I spoke with
his father last week, and he told me that they are
still very, very keen on Jakub coming to Florida to
train with you. We will be in touch in the spring at
some point...

Thanks so much, and I wish you a very
blessed Christmas!

In Christ, Aaron S.Director, A
S, Czech Republic

Hi Scott,

How are you? Its great to hear from you
with newsletter. I am going to Australia soon and I
hope to see you there.

Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.

Ciao, Taormina, Sicily

Merry Christmas and God Bless you Scott & ICTA staff.
We will be at the Tennis Open Channel in Las Vegas
working as ushers in Feb and March 2007.

Don & Barb A. Bozeman, Montana

Thank you for your newsletter and ministry to the
world.

Thanks, Lee Canning

Hi Scott & staff,

I praise the Lord for your
ministry in tennis...
We just started a tennis ministry at our church near
San Jose. What a blessing, we have 4 courts with
lights and have a great witness in the neighborhood
with free tennis and clinics. I really enjoyed
reading about the girl from Ukraine....

We will pray
for you and pray for us, if you are ever in the area
maybe when the ATP or WTA tour comes through we
could do a gospel presentation.
Keep shining His light, thanks for your newsletter.
Hope to hear from you, let's pool some resources,
little becomes much in the Master's hands. Run the
race to win the prize, and all glory and praises to
our glorious Lord.

God bless you with love, Peter K.

Scotty,

The newsletter is great and it is wonderful
to see so many exciting things happening with ICTA.
Are you planning on coming to Houston again this
year? I would love to help out again if you are
coming.

Please keep me up to date on your plans and
have a fantastic Christmas! George, Mitzie & George,
Clark & Emma

Alina

Alina... if you are able to read this know Coach Scotty loves you and has you in his prayers. We all miss you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

To everyone else...

Hey there! See the pic on the left? That's Alina. Alina is from Russia. She came to train with me several years ago. When Alina was 14 she was #5 in Russia. She was an amazing player! Currently, she is in her junior year of college in Moscow.

Alina's life has not always been easy. Like many Russians, she had been abused by a coach. Alina also had an eating disorder. In this picture she looks fantastic... very healthy and strong. Yet, when she went back home to Russia her eating disorder took over. Did you know many Russian coaches instruct their players to regurgitate their food after eating. I think the abuse Alina suffered helped lead her to become addicted to her "coached" eating disorder.

Isaiah 53:4 says, "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows." Why did Jesus live on earth as long as he did? Couldn't he have just stayed for a few hours, days, or weeks? Yet, he chose to lead a sinless life. He wanted to live through all of life's sorrows. This Jesus did so you would trust him.

Alina is very special to me. I still remember the day Rachel and I picked her up from the airport in Dallas. She trained with me and we traveled to pro tournaments. I worked very hard to guide Alina both on and off the tennis court. She improved so much and we bonded very well!

I've been through hard times, also. Those hard times helped me understand Alina's struggles. I gained her trust by my compassion, guidance, and understanding.

Jesus lived a sinless life on earth. He went through all trials and temptations. He understands your difficulties. Jesus loves you and is always waiting for you to turn to him. Give your life to Jesus. Whatever troubles have come your way, know the creator of the universe made you in his image for his purposes.

He is in total control and he is waiting for you to run to him!

God bless,

Scotty

An Expo Hello!

Verse and Thought of the Day:

"I know those I have chosen." John 13:18

Would you choose a wanted murderer to lead a nation out of bondage? Would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten commandments? God did... Called his name through a burning bush. Scared old Moses out of his shoes!...

The reassuring lesson is clear. God... uses people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans... or geniouses, but people.

I don't know about you, but some people in this world like tell me what I am not qualified to do as I work to develop this ministry to more effectively follow the Great Commission. My answer to them is they are right!

Glory to God!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Melody Snelen (lt) and Rachel Snelen (rt) taking a pic with a neat Missions Expo helper!

Hey there! This is Scott Paschal. I am the Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association, a Christian sports ministry recognized by the ISC on MSNBC.com as one of the top 100 sports ministries in the world.

Makes us sound kinda fancy and important, huh? The reality is ICTA has a little bitty staff of 3 and we work really hard inventing ministry programs in tennis.

And I really don't know how we were rated as a top 100 or what it actually takes to be recognized by the IOC. It's not like I filled out a form or anything to enter the contest. And no one called me. Oh well, we could be called worse...

Hope you enjoyed the verse of the day! Thanks for stopping by!

I'd like to update you on our Mission Expo event this past Sunday at a tremendous church in Jacksonville.

What a great time we enjoyed! The Expo lasted from 9am till 1pm. Our table area stayed busy and we made some great friends and ministry contacts. In fact, God introduced us to one lady who wants to help ICTA gain a booth into a famous pro tennis tournament that I have been trying to get ICTA into for years!

The people of the church were wonderful. ICTA gained many new members, gave away dozens and dozens of ICTA tshirts for $5 donations.

Rach, Mel, and I really enjoyed our time at the Missions Expo. I can't say enough how well directed the entire Expo was and how tremendously appreciated mission organizations are in the church. Definitely a Sunday morning well spent.

In fact, I enjoyed the church, the people, the preaching, the atmosphere so much that I'm going back this Sunday and am seriously looking at the possibility of making this church my new church home. It's really everything I've been looking for in a church, but haven't been able to locate.

God bless!

Scotty

Church Missions Expo!

Verse and Thought for the Day:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14 NIV

The One to whom we pray knows our feelings. He knows temptation. He has felt discouraged. He has been hungry and sleepy and tired... He nods in understanding when we pray in anger... He smiles when we confess our weariness.

He, too, knew the drone of the humdrum and the weariness that comes with long days.... God became flesh and dwelt among us.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello there! This is Scott Paschal, Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association. Hope you enjoyed the verse today.

We're busily packing ICTA supplies for a special church missions expo tomorrow morning at a large church in Jacksonville, Florida. A pastor at the main church is bringing us in. He is a really special guy who has been a big reason for the success of ICTA mission trips for the last 4+ years.

Should be such a neat day being around all the other missions organizations and meeting so many new people from our area!

This has been such a great week of following where God leads.

Our recent trip to look at land and evaluate the potential of a city as ICTA's international headquarters base was completely God-blessed. I'm in love with the town and the location of the available land.

Actually, there are two land locations and I'd like to put courts on them both! One location has about 13 acres and rests on a hillside plateau overlooking the town. There is enough room for plenty of courts, player housing, ICTA offices, parking....

The other is in a mountainous, heavily forested church camp setting complete with cabins, a small lake, horse stalls... all the neat stuff you want kids and adults to have during camps and retreats.

I'll keep you updated on the progress acquiring our land. And, as usual, God know exactly where He needs us. This may or may not be the location. I'm just following along like a puppy on a string enjoying the walk!

God bless!

Scotty
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557

Land Ho'

Hello there!

This is Scott Paschal with the International Christian Tennis Association. Thanks for stopping by to stay up to date on ICTA happenings.

Well, all of my Christian tennis academy students are home for the Christmas holiday and it's pretty much just me and the dog. This was the best semester ever. I really like this group of students. They are each loving and kind, selfless, considerate... and they can crank the ball. I've noticed it is pretty quiet around here now.

A little too quiet!

I look forward to everyone coming in for the Spring semester, which for us begins Dec. 29! Why so early? Because I'm taking all of my students to Passion'07 in Atlanta on Jan. 1-4, 2007! Right after that we'll be down near Miami as our ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team competes in an ITF Pro Tournament on their mission trip. Will be a fantastic start to a another great semester.

Tomorrow will be a neat day for me. We're meeting with a ministry I greatly respect and admire at 3pm to discuss a partnership for ICTA building a tennis facility. I have received offers on several great land opportunities, but this one is really intriguing.

This ministry in particular is recognized as one of the top in the world. Personally, I would love to have ICTA headquartered with them and I feel my own walk with Christ would strengthen simply by being surrounded by such Godly men and women for mentors.

I'll be flying there with my tennis tour company partner, Russty. Please keep us both in your prayers as we seek to discover where God will base one of my big dreams, the ICTA Tennis Center .

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net

Family of Missionaries Serves WTA Tour

Rachel and Melody (Fulltime ICTA Staff), and their mother, Joy Snelen, are a family of missionaries working together to reach WTA Tour players with the Gospel message.

Advanced beginners in 1999 at 16 years of age, Rachel and Melody, twin sisters, had a dream to hold WTA rankings and share their Christian faith.

