By Evan Lenow, Professor of Ethics at SWBTS Many of us would like to think that the church is immune to the growing trend of cohabitation prior to, or instead of, marriage. Unfortunately, this cultural trend has crept into the pews as fewer church members recognize cohabitation as a violation of biblical sexual ethics. Scripture is clear in its condemnation of fornication (a KJV-style word for a pre-marital sexual relationship). Fornication and fornicators (as well as adulterers) are described as evil, subject to judgment, and not heirs of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 15:19; Acts 15:20, 29; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 13:4). Beyond the clear scriptural statements regarding fornication, cohabitation presents another breach of biblical ethics. God established the sexual relationship between a man and a woman in Genesis 2 as a sign of the covenant of marriage. Just like the rainbow serves as a tangible reminder of God’s covenant with Noah that He will not destroy the earth by flood again, the sexual relationship between a husband and wife demonstrates the exclusive, permanent union of marriage. It is so intimate that Genesis 2:24 says the man and woman “shall become one flesh.” Those who cohabit participate in the “pleasures” … [Read more...]

By Randall Williams, SBC's Executive Director of Seminary Extension As a young man, I worked in a small, family-owned meat market. Our primary business was to cut and wrap meat from livestock local farmers raised, slaughtered and brought to us. We would start work early in the morning, take a quarter of beef or half a hog from the cooler, and within a matter of an hour or so, we would have it cut, wrapped and boxed for the owner to take home. Most of the work we did revolved around using very sharp knives to section, break down, debone and process the meat. It did not take me long to learn that having a sharp knife made the work easier, safer and faster. In fact, I learned within the first week that the fastest way to keep my knife sharp was to use a “steel” to re-shape the edge of my blade. Just a few well-placed and well-timed honing strokes really made a difference. Over the years as I have studied the book of Proverbs, I have noticed how often the simplest phrase can carry the greatest meaning. Proverbs 27:17 is a great case in point. I have often thought of the lessons I learned in using a steel to sharpen a knife. Many who are reading this have quoted this verse in discussing the importance of transparency and openness … [Read more...]

By David Jeremiah, Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church None of us set out to live a mediocre spiritual life. But in the midst of our busy schedules, many of us have forgotten something very important. We have forgotten to practice the basics that shape us as Christians. Getting back to the basics Worship. What is worship? Worship is seeing the things on earth in perspective to the things in heaven. When you understand what the Bible says about God in His majesty and power, you will be able to praise Him, no matter what your present circumstance. Worship God every day in your prayers, songs, thoughts and conversations. If you only practice praise on Sunday mornings, you’ll miss what God wants to do in your life the other six days of the week. Prayer. If you want to find out where you are spiritually, ask yourself this question: What is the level of my commitment to my prayer life? If you want the Lord’s blessing on your life, there just isn’t any alternative to prayer. Prayer is the way you defeat the devil, reach the lost, restore a backslider, strengthen the saints, send missionaries out, cure the sick, accomplish the impossible and know the will of God. Prayer is the hard-work business of Christianity, and it … [Read more...]

To the Editor I was pleasantly surprised as I read Dr. Jeff Iorg’s article about the “Power of the Pulpit.” I have been preaching for fifty one years and I’ve never been able to understand why the pulpit is disappearing from the platform. I know what the pat answer is, “the pulpit is a barrier in communication, which hinders my ability to dialog with the congregation.” My response to that is two fold: (1) If a piece of furniture hinders you from communicating with a congregation, you are in the wrong profession. (2) Paul’s challenge to young Timothy was “to preach the word.” Presently I am transitional pastor at Central Baptist in Springhill, La. The pulpit had been moved prior to me being there. Because of a back problem, I have to have something stronger than a metal lectern stand to hold on to. At my request the pulpit was returned to its proper place. I was amazed at the comments about the pulpit being returned. This response came from youth, young adults, older adults, even one 10 year old boy told me he was glad to see the pulpit. All the comments were positive, not one negative reaction. The pulpit is much more than a piece of furniture; it should be the focal point of the worship service. Everything that happens … [Read more...]

