During Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief work in late September following Hurricane Helene, there was no electricity initially at FBC Alma, Georgia, for those of us who worked during the first week of deployment. We navigated by flashlights at night with no hot water and no air conditioning in the church. To then see Alabama Power trucks with linemen working to restore the church’s power was an answer to prayer. We were proud of these linemen and felt blessed.
Amelia Pearson
Alexander City
Your Sept. 19 edition article on hymns in worship was right on target. Every person who sits in a pew, especially our children and youth, should leave church having heard theologically sound, Bible-based preaching, supported by the great theology of hymns that have stood the test of time. Songs of praise and worship, great hymns of the faith and anointed preaching should be part of every worship service. Our brains learn and remember text set to music to a much greater degree than words only. Singing of the hymns promotes this learning.
Randall Reeves
Anniston
In response to your Aug. 8 Rashional Thoughts — “Taking others at their word, choosing candor removes loads of stress” — openness runs the risk of misunderstanding and attack.
After all, not many are so comfortable with themselves that a defensive posture is unnecessary. You clearly touched several components of communication which reduce suspicion and awaken meaningful interactions with others. Yes — on it all.
Morris Murray Jr.
Jasper
This request is not political. It is in regard to the condition of our country. We must have a call to prayer. God will not show mercy to our country unless we have a call to prayer.
I know most churches pray over this awful condition as do individuals. I feel we must promote prayer in all our churches as well as in group gatherings such as revivals or crusades. If we do not take action quickly, will God still show us His mercy?
William Alexander
Florence
We are writing this letter to request that everyone reading takes the time to vote in the 2024 election. The beauty of casting your ballot is only possible when everyone votes for the candidate of their choice so that the majority’s voice is heard.
As we have cast our votes consistently over the past six decades in each election, we have witnessed the results, whether we agree or disagree. When constituents do not take the time to go to the poll, they are often dissatisfied with the results. It is imperative to the life of our republic that we take the time to cast our ballot and let our voices be heard.
Should you choose not to vote, you should not harbor ill feelings if you believe the election was swayed in a way that you do not approve. If you are voting and undecided in your choices, we ask that you seek God’s help in the decision-making process. Whatever your choice, we ask that it is a choice to take time to vote in this election.
John and Roberta Walgren
Phoenix, Arizona
I am Neil Dodson currently working in Judson Baptist Association’s two ministry centers — Love in Action and Overflowing Thrift Stores.
JBA can be proud of this effort begun several decades ago to meet the needs of so many in our Henry County communities. These centers serve the ministry of salvation to the lost, the least and the last of our society and are a good measure of how the churches in Henry County are caring for those Christ Jesus called us to minister.
I want to bring some important information to all church staffs and congregants about the hour, the season and the overall climate facing in our communities and nation. I am by training an educator/administrator, ordained minister with theological training and experience and a certified counselor. …
It is obvious to many how the darkness of evil is advancing, while those in the light are being criticized, marginalized and attacked by the darkness.
My purpose in writing you and all followers of Christ is to call the body to the spiritual warfare Paul writes about in Ephesians 6, calling us to put on the Armor of God with which to fight the good fight of faith in preservation of our faith, our families, our communities and our nation.
Specifically, there are things we need to be doing to fight the growing evil which particularly targets Christ’s body, the church. …
Acknowledging that these perils exist is crucial to understanding how they operate. On one hand the light extends blessings and benefits, and on the other hand sin and death are the end. … We know that Christ has won the victory over death and the grave, but the evil has not met its final death until all has been put under the feet of
Jesus. …
Ministers must play a pivotal role in informing, teaching, encouraging and keeping the American dream alive which was founded on the twin supports of biblical justice and righteousness. We don’t have to tell our people who to vote for — they are smart enough to figure that out — but we must teach how light and darkness affects every aspect of our lives, families, society and nation.
Neil Dodson
Henry County
Regarding the upcoming election … there are times when patience is a virtue and discretion is the better part of valor. This is one of those times.
Hugh Johnston
Bluefield, Virginia
Voting: ‘A privilege and a responsibility’
As Election Day approaches, let’s not sit on the sidelines. Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility, a way for us to contribute meaningfully to our communities. But let’s do so prayerfully, with discernment and trust in God’s sovereignty. No candidate or platform can substitute for the hope we have in Jesus.
