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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Archives for February 2018

Remembering a race run well

By Franklin Graham My father Billy Graham was once asked, “Where is Heaven?” He replied, “Heaven is where Jesus is and I am going to Him soon!” This morning, at the age of 99, he departed this world into eternal life in Heaven, prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world—whom he proclaimed for nearly 80 years. He will be missed by our family, his colleagues, faithful ministry partners, and, yes, many around the world. But what joy he has to be welcomed by God the Father, and be reunited with my mother in the presence of Jesus who speaks peace to eternal souls. What about you? When you depart this world do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity? You can know this today. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The One who comforts weary souls has given us this promise, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me … I go to prepare a place for you … I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). Franklin Graham is president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the son of … [Read more...]

Billy Graham, God’s Ambassador, passes away at the age of 99

By Staff, Baptist Message Billy Graham , the great Christian evangelist whose worldwide crusades and role as adviser to decades of U.S. presidents made him one of the best known religious figures of his time, died of natural causes early Wednesday morning at age 99 at his home in Montreat, N.C. according to a release by by his family. After answering the altar call at a revival during the Great Depression, this North Carolina farm boy went on to become a pastor to 12 U.S. presidents and used his crusades to alter the lives of millions of people around the world. In a career spanning more than 60 years, Graham, who was called ‘God’s Ambassador’ took his simple Christian message -- God Loves You -- to more people in history according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website. More than 84 million people in almost 60 countries – including multitudes of spiritually starved believers behind the communist Iron Curtain had their lives altered by Graham. Add those who heard him live, via satellite, and the numbers jump to 210 million people in 185 countries. "My one purpose in life," Graham said, "is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ." God … [Read more...]

South Florida churches minister to Parkland school shooting victims

By Nicole Kalil, Florida Baptist Convention Florida Baptists are reeling along with all of Florida and the rest of the nation after a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. yesterday leaving 17 dead and another 14 injured. While law enforcement and state officials issue calls to prayer at press conferences, Florida Baptist churches in the area are mourning their own losses while offering words of hope and help to those hurting in their community. The main campus of Church by the Glades is located less than 10 minutes from the school and lead pastor David Hughes said many of the students in his church attend Douglas High. Hughes held back sobs as he explained that a few families in his church had suffered a fatality and one family has a son who is “gravely injured.” They are still in the process of accounting for all their members connected to the school. Hughes said that at times like this people often wrestle with the reasons but that’s not the most important question to have answered. “What now?” he said is the better question. And “Who wins?” “Do we let fear and cruelty, violence and hatred win or do we continue to fight against the darkness and continue to bring the … [Read more...]