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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

He has risen: Easter’s offering of hope is not an empty promise

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – In Jericho, during His journey to Jerusalem for that last week before His crucifixion, Jesus declared to Zacchaeus His very nature, His very character, His very purpose for becoming fully God and fully man. Critics had questioned Jesus’ going into the home of a sinner, but after Zacchaeus repented, Jesus explained that “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Indeed, “Jesus saves” is the quintessential quality of His very being. Importantly, the promise of salvation is to both the lost sheep of Israel as well as other sheep “not of this fold,” meaning Gentiles like you and me (John 10:11-16). This is to fulfill the promise of Isaiah 49:6 that Jesus will “raise up the tribes of Jacob” and “restore the preserved ones of Israel” as well as be “a light to the Gentiles,” extending salvation “to the ends of the earth.” Moreover, it is no small matter that the promise of salvation was fulfilled on the cross and the fullness of salvation was completed in the tomb. Instead, the empty cross is a reminder that you and I don’t have to be crucified to pay for our sins. The Bible tells us that “God demonstrates His own … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Les Colvin has retired as pastor at First Baptist Church, Zachary. n Coy (wife LeAnne) Fuqua is the new pastor at North Keithville, Keithville. John Oswalt retiring as music director at Belle Park Baptist Church, Haughton. Mickey Alexander is the new pastor at Enterprise Baptist Church in Farmerville. Eric Green is the new pastor at Bayou Vista Baptist Church, Morgan City. Luke (wife Jenn) Lusted is the new music minister at First Baptist Church, Shreveport. He comes from Camelback Bible Church, Paradise Valley. Aaron (wife Seana) Greenwood is the new music minister at Woodridge Baptist Church from Farley Street Baptist Church, Waxahachie, Texas. J.D. Jones has resigned as Children’s minister from Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport to become associate pastor at Fellowship Community Church, … [Read more...]

RA Congress to embark on ‘Quest for truth’

By Baptist Message staff WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – First through sixth grade boys will embark on a “Quest for truth” (Eph. 6:11) during the 2023 Royal Ambassador Congress, March 31-April 1 on the Tall Timbers Conference Center campus. The event will feature jousting; an archery exhibition led by David Easterling, pastor of First Baptist Church, Pine; a petting zoo; and an encouraging message by Jonathan Murphy, connections pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria. RA Congress also will include a Pinewood Derby; soap box races; and a Gospel presentation from Keith Manuel, Louisiana Baptist evangelism and church growth team director, and his dog, Luke. Additionally, participants will help assemble hygiene kits with Matt Tyson, pastor of 318 Church, Shreveport. “RA Congress is a time of fellowship and celebration for RA groups across the state for their work throughout the year,” Louisiana Baptist Men’s Ministry and Disaster Relief Strategist Stan Statham told the Baptist Message. “It’s also a time to further their missions education and have a hand-on missions experience.” For more information or to download a registration form, please visit https://louisianabaptists.org/event/ra-congress/ … [Read more...]

Homeschool Preview Day to be held March 28

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University will host a Homeschool Preview Day, March 28, for any homeschool student interested in attending this fall. The prospective students will have the opportunity to sit in on a class, attend chapel, enjoy lunch and meet with professors in their area of interest. Additionally, LCU President Rick Brewer and representatives from financial aid and student development will speak to students. “Louisiana Christian University is a tremendous place for students who have been homeschooled to flourish academically and spiritually,” Brewer said. “Most of our leading student scholars on campus are students who were blessed to have been homeschooled. And, we have numerous homeschool alums who are achieving great things as Marketplace Missionaries worldwide.” Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the event scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to register visit the LCU Preview Day web page. … [Read more...]

