By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer OAK GROVE, La. (LBM) – During his first Sunday as pastor of Trinity Baptist, February 2020, Courtney Rainey presented a vision to 75 worshipers that they could reach and baptize 50 people in one year. Two years later the congregation is on pace to meet that goal, having baptized 24 new believers since January, while now averaging 135 in Sunday morning worship. For comparison, the church baptized 21 people, combined, in 2020 and 2021. Rainey told the Message that “when they asked God to move in our own lives and the community” that they did not anticipate they would see the results “in such a short time.” “I’ve never been part of a movement like this,” he said. “We are not just going through the motions. Lives are being changed and it’s exciting to see what God has in store for us.” Rainey said members have embraced a lifestyle of discipleship that has fueled growth, both spiritually and numerically. Since June 2021, 40 members have met together on Sunday evenings for discipleship. During the week, four discipleship groups also gather for further accountability and encouragement. Additionally, several groups have seen increased participation compared to February 2020, … [Read more...]
Spared from abortion, new music video depicts Jason Lovins’s story
By Jason Lovins Band ASHLAND, Ky. - The Jason Lovins Band, a Christian contemporary musical group that has led worship at the Youth Evangelism Celebration, the Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference and other events in the state, has released the music video for their latest single, “Constant (featuring Russ Lee).” With lyrics describing God’s constancy through mountain-highs and valley-lows, lead singer Jason Lovins has experienced first hand how God has been constant through his life. Conceived from an assault, Lovins’ life story is especially relevant today. His mother, at age 15, was raped walking home from the pool one day. She told no one and didn’t even remember the assault as she had blocked out this tragic day. Months went on and she told her mother she was sick and needed to see a doctor. When they discovered she was pregnant, the first thing Lovins' grandmother said was, “we are going to church and we are gonna pray.” They asked God for answers and felt it was clear this baby was to have life. While abortion was not going to be an option, adoption was the plan until Lovins' mother heard his heartbeat. At that moment, the answer was clear to the family. Lovins was to have a chance at life with his … [Read more...]
Dew to NOBTS graduates: ‘Love God, love others’ essential to ministry
By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS, La. (NOBTS) – Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, urged the May 2022 graduates to consider the question that would impact their lives and ministries as they step into a new chapter in life. “What is essential for you, now?” Dew asked. NOBTS conferred twenty-four doctoral degrees, including seven Ph.D.s, two doctor of musical arts, one Ed.D. and 15 D.Min. degrees, and 106 master's degrees. Leavell College graduates received 94 undergraduate degrees and certificates. Dew defined “essential” by saying it refers to something a person cannot do without. After pursuing an education and earning a degree, graduate candidates must remember what is essential and worthy of their full devotion, Dew urged. Dew continued by pointing to Matthew 22:23 and the question the religious leaders posed to Jesus. Though the religious leaders hoped to entrap Jesus, Dew said he appreciated their question for a different reason. “I love that question,” Dew said. “I love that question but not for the same reason [the religious leaders] loved that question … I want to know the answer because I don’t want to waste my life.” Dew pointed out that … [Read more...]
Vidalia now part of Elon Musk’s supply chain
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