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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Are you feasting or fasting on God’s Word?

By Rick Warren “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103 NLT). After my wife Kay and I got engaged, we did something unusual: We moved to opposite sides of the world. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, to work in an inner-city church, and I moved to Nagasaki, Japan, to plant a church. We were separated most of our engagement.In those days, we didn’t have cell phones. It cost $15 a minute to call Japan, and we were dirt poor. So we only had one alternative: writing letters. We each wrote a letter every day, and receiving hers was the highlight of my day during that time. The moment a love letter arrived, I would tear it open and read it. Then I would reread it and try to read between the lines. I’d underline and memorize portions of it. I was trying to gather every drop of love this woman had for me. What if we read the Bible—God’s love letter to us—that same way? If you’re not poring over the Bible, trying to glean every bit of wisdom from it, then you are not fully tasting the banquet that God has prepared for you. Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey” (NLT). This Bible is full of nourishment—spiritual food that will keep you healthy, … [Read more...]

LC adjusts so 13 athletes experience an ‘early commencement’

By Message Staff PINEVILLE – Thirteen Louisiana College athletes won’t have to miss commencement as the school held an early service, Wednesday, May 1 at Martin Performing Arts Center. The 13 athletes will be participating in the American Southwest Conference baseball and softball tournaments which will be played this weekend and would not have been able to attend the regularly schedule commencement ceremony on Saturday. School President Rick Brewer told the graduating students that LC strived to help the students earn their credentials, prepare for a career, discover their calling and build character. He emphasized that they make God a priority as they enter the workforce. “As you go out into life and go into the next place God has called you, live in stature,” Brewer said during the ceremony inside the Martin Performing Arts Center. “But pursue increasing in wisdom. And learn to grown in favor with God and man.” The 164th annual commencement is scheduled for 10 a.m., May 4 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, at which time 250 degrees will be conferred. The event will feature keynote speaker Johnny Martin, chairman of Martin Sustainable Resources at Roy O. Martin. LC will also bestow honorary … [Read more...]

Ten characteristics of life in Jesus

By David Cranford Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6b, CSB) and “Because I live, you will live too.” (John 14:19b, CSB) What is life in Jesus like? Life in Jesus is incarnate– our life is lived in Him and He lives in us Life in Jesus is eternal– eternal in quantity AND quality Life in Jesus is whole– complete, with shalom Life in Jesus is free– there is no condemnation, but justification Life in Jesus is spiritual– our spirit is alive again Life in Jesus is significant– abundant, full of purpose & production Life in Jesus is joyful– comes with a new perspective -> contentment Life in Jesus is thankful– filled with gratitude Life in Jesus is challenging– there is bread to sustain growth Life in Jesus is transformative– changes us & others Scripture is just really clear about this issue of life and Jesus: “The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12, CSB) David Cranford is senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. This editorial first appeared on his blog. … [Read more...]

The ‘Mailman,’ former NBA legend, delivers to Tech BCM after tornado

By Message Staff RUSTON – Former NBA legend Karl Malone recently gave an assist to the Louisiana Tech Baptist Collegiate Ministry, whose chapel sustained significant damage from an EF3 tornado that touched down in Ruston Thursday, April 25. Malone, a Summerfield native and Louisiana Tech alum, used his construction equipment Friday to help BCM staff and students remove a large tree that had fallen onto the roof of the chapel during the height of the storm. Kevin Inman, director of the Louisiana Tech BCM, said Malone is among the many volunteers who have stepped up to help the BCM to clean up the chapel and grounds. The staff also was joined by BCM staff and students from Northwestern State University and Louisiana State University, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Teams, numerous Louisiana Baptist churches and volunteers from the community. “It’s been amazing to see so many people to give of their time and resources,” Inman said. “We are just so grateful for every single individual who has helped us during this time.” While the chapel was damaged, other areas of the BCM complex were not impacted. Students will utilize the lobby to meet for worship, lunch meetings and other outreach activities while the chapel is … [Read more...]