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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Arizona Supreme Court rules in favor of Christian artists

By Will Hall, Message Executive Editor PHOENIX (LBM) — The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Christian friends who serve homosexuals among the clientele of their calligraphy and hand-painting business, but ran afoul of a city ordinance by refusing to honor same-sex weddings with their artwork. State law prohibits businesses from discriminating, but does not include homosexuality as a protected class. However, Phoenix is one of four Arizona cities that passed ordinances that offer special rights regarding sexual orientation and do not allow exceptions for religious convictions with regard to providing services for same-sex weddings. Consequently, the owners of the Brush and Nib Studio, Joanna Duka and Breanna Koski, faced fines up to $2,500 and six months in jail for each day they refused to comply with the ordinance with regard to using their talents to create wedding invitations for same-sex couples. The Arizona Supreme Court voted 4-3 that the Phoenix measure was coercive, stating in the majority opinion that “an individual has autonomy over his or her speech and thus may not be forced to speak a message he or she does not wish to say.” The court cited the precedent of the federal First Amendment in making … [Read more...]

RESEARCH: Students who delay dating are better adjusted than peers

By Will Hall, Message Executive Editor ATHENS, Ga. (LBM)—Researchers with the College of Public Health of the University of Georgia have found that “non-dating” adolescents are less likely to exhibit depression and are rated above their peers in social skills and leadership ability. The importance of the study is embedded in statistics that show 56 percent of girls and 49 percent of boys who are 15 years old report having had at least one special romantic relationship in the previous 18 months. The study involved nearly 600 sophomores who were compared as four groups with regard to dating (low, increasing, high, frequent) to see how they “differed on emotional, interpersonal, and adaptive skills,” using teacher observations in the three areas and student self-reports (positive relationships, depression and suicidal ideation). The data showed that “adolescents who were not in a romantic relationship had good social skills and low depression” compared to peers who dated. … [Read more...]

Democratic Party chooses ‘godless’ over ‘God-fearing’

By Will Hall, Message Executive Editor SAN FRANCISCO (LBM) — The Democratic National Committee has passed a resolution praising the religiously unaffiliated while at the same time condemning people of faith who do not support a liberal political agenda. In the “Resolution Regarding Religiously Unaffiliated Demographic” the DNC cited the growth of the number of religiously unaffiliated among Democrats, calling the demographic “the largest religious group within the Democratic Party,” and praising the fact that they “share the Democratic Party’s values, with 70% voting for Democrats, 80% supporting same-sex marriage, and 61% saying immigrants make American society stronger.” Meanwhile, in the same resolution, the DNC denounced those who use their “religious views” to define their “morals, values, and patriotism” and rebuked anyone who believes “religious liberty” protects these views against the competing views of the LGBT community and other opposing groups. The resolution was championed with the DNC by the Secular Coalition of America, a group that lobbies for atheists, agnostics and humanists. … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Colt Waagner, David Ray Robertson, Dustin Cunningham were licensed to the gospel ministry during the final night of the Hot August Night Revival at Old Zion Hill Baptist Church, Independence. Pastor: Gary Dennis. Jay Foster is the new interim pastor at Bethsaida Baptist Church, Ida. Ren Watkins has left Broadmoor Baptist Church, Shreveport as middle school minister for First Baptist Church, Moss Bluff. Michael Sanders is the new pastor at West Lake Baptist Church, Doyline. David Martin has retired from Hopewell Baptist Church, Spearsville. John Rushing is the new pastor at Sardis Baptist Church, Farmerville. HOMECOMING Glenmora Baptist Church, Glenmora: 125th Homecoming Celebration, September 27-29, Friday, 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Todd Burnaman; Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Neil Treme; … [Read more...]

Nuts and bolts faith

By David Jeremiah EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) -- Dotting the landscape of the rural communities north of Charlotte, N.C., are dozens of the most high-tech companies in the automotive industry. First, there are the home facilities of NASCAR's elite racing teams. Then there are the shops of smaller companies that support those teams by making and servicing the vast inventory of parts and tools needed to build and race a modern stock car. The NASCAR team shops are tens of thousands of square feet of space kept in eat-off-the-floor states of cleanliness. There are rooms and racks full of parts and tools. But NASCAR races are held all over the country. So how do the teams get the cars -- and the vast inventory of parts and tools needed to service them -- to the racetracks several dozen times each racing season? Answer: the hauler. A NASCAR hauler is an 18-wheel behemoth that serves as a traveling shop for the NASCAR teams. The cab has room for two drivers who swap five-hour shifts as the trucks roll non-stop to the tracks. And the trailers are as spotless and well-organized as the shops which send them out every week. Open the back doors of a hauler and you see two levels. In the upper level are two race cars -- the primary car … [Read more...]

