By David Roach, Baptist Press NASHVILLE (BP) -- Though some Christian colleges and universities are extending benefits to employees' same-sex spouses in the wake of the Supreme Court's nationwide legalization of gay marriage, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities says it sees no legal reason for institutions of higher education to do so. Meanwhile, the Weekly Standard reported that Senate Democrats are divided on whether religious schools that oppose gay marriage could lose their tax-exempt status. Shapri LoMaglio, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities' vice president for government and external relations, told Baptist Press Christian colleges and universities are not obligated by the Supreme Court's June 26 ruling to adapt employment, admissions or other policies to recognize same-sex marriage. CCCU is an association of "181 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world," according to the group's website. "The court's affirmation of the First Amendment ensures that institutions will be able to maintain policies consistent with their religious convictions," LoMaglio said in email comments. "The new legal status of national same-sex marriage paired with the First Amendment … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2015
We do not embrace a lifestyle that contradicts the Bible
By Tom Shepard It is a defining, sad statement I must acknowledge that the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled this month that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. I would remind people, and indeed of this country, the Supreme Court did not define marriage, and nor is it entitled to re-define it. Marriage was created by God in the Garden of Eden. This is the same God who created man and woman. God’s decisions are neither up for review nor revision by any man-made court in the land. God makes a clear statement about the definition of marriage in the Holy Scripture: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Many mighty nations including the Greek and Roman empires have all disappeared when they walked down the road of blatant rejection of God’s moral absolutes. We need to pray for our nation. If we continue to reject God’s principles and precepts we cannot expect to have His hand on this country. The President made a statement in his gay pride event he hosted in the White House last week. He said, “There has been an incredible shift in attitudes across the country.” What the president does not understand is the … [Read more...]
The legalization of same-sex marriage: A response
By Dr. David Hankins Dear Louisiana Pastors and Leaders, In the days since June 26, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, I have read and heard numerous commentaries on the subject and have mulled over what I should write to the Louisiana Baptist family. There is more to think about than can be conveyed in one letter (I hope you are availing yourself of resources being provided by respected Christian leaders) but I offer a few observations about how we should respond: We should grieve. My initial feeling upon hearing the ruling was a profound sense of sadness. I was not surprised by the ruling. It was expected, and was consistent with the rapid acceptance of homosexual behavior in our culture. But it grieves me greatly that America would ratify as a preferred way of life that which is so contradictory to Christ, His Word, and His Church. It is not as though there was a lack of abundant evidence of a growing anti-Christian sentiment in our country before June 26. But the Supreme Court decision felt to me like an official public pronouncement against God. I think I understand how Ezekiel felt when the Spirit showed him the religious leaders of Judah worshipping the … [Read more...]
Bosnian immigrant finds more than American dream
By Karen Pearce, Baptist Press SHREVEPORT (BP) - Warmth enveloped Jasmine when she came up from the baptismal waters at Broadmoor Baptist Church. "Everything was warm around me and I was feeling happiness and like finally I'm complete," she said. "I can say it now aloud.... 'That's me, that's what I am, I am Baptist.'" "I can say it out loud now, 'That's me, that’s what I am. I am Baptist,'" Jasmine, a Bosnian immigrant, said after being baptized by Donny Durr, minister of business administration at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport. Although being Baptist is a common thing in Jasmine's current home state of Louisiana, it is quite unusual in her home country. She grew up in Bosnia where Islam, Orthodoxy and Catholicism vie for prominence. She was born into a Muslim family - her grandfather was an imam. But her father was an atheist and her mother was never willing to be labeled. "She always said there is just one God and God will help you. That was her way -- to find God, to believe that He's a savior, He's a father," Jasmine said. Her mother's faith opened the way for Jasmine to seek. Today, Jasmine knows that she has met the true God, Jesus Christ, and she has taken the brave step to publically declare her … [Read more...]
A special life: Make-A-Wish Foundation documenting life of special needs child Hendrix Ebert
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer FOREST HILL – Eight-year-old Hendrix Ebert has experienced more setbacks in his young life than most people do in their lifetimes. Born with a condition where the pulmonary veins between his heart and lungs did not work properly, he had open heart surgery at birth. His trachea and esophagus were not attached to his stomach; three bones in each middle ear did not form correctly; he has pulmonary disease, and, he is undergoing a protracted program of speech therapy. Yet, Hendrix is not defined by these difficulties, but by his lovable personality which blesses each person who comes in contact with him. “People lift him up but he does the same for them,” said his mother, Rebecca. “He has this ability to know your need. “So many people want him to feel special, but he makes so many people feel special in return,” she continued. “Hendrix has this incredible zest for life that will touch you for a lifetime.” His story is being chronicled in a documentary, thanks to a request granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since March, a film crew has followed him at his school, church, recreational spots in Indiana, and most recently at Elwood Baptist Church during Vacation Bible … [Read more...]
