A new Pew Research Center poll result showing evangelicals holding universalistic beliefs regarding salvation may have been skewed at least somewhat because of how the question was worded. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – A new Pew Research Center poll result showing evangelicals holding universalistic beliefs regarding salvation may have been skewed at least somewhat because of how the question was worded. The full Pew report regarding religion in the U.S. was lengthy at 256 pages, but one particular finding stood out: 70 percent of Americans believe there are many paths to eternal life and, amazingly, 57 percent of evangelical Protestant church members do as well. The fact that a majority of evangelicals reject John 14:6 and a key tenet of their faith was surprising, to say the least. But some observers are questioning whether the poll’s question on that topic could have led to various interpretations. Pew asked people to choose among two statements: “My religion is the one, true faith leading to eternal life” or “many religions can lead to eternal life.” Determining what a person’s religion is may be a bit more complex than it appears. “I am being a bit picky here, but I suspect that if you asked a lot of people that Pew … [Read more...]

His voice breaking with emotional intensity, Louisiana College President Joe Aguillard announced during a June 27 press conference staged in front of the fountain at the center of the college’s front lawn that “we will be able to offer masters degrees across all divisions in our institution.” PINEVILLE – His voice breaking with emotional intensity, Louisiana College President Joe Aguillard announced during a June 27 press conference staged in front of the fountain at the center of the college’s front lawn that “we will be able to offer masters degrees across all divisions in our institution.” The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Commission on Colleges informed Aguillard the previous afternoon that LC had been granted Level 3 academic standing, which allows a college or university to confer graduate degrees. “This did not happen by itself, but through the efforts of some people who worked so diligently, so faithfully,” Aguillard said. He read from the Old Testament book of Joel, chapter 2, about reclaiming the years the locusts have eaten, and then said, “I know the Lord has His hand on Louisiana College.” The effort to gain Level 3 academic standing took five years and three tries, said Michael … [Read more...]

The 2008 Louisiana Baptist All-State Youth Choir performed in concert July 27 at First Baptist Church of Pineville. PINEVILLE – The 2008 Louisiana Baptist All-State Youth Choir performed in concert July 27 at First Baptist Church of Pineville. It was the final performance of the 25th annual All-State Youth Choir tour, which this year took 84 students and their sponsors to Tennessee and back. As if to highlight the significance of the 25th anniversary, Kristin Theriot of Springfield was recognized as the first of the second generation of choir members. Her parents – David and Leah Theriot – both performed in the All-State Youth Choir when they were in their teens. “I love singing and I wanted a reason to praise God with a group of people who wanted to praise Him as much as I,” said Emma Meek of Broadmoor Baptist in Shreveport, explaining why she took the time from her summer to be part of the choir. Her most memorable moment of the tour was not singing, however. “Sharing Christ one on one,” she said. “That was the best part.” The choir deliberately set engagements at locations where nonChristians perhaps would hear them, said Herb Armentrout, tour organizer and youth music consultant for the Louisiana Baptist … [Read more...]

A recent court decision in Canada should send chills down every parent’s spine. The ruling is so out of bounds that the news story sounds like a parody – but it isn’t. A Canadian judge ruled that a 12-year-old girl was “excessively” punished when her father told her she could not go on a school camping trip because she had broken rules for use of the Internet. A recent court decision in Canada should send chills down every parent’s spine. The ruling is so out of bounds that the news story sounds like a parody – but it isn’t. A Canadian judge ruled that a 12-year-old girl was “excessively” punished when her father told her she could not go on a school camping trip because she had broken rules for use of the Internet. As the Globe and Mail newspaper [Toronto] reports: “First, the father banned his 12-year-old daughter from going online after she posted photos of herself on a dating site. Then she allegedly had a row with her stepmother, so the father said his girl couldn’t go on a school trip. “The girl took the matter to the court – and won what lawyers say was an unprecedented judgment. “Madam Justice Suzanne Tessier of the Quebec Superior Court ruled on Friday [June 13] that the father couldn’t discipline his … [Read more...]

For sometime now, the American Civil Liberties Union has been waging an aggressive campaign to expunge the American public square from all things religious, and specifically all things Christian. A small cross, once displayed on the official seal of Los Angles County, is just one of the casualties of the ACLU’s crazed crusade. For sometime now, the American Civil Liberties Union has been waging an aggressive campaign to expunge the American public square from all things religious, and specifically all things Christian. A small cross, once displayed on the official seal of Los Angles County, is just one of the casualties of the ACLU’s crazed crusade. A tiny cross was one of several symbols displayed on the southern California county’s seal. Its inclusion was intended to commemorate the role Christianity played in the founding of the area – but it was hardly the most prominent figure on the seal. Easily the most significant symbol was and is the goddess Pomona – the Roman goddess of gardens and fruit trees – which the ACLU seems to find perfectly acceptable. The ACLU maintained the presence of the small cross made non-Christians feel “unwelcome” and it threatened to bring a lawsuit against Los Angeles County if it was not … [Read more...]

