There are some persons who say they believe in Jesus and believe they are saved, but it is only words, and they do not have saving faith.

As an example, in some instances, a person may say they believe in Jesus and accept him as Savior—including believing Jesus died for their sins and rose from the grave—but they do not accept Jesus as Lord, have not repented of their sins, and do not have a changed heart and life, which is necessary to receive eternal life.

Knowing the role of baptism is also important. It may be some churches are not explaining to people the necessity of repentance and having a changed heart and life to be saved.

Scripture on salvation

Some verses that address salvation include Romans 5:8—Christ died for our sins; John 3:16—believe in Jesus for everlasting life; Romans 10:9—confess Jesus as Lord and believe he was raised from the dead; and Mark 1:15—repent and believe the gospel.

In John 3:3, 5, we read a person must be born again, born of the spirit, to enter the kingdom of God. We see in 2 Corinthians 5:17, if a person is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away and things now are new.

Salvation does require repentance of sins and a regeneration of the new believer, where they become, through the work of the Holy Spirit, a new person in Christ Jesus with a changed heart, turning to God with the desire to follow Jesus for eternal life (John 10:27-28) as Lord and obey his commandments to confirm they know him (1 John 2:3-4).

Scripture on baptism

Baptist churches allow believers to be members of the church only after they have been baptized by immersion in water, which is the only mode authorized in the Bible, following Jesus’ command to be baptized. Baptism is also a confirmation of their faith.

The New Testament church was formed by baptized believers, and the Bible tells us new believers were obedient and were baptized by immersion in water almost immediately after their confession of faith.

They were identified with Jesus in baptism, as we see in Romans 6:3-4—“Know ye not that so many of us as werebaptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death. Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Baptist practice

Baptist churches usually accept persons who have been members of another Baptist church into their membership. Some Baptist churches, but not all, will accept those who have made a profession of faith and been baptized by immersion in water in a church that is not Baptist.

Those who say they have been baptized but were sprinkled or poured should not be allowed membership in a Baptist church. Sprinkling and pouring are modes not authorized by the Bible. They do not meet the definition or meaning of the word “baptism.”

Substituting sprinkling or pouring for immersion may indicate a change or addition to Scripture is being made, which is prohibited. These modes cannot meet the action or the purpose given in Romans 6:3-4, which requires immersion in water.

Jesus confirmed the mode of baptism being immersion when he was baptized by John the Baptist prior to him beginning his ministry.

Baptism for salvation?

It has been pointed out baptism may not be required to be saved, since it is not mentioned in verses of belief and faith. Many believe this, because the thief on the cross was not baptized but was saved. Of course, he was not able to be baptized. Baptists do not say a person must be baptized to be saved, which is an act of obedience and a confirmation of faith.

There are some church groups that believe believers must be baptized to be saved.

This belief is based on Bible verses such as:

• Mark 16:16—“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
• Acts 2:38—“Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.’”
• Acts 22:16—“And now why tarries thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
• 1 Peter 3:21—“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Baptism as confirmation

The Bible tells us there is no salvation without repentance and faith. When a person becomes a believer and has faith in Jesus as Savior, they also must repent of their sins and turn to God with a changed heart and a new life with the help of the Holy Spirit to be born again.

This also is a commitment to follow Jesus as Lord with a desire to keep his commandments, which includes baptism. Baptism is an act of confirming a person’s faith and identifying with Jesus. It is also an act of obedience to Jesus’s command to be baptized.

Seeing the examples of obedience by new believers in the Bible and reviewing the verses on turning to God with a changed heart and life, if a person has knowledge, opportunity and is physically able, with a changed heart and is a true born-again believer, they should desire to be baptized as soon as possible.

If a person has not followed Jesus’ command to be baptized, or if they do not have an intention to be baptized, it may be an indication they did not have a born-again experience and do not have eternal life.

However, only God knows the heart. He will choose who will enter his kingdom. For church leaders, it seems best, instead of saying baptism is not required to be saved, to explain to new believers the necessity of repentance and new life and how baptism is part of the salvation experience.

John H. Trow Jr. is a member of First Baptist Church in Houston. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author. A contrasting view can be read here.

Look at the two images below. Is there anything similar in these images set apart 2,500 years?

Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky behave in the Oval Office as a glorious Queen Esther or more like a disgraced Queen Vashti? Let’s look at the Holy Scroll.

Esther’s advocacy

“In the first month, the month of Nisan, the pur (that is, the lot) was cast” (Esther 3:7).

And Haman said to the king: “There is a certain people … who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws. … Let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents of silver … for the royal treasury” (3:8-9).

The Persian king is commonly thought to be Xerxes I (the Great), who reigned 486-465 B.C. He is best known for his invasion of Greece in 480 B.C. It ended in a humiliating Persian defeat.

“‘Keep the money,’ the king said to Haman, ‘and do with the people as you please’” (3:10).

Just a few days later, “dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children … and to plunder their goods” (3:13).

That’s when Queen Esther “disrespected” a common rule well-known to “all the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces … that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death” (4:11).

Her request was only three words but impossible and improper. Not only did it challenge the king’s prior decree, but it threatened the legal framework of the whole Persian Empire. She dared to resist the royal decision that her people “have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated.” She asked to reverse the Persian law “which cannot be repealed.”

She said, “Spare my people” (7:3).

Esther’s courage

We don’t know how respectful her tone was. We don’t know how proper Esther’s suit may have looked in modern eyes. The previous Queen Vashti is believed by many to have been commanded to come to King Xerxes naked—“wearing her royal crown [only]” (1:11).

