Alabama pastor Steve Gaines challenged messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention to be spiritual wall builders during the annual convention sermon.
“America is in a state of crisis,” said Gaines, pastor of Gardendale’s First Baptist Church.
International terrorism and an uncertain economy might be immediate threats, but abortion and homosexuality “will determine the future of America,” he said. “We are at a crossroads. Our spiritual walls have crumbled.”
Gaines cited Nehemiah as a wall builder and an example for Southern Baptists to follow. Preaching from Nehemiah 6, Gaines said though Nehemiah had tremendous opposition, he refused to come off that wall. “Southern Baptists, we must do the same. Don’t come down.”
Gaines said God “is calling us to be spiritual wall builders.”
Gaines said Southern Baptists are called to a great work, they must be committed to that work, and they must complete the work.
“We, as Americans, can’t expect God to bless our nation unless we pray and glorify His name and preach His holy Word,” Gaines said. “Prayer needs to be the priority of your life and preaching the priority of your ministry.”
Gaines said Southern Baptists also must provide a prophetic voice in today’s world. “We are to be the salt and light.”
But Hollywood is setting today’s moral standards for many Americans, Gaines said. “God has not called Hollywood to set the moral tone. He has called Christians.”
Southern Baptists must speak out and address the issues of abortion and homosexuality that are facing America today, he emphasized.
Stating that 42 million babies have been aborted since the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, Gaines spoke against federal judges and others who say abortion is a person’s right. “Abortion is murder, it is sin and it is an abomination in the eyes of God,” he said.
Gaines also pleaded with Southern Baptists to address the issue of gay marriages and the homosexual agenda. “Wake up,” he told the messengers. “We need to lead the way and help pass the Federal Marriage Amendment Act. We must lead the way to take God’s nation back from militant gay activists.”
Gaines challenged Southern Baptists “to speak the truth in love” when dealing with homosexuals. “Homosexuals are not our enemy. The devil is our enemy.”
He called on pastors to preach what the Bible says about homosexuality and to remember that homosexuals can “be saved and set free by God.”
Gaines exhorted messengers to build spiritual walls and not to come down from the wall. “The world needs us, whether they know it or not.”
To read the full text of Steve Gaines’ sermon at the convention, visit the resources section of www.thealabamabaptist.org.
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