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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Jesus really did rise from the dead.

Bt David Roach, Baptist Press NASHVILLE (BP) -- Did Jesus really rise from the dead? It's a question asked and answered each Easter in news reports, television documentaries and personal conversations. This year, two Southern Baptists who train others to defend the faith have offered their thoughts on the best way to answer. Rob Phillips, who leads apologetics for the Missouri Baptist Convention, pointed to the "minimal facts argument," which defends the resurrection using only evidence "considered virtually undeniable," even by skeptics. Stephen Wellum, a theology professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said evidence for the resurrection always must be coupled with an explanation of the resurrection's significance within the Christian worldview. Phillips told Baptist Press the minimal facts argument is "a compelling case for the resurrection" in the 21st century because "there appears to be such a high level of skepticism today about the Bible in general and about its recorded miracles in particular." Citing Liberty University apologist Gary Habermas, Phillips noted two requirements for a "minimal fact": "First, each fact must be confirmed by several strong and independent arguments, typically 10 or … [Read more...]

EASTER: ‘No fear in death!’

By Steve Gaines, SBC President MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BP) -- As I walked into the hospital, I looked on a visitation card at the name of the man who had requested that I visit him. He was dying of cancer and wanted me to come and pray with him. I was honored to do so. When I walked into his hospital room, I was taken aback by his appearance. His body was thin. His skin was darkened. His teeth were shattered. All of this was the result of endless rounds of chemo. Yet in spite of all the doctors could do, Jim was dying. He was on the brink of eternity. He knew he was going to heaven but he was still afraid. He said, "Pastor, I know I am saved. I know that when I die, I'll go to heaven. But I'm afraid. I've never died before. I'm afraid of what death will be like. Can you help me?" We talked about what happens when a Christian dies. We talked about how his spirit and soul would soon leave his body and go directly to God's presence in heaven. Then the Lord gave me a thought to share with Jim that I'd never shared before. iStock I said, "Jim, when I was young, I was afraid of the dark, especially any dark area in our house. I remember coming home at night with my family. My father knew about my fear of darkness. So, … [Read more...]

He Is Risen!

2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. Matthew 28:2-7 (KJV) … [Read more...]

RA Congress going ‘sporty’ to reach boys’ mind and body

By Message Staff WOODWORTH – First through sixth grade boys will have the opportunity the learn how to be champions on the playing field and mission field during the 2018 Royal Ambassador Congress. The event April 6-7 at Tall Timbers Conference Center in Woodworth will feature coaches and former professional athletes leading the boys in baseball, basketball, football and soccer mini-camps, as well as demonstrations by Todd Keene, president of the inter-denominational Power Team from Dallas, Texas. The sports camps and Power Team demonstrations will coincide with this year’s theme, “Mind and Body,” based on Titus 2:11-12. “Many times as ministers we focus on the soul and spirit but as Royal Ambassadors we focus on the mind and body as well,” said Gibbie McMillan, men’s and ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists. “Our hope is to use the sports element to capture the attention of these young boys while they are developing.  The power team will do amazing feats of physical strength. However their main purpose is to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus. “We follow the RA track but are open to all young boys grades 1-6,” he continued. “Some churches don’t offer RA’s and this event can help them get started.  It is not … [Read more...]

Put a smile on your face

By Joe McKeever “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God” - Psalm 42:11 A smile is outward evidence that everything inside is in good shape. A smile is visible evidence of the joy of the Lord. Anyone can smile. And everyone should. But those who put faith and trust in the Lord Jesus have more right to smile than anyone. They can number a hundred blessings in their lives as a result of the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ: They’ve been forgiven, cleansed by the blood, and born into the family of God. They are indwelt by the Spirit, overshadowed and undergirded by Him, and surrounded by like-minded disciples. They have the Word of God, the love of God, and the power of God. And so forth. The unsmiling Christian is a contradiction. Why aren’t you smiling? The Lord God is the “Help of your countenance,” according to Psalm 42:11. Whatever else that means–some translations say He is the health of my countenance; others say the salvation of it–it surely means He will make you prettier than you would be otherwise. It’s no stretch to say that sin uglies you. Given enough time, the face will … [Read more...]

Hemphill challenges students to allow God to use them to advance His kingdom at LC Chapel

By Message Staff PINEVILLE (LBM) -- Southern Baptist Convention presidential candidate Ken Hemphill challenged students attending the Louisiana College weekly chapel service Tuesday, March 27, to be available as an instrument 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 accomplish this, students can ask God to help them see people as Jesus saw them, to help them respond to the need as He would and to show them where He is working. “When you ask Him to show you what He’s doing, He will,” Hemphill said. Hemphill ended his message with a challenge to the students and faculty. “God is looking for a campus, God is looking for a young man and woman, looking for a faculty person, who will dare to say I will embody your name, I will embrace your mission, and I will obey your will,” Hemphill said. Hemphill’s appearance at LC is one of three appearances he is making in the state today (March 27) and tomorrow (March 28). He meets with Louisiana Baptists at McClendon Baptist Church in West Monroe this evening at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, he will be the featured speaker at a noon luncheon and … [Read more...]