She refused to obey. She may have preferred to save her dignity rather than her crown. Was it a smart move? What would I do?

As a result, “the king became furious and burned with anger,” and a decree was issued that “every man [male] should be ruler over his own household” (1:12, 22).

We don’t know what a young orphan girl experienced making her way through the bureaucracy and intrigues of the world’s most powerful court to see the king.

But we know and admire her words: “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (4:16).

‘For such a time as this’

I see two things in common in the images above. President Zelensky also went against the rules and etiquette of the Earth’s highest court to ask for his people’s lives. He didn’t ask for escape or a safe place for himself, his family or his money. He asked just for the security of his people.

If anyone doubts Ukrainian people need safety more than minerals, search the internet for “Bucha massacre,” “siege of Mariupol,” “Irpin terror,” “Russian torture chambers in Ukraine,” or “Russia’s persecution of Ukrainian Christians.”

If you don’t believe what you read, find someone you trust from Ukraine or who has been to Ukraine recently. Don’t rely on media or politicians who frequently change their opinions. Search for the truth, and you will find it.

The deal was made. The king and Haman “went to drink” (3:15). But the true King of kings interfered and changed the course of the “game.” And he used an ordinary girl who didn’t even have parents.

What can you do with all the resources and connections you have? Would you dare to raise your voice in support of innocent people being sold for death? Can you stand out in the media, social networks or churches for the lives of 30 million people?

Maybe you even can find a few minutes to make a few calls to your representatives.

Ask God where he may direct you. Listen to the ancient voice of Mordecai that hasn’t lost its relevance 2,500 year later:

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews [Ukrainians] will arise from another place. … And who knows but that you have come to your … position for such a time as this” (4:14).

Rostyslav Semikov, cofounder and CEO of Audubon Bioscience Co. and the Peace and Development Foundation, is a medical doctor, cancer researcher, biotech entrepreneur and member of City Rise West University Baptist Church in Houston. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.

It has become obvious in recent years that clarity is our friend in the church. A lack of clarity inevitably leads to a misunderstanding and miscommunication among the people of God, which unnecessarily fractures our unity.

Responding to Toby Druin

In a recent opinion piece for the Baptist Standard, Editor Emeritus Toby Druin made some comments regarding the recent church planting agreement between Texas Baptists and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

In the opinion article, Druin surmised the vote by the BGCT Executive Board to enter into the agreement with NAMB “nullified the convention action” from the BGCT’s 2024 annual meeting, during which the messengers voted down a motion to affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message.

Unfortunately, Druin’s opinion is based on misunderstood and/or misconstrued facts about the agreement. Therefore, he has painted the action of the board in a very negative light and misinformed Texas Baptists regarding the revised relationship between the two conventions. The facts need to be clarified.

Clarifying the facts

‘Closely identifies’

First, Druin stated: “The Southern Baptist Convention requires any church considered a ‘fully cooperating’ SBC church must adopt the 2000 BFM. It has become the SBC creed.”

I understand Druin’s is an opinion piece, and the last statement clearly is his opinion. However, the first part of that statement is unequivocally untrue.

The SBC constitution states: “The Convention will only deem a church to be in friendly cooperation with the Convention … which: 1. Has a faith and practice which closely identifies with the Convention’s adopted statement of faith” (Article III.1.1).

This is the only qualification within the SBC constitution that establishes any guideline for a church’s statement of faith, or which defines if any particular statement must be adopted. There also is no additional “fully cooperating” category listed anywhere else in the document.

In a 2023 article, Jay Adkins, a Louisiana pastor who has served various local, state and national Baptist entities, including serving as first vice president at the 2024 SBC annual meeting, wrote: “It is a fact that our confessional statement has never been a litmus test for entrance into the SBC. There is no requirement to adopt a particular statement of faith to join us in our work … not even the Baptist Faith and Message (BFM) in any of its forms.”

So, let’s be clear: The SBC does not, and never has, required a church to adopt the 2000 BFM—or any other statement of faith—in order to be a fully cooperating church.

Grant isn’t new

Second, Druin writes: “What came out of the meetings, according to the Standard, was a plan, subsequently endorsed by NAMB, to provide a $300,000 grant to the BGCT for planting churches …”

He seems to imply—at least, it’s my interpretation—the $300,000 is something new. However, this is not the case. The $300,000 grant from NAMB to Texas Baptists has been in place for almost 15 years, in the same way it has been with many southern state conventions.

In fact, the new agreement states: “NAMB will continue to relate to BGCT as a grant state convention at the same rate of $300,000 a year …” (emphasis added). Nothing has changed regarding the amount.

Statement of faith

Third, Druin states the agreement requires church plants “have to approve the 2000 BFM to obtain start-up money from the North American Mission Board.”

This is true. However, it’s not new. This was the agreement ever since the grant began. And doesn’t it just make sense? It is common sense to expect an organization with a statement of faith/beliefs/values to ensure its money is only used to fund initiatives that match its adopted system of beliefs.

Yes, I believe a church could plant a biblical Baptist church that has as its statement of faith the 1963 or 1925 BFM, or even the New Hampshire Confession or some other orthodox statement of faith.

But it is not the SBC’s responsibility to open wide their church-planting coffers to anyone and everyone, and then have to vet every nuanced belief statement that comes their way. Having the convention voted-on and approved statement of belief be the standard to receive SBC church planting funds simply makes sense.