It’s easy to place too much hope in political outcomes, thinking that the “right” candidate will save the day or that a defeat spells disaster. But here’s the truth: God is sovereign, regardless of who wins or loses. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s purposes prevail, even when earthly leaders falter. As believers, we don’t tie our hope to any political figure. We anchor our hope in Christ, knowing that God is working all things together for good (Rom. 8:28).
Results don’t define us
Engaging in the political process is important, but the results don’t define us. Whether our candidate wins or loses, our mission remains the same: to love God, love others and reflect His light in a world that desperately needs it.
So, let’s vote with open eyes and faithful hearts, knowing that the real King of Kings is already on His throne. Regardless of the outcome, He is in control. And that, my friends, is good news.
Tony Martin
Jackson, Mississippi
youcanhavehope.com
Growing in WISDOM looks like:
W: Word of God — Wisdom begins with the Bible, our foundation for truth.
I: Insight — Represents insights and understanding from the Holy Spirit and God’s people, the Church.
S: Spiritual Maturity — Growth in faith and character through God’s guidance and prayer.
D: Discernment — The ability to make wise decisions, distinguishing right from wrong through a cultivated conscience.
O: Obedience — Following God’s commands as a demonstration of wisdom.
M: Mind of Christ — Adopting Jesus’ attitude and Kingdom perspective in our thinking and actions.
Chris Crain
Birmingham Metro Association
“If your church doesn’t stand out from others, people won’t notice. They’ll be aware of ‘all the churches’ … and often ignoring all of them,” said Mark MacDonald, church branding expert.
“You know, the Bible talks about in Revelation that every nation, every tribe, every tongue gathered at the throne will worship the Lord. It’s one of those things where I feel like it’s just a taste of heaven because heaven’s going to be just this beautiful sound,” said singer Danny Gokey, about his fifth album.
Some like their pastors in suits and some don’t care.
I was radical recently when I wore a blue button-down instead of a white pinpoint shirt. The roof didn’t fall in, and someone noticed and pronounced it a nice change. So, I went and bought another blue shirt.
Whatever our divisions, we must seek to live in harmony with others. A song from the 70s “Jesus Movement” reminds us, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
Michael J. Brooks
Alabaster
Our choices and decisions will follow us — “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, understand what the will of the Lord is” Ephesians 5:15–17.
Scott Peters
Northport
“I was humbled when I was elected as president last year. I’m even more humbled now that I have seen so much that I get to serve Alabama Baptists,” said Alabama Baptist State Convention president Craig Carlisle, who plans to be nominated for a second one-year term in the role if elected by messengers to the upcoming annual meeting in November. “The conclusion I’ve drawn is … Alabama Baptists are the best. We are unified and on mission.”
Do you need to take a break from the world? It seems that the whole planet is in chaos.
Nations are at war, natural disasters are on the rise, neighbors are divided against neighbors, and no one can afford the high cost of groceries or gasoline. In addition to all this, we are in the middle of an election season. Peace and rest are not words that many would associate with their current lives.
However, there is a rest that comes from God. It’s a rest that rises above all circumstances and surpasses all understanding. It’s a rest that only comes by real faith in God. When true believers enter God’s rest, it’s a testimony to a lost world.
Think about Jesus. He was in a boat with disciples on the Sea of Galilee. When a violent storm blew in, the disciples — who were experienced fishermen — began to panic. However, Jesus rested calmly in the bow of the boat (Matt. 8:23–24). Wouldn’t you like to rest like this even when storms are raging around you? We know from the writer of Hebrews that real rest only comes by real faith in God.
Bill Wilks
Trussville
Despite our country’s over-attentiveness to federal issues and presidential candidates, our system is comprised of three branches that provide the necessary checks and balances for the decisions that affect our families, communities, state and nation.
Believers should be just as diligent to vote for representatives, local officials, judges and school board members that are likeminded and honorable.
It is up to us to know the issues and understand who will promote the values we hold dear.
Alabama Policy Institute
Excerpt from API newsletter
Something on my mind and heart is the condition and serious needs within our community, an increased number of people who have reached a point of helpless and hopeless. The number of people who are seeking to harm themselves — and tragically, some have ended their lives.
Truly, we are living in desperate times. … The answer to these desperate and dark days is not our politics or self-help remedies. It’s simply the gospel. We have to do better with the mission, the Great Commission.
Rusty Sowell
Beauregard (near Opelika)
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