October 8, 2001
TOGETHER:
Even in dangerous times, Christians see reason to hope
___There are depressing questions on every side.
___Will there be more terrorist attacks?
___Will the Taliban be overthrown in Afghanistan?
___Will Osama bin Laden be found?
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___Will a new alliance against terrorism stand?
___Can we be strong enough and courageous enough not only to defeat those who planned the attack on America but also to confront all terrorists who make war on innocent lives?
___The risks are great, but the opportunities are profound.
___I am very hopeful, even in these dangerous times. God has brought his people through terrifying times many times before. We are not the first to go through tumults that shake human souls.
___The invisible America is becoming visible, and there is decency and goodness there. And many people have been surprised to find that faith has been awakened in some deep place in their souls.
___Perhaps in God's mercy we can find a way to confront terrorism that will transform anger and hatred into peaceful ways to achieve justice in the world.
___Perhaps we can mete out punishment and look to the future for long-term solutions as well.
___Perhaps we can all be moved to seek to live by the highest standards of our own faith.
___Perhaps Christians will be able to respond in such Christ-like ways that people all over the world can get a new look at who Jesus is.
___Perhaps all religious leaders will condemn extremists in their own religion who seek to impose by force or coercion their will on all others.
___As George W. Truett said in his memorable 1920 sermon from the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., "It is the consistent and insistent contention of our Baptist people, always and everywhere, that religion must be forever voluntary and uncoerced. ... God wants free worshippers and no other kind."
___Baptists want the freedom to tell the good news of Jesus to everyone. And we want all people to have the freedom to express their faith as well.
___This is scary to many people who have a difficult time trusting to others what they want for themselves. But it is the way of Jesus, and it is the way of Baptists.
___We cannot control what will come out of the times in which we now live. We never could. But we can be prayerful and hopeful. We can be dependable. We can be approachable. We can be mediators of salvation rather than condemnation--even as Jesus was (John 3:17). We can get our pride and fear out of the way so people can get a good look at Jesus.
___We will gather in Dallas for our state convention Oct. 29-30. It will be a great time for us to pray for our nation and for one another. It will be a time for sharing and renewing friendships.
___It will be so much better if you are there. Ask your church to elect you to be a messenger, and come on. It will be good to be together after all we have been through and as we face what is yet to be. I pray Christians, and especially our Baptist part of the flock, will be faithful to the Great Shepherd as he seeks to put his arms around a frightened world and draw us all to his great heart and the salvation he alone can give.
___We are loved.
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