By Darrell D. White, retired judge, Founder and President of American Judicial Alliance The recent Ken Ham v. Bill Nye debate over origins science drew a large audience, showing how vitally important is this issue of God vs. random natural selection causing macro-evolution (amoeba to man evolution). How very sad it is that today’s public school students are denied access to information about the many scientific problems with Darwinian macro-evolution. Scholarly observations published over twenty years ago in ‘The American Biology Teacher’ analyzed 1991 biology textbooks and found the same problems impeding the acquisition of critical thinking skills that are evident in the current editions: “...(I)t should be apparent that the errors, overstatements and omissions … noted in these biology texts, all tend to enhance the plausibility of hypotheses that are presented. More importantly, the inclusion of outdated material and erroneous discussions is not trivial. The items noted mislead students and impede their acquisition of critical thinking skills. If we fail to teach students to examine data critically, looking for points both favoring and opposing hypotheses, we are selling our youth short and mortgaging the future of … [Read more...]

By David Crosby, Pastor First New Orleans I have found the long-sought secret to the vitality of the Baptist movement. It’s called swarm intelligence, the “collective behavior of decentralized, self-organized systems.” Heretofore the most useful metaphor for Baptist cooperative work has been the “rope of sand” introduced by James L. Sullivan in his booklet, “Rope of Sand Strength of Steel” in 1974. This metaphor gained prominence in Baptist life and thought as denominational servants and theologians attempted to communicate to Baptists and others how things work in our convention. Swarm intelligence is an upgrade in at least two ways. First, it is a biblical metaphor: Go to the ant, you sluggard;       consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander,      no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer      and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8). Baptists definitely fit in the “no commander, no overseer or ruler” group. We are fiercely independent. All of our churches, entities, and conventions are self-governing and autonomous. Jesus is Lord, of course, just as God is sovereign over the ants. But as far as social and business structures are concerned, Baptists have no commander, no pope or … [Read more...]

By Russell Moore, President of Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission Kirsten Powers and Jonathan Merritt recently wrote an article for the Daily Beast accusing conservative Christians of hypocrisy and unchristian behavior for suggesting that some persons’ consciences won’t allow them to use their creative gifts to help celebrate same-sex weddings. Since I was a key example of this hypocrisy, I’ll respond to that charge. At issue is a response I made, reposted this week over at The Gospel Coalition, helping a Christian wedding photographer think through whether he ought to work for a same-sex wedding. In the photographer’s question, he grapples with the question of how his conscience ought to play in this decision not only as it relates to weddings of people who, for all he knows, might be involved in all sorts of unbiblical behavior. Powers and Merritt suggest if he refuses to photograph one “unbiblical wedding,” he ought to “refuse to photograph them all.” As a matter of fact, they say, to do anything else is to be “seen as a hypocrite” and to “heap shame on the gospel.” More specifically, they point to my advice that the photographer doesn’t have a moral obligation to ferret out the circumstances behind every wedding he … [Read more...]

By Jim Law, Pastor First Baptist Church Gonzales Someone has said that judging others is one of the favorite indoor sports of humanity. Indeed, judging others just seems to flow naturally from a fallen heart. Even among the ranks of the redeemed, believers battle with sinful, judgmental attitudes. In fact, one of the crushing criticisms leveled against Christianity have been those instances where professing believers have been cruel, harsh, and condemning in their action toward others. Instead of providing a covering of comfort in the blows of life, believers have been known to shoot their wounded.  These cancerous thoughts and actions can defile many, thus falling woefully short of the command of Jesus who taught, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1 In context, the crosshairs of this command were upon the Pharisees whose judgments were so severe and without mercy that Jesus rebukes them for noticing the speck in another’s eye while ignoring the log that was in their own eye. Like the Pharisees we too can be good at speck inspecting and log ignoring. Like the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son, we can rehearse the failures of others without taking a breath, but are often very slow to embrace our … [Read more...]