An unfortunate detail

Finally, I do want to note an unfortunate piece in the agreement that I believe lacks clarity, and which Druin correctly identifies.

He states the grant is for “planting churches in good standing in the SBC, that is, which sign the 2000 BFM, and the new churches also will be expected to sign the 2000 statement.”

Through the discussion process leading up to this agreement, it was stated repeatedly that the planting church would not have to be a 2000 BFM-affirming church, but simply had to plant a 2000 BFM-affirming church. Somehow, this was not reflected in the final agreement, or at best, the language lacks clarity. Whether that will change officially or unofficially remains to be seen.

Even so, why would we reject the partnership between Texas Baptists and NAMB simply because they have this stipulation tied to the grant?

More planting funds available

As Druin notes himself, according to BGCT Executive Director Julio Guarneri, the $300,000 grant only accounts for 10 percent of the BGCT’s church planting funding. In other words, 90 percent of the church-planting budget is available to any church within the BGCT to plant a church.

Let the many 2000 BFM-affirming BGCT churches pull first from the grant, while the remaining budget is still wide open for all BGCT churches, regardless of BFM version or their affiliation with the SBC. There’s plenty of money available.

In fact, at the end of 2024, there was $300,000 left in the BGCT church-planting budget. In 2023, there was around $700,000 remaining. I would suggest the real issue here is not the source or “restrictions” of the church-planting funds, but the need to plant more churches collectively.

Opens more resources

This matter between Texas Baptists and NAMB has been raised, discussed, worked out and approved. It doesn’t encroach on any BGCT church’s autonomy or opportunity for church planting. And, in addition to the funding, it provides a wide array of church-planting resources and guidance that are open to the entire BGCT family of churches.

The agreement and the $300,000 it continues to provide are not bait. It’s not the traitor’s lure, as has been uncharitably suggested. It’s a partnership. It’s cooperation, and cooperation is not coercion. To suggest otherwise suggests less than honorable motives.

Paul encouraged Titus, the young church planter in Crete, to “avoid foolish debates, … quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9).

Isn’t it time we who call either—or both—the BGCT and SBC home agreed with Paul?

Dustin Slaton is pastor of First Baptist Church in Round Rock and serves on the BGCT Executive Board. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.

In Part 1, I considered the threat to evangelism posed by liberalism and political power. I continue that examination here.

Founding principles

The question of the role of Christianity in the birth of our nation is complex and beyond the scope of this brief essay.

There is little doubt Christianity had an influence on the values and philosophical foundation of our country. This is one reason the Founding Fathers were able to write of all men being “created equal” and, with the same breath, defend the institution of slavery. Christians long have been adept at maintaining such paradoxes of beliefs and practices.

Whatever role Christianity played in the founding documents of our country, one thing is certain: Those documents anticipated a pluralistic society in which every person was free to worship the god of their choosing, or no god at all. In other words, the Founding Fathers anticipated a society in which Christianity was not the only option.

Whose Christianity?

There is nothing wrong with wanting our country to reflect Christian values. The pertinent questions are: Which Christian values? And, how do we achieve that end?

My contention, and the thesis of this essay, is using the power of the state—“power of the sword”—to achieve those ends is problematic for a number of reasons, not the least of which is it spells the demise of evangelism.

First, there is the sticky conundrum of deciding which Christian values will guide our country’s leaders and the decisions they make.

“Turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39, Luke 6:29), “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12), and “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44) are all fundamental Christian values delivered straight from the lips of Jesus.

Are these the Christian values Christian nationalists want to see at the highest levels of government? I’ve never heard a single Christian nationalist speak of them.

Jesus’ Christianity

When Jesus described the moment when we all will stand before God and give an account of the way we spent our lives, the defining values on which God’s judgment hangs are these:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:35-36, emphasis mine).

The word in verse 36 my Bible translates as “stranger” is the Greek word zenos. It’s the word that means “different” or “alien.” In Jesus’ world, it almost always referred to the immigrant.

When asked, “What is the one character trait that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt you belong to the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus answered, “The way you treat the person who is vulnerable and powerless simply because they don’t belong.”

Jesus was not alone in placing this value in a position of preeminence. The two most frequently addressed issues in the Old Testament are idolatry and care for the poor, the widow and the stranger.

Is that the Christian value that Christian nationalists want reflected in our country? I don’t think so.

Codified Christianity

The problem with all the talk about building our country on Christian values is we invariably cherry-pick which Christian values we want codified into the laws of the land. And we often choose poorly.

This glaring hypocrisy is not lost on non-Christians. It certainly is not lost on an entire generation of younger Christians. They are leaving the church in droves, disgusted with our hypocrisy.

We can get our cherry-picked, biblically based laws passed. We can get the U.S. Supreme Court justices who will do our bidding. We can get closed borders and concentrated wealth and homogeneity. Our guns and state-mandated school prayers and “Christ” in Christmas all will be safe.

But in the process, we risk losing an entire generation of young souls who see through our blatant hypocrisy.

Worse, the non-Christians who feel the sword of the Christian state at their throats will submit to our wishes and obey our laws, rather than suffer the consequences. However, they will never call on the name of the Jesus who held that sword at their throats.

No one wants to join the religion bullying them.

It’s a giant stake in the heart of evangelism.

Blasphemous ‘Christianity’

A second and equally fatal problem with Christian nationalism has to do with the identity and authority of Christ.

The earliest Christian statements of belief and purpose were embedded in the New Testament writings and have one common trait: They begin and end with the identity, authority and teachings of Jesus Christ. They exalt Christ and Christ alone.

The early Christian church didn’t need the help of Caesar to change the world. They had Jesus and the Holy Spirit to do that work.

Perhaps the most horrifying aspect to the Christian nationalist voice is it screams, “Jesus is not enough.”

Christian nationalism suggests we need the help of our American Caesar to get the job done. We need the sword of the state at the throats of our enemies to protect what we have built. We need the power of the law to ensure Jesus remains on his throne. As if God needs our help.

This is both blasphemous and idolatrous. It very well could be the final nail in the evangelism coffin.

If in the 1960s and 1970s Christian liberalism was eroding evangelism from the far left, the new millennium finds that same erosion occurring from the far right.

If the Christian nationalists are successful in overtaking the evangelical church—and there’s every indication they will be—and can continue to build significant political influence, the first and most obvious casualties will be those who look different from the rest of us.

The unspoken and perhaps unintended casualty will be Christian evangelism.

Ellis Orozco served as a pastor 30 years. He is the founder and CEO of Karooso Ministries and the public theologian in residence at Stark College & Seminary, where this article first appeared. It has been adapted and republished by permission.

In their recent annual meeting in Waco, messengers of the Baptist General Convention of Texas soundly defeated a motion to approve the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message.

In their recent meeting in Dallas, the BGCT Executive Board effectively nullified the convention action by approving a plan to start churches that have to approve the 2000 BFM to obtain start-up money from the North American Mission Board.

The BGCT, now also known as Texas Baptists, repeatedly has affirmed the 1963 BFM as its statement of faith, although somewhere along the way it has been noted some BGCT churches also endorse the 2000 statement. The affirmation does not mean a BGCT-affiliated church has to adopt the 1963 statement. It is only a guide for faith and practice. It is not a creed.

The Southern Baptist Convention requires any church considered a “fully cooperating” SBC church must adopt the 2000 BFM. It has become the SBC creed.

BGCT / NAMB relationship

A year ago, BGCT Executive Director Julio Guarneri told the Executive Board the SBC’s North American Mission Board no longer would fund BGCT church starts in Texas, because the BGCT did not affirm the 2000 BFM, which was underscored by the BGCT action in Waco.

According to a Baptist Standard article published Feb. 18, NAMB and BGCT leaders met earlier this year to “negotiate a new agreement.” No press representatives were allowed in the meetings.

What came out of the meetings, according to the Standard, was a plan, subsequently endorsed by NAMB, to provide a $300,000 grant to the BGCT for planting churches in good standing in the SBC, that is, which sign the 2000 BFM, and the new churches also will be expected to sign the 2000 statement.

There were some other events and information to be provided by NAMB, but the $300,000 seemed to be the big thing, although Guarneri noted it would be only 10 percent of what the BGCT will spend on church starting. If it’s only 10 percent, why not find some other way to provide it instead of getting involved with the SBC and its creedal entanglements?

BGCT’s ‘big tent’

The Standard story said Guarneri noted he had heard concerns the BGCT’s annual meeting vote against affirming the 2000 BFM might mean the BGCT “was moving toward the left” and that churches affirming the 2000 statement might not be welcome in the BGCT. He gave a “resounding no” to both concerns and said the BGCT is a “big-tent” convention that serves all Texas Baptist churches.

In 1963, the SBC and BGCT were conservative conventions. If there has been any movement to the left or right, it hasn’t been by the BGCT. Let the SBC and NAMB go their creedal way. Forget NAMB’s $300,000 bait. In these inflationary times, it looks more like 30 pieces of silver.

Toby Druin is editor emeritus of the Baptist Standard. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.

The present political environment has spawned a level of vitriol and hatred that long has been hidden under the guise of politeness, decorum and once-common unspoken rules of protocol.

However, the sensationalizing of “gotcha journalism” and the less-principled medium of social media has soiled the public sphere.

People who once held their thoughts close and closed in their minds now have the license to release the less-flattering sentiments in an echo chamber that composes a mixture of less-than-intelligent preconceived notions about anything and anybody.

Rather than rational thoughts, one is left to their own imagination to unscramble public discourse they do not know or seek to understand.

It makes for a toxic political environment that leaves a lot to be desired and little to be accomplished.

Where should the Christian look for wisdom and guidance in the midst of this?

When guidance can’t be found

There was a time when most Americans would point to a person of influence as the point of contact.

Unfortunately, we find ourselves living in a time when, more often than not, clergy are struck now with the stress of attempting to determine the parishioner’s ideological leanings. In many cases, a good straight answer no longer is offered, because the clergy works hard to avoid offending people, rather than guiding them toward spiritual wholeness.

Usually, the person seeking wisdom and guidance is overwhelmed with frustration, because they tend not to receive what their inquiring mind desires. As a result, the clergy is not always the most reliable source, especially in this age of separating the ideologically normative sheep from the goats.

Our institutions that once were bastions of thought known as safe grounds for debate and free thinking no longer widely exist but in isolated corners of now-abandoned intellectual spaces.

When humanity fails us, and institutions fail us, we can always go to the Bible.

God’s word guides

The word of God is what we need when we are seeking wisdom. It long has been the belief and understanding of traditional Baptists that God’s word—Scripture—is essential for understanding the strategies needed to navigate life’s challenges.

As far back as the 1800s, Baptists have been guided by the “Articles of Faith” to believe “the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore, is and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried.”

That belief in the inspired word of God encourages and emboldens the servant to participate and thrive in life.

Guided by Psalms

Psalm 119:97–105 is one of the most-noted verses of Scripture that magnifies this thought:

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (ESV).

The psalmist expresses the level of intense satisfaction one engenders with the level of confidence and security one experiences when keeping the commands of God. The psalmist speaks of a level of clarity and conviction that can be recognized only by an individual who has been in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The reader can feel the spirit of fulfillment that comes from encountering the divine counsel that reverberates internally at the whispering tones of enunciating the words.

God’s word speaks to every aspect of our lives and pushes the weary warrior forward. It is his word that empowers us and inspires us.

Spurred by God’s word

How can the Christian not aspire toward the greater good when he or she reads Romans 8:31-32?

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

Who can dare not be conscripted into right action when dealing with matters of politics and social justice when God speaks through Micah 6:6-8?

“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

In these times, when we must block out the confused noise of less-than-intelligent and uninspired rhetoric, we must find our inspiration in the word of God.

In the words of the late song writer Glenn Burleigh: “It is God’s word that saves sinners, reclaims backsliders, and encourages believers.”

Let us never forget where the power behind our purpose exists.

Rev. Dr. Michael Evans Sr. is the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield and past president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.

Growing up in a small, conservative Baptist church in the 1960s, I was taught there are two immutable truths about the Christian faith. First, Jesus is the only way to eternal salvation, and anyone who rejects him is going to hell. Second, in light of that fact, every Christian is compelled to share Jesus with others.

An unspoken corollary to those concepts was when a person commits to living for Jesus, not only do they inherit eternal life, but they also become a better person in this life. If that’s true, then Christianity ultimately would change the world for the better, one person at a time.

That seemed entirely possible 50 years ago. In fact, many prominent evangelical leaders sincerely believed we were on the road to doing it.

And for good reason. Those fundamental beliefs, after all, were the singular focus of the early Christian church and the driving force that led Christianity to overwhelm and revolutionize the Roman Empire.

Liberal threat to evangelism

As I began my theological training to become a pastor, I was told not only did the little church of my childhood get it right on those two fundamental truths, but in addition, there was an evil liberalism in American Christianity undermining the second of those truths (evangelism) by calling into question the first of those truths (Jesus as the only Savior and hell as a reality).

If Jesus is not the only way to God and if hell is not real, the logic went, then evangelistic fervor is squelched. It’s not that evangelism dies so much as it languishes, pushed to the back shelf by other more pressing concerns, like social justice.

“Liberalism is contributing to the demise of evangelism,” was a common refrain.

Sociological research seemed to affirm this claim. While most evangelical churches either were staunchly opposed to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s or simply silent on the most turbulent issues of the day, mainline Protestant churches were at the forefront of those radical social justice movements.

During that same time period, however, those mainline churches were largely in decline. It’s a decline that continues to this day.

Political threat to evangelism

Baptists, as the largest group of evangelicals, loved to gloat about the fact liberalism was killing the mainline Protestant churches, while conservative evangelicals were thriving.

Riding on the adrenaline of being the largest, non-Catholic missionary sending agency in the world, glowing from the successes of evangelists like Billy Graham, and basking in the victory of single-handedly electing Ronald Reagan as U.S. president, evangelicals were at the top of the world and seemingly unstoppable.

“Jesus is obviously on our side,” was the proud slogan.

But there was a subtle and deadly shift taking place among evangelicals. Drunk with the newfound power of political influence, we started looking to politicians to solve America’s problems. Jesus alone was no longer the answer to America’s woes. We saddled Jesus with a political elephant, and it would take 40 years for us to feel the effects.

Christian nationalism

The shift from evangelism to political power cleared the way for Christian nationalism to take root and grow. Christian nationalism in its mildest form is rooted in the idea the United States was founded as a Christian nation and its laws should reflect Christian values.

In its most severe form, Christian nationalism vows to take over and control the “seven mountains” of society: family, religion, education, media, arts and entertainment, business, and government.

The most ardent Christian nationalist would have every American subjected to the teachings of the Bible in every area of life or suffer the consequences.

So far, the milder form has meant everything from ending speeches with “God bless America,” to advocating for more prayer in schools, to requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments. It also has meant calls for restricting abortion, same-sex marriage and gender-affirming health care.

In the future, depending on the influence of the more radical versions of Christian nationalism, it could mean strict laws about marriage and divorce, the revitalization of sodomy laws, the restricting of the growth of certain competing religious groups through intimidation and deportation, the banning of materials deemed anti-Christian, the wielding of government levers to control anti-Christian movements and so forth.

Christian nationalism is as old as the Roman Empire. The American version is simply the latest manifestation of an ancient culprit—the temptation to seek our desired outcomes through the power of the state, instead of Christ.

You might ask: What’s wrong with wanting our country to reflect the teachings of Christ? What’s wrong with creating laws inspired by biblical morals and principles? After all, our nation was founded on Christian ideals.

I will examine these dangers further next week in Part 2.

Ellis Orozco served as a pastor 30 years. He is the founder and CEO of Karooso Ministries and the public theologian in residence at Stark College & Seminary, where this article first appeared. It has been adapted and republished by permission.

America is experiencing a chaotic moment, politically and socially. The implications are far-reaching.

Many are wondering if we are witnessing the end of democracy in America and our nation is going to go back to its worst forms. In this moment, we need wisdom and guidance.

For me, I seek wisdom from the Scriptures and recollections from my ancestors to assure me of our ability to survive this tumultuous time.

