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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Luter challenges worshippers to read Bible, follow its rules at National African American Fellowship Kingdom Symposium

By Diana Chandler, Baptist Press PHILADELPHIA (BP) -- Christians can lead holy lives by the same power the Apostle Paul called on in his struggle between the flesh and the Spirit recorded in Romans 7, immediate past Southern Baptist Convention President Fred Luter told worshippers at a Philadelphia gathering of black Southern Baptist pastors and leaders. "The reason Southern Baptists … I am convinced that we can win this battle is because of this fact. You're not fighting this battle on your own. You're not fighting this battle under your own strength," Luter said in the Sept. 30 keynote sermon of the National African American Fellowship Kingdom Symposium at Nazarene Baptist Church. "The reason we can win this battle … is because of the Jesus that's in you, because of the power of Christ that is in you." Luter's sermon, "The Super Bowl for Your Soul," capped presentations by seven other pastors and denominational leaders at the event hosted by NAAF president and Nazarene Baptist Church Pastor K. Marshall Williams Sept. 29–30 at the church in the historic Germantown community. "Living Holy and Clean in 2015: What shall we say to these things?" was the symposium theme. "The enemy is after your mind, your marriage, your … [Read more...]

More Canaanite evidence found by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary dig team

By Gary D. Myers, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary communications KARMEI YOSEF, Israel (BP) - Added evidence that an ancient water system at Tel Gezer in Israel could be the product of Middle Bronze Age Canaanites living between the time of Abraham and the Israelite conquest was uncovered by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary's archaeology team during a challenging dig season this summer. The Bible provides a tantalizing parallel to the Gezer system in the accounts of King David. In 2 Samuel 5:6-9, David's men utilized a "water shaft" to invade and conquer the fortress of Zion/Jerusalem. This rock-hewn system has been located in Jerusalem's "City of David" area. Visitors can walk the entire length of that Canaanite system. Based on all the available data, Dan Warner, co-director of the NOBTS Gezer dig, believes the City of David tunnel and the Gezer system are both products of the Middle Bronze Age. The Gezer water system excavation is a joint project of the Moskau Institute for Archaeology at NOBTS and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA). The dig is co-directed by Dan Warner, an NOBTS professor, and INPA chief archaeologist Tsvika Tsuk. Jim Parker, NOBTS professor and executive director of the … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief team leaves for South Carolina

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer CHARLESTON, SC – A Louisiana Baptist mud out team is responding to a call for help in the wake of the recent flooding in South Carolina. The team of eight from Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association, Northshore Baptist Association and Two Rivers Baptist Association left Monday for Charleston. They are expected to remain there a week. Moisture from Hurricane Joaquin caused up to 20 inches of rainfall in parts of South Carolina from Oct. 3-5. The result was flooded homes, washed out roadways and damage to businesses. Louisiana Baptist state disaster relief director Gibbie McMillan is asking anyone available to sign up to serve on for additional teams that will be sent. “We are asking for other teams that would be able to go,” McMillan said. “The need is great and we are fully intending to do this through December.” Some monetary donations have been received to help offset the costs for disaster relief work there. But more than money, prayer is needed, McMillan said. “When you get a burden from praying, you will want to give,” McMillan said. “Thanks Louisiana Baptists for all you do to enable those who can go and serve. It is not overlooked.” To donate, go to … [Read more...]

Lowery tells E4 audience persecution is coming, be prepared

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Fred Lowery believes persecution of Christians in the United States is coming and believers should be prepared. When those difficult times do come, Christians should find comfort that the Lord is right beside them as they try to stand strong in their faith, Lowery told those attending the recent E4 Preaching Conference at First Baptist Church in Pineville. “For the first time, we are facing amazing persecution in America,” said Lowery, who retired in 2004 after serving as pastor of First Bossier for more than 30 years. “Everything else is alright. The only thing that is wrong is to be a born-again Christian and they somehow see us as the hate people, the bigots and the idiots. “We will face persecution in our lifetime, you as pastors, we as churches,” he continued. “We need to understand and get encouragement because we’re going to need the Lord as we go through persecution more than ever.” Lowery said that the world is in trouble and evil out of control. Every week Lowery said he is asked what is happening and he then becomes excited. “I have the answer,” Lowery said. “Jesus. That’s exactly what this world is coming to.” Citing Revelation 1, Lowery shared … [Read more...]

Executive Board wades through busy pre-convention agenda

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – Faced with changing times, the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s executive board is taking proactive rather than reactive steps to address matters in this nation’s culture war. “We are living in changing times,” LBC Executive Board President David Cranford said. “We are living in a watershed moment. Our culture has shifted over the last year, the last few months. “It troubles us,” said Cranford, pastor of First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. “It grieves us. What’s next for the American Christian?” Cranford reminded the Executive Board during its annual fall meeting at Tall Timbers Conference Center that what is happening in 2015 is nothing new for believers who have faced similar situations throughout world history. Citing Matthew 10:16-31, Cranford said Jesus gives marching orders on how believers should think and act in a society where Christianity is under attack. “In the end Jesus wins,” he said. “Whatever suffering we might experience in this dangerous world, let us remember our Lord wins in the end.” With recent news of several Southern Baptist churches in various states affirming homosexuality, the credentials committee introduced guidelines for … [Read more...]

