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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

As churches look at health care options, GuideStone offers solutions

By Roy Hayhurst, GuideStone Financial Resources DALLAS, Texas - Inaction by Washington on reforms to the Affordable Care Act has led to much uncertainty for those in the health care exchanges created under the 2010 law’s authority. In many counties around the United States, there is only one option on the state or federal exchanges, and in some places it is possible there will be no options by the beginning of the year. GuideStone Financial Resources is prepared with solutions for churches looking to help their pastors and staff members obtain health care coverage for themselves and their families. “GuideStone has offered health coverage benefits to Southern Baptist churches and their employees for over half of our century of service,” said Scott Charbonneau, managing director of insurance plans. “With the uncertainty in the health care marketplace, GuideStone seeks to be a stable, competitive solution for churches and ministries we are privileged to serve, both in the Southern Baptist Convention and in the greater evangelical community.” GuideStone is increasing access to individual plans and group products. Those solutions include GuideStone’s Personal Plans, microgroups — for churches with as few as two employees … [Read more...]

Abraham calls for hearings to bring Mueller investigation ‘out of the shadows’

By Cole Avery, Office of U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham WASHINGTON - Congressman Ralph Abraham (R-Alto) has joined 18 other members of Congress in calling on the House and Senate Judiciary Committees hold hearings to examine Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team’s potential conflicts of interest and political bias. “This team has sweeping authority and an open-ended mission, yet they are allowed to operate largely in secret, selected by and ultimately accountable to only one person: Mr. Mueller himself,” the members wrote in a letter dated Oct. 13. “With numerous reports emerging almost every day on possible conflicts of interest and allegations of political bias, it would be in the interest of both the public and the Special Counsel team to speak to the American people through their elected representatives in Congress.” “Almost daily another red flag is raised over this team’s ability to remain impartial during this investigation," said Abraham, a member of Alto Baptist Church. "If they have nothing to hide, let them come forward to a hearing and be accountable to the American people.” Other members of Congress signing the letter include Brian Babin, Jody Hice, Bob Gibbs, Doug LaMalfa, Ralph Norman, Bill Flores, Bill … [Read more...]

Life as it is vs. life as it ‘should be’

By James Dobson What are we to believe when we discover "life as it is" turns out to be very different than "life as it is supposed to be"? We often stumble toward one of several conclusions, all of which are potentially damaging to our faith: (1) God is dead, irrelevant, bored, or uninvolved in the affairs of man; (2) God is angry at me for some sin I've committed; (3) God is whimsical, untrustworthy, unfair or sinister; or (4) God ignored me because I didn't pray enough or display enough faith. … [Read more...]

School, camp celebrate 100 years of impacting lives for the Kingdom

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer EUNICE – A crowd of more than 800 reminisced about the life-changing impact Acadia Baptist Academy and Acadian Baptist Center had on them during its Centennial Celebration Oct. 13-14. Held on the grounds of Acadian Baptist Center in Eunice, the event featured a cookout which included several Cajun dishes, games, a historical exhibit of the school and camp, classic car display, hayride and music. It also included a reunion of residents of the school and a group time for sharing memories of the camp and school. Among the former campers present was Jessica Chapman, who made a decision to accept Christ while attending camp 30 years ago. “Getting to meet lots of new people and making friends with kids from other churches was a highlight for me,” Chapman said. “The camp has changed a lot but in good ways, especially with the way it’s grown. Coming back here brings back lots of fond memories; including the time I made a decision to follow Christ.” Jimmy White, a student at the school from 1964 to 1968, drove in from Rowlett, Texas, for the reunion. He enjoyed the stability and love the teachers and staff gave to each student. “It was a good life while we were here,” White said, … [Read more...]

How to pray to determine God’s will

By Steve Horn In 1993, Ron Wolf was the General Manger of the pro football team, the Green Bay Packers. Mike Holmgren was the Head Coach. The late Reggie White, a devout Christian and free agent at the time, publicly declared, “I want to go where God wants me to go.” Mike Holmgren called Reggie and said, “Reggie, this is God, go to Green Bay.” Ron Wolf, reportedly called too and said, “Reggie, this is Ron Wolf of the Green Bay Packers. I would like to offer you 17 million dollars over 4 years for you to come to Green Bay.” Finally, Brett Favre, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers called and said, “Reggie, I want you to come to Green Bay, so I can be assured that you want hit me anymore.” How do you know the will of God? Wouldn’t you like for God to write His will for you in the sky? “Jim, marry Jennifer!” “Take that job!” Don’t take that job!” “Go to UL!” “Go to LSU!” “Teach 1st grade Sunday School!” But all of us have lived long enough to know that since the coming of the Holy Spirit, rarely if ever to my knowledge, has God spoken in the kind of dramatic ways we read about in the Bible. So, how can we know God’s will? To know God’s Will, we must seek God. (Jeremiah 33) We seek the answer, God seeks the … [Read more...]