Submitted by philip on Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:35 Faith and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary have been the key factors to not only the longevity of Warden Burl Cain but also removing Angola’s title of the bloodiest prison in America. Angola’s success story is now being used as a model for other prisons in the United States, who have adopted similar programs. By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ANGOLA – Walk into the museum just outside of the front gate at Louisiana State Penitentiary and one will notice a wall full of photos of all who have served as warden of the maximum security prison at Angola. One of those is of Burl Cain, who has been warden of the prison 55 miles northwest of Baton Rouge since February 1995. But what may be more significant and telling is that the longest any other of Angola’s 14 wardens served was seven years. Most wardens serve at Angola for an average of five years. Cain is the longest serving warden of any in the United States’ prisons. The reason, Cain says, is the atmosphere inside the prison and how faith and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary have been the key factors to not only his longevity but also removing Angola’s title of the bloodiest prison in … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:42 North American Mission Board church planter Reagan Farris poses with his wife; Beth; daughters, 11-year-old Reece (middle) and 5-year-old Charlieanne and sons, 4-year-old Jude (left) and 8-year-old Asa. He meets in his home on a regular basis with attendees and teaches them new Bible stories and how they apply to their lives. By Tobin Perry, Baptist Press NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans church planter Reagan Farris has a story to tell. It’s not the story of how he ended up in the Big Easy. It’s not the story of how a successful youth minister felt burdened for parents who weren’t discipling their children – because they in turn weren’t discipled. Though he loves telling the story of what God has been doing in his life, it’s the gospel story that Farris can’t stop sharing. Using a similar Bible storying method as international missionaries employ to share the good news in oral cultures, Farris now has gathered close to 30 people in New Orleans – in just a few months time – to hear and respond to the stories of Scripture. “It’s giving narrative to the stories of the Bible, typically chronologically,” Farris said. “Over the stories as you share, you disciple that way. It’s just … [Read more...]

By Kelly Boggs, Editor PINEVILLE – The Louisiana College Presidential Search Committee is seeking input from alumni and other interested parties concerning what qualities the next president of LC should possess. The Baptist Message received an announcement from LC July 1 indicating the Search Committee had established a survey on the Internet site QuestionPro, a company specializing in online research. “To give your input to the Committee,” the announcement stated, “please complete the survey linked below by July 31, 2014.  Your comments and prayers are appreciated.” The survey gives interested parties the opportunity to contribute to the search process by responding to a mix of questions and statements, ten in all. Questions posed in the survey seek to ascertain what participants believe should characterize the next president’s academic background and skill set. Additionally, participants are asked about what type of priorities the next president should focus on. The statements included in the survey ask participants to list what type of experiences the next president should have in his resume and what type of traits would be desirable. Participants are even encouraged to provide names to be considered in the search as … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:45 At the start and the end of each day, Royal Ambassador campers gather at the flag pole at Tall Timbers where they learn how to properly raise, take down and fold the American flag after listening to announcements for the day. By Hannah Fleming, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – “We’re hoping we’ll have boys come here who don’t have a relationship with Christ and through our services, missionaries and Bible studies they will get to the point where they will be ready to accept Him.” Those are lofty expectations but according to Mike Collie, Royal Ambassadors camp director of Louisiana for campers, very achievable. Collie, who has been director for 25 years and travels the state to numerous conferences and camps such as the RA Congress and Survival Man Camp, believes camps such as the recent RA Camp held at Tall Timbers can help campers obtain those expectations. RA Camp is a week-long camp to help train first through sixth grade boys to become spiritual leaders in this world. At the start and end of each day, campers meet at the flag pole for the raising and lowering of the flag followed by breakfast in the morning, lunch and supper in the evening. In between they attend … [Read more...]

By Kelly Boggs, Message Editor BATON ROUGE – The 2014 session of the Louisiana Legislature was gaveled to a close on June 2. Law makers of The Bayou State vetted and debated more than 1,500 bills, mostly without fanfare or controversy, during the three month assembly. There were, however, some bills introduced of a moral nature that have the potential to impact lives, communities and churches that are worth noting. One of the more impactful pieces of legislation passed during the Legislative Session was House Bill 388, sponsored by Rep. Katrina Jackson of Monroe. Among the provisions in HB 388 was the requirement that a physician performing abortions in an outpatient abortion facility must have admitting privileges within 30 miles of said facility. HB 388 passed the Senate by a vote of 34-3 and the final House vote was 88-5 in favor of the legislation. Governor Jindal signed the bill into law on May 27. Many observers believe this law will hamstring the abortion industry in Louisiana. A somewhat controversial bill that moved under the radar during most the Legislative Session was Senate Bill 654. Sponsored by Sen. J.P. Morrell of New Orleans, the bill sought to clarify the issuance of alcohol licenses to movie theaters while, … [Read more...]

By Ronnie Floyd, SBC President Years ago, the Southern Baptist Convention was looked upon as having a significant influence on American life. When I was a very young pastor attending our annual meetings, I remember how our leaders would talk about the influence our Convention had upon American life, even in determining our nation’s future. If this is true, what happened? I remain very concerned for the present state of America and for our nation’s future. At the same time, my confidence in the Lord, His Word, His Gospel, His Church, and His Kingdom gives me overwhelming hope. Can the 50,000 churches and missions that comprise the Southern Baptist Convention influence the future of America? The answer is a resounding YES! Here are four ways I believe we can influence our nation and its future:   1. We will always be faithful to lift up the authority, truthfulness and infallibility of the Word of God. While some denominations may be drifting away from the truth that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God on all matters, Southern Baptists will continue to stand on the Scriptures. As stated in our Baptist Faith and Message 2000, we believe: “The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation … [Read more...]

Ralph Tone, Phoenix-based church partner for LifeWay While ministering as a missionary in Argentina, I had the privilege of facilitating prayer vigils in the province of Buenos Aires. These prayer vigils would sometimes last all night. But it’s not necessary to pray all night to have a powerful prayer vigil. You can start with a one- or two-hour vigil in your Bible study, church or even better, in union with another local church. Like no other book in the Bible, Acts provides a dynamic picture of what God can accomplish through His praying church. In chapter 2, the church waited on God for power. In chapter 4, the church prayed for boldness to proclaim the Gospel in the face of mounting political and religious opposition. Acts 12 shows the church in constant prayer for the wellbeing of Peter, their imprisoned leader. And chapter 13 reveals united prayer as the God-ordained context for launching new ministry initiatives. Are any of these first century prayer concerns relevant to the church today? Does the 21st century church need heaven-sent power? Does the church need boldness to remain true to its calling against contrary social and political currents? Are church and denominational leaders in need of prayer? What about … [Read more...]

By Reggie Bridges, Pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston After the smoke of spent fireworks disappear and red, white and blue paraphilia is formally retired after Fourth of July activities, I often step back and assess our church’s involvement in a so-called “patriotic” service. Such introspection has taken on new meaning this year as I read articles, blogs, and tweets that denounced any expression of patriotism within church life. With measured guilt, I sifted through these indictments of churches (and their pastors) that violated God’s Word by allowing any celebration of our freedom and recognition of veterans. As I finished reading these perspectives, I felt that I had committed idolatry, or at the very least, I was theologically deficient for allowing such a service. Many who expressed disappointment in patriotic services were well-respected, learned people who appeared to have theology and reason on their side. I was all but convinced that I should join the ranks of the liberated, theologically robust reformers who cast off such expressions in our churches – but then I decided to work through these issues for myself instead of following the commonly accepted tweetology of my generation. Is a patriotic service … [Read more...]