“I have a question to offer you. It is contained in three words, DO YOU PRAY?” “I have a question to offer you. It is contained in three words, DO YOU PRAY?” That is how the book A Call to Prayer begins. The classic work is as needed today as it was when it was produced by J.C. Ryle in the 1800’s. Ryle (May 10, 1816 - June 10, 1900) was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool. According to his contemporaries, he was solidly evangelical in his doctrine and uncompromising in his principles. Ryle was known as a vigorous preacher and faithful pastor. He was also a prolific writer. Ryle’s commitment to doctrine and dedication to principle are on full display in A Call to Prayer. Upon re-reading it recently, I could not help but think how desperately the church in America needs to hear the simple yet profound truths articulated by Ryle. Peppered throughout the book Ryle repeatedly asks the question he posed in its opening: “Do you pray?” It is a fair question for today. Our churches have scores of services, plenty of programs and an abundance of activity, but do we pray? If ever our country and our churches needed to pray, it is now.  Consider the following: Our country is in the midst of significant financial … [Read more...]

We were at a national park by the sea, within eyesight of North Korea and in a rocky area guarded by South Korean soldiers, when an elderly woman came up to me, grabbed my hands in hers, and bowed deeply, several times. PONCHATOULA – We were at a national park by the sea, within eyesight of North Korea and in a rocky area guarded by South Korean soldiers, when an elderly woman came up to me, grabbed my hands in hers, and bowed deeply, several times. “Thank you for many kindness,” she said in halting English, then bowed again, her hands still clenching mine, as if to underscore the importance of what she was saying. “Korea never forget.” She was talking about the Korean War, of course, which I don’t remember, but Korea I will never forget. We were welcomed there, the 38 of us who participated in Reach Missions’ 2007 annual evangelistic crusade to South Korea. This Oct. 21through Nov. 4 will be the 43rd year for what is now an informal partnership between Louisiana and South Korea. The partnership has grown to include a three-week mid-summer Camp USA for elementary school students from South Korea – on hold this year because of global economic conditions – and a July 22 through Aug. 8 English Camp as a church outreach in … [Read more...]

The first time I heard Rush Limbaugh on the radio in New Orleans nearly 20 years ago, I was embarrassed. I thought, “What a terrible preacher – yelling and screaming.” Little did I know! The first time I heard Rush Limbaugh on the radio in New Orleans nearly 20 years ago, I was embarrassed. I thought, “What a terrible preacher – yelling and screaming.” Little did I know! In time, I came to enjoy Rush’s rants as much as the next person. He was a first rate showman. He sometimes spoke the truth, but often crossed the line of good taste in the interest of entertaining and making his point. Rush was clearly an egotist of the first order and it was fun to see him drive liberals up the wall. I could never take a full three-hour dose of the man, but it had nothing to do with his political views. To me, Rush’s “preaching” style was unbearable. He got on my nerves. He loved the sound of his own voice too much. It took him forever to make a point. He would begin talking on some subject and interrupt himself to chase a rabbit – then interrupt the interruption. I was one of the conservatives and it irritated me. There’s no telling what the liberals were thinking! My opinion is that Rush Limbaugh has had his day. What made him … [Read more...]

As a first year faculty member at Louisiana College I am enjoying the opportunities I have to interact with a wonderful student body. As a first year faculty member at Louisiana College I am enjoying the opportunities I have to interact with a wonderful student body.  That said, I have to be honest and confess that the transition to Louisiana has not been the easiest, nor has the transition from the pay-scales of the industrial world to those of academia. God, however, has amazing ways of confirming his direction in one’s life, as He has shown me yet again. A recent discussion with one of my students provided the opportunity for Him to remind me of His providence. One of my freshman general chemistry students had recently been reading a book entitled The Science of God by nuclear physicist Gerald Schroeder and had some questions about some of the ideas and theories that are put forth by Schroeder. According to the publisher, The Science of God is written with the aim of educating the reader about the latest scientific discoveries and theories related to the origins of life and the universe, the biblical accounts of these same events, and “how the convergence of the two will inspire you to reconsider both your Scripture … [Read more...]

President Obama kept at least two campaign promises March 9 when he signed a bill authorizing the expenditure of tax-dollars for embryo-destructive stem cell research. President Obama kept at least two campaign promises March 9 when he signed a bill authorizing the expenditure of tax-dollars for embryo-destructive stem cell research. Many have been surprised that it has taken so long for him to follow through on the first promise, the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Throughout the campaign, Mr. Obama made it clear that he thought the Bush policy was wrong and, were he elected, he would set it straight. On Aug. 9, 2001, President Bush instituted a policy allowing funding for embryonic stem cell research using already-existing stem cell lines, but forbidding the funding of additional destruction of embryos. Of course, the Bush policy did nothing to limit private research, which went on without hindrance from the federal government. Mr. Obama’s executive order authorizes the National Institutes of Health to determine guidelines for funding research labs, thus effectively keeping another of his campaign promises: job creation. Pumping tax-dollars into embryo-destructive research will mean that every … [Read more...]

