By CHARLES QUARLES, Chair of Christian Studies, Louisiana College The wise men who visited the infant Christ in Bethlehem seem to have captured the attention of Gospel readers. Church tradition has gone so far as to name their different countries of origin and even assign them names: Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar. By contrast, most seem content to leave the shepherds of Bethlehem in relative obscurity. This is a huge mistake. [img_assist|nid=6909|title=Charles Quarles, Chair of Christian Studies, Louisiana College|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=67|height=100]The shepherds of Bethlehem were no ordinary men and their presence in the manger scene sheds enormous light on the significance of Christmas. Although our familiarity with manger scenes tends to make the presence of the shepherds of Bethlehem at Jesus’ birth seem natural, from a first-century perspective their presence there is quite unexpected. With all the kings, priests, and celebrities in the world, why would God summon this humble group of men to adore the infant Messiah and to announce his birth to others? Although we may never unravel the mysteries of divine grace, two explanations may be given. First, these men were summoned to the birth scene of … [Read more...]

By BILL WARREN, Ph.D., NOBTS Professor of New Testament and Greek Question: Who were the wise men, where did they come from, and what is their importance in the Christmas story? Bill Warren responds: The wise men, only mentioned in Matthew (2:1-12), are actually called “Magi,” a term that normally refers to religious figures who are wise through the study of the stars. Since they come from “the east” (Mathew 2:1), they are probably coming from Parthia, a region not under Roman control that included some of the former Persian Empire, with modern day Iraq being a likely geographic setting for the Magi.  Much of our additional information on them is based on the statements of early Christian writers. For example, Clement of Alexandria (about A.D. 200) notes that they are from Persia (Strommata, Book 1, chapter 15), and Tertullian (early 3rd century) says that they were generally regarded to be kings (An Answer to the Jews, chapter 9). The reason their place of origin is important can be seen in the events at the beginning of Herod the Great’s reign as king over Israel. In 40 B.C., the Parthians had backed a different ruler for Israel versus Herod the Great, resulting in three years of war before Herod finally defeated them … [Read more...]

By JOANNE BRECHTEL, Administrative Editor DEVILLE – Philadelphia Baptist: “The Invitation” Christmas presentation 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11; 10 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12; Philip Robertson, pastor. VIDALIA – First Baptist: “A Casual Christmas” featuring David Taylor; Tuesday, Dec. 14; Bill McCullin, pastor. MINDEN – First Baptist: Holiday luncheon for single senior adults 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13; Christmas caroling 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19; Leland Crawford, pastor. MANY – First Baptist: Adult Christmas musical 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. WEST MONROE – Ridge Ave. Baptist: “He is Born, Child Divine” Christmas Choir cantata 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19; annual Christmas day service 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 25; David Brown, pastor. LAKE CHARLES – Sale Street Baptist:  “A Christmas Prayer” musical drama 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. WINNSBORO – First Baptist: “How Far is it to Bethlehem?” children’s musical 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12; reception to follow; “The First Noel” adult choir musical 10:55 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 19; “Jon and Friends” musical program 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19; Craig Beeman, pastor. ALEXANDRIA – Parkview Baptist: Adult Christmas music presentation 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 19; David Shaw, pastor. BAKER – First … [Read more...]

  By KELLY BOGGS, Editor, Louisiana Baptist Message   "Anyone who isn’t confused really doesn’t understand the situation," said Edward R. Murrow. Though the famed broadcast journalist died in 1965, his quip adequately describes life in our post-modern world.   Consider the following: ESPN reported recently that "a female-to-male transgender member of the George Washington University women’s basketball team wants to be identified as a man this season."   … [Read more...]

BY Michael Stewart, LBC Stewardship Strategist Arthur Laffer, chief economist during the Reagan presidency, believes an already weakened economy will get worse. Terrence Aym, at Helium.com, stated, “Arthur Laffer has analyzed the direction of the federal government over the past two years and hears alarm bells going off.” Aym continued: “The savvy economist has studied the potential impact of the historic debt, an economy hovering just above a depression, and the building pressure to raise interest rates when inflation rises in the future, and compares the ship of state to the Titanic”. [img_assist|nid=6914|title=Michael Stewart, LBC Stewardship Strategist|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=79|height=100]While nothing in or of this world will destroy believers, followers of Jesus are not immune from a rough economy. That said, Jesus’ mandate to go and make disciples is larger than ever before. How then, do pastors help their congregations find the balance between battening down their financial hatches and becoming generous givers through tithes and offerings? The answer to the aforementioned question is faithfully proclaiming the sovereignty and goodness of the Heavenly Father. When it comes to finances and … [Read more...]