ubmitted by philip on Fri, 02/07/2014 - 10:41 Heather Messick of Saraland, Ala., leads worship at First Baptist Church Pineville for the annual Kaleidoscope sponored by Women’s Mission and Ministry. More than 240 women attended the event. By Philip Timothy, Managing Editor You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 PINEVILLE – If you are going to live your life for God, do it whole heartedly. “I don’t know about you but I never do anything in life halfway,” Susanne Hughes told the crowd of women before her. “Likewise, Jesus does not want you to devote half your life to Him or to love Him half-heartedly. “No, Jesus wants all of your love,” Hughes said. “He wants you to devote all of your heart to Him.” Hughes of Mirror Ministry was speaking at Kaleidscope, the annual women’s conference hosted  by the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s Women’s Missons and Ministry Department, to 240 women. The event, whose theme was “With a Whole Heart,” based on Jeremiah 29:13, was held at First Baptist Church Pineville on Saturday, Feb. 1. Joining Hughes, who spoke at the morning and afternoon sessions, was Heather Messick of Saraland, Ala., encouraging the women through music and … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 02/07/2014 - 10:43 Louisiana Baptist Convention State Disaster Relief Director Gibbie McMillan stands with Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer James Irvine. For his commitment to disaster relief work, Irvine was among four recently awarded the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Distinguished Service Award. By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer James Irvine and his Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief trailer have a lot in common. Since first driving the trailer down to south Louisiana to respond to his first disaster days after Hurricane Katrina impacted the area in 2005, Irvine and his trailer have traveled thousands of miles across the US to respond after hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and fires with one mission in mind – giving a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. “Whatever it takes,” said Irvine, who in 2012 alone took the trailer more than 10,000 miles. “In a time of disaster is when people have their greatest need. Some may think it’s a material need but they also have a spiritual need. People see those of us with a yellow shirt on and know that disaster relief workers are here to help.” For his commitment to disaster relief work, Irvine was among four recently awarded the … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: World News Briefs are copyrighted by World Magazine and are used with permission.   Nagmeh Abedini, the wife of imprisoned American pastor Saeed Abedini has cancelled plans to pray in front of the White House during a March protest of her husband’s detention. Abedini announced her decision the same day her lawyers revealed her husband has been moved to a less dangerous wing of the Iranian prison where he’s being held. The March protest, spearheaded by Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, is an effort to pressure President Barack Obama to help secure Abedini’s release from an Iranian prison. Since protesting on White House grounds is illegal, the action likely would have resulted in Nagmeh Abedini’s arrest. “After further prayer and counsel, I have determined it is not in the best interest of Saeed and our family for me to participate in the March 8th event that would have resulted in my arrest,” Abedini wrote on the “Pray for Pastor Saeed” Facebook page. “As a mother of two who has been without my husband and father of our two children for more than a year now, I will continue to focus on doing everything I can...to secure [his] freedom,” Abedini added.   March For Life … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message WOODWORTH – Hands-on ministry and challenging messages from a church planter and missionary are among the highlights of the upcoming Voyage 2014 conference for junior high and high school students. Scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22 at Tall Timbers Conference Center, Voyage will allow youth to learn how they can find their own place in missions according to God’s plan for their life. “At our Voyage weekend, we will encourage and challenge youth to grow strong in their faith, stand firm for Christ in daily living and boldly share the Good News through word and deed,” said Louisiana Baptist Convention Children/Youth Mission Education Strategist Jess Archer. “Through missions education we not only want to build solid conferences and weekend retreats, our prayer is that these programs build disciples and that the end result of these experiences would be a missional lifestyle that glorifies God.” Friday night’s session will include messages from Kyle Jagers, pastor of NOLA Baptist Church in New Orleans, and Meleah Nunn, an International Mission Board journeyman. Breakout sessions include how to prayer walk, sharing one’s faith, how to have a quiet time and living on mission for God every day. Saturday will … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message DALLAS (BP) – A federal judge’s ruling that the ministers’ housing allowance is unconstitutional has been appealed by government lawyers who argue the allowance should be upheld. The appeal will be heard by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. The November decision by federal Judge Barbara Crabb was stayed pending appeal, meaning it had no immediate impact on ministers. The court challenge to ministers’ housing allowance was brought by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). The appeal, being waged by Justice Department attorneys, is welcome news for ministers and provides an opportunity for the federal appeals court to uphold the longstanding statute that allows churches to provide a tax-free housing allowance to ministers. A 2010 ruling by Crabb, an appointee of President Jimmy Carter, that the National Day of Prayer violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment was overturned by the Seventh Circuit in 2011. “Pastors and others in ministry are facing challenges here in the United States that would have been unthinkable as little as a decade ago,” said Tim Head, GuideStone executive officer for denominational and public relations services who was a lawyer before being … [Read more...]