There is certainly some merit to Wade Williamsons letter in the March 20, 2003, Baptist Message. Who can question that the church belongs to Christ and that he is the head of it. However, it seems to me that it depends on the attitude of the one who refers to the church as "my church." There is certainly some merit to Wade Williamsons letter in the March 20, 2003, Baptist Message. Who can question that the church belongs to Christ and that he is the head of it. However, it seems to me that it depends on the attitude of the one who refers to the church as "my church." If we refer to the church as "my church" in an arrogant or controlling manner, this is obviously wrong. If, however, a person refers to the church as "his church" in an affectionate and loving attitude, I do not think that Christ is displeased. It simply indicates that the persons feelings are very personal and caring toward his church. In these days when controversy is so prevalent in many churches, it is refreshing when I hear someone who is so pleased with "his church" that he says to others, "Come to our church; we want it to be yours also." Then, together, let us give Christ first place in … [Read more...]
Christian minority in Iraq facing Islamic militancy
Hours before a U.S.-led war to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein appears poised to begin, Iraqs small Christian minority were expressing fear of more than American bombs. They also expect to be targeted by a growing tide of Islamic militancy now being encouraged in the secularized Arab state. Hours before a U.S.-led war to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein appears poised to begin, Iraqs small Christian minority were expressing fear of more than American bombs. They also expect to be targeted by a growing tide of Islamic militancy now being encouraged in the secularized Arab state. Numbering less than 400,000, Iraqs Christian community has become the object of overt discrimination by Islamist elements in recent months. The attacks have ranged from verbal abuse and graffiti campaigns to stone-throwing and even brutal assassinations, reports indicate. Although Saddam Hussein initially kept religion out of Iraqs political life, he began to encourage devotion to Islam after the 1991 Gulf War, emblazoning the Muslim slogan "God is great" on the Iraqi flag and claiming descent from the family of the prophet Mohammed. Four years ago, he launched a campaign to promote a revival of Islam, building scores of … [Read more...]
Southern Baptists respond to news of war with prayer
Southern Baptist leaders responded to news of the onset of the American war with Iraq with appeals for persons to come together in prayer. Fighting in Iraq began March 19. Soon after the war against Iraq began, Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham described the military effort as a "last resort" and called for concerted prayer. Southern Baptist leaders responded to news of the onset of the American war with Iraq with appeals for persons to come together in prayer. Fighting in Iraq began March 19. Soon after the war against Iraq began, Southern Baptist Convention President Jack Graham described the military effort as a "last resort" and called for concerted prayer. "America will continue to respond to threats of evil with courageous resolve," said Graham, pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas. "Southern Baptists will embrace and engage this global challenge with faith and renewed commitment to evangelism and missions. "We will unite in prayer and faith." Graham called for pastors and churches to designate days of prayer and fasting. He also encouraged families to join together in personal and private … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of March 27, 2003 Potpourri PINEVILLE - Trinity church: Dallas Holmes in concert; March 29, 7 p.m.; $5 per ticket; nursery provided for ages four and under; for information, call (318) 445-3000; Darryl Hoychick, pastor. BREAUX BRIDGE - First church: Appointed in concert; April 6, 6 p.m.; Rod Jackson, pastor. SHREVEPORT - Ingleside church: Special singing concert featuring Glory Bound Quartet, Set Free, Golman Trio and Faye Wallace; March 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Johnnie Dunn, minister of music/education. LAKE CHARLES - Trinity church: "Next Level-Childrens Ministry Leadership Conference;" April 3, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and April 4, 9 a.m. -12:15 p.m.; $215 per person; for information or to register, call (407) 297-6436; "Hit the Mark-On Target Parenting Conference;" April 4, 6:30-9 p.m. and April 5, 9-11:30 a.m.; $10 per person/$15 per couple; for information or to register, call Kay Smith at (337) 480-1555; Art Murphy, leader for both conferences; Steve James, pastor. DENHAM SPRINGS - Live Oak church: Testify in concert; April 6, 10:30 a.m.; Howard Turner, pastor. JENA - Jena High School gym: LaSalle association presents "Team Impact;" … [Read more...]
I looked two hundred years plus into the future
I looked 200 years into the future last week. State Southern Baptist paper editors met in Charleston, South Carolina. First Baptist Church was the first Baptist church in the South and we gathered there with the state convention executive directors for worship on Thursday evening. The worship in music was truly that - worship. I looked 200 years into the future last week. State Southern Baptist paper editors met in Charleston, South Carolina. First Baptist Church was the first Baptist church in the South and we gathered there with the state convention executive directors for worship on Thursday evening. The worship in music was truly that - worship. Then, Richard Furman walks slowly into the room and to a lectern. Deliberately and forcefully, Furman begins delivering the message he had preached earlier to the Triennial Convention as its first president. Richard Furman, a Harvard-educated lawyer before becoming a minister, exhorts his fellow Baptists to unite so they can further their biblically-mandated missionary, educational and charitable causes. One may not agree with the brilliant Richard Furman, but one cannot deny the power of his … [Read more...]