ALEXANDRIA – More than 7,000 students and their leaders filled the Rapides Coliseum for the 2010 Youth Evangelism Celebration Nov. 21-22. More importantly, 361 professions of faith – a record – plus 206 re-affirmations of faith and 22 other decisions, plus 182 students called into ministry – a second record – were made during YEC. It was the largest YEC ever, said Kevin Boles, youth ministry strategist for the Louisiana Baptist Convention. The final count was 7,024 registered for the event that concluded with a concert by the contemporary Christian inspirational group, and recent American Music Award winner, Mercy Me. That total is up from last year’s record 5,050. [img_assist|nid=6916|title=A record-setting 7,024 students and their leaders attended the 2010 Youth Evangelism Celebration Nov. 21-22.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=67]It was the largest event ever to take place in the Coliseum, said Kimberly Townley, the event venue’s executive director. This includes the March 30, 1977, appearance of Elvis Presley, she said. At that time, the Coliseum’s maximum capacity was 5,000, or there might have been more, she added about the “King of Rock and Roll” who emerged on the music scene in 1954 and gained … [Read more...]

By KAREN L. WILLOUGHBY, Managing Editor WEST MONROE – God’s people tend to depart, and need to return to Him, said Henry Blackaby in the opening session of the two-day Fresh Encounter conference that took place at Cedar Crest Baptist Church. Blackaby, known today as a Southern Baptist statesman, is author of the best-selling Experiencing God tome of the 1970s that remains wildly successful for its simple yet profound statements such as “God is always at work around you” and “God invites you to become involved with Him in His work,” as well as the life-changing “God’s invitation … always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.” [img_assist|nid=6918|title=Henry Blackaby spoke at Cedar Crest Baptist Church Fresh Encounter Conference.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=66|height=100]Blackaby, now 75, and his son Richard Blackaby, known for his emphasis on spiritual leadership, each spoke three times in as many sessions that sounded like the next three verses of what LBC President Rod Masteller preached at the 2010 annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. “There is a drought in the power of God in our lives and in our churches,” Masteller said at the Monday evening session. It’s available … [Read more...]

By STAFF, Alabama Baptist For the third consecutive year, International Mission Board (IMB) trustees adopted a decreased budget from the previous year. They also appointed 57 new missionaries during their Nov. 10 meeting in Greensboro, N.C. Trustees adopted a 2011 budget of $308.5 million, $9.1 million less than 2010’s budget. Though the IMB pulled $7.5 million from its reserves to balance the budget last year, the trustee finance committee was committed to not repeating that move. “We continue to face very difficult economic times as a nation,” said Charles Fowler, a Tennessee trustee who chairs the finance committee. “We’re grateful for Southern Baptist support of the Lord’s work that’s being accomplished around the world,” he added. “It truly is an amazing story of the grace of God at work.” Personnel attrition According to IMB officials, the mission board is sending about 30 percent fewer long-term personnel than would be sent if there were no financial constraints. The IMB still anticipates sending 300 new long-term personnel and 200 to 250 new short-term personnel in 2011. With the 57 new long-term missionaries, the number of IMB personnel serving around the world now totals 5,189. Attrition through … [Read more...]

What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven? Is it luck? Good deeds? Nothing at all? Or is there something more? The Bible has the real answer to this question. It’s a matter of FAITH. F stands for FORGIVENESS. We cannot have eternal life without God’s forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7a says, “In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” A is for AVAILABLE. Forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” But forgiveness is not automatic. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” says Matthew 7:21a. I is for IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven because of who He is and because of who we are. God is loving and just, but His judgment is against sin. James 2:13a says, “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.” We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” T is for TURN. To turn means to repent. We can repent - or turn - from our sin and from ourselves. “But unless you repent, you too will … [Read more...]

By Mark H. Hunter, Special to the Message   BATON ROUGE – After Katrina, Jefferson Baptist Church hosted the Tennessee Disaster Response Team, who brought all their own supplies, tents, trailers, generators, temp. showers, etc.   The church also provided 50,000 meals for the Red Cross who delivered them to the downtown Civic Center shelter, according to Jefferson’s Emeritus Pastor Tommy French, Jr.   Jefferson Baton Rouge also turned its 7,000 square-foot gym into a free food and clothing distribution center for at least 16,000 families.   What did that do for the congregation?   “It literally set us on fire,” French said. “It brought revival to the congregation because they were able to do what Jesus said – to give a cup of cold water in his name. We didn’t just provide food and clothing we provided the Gospel. We were able to witness to them.   “Some would say ‘why are you doing this?’ and we’d say ‘because we want to tell you the other story – God can not only provide for you now; He can provide for you eternally.’   “A lot of our people had the occasion to witness to people that prior to that occasion had not had that experience,” French … [Read more...]