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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Landry suspends upcoming congressional primaries

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry announced, April 30, he has suspended the state's upcoming congressional primaries. According to an Executive Order issued by Landry, the suspension pertains only to the primary elections for the U.S. House scheduled for May 16 and June 27. Other offices and ballot measures will continue both dates. The Executive Order comes a day after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the state’s sixth congressional district was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Louisiana in 2024 passed the map after a court mandate required a second Black-majority district, which drew concern that some minority voters were being given unfair representation. … [Read more...]

Louisiana elected officials speak out after Supreme Court congressional district ruling

By Baptist Message staff WASHINGTON (LBM) – The United States Supreme Court ruled, April 29, that the current congressional map in Louisiana is unconstitutional. The Court found that the state’s sixth congressional district was racially gerrymandered. Louisiana, in 2024, adopted the map after a court mandate required a second Black-majority district, which drew concern that some minority voters were being given unfair representation. The more than 200-mile district connects parts of Shreveport, Alexandria, Lafayette and Baton Rouge. Louisiana House Speaker Pro Temp Mike Johnson, a member with First Baptist Church, Pineville, told the Baptist Message that the Supreme Court decision is an important moment for the state and for the principle of equal representation under the law. “Over the past year, I have taken the fight for fair maps all the way to the Supreme Court — twice because I believe deeply that every citizen deserves to be represented based on the whole population, not divided by race or political agendas. “I voted against the current maps and my position has been consistent from the beginning,” he continued. “We must draw congressional districts that respect our Constitution, treat every voter equally, … [Read more...]

Proof

By John Kyle, Special to the Message NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM) -- How many times have you said to someone, “prove it!”? “Prove it” is a statement of unbelief. You’re not buying what the other person is selling so you stop the conversation by saying “prove it.” This may come across as a prideful statement because you are convinced that the other person doesn’t know what they’re talking about, so you confidently throw down the gauntlet and say, “prove it.” It’s now post-Easter. Jesus did what He said He would do. He said He was going to be handed over to sinful men who would crucify Him and three days later He would be raised from the dead. If we’re honest, no one believed Him. You might recall how Peter pulled Him aside and said “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!” (Matthew 16:22). Everyone close to Jesus was surprised that He actually did what He said He would do. What did those early, discouraged and fear-filled followers need? Proof! And God specializes in proof. Proof appeared on the road to Emmaus on that first Easter Sunday. Two discouraged and disheartened men had left Jerusalem trying to figure out what just happened. Jesus came alongside of them, yet it wasn’t until He explained the teaching of … [Read more...]

Freedom behind bars: 12 inmates baptized

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WINNSBORO, La. (LBM) – A spiritual awakening is taking place inside Franklin Parish Detention Center, with 12 incarcerated men celebrating freedom in Christ through baptism on April 12. Each of the inmates, who are serving sentences ranging from six months to 10 years, were met with cheers as the men individually emerged from the water in a horse trough during a worship service. Cary Collier, a member with Friendship Baptist Church, Baskin, said watching the men step in and out of the water was a powerful reminder that no wall can stop the reach of God’s grace. “There is no greater joy than seeing new creations emerge, chains broken and lives changed forever behind those bars,” Collier told the Baptist Message. “Praise God for His Amazing Grace and Mercy. We’ve had the opportunity to witness these moments at the prison with over 100 inmates, and it gets sweeter and sweeter.” The baptisms took place six days after the inmates turned to Christ during a worship service attended by 55 inside the detention center. Collier said once they began praying and singing the song “Amazing Grace,” the Holy Spirit moved among the inmates, prompting 19 of them to accept … [Read more...]