Suggested policies for Louisiana Baptist churches on marriage, membership
ALEXANDRIA – Louisiana Baptist personnel have assembled a collection of guidelines for LBC affiliated churches to access to assist them in protecting themselves from liabilities arising from the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that overturned the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. These sample policies cover a church’s statement of faith, beliefs about marriage as well as qualifications for and expectations of members, leaders, volunteers and workers. Although each has been thoroughly reviewed, there are limitations explained in the notes at the bottom of this article. Additional resources for pastors and churches are posted on www.LouisianaBaptists.org, including a link to a handbook produced by the Alliance Defending Freedom which offers an Appendix A that contains other sample resources for churches as well for Christian schools and not-for-profit ministries. You may access the ADF handbook “Protecting Your Ministry” directly using this URL: http://www.alliancedefendingfreedom.org/content/campaign/2014/church/SOGI-Handbook.pdf SUGGESTED POLICIES FOR LOUISIANA BAPTIST CHURCHES CONCERNING MARRIAGE & MEMBERSHIP Statement of Faith: This church … [Read more...]
God moves with numerous baptisms at Trinity Baptist
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LAKE CHARLES – Trinity Baptist Church planned to baptize 24 people on June 28, as a special celebration of how God has blessed the congregation’s evangelism efforts so far this year. But by the time the last person came out of the baptismal waters, 46 had been obedient to the Holy Spirit, joining 108 others who have been baptized at Trinity this year. “When people started responding to that call to come, everyone stood up cheering and clapping,” said Greg Bath, minister of evangelism at Trinity. “It was unbelievable. During our second service of the day, we were here way past 12:00 (when the service was scheduled to end) and no one had left. “No one wanted to leave,” he added. “They wanted to see God moving.” The special emphasis, designated as Declaration Celebration, was promoted by the staff for several months. Nine new believers were scheduled for baptism during the first worship service, with 15 slated in the second. But time also was reserved for additional baptisms, and, just in case, TBC Pastor Steve James had brought a bag with t-shirts, shorts and towels to accommodate those who made decisions that day. The newly baptized members represented a broad range … [Read more...]
If we follow Jesus, persecution is inevitable – are you ready?
By Sherwon Williamson I’m sure by now everyone is aware of the recent Supreme Court decision legalizing homosexual marriage across the nation. If you have turned on a TV or logged on to the internet in the past few days you are also aware of the outpouring of opinions from people on both sides of the issue. While the issue of homosexuality is an important and pertinent topic of discussion, and one of which I am convinced that Scripture is very clear on, it is not the topic I want to discuss now. I want to talk about something that I believe is a little deeper and that some people may not even realize yet. That something is persecution. When was the last time you thought about persecution? When was the last time you thought about it in the context of you or your family being persecuted right here at home? Sadly, I must confess this is not a topic I meditate on often. This is not something that we experience very often here in the United States, at least not blatantly, and we have taken that freedom for granted. I believe that is freedom that we will find more and more lacking in the coming years. The legalization of homosexual marriage is not the root issue. After all, homosexuality is simply an expression … [Read more...]
Pastor wants more churches to fly Christian flag above the American flag
By K. Allan Blume, Biblical-Recorder SHELBY, N.C. (BP) - North Carolina pastor Rit Varriale wants to see churches fly the Christian flag above the American flag as a biblical statement, reversing flag etiquette that calls for the American flag to be flown in the prominent position. Varriale, as senior pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C., said the church installed its first-ever flagpole in order to raise the two flags in a special ceremony after morning worship on Sunday (July 5) in which the Christian flag was raised in the higher position -- which prompted interviews by Charlotte-area NBC, CBS and Fox affiliates. "If you stop and think about it, [flag etiquette] is inconsistent with what the Bible teaches us," Varriale said. "We are first and foremost Christians who are called to serve the living God." Varriale said the national motto of the United States, "In God we trust," signed into law in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, acknowledges there is a Divine Being who is the greatest authority and to whom each person is accountable. "Before our accountability to government is our accountability to God," the pastor said. "So from a Christian perspective, our flag etiquette is completely … [Read more...]
Two churches burned after Nigeria mosque bombing
By Staff, Morning Star News JOS, Nigeria (BP) - The bombing of a mosque by the terrorist group Boko Haram sparked destruction at two churches in Jos, a major city in Nigeria’s north-central state of Plateau. The churches were attacked the night of July 5 amid a week of violence attributed to Boko Haram in which as many as 300 people were killed, both Muslims and Christians. The terrorist group’s stated aim is to impose sharia (Islamic law) throughout the country. An initial bomb was detonated at a shopping complex near the University of Jos while the second blast targeted the Yan Taya Mosque just minutes later, according to a report from a pastor in Jos relayed to Baptist Press. The explosion at the mosque, according to the information received from the pastor in Jos, has been widely seen as direct retaliation against Sheikh Sani Yahaya, who has encouraged Muslims to coexist peacefully with those who hold other religious beliefs. Subsequently, a crowd of Muslims attacked St. Michael's Parish of the First African Church Mission and, near the mosque, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Good News Church. The attacks on the church buildings occurred at about 11 p.m. Isaiah Oluwagbayibi, pastor at St. Michael's, … [Read more...]
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