April 14, 2024

Dear Grace Family and Friends,

It’s Masters Sunday and I’ve been thinking a lot about the impact this golf tournament has on our community.  People outside the CSRA have no idea what all is involved at the local level.  Between the home rentals and school schedules and hiring of temporary employees, our community calendar revolves around the Masters Tournament.  I don’t have a problem with that.  It’s a big deal to host the most prestigious golf tournament in the world.  And all that effort points to Sunday afternoon.   Sure, the tournament lasts from Thursday through Sunday.  But it’s often been said that the Masters is won or lost on the “back nine on Sunday afternoon.”  In most cases that’s true.  All that effort for a few hours on Sunday.  Compare that to the energy and effort involved in our typical Sunday activity.  I’m grateful for the faithfulness of God’s people who serve here at Grace Baptist in Evans, Georgia.  But are we as determined to get the most out of our Sundays as the members of the Augusta National Golf Club are to get the most out Sunday at The Masters?  Not by a long shot!  Why not?  In the final analysis, they just host a golf tournament.  We, on the other hand, gather to worship The God of all creation!  That’s a pretty big deal, don’t you think?  Imagine how meaningful our Worship Services might be if we put one tenth of that effort in our preparation?  What if we actually prepared for worship by spending quiet time with God to be sure no unconfessed sin exists in our hearts and minds?  Imagine if we expected our lives to change by being in God’s Presence during this time.  There’s no telling what God might do!  Let’s try it and see.  The worst that can happen is we’ll be a greater blessing to our God.  There is no higher calling.  God bless you all!  I’m honored to be your Pastor!

Pastor Bill Hilley