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James: Spiritual Adoption Free But Not Cheap
11/15/2011
FLORENCE – In his sermon to the 174th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Tom James, pastor of Eastwood Baptist Church in Bowling Green, challenged Kentucky Baptists to remain steadfast in proclaiming the truths of the gospel.
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"I’m convinced that if we’re going to do More for Christ, we must be hearing More from Christ through us (pastors)," James said. "There’s too much psychology handed down from the pulpit."
During the afternoon session of the meeting at Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion, James lamented that the truth of Christ’s sacrifice is missing from many contemporary theologies.
"You would think in Christian circles the one thing we could agree on is the blood of Christ," he said.
Helpful to staying close to the gospel is the Christian’s acceptance of himself as an adopted child of God.
James said a believer’s status is not unlike slaves from centuries past who, not only were freed by their masters, but "were adopted into the family that freed them."
Adoption—physical and spiritual—is planned with deliberation, and requires the transfer of responsibility from one party to another, he continued.
"Adoption is not cheap," James added. "Our adoption was free, but it wasn’t cheap. It cost the Son of God His place in heaven."
Also during the afternoon session:
Adam Greenway was elected KBC president. Derek Coleman also was nominated for the post.
Alan Dodson and T.J. Francis were elected first- and second-vice presidents. They were the only nominees.
Harold Greenfield was presented the Distinguished Cooperative Program Leadership Award; 12 congregations received awards for CP support.
Kentucky Baptists were encouraged to stay informed and active in opposing expanded gambling and alcohol sales in the commonwealth.
Kevin Milburn, chairman of the Kentucky Baptist Convention Committee on Public Affairs, reported that the installation of "instant racing" machines at Kentucky Downs is a "win" for the gambling industry.
"Anyone willing to be honest about the nature of these games will admit they are slot machines," Milburn said, adding there is "a relentless pursuit" among the gambling industry to expand into more venues and communities.
"If Kentucky Baptists would lift up our voices and contact our representatives, we’d be a force to be reckoned with in Jesus’ name," said Milburn, pastor of Union Baptist Church.
As Kentucky Baptists continue to oppose expanded gambling, Don Cole, executive director of the Kentucky Ethnics League, and its sister organization, Kentucky League on Alcohol and Gambling Problems, encouraged people also to stay up to date on efforts to expand alcohol sales.
Cole praised the people of Owenton who recently refused to legalize alcohol sales in their community.
In other business, messengers accepted the KBC Committee on Nominations’ recommendations for new members to the KBC Mission Board and the boards of nine related agencies and institutions.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention is a cooperative missions and ministry organization made up of nearly 2.400 autonomous Baptist churches in Kentucky. A variety of state and worldwide ministries are coordinated through its administrative offices in Louisville, including: missions work, disaster relief, ministry training and support, church development, evangelism and more. For more, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
by Dannah Prather, KBC Communications
