When the world begins to fall apart and the stress fractures result in the tragic and horrific events of the last few weeks from radical Isis madness to inexplicable roadside police shootings to the Dallas assassinations it is now then the time for the church to take the lead. We have an answer that rises above the hatred of radical religion, we have an answer that will bring justice to the oppressed and most powerfully we have an answer that overcomes the satanic divides and language of separation. I commend to you this statement from DTS (Dallas Theological Seminary).

On behalf of the DTS Community we extend our hearts and prayers to those who have been injured and to those family members who have lost loved ones in the horrendous assault on our police officers of the City of Dallas and the Dallas Area Rapid Transport organization.
As president of Dallas Theological Seminary I ask that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, set aside additional time to pray for the escalating tensions of our culture and that all people everywhere would ask God for the wisdom to respond righteously and react neither in unrighteousness nor in inaction to the deep injustices in our world.

James 1:19-21 states “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”

Human life is precious to God, and the answer to all conflict and violence is in a reconciling relationship with one another that is rooted in a reconciled relationship with God that He has made possible through His Son Jesus Christ who died for us “so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 3:24).

Mark L. Bailey
President
Dallas Theological Seminary