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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Press on!

By Steve Horn I have started out this year preaching from Philippians. I routinely say that my favorite book of the Bible is whatever book I am preaching from that week and my second favorite is Philippians. So, I am having fun this month re-visiting some of the most powerful truths I have ever discovered in God’s Word. This past Sunday, I preached from Philippians 3. I am especially fond of this chapter. I encourage you to take a moment and read this wonderful chapter. I desire that my life be characterized as a forever pursuit of Christ. Verse 14 seems to be something of the apex of this whole letter: "I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus." We pursue Christ because Christ is worthy. We also pursue Christ because staying in pursuit of Him helps us to succeed against the constant temptation of compromise with the world. Let this pursuit of Christ define your . . . Goals—Set as your goal the goal of Christ and pursue that goal. Realize that you are not there yet. If you think you are there, rethink that. You are not there yet. Friends—Ask God to help you to find good examples and follow those examples. Priorities—Re-order your priorities continually and re-visit those … [Read more...]

First Bunkie rings in new year with new birth

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BUNKIE – The First Baptist Church in Bunkie started 2019 by celebrating a new birth in Christ, baptizing its 50th convert in five years. “Baptisms bring new life in the person and in the church,” Pastor Mark Robinson said. “When you see someone baptized it gives someone hope that God is working in people around you, and it sets the precedent of obedience to God – those who come behind you see the steps that have to be taken to make public their faith. I don’t see any reason we wouldn’t baptize 10-15 a year. Our members always have been mission-minded but now there is a vision spreading of being ‘on mission.’” The January 13 baptism is representative of a rebirth First Baptist Bunkie has experienced since 2013. Five years ago, worship service attendance averaged 60 and Sunday school drew around 40, according to Annual Church Profile statistics. Through January, attendance for worship services has increased to 100 and Sunday school has averaged nearly 80. MILESTONE OF FAITH Robinson said the church was at a crossroads when he arrived in 2013, and faced the possibility of closing its doors. After Robinson met with the members, the congregation decided to renew itself with a … [Read more...]