TOGETHER:
Texans join together in prayer and fasting Sept. 26
___The church service began with a violin and piano plaintively playing "Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" against the backdrop of images of destruction in New York and Washington, D.C. Across our country, Christians stood in worship services to sing "God Bless A
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CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
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merica" as a prayer, not a boast. Pastors preached with grieving hearts, bringing us strength from the promises of God's word.
___I heard a wonderful sermon at First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. Pastor David Hardage said: "In the midst of all that has been shaken this week, these are the things that cannot be shaken: The Kingdom of God cannot be shaken. God reigns. The church cannot be shaken. The gates of hell cannot hold it back. Evil does not have the last word. Love cannot be shaken."
___I prayed all week long for our ministers as they prepared for Sunday. People came in record numbers. We all needed to pray and to be reassured God knows our heartaches and he will bring us through. I was with a group of military chaplains last week, praying for them as they work with those who will be so personally involved in responding to the terrorist attacks.
___We continue to pray daily for our national leaders and for governments around the world that are committed to dealing with terrorism and finding the best way to stop the violence. I am praying Christians will learn love overcomes hate. Holding those responsible accountable does not mean descending into the darkness of bitterness and revenge.
___There are serious issues regarding religious freedom in many parts of the world. Christians are persecuted, and I pray that in Islam there will be a closer look at restrictive policies that have shut Christians out of several countries. Extremism in any religion tends to move people to take positions that undermine the very values of their own faith. We Christians must follow Jesus, whose love is for the whole world, who broke down the walls that separate us, who invites everyone but does not coerce anyone.
___God created all people with the freedom to make their own spiritual and religious decisions. Religious liberty is God's gift to all people and is not something any church, religion or government has a right to deny. Where the Baptist principles of freedom of religion and separation of church and state have thrived, so has the gospel of Christ and his church.
___What a time for all of us to be called to a time of Prayer with Fasting on Sept. 26. Some time ago, our Executive Board asked us to prepare materials to help Texas Baptists pray for "Christian love and trust" between Baptists. Now, there is so much more to pray for.
___The prayer guide--based on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5--is beautifully written and well suited to being prayed aloud. It is available at www.bgct.org or www.texasprayercenter.com. There are Scripture readings and suggestions to help us prepare for the day of prayer with fasting beginning Sept. 21.
___Our Baptist leaders will be fasting and praying during this time. I urge you to join thousands of fellow Baptists in prayer for our world, our land, our people in military service, our churches and all those who need the saving grace of God in their lives.
___We are loved.
The Baptist Standard
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
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