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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Whose approval do we seek?

By David Jeremiah EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) - Everyone is familiar with the pursuit of approval in American politics. Since the first political public opinion poll was used in Pennsylvania in 1824, the polling industry has become ingrained in American life -- and not just in politics. Celebrities are offered roles or opportunities based upon their likability as well. But it's not just politicians and celebrities who are willing to be liked at all costs. It's a human condition; we're all guilty of longing to be approved. And it begins at a young age. You may have heard about the little boy in the first-grade Sunday School class. The teacher was talking about all the animals God created and asked, "Billy, what's the name of the furry little animal with a bushy tail that scurries around collecting acorns?" Billy replied, "Well, I know the answer is supposed to be 'Jesus,' but it sounds like a squirrel to me!" He was in a Sunday School where he had learned that the answer to most questions was "Jesus," so he said what he thought the teacher wanted to hear, regardless of how silly it sounded. He was at the same crossroads we face many times in life: Do we seek the approval of man or do we speak and act with truthfulness and … [Read more...]

Louisiana DR mobilizes, heads to aid storm-ravaged Carolinas

By Message Staff The first Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been activated in response to Hurricane Florence. Gibbie McMillan, state disaster relief coordinator for Louisiana Baptists, told the Baptist Message mud-out teams from Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association, Northshore Baptist Association and Washington Baptist Association will leave Sept. 21 for New Bern, North Carolina. They will help clean up debris resulting from the hurricane that sent water into 4,300 homes, about one-third of houses in the city. McMillan said Louisiana Baptists unable to participate can pray and consider donating Visa gift cards for distribution by disaster relief teams. “Please continue to pray for our teams and those they will minister to in the coming weeks,” McMillan said. “This response is made possible through your generous giving through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.” Statewide response Lonnie Wascom, director of missions for Northshore Baptist Association, reported in his daily e-mail blast that New Life Missions, a ministry sponsored by Loranger Baptist Church, is collecting items for Florence victims at its warehouse, located at 129 Calhoun Street in Independence. Items will be collected … [Read more...]