If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Sadly, it’s not always possible.
When the Las Vegas shooting happened, the shooter’s world was turned upside down…every nook and cranny…every closet (literal and metaphorical) was examined. They found no radical associations, no openly expressed hatred. Nothing.
The media is having a hard time with this “nothing.” But I think you and I have a better understanding. It is called evil. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) Man at war with his Creator soon becomes man at war with his fellow creature.
Sadly, we saw it again on Sunday – this time much closer to home – this time it was family.
As your pastor, I wanted you to know that we take Jesus’ admonition seriously when he told us: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)
- We have prepared for situations like this for years
- We have a State licensed professional security expert on staff each week
- He has a team of volunteers that are trained how to respond to different types of safety and security related incidents
And don’t forget…this is Texas. Half the church is packing heat.
May we NEVER have to enact these safety protocols. May the Lord keep the wolves at bay. And may our church always remain a place of safety and peace.
Meanwhile, we join with our brothers and sisters in mourning and prayer in Sutherland Springs, Texas and the First Baptist Church there.
