Larry’s Lines. . . .
By Larry Murphy, Executive Director
I don’t know how many of you are fans of the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” I am not . I have never seen one episode and have no idea what the series was about. I am not being negative of the show, I don’t know one thing about it.
So you might ask, “Brother Larry, why start your article with this as your opening illustration?”
Sunday night, May 19, was Game of Thrones final episode. Apparently it did not end the way avid followers wanted it to end, so by the next morning with the help of social media, Good Morning America gave this report – 27.2 million people reported that they were so upset with the ending they could not report to work, or they would work from home, they would be late arriving for work, or they would be very unproductive at their jobs.
“Larry, still what is your point?” My point is this, Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)
My thoughts are if 27.2 million are that distraught over a TV program then surely we could and should be as upset over the number of people who do not know Christ. By the way, 17 million missed work on Monday after the Super Bowl so I’m not just complaining about this TV program
How many of us as “true Christ followers” are distraught every Monday morning when no one was saved, or no one’s life was transformed, or a marriage saved, or whatever the spiritual need might be? What if every Monday 27.2 million believers prayed and acted on Acts 1:8? What if Christians lived the life full of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)? What if every Monday, and all the days that follow as long as God gives me life, I was distraught over spiritual matters? I say to police officers with whom I and others serve as chaplains in Jackson, that if believers obeyed the law then police officers’ jobs would be easier – fewer people disobeying.
So I am not encouraging you to skip work Monday, go in late, work from home, or be unproductive. I am challenging you and myself to be more upset over the lack of concern for spiritual things than over a TV program, sporting event, or anything that comes before God. Let Luke 10:27 rule our hearts. “‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Chickasaw State Park Ministry
We still need churches to volunteer to conduct a Sunday morning worship service at Chickasaw State Park for campers. (See open dates below.) This is a wonderful opportunity for your Men’s Ministry, youth group, or individual laypeople to share Christ outside the walls of the church. Many campers return year after year, expressing their appreciation for this ministry. If your church is interested in leading a worship service at the park, call the associational office at 731-668-5690 or e-mail Katrina Porch at katrina@mccbaptists.org.
OPEN DATES: June 30 • July 7 • August 4, 11, 18
Madison-Chester Association
Senior Adult Meeting
Tuesday, June 4 • 10:30 a.m.
Old Friendship Baptist Church
100 Hunter Lane, Finger, TN
Crockett Association
Senior Adult Meeting
Tuesday, June 11 • 10:30 a.m.
A host church is needed. Please contact the association office if your church is willing to host this meeting (731-668-5690).
Holiday Closing
The association office will be closed on July 3-4, 2019 to observe Independence Day.
Madison-Chester Association
Administrative Team
Monday, July 8 • 10:30 a.m.
Baptist Association Office
(603 Wallace Road, Jackson, TN)
Crockett Association
Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 9 • 7:00 p.m.
First Baptist, Alamo
(2444 Hwy. 88 S., Alamo, TN)
