I've been out of pocket the last few days with a lot of pretty incredible things going on. We baptized two on Sunday, and one of them was my 7 year old daughter! She received Christ about two years ago, but we wanted to wait for her to really understand what was going on. She has shown an incedible amount of growth, spiritual awareness, and maturity and is bearing a great deal of fruit. She is a sweet girl who LOVES Jesus, and I am so excited to see God working in her life. My wife and I are very blessed!
On Monday, I travelled north to participate in a pastor's prayer summit with over 20 pastors from the Montgomery & Selma areas. It was an amazing time. For over two days, we prayed, spent time with God alone, worshipped, and fellowshipped. There is no agenda and no speaker - it is just a time of prayer. God's presence moved mightily, ministered refreshment to us, and bonded us together. The awesome thing is that of the 25 or so, there were 12 denominations represented and it was evenly split between black and white. We took communion together Monday night and it was so amazing. I felt as if I was in the upper room. God was present. What an incredible experience! We were able to come together because Jesus was our focus. We gathered around the cross and sought after our Father in Heaven. I honestly felt more connected to these brothers who are so hungry for the Lord, even though we come from different backgrounds, than I sometimes do with people in my own denomination who supposedly agree with me doctrinally. Doctrine is wonderful, but if it doesn't transform the heart, then it is useless. But, I digress.
This weekend is our Ordained to Ordinary Conference with Dr. Thom Wolf. I hope to get another post up about that today . . .
Alan,
First off, Praise the Lord for the 2 baptisms. I know you are thrilled especially about your daughter's spiritual growth, and this important milestone in her life!
Next, I hope and trust the majority of Southern Baptists would rejoice together with you, just as I do, regarding the pastors' summit. However, I am sure you are aware there are some who would say that, since the Lord's Supper is a "church ordinance," it would not be appropriate to celebrate it in this context. This is one area where I believe the wording of the BFM, at least as many are interpreting it (i.e. "church ordinance") is out of step with the sympathies and practice of the majority of Southern Baptists.
Posted by: David Rogers | September 20, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Cool!
Posted by: Kevin Bussey | September 20, 2006 at 03:03 PM
Hey Man,
I'm sure you guys took tons of pictures but I added the ones I took to the church flickr site if you want them as well...
In Christ,
Chris
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gatewaybaptist/sets/72157594288469728/
Posted by: Chris McCorkle | September 20, 2006 at 03:56 PM
I was thinking the same things David wrote. So....what he said.
Posted by: Paul | September 20, 2006 at 04:10 PM
Chris, how could you? Now everyone will be able to see how I'm losing my hair! ;)
David and Paul,
Exactly. But, you know, it's really hard for me to see that position in Scripture, so I'm not really inclined to give a rip what those folks think.:) God was there, we followed Scripture, and that's good enough for me. Next, we'll be reading dictums from on high about how we need to be careful not to pray with the Methodists or something. Sheesh.
Posted by: Alan Cross | September 20, 2006 at 05:25 PM
Alan,
[SARCASM ALERT!!!] You ought to know that since Methodists sprinkle they are deliberately disobeying what the Bible teaches, so the Lord doesn't hear their prayers. And if you pray with them, you're guilty by association, and He won't hear your prayers either. [SARCASM OVER!!!]
Seriously, I am thrilled that you had such a wonderful opportunity for fellowship with the Lord and with other BELIEVERS! May all of us seek such opportunities.
Posted by: Tim Sweatman | September 20, 2006 at 09:53 PM