Christian identity found in Christ and church
October 20th, 2006
Now do not be confused. First and foremost, Christians are identified as those that believe in Jesus Christ. Above all else, they accept the self-proclamation of Christ that He is the way, the truth and the life. When one joins a local church he gains affiliation both with the people of that particular church and its denominational fellowship with other churches.
At Olive we are Southern Baptists. I have been reminded again this week of the strength of our denominational fellowship. On Tuesday and Wednesday it was my joy to preach at the Nevada Baptist Convention in Reno. God is doing a wonderful work through this group in cities like Reno, Las Vegas, Carson City as well as many smaller places most of us have never heard of. I was so encouraged to be with these followers of Jesus and realize our denominational ties put us on the team together. The county where Reno is located is the most unchurched county per capita in America. It is a vast mission field.
As the convention closed on Wednesday evening, the International Mission Board had a commissioning service for 20 new Southern Baptist missionaries. Matt and Stacey Dunavant of Pensacola were in the group. We introduced them to the Olive family just a few weeks ago on Mission Sunday. They will soon join a missionary force of over 5,100 in 184 countries that we support each week with our Cooperative Program gifts and special mission offerings.
What I am telling you is that it is a good thing to be a Southern Baptist. Sure, we have our problems. But the main thing is getting the Gospel out and we are doing that all around the world.
One of the men I met in Nevada was Pastor Pauly. He leads the Biker Church in Las Vegas. He was radically saved a few years ago. Now he wears black leather each Saturday as he ministers in the world of bikers. He does not look like the typical Southern Baptist but he is proclaiming Jesus as the Savior of the world.
So today I encourage you to first be a follower of Jesus. But do not be afraid of denominational affiliation. Serving with others makes us all stronger.
Pastor Ted Traylor