Southern Baptists must act, akin to Queen Esther on behalf of her people, because “the stakes are high” in the Church and in the world, Ronnie Floyd said June 14 in his presidential address to messengers to the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in St. Louis, Missouri.
“More Christians around the world are being persecuted and killed for their faith than any other time in modern history,” said Floyd, pastor of Cross Church in northwest Arkansas, who wrapped up two one-year terms as SBC president June 15. “And with the continual and growing threats of … persecution, we are seeing one of the most severe refugee crises in our generation.
“Simultaneously, with over 6,000 unreached people groups globally, we as Southern Baptists are reducing our missions force by 1,000 missionaries. … The stakes are high,” Floyd said.
Laws protecting traditional marriage have been overturned, government overreach has extended to the restroom and the dignity of human life is being demeaned, Floyd said, yet “these things are not some new morality. They are signs that our nation is on the ragged edge of moral insanity.
“As spiritual leaders, there is not one of us who can sit out in this critical hour,” Floyd said. “Now is not the time for churches in America to call timeout and retreat to their land of comfort and sit around dissecting their theology and the theology of others.”
Referring to Esther 4:13–17, Floyd said God sees what people do not see, and God’s faithfulness and providence are present everywhere.
“Providence placed Esther at the right place at the right time to accomplish the purpose of God,” Floyd said.
“To every pastor here today and those of you watching online and to every church leader, God has you where you are at the right time to accomplish the purpose of God.”
Ways to respond
Floyd identified five ways Southern Baptists need to respond in the current high-stakes climate — come together, lead, evangelize, give and pray.
“You may have given up on America, but God hasn’t. You may have given up on your church, but God hasn’t. You may have given up on ministry, but God hasn’t. You may have given up on yourself, but God hasn’t,” he said.
“Our God can do anything, anytime, anywhere with anyone. God can do more in a moment than you could ever do in a lifetime.”
(BP)
Share with others: