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"is a network of Baptist congregations cooperating to share the transforming message of Jesus Christ"
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IN CHRIST ALONE Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 (KJV) We have come again to the most wondrous time of the year, when we celebrate the love of Jesus Christ as shown by His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. It never gets old. It never ceases to amaze. We can see, hear, touch, and marvel at His creation. But it is faith in His Word made flesh that saves us. Without the resurrection, we would be without hope; but praise God, Jesus arose from the dead. He has gone before us to prepare a place that where He is, we may be also (John 14:3). He loves us; He wants us; He paid the price; He is preparing the place; He offers eternity. There is no other way, no other plan, there never was and never will be. We live in a world that wants us to compromise our most basic beliefs. Jesus’ whole life was controversial. The truth always will be. We will be called intolerant. Jesus warned us that to be His followers, we must be willing to choose between Him and members of our own family, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26 (KJV). The temptation is to compromise so we can live in peace and harmony—not make waves. But Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34 (KJV).” As our nation becomes farther removed from its Christian roots, the demands for us to conform will increase. Scripture instructs us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 (KJV). Among the new challenges is Chrislam. Wikipedia defines Chrislam is a Nigerian syncretic religion founded by Tela Tella in the 1970s. As its name suggests, it mixes elements of both Christianity and Islam. Science-fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, who wrote “2001: A Space Odyssey” in 1968, may have been the first to coin the term Chrislam— as a futuristic religion he imagined. In a desire to create peace and harmony, some misguided souls are trying to blend the two religions, but scriptures warn, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3 (KJV)” “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. . . Matt 6:24 (KJV).” As Anne Graham Lotz writes, “Just Give Me Jesus”.
Dr. Richard A. Harris, D. Min. Director of Missions
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Santee
Baptist Association