Texas Baptists urged to remain centered on Christ

“How on earth did we ever get into this mess?”

Danny Reeves, president of Texas Baptists, confronted the audience with this sobering question during his presidential address at the 2017 Texas Baptists Annual Meeting.

“Between national debt, natural disasters, shootings and terrorists attacks, it seems like our culture is in complete disintegration. Some days I feel like I’ve had enough. The word that would sum this up is catastrophe.”

He continued, “Brothers and sisters in Christ, the question I ask you today is a recurring question Texas Baptists has been trying to answer all year long: In the midst of chaos in our world, what are God’s people supposed to do? The answer is one that all of us are seeking.”

Drawn from Colossians 3:1-4, Reeves offered an answer that was simple yet revolutionary - one that if, not heeded, will result in Christ-followers becoming discouraged and defeated warriors. Reeves declared, “We’re must stay centered on Jesus Christ.”

He continued, saying, “In today’s society, psychologists are telling us to look within. But God tells us consistently that we need to look up where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. To set our hearts and minds on Christ is to set our life on Jesus alone.” Reeves compared this act to a compass, explaining that as followers of Christ, Jesus is our true north.

So how does a convention made up of more than 5,300 congregations remain centered on Jesus? Reeves offered four truths.

“You must focus on His connection to you, His control over everything that concerns you, His care for you and His commitment to you.”

Reeves reminded every Texas Baptist of the call to walk in the newness of life found in Christ, and challenged everyone to see Jesus as the risen Lord at the right hand of the Father.

“Jesus defeated death. Under His protection, we don’t have to fear one single thing. When we remember that He has the world in His hands, our anxiety will melt away,” he said. “God cares for His people - He always has and He always will. Our security is not found in the things of this earth, but in the position of Christ.”

Reeves closed with a word of encouragement. “Be compelled to see God’s will, search God’s word and support God’s work. This is the heartbeat of Texas Baptists.”