Your Voice

As we individually are obedient to be cheerful givers, God’s message of salvation goes to Jerusalem and all Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth.

Mark Presswood
Associational missionary for Clarke Baptist Association

Where is there a need you can fill? Where is there a hurt you can heal? Where is there a wall you can tear down — or build up, depending on the situation?

Our standard for how to love each other is how Jesus loved, and our efforts aren’t wasted. According to Him, the world will know we are His disciples by our love (John 13:35). We’re to see the need, then answer the question: What are you going to do about it?

Pastor David Jeremiah
Shadow Mountain Community Church
El Cajon, Calif.

Food for thought:

1. If you want a different result, do something different.
2. If you want to see something done, stop sitting on the sideline waiting on someone to ask you to do it. Actually get up off the bench and get in the game.
3. If you want your life to get better, get off your pity party and start actually doing something to change your outcome.

But in all things always, keep God first.

Pastor Jeff Fuller
Rockford Baptist Church
Rockford, Ala.

How can we preach from Ephesians 4:1–16 and 1 Corinthians 12:12–26 and continue to use our platforms and voices to cause division? Do we believe Galatians 3:28? “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

We serve the Jesus who tore down the wall of hostility to bring us to Himself — all of us — in order for believers to be unified, to be of one mind and of one accord.

I believe our convention should be a place of refuge and rest from the fighting. It is my heart’s desire for the Holy Spirit to convict each and every one of us about our conduct and our speech. I pray that repentance becomes the cry of our hearts.

Pastor Belafae Johnson
Purposed Church
Mascoutah, Ill.

From the Twitterverse

@MichaelCatt
We find ourselves divided over race, politics and so many other issues because we’ve exalted politics over prayer, ego over humility. The self life is ruling the day, but Jesus said die to self. At the Cross, agendas must die.

@richardblackaby
God cares about the smallest details of your life. They matter. Over time they can make a huge difference.

@claysmith79
Success in ministry is not about how many people are following you, but in how many people are following Jesus.

@PaulSPurvis
… Start with grace. Assume the best. Determine to be kind. Ask God to grant you a short memory of offense. Of course, stand for truth, but remember, Christ followers never have the liberty to be unkind.

@GaryFenton07
Loving God who is fully revealed in Jesus inevitably leads to extending grace and helping others. Loving self inevitably leads to extending judgment and correcting others.

@brocraigc
“Be little in your own esteem, that the Lord may make much of you.” —Spurgeon

@griffingulledge
One of the dangerous things about being a pastor is this: because pastors weekly teach the most important subject matter in the universe, we may trick ourselves into thinking we are experts of all subject matters.

@JToddL
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NASB1995

@scottdawson
There are two emotions that are controlling most decisions being made: fear and hate. Neither will get you to the place you really desire. By the way, these two emotions are exact opposites of the ones that should control us: love and courage.

@BillyGraham
“Jesus made everything so simple, and we have made it so complicated.”

@EdLitton
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Letters to the Editor

One of the essential components of meaningful output in endeavors involving multiple people is that of teamwork. This is true in sports, churches, governments, families and media.

In a consistently productive manner, the team which comprises TAB’s efforts to serve God and readers is second to none.

With passion and compassion, with facts and purpose, with grace and gusto, the various team members add unique flavors and hold forth torches of light to mitigate the troublesome times we all endure.

In each issue, the drive for information and inspiration to aid us in our journey always yields constructive results.

So, to Jennifer and all the rest of the TAB team, thank you so much!

Your various collaborations and cooperative efforts are deeply appreciated. Just think of it: Your work is never in vain! (1 Cor. 15:58).

Morris Murray Jr.
Jasper, Ala.