Seven years later these talented twins are WTA ranked players with a full 2007 schedule of mission trips to WTA and ITF tournaments, many in which they will compete. Their ministry blossomed in 2006!

"I think it is exciting to work alongside my sister and mother to reach these players with the Gospel message which will change their lives!" Melody Snelen

The Snelen twins are currently training with the International Christian Tennis Association.

Rachel Snelen backhand

Their mother and father, Tommy and Joyce Snelen, were music missionaries singing in churches and at events nationwide. Rachel and Melody, along with their brother, went with them.

Thus, these WTA Tour twins are missionaries at heart!

It hasn't been an easy road. Both girls have had serious obstacles to overcome such as the emotional death of their father to cancer in 2001, and a devastating drug addiction by their brother after he was sexually molested for years by a pedophile.

In addition, as very young girls the Snelen twins were abused by a pastor who also served as a President of a Florida Baptist Association.

"The majority of girls we have reached on the WTA tour have been sexually abused at some point in their life. It can harden their hearts towards God and cause them to go down the wrong paths. We want to show them the abuse was not their fault, explain how sin originally entered the world, and offer them a new life in Jesus and a new reason for living that comes from accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. " Melody Snelen

Bringing their Gospel message to the WTA Tour players has been well received. The WTA players they meet respect the twin's playing ability and determination on court, which has proven influential in some cases.

Melody Snelen (lt) and Rachel Snelen (rt) on 2006 ICTA Pro Tennis Team mission trip to ITF $75,000.

For instance, Rachel practiced at one pro tournament with a world class player who is ranked top 120 WTA. Their workout was strong as both ladies pounded the ball at each other. Then, after practice when Rachel offered her an ICTA Tract Pack, the girl literally convulsed, as she was an atheist from the Czech Republic.

Yet, though the first girl was not a Christian, a seed was planted as she and Rach did develop a friendship and parted ways on good terms. Rachel was able to use her high level of tennis play to gain the respect of the Czech player, gain even more respect by standing up for her faith, then earn her friendship by staying kind and understanding.

Another world class player, a top 110 WTA, was glad to know Rachel and was excited for her ICTA Tract Pack gift she received from Rachel after their workout in Canada. They developed a strong bond which will only strengthen over time. It is will be exciting to see this girl's faith grow as she moves into the elite tennis levels of Grand Slam competition.

Twins and team members at Palm Coast, Florida fair

Yet, whenever a ministry has much potential, there will always be attacks from satanic forces. This is a Biblical promise. Shining the light of His word in a fallen world begs for trouble from the forces of eveil.

Rachel and Melody Snelen have a cutting edge ministry that is powerfully influencing the lives of among the top WTA players in the world. Not only them, but top ITF juniors, parents, coaches, tournament directors and staff.

In addition, the twins mentor other members of the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team. People worldwide are being influenced by the evangelistic missionary passion God has instilled and developed inside of the Snelen twins.

Rachel Snelen (rt) and Melody Snelen (lt) distributing Bibles, fans, Christian books & more at ICTA's booth in the stadium at the 2006 Cincinnati Masters.

Coach Scott Paschal, who is also ICTA's founder, says, "It is an exciting time for a lot of us to see how far they have come. They both could be doing so many other things with their lives, but have decided to follow their passion.

At 23 years of age the sky is the limit for their ministry potential.

2007-2008 will be special for Melody and Rachel's ministry to the WTA Tour players. They have had and continue to have the mentoring and support of some of the finest Christian men and women in the world.

Through their work, female tennis players are finding Christ as their Lord and Savior."

Kara, Rachel, and Tel trying on 1920's style tennis clothing for upcoming ICTA Video

From the death of their father, to overcoming a late start in tennis, to recovering from serious injuries, and more; God has strengthened and developed both of these 23 year old twins into really special Christian women who know what their ministry is and why they have been called.

The joy of seeing the results of the last 7 years of hard work on and off the court has been an amazing ride.

Melody Snelen hitting a forehand in an ITF Women's Challenger in Mexico

2006 has been a special year for Rachel and Melody Snelen. They both earned their WTA rankings, a dream come true, and established a successful ministry on the pro tour. Rachel was the first to gain her WTA ranking this April. Melody followed closely behind.

Though they are improving their tennis everyday, both girl's feel the pressure is off as they did reach their dream of gaining their WTA rankings. Anything else is just fun!

