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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Louisiana Baptists enjoy fellowship, conduct business, address issues

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists enjoyed fellowship and worship during the 2021 LBC Annual meeting Nov. 16 at North Monroe Baptist Church, but also conducted the important business of passing resolutions, addressing a motion, approving a budget and electing leaders. RESOLUTIONS Messengers approved five resolutions: expression of appreciation for North Monroe Baptist Church’s hosting of the 2021 LBC Annual Meeting; gratitude for disaster relief ‘partners in the Gospel’; the importance of the Annual Church Profile; the sufficiency of Scripture for race and racial reconciliation; and support for the Louisiana Fairness in Women’s Sport Act (preventing biological males from participating on teams designated for women, a bill which enjoyed overwhelming support from lawmakers but was vetoed by the governor). But two messengers tried to amend the “Resolution: On the Sufficiency of Scripture for Race and Racial Reconciliation.” This resolution was drafted to address the controversial concepts of Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, both of which have become hot topics in school districts across the country and during the 2021 election cycle. But concern about … [Read more...]

LBC entity and special reports offer good news to messengers

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – Messengers to the 2021 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Nov. 16, in North Monroe Baptist Church, heard encouraging updates from the state’s four entities and two special reports. LCU In his report, President Rick Brewer celebrated the board of trustees’ unanimous vote, Oct. 25, to change the school’s name to Louisiana Chris[1]tian University. He said it will strengthen the educational institution’s reputation and further advance the Kingdom of God. He said the university remains committed to preparing graduates and transforming lives, adding that since the start of the fall semester, 47 students have accepted Christ. Brewer said LCU has launched the Center for LBC entity and special reports offer good news to messengers Calling and Career for students seeking internships, career advice and information about jobs available in their areas of studies. The center also helps students gain an understanding of how their values and spiritual gifts should be assessed to fully know what God is calling them to do in their lives and careers. “We are preparing students to think Christianly and preparing them for life,” Brewer said. “Transformed … [Read more...]

Horn pleads for personal revival through prayer

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn in his report at the 2021 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Nov. 16 at North Monroe Baptist Church, issued a challenge for revival and outlined a plan to be more engaged in the prevention of sexual abuse in the church. ADDRESSING REVIVAL Horn encouraged messengers to participate in ‘Change Me,’ a 28-day personal revival guide he authored based on Psalm 139:23-24. “I believe our churches and our nation have no problems that humility before God and His Word would not fix immediately,” Horn said. Horn said revival is needed because, like the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness, today’s Christ followers are stiff necked, impatient, tempted to follow people rather than God, filled with pride and desperately need God’s blessing. “During the COVID quarantine, the Lord put on my heart this message: ‘Change me,’” Horn said. “I can’t change anyone else. I can’t change our circumstances. I can’t change much, but I can ask the Lord to change me. “What came from that was a 28-day resource,” he continued. “I want to invite you to join me. I want to ask you to spend 28 days as this year … [Read more...]

Pastors Conference speakers: Stand firm for Christ

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – During the 2021 Louisiana Baptist Pastor’s Conference, Nov. 15, in the North Monroe Baptist Church, Monroe, speakers offered words of encouragement and conviction to pastors. TITUS WHITE Titus White, pastor of Grace Community Church, Baton Rouge, spoke during the opening session from Daniel 3:13-14, 25 to urge the crowd to stand firm on the Word of God. He pointed to the faithfulness of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, who refused to bow to the image of gold made by King Nebuchadnezzar. He said they were brave in the midst of captivity, united in the midst of conformity and safe in the midst of captivity – and their obedience was rewarded. “God has given them a platform of persecution to stand before men so God could get the glory,” White said. “We’ve got to understand God sometimes puts us in a platform of persecution that God can get the glory out of our lives. They did not bend or bow. They stood firm on the Word of God.” EDDIE WREN Eddie Wren, pastor of First Baptist Church, Rayville, reminded pastors they can find peace and joy in Jesus. Preaching from Philippians 4, Wren said if pastors are going to stand firm they must worship, … [Read more...]