THE LAST WORD
To All The World
Emily A. Row
Program Coordinator

In John 17 Jesus spoke to the Father saying, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you….May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

It was a small fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer as nearly 13,000 delegates to the Baptist World Alliance Centenary Congress proclaimed: “We…boldly declare that we believe the truth is found in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. Because we have faith and trust in Him so we resolve to proclaim and demonstrate that faith to all the world.” We came from over 100 different countries. We were dressed in a myriad of colors. We say “hello” in a dozen different languages. Some of us worship in red brick churches with steeples, others under open skies. Some of us enjoy broad religious freedom; others live in fear of persecution. Our countries, language, transportation, culture, cuisine, homes, and lifestyles come in a thousand different varieties, but our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the same.

It was affirming to stand shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters declaring faith in Christ. There was a wonderful sense of unity in our essential belief regarding Jesus. It was overwhelming to feel a part of what God is doing around the globe, to be a part of the Baptist and wider Christian family worldwide.

Despite our differences, we as Baptists believe strongly in the Lordship of Christ, salvation through faith, believer’s baptism, priesthood of the believer, and local church autonomy. We may disagree on a million other secondary issues, but we are all committed to missions and evangelism. As Texas Baptists, we celebrate that type of unity in diversity every day. Our BGCT churches partner together with Holy Spirit to reach Texas and the world for Christ, while ministering in the way that best fits the needs of our individual communities. I am grateful to be part of a Texas Baptist family that is committed to sharing Christ with our world and I am grateful that that BGCT has been welcomed into the broader Baptist family worldwide through the BWA.

May we be faithful in our resolve “to proclaim and demonstrate our faith to all the world.”

October 2005