For The Health of The Nation

For The Health of the Nation

This week of group of evangelical leaders including myself released this statement entitled: “For the Health of the Nation: A Call to Civic Responsibility.” Recent polling shows there is a sharp decline in American Christians who are willing to confront racism and injustice. In fact, many are less motivated than ever to wade into such difficult waters. These evils will not simply disappear. They must be addressed—and who better to lead the way than the Church with a Christ-centered voice and ethic?

In this post, I will first share the action steps from the statement, which may encourage you to prayerfully add your name as a signatory. Then, I will share a couple of important things happening at our church between now and the election that I believe are of the utmost importance. Hopefully you will be able to join us in person, online, or listen/watch at some point in the future.

FIRST, Consider these action steps from the statement—

We resolve to:

• Seek racial justice and reconciliation, asking for or extending forgiveness on an individual, local and national level;
• Uphold a comprehensive pro-life ethic that protects both the unborn and the vulnerable of all ages, enriching life through equal opportunity and justice so that all women and men may flourish;
• Resist being co-opted by a political agenda and instead pursue the breadth of commitments that Jesus displayed and Scriptures teach;
• Embody God’s love for all, treating people with dignity even when we must confront them as required by our Christian conscience and convictions; and
• Pray for all who carry the responsibilities and burdens of leadership.

FINALLY, Read more about these two important items coming up at our church, and plan to join us in person, online, or by watching/listening later!

“Give Us Ears to Hear”

This Sunday, October 11th, we begin a 4-week series before the election entitled, “Give Us Ears to Hear”. On multiple occasions during His teaching, and in each of the seven letters to the churches in Revelation, Jesus exhorts His true disciples to have “ears to hear.” This series will dig into New Testament Scriptures about Christian citizen- ship from a Kingdom perspective, such as:

“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, give to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

“Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10).

“…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 1:2). 

“Be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:2).

“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s servants.” (1 Peter 2:16).

We will remember Jesus’ words that give indelible hope during these evil days. “My Kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36).

“Coming Together”: An Evening of Listening, Discussing, and Healing with Phil Armstrong of the 1921/2021 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission

In 2021, the national spotlight will once again return to Tulsa as we reflect on the tragic events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. For the last several months, leaders from our church along with community leaders from all over Tulsa, have participated in the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. The goal of this commission is not to contribute to further division, but rather to find the best ways to move forward—together as a community. It takes courage to be transparent about our history, both the good and bad. If we are truly to move forward and heal, we must be willing to face and address the difficult issues so that we can ultimately stand together across racial, geographical, political, and cultural lines.

On Sunday November 1^st, South Tulsa Baptist Church will be joining with our friends at First Baptist Church of Tulsa (downtown) for a one-day, two-church event to inform and inspire our historically white churches to join the historically African-American churches in pursuing truth, healing, and betterment for all of Tulsa. There is much to be gained from learning more about the history of racial divisions in Tulsa along with the fascinating histories of Greenwood and Black Wall Street. “Coming Together” will help us understand how churches like ours can join the Commission as it seeks to turn “Tragedy into Triumph.” We invite you to join us for the discussion!