September 15, 1999

GRACE & PEACE: Togetherness
helps Baptists tell Texas Jesus saves
___"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21)
___Missions, evangelism, ministry, freedom in Christ and cooperation--these are some of the basic characteristics of those people and churches related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Why? Because the BGCT is committed not only to believing the Bible as God's holy word but also to doing what the Bible teaches and commands.
___Cooperation, togetherness, harmony--these are key biblical emphases. Jesus prayed for

WILLIAM M. PINSON JR. Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

all his followers--and that includes Baptists of Texas in 1999--that we be one, even as he and the Father are one. Jesus revealed unity was not an end in itself but a means to the end of sharing the Good News of salvation.
___Similarly, the Holy Spirit led writers of the New Testament to emphasize togetherness for the sake of the gospel.
___For example, the great missionary Apostle Paul pleaded for cooperation, harmony and togetherness among the followers of Christ and the churches.
___To the Corinthian Christians he wrote, "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?" He urged them to be "laborers together with God." To the Ephesians, he appealed for unity. To the Philippians, he expressed thanksgiving for their "fellowship in the gospel." He reminded the Colossians they were "one body" in Christ.
___If Baptists in Texas are to fulfill the Great Commission for our state, we must heed the Bible's call for togetherness for the sake of the gospel. Thus the theme for this year's Texas missions emphasis is marvelously appropriate: "Together: Tell Texas Jesus Saves."
___Cooperation among the members of the Baptist family enables us to do what no one member could do alone. Cooperation is evident among the vast majority of about 6,000 congregations related to the BGCT. The 113 associations provide a model of cooperation, as do the various entities of Texas Baptists, such as schools, medical centers, child- and aging-care agencies, the Baptist Foundation, the Baptist Standard, the State Missions Commission, the Christian Life Commission, the Baptist Church Loan Corporation, Texas Baptist Financial Services, the Christian Education Coordinating Board, the Human Welfare Coordinating Board, Ministers Counseling, Minister/Church Relations, other Executive Board staff members, Texas Baptist men and Woman's Missionary Union of Texas.
___Freedom in Christ linked with a commitment of voluntary cooperation for Christ makes a potent combination for missions. That is the kind of togetherness which will enable us with the power and direction of the Holy Spirit to tell Texas, "Jesus saves!"
___Please pray for all efforts to reach the Texas mission field and to strengthen the Texas missions force so we can help other Christians reach a lost world for Christ. And pray for the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions. Pray also that the Baptists of Texas will indeed labor together in full freedom and cooperation.

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