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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Louisiana Notables

ON THE MOVE Michelle Beaty resigned as children’s minister at New Chapel Hill, West Monroe. HOMECOMING Old Union Baptist Church, Converse: Homecoming, April 2, 11 a.m. Dinner on the grounds will follow the worship service. Speaker: Murray Hodge, associate pastor at Summer Grove Baptist Church, Shreveport. Special Music: Southern Plainsmen Quartet at 1:15 p.m. Pastor: Alton Middleton. REVIVAL Cotile Baptist Church, Boyce: Revival/Homecoming, March 9-11, 7 p.m. March 9-11, 11 a.m. March 12. Speakers: Dobie Perkins (March 9), Grady Dodge (March 10), Randy Ellis (March 11) and Wayne Dunn (March 12) when Cotile Baptist will celebrate its 35th Homecoming. All are invited to join. Pastor: Johnny Miller. Antioch Baptist Church, Farmerville: Remember, Rejoice & Reload 100 More Bible Conference, March 10-12, Friday and Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 p.m. Speakers: Jerry Chaddick, Sonny Simpson, Casey Johnson, Jeremy Pruitt, and Jeff  Flenniken. Special Music: 11th Hour. Pastor: Rubin Weaver. Bethel Baptist Church, Houma: Revival, March 12-15. Evangelist: Lyndon Longoria.  Special Music: Kerry Longoria. Pastor: Jimmy Autin. Coteau Baptist Church, Houma: Revival - Delivering the Word, March 12-15, Sunday 9 a.m. … [Read more...]

SBC Executive Committee creates two panels to investigate SBC entities

By Will Hall, Message Editor NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM)—Members of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee took the initiative during a committee session and again during a plenary session to ask for official action about national entities that are causing churches to withhold support for national causes. In the end two panels were proposed to study SBC entities whose leaders appear to be out of step with the consensus of SBC churches. The national effort to address troubling activities by SBC entities follows by almost three months a related action taken by messengers to the annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Moreover, it is an acknowledgement by SBC leaders that Southern Baptists across the country are not happy with some aspects of the direction of the national Convention. WIDESPREAD UNEASE The actions were taken about a week after Prestonwood Baptist Church announced Feb. 16 it was escrowing $1 million in Cooperative Program funds for what Pastor Jack Graham described as concerns about the direction of the SBC. Graham spoke to the Baptist Message via phone then and said church leaders had expressed to him "uneasiness" about the "disconnect between some of our denominational leaders … [Read more...]

Luter: Jesus won the ultimate battle and so can you

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Major battles have been fought throughout history but all those pale in comparison to the ultimate battle each person faces. For this battle has eternal implications, Fred Luter said Thursday, Feb. 23. “It’s a battle between your spirit versus your flesh, right versus wrong, your advocate versus your adversary, the Lord versus Lucifer, the devil versus the divine,” Luter told students during Louisiana College’s chapel service. “And because it’s the ultimate battle, this battle will determine whether you spend an eternity in heaven or spend eternity in hell. It’s the battle for your soul.” In this battle, each believer must be mindful of the shepherd’s provision, the serpent’s plan and the shepherd’s promise, Luter said. Luter, who is pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans and the first African-American Southern Baptist Convention president, recalled how he battled a bully who would take his lunch money in school. When he was tired of fighting this battle with the bully, he stood up to her, despite threats of personal injury to himself. In the end, the bully backed off and left him alone. “Some of ya’ll just have to stand up to the bullies in … [Read more...]

Rolling Hills Ministries issues immediate call for thrift store donations

By Message Staff RUSTON – The unexpected warm weather in February is not only bringing out an early bloom in flowers but causing a need for donations in the Rolling Hills Ministries thrift stores. “Normally this time of the year, we are slow because the weather is usually cooler and people haven’t cleaned out their closets yet,” said David Abernathy, executive director of Rolling Hills. “But this year, business is booming. Because we really haven’t had a winter, people are coming in and needing clothes, knick knacks and other items that we are running low on.” Abernathy said the immediate needs include clothes, furniture, shoes and linens for its stores in Aracdia, Bossier City and Ruston. Drop-off locations are: Arcadia 1820 North Railroad Ave., 71001 Call 318-263-4822 for a donation pick up! 24-hour donation drop off Bossier City 2695 E Texas St, LA 71111 Call 318-562-3880 for a donation pick up! 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for donations Ruston 3487 Hwy. 33, LA 71270 Call 318-251-0065 for a donation pick up! 24-hour donation drop off … [Read more...]

LC alum/local pastor holds book signing in Pineville

by Norm Miller PINEVILLE (LCNEWS) - Louisiana College alumnus and pastor of Pineville’s First Baptist Church, Stewart Holloway, held a book signing at Harlow’s Bakery, Feb. 17 in Pineville. Holloway’s book is titled: “The Privilege of Worship: Keys to Engaging Worship.” With some free coffee and a basket of donut holes at hand, Holloway welcomed numerous people for whom he inscribed his book. LC President Rick Brewer dropped by Harlow’s to visit with Holloway and to buy a copy of the book. “I am looking forward to reading Dr. Holloway’s book,” Brewer told LCNews. “As a lifelong worship leader and educator, I relish the opportunity to learn more about the vital ministry of biblical worship.  What’s more, I am grateful to Stewart as an LC alumnus and pastor. His book reveals a commendable commitment to educate and edify God’s people.” Holloway told LCNews: “I have always loved worship, and I deeply enjoy helping people come to the throne of the Lord. As a pastor, this continues to be a passion.” In writing the book, Holloway wanted to help people “get beyond the worship preferences and really get to the heart of what worship is. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, we can still worship.” Holloway … [Read more...]

Special evening enables attendees to shine

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA – Tim Tebow helped give hundreds of special needs individuals in Louisiana Baptist churches the red carpet treatment Friday, Feb. 10. Dressed in their formal attire, these special guests enjoyed a variety of activities to make them feel like kings and queens in God’s eyes at the third annual Night to Shine prom. Five Louisiana Baptist churches were among the 375 churches in 50 states and 11 countries that hosted the event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The former Heisman Trophy and NFL quarterback started the event three years ago for people who have special needs. From the beginning, the evening was magical for the guests, who were transported by limousine, trolley or classic car to a red carpet. Once there, they were greeted by an enthusiastic group of volunteers armed with cameras and cheers from the crowd. Guests received the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors and a dance floor. All of this led up to the moment when each guest was crowned king or queen of the prom. “This night is about you,” Tebow told the guests in a pre-recorded message … [Read more...]