God Plays Golf!
#3- Sand Traps & Water Hazards
Ephesians 2:8-10 - Victory Fellowship
September 1, 2024 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
Introduction: (The trouble with Sand Traps)
An 80 yr old man, who was an avid golfer, moved to a new town and joined the local Country Club. He went to the Club for the first time to play but was told there wasn't anybody he could play with because they were already out on the course. He repeated several times that he really wanted to play. Finally the Assistant Pro said he would play with him and would give him a 12 stroke handicap. The 80 year old said, "I really don't need a handicap as I have been playing quite well. The only real problem I have is getting out of sand traps." And he did play well. Coming onto the 18th the old man had a long drive, but it landed in one of the sand traps around the hole. Shooting from the sand trap he hit a very high ball which landed on the green and rolled into the hole! The Pro walked over to the sand trap where his opponent was still standing. He said, "Nice shot, but I thought you said you have a problem getting out of sand traps?" Replied the 80 year old, "I do! Please help me get out of here!"
I. Challenges: On the Golf Course
a. The Difference between Women and Men Golfers
b. Sand traps & Water Hazards make an otherwise easy game somewhat of a challenge.
II. Challenges: Life’s Hazards
a. Some Inflicted by the devil (yes he is real)
b. Most are Self-Inflicted (devil doesn’t always make us do it – sometimes we are capable of messing up ourselves!)
i. Fred had tried to be particularly careful about his language as he played golf with his preacher. But on the twelfth hole, when he twice failed to hit out of a sand trap, he lost his resolve and let fly with a string of expletives. The preacher felt obliged to respond. "I have observed," said he in a calm voice, "that the best golfers do not use foul language." "I guess not, said Fred, "what do they have to cuss about?"
III. GRACE: The Way out of the Bunker
a. Grace is…God’s gift on ongoing and unmerited forgiveness. God is merciful.
b. Grace is for sinners
c. Grace is not about earning forgiveness or salvation.
IV. Conclusion:
a. Living in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is our only way out of the Bunker and Back on the Fairway.
Prayer
Song: Red Letters
Ephesians 2:8-10: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast.10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (NAS95)
