By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – Messengers to the 2021 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Nov. 16, in North Monroe Baptist Church, heard encouraging updates from the state’s four entities and two special reports. LCU In his report, President Rick Brewer celebrated the board of trustees’ unanimous vote, Oct. 25, to change the school’s name to Louisiana Chris[1]tian University. He said it will strengthen the educational institution’s reputation and further advance the Kingdom of God. He said the university remains committed to preparing graduates and transforming lives, adding that since the start of the fall semester, 47 students have accepted Christ. Brewer said LCU has launched the Center for LBC entity and special reports offer good news to messengers Calling and Career for students seeking internships, career advice and information about jobs available in their areas of studies. The center also helps students gain an understanding of how their values and spiritual gifts should be assessed to fully know what God is calling them to do in their lives and careers. “We are preparing students to think Christianly and preparing them for life,” Brewer said. “Transformed … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn in his report at the 2021 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Nov. 16 at North Monroe Baptist Church, issued a challenge for revival and outlined a plan to be more engaged in the prevention of sexual abuse in the church. ADDRESSING REVIVAL Horn encouraged messengers to participate in ‘Change Me,’ a 28-day personal revival guide he authored based on Psalm 139:23-24. “I believe our churches and our nation have no problems that humility before God and His Word would not fix immediately,” Horn said. Horn said revival is needed because, like the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness, today’s Christ followers are stiff necked, impatient, tempted to follow people rather than God, filled with pride and desperately need God’s blessing. “During the COVID quarantine, the Lord put on my heart this message: ‘Change me,’” Horn said. “I can’t change anyone else. I can’t change our circumstances. I can’t change much, but I can ask the Lord to change me. “What came from that was a 28-day resource,” he continued. “I want to invite you to join me. I want to ask you to spend 28 days as this year … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – During the 2021 Louisiana Baptist Pastor’s Conference, Nov. 15, in the North Monroe Baptist Church, Monroe, speakers offered words of encouragement and conviction to pastors. TITUS WHITE Titus White, pastor of Grace Community Church, Baton Rouge, spoke during the opening session from Daniel 3:13-14, 25 to urge the crowd to stand firm on the Word of God. He pointed to the faithfulness of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, who refused to bow to the image of gold made by King Nebuchadnezzar. He said they were brave in the midst of captivity, united in the midst of conformity and safe in the midst of captivity – and their obedience was rewarded. “God has given them a platform of persecution to stand before men so God could get the glory,” White said. “We’ve got to understand God sometimes puts us in a platform of persecution that God can get the glory out of our lives. They did not bend or bow. They stood firm on the Word of God.” EDDIE WREN Eddie Wren, pastor of First Baptist Church, Rayville, reminded pastors they can find peace and joy in Jesus. Preaching from Philippians 4, Wren said if pastors are going to stand firm they must worship, … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke PINEVILLE, LA (LC news) -- Internationally renowned author and biblical apologist Ken Ham will be Louisiana Christian University’s speaker at its 6th Annual Values & Ethics Series on Nov. 10-11. Ham is the CEO and founder of Answers in Genesis, the Creation Museum in Cincinnati, and the Noah’s Ark Exhibit in Kentucky. He will speak on two issues of great currency in America today. Wednesday evening, he will present “Divided Nation: Cultures in Chaos & A Conflicted Church. Thursday morning, Ham will speak on “One Race One Blood: Dealing with ‘Races and Racism.” “We are pleased to host Ken Ham for the College’s 6th Annual Values & Ethics Series,” said President Rick Brewer. “Mr. Ham’s commitment to serious-minded Christianity is needed in our current cultural moment. At LCU, we believe there is no space for anti-intellectualism for there is nothing irrelevant to Christ and the Gospel.” Ham is well-known for emphasizing the relevance and authority of the book of Genesis to the life of the average Christian. The public is encouraged to attend this free event in Guinn Auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, Message correspondent PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) - In 1993, Samaritan’s Purse launched Operation Christmas Child, and since 1993, Mary Deen has filled shoeboxes with gifts and grooming items to be sent to children around the world. “I can’t look at any box without thinking of the children,” she said. “I packed boxes with my own children to teach them to give, because some children never receive a gift of any kind. Now, some of my grandchildren are packing boxes. We can’t take the boxes to the children in faraway places, other people do that for us. I like to call it ‘missionary in a box.’” For the last five years, Deen has been the regional media spokesperson for OCC.  She attends Journey Church in Pineville, where she is the shoebox project leader. In 2009, OCC began including a 12-week discipleship course option called “The Greatest Journey.” Trained event leaders share the Gospel when children receive a gift box. Children who choose to follow Jesus are offered the opportunity to complete the study. The course equips them to become faithful followers of Christ and teaches them how to share their faith. More than 26.5 million children have enrolled in this course. Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes have … [Read more...]