Among the many Scriptures I reflect upon, I hold to this command of Jesus: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).

This verse of Scripture should be guiding wisdom for our politics for this moment. We have, on the whole, shunned this wisdom.

Slurs

When I moved into my present neighborhood, I was greeted perniciously. In my backyard, someone spelled the n-word in the sand. Suffice it to say, this was not the kind of greeting I wanted from my neighbors.

Seeing this racial slur was degrading and disheartening. This word was not just any racial slur. This word helped bar people from bathrooms, restaurants, neighborhoods, golf clubs and universities. This word has had grave historical consequences. It comes with a history that cannot be denied or dismissed out of hand.

In response, I had to turn to God in that situation, pray and seek God’s grace to handle this world’s evil. I did not pack up and move, nor did I sink into inescapable panic, because I realized what I had experienced was part of a larger story of Black people in this country.

Many in this country, though not Black, believe their lives and livelihoods are being threatened due to the chaos caused by the current political situation.

Ancestors

When I turn to God for guidance now, God reminds me I should listen to the voices of Black Christians who came before me. They experienced chaos in its worst forms in America. Their story gives me encouragement in times like these.

They taught me how to actualize Jesus’ command. Others may call me the n-word, but I am not that. Consequently, I will not return evil for evil. I will promote the good.

Why did this happen to me? Why are we experiencing so much chaos in our government and society?

There is a reason Frederick Douglass said: “Between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference—so wide, that to receive the one as good, pure, and holy, is of necessity to reject the other.”

Another Black man, David Walker, who wrote a littler earlier than Douglass stated: “The white Christians of America, who hold us in slavery, (or, more properly speaking, pretenders to Christianity,) treat us more cruel and barbarous than any Heathen nation did any people whom it had subjected, or reduced to the same condition, that the Americans (who are, notwithstanding, looking for the Millennial day) have us.”

Another 19th-century Black abolitionist, Maria Stewart, said: “All the nations of the earth are crying out for liberty and equality. Away, away with tyranny and oppression!”

Each person pointed out the hypocrisy of living in a “Christian” country where they suffered. These 19th-century Black Christians bemoaned their mistreatment in America. But their cries were not heard, completely.

Yes, but

Yes, slavery was ended. But soon after the destructive power of Jim Crow was unleashed. And to this day, the system is still bent toward the exclusion of Black, brown and many other people.

I am not playing the race card. This is a reality I have experienced in my own life, and most of the Black people I know have experienced this as well.

Let me be clear. Oppression is not new for Black people. Having resources denied us is not new for Black people. Having our votes rejected is not new for Black people.

In the land of the free, we have experienced the contradiction of enslavement and disenfranchisement. How so? This country forsook the commandment of Jesus in its treatment of people of color. We are showing signs now of going back to our worst ways.

Remember

I make this appeal to my white brothers and sisters: Remember where God has brought us. Americans have voluntary amnesia about the worst things in our history.

We do not want to remember during the wars of the 20th century, Black people fought for a country that hated them.

We do not want to remember Black people were told, with the legitimacy of the Supreme Court, they did not have the right to drink from the same water fountain or go to the same bathroom.

We do not want to remember Black people were physically—not just on paper—barred from moving into certain neighborhoods.

We certainly do not want to remember Black people being hung up on trees on Sunday afternoons right after church. In fact, many white people still have this very day jars with the remains of Black people who were lynched.

But we must remember. How else will we learn?

When we choose to forget or choose to change these stories to make ourselves feel better, we invite peril.

I invite all Christians of every color to remember the depths our country sank to in its formation. We have to remember the horrors and atrocities we have committed in the name of freedom. We have to listen to the voices of those who cried out against such horrors, if we will ever learn not to repeat them.

Wisdom’s source

Our wisdom must not be found in the illusions of American exceptionalism. We must not make up a doctrine that centers America as the apple of God’s eye, destined to rule the world. These beliefs only lead to imperialism and wanton brutality toward other peoples.

As a Christian, I argue we must lean on the words of our Christ. What we want for ourselves, do that to others. When we choose another way, we must realize as Thomas Jefferson said, God’s “justice cannot sleep forever.”

Rev. Dr. Ralph D. West is the founder and pastor of the Church Without Walls in Houston. The views expressed in this opinion article are those solely of the author.

In today’s politically charged environment, Christians often find themselves seeking a reliable source of wisdom, guidance, hope and strength.

The constant bombardment of conflicting opinions and divisive rhetoric can leave us feeling disoriented and disheartened. However, as believers, we have answers in the uncompromising and inerrant word of God. The Holy Scriptures offer timeless truths and profound insights.

Isaiah’s promise

One of the most powerful sources of guidance is found in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 9:6, we read: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

This prophecy not only foretells the coming of Christ, but also reassures us ultimate authority rests with him. Amid political instability and leadership crises, we are reminded Jesus Christ is the sovereign ruler whose governance is marked by justice, wisdom and peace. His shoulders bear the weight of the world’s governments, and his reign is eternal and indisputable.

This passage from Isaiah provides a profound sense of comfort and assurance. It reminds us, no matter how chaotic the political landscape may appear, the ultimate authority belongs to Christ. His rule is characterized by righteousness and peace, offering a stark contrast to the often-tumultuous nature of human governance.

As Christians, we can find solace in the knowledge our Savior is King of kings and his kingdom is unshakeable.