By Bob Stewart, Professor of Philosphy and Theology at NOBTS Worldviews are like navels.  We all have one, but we don’t often think about it. There is no shortage of talk or books these days about “worldviews,” whether the worldview in question is the Christian worldview, the naturalist worldview, the enlightenment worldview, the Muslim worldview, the New Age worldview or whatever the worldview flavor of the month is. But what exactly do we mean when we use the term worldview? To a degree that depends on who is speaking (just as what is understood depends on who is listening).  Apparently worldviews are also like pornography – we all think we know a worldview when we see one but nobody can produce a definition that satisfies everyone. Simply put, there doesn’t appear to be much agreement on the answer to this question. For this reason, it seems best to me to begin by laying out what I mean when I talk about worldviews, especially what I mean when I talk about the Christian worldview. A worldview is a set of basic beliefs through which we view reality.  Simple enough; but what does this mean? Among other things it means that a worldview is not simply a single belief but a group of beliefs that shape and influence how we … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union is holding a birthday celebration in April and wants women and missions advocates from throughout the state to come. Participants at the 114th WMU Annual Meeting will celebrate not only the 125th anniversary of WMU of the Southern Baptist Convention but also the 100th birthday of Girls in Action nationwide. The meeting is April 4-5 at First Baptist Lafayette. “I am anticipating a great weekend of celebration in what WMU is doing about, praying for and giving to missions,” said Janie Wise, Louisiana Baptist Convention women’s missions and ministry strategist. “That’s WMU’s one focus – missions.” Based on Psalm 78:5-7, the theme of the conference is “Teach. Listen. Tell. Live.” Each session will have a focus based on teach with confidence in God; listen by hearing and keeping His commands; tell in Word and deed; and live intentionally for future generations. The meeting will feature such speakers as Kay Bennett, director of the Baptist Friendship House in New Orleans; Janet Erwin, WMU SBC MISSIONS MOSAIC editor; and various North American and International Mission Board missionaries. John Frank Reeve and Jennifer Hoover will lead … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA – Louisiana Baptists logging onto lbc.org in early February were greeted with a new and improved website that convention leaders hope will provide a better way to connect with and find information regarding their cooperative missions and ministries. Launched in mid-February, louisianabaptists.org integrates social media, tools churches can use and event information in what convention leaders believe will utilize the latest technology. The new website address replaces lbc.org. “As a communications team our strategy was to build a new website using the latest technology with the end-user in mind – our Louisiana Baptist pastors, church leaders, lay people and those wanting to know more about Christ,” said Roger Craig, digital media strategist for the Louisiana Baptist Convention. “One specific design goal was to minimize amount of clicks it takes to get to where you want to go on our site. “Also, with now over 60 percent of users browsing the web on the phone or tablet it is very important for our website to be easily accessible on a variety of devices, from your mobile phone or tablet, to your laptop or desktop computer,” Craig said. “The website also features significant … [Read more...]

Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer MONROE – Every morning Perry Hancock goes into his office at the campus of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, he is reminded of just how blessed he is to serve as president and CEO of the organization. That reminder was evident yet again when he announced to the entity’s trustees that $9.5 million was given in receipts in 2013, the highest amount since he began serving as president and CEO in 2003. “We are grateful for everyone who is committed to meeting the needs of our children,” Hancock said. “People are making an investment when they give to the Children’s Home. When people give they are not just sharing their love but God’s love with our children.” He attributed the giving total to a combination of bequests, funds the Children’s Home received, a trust that was established for LBCH, and the generous support of individuals, churches, and gifts through the Cooperative Program. Additionally, 1,114 individuals and 35 churches gave for the first time. Hancock also updated trustees on the progress of its efforts to build a Louisiana Baptist-sponsored ministry center for orphans and those seeking medical care in Haiti. The Haiti project is an effort sponsored by … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 03/07/2014 - 11:33 (from left) Beau Colle, Director of Missions for Delta Baptist Association; Edna Craft, Delta Baptist Storefront Manager, Concordia Parish farmers Sydney and Veronica Plaisance and Tom Albritton, a representative of Monsanto were on hand for a check presentation for $2,500 to the Delta Baptist Storefront Mission. FERRIDAY  – Veronica Plaisance, a Concordia Parish farmer,  has directed a $2,500 donation to the Delta Baptist Storefront Mission. Funded by America’s Farmers Grow Communities, which is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the donation will help the group purchase a computer and printer to assist with the organization’s compliance efforts. Funds will also be used to provide training for managers and volunteers. Thanks to the support of farmers across the country, more than $3.2 million is being directed to nonprofits in 1,289 counties in 39 states. “These funds will help us purchase a computer and printer, while contributing to volunteer training,” said Beau Colle, the Delta Association’s director of missions. “The donation is much appreciated.” America’s Farmers Grow Communities works directly with farmers to support nonprofit organizations like the Delta … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message ON THE MOVE Kevin (wife Cathy) Willis new as pastor of Indian Village Baptist Church, Kinder Eddie (wife Ashley) Briery new as pastor of Vivian First Baptist Church. James (Edwina) Sykes new as associate pastor at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Shreveport David (wife Pam) McKinney new as pastor at Memorial Chapel Baptist Church. REVIVAL/HOMECOMING Longview Baptist Church, Deville: Revival, March 16-19. Sunday, March 16 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. March 17-19, 7 p.m. Speaker: Bill Robertson. Worship: Second Chance Trio. Pastor: Robby Poole. Judson Baptist Church, Walker: 125th anniversary, March 16, 10:30 a.m. Following morning services there will be a pot luck Dinner on the Grounds, a balloon release and singing. Pastor: David Lane. Sycamore Baptist Church, Vidalia: Revival, March 23-28 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. March 25; 7 p.m. March 24-28. Pastor: Richard Cullum LAGNIAPPE Lake Front Community Church, St. Martinville is seeking a donated projector that works off a laptop for their music program. Call Pastor Larry Baldridge at 337.250.3954 if you would like to donate. First Baptist Church, Minden: Dinner and a movie Seven Bridges for Seven Brothers presented by student celebration. March 14-15, 6:30 p.m. … [Read more...]