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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

How to be an influencer for God’s Kingdom

You may never have fame or fortune, but you are definitely an influencer. The world needs to see your light, so don’t hide it. Don’t segregate yourself from the darkness around us but invade the culture with the light of Christ. It will absolutely get attention in a dark place. One godly man or woman—even in the darkest situation—can make a dramatic difference. … [Read more...]

May we be a nation of prayer

By Steve Horn ALEXANDRIA, La. - Tomorrow is National Day of Prayer. As we approach this day, I am grateful for all of the prayer gatherings that will happen across the United States of America. However, let me remind us that a day of prayer is not enough. We need to be a nation of prayer, not just have a National Day of Prayer. In the Book of Acts, people are said to be praying 31 times. Of these 31 times … 14 times an individual is said to be praying. 2 times two or more people in a small group are said to be praying. 15 times it is the church gathered in prayer. Half of the references to praying in the book of Acts are references to corporate praying! We see in Acts that there were appointed times and places for prayer. We see that the church prayed for power, wisdom, boldness to share Christ, in times of crisis, for missionaries, for pastors, and for each other. When the Early Church encountered a crisis, they didn’t pout, panic, protest, sign a petition, or organize a boycott. Instead, they prayed. Bob Russell, retired pastor of Southeast Bible Church in Louisville, KY, recounts the story of how his church once bought the building next door to the leading abortion clinic in Kentucky. They did some crisis … [Read more...]

They do have an Amen Corner after all!

By Steve Horn ALEXANDRIA, La. - One of the sporting world’s most celebrated events occurs this weekend in the Masters. The world’s best golfers will compete over four days for a total prize purse of 18 million dollars. The winner gets 3.25 million and the coveted green jacket. Even some who otherwise have no interest in golf will watch at some point this weekend. Holes 11, 12 and 13 on the course are called the Amen Corner. Remembering this got me to thinking about all of the spiritual lessons in golf. And, not just the ones about “not throwing your clubs in the water.” I am not an accomplished golfer, but I like to play. I have observed a few spiritual lessons along the way. (Actually, I have seen entire devotional books written with this thought in mind.) New Testament writers used sporting imagery from their day to convey spiritual truth. So, on this weekend of the Masters, I offer a couple of spiritual insights from the great game of golf. Bad things happen when you do not keep your eyes on the ball. That’s true in golf and life. I have a tendency in golf to look up to see how far I hit the ball. The problem is that I tend to look up before I hit the ball. As believers when we fail to keep our eyes on the ball of … [Read more...]

Jeff Iorg – a difference maker

By Rick Lance Jeff Iorg has been unanimously elected as the new president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. In one way, this is not a surprising event. In another way, given our recent past experiences, this is almost miraculous. I see Jeff Iorg as a true difference maker as our new leader in this most important position. He has a resumé that speaks volumes about his leadership gifts. As a longtime president of a seminary and a well-known author and preacher/public speaker, Jeff is well known in SBC life. When he was nominated, I indicated that he and I have been friends and colleagues for almost 26 years. During that time, I have witnessed how the Lord has used him in strategic positions of influence. In my mind, the Executive Committee made the right choice, especially at this juncture in our history. What do I expect of him? Several words come to mind. Faithful is one of them. He is the epitome of faithfulness to God and to his calling. Excellence is another word. In all things, Jeff strives for excellence. Difference maker is my favorite description. CLARITY Jeff will seek to provide CLARITY as to our mission. In this time of confusion, we are in much need for someone — or … [Read more...]

Living in light of God’s truth, ‘our feelings are real, but not reliable’

The human experience often reveals that feelings and emotions are both a blessing and a curse. Emotions can be so wonderful sometimes, but can also make life feel unbearable in other circumstances. And there are countless ways in which people deal with the sentiments we face. Analyzing emotions can fall simply under the category of basic human psychology and apply to anyone. … [Read more...]

Jesus said ‘no one will snatch them out of my hand’

Life can be so tiring. And there are so many reasons why. As believers, we know being a Christian doesn’t equal an easy life. Rather, Jesus promised quite the opposite. He said the world would hate us for our loyalty to Christ, because the world hated Him first. … [Read more...]

The ‘I’ in ideology can be deadly!

Alexei Navalny is dead. This 47-year-old critic of Russian’s Communist dictator reportedly took a walk at his Arctic prison, became ill, lost consciousness, and died. Communist leaders of Vladimir Putin’s ilk have killed millions of their own people, especially detractors like Navalny. … [Read more...]