There are 1497 WTA rankings shared by over 1800 WTA players. Some players in the lower 1/3 have the same amount of points and tournaments played, thus many players share a ranking.

Rachel earned her ranking and within 6 months rose over 250 spots to WTA # 1139, which placed her ahead of 600+ WTA players. Very few players in the world ever gain a WTA ranking, much less are ranked higher than over 600 WTA players! Great job, twin!

Melody earned her ranking and quickly rose over 150 spots to WTA 1211, which places her ahead of 500+ WTA players. Great job, twin!

Both girls overcame tremendous injuries this year, even playing injured at times. Now, they are strong and healthy and ready to compete.

Rachel Snelen serve

2007 will be their first year to play a full tournament schedule in over 5 years.

"Neither girl lacks skill or ability. They lack tournament experience. The decision was made to invest money in training, equipment, nutritional supplements, etc. so they could increase their playing skills. Now in 2007-2008 they will travel fulltime on the tour. Both will break into the top 1000 WTA in 2007 and by this time next year will be brimming with confidence riding the momentum into 2008." Scott Paschal, Coach

Adding to the mix is the fact that all of their tennis training and travels provides the platform for their ministry to WTA players on and off court.

Both Rachel and Melody Snelen are building a network of WTA ranked players. From top 50 WTA on down to their peer level, the twins are gaining quite a network and positively impacting professional women's tennis.

Players have received an ICTA Tract Pack from the twins, emails and phone numbers have been exchanged, and relationships have been established.

The life of a world class tennis player is difficult. The Christian influences are minimal. Rachel, Melody, and Joy Snelen will have a tremendous impact of the lives of WTA players as these evangelistic missionaries work together to travel the globe sharing the Gospel of Jesus to the girls of the WTA Tour.

A snapshot taken by Rachel Snelen during her mission trip to Puebla, Mexico in 11/06

Crushing Satan, and Smacking a Winner

Hello from Atlanta's Airport. Nice shirt, huh? LOL

Romans 16:17-20

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Up till now in the book of Romans, Paul has never mentioned the devil (except indirectly in passing in Romans 8:38 where he said that neither “angels nor rulers” can separate us from the love of God in Christ). In view of how much he treats the truth of justification in chapters 3-5 and the Christian life in chapters 6-8, that silence about Satan should caution us against making too much of the devil in how we fight the fight of faith.

Satan’s One Mention in Romans: He’s Doomed

Those who think of all struggles in terms of conflicts with the devil to be fought in face-to-face combat must wonder how Paul could write fifteen chapters about salvation and Christian living and not mention the Satan. Paul’s silence till now does not mean that Satan is insignificant, or that he can be trifled with. But it does mean that we deal with Satan mainly indirectly rather than keeping him in our mind and going toe to toe (see in addition 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

But now, finally, near the end, Paul does mention Satan in Romans 16:20. And that’s the main thing I want to talk about. When Paul finally mentions the devil, he has one thing to say about him. To use the words of Martin Luther, “His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure.” Paul has one sentence to say about Satan in sixteen chapters. Verse 20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” That’s all. He get’s one mention. And the mention is: He’s doomed. You will crush him under your feet.

Avoid Horny, Gluttonous Smooth-Talkers

Now before we talk about that, let’s see how that fits into the flow of Paul’s thought. In verse 18, Paul said we should watch out for people who depart from the apostle’s doctrine and try to take others with them. Avoid them, Paul says. Verse 19 gives the reasons for this vigilance: Because the false teachers are not always easy to spot with their smooth talk and their words of blessing. And so the danger is greater that they will sweep away the innocent and unsuspecting. And beneath is all is not an innocent intellectual mistake but deep bondage to the appetites of the flesh. The smooth talkers in their private lives, it appears, turn out to be horny and gluttonous.

The Well-Known Obedience of the Romans

That’s what we saw last week. Now in verse 19, Paul commends the Romans for their obedience and mentions this as a reason why they need to be vigilant over error and why he is so happy about them. He says, “For your obedience is known to all.” In other words, if false teachers get the upper hand among you, then all the more reproach will come to the name of Christ because your obedience is know everywhere. The greater your reputation for obedience, the more damage can be done if you get sucked into false teaching. So be vigilant “for your obedience is know to all.” You have a great responsibility.

