I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, about 30 miles east of the city. I fell in love with baseball in my early years (yes, I played basketball too … I had to because of my height early on … but ball and bat were my first loves). I’m pretty sure one of key reasons was the Oakland A’s. During my impressionable years, ages 10-15 in particular, the A’s were on a roll. They won it all in 1972, 1973, 1974. In 1971 and 1975 they were in the league championship game. Vida Blue, Rollie Fingers (and his handlebar mustache), Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Joe Rudi, Sal Bando, Dick Green, Bert Campaneris, Gene Tenace, Blue Moon Odom … All those names from memory. The SF Giants across the bay had their share of talent too. Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey, Gaylord Perry, Bobby Bonds, and of course Willie Mays.

Cheap afternoon tickets to the A’s added to my love of the game. I didn’t want to just watch baseball … I wanted to study the game, and play the game.

As we continue learning about the early years of the Christian community we find that those who were stirred by the Holy Spirit, those who were baptized and then committed themselves to following Jesus, did not want to simply watch … they wanted to study and to get involved, hands on, no holding back.

Soon after joining the Christian community they immersed themselves in learning about Jesus, and in identifying themselves with His name, even as the cost to do so continued to rise.

Do I have that desire and passion? Do I want to know more about Jesus? Am I willing to pay an increasingly higher price to be identified as a Christian? Are you?

I can’t say I truly know the answer to that. And, I’m a pastor! I think I would pay any price. But I have not faced severe persecution because I’m a Christian. Many others have. I pray I would stand up for Jesus, that I would be willing to pay any price. But I honestly don’t know. It’s easy for me to be bold when my life, and my comfort, is not on the line. I do know I would need the power of the Holy Spirit to find the courage to hold onto Jesus even if it cost me everything. And honestly, I need His power even as I live out my faith day after day.