A Costly Obedience

I have been reading this week in John Piper's book "Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ" about the lives of William Tyndale, John Paton, and Adoniram Judson. It's the latest in his biographical sketches in The Swans Are Not Silent series. This series is phenomenal in giving an understanding of the price paid by those who were faithful to the gospel. This particular book gives sketches of the deep price these men paid through suffering and martydom to make sure that those who didn't have access to the gospel or God's word could have that access. It reminded me that we in America have become so used to a Costless Christianity. We have no idea in the American church what it means to suffer for Christ. Ironically, we have also lost our missional passion at the same time. We have bowed down far too long at the idols of convenience, pleasure, and prosperity. We have seen our churches turn into religious social clubs. Our idea of suffering is watching Bill Maher make fun of us.

I am so thankful for men like William Tyndale who was exiled from his homeland and eventually butchered for believing that justification by faith alone mattered and that people should have God's word for themselves instead of being imprisoned to a works-based church. I am thankful for men who understood that the long-term implications of the gospel were more important that short-term comfort. While I do not pray for suffering, I do pray for an awakening in the church that the gospel is worth whatever price is demanded to proclaim it.

John Piper Sermon Jam on Suffering as a Christian

This is a clip from one of the best sermons I ever heard John Piper give. It was at the Passion '06 Conference. Listen, be challenged, bathe in the truth.

Helping In Haiti?

I have been asked by a couple of members of Sixth Street if we are going to do anything to help with relief in Haiti. I had thought of doing something this past Sunday, but didn't have enough time to decide and announce it. I have heard of some churches that have given 10% of their Sunday offerings or taken special offerings to help with relief efforts. I certainly want us at Sixth Street to do something tangible.

In times like this, the Red Cross gets most of the attention. They are by far the largest and most mobilized organization to respond to disasters. Did you know, however, that Southern Baptists are the third-largest disaster relief response organization? Baptists have an awesome system to not only provide food, clothing, and clean-up, but also to share the important message of hope in the gospel. I am certified as a Disaster Relief volunteer with Alabama Baptists, but do not have my specialized certifications. You can read more about the SBC response in this article.

We will take any donations that you feel led to give to help with relief in Haiti. We will channel all donations at this time to the SBC Disaster Relief. Just make a check out to SSBC and put "Haiti" in the for line. I would also highly endorse another organization that is on the ground in Haiti - Compassion International. They have many sponsored children in the country and are doing a great job as well. You can donate to them by following this online link.

Whatever God leads you to do, know that you can make a huge difference for the gospel. If you would like to be a part of starting a disaster relief team here at Sixth Street, please drop me an email at mhaines@sixthstreetbaptistchurch.com.