The 19th Hole...

Well off to the 19th hole (as it is sometimes referred to)…

The 19th hole (the clubhouse)… where people go after their round to cool off, get a drink, have a bite to eat, talk about how awesome they played (lie), and talk about the putts they barely missed (by 8 feet).

So we invite our “friend” Sam to join us for a bite as he totals our score…

Due to the strong finish and expert guidance I ended up shooting a 70 or 2 under Par.
Sam shot a 98…

…which he informs us is good for him.
I told him for just really picking up the sport he played pretty well, but went on to say I had figured by his reactions and words out on the course he had played the sport much longer. I figured by his attitude he normally played a lot better.

Sam is just 54 years old and has just played for just over a year. He let us know his actions and words were due to his competitiveness. He picked up golf recently because he no longer played basketball or baseball due to his age.
He picked up golf because that is what people do.
…when they get older THEN they take up golf.
He dabbled in it but recently started playing once a week.

Golf and Christianity… lots of parallels.

Isn’t Sam’s story similar to the young person of today in respect to the Christian faith? Put it off till they’re older…because that’s what people do.
…“Oh I believe in God but I’m not ready to”:
- “live by those rules”
- “give up partying with my friends”
…”That’s a huge commitment”
…”I want to get all my fun out before that”
…”I’ll do it when I’m older”
…”no need to spoil my fun early”
…”I want to ‘experience’ life first”

The misconception about Christians is they:
- Have no fun
- Live by strict rules
- Are old
- are boring

Christianity by definition is: religion based on the life, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ.

Not sure, but the bible I read is anything but boring.
The commitment is for a lifetime.
A lifetime that will be filled with many challenges, lots of trials, and tons of excitement.

…Jesus died so we might live.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

…only when you accept Jesus can you truly live

…when you know Jesus, His sacrifice, His love then your life will reflect it. Not a set of legalistic rules you keep, but a faith, an example that grows stronger on a day by day basis.

…you accept the call to GO

Matthew 28:19-20 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.”

…the focus shifts away from “me” and we focus instead on others

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

In golf you’re not an excellent player when you first pick up the clubs.
In the Christian faith you’re not perfect just because you accepted Christ and became a Christian.
…you WILL stumble
…you WILL mess up

BUT you are forgiven! You ARE being made “perfect” in Christ.

You have to start by starting. Don’t put it off and wait.

4 hours once a week (playing golf) will not make you significantly better. Time practicing every day will improve your game.

1 hour once a week (in Church) will not grow your relationship with Christ significantly. Time every day will develop the relationship and keep it intimate.

Don’t put off the best decision you will ever make till you’re older.

God has a plan for your life…

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Life is short…

James 4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

We never know how long we get on Earth…

Matthew 24:40-45 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Start His plan for your life…by starting

Let’s finish this round (of life) strong for eternity’s (19th hole) sake. Focusing on what impact we can have now on the course of life for Christ. We can then spend eternity (19th) doing what we were created to do…PRAISING GOD.

G.O.L.F
God
Offers
Life
Forever

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Round of golf… …a lesson for life …for eternity


FINISH STRONG!


Prayer: Lord, please help us to number our days. Help us consider our choices have an eternal effect on us and others. Guide us to mirror You in all that we do and live every day with reckless abandon to your will and plan. We love and honor you! In Jesus name AMEN.



If you want to know more about becoming a Christian, the life that God has called you to or if you need additional resources ask your local Pastor or drop me a line.

Peace,
B

Soli Deo gloria