(Galatians 6:14-16 KJV) “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. {15} For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. {16} And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”

A few years ago I and my wife went with the young people of Rock Hill Baptist Church to a Diamond Jaxx game. Baseball and apple pie, these two have been wonderfully identified with America even before I was born. Both the sport as well as the dessert require that you follow the rules if you expect to enjoy them. Think about apple pie for a moment. Would you eat a pie if the chef ran out of white flour and decided to substitute dirt in the crust? If there weren’t enough apples for the recipe, would it be wise to use catfish in its place? Though I love fried catfish, I’m not ready for an apple-catfish pie! Now let’s think about baseball. When the batter swings at the ball – and misses – this is called a “strike”. If the pitcher gets the ball over the home plate at the right height and the batter DOESN’T swing at the ball, this is still called a “strike”. Three strikes and the batter is “out”. Three “outs” and the other team gets an opportunity to hit the ball. Whoever receives the most “runs” wins the game. I’m sure some of you can explain this much better than I’m doing, but the point is this: There are DEFINITE rules, and these rules MUST be followed if you expect to win the game – whether you like the rules or not.

Many find it easy to understand the necessity of following rules in baseball, yet find it unbelievable that God our Creator has Himself established rules that we need to live by.

Anyone who rejects this truth need only take a look at the incredible suffering that Jesus Christ endured for our sakes. Man broke the rules in the Garden of Eden. Mankind continues to break the rules today by sugar coating sinful behavior and calling it “normal”. God has shown us by the Cross that He does not take the rules of righteousness lightly. Our Lord Jesus suffered terribly on that tree so that God the Father could dump every violation of righteousness that both you and I have ever made on Him. Jesus Christ paid the penalty you should have paid for breaking the rules. Believe on Him, crying out to God for salvation in His name, and God will transfer Christ’s payment for sin to YOUR account.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV).

Now that you are saved, are you exempt from the rules of God? No, but you are empowered to live within the boundaries of those rules. Will you “fit in” with the rest of the world? Absolutely not! But praise God that you DO walk a different path! The players at the Jaxx game all wore uniforms, and stood out from the crowd around them who merely watched the game. If you have accepted God’s call to salvation you play on a team mightier than all the sports clubs that have ever existed. Your Coach has purchased you a distinctive uniform that makes you stand out from those who merely watch – and the Coach expects you to wear that uniform proudly (John 15:18-20; Romans 12:1-2). The opposing team may jeer you, and even try to get you to quit or change sides. Do not fear! Our team has stood victorious for over two thousand years because our Coach ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Corinthians 15:57). Fit in with the world? Better to wear His uniform and be on the winning team, both now, and for all eternity.

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike Columbia TN 

Sunday services 8:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm.