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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Tragedy turns to triumph in wake of pastor’s death

By Message Staff TERRYTOWN – Tragedy turned into triumph on the Westbank campus of Celebration Church, a week after its pastor was tragically killed while trying to help a motorist change a flat tire. Dennis Watson, lead pastor of Celebration Church that has campuses in the Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Northshore areas, told members and guests inside a packed worship center on the Westbank campus Sunday, June 23, they have showed their trust in God and love for Pastor Claude Williams and his family. Williams was one of three people who died Sunday evening, June 16, while trying to help a motorist change a flat tire on the upper level of the Westbank Expressway in Marrero. During the service, 15 people turned to Christ, and many more made decisions to accept Jesus as Lord during two memorial services held June 21 and 22. “The Lord tells us we will experience trials and tragedy in life,” Watson said during the June 23 worship service. “The Lord also tells us that He will bring us through our trials and tragedies. To overcome life’s trials and tragedies we must remember who God is and what He is able to do for and through us.” Drawing his message from 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, Watson reminded the congregation that God … [Read more...]

Life lessons from Psalm 23

By Waylon Bailey God’s Word is filled with lessons about life. It is one of the reasons the Bible has sold more copies than any  other book in history, possibly over one billion copies. Within Holy Scripture there are multiple passages which draw us closer to God and help us cope with the daily struggles of life. Psalm 23 stands near the top of that list. Here are three amazing lessons which help us with life. First, God wants to guide us as a shepherd guides his sheep, giving leadership and protection. In Israel, shepherds did not drive their sheep; they led them. While we sometimes think of God as demanding and driving, He actually wants to walk with us and lead us in His righteous paths. We all know that life can become difficult and overwhelming, but God leads us with His presence through the deepest valleys of life. Psalm 23 teaches that we can always depend on God. Second, God wants us to enjoy His presence forever. He “prepares a table” for us. Is there any time of the day better than when we sit around a table eating, talking, and laughing? God desires that we have that kind of fellowship with Him. Third, God wants to bless you. The psalm ends in a grand crescendo when the psalmist declares: “Surely … [Read more...]