“And so, fellow teammates, I plead with you to give your team to God. Let us be willing to make a holy sacrifice – the kind deep in the outfield so others can score. When you think of what God has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of the other team, but let God transform you into a new player by changing the way you think. Then you will know what position God wants you to play, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his coaching really is. As God’s player, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much ability God has given you. Just as your team has many players and each player has a special function, so it is with Christ’s team. We are all players of his one team, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one team in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs the others.”  (Romans 12:1-5; New Baseball Version)

During our Baseball Worship service we’ve hopefully learned several lessons:
1. In sports the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat are both important lessons. Becoming a follower of God was never meant to be a never-ending string of joy, laughter and success. Losing, tragedy and grief often represent our journey. Either way, we are meant to be players on God’s team and how we play, win or lose defines who we are.
2. Romans teaches that we are all players on God’s team and each of us has different work to do. We belong to each other and we need each other. We especially need God. Good baseball players understand their strengths and weaknesses so when playing together as a team they know who should play where. Paul challenges us to know our gifts and play where we are needed.
3. Using a baseball diamond, we learn how our church should be a catalyst for spiritual growth. You learn about the church and make your commitment in the batter’s box, then move to first base and you strengthen your relationship with God and the church. You move to second where you put your knowledge to use through ministry and move to third base. Home plate is where you practice everything you’ve learned as you become a leader for others.

So, whether we win or lose. Whether we play or sit in the dugout. Whether or not we are growing in our faith. Whether hitting a home run or striking out… nothing can keep God away. God’s grace will accompany us from the moment of acceptance to the forever of eternity.
1. If your life could be described like a baseball game, how are you doing?
2. How can your life become more of a witness for God?
3. Paul’s letter to the Romans teaches we are all a member of God’s team. What position do you play?
4. Using the baseball diamond, how would you describe your spiritual growth?
5. Remembering that nothing can keep you away from God’s precious love and grace, can you more fully appreciate that you are already a winner?

 This message is my gift to a church I have come to love as my own. Please know that Mell and I love you all and we look forward to seeing you again soon as friends and team mates. May God continue to bless this church and all of you. Love and Prayers – Larry and Mell Davies