The Open Door

As the Southern Baptist Convention comes to a conclusion following much discussion and debate over our future and a myriad of other issues, it may be a good time to seek perspective. We sometimes get so wrapped up in ourselves that we act as though we have forgotten what we are here for and who we are to worship.

The Psalmist said, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing” Psalm 100: 1-2.

What an outstanding admonition that is. I dare say that if we would practice this word of advice on a daily basis there would be less illness, fewer backsliders and greater joy in everything that we do. To do what the Psalmist has counseled us to do would create a life of positive attitude. You cannot be down when you are lifting the Lord up.

A natural expression of praise and worship is the service of the Lord. I have often thought we would be better as Southern Baptists if we would spend more time praising and serving the Lord and less time pummeling each other with criticism and innuendo. The cause of Christ is not helped when we become confused over who the enemy is.

Our objective must be to win people to Jesus. Everything else becomes a distant second.

Recently I attended a Jubal Chorus Concert. It was one of the most delightful experiences I have ever had. As the chorus sang to the glory of God, I worshiped. When Janice and I went to the concert that evening we were expecting a great concert. What we experienced was a glorious lifting up of the name of Jesus.

Every song ministered to my heart. One song in particular ministered to me, “Our God Is God.” The song speaks of the greatness of Almighty God, the Creator of all things, and the One Who most deeply cares for us. It declared the message the world needs to hear today.

When it was complete, I jumped to my feet and applauded. I couldn’t have stayed seated if I had been tied to the pew. I was instructed in my spirit to never ever forget that our God is indeed God and that our God is able to provide for our every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

When I left the concert that evening, I knew that I had been with the Lord. The impact of the concert is lodged in my heart forever. I am so grateful for Jon Duncan and all of his staff and the Jubal Chorus and orchestra who consistently minister through music and lead us to “come before His presence with singing.”

Two nights later Janice and I attended a concert by the Korean Children’s Choir presented at Sugarloaf Korean Baptist Church. Pastor and Mrs. Choi had been kind to invite us to attend and we were so pleased that we were able to be present.

The concert was presented by Dr. Billy Kim and the Far East Broadcasting Company. You will remember Billy Kim as the pastor who translated for Dr. Billy Graham many years ago when he preached to three million people in Seoul, Korea. I will never forget the sight of that glorious moment. I enjoyed seeing Dr. Billy Kim again and having a few moments of fellowship with him.

That night the children sang to the glory of God and presented a beautiful concert, lively in presentation and powerful in its message. At one point the entire choir came out into the congregation and went throughout the sanctuary delivering hugs. I received a dozen great hugs that evening from these precious Korean children. They had come a long, long way to sing of the Lord and to spread His love among us.

Janice and I were deeply touched. As we left the church that evening we commented on how we had been lifted in our hearts by these wonderful children.

There is nothing that refreshes the spirit like songs of praise to the Lord. How thankful I have been for these two concerts of praise that had great effect upon my heart. How thankful I am for the music ministries in our churches all across Georgia.

Do not fail to express to your music ministry folks how much you appreciate their many hours of preparation, their willingness to sit in the choir loft instead of with their families in the congregation, and the faithfulness of the sharing of their God-given talents to bless your life on a weekly basis.

Just in case you need a good dose of proper perspective, here it is:

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.”