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The Pinecone
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September 2016
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f r om Don J oh n s on , K i r b y P i n e s Chap l a i n
Chaplain’s COrner
October 10, 1924, the World Series of
Baseball featured the Washington Senators
against the New York Giants. Each team
had won three games. It was the bottom
of the ninth inning in the seventh and final
game of the series.
The first two batters for New York struck
out. Tied at three runs each the third batter
swung hard at a fast curve ball and missed.
The second pitch was also missed. Deadly
silence filled the ball park. All seemed lost!
The series would go into extra innings. The
third pitch came to the plate and was hit
hard and long. The crowd was on its feet.
It seemed like a homerun but the ball hit a
light pole and bounced back into fair play.
The batter would probably only have a
triple but the third base coach signaled him
to try for home. The outfielder picked up the
ball and threw it to the short stop who then
turned and quickly threw it to the catcher.
The runner pushed with all his strength to
make home plate before the catcher caught
the ball. In the cloud of dust at home plate
it looked like the runner touched home
plate just a second before the ball was in
the catcher’s mitt. The umpire rushed to
confer with the other judges and then gave
a signal that the runner was “out.” Mayhem
erupted.
Touching First Base
September Vesper Services
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6:30pm
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Performing Arts Center
Cries of “Kill The Umpire” filled the
park. It seemed there might be a riot.
Then the umpire spoke into the park
microphone and said, “The runner is
out because he didn’t touch first base!”
In his haste the runner failed to step on
first base.
Three more innings were played and in
the twelfth, Washington scored and won
the series, becoming the 1924 World
Champions.
Evangelist Angel Martinez often told
this story as an illustration of true
Christianity. He likened “First Base”
to “Salvation.” That’s where we have
to start. Knowing God personally is the
beginning of an eternal relationship.
“Second
Base”
was
“Church
Membership.” Affiliating with other
Christians in a growing context of
learning and fellowship is essential.
Angel said “Third Base” was “Service.”
Not only what we get, but what we give
is vastly important. In our service to
God, there is “so much to do, so few
to do it, and so little time to make it
happen.” And lastly, “Home Plate” is a
focus on “Heaven.” The future is bright.
The provisions are great. The time
ahead is enormous.
As in the 1924 World Series story if
we miss touching First Base we’re
out! Nothing else will matter. John
Henry Newman said, “Fear not that
your life shall come to an end, but
rather that it shall never have a
beginning.” So true! For all of us
our life will have an end, whether
sooner or later. But for some of us
we never begin life. We never touch “First
Base.” In haste we think we can make it
without “Salvation.” This was the purpose
of Christ’s Coming 2,000 years ago. “For
God did not send His Son into the world
to condemn the world, but that the world
might be saved through Him.” (John 3:17)
“…the one who comes to Me I will by no
means cast out.” (John 6:37)
To think we can make Home Plate and
Heaven while skipping First Base is insane.
Just as there are rules in sports there are also
rules in life. It’s not just our breaking the
rules, the rules will break us.
“First Base” can be touched today. Our
relationship with God can start now! It’s
not what we might do for God, no matter
how long or hard we try. It’s receiving what
He has done for us through Christ’s Death
and Resurrection.
Remember the words of Revelation 3:20,
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If
any man hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him…” God is knocking
and calling. Open up today.
Till next time, Don Johnson, KP Chaplain
September 29th
Dr. Erin Cottos
Physical TherapistMissionary
AssociatedwithHaitiMedical
MissionofMemphis
September 8th
Barry Grider
Forest Hill
Church of Christ
September 15th
Rev. Ashley Ray
Ridgeway
Baptist Church
September 22nd
Rev. David Weatherly
Covenant United
Methodist Church
September 1st
Dr. Joe Piercy
Colonial United
Methodist Church