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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Truth, sexuality and gender

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, a new Indiana law that prohibits teaching on human sexuality to children in pre-kindergarten through third grade is designed to “control what youth can and cannot read, what they can and cannot learn, and — most troublingly — who they can and cannot be.” … [Read more...]

SBC CP rises in April, trends down for FY 23

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM) -- The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee released the April 2023 financial report, May 8, showing that gifts to SBC causes through the Cooperative Program rose 1.92 percent while designated giving for the month dropped 12.64 percent compared to April 2022. Meanwhile, year-to-date figures showed both funding channels in decline. From October 2022 through April 2023, CP contributions were down 6.41 percent overall compared to the same timeframe for the last fiscal year. Likewise, designated giving was down 4.94 percent year-to-date for the same months. Both the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering were negatively affected. The national report showed April giving to SBC causes by Louisiana Baptists rose 8.78 percent for CP and dropped 8.48 percent for special offerings. However, the year-to-date data showed Louisiana Baptist giving through the CP and to designated offerings trended higher for both funding channels, 1.62 percent and 9.18 percent, respectively. … [Read more...]

LCU grads urged to impact world through Christ

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Frank Ashley, executive associate dean of Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service, told the Louisiana Christian University Class of 2023 graduates to change the world for Christ. Speaking during the college’s 168th Commencement May 6 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Ashley said anything is possible for those who trust in God. “Earning this degree is only the beginning,” he said. “You have got to keep on learning. “Go out there and make an impact,” he continued. “An impact changes lives.” The school conferred 259 degrees (182 undergraduate and 77 graduate) during the ceremony. LCU President Rick Brewer praised the students for their perseverance through a tornado, two hurricanes, an ice storm and the pandemic. “I think you all deserve an A in persistence and tenacity,” he said. “We are proud of you. “We are a Great Commandment and a Great Commission university where we strive to teach our students to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength,” he continued. “Behind our students are tremendous faculty who have mentored, who have nurtured, who have poured into your lives, and to help flesh out this … [Read more...]