First Mandeville’s Schroeder to be nominated for LBC 1st vice-president

By Philip Timothy, Message Managing Editor MANDEVILLE – Kenneth (Ken) Schroeder will be nominated for first vice president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention by Randy Harper, senior pastor of Bellaire Baptist Church, during this year’s LBC Annual Meeting according to a press release from his office. Schroeder is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Mandeville where he has served for the past 21 years. “Ken is a godly man…a man of prayer who loves Jesus and Louisiana Baptists,” said Harper.  “I have had the pleasure of serving with him on the Louisiana College board of trustees and different committees where he has exhibited grace, patience and a keen understanding of the tasks asked of members.” “He has served on numerous boards and committees in both his association and in the state convention,” continued Harper.  “He is faithful to this convention and to whatever committee he has been asked to serve.”  “Ken may be a little quiet; but when he speaks, people listen because what he has to say is thoughtful and to the point.” Under Schroeder’s leadership, First Mandeville has undergone significant capital improvements projects, including a15,000-square-foot educational building, a 10,000-square-foot student … [Read more...]

LC inaugurates Brewer as its ninth president

By Brian Blackwell Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – On the stage at Guinn Auditorium, Don Wilton turned and pointed at Louisiana College President Rick Brewer and offered him a charge. He told him to carry on a trait of famed evangelist Billy Graham, a member of Wilton’s church. “What he says he does and what he does he means,” said Wilton, pastor of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC, and a friend of Brewer for more than 20 years. “Are you ready to do the same with Louisiana College?” Wilton, who gave the message during Brewer’s inauguration as the school’s ninth president on Sept. 18, said Louisiana College is needed in today’s culture. “You have to lead us,” Wilton said. “We need you. America really needs you. Louisiana really needs a Christian college.” He then challenged Brewer to provide a distinct Christian education at the school through five ways. Wilton encouraged Brewer to continue to pray, teach so others will “get on fire,” demonstrate by keeping on “living it out,” commit to not stopping despite obstacles that may come and expect results to happen. “God has sure smiled on Louisiana College by calling you to be its president,” said Wilton to his friend. Wilton was among a number of … [Read more...]

Louisiana ACLU accuses Airline High School, principal of pushing religion

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer BOSSIER CITY – Northwest Louisiana is the sight of yet another battle for religious freedom in public schools. The Louisiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union recently sent a letter to the superintendent of the Bossier Parish Schools, accusing Airline High School of “engaging in a pattern of religious proselytization.” The letter states that prayer boxes with Christian symbols have been established by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (a student organization) throughout the school and religious messages have been included in newsletters posted on Airline High School’s website. After the letter was sent to Bossier Parish Schools, the ACLU learned information from a source was not entirely accurate. “We had a photograph of those boxes and were told that they were scheduled to be installed the next day, which did not happen,” said ACLU Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman in an email to The Baptist Message. “Our goal is, as it always is, to ensure compliance with the law. I hope you will make clear that the ACLU has a long and proud history of defending the religious rights of all Americans.” The ACLU also states in the letter they understand that Airline … [Read more...]

NOBTS report at Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee meeting highlights God’s grace during tragedy

By Gary Myers, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary public relations NASHVILLE (BP) - With the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina fresh on his mind, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President Chuck Kelley offered a testimony of God's grace and mercy during his report to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. "We serve an awesome God who delights in expressing His character through amazing works He does on behalf of His churches, His people and the lost of the world," Kelley said Sept. 21 in Nashville. God's sufficient grace, Kelley said, sustained the seminary through the Katrina recovery effort and provides hope for current challenges at NOBTS. God's grace also provides a framework of hope for denominational challenges such as the funding crisis at the International Mission Board, he noted. "Ten years ago at this meeting I stood before you homeless," Kelley said. "The clothes I was wearing were purchased for me by Dr. John Sullivan of the Florida Baptist Convention. This little storm called Katrina had come ashore near New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast." Early in the storm recovery, prospects for New Orleans Seminary looked bleak. The entire main campus family -- faculty, … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

By Staff, Baptist Message HOMECOMING Alto Baptist Church, Alto: Homecoming celebration, Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m. Dinner on the grounds will follow after the services at noon. Speaker: Kelly Clark. Pastor: Alan Miller. Jamestown Baptist Church, Jamestown: Homecoming, Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m. Speaker: Everett Geis, Sr. A covered dish luncheon and fellowship will follow. Pastor: Everett Geis, Jr. Conway Baptist Church, Farmerville: Annual Homecoming Celebration, Sept. 27. The Brothers in Christ will be in concert from 10-11 a.m. followed by the memorial and worship service. Speaker: Joe Cannon. Lunch will follow in the Family Life Center. Pastor: Paul Carter. Grosse Tete Baptist Church: 75th Anniversary Celebration - Jesus Christ, Our Cornerstone, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. Speaker: Howard Turner. A jambalaya lunch will follow the service. Pastor: Mark Robinson. First Baptist Church, Eros: Annual Homecoming Celebration, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. singing and special music. Speaker: Marty Black. There will be singing, preaching, food and fellowship. Bring a covered dish for dinner on the grounds after lunch. Pastor: Elvin Whelis. REVIVAL Crossroads Baptist Church, Farmerville: Revival, Sept. 27-30, Speaker: Joe Aulds. Pastor: Jeff … [Read more...]