Psalms’ assurance

In times of turmoil, the Psalms offer a sanctuary of peace and reflection. Psalm 46:10 exhorts us: “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

This verse calls us to a posture of stillness and trust in God’s sovereignty. When the political climate is tense with anxiety and unrest, we are invited to cease our striving and rest in the knowledge God is in control.

The psalmist’s declaration is a powerful reminder God’s presence is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). By anchoring ourselves in this truth, we find the peace that transcends understanding, enabling us to navigate the complexities of the world with calm assurance.

The Psalms, with their poetic beauty and profound depth, provide a rich source of spiritual nourishment. Psalm 46, in particular, speaks to the heart of our need for divine reassurance.

In a world where political tensions often can lead to fear and uncertainty, the call to “be still” and recognize God’s sovereignty is a balm for our souls. It encourages us to step back from the quarrels, to quiet our hearts and to trust in the One who holds all things in his hands.

Romans’ exhortation

The New Testament also provides invaluable guidance for living in a politically charged environment.

Romans 12:18 instructs us, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

This exhortation underscores the importance of pursuing peace and harmony in our interactions with others, regardless of political differences. The Apostle Paul’s words challenge us to rise above the divisiveness and hostility that often characterize political discourse.

By embodying the principles of love, humility and respect, we become ambassadors of Christ’s peace in a fractured world. This call to peaceful living is not a passive resignation, but an active pursuit of reconciliation and understanding.

Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:18 is particularly relevant in today’s polarized climate. It calls us to be peacemakers, to seek harmony and understanding, even in the midst of disagreement.

This does not mean compromising our convictions, but rather approaching others with a spirit of grace and humility. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and contribute to a more compassionate and just society.

Hebrews’ reminder

One of the most reassuring aspects of our faith is the unchanging nature of God’s word. In a world where political ideologies and societal norms are constantly shifting, the Bible remains a steadfast source of truth.

Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

This constancy provides a solid foundation upon which we can build our lives. Our strength and hope are always found in him and his word, which never changes and never fails.

In the midst of political turmoil, it is crucial for Christians to silence the noise of distractions and focus on the mission of the church. The enemy often uses these tumultuous times to divert our attention from our primary calling.

We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds, ensuring we are not swayed by the chaos around us. Instead, we should be driven to our knees in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength.

The political climate should push believers to deepen their dependence on God and to engage more fervently in the mission of the church, both globally and locally.

Grounded in Scripture

Theologically

Theologically, these passages underscore the sovereignty of God, the peace of his presence and the call to live out our faith in tangible ways.

Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us Christ’s lordship extends over all earthly powers, offering us a perspective that transcends temporal politics.

The Psalms invite us into a deeper trust in God’s providence, encouraging us to find solace in his unchanging nature.

Romans challenges us to be peacemakers, reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives.

Practically

Practically, these truths can be applied in various ways.

In our personal lives, we can cultivate a habit of stillness and prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength.

In our communities, we can strive to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, even with those who hold differing views.

In the public sphere, we can advocate for justice and righteousness, informed by the principles of Scripture.

Amid the politics of the day, Christians are called to look beyond the transient and often tumultuous landscape of human authority to the eternal and unchanging word of God. By grounding ourselves in these scriptural truths, we find the wisdom, guidance, hope and strength needed to live faithfully and effectively in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.

Rev. Dr. S. Michael Greene is the senior pastor of the historic Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Richardson, now known as The Rock. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.

I have close friends who are recently widowed, getting biopsies and taking chemo, learning to use walkers and canes, wondering if life and travel as they knew it are over, wondering, “Are doctor appointments all I have left?”

We need something, but we cannot manufacture it ourselves from what is left of us.

We need God’s grace to finish life, to complete our calling. We need God to make a way and show us a new way of life that glorifies him and fills us with contentment and joy.

Grace can have a broad definition. It means, “God’s undeserved favor,” but beyond that, grace is also who God is and all he does. Grace is his work in us through Christ and the Spirit.

The grace of the Spirit

In Sunday school recently, we studied a Scripture that says the Holy Spirit will infuse believers with wisdom (1 Corinthians 2). We can receive the Spirit—amazingly so—to the point that Paul says, “We have the mind of Christ.”

After personally having 16 infusions of chemo, I loved the idea of having infusions of the Spirit. The Spirit is life-giving and animating, the fountain of life who flows from God and Jesus. The Spirit brings to our remembrance the truth of God and guides us to deeds of ministry and missions.

The Spirit comforts and heals our spirits when our spirits are open wounds—open to the touch of God himself.

It is not easy to talk about our vulnerability. Often at church, we do not show woundedness. We want to look good and present ourselves as God’s “success stories,” knowledgeable, prosperous and attractive. Some of our churches look for the most attractive and successful people to lead the church, as if God needed a talent agency to choose his servants.

But we can rest assured everyone needs God’s Spirit. We never should be surprised at the degree of separation from God that anyone—even a pastor or leader—can choose or fall into. The sins of others never must shake our faith, for we know we are human and dust, all with the sin nature and tendency to sin.

Grace in all circumstances

When the Bible says, “Weep with those who weep; and rejoice with those who rejoice,” (Romans 12:15), we understand everyone has times of weeping and times of rejoicing in their lives.

We have weddings and divorces, love connections and breakups, births and deaths, times of wealth and times of want, times of depression and times of elation at the blessing of God. Life is all of this—miracles and tragedy.

“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances,” Paul wrote (Philippians 4:11).

He often wrote as a greeting or goodbye: “Grace and peace to you, from God our Father.”

