Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 1:6-7
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Thought for the Day: Tomorrow is a great day in history. It was on this day 34 years ago that Nolan Ryan pitched his fifth no-hitter, giving him the most number of any MLB pitcher. At the time, he played for the Houston Astros, and though I was not a real baseball fan, I remember watching replays of his final out. I then dug out my baseball glove from the closet and went outside with a few tennis balls (I didn’t have a baseball). I wasn’t going to be a pitcher or even a baseball player, but the achievement was so inspirational that I felt the need to go outside and throw the ball. Years later I was talking to someone who remembered that same day, and he recounted an almost identical experience. There is lots of books and lectures and DVD series trying to explain why Christianity is not growing, and though I’m sure they all make some good points, I think our decline is because we no longer have any Nolan Ryans. I’m not suggesting we need a pitcher, though to have a professional baseball player toss a few around in the sanctuary might draw some folks. What I’m suggesting is that Christianity no longer inspires most people. Is it because there is nothing inspiring? No, I just don’t think we’re very good at telling the stories of those who inspire us. The early church did such a great job and those who heard the stories wanted to go out and toss around the proverbial ball.
Prayer: Holy God, may the stories of the faithful become as well known as Nolan Ryan’s record-breaking fifth no-hitter. Amen.
A Week From Tomorrow
October 3, 2015
1 thought on “Ecclesiological Etchings: 09-25-15”
The Pope is doing a good job for Roman Catholisism. We used to have Billy Graham.
You’re right, we need a good “pitch man”. Anyone come to mind?