And, he says, I want you to know that your obedience brings me great joy. Verse 19: “Your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you.” Paul had not founded this church. He had never been there. He was simply joyful over the reputation of a church that walked in obedience to Jesus. When you rejoice in churches, is it because they are big or have good music or because they are obedient to the radical demands of Jesus?

Experts in Good; Not Even Beginners in Evil

Then Paul gives one more warning like he did in verse 17. Even though you are a basically obedient people and even though I have great joy in your obedience, I want to be sure to caution you one more time. Verse 19b: “I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” Paul said something like this to the Corinthians. He said, “Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). He got this way of talking from Jesus. Jesus had said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Sheep in the midst of wolves. That makes an interesting link with the context in Romans. Here Paul is warning against wolves in sheep’s clothing—people departing from the doctrine who talk like sheep and bless like sheep but “do not serve our Lord Christ.” They are wolves ready to devour the naïve. When it comes to wisdom—the discerning of false teaching and destructive behaviors—don’t be naïve. Be wise; be mature. But when it comes to evil—erroneous destructive doctrines and appetite-worship that goes with them—be innocent. Be like a child in the sense that you don’t even make a beginning in evil. J. B. Phillips paraphrases Romans 16:19, “I want to see you experts in good, and not even beginners in evil.”

So, Bethlehem, let’s be that way: “Wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” You don’t even need to be a beginner in evil. O how many pangs you young people will spare yourselves if you don’t make any beginning in evil. There is evil enough in your own heart for Christ to deal with. You don’t need to burden him with more.

Satan, the Head of Evil, Is Coming Off

Finally, we come then to verse 20 and the point seems to be this: Do not be tricked or lured into any evil—false teaching or bondage to appetite—because the great head of evil, Satan, is going to be crushed. Be warned not to get involved with the works of Satan, because “lo, his doom is sure.” And be encouraged to press on in your battle against all that is false and destructive because the Father of all lies and destruction will be destroyed.

I take verse 20a to be a broad, general, glorious promise about the triumph of the church over the Satan. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” I don’t take it mainly as a reference to any current event in the Roman church because Paul hasn’t described any crisis that appears to be coming to a head like that. The troubles he describes are of an ongoing kind. We will have to be vigilant for false teachers till the last day. I don’t think it’s a reference to a current event but to the last great events of history when Satan is finally crushed and put in the pit (Revelation 20:2-3) and in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). It’s a warning not to be friends with evil because evil will loose. And it’s an encouragement to stay vigilant against the false teaching because the fountain of all error will one day be destroyed.

The Larger Picture of Satan’s Defeat

So let’s step back here and get the larger picture of what the New Testament says about the defeat of Satan. In Genesis 3:15, God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent: “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Jesus comes to fulfill that promise. First John 3:8 says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” So we can sum up the work of Christ as destroying Satan in three stages.

1) Satan has been decisively defeated in the death and resurrection of Christ; 2) he is being defeated now by Christ through Christians who speak the word of God and put on the whole armor of God; and 3) he will finally be vanquished and thrown into the lake of fire never to deceive or torment the world again.

1. Satan Has Been Decisively Defeated in the Death and Resurrection of Christ.

Paul puts it like this in Colossians 2:14-15, “[Christ cancelled] the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” By nailing our sins to the cross he took all the damning weapons out of the devil’s hands. Now he can rage against us, but he cannot condemn. It is God who justifies, who is to condemn (Romans 8:33-34)? (See also Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8; Ephesians 1:22; John 12:21; 16:11.)

2. Satan Is Being Defeated Now by Christ Through Christians Who Believe and Speak the Word of God and Put on the Whole Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:12-13, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (See also Revelation 12:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6). So we today embrace and apply the victory of Christ by faith in our battles against the devil—mainly by believing and wielding the word of God (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

3. Satan Will Finally Be Vanquished and Thrown into the Lake of Fire Never to Deceive or Torment the World Again.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:25, “[Christ] must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” The defeat was decisive in the cross and resurrection, but the final blow will be delivered in the future when Christ puts all things manifestly under his feet. There’s the link with Romans 16:20—“under his feet.” Only here it’s under your feet: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” And the reason it’s your feet is that we are in Christ and his triumphs will be our triumphs.