Grace, enough for today, leads to peace—the contentment Paul referenced. Grace for today is enough to move forward, to take the next step in life God shows us.

The Holy Spirit—sometimes called “the Encourager”—helps us move on with life. The Sprit’s comfort has an objective, a goal—that we persevere with fortitude, face truth and follow God in the present circumstance, that we praise God and bring glory to him.

God’s ever-present grace

Scripture is such a wellspring of truth. At times we may feel overwhelmed with all God is, does and how he works in us. How can we take all this in? How can we handle it all?

We start now with open hearts to receive the filling of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit, and we continue life in the circumstance God has placed us.

We can be open to God and other Christians about our emotions as we ask God’s healing. We move forward in quiet times alone with God and in times of fellowship and worship—even worship at home via television if we are homebound. Any place can be a place of grace, worship.

Any home can be a mission field—your living room, the rehab center, the nursing center. Any place can become an altar for prayer or a pulpit for teaching. The seminary is not the only place that has “the chair of fire” for preaching. God works everywhere.

If you are in a place of suffering and worried for friends undergoing hard times, be encouraged through the Holy Spirit that God is with you. His grace for today is enough. His grace will enable you to take the next step in life. He will carry you.

God’s boundless grace

When I was younger, I loved the Holy Spirit and saw him as the one giving great power in preaching and missions. I spent years in ministry watching the Spirit work and feeling his warmth in sanctuaries of beauty and holiness. He was the key to success in evangelism and true worship.

Now as an older adult, I see all this and more. I depend on his comforting and encouraging side, because I need that. I need him.

God is perfect, personal love. He has so many dimensions that meet our needs and fulfill his will. God is beyond dimensions we could fathom. He is all and in all. We are the people of his possession, bought with the blood of his Son.

God is enough. His grace for each day, along with his promised presence, is enough to see us through our weakness of body, mind and soul. He will provide the encouragers and helpers we need, especially the sweet, peaceful, powerful Holy Spirit.

Ruth Cook is a longtime Texas Baptist. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.

My associate pastor, Bill Hays, was an older man approaching his 80s. He had been a deacon in the church before becoming the associate pastor by default. The previous pastor had been fired. Bill was the man everyone trusted to take care of the administrative duties of the church until a new pastor could be found—me.

Before Bill Hays became an associate pastor, before he became a deacon, before he became a Christian, he was a successful businessman working for Exxon for years before becoming an independent businessman in land development.

While in business, the bottom fell out during the savings and loan crisis. Bill lost everything.

If that wasn’t bad enough, his house burned down after forgetting a pan on the stove top. The only thing that survived was the old family Bible that sat near the staircase of his home.

The revered book, seldom opened by Bill at the time, was not even singed, though the whole house collapsed around it. Bill took notice, shook his head, bewildered. He never gave it another thought.

His family moved into an apartment, thanks to the help of a former business associate.

Turning a corner

It wasn’t long after, Bill was given an opportunity to earn some income by running a used furniture shop. He was good with people and had a knack for retail.

A few years later, he was able to borrow the money to buy the furniture shop for his family business. He renamed it “2nd Debut Furniture.” The profit each week amounted to a little more than minimum wage after all the bills were paid, but he was happy to be self-supporting.

One day, a homeless-looking woman walked into his shop. She walked right up to Bill and said: “Sir, you have lost everything to a fire, but what would be worse is to spend eternity in the fires of hell. You need to receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior.”

With that, the woman he never had seen before walked out.

Bill began to think about what she said. He was curious. How did she know he had lost everything in a fire? And, what gave her the right to question his eternity?

Bill was troubled. He shared the encounter with his wife Gay. She was as taken back as Bill, but because she was not there herself, she passed it off as some misunderstanding. Bill did not.

A few weeks later, Bill looked out the shop window to see the homeless-looking woman walking toward the entrance of his shop. He met her at the door.

She looked him in the eye and asked him, “What are you going to do with Jesus, sir?”

She then walked back out, never to be seen again.

Turning a page

Bill pulled that old, singed Bible off his bookshelf in their apartment. He knew it had survived the fire, but he had not realized until that moment, not one scent of smoke was found within its pages.

Inside, he read how to escape the eternal flames.

He searched for Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. He read of his actions in the Gospel of Mark. He studied Jesus’ lineage in the Gospel of Luke. He was floored by his love in the Gospel of John.

Conviction swelled. While his family was away, he knelt by his bed in that cheap apartment and asked Jesus to be his Savior. Bill Hays’ life was changed.

Later, his wife would receive Jesus as her Savior, as would their daughter and son.

It’s your turn

I did not know him before he was Rev. Bill Hays, but I heard him tell his testimony enough.

He would tell any who would listen: “I have lost everything—my business, my career, my savings, my home, my health.” He would be diagnosed with Parkinson’s not long after.

“And I would do it all over again. For though I lost everything, my family and I gained everything—peace, joy, forgiveness and eternal life in heaven. I am the richest man on the face of the Earth.”

Bill and Gay have gone on to be with the Lord, to a mansion the Father built for them. They walk on streets of gold. Bill is reunited with his family members who passed on that old Bible. The struggles in his life were worth it all.

Have you given your heart to the Lord Jesus like Bill? You can now.

If you have, you join “the richest man on the face of the Earth,” and you are headed for an even better place in heaven, not far from Bill’s mansion in one of your own.

Johnny Teague is the senior pastor of Church at the Cross in West Houston and the author of several books, including his newest, The Lost Diary of Mary Magdalene. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.