By Bruce Chesser
President of the Tennessee Baptist Convention
Pastor of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville
When the good Samaritan discovered the man that had been beaten and battered, the Bible says that he bandaged his wounds and took him to an inn.
It was there that the innkeeper cared for him and nursed him back to health. While the good Samaritan seems to get all of the credit, it was a dual effort of the good Samaritan and the innkeeper.
So, I have a question for you. In this world where people are beaten and battered and left for dead, where is the inn? I would suggest to you that your church is the inn and that you are an innkeeper.
The highlight of the week should be when the people of Tennessee walk through the doors of our churches and find a place where they are loved and cared for in the name of Jesus.
May I encourage you to do everything possible to leave the division of our culture at the door and let the church be an inn for those who have been beaten and battered.
I am not suggesting that we stick our heads in the sand as to what is going on around us. What I am suggesting is that we not allow the culture around us to determine the conversation of the people of God in the house of God.
No matter the division of the world around us and no matter the fear caused by a pandemic, we gather to celebrate the living God who sits on His throne.
Jesus is Lord and the table is being set for His glorious return.
If there has ever been a time Tennessee Baptists, let’s let the church be the church!
I hope to see you in Brentwood for the 2021 Summit. B&R


