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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Baptism to discipleship

By Steve Horn ALEXANDRIA, La. - Some years ago, I was on a follow-up visit with a friend, and we were visiting a gentleman who had recently prayed to receive Christ. The man had not yet been baptized, and we were going to talk with him about doing so. … [Read more...]

Louisiana legislature recognizes June as Sanctity of Preborn Life Month

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana legislature, during its May 25 session, approved a resolution that designates June as Sanctity of Preborn Life Month in the state. The resolution, which praises Louisiana Baptists’ role in the pro-life movement, notes “the Bible affirms that the preborn child is a person, bearing the image of God, from the moment of conception” and commends “the churches and individuals who worked tirelessly to cultivate a pro-life culture in our state through prayer, spiritual health and growth of our citizenry regarding pro-life matters, and public policy action including the overwhelming passage of the 2020 constitutional amendment, the Love Life Amendment.” Rep. Dodie Horton, member of First Baptist Church, Haughton, said she was honored to co-author the resolution with Rep. Valerie Hodges on behalf of Louisiana Baptists. “The majority of Louisiana citizens believe life begins at conception, and consistently support our pro-life laws,” Horton told the Baptist Message. “Although we celebrate the Sanctity of the Preborn Life each and every day, designating June as the month to celebrate the lives of our preborn is a sign of our commitment to never allow innocent lives to … [Read more...]

UK’s foremost expert: Gender ideology is ‘a cult belief’

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor CORRECTED JUNE 10 TO CLARIFY INFORMATION ABOUT DR. AZ HAKEEM IN PARAGRAPH FOUR.   BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – In a stunning interview on Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Dr. Az Hakeem, who was identified as “the only psychiatrist in the UK to specialize in working psychotherapeutically with gender dysphoria patients, which he has done for 23 years,” declared, “Gender ideology is made up. It’s a social construct. It’s a cult belief.” The interview was conducted, May 12, by André Moreau, an Emmy-winning journalist who anchors the half-hour LPB television newsmagazine “Louisiana: The State We’re In.” Moreau only asked two questions during the six-minute segment, inquiring about what had prompted the change in numbers of children who were transitioning, and what the statistics about transitioning procedures looked like. TRUTH Hakeem, whose testimony helped catalyze the National Health Service of England to commission the Cass Review which advises the country’s medical community about the transgender crisis in the country, said the surge is “a current form of youth subculture, you know, like punks and goths.” “The worst thing we can do is presume it’s a medical condition,” … [Read more...]

Inexplicable peace

I don’t consider myself a worrywart, but there are times when I can work myself into a little frenzy. I think, “What if this happens? If this happens, then that will happen, and this can happen.” … [Read more...]

Two Louisianans among 345 to graduate from SBTS

By Staff LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Two Louisianans were among the 345 students to graduate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary during the 231st Commencement ceremony, May 12. Victoria Arledge of Walker received a Master of Arts in Missiology while Garrett West of Jena was given a Master of Divinity. “The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ produces this,” SBTS President Al Mohler told the graduates in his remarks. “Godly churches produce this. Faithful pastors preaching the word of God in season and out of season produces this. Ultimately it is the Holy Spirit of God that produces this.” He continued, “More than anything else, this is not a celebration of human achievement. More than anything else, it is just visible evidence of the faithfulness of God.” Basing his address on James 5:7-11, Mohler encouraged the graduates with the ongoing need for their work as ministers of the gospel until the Lord returns. He urged them to establish their hearts on Christ as they prepare for decades of ministry and faithfulness to the local church. “The exhortation here is that we settle ourselves and establish our hearts knowing that all things in the name of Christ for the gospel will be fulfilled,” Mohler said. Based on reporting … [Read more...]

LBCHFM to open regional compassion center

By LBCHFM Staff MONROE, La. (LBCHFM) – The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries has announced the construction of The Compassion Center that will help provide the hope of Christ for children and families in one of the state’s poorest regions. Approved by LBCHFM trustees during their May 12, 2023, meeting, the 15,000-sq.-ft. facility will be located on its Monroe campus and could impact 25,000-50,000 children and their families annually. According to the 2020 U.S. Census American Community Survey, 34.9 percent of Monroe residents live at the poverty level. “There is a desperate need for this type of regional ministry where hope-centered services are provided to children and families in need,” LBCHFM President and CEO Perry Hancock said. “I am grateful for our trustees who are ready to launch this exciting new ministry opportunity.” Compassion for Kids, a LBCHFM ministry, will operate the Compassion Center. The regional center will provide weekend food backpacks and school supplies for children, a baby store for infants and toddlers and support for foster care families. The center also will provide space for a mission church that could provide Bible studies at the facility and resources for existing … [Read more...]