The largest gun massacre occurred inside a church, whereas a gunman shot 37 people, killing 27 of them – First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas

Sadly today in America, the largest gun massacre occurred inside a church, whereas a gunman shot 37 people, killing 27 of them. Ironically it occurred on our ‘National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.’

Since the suspect is dead we may never know the true motive. In other words, was this an intended ‘persecution of a church,’ or did they happen to be ‘victims of opportunity,’ or something else in between. Whatever the answer may be, this is much different than the shooting at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Vegas.

In faith, the Christians at this place of worship can know and understand that God is on His throne, and that God is Sovereign, He was not caught by surprise. Those that were truly born-again inside that church building are now with the Lord. As said before, you cannot kill a born-again Christian’s soul, you can only change their address. The Bible says that His church will be persecuted, but it also says that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.

According to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman of Killology, we (Americans) have now reached “92 violent deaths on church and faith based property in 2017” (a record breaking year). Nonetheless, each and every Church should have at least one armed, well trained, designated Sheepdog. Only by God’s grace was I able to thwart an ‘active shooting’ at a church, and thankfully the only ones that were shot (or died) in that shootout, were the suspects.

As we seek to responsibly protect our own, study this passage, there’s a lot in it. Because a balanced Theology matters (for context, please read the entire chapter).

Jesus said in Matthew 10:27-31, “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Please pray for this church family.

For more on this story, view the CNN link below, they have provided a feed of links for ongoing updates.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/05/us/texas-church-shooting-latest/index.html

UPDATE 11/06/17: This morning I preached this same message at two different locations. I spoke about the ‘hope of heaven’ for their parishioners that were saved. While warning that some of their parishioners might not of been saved, that not everyone whom goes to church, or ‘believes’ in Jesus is saved. I preached on what Jesus said about Christians being killed, while comparing their ‘body to their soul.’ I gave some encouraging words to those that might be Christians in this line. I warned them of unbiblical soteriologies, and briefly shared my testimony about being involved in a ‘church shooting.’ I preached the Gospel, and pleaded to them to ‘repent and believe.’ I then opened up for Q&A. Some responded by asking questions about the message, some Christians asked for prayer, and a woman with cancer asked for prayer. The Seeds were planted, now the results are the Lords. Soli Deo Gloria!

Music ‘No Time for Caution,’ by Hans Zimmer.