War and Peace: End time fear rises
In February 2023, Alexa predicted that World War 3 would start on November 23. Amazon’s version of “Siri” missed the date apparently, but the heightened concern about the end times is real, first with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict under way now. A survey in March 2022 showed that 87% of U.S. adults were anxious about the constant stream of crises, and 69% feared they were witnessing the beginnings of WW3.
And a 2022 Lifeway Research survey found 39% of U.S. adults and 63% of evangelical Christians believe we are living in the end times.
For pastors, this means opportunity to preach on fear and eschatology, among other related topics. There is appetite for deeper studies on Daniel, Revelation, and other pertinent Scriptures. This is also a season to explore the church’s relationship to Israel, particularly as antisemitic actions rise, especially among younger people and on college campuses.
And the biblical injunction to pray for the peace of Jerusalem still remains.
The SBC’s own Indy 500
The roar won’t necessarily be from engines at the Indianapolis speedway; it could emanate from the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in downtown June 11-12, 2024. It’s been said before, but this one could be decisive. Several issues remain open from last year, including the role of women in the church.
While messengers took several actions related to women in pastoral positions, the vote on the Law Amendment limiting the pastoral office to men was only a first reading. A second vote will be required. After objections over a hand vote, it seems more likely that a verifiable paper ballot will be held. And defining the reasons for dismissing churches from the SBC may be addressed by a study group appointed by SBC President Bart Barber. Another church was disfellowshipped in 2023, this one for racism.
Beyond that, calls for transparency from SBC entities, two in particular, may produce motions for deeper reporting on finances. And the race for SBC president has already begun, with traditionalist Clint Pressley’s hat in the ring. In the meantime, we wait to see if the Conservative Baptist Network or the Reform-oriented B-21/Nine Marks constituencies will field slates of candidates, after less than successful attempts at the most recent conventions.
— by Eric Reed, with info from Lifeway Research, Newsweek, Washington Post