By Michael B. Shepherd, Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Louisiana College [img_assist|nid=6559|title=Michael Shepherd|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=78|height=100]The Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of art. From the depiction of Moses (left wall) to the life of Christ (right wall) to the sequence from creation to judgment (ceiling and center wall), it is like walking into the Bible itself. Michelangelo’s artistic portrayals of the events of the Bible are in many ways like the textual renderings of the same events by the biblical authors. Reading of Scripture informed Michelangelo’s work to the extent that the Sistine Chapel has long since occupied an important place within the history of biblical interpretation. One of the most intriguing features of this great work of art is the presentation of the biblical prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Jonah, Zechariah, and Daniel (Matthew 24:15). All but Jeremiah and Jonah have a biblical text of some sort in their hands. This is noteworthy given the fact that the Hebrew Bible as a whole is the product of the prophets (Daniel 9:10; Ezra 9:10-11; Romans 1:2; 16:25-26). Isaiah, for example, has the fingers of his … [Read more...]

By Archie England, PH.D., NOBTS Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew Q: Are there any significant themes that bridge from the Old Testament to the New Testament? A: Yes, four major concepts bridge both Testaments: Creation, Covenant, Kingdom, and Redemption. Though numerous other concepts exist, these four emerge as dominate bridges between the testaments. Creation conveys several key ideas: (1) creation of all things new (Genesis 1-2) versus the new creation of believers in Christ; (2) first Adam (through whom sin entered, Genesis 3) versus second Adam (Jesus, through whom many will gain eternal life, Romans 5:15); and (3) Sabbath, as the seventh day’s rest and adoration of God, further alludes to the eschatological goal of eternal blessing once God has re-created all things new – the heavens and the earth – eradicating the ruin of sin. This event itself Jesus compared to “the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37). Paradise lost will indeed become paradise regained. Covenant controlled most every aspect of Jewish life. One’s relationship with God, others, and even self, was governed by this covenant. Its laws served as instructions for obedience and blessings; its sacrificial system, a means for restoring those who failed to … [Read more...]

By Quinn Lavespere, Message Summer Staff Writer EROS – When most people hear the words “O.K. Corral,” they tend to think of the famous shootout.  In Eros, those words have a different connotation. Pastor Gary Brewster and the congregation of Cowboy Church at the O.K. Corral “shoot” for the souls of those who need Jesus and not at the bodies of hostile enemies, the pastor said. [img_assist|nid=6562|title=Gary Brewster|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=75]“We’re proud such famous words can be used to symbolize God’s glory rather than just refer to a legendary shootout,” Brewster said. “We love to ride for the Lord.” Brewster talked about the origin of Cowboy Church at the O.K. Corral and revealed how it got its name. “God led us to start this church three and a half years ago,” Brewster said. “The family we bought this piece of property from first invited us to start a church in their home and to use their arena. Purchasing fifteen acres of land, including the arena, was the natural progression. “These people were cowboy-type people who were very active in the western heritage culture in this area. The arena location was well-known since Mrs. McCurdy and her sons were the founders of the Northeast … [Read more...]

By Philip Timothy, Message Staff Writer PRAIRIEVILLE – In the army of God, the Almighty calls preachers and churches call pastors to feed and care for His sheep. These men are His “Special Forces.” Armed with faith, prayer and the Bible, these men are prepared by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire. They must endure constant bombardment of both fleshly and spiritual problems and still remain strong. The challenge is to stand fast as they fight the good fight of faith. To run or quit would be ever so easy, but they hold their ground until God dismisses them or they fall, because these men of God are truly His elite. [img_assist|nid=6564|title=Broussard Grove Pastor Charles Marceaux is Southern Regions Small Church/Bivocational Pastor of the Year.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=67]Broussard Grove Pastor Charles Marceaux is one of those battle-tested veterans. Over the last four years he has overcome church strife and brought the church to a new and healthier place, and was honored twice by Louisiana Baptists in that same time period. Two months after his second honor, he learned he had prostate cancer and successfully fought it, too. Prior to his salvation in 1979, Marceaux served in the … [Read more...]

[img_assist|nid=6577|title=BCM students from ULM went to Malawai where one got close enough to take this elephant s photo in Liwonde National Park.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=75][img_assist|nid=6566|title=First Ponchatoula ministered in Ecuador; First Many, First DeRidder ministered in Honduras|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=67]   [img_assist|nid=6567|title=Baptist Medical/Dental team treated 2465 people in the medical clinic|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=67][img_assist|nid=6568|title=Emma Chapman of Amite Baptist Denham Springs hoists a new friend on her back in Ecuador|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=75|height=100][img_assist|nid=6569|title=Debbie McGraw with children from the village of San Miguelito Honduras|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=75][img_assist|nid=6570|title=Evangelism bracelets were given to many of the Honduran youngsters.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=75] First Ponchatoula went to Ecuador. First Many was part of a Baptist Medical/Dental team that included 1,000 dolls made by ladies from Sabine Parish. Emma Chapman of Amite Baptist Denham Springs hoists a new friend on her back in Ecuador. Debbie McGraw of Sabine Parish stands with … [Read more...]

