My First Southern Baptist Convention – One Phrase: Inspired Missional Mindset

The Pastor’s Conference was great on Monday. My favorite sermons that edified me, challenged me and convicted me were from Fred Luter who brought a powerful message with key phrases from Acts 1:8 and 17:6- “…the apostles turned the world upside down…” and the other had to do with the commanlity of the men who were filled with power. Luter asked the question, “How did these apostles do what they did? How did they go with boldness and witness?” His answer was the fact that they were filled with Holy Spirit Power! I came away with this message a sense of confidence that with God’s filling of the Spirit, the boldness I would experience would be Righteous Boldness of God’s Power to witness and minister in the world. God bless Fred Luter… what a message!

The second message that was really good… really really good was David Platt. WOW!!! My sense was that Dr. Platt has a genuine love for people who are lost and the missionaries who serve, conviction for wasteful spending that could better benefit the kingdom in missions, and a thirst for righteousness amongst God’s people. After quoting Psalm 148, 149, and 150 by heart with conviction and an edifying spirit, he asked a very important question: “Are you going to die in your religion or your devotion?” He then proceded to preach a hard message that needed to be heard on what it means to be devoted to Christ rather than a religiosity. The drive for formalism, a paralyzed fear and a retreating spirit is not what God has called us to. Instead, Platt stated, I believe so correctly, that we are to RISK IT ALL rather than retreat. He exhorted the pastors and the SBC to not retreat into buildings and programs but risk everything in mission with Jesus. He used the Scripture of Numbers 13-14 and Hebrews 11 to describe God’s forgiveness on the Jews who had disobeyed the Word of the Lord in Kadesh-Barnea. He made it a point to say that believers can be forgiven but cursed to wander in a wilderness until they are dead for disobedience. He is right. The SBC should not shrink back in evangelism, but go on mission for Christ! A great quote from his sermon was, “The Word of God and the Spirit of God is enough to accomplish the Mission of God.” He ended with the fact that God does not need the SBC to gain glory for Himself. He will make a name for Himself regardless. He made a good point which gave the sense that we are to be obedient and give Him glory. Wonderful message.

Some notable statements that I took away from the other sermons were from Michael Catt who said, “Everyone you meet either needs Christ or knows Christ” and Governor Mike Huckabee who said, “A corrupt leader will corrupt all that he leads.”

I have been very blessed by attending the SBC this year. I am glad for men of God who stand for the Word of God. Blessed be the name of the Lord!