This is as certain to happen as the fact that Christ already came and died and rose again. That’s why Ephesians 1:22 speaks of all things as already under Christ’s feet. “God put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Romans 16:20 is a glorious promise to beleaguered saints in times and places where it seems as if evil has the upper hand and Satan is devouring the world. And it is a warning not to give up and change sides. It is an encouragement to keep on being vigilant against falsehood and idolatry and to “be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”

Grace for the Battle

And in the meantime—till the final victory comes and Satan is vanquished—there will be grace for long battle. Verse 20b: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” It arrives every day in just the right amount for the battles we face. It is new every morning. Great is his faithfulness.

How Long, O Lord?

Which leaves one last question. How long, O Lord? How long till the victory comes? “How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever?” (Psalm 74 10).

And Paul answers, “Soon.” Verse 20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” What does that mean? He said that two thousand years ago. Two thousand years ago he said in Romans 13:12, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” How are we today to understand the statements in the New Testament that the coming Christ and the triumphs of his appearing will be soon, and yet two thousand years have gone by?

There is one book in the New Testament that addresses this issue directly, 2 Peter.

Scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” . . . 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Peter’s way of handling the delay of Jesus’ second coming when people began to ask this question is to draw attention to God’s peculiar relationship to time. “With the Lord . . . a thousand years [is] as one day.” So taking my cue from Peter, I want to close this morning by imagining a conversation between Paul and the Lord who is guiding what he writes. It goes like this:

Paul: O Lord, how long? How long till this great enemy is finally removed and the troubles of the church come to an end?

The Lord: It is not for you to know. My Father has the time fixed in his secret councils. And he is infinitely wise and infinitely good.

Paul: Lord, could it be long—hundreds or even thousands of years?

The Lord: And if it were a thousand years—or two thousand? Would that be long? A thousand years is like a day with me.

Paul: Lord, how then should I speak of this coming triumph? What should I say about the time?

The Lord: Be true to me the way I really am, and say what will help people be ready at my coming. They must not think that they can presume upon my delay. For if they do, they will drift into patterns of indifference and be snatched away to destruction in a moment.

Paul: So do you mean, Lord, that I should say that you are coming soon even though I don’t know that from our side whether it will be soon? That would not be a mistake to say that?

The Lord: No that would not be a mistake. Say that. It will cause some to stumble, like many other things that I say. Scoffers will come and ridicule my promise. I know that. But if you give the impression that it will not be not soon, you will do far more damage to the truth and to the souls of men than if you stay true to my timeless haste and help the people be always ready and full of hope.

Paul: Lord, if a thousand years or two thousand should pass and you do not come, what should your people think who read these words in those days? Will they not think, So many hundreds of years have come and gone, there is no reason to think it will be soon any more or that our lives will be interrupted by his appearing?

The Lord: They should remember that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. It will be sudden and unexpected by almost everyone. The world will be going on as usual (Luke 17:26-31). And sudden destruction will come upon them. Pray for them, Paul, that they not stumble over the word soon. Pray that they will know that for me it will be soon, and for them it will be sudden. Pray that they will understand that expecting it to be soon is the best way not to drift into indifference and be snatched away in destruction.

Paul: Thank you, Lord. You know that I would love for you to come back while I am still alive. I would love to be clothed with life rather than stripped of my body in death. Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.

The Lord: Paul, my dear servant, your desire for me and my quick return is a great honor to me. I would not want you to desire anything less. Finish this letter to the Romans and pray that those who come after you will have your same desire. And until then, never forget—and don’t let the people forget—when I come I will crush Satan under your feet. My grace be with you.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

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I hope you have been blessed by this sermon from John Piper. I was led to it today by a person who understands the work I do and the relentless satanic attacks I come under from both "friend and foe" as God develops the International Christian Tennis Association well past my wildest dreams.

This has truly been the biggest week in the history of our young ministry. And those of you in ministry know of the satanic attacks which come with such breakthroughs.

Yet, anyone who knows me at all knows I tend to get really excited when Satan coaches his students from the sidelines during the match. It tells me I am completely on track for God's plan with my life! Satan is already defeated.

I refuse to focus on his students moon balls, and instead I focus every minute and every fiber of my body on cranking my serve to the corners and coming in to smack a winner

God is blessing the ICTA. Please keep our staff, students, and supporters in your prayers. Prayer is powerful.

God bless,

Scott Paschal