By Quinn Lavespere, Message Summer Staff Writer [img_assist|nid=6583|title=Alpine Pastor Dick DeBusk baptizes a female prisoner as part of the church s women s prison ministry.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=67]TIOGA – The words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-36 have become a motto for Alpine First Baptist Church pastor Dick DeBusk and his congregation. Alpine First’s women’s prison ministry has led many women to Christ, greatly inspiring DeBusk and those involved with the ministry. “These women are in situations where they are told what to do and what they can’t do – everyday things like normal people do,” DeBusk said. “We want to help these people be free in their hearts by leading them to God.” DeBusk said his involvement with the prison ministry began even before he came to Alpine First. “My involvement with the prison ministry is basically at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in Gonzales, and I’ve been involved in the ministry for about 10 years,” DeBusk said. “I came to Alpine about three years ago, and I’ve involved my congregation with the prison ministry for those three years. They’re very excited about the ministry. “I’ve been burdened about a prison ministry since I was saved way … [Read more...]

[img_assist|nid=6585|title=Dean and Crissie Cirelli were selected as Louisiana Baptist Children s Home Cottage Parents of the Year.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=89]Dean and Crissie Cirelli were selected as Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home “Cottage Parents of the Year” at the Home’s annual staff banquet this summer. This award, which is voted on by the entire campus, is based on the cottage parents’ total contribution to the ministry over the past year. The Cirellis joined the LBCH team in 2008. They serve the children who live in the Home’s emergency shelter, My Friend’s House. Perry Hancock is the LBCH president/CEO.   … [Read more...]

[img_assist|nid=6587|title=A Brazil mission team member prays for a Brazilian woman|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=75|height=100]BELO HORIZONTE, Minas Gerais, Brasil – Most mission teams range between five and fifteen members, says the IMB. Wayne Jenkins took 199 people this year – more than half from Louisiana – for the 26th annual multi-faceted mission trip to Brazil. An estimated $100,000 in donated medicines went with the team, which were used by the medical team to treat men and women at five drug rehab houses. One team went to the streets to do blood pressure checks and diabetes screening.A dentist pulled hundreds of teeth. Eye exams were another medical ministry. [img_assist|nid=6588|title=A young boy admires a little girl s bracelet.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=75]Other ministries included Vacation Bible School at three locations, construction of three churches, three drama teams that performed in several locations, as did a street/prison team and a sports team. New this year: a two-person scrapbooking team who taught beginning and advanced scrapbooking in six locations for middle- and upper-class Brazilians. Each session also included the women telling the story of what knowing Jesus did for … [Read more...]

By Karen Willoughby, Managing Editor [img_assist|nid=6595|title=Camp USA brings foreign missions home|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=66]CENLA/PONCHATOULA – The thought of 67 students and their leaders, most of whom speak limited English at best, coming to town for a week can be daunting, but somehow it all works out. “Some may have been initially worried about being pushed out of their comfort zone, but the week has proven to be a great experience for all involved,” said David Cranford, pastor of First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula, which was in its first year of participating in Camp USA for youngsters from South Korea. “Our people love it,” said Ray Teal, pastor of First Baptist Church of Montgomery, which participated for the sixth year in Camp USA. “It’s a hands-on way of being an example of Christ.” Josh Tanner, minister of music and outreach at Trinity Baptist Church in Pineville, said he enjoyed his first Camp USA experience so much that he asked if he could help again this year. “It was a blessing to be able to provide the building and one afternoon’s excursion,” Tanner said. “I love watching the kids experience something for the first time. Camp USA is a partnership of REACH Missions and the … [Read more...]

By Grace Clausing, LifeWay Communications [img_assist|nid=6597|title=Ruth Graham provided tremendous spousal support for husband Billy.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=65|height=100]An unsung hero – that’s what you could call a minister’s wife. Rarely do church members comprehend how much the pastor’s spouse endures and gives up for her husband’s job. The calling is tough, and many feel alone and judged by their congregation. Who better understands the plight of a minister’s wife than a fellow clergy spouse? Take a look at some advice that pastor’s wives have offered to encourage and inspire others. Facing Expectations It’s easy for wives to fall into the trap of feeling that they must meet and exceed certain expectations from church members. Amy Goen’s husband, Kyle, has been in the ministry for 17 years. He serves as the executive pastor at First Baptist Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. Dealing with church expectations, Goen encourages wives to be themselves. “Early on in ministry, I had some great mentors who encouraged me to just be who I was and not try to conform to someone’s expectations. Focus on what God expects,” Goen says. Don’t be afraid to show the real you to the congregation, complete with flaws. It … [Read more...]