Weekly Briefs
For the week of February 13, 2003 LBC finances Louisiana Baptists opened 2003 with Cooperative Program receipts just $34,505 below monthly budget needs. Cooperative Program gifts totaled $1,993,589 last month, a decrease of $341,173 (14.8 percent) from January 2002. The total fell 1.7 percent below budget needs to launch the year. Other gifts included: Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions gifts totaled $1,392,098 last month, a drop of $308,338 (18.1 percent) from the previous January. For the giving year, gifts total more than $2.3 million, down about $93,000 (3.8 percent). The Lottie Moon offering runs on a June 1-to-May 31 basis each year. Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions gifts totaled $67,976 to open the giving year, a jump of $1,389 (2.1 percent) from the previous January. Georgia Barnette Offering for State Missions gifts totaled $89,015 to open 2003, a drop of $26,506 (22.9 percent) from the previous January. World Hunger offering gifts totaled $28,603 last month, an increase of $9,734 (51.6 percent) from the previous January. Cooperative Program Gifts through the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program … [Read more...]
A reason to smile – and hope: Louisiana Baptist collegians bring a message of gospel love to New Orleans
In the early weeks of every year, Louisiana Baptist college students usually gather for their annual evangelism conference. This year was different. Instead of gathering to talk about sharing their faith, students spread throughout the New Orleans area to practice what earlier had been preached. On a chilly Super Bowl weekend, the 400 or so students from across the state held evangelistic block parties at 10 church sites, offering free games, food and entertainment - as well as a gospel witness. In the early weeks of every year, Louisiana Baptist college students usually gather for their annual evangelism conference. This year was different. Instead of gathering to talk about sharing their faith, students spread throughout the New Orleans area to practice what earlier had been preached. On a chilly Super Bowl weekend, the 400 or so students from across the state held evangelistic block parties at 10 church sites, offering free games, food and entertainment - as well as a gospel witness. The results certainly have given leaders reason to smile. "It was amazing stuff going on," says John Moore, Louisiana Baptist Collegiate Ministry director. "The weekend had a very significant impact on my kids," adds Tim … [Read more...]
Georgia Barnette offering – ongoing encouragement and funding of Louisiana missions
Following the example set by the woman for whom it is named, the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering continues to contribute to the funding and encouragement of missions in Louisiana. Mary Georgia Barnette moved to Louisiana from Atlanta to fill the position of missionary and secretary at First Baptist Church of New Orleans. Following the example set by the woman for whom it is named, the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering continues to contribute to the funding and encouragement of missions in Louisiana. Mary Georgia Barnette moved to Louisiana from Atlanta to fill the position of missionary and secretary at First Baptist Church of New Orleans. Once in the state, Barnette became involved in the Louisiana Womans Missionary Union and was named the groups first full-time state position in 1904, Virginia Brueck writes in "Follow Miss Georgia: A Profile of Mary Georgia Barnette." In Barnettes 25 years of service with the Louisiana WMU, she traveled more than 180,000 miles to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people in the state, Brueck says. Barnette also helped to educate women about missions and to mobilize them to give their money and time for … [Read more...]
Why support the Cooperative Program?
Two plants in LaSalle Parish have shut down, leaving three hundred or more people without jobs. Located in an abandoned Piggly Wiggly building in Jena, the LaSalle Missions and Ministry Center ministers to many of the people affected by the shutdowns and the loss of income. Through the center, people are helped with clothing, food, furniture, and Christian counseling. A chapel in the facility also is projected for the future. Note: The following is the first in a series of articles to be published in the Baptist Message regarding the Cooperative Program and how it is at work throughout Louisiana. Subsequent articles will appear during the year to highlight Cooperative Program missions and ministry work. This article is by retired Louisiana Baptist Convention Church-Minister Relations Director James Carter about the importance of the Cooperative Program. Two plants in LaSalle Parish have shut down, leaving three hundred or more people without jobs. Located in an abandoned Piggly Wiggly building in Jena, the LaSalle Missions and Ministry Center ministers to many of the people affected by the shutdowns and the loss of income. Through the center, people … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of February 13, 2003 Potpourri WEST MONROE - Ridge Avenue church: Jake Hess, along with Golden Covenant, in concert; Feb. 23, 6 p.m.; David Maxwell, pastor. WINNFIELD - First church: Brothers Keeper in concert; Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.; Lindsey Burns, pastor. HORNBECK - First church: Wild game feast; Feb. 21, 6 p.m.; David Crane, guest speaker; Jerry D. Key, pastor. BATON ROUGE - Immanuel church: Jamie Chaney Womack, special guest speaker; Feb. 23, 10:30 a.m.; Steve Johnson, pastor. HEFLIN - Bistineau church: Domino Tournament; Feb. 22, 12 noon; Everett Geis, Jr., pastor. SLAUGHTER - First church: The Providential Quartet in concert; Feb. 23, 11 a.m.; Basil Wicker, pastor. CAMERON - Johnson Bayou church: Men and womens conference; Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 15, 11 a.m.; "Step" and Pat Martin, conference leaders; Les Fogleman, pastor. MORGAN CITY - Bayou Vista church: Gulf Coast Association Evangelism Rally; Feb. 23, 6 p.m.; Jerry F. Pipes, guest evangelist; Charles Gilder, pastor. BATON ROUGE - Foster Road church: The Providentials in concert; Feb. 16, 6 p.m.; Huey Moak, … [Read more...]
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