LCU announces spring 2023 Commencement speaker

By Brandon Brown, Wildcats Media PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) – Frank B. Ashley III, the executive associate dean of Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service, will be the keynote speaker at Louisiana Christian University’s 168th Commencement exercises May 6. Ashley, an LCU distinguished alumnus, has served in numerous administrative positions at Texas A&M in addition to being a senior professor. He oversees graduate education and research activities, as well as strategic planning, faculty affairs, student affairs, program development, diversity, assessment, communications and external relations, student services and extended education programs in the Bush School. Ashley earned his bachelor’s degree from LCU in health, physical education and Safety. He earned master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Alabama. During Commencement, Maggie Martin, for whom the Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit is named, will be awarded an honorary doctorate for her many years of distinguished support and service to the university and the community. Martin resides in Alexandria. A total of 260 students are expected to graduate this year, 183 receiving either the bachelor’s or associate … [Read more...]

Pence seeks ‘clear sense of our calling’

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor DEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Former Vice President Mike Pence did not reveal his plans regarding the 2024 presidential election; however, in an exclusive interview with the Baptist Message, March 19, he did ask for Louisiana Baptists and other people of faith to pray for him and his wife Karen as they seek “to discern our path forward.” NATIONWIDE REVIVAL Pence, whose spiritual awakening took place during a Christian music festival in Wilmore, Kentucky, home of Asbury University, site of the 1970 revival that served as one of the significant events of “the Jesus movement,” said he hoped the multiple revivals reported across the country today are the “beginning of another Great Awakening in America.” He offered that the movie “Jesus Revolution” (about the 1970s spiritual phenomenon) was making a big impact on the nation. “But to see young people stepping forward today at Asbury and campuses around the country is deeply inspiring to me,” he said. In that context, Pence shared about a phone call with the AU president, who told him the chapel service that began the recent Asbury revival was “’actually very ordinary.’” But he told Pence that at the end of it “’people stayed and … [Read more...]

Former VP Mike Pence talks faith in Louisiana

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer DEVILLE, La. (LBM) – God still is at work in a time of conflict abroad, economic hardships at home and a steady assault on values and liberty, former Vice President Mike Pence told the congregation of Philadelphia Baptist Church, March 19. “Even when you don’t see it, He’s working,” said Pence, who served with former President Donald Trump, 2018-2022. “Even when things don’t make sense, He's working. I had other plans for these four years. You may have too. But never doubt that God is at work. And never doubt that the ministry of Philadelphia Baptist Church and churches just like it all across this state and nation are doing the most important work that’s done – loving God, loving others, and showing others God’s love,” a reference to the church's mission statement. Pence was the guest speaker during both Sunday morning worship services at PBC’s Deville campus, and after each service, he signed copies of his newly released book “So Help Me God.” Pastor Philip Robertson said Pence’s appearance at PBC came about through a connection between mutual friends. “We were honored that he would come and worship with us and share his testimony,” Robertson told the Baptist Message. “He was … [Read more...]

LRTL RV Tour: Keep Louisiana pro-life

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Pro-life supporters must be proactive in opposing a possible bill that if passed during the upcoming legislation could legalize abortion in the case of rape or incest in the state, Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper said during the “Keep Louisiana Pro-Life! RV Tour” stop at the Louisiana Baptist state mission center, March 15. “We’re concerned about that type of legislation passing in Louisiana,” he said. “That’s why we have decided to canvass the state, cross the state, to engage with legislators, engage with pro-life citizens to make sure people are educated and talking about these critical issues in our society.” Clapper was among those who spoke during a tour that began Feb. 27 and ends May 10 at Pro-Life Day at the Capitol in Baton Rouge. During each stop, speakers have encouraged the crowd to defend life and provide support to women in need. Participants also have been encouraged to sign a petition that asks Gov. John Bel Edwards and state legislators to oppose any legislation that would legalize abortion. BACKGROUND The tour comes on the heels of a June 24, 2022, ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade. … [Read more...]

Daily double

By Steve Horn If you’re a fan of Jeopardy, you’re probably familiar with the Daily Double. If you’re lucky enough to uncover this question, you have the opportunity to risk your entire current earnings instead of the stated amount on the puzzle board.   … [Read more...]