Plea to end labeling of each other
The overwhelming number of [Southern Baptists] agree on the major issues expressed by a total disdain for abuse, discrimination and injustice as the Bible demands. …
[W]e want to be united … around the truth of the inerrancy and sufficiency of the Word of God. …
I would like to make a passionate appeal for all groups to end the labeling of certain groups and people as divisive and dangerous.
Instead … this is a moment when the best that is within can emerge, and we as Christian statesmen can rise above the bickering partisanship, and instead be used of God to heal the wounds and fractures in our convention with kindness, grace and understanding.
God bless us as we experience, by His grace, our finest hour as the people of God known as Southern Baptists.
Pastor Greg Davidson
Trinity Baptist Church
Vacaville, Calif.
Editor’s Note — Excerpt from the June 23 column “A Call to Unity” on sbcvoices.com.
It’s amazing what a mentor can do … the impact one life can have on another and the ripple effect on the lives that person touches from then on.
I have so many people who invested in me over the years. … I bet you have people in your life like that too.
Let’s think about them and make a plan for how we’re going to be those mentoring, discipling influences for others.
As one of my favorite pastors likes to say, God “rigged it” this way — He always intended for the gospel to spread through relationships.
Grace Thornton
Editor, Missions Mosaic
Excerpt from the August 2021 issue (missionsmosaic.com), reprinted with permission from National WMU
We should not politicize human need. Let’s meet it as followers of Jesus. … Anthony Scott (senior pastor of FBC North Tulsa) has reminded me of that several times.
Pastor Deron Spoo
FBC Tulsa, Okla.
The disobedient often attempt to appease their own convictions by focusing on others (see example in 2 Chronicles 16:10).
Pastor Lawrence Phipps
FBC Gulf Shores, Alabama
“Jesus made everything so simple, and we have made it so complicated.”
Billy Graham
Beloved evangelist (1918–2018)
No matter a church’s size, the counseling needs will always be greater than the staff can handle. As followers of Jesus, we can help others. I believe the book “Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands” by Paul David Tripp has the potential to change lives and the church.
Nikki Tibbetts
FBC Machesney Park, Illinois
(Reprinted with permission from The Illinois Baptist — ibsa.org)
Americans who most often turn to Scripture are more hopeful and forgiving but still suffer stress and trauma, the American Bible Society said in the latest release from its 2021 State of the Bible report.
“Regardless of relationship with the Bible or the church, people experience hurt. In the midst of these difficulties, though, the Bible and the church make a critical difference,” ABS said. “First, when people hurt, many of them turn to the Bible for help and comfort. Second, when they turn to the Bible, they are better able to cope, and they experience higher levels of hope and flourishing.
“Finally, when they are rooted in Scripture, they are better able to forgive.”
—Excerpt from the June 23 article “Scripture-engaged Americans more hopeful and forgiving, study says” by Diana Chandler, published at baptistpress.com.
There is a popular statement with young adults — “it’s OK to not be OK.” … The gospel goes further than that. The gospel teaches: it’s OK to not be OK, but it’s not OK to stay that way when there is another way. Jesus is the Way.
He loves us so much He wants us “just how we are,” but He also loves us so much that He won’t leave us that way. Now is the time to get help and to begin to move forward.
Shane Pruitt
North American Mission Board
(Excerpt from a column that first appeared in the Tennessee Baptist & Reflector, baptistandreflector.org)
Pray for Ed Litton. Regardless of where you stand on the issues, he’s a fellow pastor and brother, and I’m certain he’s hurting.
Pastor Clint Pressley via Twitter
From the Twitterverse
@AdamGreenway
I believe SBCers (w/few exceptions) affirm the full inerrancy, authority and sufficiency of Scripture — even as they disagree w/one another over a particular interpretation(s) of Scripture. “You don’t interpret the Bible like I do” is not the same as “You don’t believe the Bible!”
@carolpipes
“As we increasingly pray for people by name who don’t walk with Christ, we are involved in God’s mission.” —@smcconn
@BillyGraham
“There is no sin you have ever committed that the blood of Jesus Christ cannot cleanse.”
@bobsmietana
Been tweeting a lot about the SBC in recent weeks. What’s happening there parallels the questions facing American culture. Can people from diverse backgrounds with very different ideas still cooperate and work together? Can they share power?
@CarlosSibley
Today I will do my 110th funeral. Friday I will do my 110th wedding. I know of no greater privilege than pointing to the joy of Jesus while walking with people in times of both sadness and celebration. #pastoring
@WillyRice
Why would we allow secular forces and unspiritual voices to force us into a binary choice between two equally unbiblical options? We don’t need the leaven of the Pharisees or the Sadducees.
@desiringGod
“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” —Revelation 1:8
@CSLewisDaily
“We’re not doubting that God will do the best for us; we’re wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”—C.S. Lewis
@bellevuepastor
There’s nothing quite as good as “praying through” a problem you face. It’s the victory you experience when you roll over your burden(s) onto Jesus & He gives you His peace down in the depths of your soul that all is/will be well. Pray through until you abide in His peace.
@TrevinWax
“Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” —Elisabeth Elliot
@EdLitton
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
