It’s not a new topic for Southern Baptist Convention President Fred Luter, but it is one heavy on his heart.
“Our nation is in trouble. Our society is in trouble. … Things are getting worse and worse,” he told those attending the final session of the State Evangelism Conference on Feb. 26 at First Baptist Church, Trussville. But the Church need not sit on the sidelines. It needs to respond by sending more laborers, said Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans.
Preaching from Matthew 9:35–38, Luter asked, “What would Jesus do — with that text in mind and with our nation in mind?
“Jesus would be concerned to go. Jesus would have compassion enough to help. Jesus would send out a challenge for more laborers,” he said.
“If we want to change society, let’s ask someone with a proven record of transforming lives,” Luter said, noting Jesus always had the answer no matter the situation.
“If we are Christians, we should want to know the answer of ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ … to reach this generation.”
As Luter outlined Jesus’ concern for people, he narrated the stories of several individuals influenced personally by Jesus when He was on earth. There was Zacchaeus, the blind beggar, the woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery.
“But not only those in the Bible can testify. I know there is somebody here tonight who can testify about Jesus’ concern,” Luter said. “When you were down, when you were lost, Jesus found you. … You wanted to die, but Jesus gave you a reason to live.
“I too can testify,” he noted. “At one time I was too mean to live. I was going to hell and enjoying the ride.
“From the gutter He lifted me. He lifted me. Love lifted me,” Luter shouted with joy and to an applause of amens.
“We must be concerned about people if we are going to see our nation change. You must be concerned about people, the lost, the unchurched, their hurts, struggles, addictions, pains, eternal destination,” he said.
“We are dealing with a generation who is weary, wandering, scattered, shepherdless. They have no home training to speak of, no commitment of Christ to speak of, no values, no morals, no conscience,” Luter said, noting the lack of fear of authority and disrespect for life. “Lives are being destroyed every day by sin and they don’t realize it.”
But Christians must show compassion, he said. “Those of you who have not gotten over being saved must show compassion.”
Jesus also would send out a challenge to pray because the laborers are few, Luter said. And the challenge is to His disciples, not anyone else.
“Accept the challenge of your executive director (Rick Lance) to Pray Across Alabama,” Luter said. “If prayer changed your life, why can’t the same God who changed you change those knuckleheads out there. … Accept the challenge. Pray to God that He will send out more laborers. The harvest is ripe, but the workers, the volunteers are few.”
Share with others: