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From the D.O.M.

From the D.O.M.: Pat Bullock
Friday, August 26, 2005

Our goal as Christians is to bring freedom to those whose souls are bound in the prison of sin.

George Hyatt thought he could kill and fight his way to freedom by using his wife, Jennifer. Their freedom lasted a little over 24 hours. They are now in bondage more than his 35-year sentence. Death will definitely hang over them for the murder of a corrections officer in Tennessee. Their commitment to do whatever was necessary to gain freedom surpassed any restraint on their part. Their goal and commitment were misdirected as Satan's promises and our flesh always are.

Real freedom comes when we surrender to His will and Lordship. Real freedom comes when we are shackled and bound to a God who loves us and cares more about our welfare than we do. Real freedom comes when we put God above everyone and everything. My prayer for me and our churches is that we would cut all ties to that which hinders our freedom so that God can do what He wants with us. The story I have copied from a church's newsletter illustrates the kind of commitment I desire for myself.

Jim Denison served as a missionary in East Malaysia. While there he attended a small church. At one of the church's worship services, a teenage girl came forward to announce her decision to follow Christ and be baptized. During the service, Denison noticed some worn out luggage leaning against the wall of the church building. When he asked about it, he was told, "Her father said that if she was baptized as a Christian she could never go home again. So she brought her luggage." (Raymond McHenry, Stories for the Soul, Hendrickson, 2001)

Reggie McNeal Comes to Kansas September 7, 2005

Reggie McNeal, author of The Present Future, and Director of the Leadership Development Team for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, will share what he sees taking place in our Southern Baptist churches. He can direct us to look at how our churches can have an important impact on our communities. Mr. McNeal will discuss his popular book on September 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Western Hills Baptist Church, Topeka, Kansas. Please contact Peg Davis at the State Convention office at 800-984-9092 for reservations.