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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Brewer challenges LC family to be ‘and then some’ people

By Norm Miller, LC News PINEVILLE (LCNews) -- Louisiana College’s Guinn Auditorium resounded with applause and cheers as Rick Brewer, president, welcomed the incoming freshman class of 2023 during LC’s inaugural chapel service for the Fall 2019 semester. After acknowledging other classes, Brewer encouraged students, staff, and faculty “not to be people who settle for just average.” Drawing from Ephesians 3:20-21, President Brewer noted that God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. That’s somewhere out in the stratosphere and I can’t get my mind around it.” But this is what God wants for all his children. Citing the success of Chick-fil-A (CFA), Brewer said the company that was founded in 1946 faced its worst fiscal year in 1982. CFA leaders addressed the problem with one question: “‘Why are we here?’ In response to that question, the leadership prayed.” Then they developed this mission statement: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” The point is that CFA chose not to settle for average but was blessed by God for a commitment to glorify him. That blessing is reflected, in … [Read more...]

What God wants in our worship

By Waylon Bailey All of us want certain things when we go to the place of worship. For example, we expect to hear a well-prepared message based on the Word of God. We want everything done “decently and in order.” We want to be challenged about our ministry, conduct, and service. All of these are good things. God also wants something when we gather in His name to worship. What are those things? Based on Jeremiah’s Temple Sermon recorded in Jeremiah 7, these are the things God wants. First, God wants devotion. He expects we will worship Him only. He also expects we will worship completely. The people of Jeremiah’s day dabbled in the abominable worship of the Baal gods. They gave devotion to God but they did not worship Him exclusively. God demands our wholehearted devotion. Second, God wants obedience. The people in Jerusalem and Judah wanted the benefits of worshiping God but not the expectations of obedience toward God. Jeremiah cataloged their sins. The list was long and filled with rebellion. God asked incredulously if they would “steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal, and walk after other gods” and then come brashly and boldly in God’s House and declare, “We … [Read more...]