It could be considered a new way to do evangelism. BOSSIER CITY – It could be considered a new way to do evangelism. A 90,000-square foot, two-story complex featuring a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-size gymnasium, martial arts school, kid’s arcade, coffee shop, bookstore, learning center, a counseling center and administrative office, is a rather big evangelism tool, but Pastor Randy Harper, pastor of Bellaire Baptist Church in Bossier City said he believes it can be an effective one. “We are trying to think out of the box,” Harper said. “We believe we can reach more people by allowing the community to use our 30,000 square foot fitness center with its state-of-the art equipment. “We have hired a fitness manager, an assistant, a trainer from the BattleWings football team,” Harper said. “I believe it will enable us to attract and reach more families in south Bossier Parish.” When it comes to evangelism, Harper is no stranger to thinking out of the box. Before becoming Bellaire’s pastor, he effectively used his martial arts skills in his evangelistic efforts as First Baptist Church in Bossier City minister of evangelism and associate pastor for seven years. He holds a black belt in Karate and Kung Fu, … [Read more...]

A bill that would drastically expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research has been re-introduced in the Senate, but British and Canadian researchers announced a scientific breakthrough March 2 that could change the course of stem cell research and eventually make the ethical debate moot. WASHINGTON (BP) – A bill that would drastically expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research has been re-introduced in the Senate, but British and Canadian researchers announced a scientific breakthrough March 2 that could change the course of stem cell research and eventually make the ethical debate moot. As detailed in the research journal Nature, the researchers found a safer way to reprogram ordinary human skin cells into embryonic-like stem cells. While a 2007 study by Japanese and American researchers did something very similar, the British and Canadian researchers did it without the use of a virus, which the ’07 teams had used to complete the process. Researchers feared the use of viruses to turn the skin cells into the stem cells could cause cancer in patients. Stem cells are the body’s master cells that can develop into other cells and tissues, and they have the potential for leading to cures for diseases … [Read more...]

President Obama overturned March 9 a prohibition on federal funding of stem cell research that destroys embryos, drawing protests from supporters of the previous policy who said his action is both unethical and unnecessary. WASHINGTON (BP) – President Obama overturned March 9 a prohibition on federal funding of stem cell research that destroys embryos, drawing protests from supporters of the previous policy who said his action is both unethical and unnecessary. Signed at a White House ceremony, Obama’s executive order rescinded a policy instituted by President Bush in August 2001. Bush’s rule barred the use of federal funds for stem cell research that results in the destruction of human embryos. Bush permitted, however, grants for experiments on stem cell lines, or colonies, already in existence. Because of their ability to develop into other cells and tissues, stem cells provide hope for producing cures for a variety of diseases. Many scientists have promoted embryonic stem cell research (ESCR), because stem cells from embryos are pluripotent, meaning they can transform into any cell or tissue in the body. Extracting stem cells from an embryo, however, destroys the tiny human being. Embryonic stem cell research has yet … [Read more...]

WASHINGTON (BP)--President Obama’s executive order March 9 will drastically expand the federal government’s role in embryonic stem cell research. Following is a list of frequently asked questions, along with answers, about stem cells. What are stem cells? Stem cells are the body’s master cells from which all cells and tissues are formed. Because some types of stem cells in theory can develop into any type of tissue, they seemingly hold the promise to cure diseases and other ailments. Where are stem cells found? Generally, in two sources: 1) throughout the human body, such as in skin cells, and 2) in embryos. Stem cells found in the human body are referred to as “adult stem cells,” while stem cells in the second category are known as “embryonic stem cells.” Adult stem cell research is harmless and is not controversial. Embryonic stem cell research, though, requires the destruction of embryos and is very controversial. President Obama’s executive order pertained primarily to this second category. What did President Obama’s executive order do? Obama’s order overturned President Bush’s stem cell limits, which had prohibited federal funds from being used for conducting research on embryonic stem cell lines created … [Read more...]

State Acteens Convention is an overnight event at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center for teenage girls in our state. State Acteens Convention is an overnight event at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center for teenage girls in our state. During the sessions, Beth Masters, a BCM Associate for the New Orleans Metro area, challenged the girls to give God their ALL, both now and later. The girls were led in worship by Michael Reid and the Fifty-Six Worship Band at Louisiana Tech in Ruston. Throughout the weekend the young ladies heard from Michelle Bruss, a US/C2 missionary at the Baptist Friendship House in New Orleans. The girls collected items for Baptist Friendship House that will be used in hygiene kits. Acteens also had the opportunity to attend a conference with Lydia Garza a former IMB missionary. Lydia shared with the girls about the work that is taking place in Ecuador.  On Saturday, the Acteens were able to attend conferences that were designed to encourage and challenge them to give God their ALL! The conferences included: ALL My Heart, Soul, and Mind,    ALL My Strength, ALL of Me, and ALL I Want to Do!   … [Read more...]