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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Don’t let discouragement keep you from doing great things for God

By Jack Graham Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. —Hebrews 12:1-3 As Christians, one of the best ways to defeat Satan…the enemy of our souls…is to know how he operates. Far too many believers today are unaware of or don’t fully appreciate how deadly this enemy is…and to what lengths he will go, to thwart and destroy God’s people and God’s plan! So it’s important each of us know our enemy so we can better prepare ourselves for his attack. Of all the schemes and tactics Satan uses against the people of God, his greatest tool is probably the tool of discouragement. Satan knows that if he can pry open your heart with discouragement, he can make you quit. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will … [Read more...]

LC alum/local pastor holds book signing in Pineville

by Norm Miller PINEVILLE (LCNEWS) - Louisiana College alumnus and pastor of Pineville’s First Baptist Church, Stewart Holloway, held a book signing at Harlow’s Bakery, Feb. 17 in Pineville. Holloway’s book is titled: “The Privilege of Worship: Keys to Engaging Worship.” With some free coffee and a basket of donut holes at hand, Holloway welcomed numerous people for whom he inscribed his book. LC President Rick Brewer dropped by Harlow’s to visit with Holloway and to buy a copy of the book. “I am looking forward to reading Dr. Holloway’s book,” Brewer told LCNews. “As a lifelong worship leader and educator, I relish the opportunity to learn more about the vital ministry of biblical worship.  What’s more, I am grateful to Stewart as an LC alumnus and pastor. His book reveals a commendable commitment to educate and edify God’s people.” Holloway told LCNews: “I have always loved worship, and I deeply enjoy helping people come to the throne of the Lord. As a pastor, this continues to be a passion.” In writing the book, Holloway wanted to help people “get beyond the worship preferences and really get to the heart of what worship is. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, we can still worship.” Holloway … [Read more...]

JOE MCKEEVER: Unwise prayers you hope God never answers

By Joe McKeever Dear Lord, even if I pray in faith and dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s, but am praying something which I will regret forever and which is not what You have planned, please ignore me. Thank you for hearing this prayer!   Three men in the Bible–really godly men, the best of the bunch–prayed at one time or other for the Lord to end their lives. –Moses in Numbers 11:15 “If I’ve found favor in Thy sight, please kill me.” –Elijah in I Kings 19:4 “That’s enough now, Lord. Take my life.  I’m no better than my fathers (and they’re all dead).”  My paraphrase. –Jonah in Jonah 4:3 “Death is better to me than life, so please take my life from me, O Lord.” In each case, it was a prayer of depression and discouragement.  And what caused that?  They were brought on by– –too much responsibility (Moses).  He was tired. –too much opposition (Elijah).   He was stressed. –too little commitment (Jonah).  He was disappointed. From this we conclude the following: One.  It can happen to the best. Two.  It’s the result of too much work, stress, spiritual resources and strength. Three.  In such times, we may do unwise things and pray foolish prayers. Four.  We should give thanks God does not … [Read more...]