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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

God will forgive even ‘Boogie Nights,’ but on his terms

By Franklin Graham Mark Wahlberg is quoted in the news as saying he hopes God will forgive him for his “turn as a porn star” in a 1997 film. The answer to that for Mark or anyone else is—Yes, God will forgive, but it’s on God’s terms. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Bible is very clear that it is “by grace through faith” not of works. You can experience God’s forgiveness right now by praying a prayer like this from your heart: God, I have sinned and I’m sorry. I am willing to turn from my sins; Help me. I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, took my sins to the grave, and I believe you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him now as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord. Amen. If you prayed a prayer of repentance and faith like this, you don’t have to hope—you can know Franklin Graham is president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse. Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/FranklinGraham. … [Read more...]

Louisiana’s Johnson, Abraham among those voting for tax reform

By Message Staff WASHINGTON, D.C. - Members of Louisiana’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives are upbeat after Republicans narrowly adopted a budget resolution they hope cuts American’s taxes by the end of the year. Passed Thursday, Oct. 26, by a vote of 216-212, the vote allows Republicans to start working on tax cuts, a top item on the Republican and President Donald Trump’s agenda. The Senate passed the measure last week. “Today the House took an important step toward reforming our tax code by passing a budget resolution,” U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham posted on his Facebook page. “This means we can overcome the Senate's out dated filibuster rules to reform our tax code with a simple majority instead of 60 votes. “If all Republicans in the Senate keep their word - unlike with Obamacare repeal - then we can finally reform our tax code to put more money in the pockets of middle class families and allow our small businesses to grow and be competitive,” continued Abraham, a member of Alto Baptist Church. “I believe we can get this done for the working families across the United States.” Fellow Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson, a Republican and member of First Baptist Church in Bossier City, echoed the … [Read more...]

Protection section benefits changing, effective January 1

By Roy Hayhurt, GuideStone Financial Resources DALLAS, Texas - GuideStone Financial Resources has announced changes to the Protection Section Benefits offered to qualified participants in the Church Retirement Plan, the 403(b)(9) retirement plan offered exclusively to Southern Baptist churches and their staffs. The change in benefits will offer cost savings to state conventions, which can use the money in other avenues of missions and ministry. The Protection Section Benefits, a unique benefit not found in most other denominational pension plans, nor in most secular retirement plans, currently offers qualified participants a disability benefit of up to $500 per month, along with a survivor protection benefit of up to $100,000, so long as there have been at least contributions in each of the last 12 months. The changes to the benefit will increase the minimum monthly contribution for those eligible for the benefits to $50 monthly, and disability benefits must begin before age 65 and will be limited to a payout of 60 months. There are no changes to the survivor protection benefit. Participants currently receiving benefits will not be affected. “These benefits have proven to be financial life-savers for many of the … [Read more...]