Sunday night I saw what Paul meant when he wrote…

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  (Galatians 3:27-28)

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (Col  3:11)

Huffman Baptist Church was blessed to be a part of history Sunday night.  Dr. Fred Luter (Franklin Ave Baptist Church), the first African-American President of the Southern Baptist Convention, delivered God’s Word to God’s people of different cultures… denominations… and traditions.  This is one of two worship services I have been a part of that are indelibly etched in my heart as glorifying God and unifying the Lord’s people.  Click here to read The Birmingham News article about the event.

Imagine… in Birmingham, Alabama… the city that is remembered for police dogs, fire hoses, and church bombs had a service… in a white church of a denomination founded because of an unwillingness to free slaves… THIS CHURCH IN THIS CITY had a worship service that was NOT divided over race.  THIS CHURCH IN THIS CITY united with fellow Christians where race didn’t matter, but was celebrated!  THIS CHURCH IN THIS CITY joyfully welcomed everyone who came in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!  I imagined that these words may have been said in heaven , “THAT’S what MY children do!  That’s what MY children are about!  WELL DONE My children… WELL DONE!”

Nothing matters but that the name of Jesus is lifted up!  It isn’t about the past or failures in history… it is about reconciliation, redemption, community, forgiveness, and God’s glory!  God willing… Huffman Baptist took another step toward being part of something of great importance for God’s glory.  God willing, Huffman Baptist Church is going to continue to work toward doing what can only be described as “A God Thing” in a city that WAS shamefully known for one thing but now becoming known for a far greater thing.. God’s glory!  God willing, we will work with ALL brothers and sisters in Christ to show the world what Jesus looks like when His followers glorify Him as they live each day.  God give us the strength!

God bless Dr. Luter, the Southern Baptist Convention, HBC, and all who seek to glorify and honor God through Jesus Christ!

(The picture is Dr. Luter, my wife Pam, and myself.)