A little over a month ago, on a Sunday morning, Justin Mixon was part of a patrol escorting a sanitation detail in Iraq when his vehicle was struck by an armor-piercing IED. He died from wounds sustained from the blast. A little over a month ago, on a Sunday morning, Justin Mixon was part of a patrol escorting a sanitation detail in Iraq when his vehicle was struck by an armor-piercing IED. He died from wounds sustained from the blast. Pastor Walter Mixon, his father, released a prepared statement several days after receiving word of his son’s death asking everyone for some privacy “during this time of honoring our son.” “Just as Jesus Christ willingly gave His life for the salvation of this world, Justin willingly gave his for the security of this nation and those whom he loved. Justin was a Christian and today he is no longer suffering, but rejoicing in the Lord. Our family draws comfort from this fact. “Although it is sometimes hard to accept, we know the Lord’s will and timing is always right,” read the prepared statement. “Justin loved serving his country so much that he had recently reenlisted. He had intended to make a career out of serving our nation. We are very proud of him and his sacrifice. He leaves … [Read more...]

First St. Francisville William Wallace Baptist Association ST. FRANCISVILLE – Members of First Baptist Church couldn’t decide which was the greater ministry need – Alzheimer’s disease awareness or dealing with the loss of a loved one, so they developed two conferences set for this summer. An information conference on Alzheimer’s disease is set for 2 p.m. Thursday, July 24, in the church’s multi-purpose building. A two-day conference on “What to do when a loved one dies” is set for July 31 and Aug. 1 in the church’s worship center. “It puts our faith and our commitment in the Lord Jesus to helping the people of our community who are facing the horrible diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and then to help those who are dealing with grief,” said Pastor Joe Ratcliff. “Our commitment to the Lord is found in scripture that is then worked out in practice.” The Alzheimer’s disease awareness conference is a coordinated effort between First Baptist St. Francisville and the Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area. The speaker is to be from Senior Care Services of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. This conference is free and open to the public. “Many families of the community and church have concerns about this … [Read more...]

Submitted by Staff on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 02:00 COMINGS AND GOINGS -Eddy Shoemaker, new as pastor, Peniel Baptist,West Monroe. -Kevin Boles, interim minister of music, First Baptist, Jena. -Robbie Isom, new as youth minister, Judson Baptist, Walker. -Marlene Young, new as counseling ministry social worker, Temple, Baptist Ruston. ANNIVERSARIES AND CELEBRATIONS -Fellowship Baptist Quitman celebrates Homecoming 10 a.m. Sunday, July 13; dinner on the grounds; Wayne Morrow, speaker; Monty Horton, music; Don Doughty, pastor. -Ridgecrest Baptist Ridgecrest Gospel Ministry Celebration/Reception honoring Preston Holder and wife, Ruby, for 50 years in the gospel ministry 2 p.m. Sunday, July 13. -Salem Baptist Plain Dealing celebrates Homecoming and 164th anniversary 11 a.m. Sunday, July 13; Milton Sargent, speaker, lunch, afternoon singing, Clayton Dyess, guest singer.  -Doyle Adams, pastor of First Baptist Gilbert, celebrated his 50th year in the ministry April 27 with ceremonies at Temple Winnsboro. ORDINATIONS -Jarred Pellegrin, minister of children, ordination service First Baptist, Blanchard, 6 p.m. Sunday, July 6. James Hill, pastor. REVIVALS -RUSTON – Temple Baptist: Marvelous Monday … [Read more...]

Former Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home resident David Rawls hadn’t been back “home” in 45 years until on June 6 and 7 Rawls, along with his brother Stanley Eisiliones, came “home” to the 2008 Children’s Home Alumni Reunion. MONROE – Former Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home resident David Rawls hadn’t been back “home” in 45 years until on June 6 and 7 Rawls, along with his brother Stanley Eisiliones, came “home” to the 2008 Children’s Home Alumni Reunion. More than 150 alumni, family and friends gathered on the grounds of the Children’s Home in Monroe to share memories and catch up on each others lives. Former resident Frank Messer traveled all the way from Idaho to attend the event while Pam Peden had a trip of just minutes from her home in Monroe. Young and old alike enjoyed a special time of laughter and tears as they reminisced about growing up at LBCH. The homecoming kicked off on Friday evening with a fish fry in the Frank and Mamie Stevens Pecan Grove Park. Special entertainment for the evening included a flute solo by current resident Ryan of Joy Cottage, a number by the LBCH girls ensemble and finally words of wisdom from “America’s Minister of Encouragement,” Dennis Swanberg. Swanberg’s message for the … [Read more...]

It may have seemed a bit awkward – and certainly dangerous – as far as baptisms go. But looking back over 34 years of missionary service, it’s a moment Bill Fudge can describe only as holy.  ROCKVILLE, Va. (BP) – It may have seemed a bit awkward – and certainly dangerous – as far as baptisms go. But looking back over 34 years of missionary service, it’s a moment Bill Fudge can describe only as holy. Fudge was among 55 newly retired Southern Baptist missionaries honored at an emeritus recognition service June 22 at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Va. Emeritus missionaries are those who have served for 15 years or more at retirement. The unusual baptism happened more than a decade ago. It took place in a hotel bathroom within the borders of an oppressive communist government. The person waiting for Fudge to baptize him was Thomas*, a low-level official of that government. He was dressed only in underwear – an extra pair of Fudge’s underwear. “Like most of the people there, he was starving and had nothing,” Fudge recounted. “I had given him all my clothes ... everything except the shirt on my back.” Shivering in the cold water –- the hotel had no hot water – Thomas quietly shared his testimony, … [Read more...]