The reason I chose this image was because it reminds me that the Word of God is like a double-edged sword and that as “iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” These two thoughts quickly lead me to the upcoming Founders conference.

As January 10th draws near I am getting more excited about the upcoming Deep South Regional Founders Conference. Although I am looking forward to hearing the great preaching that is surely to edify our souls, I am also looking forward to seeing brothers and sisters in Christ that share our views and goals for the Southern Baptist Convention. In fact, just last week I was able to talk to a couple of brothers that live on opposite ends of the state. One is a young pastor that is a recent graduate of a seminary and has recently taken a position with a FBC in north Mississippi. The other is an evangelist from the coast that has spent many years making trips to Mexico and Guatemala working with local pastors to help reform their churches. Both are from different backgrounds and circumstances, but both working for the same Lord for the same purpose, “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” What a great encouragement to know that I have brothers all across this state, some known but most unknown, working together yet separately in the field that our Lord has placed us.

I hope that you will use the upcoming conference to meet your brothers and sisters that are “contend[ing] for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” It is always an encouragement to see so many of our brothers and sisters. Most are shocked to know that there are so many Reformed Baptist ministers in the state and region. The second thing that usually shocks us is that our story is not that different. We are not alone in our struggles to see the churches that our Lord has placed us in start reforming, to see our congregants lead holy lives, and the lost come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Please consider joining us during January 10-12 for fellowship and edification.