NOBTS, LC sign articulation agreement

By Gary D. Myers, NOBTS director of communications NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) and Louisiana College (LC) recently signed an articulation agreement designed to help God-called men and women save time and money as they prepare for ministry. The agreement, signed by NOBTS president Jamie Dew and LC president Rick Brewer, paves the way for Christian studies majors from LC to apply a portion of their undergraduate coursework to the Accelerated Master of Divinity program at NOBTS (Accelerated M.Div.). The program reduces educational redundancy and the time it takes to complete the M.Div. by leveraging the quality biblical studies and ministry instruction students receive at LC. Students who are approved for this advanced standing can complete the M.Div. degree at NOBTS faster than students who are not eligible for the program. According to Dew, the main goal of the agreement is to advance the gospel by helping God-called men and women complete their ministry preparation in a timely manner. “With an eye towards advancing Christ’s Kingdom, it is absolutely vital that we provide efficient avenues for our students to receive theological preparation,” Dew said. “As such, we are excited about … [Read more...]

Wilton: Challenges students at LC revival to determine ‘who they are’ in Christ

By Message Staff PINEVILLE – A movement by the Holy Spirit prompted 50 Louisiana College students to come to the altar and make life-changing decisions for Jesus during the opening day of the fall campus revival Tuesday, Sept. 17. In his message based on 1 Peter 1, Don Wilton, revival evangelist and pastor of the First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, told the students to obey God’s call on their lives. “Today I invite you to just settle the ‘who are you’ part of your life,” Wilton said. “Just nail down that today. “You want to know what to do?” he continued. “All I can tell you is what Jesus tells us to do. Just lay it down, settle who you are before Him. If you don’t know Jesus Christ, come today. Give your life to Christ.” Wilton told the students God values all of them, and encouraged them to keep him first during their life as a college student and afterwards. “I want to thank God because He’s given you, through the new birth, a living hope,” he said. “You are not hopeless. You have a reason to live. You’ve got a purpose. You’re not a nobody. You’re somebody in and through the Lord Jesus.” He reminded those who have placed their faith in Christ that they are not residents of earth, but … [Read more...]

Louisiana College institutes ‘Clear Bag Policy’ for all on-campus events

PINEVILLE (LCNews) -- In the interest of public safety, Louisiana College has implemented a clear bag policy that limits the size and types of bags that may be carried by attendees into ticketed activities. The implementation of this measure is intended to enhance public safety while minimizing time spent searching bags at entrance security checkpoints and easing access into the facility. Louisiana College strongly encourages all attendees not to bring unauthorized types of bags to H.O. West Fieldhouse, the LC Football Stadium, Guinn Auditorium, the LC Softball Complex, the Billy Allgood Baseball Complex or the Martin Performing Arts Center. The only permissible bags or containers must meet the following parameters: Bags that are clear plastic or vinyl and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" All clear bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" are permissible (backpacks, drawstring bags, fanny packs, etc.) One-gallon, clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar) Small "clutch" purses, no larger than 4 1/2" x 6 1/2", with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium in addition to the approved clear plastic bags. Attendees also will be able to carry other items allowed in such as binoculars and … [Read more...]

Brewer challenges LC family to be ‘and then some’ people

By Norm Miller, LC News PINEVILLE (LCNews) -- Louisiana College’s Guinn Auditorium resounded with applause and cheers as Rick Brewer, president, welcomed the incoming freshman class of 2023 during LC’s inaugural chapel service for the Fall 2019 semester. After acknowledging other classes, Brewer encouraged students, staff, and faculty “not to be people who settle for just average.” Drawing from Ephesians 3:20-21, President Brewer noted that God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. That’s somewhere out in the stratosphere and I can’t get my mind around it.” But this is what God wants for all his children. Citing the success of Chick-fil-A (CFA), Brewer said the company that was founded in 1946 faced its worst fiscal year in 1982. CFA leaders addressed the problem with one question: “‘Why are we here?’ In response to that question, the leadership prayed.” Then they developed this mission statement: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” The point is that CFA chose not to settle for average but was blessed by God for a commitment to glorify him. That blessing is reflected, in … [Read more...]

What God wants in our worship

By Waylon Bailey All of us want certain things when we go to the place of worship. For example, we expect to hear a well-prepared message based on the Word of God. We want everything done “decently and in order.” We want to be challenged about our ministry, conduct, and service. All of these are good things. God also wants something when we gather in His name to worship. What are those things? Based on Jeremiah’s Temple Sermon recorded in Jeremiah 7, these are the things God wants. First, God wants devotion. He expects we will worship Him only. He also expects we will worship completely. The people of Jeremiah’s day dabbled in the abominable worship of the Baal gods. They gave devotion to God but they did not worship Him exclusively. God demands our wholehearted devotion. Second, God wants obedience. The people in Jerusalem and Judah wanted the benefits of worshiping God but not the expectations of obedience toward God. Jeremiah cataloged their sins. The list was long and filled with rebellion. God asked incredulously if they would “steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal, and walk after other gods” and then come brashly and boldly in God’s House and declare, “We … [Read more...]