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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Three things that keep us from hearing God

By Rick Warren “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature” (Luke 8:14 NIV). You can’t hear God if your mind is crowded with other thoughts or concerns — particularly worries, plans, and activities. If we’re always listening to the radio or watching tv, the circuits are going to be busy when God calls us. We have to eliminate distractions. Jesus says in Luke 8:7, “Some other seeds fell where thornbushes grew up and choked the plants”(CEV). The kind of soil with weeds in it was actually planted with a crop that begins to grow. But as it grows, weeds grow up around it, and the weeds begin to choke out the life of the vegetable or the plant, so it never bears fruit. Here’s what Jesus says is the meaning of Luke 8:7: “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature” (Luke 8:14 NIV). There are three things that choke out hearing God: Worry. Worries are weeds. When you’re so busy with the problems and pressures of daily living, it makes it harder to hear God. Riches. You can … [Read more...]

A reminder to pray for our leaders

By Franklin Graham Many of the rulers during Jesus’ life on earth were infamously cruel and corrupt. Caesar Augustus ruled the Roman world with an iron hand, putting to death tens of thousands, maybe even millions, of people. Herod was a puppet king of the Jews. He lived with his brother’s wife, and he executed John the Baptist and had his head brought to him on a platter. When the Scripture below was written, notoriously brutal Emperor Nero ruled. We are to pray — not because our leaders are perfect, but because they’re imperfect. Let’s not forget to pray for all of our elected leaders. The Bible tells us, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior…” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Franklin Graham is president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse. This editorial first appeared on his Facebook page. … [Read more...]

LC President Rick Brewer endorses Ken Hemphill

By Message Staff PINEVILLE (LBM) — Ken Hemphill, candidate for president of the Southern Baptist Convention, spoke during the Louisiana College weekly chapel service, March 27, encouraging students to be available as  instruments to advance Christ’s kingdom. Afterward, he spent time talking with groups informally and answering questions. Prior to the chapel message, LC President Rick Brewer introduced Hemphill, emphasizing Hemphill’s passion for the Cooperative Program, which helps reduce tuition costs for students attending the state’s only Baptist college, and endorsing Hemphill for SBC president. “Dr Hemphill has pastored some great churches,” he continued. “He’s been in ministry over 40 years. He earned seminary degrees from Southern Seminary [master of divinity, doctor of divinity], then he went on to Cambridge, a little school ‘across the pond,’ to get his Ph.D. “He’s served the Convention in tremendous ways – including as president of one of our seminaries -- and he’s written over 45 books,” he added. “But my ‘claim to fame’ about Ken is that he was an awesome football player at Wake Forest University. “I don’t know he’s as awesome as he tells me he was,” Brewer joked, “but he played football at Wake Forest … [Read more...]

Hemphill tours state, with stops at FBC Bossier, McClendon BC and LC

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BOSSIER CITY – Ken Hemphill, a candidate for president of the Southern Baptist Convention, wrapped up a two-day visit to Louisiana Wednesday afternoon (March 28) in which he met with pastors to share his heart and vision. The noted author, pastor and Southern Baptist leader, who will be officially nominated during the 2018 SBC Annual Meeting, June 12-13, in Dallas, Texas, spoke to students at Louisiana College, and Southern Baptist pastors at McClendon Baptist Church, West Monroe (March 27) and at First Baptist Church, Bossier City (March 28). Hemphill shared about his vision for the Southern Baptist Convention, the Cooperative Program and God’s unlimited love. “I wanted people to have the opportunity to meet me, to ask questions, and to be able to share my heart with everyone,” said Hemphill. “This is why I speaking at these different places.” CHALLENGED STUDENTS He challenged students attending the Louisiana College weekly chapel service, March 27, to be available as instruments to advance His kingdom. “When you pray, say, ‘Today, Father, on campus, let me see what you are about, what you are doing,’” Hemphill said. Drawing from John 5, Hemphill said to help … [Read more...]