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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

‘Talk of the town’: New facilities, ministry area for Franklin Avenue

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NEW ORLEANS – Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans celebrated a new chapter in ministry Dec. 9 when congregants gathered for the first worship service in their new home, six miles from where they had ministered for 21 years. “It’s the talk of the town,” Pastor Fred Luter told the Baptist Message. “The New Orleans East area is excited about us being here and we are excited as well. It is one of the most populated areas of the city, and we are excited about doing all we can to revitalize the community. The excitement level was so high that we decided to have several weeks of special dedication services in December to celebrate all that God has done through this move.” The new $35 million facility includes a 3,500-seat worship center, a fellowship hall, offices, a kitchen, conference rooms, Sunday school rooms and youth and children’s areas. The property also has 1,200 parking spaces, a dramatic increase from the 25 spots available at its former location, 2515 Franklin Avenue. Averaging nearly 3,100 for morning services, the congregation formerly had to lease a nearby parking lot to accommodate worshippers’ cars on Sundays. “That first Sunday at our new location our … [Read more...]

Four biblical resolutions for 2019

By Lane Corley The Bible is full of resolutions. Our reading of the Bible should be to see the gaps between ourselves and God’s will and close that gap with resolve. The difference between worldly resolution and Biblical resolution is that as believers we have the promise of God’s presence with us to empower and encourage us as we resolve to walk with him. So let’s be resolute in 2019. Here are four Biblical Resolutions in way of reminder and challenge. Devote yourselves to Prayer… Colossians 4:2 Prayer works every time it is tried. God promises to hear and to answer the praying believer, who prays in faith (Matthew 7:7; James 1:5-8; 1 John 5:14-15). Resolve to be a person of prayer in 2019.  Ideas: Set your alarm for 10:02am as a reminder to pray for your church and for more laborers for God’s mission (see Luke 10:2). Get your church’s directory and pray for one page per day. Sign up for Daily Prayer List of the International Mission Board Sign up for BlessEveryHome.com and pray for your neighbors everyday  Every man mature in Christ – Colossians 1:28-29 The resolve of the apostle Paul was to move EVERY PERSON in his sphere of influence closer to Christ. What a resolution!? Our influence as … [Read more...]

Kelley to NOBTS grads: Let ‘Yes’ be your guide

By Marilyn Stewart NEW ORLEANS - The "one word" that brought students to seminary must now guide them as graduates, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Chancellor Chuck Kelley told them, Dec. 15, at NOBTS' Leavell Chapel. "'Yes' is the word that brought you to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. 'Yes' is the word I want you to take with you as you depart," Kelley said. "But, I warn you. Not every 'yes' is easy." Kelley reminded graduates they answered "yes" when God called them to seminary knowing the road would be long and difficult. Kelley recalled trying personal times he and wife Rhonda Kelley faced when he came to seminary 43 years ago -- first as a student, then faculty member, and then president. Life turned upside down during Kelley's student days to the point he considered leaving the ministry and joining his father in business, Kelley explained. His father's reminder that God had not rescinded Kelley's call to ministry helped him stay the course, Kelley said. "It was a hard 'yes,'" Kelley said. "But it wasn't our toughest 'yes.'" Kelley went on to describe an unexpected change of direction when he was asked to join the NOBTS faculty following his doctoral graduation. The decision was … [Read more...]