Frank Page announces retirement as EC president

By Art Toalston, Baptist Press NASHVILLE (BP) -- Frank S. Page, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee since 2010, has announced his retirement. In a letter to EC members, Page wrote, "It has been my joy and honor to serve the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention for eight years. "Many months ago, my daughters shared their deep desire for Dayle and me to retire and move closer to them in South Carolina so that we might spend more time with them and their families -- especially our grandchildren. After much prayer and conversation, we have chosen to make this decision," Page, 65, wrote. He did not set a retirement date but stated to EC members, "Know that I am willing to assist in any way to make this transition efficient and smooth." Page was the 2006-2008 president of the SBC, elected to the post as pastor of First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C. Before being elected as Executive Committee president in 2010, Page was serving as vice president of evangelization for the North American Mission Board. Among the hallmarks of Page's tenure as EC president have been strong calls for personal evangelism, support for the Cooperative Program … [Read more...]

Women’s discipleship underscored at NOBTS event

By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS Communications NEW ORLEANS -- At home or on the job, women committed to discipleship and transformed by Christ can change the world, speakers said at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary's "Discipling women into the future" conference. Rhonda Kelley, wife of NOBTS President Chuck Kelley, said the March 15-16 sessions aimed to equip women to minister through the church to other women, which the seminary's women's academic programs likewise do. "Women are gifted by God to serve Him and others but must develop those gifts and abilities personally," Kelley said. "As women grow in their faith, they can pour truth and experience into the lives of others through discipleship and mentoring. What a joy to train others for woman-to-woman ministry." Comedian Anita Renfroe opened the conference with a performance of song and laughter. Renfroe, whose stage and television appearances include the Grand Ole Opry, "Good Morning America" and CBS' "The Early Show," has produced numerous DVDs and books including "The Purse-Driven Life" and "Don't Say I Didn't Warn You: Kids, Carbs and the Coming Hormonal Apocalypse." Renfro, in her concluding devotional thoughts, called on women to give God whatever is in … [Read more...]

Invested in theological education strategy, Arnetts left a lasting impact in Africa, the world

By Julie McGowan RICHMOND, Virginia— On March 14, International Mission Board missionaries Randy Arnett, 62, and Kathy Arnett, 61, were traveling to a theological training event when they were involved in an automobile accident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Missouri-natives did not survive. The Arnetts, who served as theological education strategists for Africa, were traveling with fellow missionaries Jeff and Barbara Singerman, from Ohio, when the single-vehicle accident occurred about two-hours’ travel from Kinshasa, the nation's capital. The Singermans, who also sustained injuries in the accident, were transferred to Kinshasa for medical care. They have since been transferred to Johannesburg, South Africa, for continued care. The missionaries were driven by a Congolese national who also sustained injuries but has been released from medical care in Kinshasa. “Randy and Kathy Arnett in so many ways represent what is best about the IMB,” said IMB President David Platt. “They gave their lives and family for over 30 years proclaiming the gospel, planting churches, and training pastors and missionaries across Sub-Saharan Africa. They did all of this with a zeal for God’s name, a confidence in God’s … [Read more...]

Seniors in Faith observe a ‘youth movement’ in baptisms

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Wednesday she stepped inside Faith Baptist Church in Bastrop for a youth Bible study. Years of a strained relationship with her father combined with difficulties in school had taken its toll on Musgrove – until that June 2016 evening when she learned about the love Christ has for her. That night Musgrove turned over her troubles to God, declaring Jesus as Lord, and the following Sunday she was baptized. Musgrove now enjoys spending time with her father, and even hopes one day to attend college as she pursues her dream of becoming a surgeon. “Jesus has truly changed the way I see life,” Musgrove said. “My home life has changed to the point that my dad is thrilled when I come inside the same room to hear me sometimes sing for the Lord. I am truly not the same girl that I was when I came to Faith Baptist Church two years ago.” OLDER REACHING YOUNGER Musgrove is one of 32 youth baptized since January 2016 at Faith Baptist, a church that has seen Christ move miraculously among its adult members, with an average age of 70, resulting in this effective outreach to youth. Pastor Bodie Spicer said the catalyst for the change occurred during a Morehouse Baptist Association … [Read more...]