There is a wealth of incredible stories being crafted in the lives and ministries of Texas Baptist people, churches and institutions. From those stories, I hear about the difference Jesus is making in lives around the world. More people need to know the difference Jesus is making.

As Texas Baptists, our one calling and one hope is the salvation of souls. Let there be no division among us on this point. To every tongue, every nation, every man and woman, every socio-economic class, we have one hope.

The Sermon on the Mount—among other places—sets the bar of God’s justice quite high. As disciples, we are to give and render goodness to those who are our friends and our enemies, the familiar and the stranger.

Christian education is important because it explains the word of God. The word of God shares hope in our struggles and reminds us “trouble don’t last always.”

With a First Baptist Church in almost every town, think about the God-given, strategic opportunity available in our communities for what God wants to do now and in the future.

Richard Ray, director of missions for the Tri-Rivers Baptist Area in Gatesville, Texas, shares his background and thoughts on church and ministry.

A Baptist Standard reader replies to Grace Mitchell’s op-ed about the inclusion of women in leadership among Texas Baptists.

A Baptist Standard reader replies to Eric Black’s op-ed on debating social justice while preparing for a natural disaster.

In keeping with our desire to inform, inspire and challenge people to live like Jesus, Baptists Preaching is an attempt to provide a selection of important sermons preached in Texas Baptist churches and, over time, to create a repository of Baptist preaching for future study and research.

Two weeks ago, John McArthur and a group of his associates met in Dallas to draft a statement entitled “Social Justice & The Gospel.” The statement, while intended to shore up the ethics of Scripture against alien agendas, is well-intended but misses the mark.

I think one of the most underrated achievements of the Lord is the creation of flavor. He didn’t have to create flavors. He could have designed food was strictly for sustenance, completely bland and with no enjoyable qualities whatsoever.

Jerry Joplin, director of missions for the Lubbock Area Baptist Association in Lubbock, Texas, shares his background and thoughts on church and ministry.