By Jim Law, Pastor First Baptist Church Gonzales Someone has said that judging others is one of the favorite indoor sports of humanity. Indeed, judging others just seems to flow naturally from a fallen heart. Even among the ranks of the redeemed, believers battle with sinful, judgmental attitudes. In fact, one of the crushing criticisms leveled against Christianity have been those instances where professing believers have been cruel, harsh, and condemning in their action toward others. Instead of providing a covering of comfort in the blows of life, believers have been known to shoot their wounded.  These cancerous thoughts and actions can defile many, thus falling woefully short of the command of Jesus who taught, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1 In context, the crosshairs of this command were upon the Pharisees whose judgments were so severe and without mercy that Jesus rebukes them for noticing the speck in another’s eye while ignoring the log that was in their own eye. Like the Pharisees we too can be good at speck inspecting and log ignoring. Like the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son, we can rehearse the failures of others without taking a breath, but are often very slow to embrace our … [Read more...]

By Bob Stewart, Professor of Philosphy and Theology at NOBTS Worldviews are like navels.  We all have one, but we don’t often think about it. There is no shortage of talk or books these days about “worldviews,” whether the worldview in question is the Christian worldview, the naturalist worldview, the enlightenment worldview, the Muslim worldview, the New Age worldview or whatever the worldview flavor of the month is. But what exactly do we mean when we use the term worldview? To a degree that depends on who is speaking (just as what is understood depends on who is listening).  Apparently worldviews are also like pornography – we all think we know a worldview when we see one but nobody can produce a definition that satisfies everyone. Simply put, there doesn’t appear to be much agreement on the answer to this question. For this reason, it seems best to me to begin by laying out what I mean when I talk about worldviews, especially what I mean when I talk about the Christian worldview. A worldview is a set of basic beliefs through which we view reality.  Simple enough; but what does this mean? Among other things it means that a worldview is not simply a single belief but a group of beliefs that shape and influence how we … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union is holding a birthday celebration in April and wants women and missions advocates from throughout the state to come. Participants at the 114th WMU Annual Meeting will celebrate not only the 125th anniversary of WMU of the Southern Baptist Convention but also the 100th birthday of Girls in Action nationwide. The meeting is April 4-5 at First Baptist Lafayette. “I am anticipating a great weekend of celebration in what WMU is doing about, praying for and giving to missions,” said Janie Wise, Louisiana Baptist Convention women’s missions and ministry strategist. “That’s WMU’s one focus – missions.” Based on Psalm 78:5-7, the theme of the conference is “Teach. Listen. Tell. Live.” Each session will have a focus based on teach with confidence in God; listen by hearing and keeping His commands; tell in Word and deed; and live intentionally for future generations. The meeting will feature such speakers as Kay Bennett, director of the Baptist Friendship House in New Orleans; Janet Erwin, WMU SBC MISSIONS MOSAIC editor; and various North American and International Mission Board missionaries. John Frank Reeve and Jennifer Hoover will lead … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA – Louisiana Baptists logging onto lbc.org in early February were greeted with a new and improved website that convention leaders hope will provide a better way to connect with and find information regarding their cooperative missions and ministries. Launched in mid-February, louisianabaptists.org integrates social media, tools churches can use and event information in what convention leaders believe will utilize the latest technology. The new website address replaces lbc.org. “As a communications team our strategy was to build a new website using the latest technology with the end-user in mind – our Louisiana Baptist pastors, church leaders, lay people and those wanting to know more about Christ,” said Roger Craig, digital media strategist for the Louisiana Baptist Convention. “One specific design goal was to minimize amount of clicks it takes to get to where you want to go on our site. “Also, with now over 60 percent of users browsing the web on the phone or tablet it is very important for our website to be easily accessible on a variety of devices, from your mobile phone or tablet, to your laptop or desktop computer,” Craig said. “The website also features significant … [Read more...]

Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer MONROE – Every morning Perry Hancock goes into his office at the campus of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, he is reminded of just how blessed he is to serve as president and CEO of the organization. That reminder was evident yet again when he announced to the entity’s trustees that $9.5 million was given in receipts in 2013, the highest amount since he began serving as president and CEO in 2003. “We are grateful for everyone who is committed to meeting the needs of our children,” Hancock said. “People are making an investment when they give to the Children’s Home. When people give they are not just sharing their love but God’s love with our children.” He attributed the giving total to a combination of bequests, funds the Children’s Home received, a trust that was established for LBCH, and the generous support of individuals, churches, and gifts through the Cooperative Program. Additionally, 1,114 individuals and 35 churches gave for the first time. Hancock also updated trustees on the progress of its efforts to build a Louisiana Baptist-sponsored ministry center for orphans and those seeking medical care in Haiti. The Haiti project is an effort sponsored by … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 03/07/2014 - 11:33 (from left) Beau Colle, Director of Missions for Delta Baptist Association; Edna Craft, Delta Baptist Storefront Manager, Concordia Parish farmers Sydney and Veronica Plaisance and Tom Albritton, a representative of Monsanto were on hand for a check presentation for $2,500 to the Delta Baptist Storefront Mission. FERRIDAY  – Veronica Plaisance, a Concordia Parish farmer,  has directed a $2,500 donation to the Delta Baptist Storefront Mission. Funded by America’s Farmers Grow Communities, which is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the donation will help the group purchase a computer and printer to assist with the organization’s compliance efforts. Funds will also be used to provide training for managers and volunteers. Thanks to the support of farmers across the country, more than $3.2 million is being directed to nonprofits in 1,289 counties in 39 states. “These funds will help us purchase a computer and printer, while contributing to volunteer training,” said Beau Colle, the Delta Association’s director of missions. “The donation is much appreciated.” America’s Farmers Grow Communities works directly with farmers to support nonprofit organizations like the Delta … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message ON THE MOVE Kevin (wife Cathy) Willis new as pastor of Indian Village Baptist Church, Kinder Eddie (wife Ashley) Briery new as pastor of Vivian First Baptist Church. James (Edwina) Sykes new as associate pastor at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Shreveport David (wife Pam) McKinney new as pastor at Memorial Chapel Baptist Church. REVIVAL/HOMECOMING Longview Baptist Church, Deville: Revival, March 16-19. Sunday, March 16 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. March 17-19, 7 p.m. Speaker: Bill Robertson. Worship: Second Chance Trio. Pastor: Robby Poole. Judson Baptist Church, Walker: 125th anniversary, March 16, 10:30 a.m. Following morning services there will be a pot luck Dinner on the Grounds, a balloon release and singing. Pastor: David Lane. Sycamore Baptist Church, Vidalia: Revival, March 23-28 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. March 25; 7 p.m. March 24-28. Pastor: Richard Cullum LAGNIAPPE Lake Front Community Church, St. Martinville is seeking a donated projector that works off a laptop for their music program. Call Pastor Larry Baldridge at 337.250.3954 if you would like to donate. First Baptist Church, Minden: Dinner and a movie Seven Bridges for Seven Brothers presented by student celebration. March 14-15, 6:30 p.m. … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – First through sixth grade boys will have an opportunity for an up and close encounter with a 10-foot robot at the upcoming Royal Ambassador Congress. Scheduled for March 21-22 at Tall Timbers Conference Center, RA Congress will feature Gigamaxx, a giant robot who will be focused on what it takes to be transformed into a follower of Christ. Louisiana Baptist Convention President Steve Horn, who serves as pastor of First Baptist Lafayette, will interview Gigamaxx and there will be a time for each RA Lad and Crusader to have interaction with the robot. The robot will coincide with this year’s theme, Be Transformed. “We only have one opportunity to reach these young men and we need to do all we can to make an impression on them of the importance of following Christ,” said Gibbie McMillan, LBC men’s ministry and volunteer strategist. “Traditionally we have RAs from 25 plus chapters from across the state of Louisiana, therefore we must make the most of this time. We will be extremely fast paced for about 20 hours and hopefully they will go home excited about their experience at Congress.” In addition to Gigamaxx, RA Congress will also include Pinewood Derby and soap box races, … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 03/07/2014 - 11:40 Pastor Ronnie Floyd By Art Toalston, Baptist Press Editor NASHVILLE (BP) – Arkansas pastor Ronnie Floyd will be nominated for president of the Southern Baptist Convention at the SBC annual meeting this June, seminary president R. Albert Mohler Jr. said. Floyd has “unparalleled experience as a leader among us, an unquestioned commitment to the Great Commission, and he has demonstrated an unstinting urgency to unite Southern Baptists around our shared beliefs, mission, and programs,” Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., wrote in an open letter to Southern Baptists stating his intention to nominate Floyd in June. During the 27 years Floyd has led Cross Church in northwest Arkansas, it has become “one of the most evangelistic, visible and innovative congregations in our convention,” Mohler wrote. The church encompasses campuses in Springdale, Rogers and Fayetteville. Highlighting Floyd’s support for Southern Baptists’ Cooperative Program channel for funding missions and ministries internationally, nationally and in each state, Mohler wrote: “Over the last several years, Ronnie Floyd has led his church to become one of the … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 03/07/2014 - 11:42 Clint Pressley By K. Allan Blume, Baptist Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BP) – Clint Pressley, senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C., will be nominated for the office of first vice-president of the Southern Baptist Convention when Baptists meet June 10-11 for their annual meeting in Baltimore, Md. Pastor Ted Traylor announced through the Biblical Recorder he will nominate Pressley. “Clint is a gracious role model in many areas,” Traylor, senior pastor of Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola, Fla., told the newsjournal of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina Feb. 28. “He is a pastor/preacher that expounds the Scripture week by week to his people. He leads his church to be generous in Great Commission giving and going, and he leads Hickory Grove in numerous compassion ministries in the Charlotte area.” Right now Pressley serves as vice-president of the SBC Pastor’s Conference and is the vice-chairman of the trustees for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He is a graduate of Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C. and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans. Pressley is currently completing the doctor of … [Read more...]