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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Unfounded and false

I am writing concerning an article in the recent issue of "The Voice" in which I was portrayed as being well-known statewide as an antagonist of Louisiana College. I have no opportunity to respond in the next issue of "The Voice" and so am turning to this forum for a response. I am writing concerning an article in the recent issue of "The Voice" in which I was portrayed as being well-known statewide as an antagonist of Louisiana College. I have no opportunity to respond in the next issue of "The Voice" and so am turning to this forum for a response.   First, I am hardly well-known for anything throughout our state. Secondly, I am not - nor have ever been - an antagonist of Louisiana College. Those slanderous attacks are completely unfounded and false.   The trustworthiness of the editors’ attack should be placed in the same category as his statement that I was to be a speaker at the pastors’ conference - a detail obviously overlooked by those who prepared the program for the conference. I am flattered that the editor of "The Voice" thinks highly of me as he seems to, but I do wish his comments would be more accurate. Nathan R. Luce Prairieville … [Read more...]

When it comes to needs, acknowledgment is not enough

Acknowledgment can be a narcotic that dulls one’s need to do something. Example: Christmas has become too commercial. Just saying that, acknowledging it, eases some of the guilt that might cause us to spend less on things and more time on people. Acknowledgment can be a narcotic that dulls one’s need to do something. Example: Christmas has become too commercial. Just saying that, acknowledging it, eases some of the guilt that might cause us to spend less on things and more time on people. Example: I need to visit the person I saw yesterday. Just acknowledging assures us that we are spiritually sensitive enough to notice others. That touch of assurance may keep us near the truth of the statement but move us no further toward making the visit. Example: The world needs Christ. Just acknowledging that makes us feel better. Our spirits are lifted, even if only so slightly, by this acknowledgment, so we do not feel a drive to do something tangible about a lost world. This narcotic effect of acknowledgment, strangely enough, can be the enemy of goodness. One would think constantly talking about doing something would bring about doing it, but it usually has the opposite effect. Practically, a person who talks … [Read more...]

Reaching an overlooked people

They are known as a hidden civilization - by their own choosing, they have lived isolated in remote southwest China for centuries, undisturbed by the outside world, forgotten by their national government and untouched by the gospel. They are known as a hidden civilization - by their own choosing, they have lived isolated in remote southwest China for centuries, undisturbed by the outside world, forgotten by their national government and untouched by the gospel.   Their name is derived from a word meaning "barrier." It is a historical reflection of their outlook on the rest of the world. The 3.1 million Dong people are spread across rugged provinces in China. Their fear and suspicion of outsiders present one of the most formidable barriers to the gospel.   And as Southern Baptists focus on reaching the world with the gospel during their annual focus on international missions, the Dong people also serve as a symbol of the task that awaits. (The annual Week of Prayer for International Missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions is set for December 3-10 in churches across the Southern Baptist Convention.)   Christian mission workers have made attempts to … [Read more...]

Leading a church through change takes time, commitment, pastors say

Affecting change in a church requires a slow pace - four to six years in some cases - and a long-term commitment from the staff, a pair of pastors stressed.   "You must go slow," said Hal Mayer, co-pastor at Flamingo Road Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "You will kill a church if you are transitioning too quickly." Affecting change in a church requires a slow pace - four to six years in some cases - and a long-term commitment from the staff, a pair of pastors stressed.   "You must go slow," said Hal Mayer, co-pastor at Flamingo Road Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "You will kill a church if you are transitioning too quickly."   Mayer joined fellow pastor Dan Southerland in delivering the annual Layne Lectures at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The pair lead a church that has grown from 300 members to some 2,500.   The average transition in a local church takes four years or more, Mayer said.   "If you don’t have time to transition a church over four to five years, then do not lead that church," Southerland emphasized during his comments. "It is immoral to lead change and then leave the church."   Unfortunately, most staff … [Read more...]

Hell may be unpopular concept – but is is a biblical one, professor emphasizes

The reality of hell may be unpopular in today’s pluralistic world, but it is biblical and a reflection of a righteous and holy God, James Parker insisted. The reality of hell may be unpopular in today’s pluralistic world, but it is biblical and a reflection of a righteous and holy God, James Parker insisted.   Just look at Romans 3:9-23, said Parker, professor of worldview and culture at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He compared the biblical text to a defendant standing before a judge in a courtroom. He pointed to passages within the text that remind persons that "no one is righteous" and that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."   The passage makes it clear, Parker said.   "The verdict is in, and the verdict is damnation," he explained. "This is the logic of (the) argument. God is a holy God. God is a righteous God. God has revealed himself through nature. God has revealed himself through the law.   "And on both counts, we’re guilty and without excuse, ..." the seminary professor added. "The defendant doesn’t even try to give a case, it’s so overwhelming.   "We are indicted. We are judged. We are found guilty. We are found damned. We … [Read more...]

Weekly Announcements

For the week of November 30, 2000 Potpourri •ALEXANDRIA - Calvary church: 2000 Banquet of Champions recognizing eight area "Outstanding Christian Athletes;" Dec. 4, 7 p.m.; former NFL quarterback Neal Jeffrey, guest speaker; tickets $8 purchased from student ministry office, call (318) 445-5640; Jack Fiscus, minister to students; David Brooks, pastor.   •NEW ORLEANS - Lifeway Christian Store grand re-opening, Dec. 2; located on campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd; for more information call (504) 282-2626. Anniversaries •BASTROP - First church: 150th; Dec. 3, 10:15 a.m., Ray Rust and L. H. McCollough, special guest speakers; dinner to follow; Mark Strum, pastor. Revivals •DEQUINCY - New Hope church: Dec. 3, 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Bill Britt, evangelist; Dec. 4-5, 7 p.m.; Herb Reavis, evangelist; Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; Bill Britt, evangelist; Glenn Price, music; Jerry W. Chaddick, pastor. Ministers Needed •EUNICE - Trinity church: full-time pastor; send resumes to: Trinity Baptist Church, Attn: Pastor Search Committee, P. O. Box 1560, Eunice, LA 70535   •REDDELL - Freedom church: bi-vocational pastor; send resumes to: Reddell Baptist Church, Attn: … [Read more...]

Let it fold

The news is out that the Gaming Control Board on Tuesday, September 19 declared the New Orleans land casino in "financial default." The Board’s action means that the Harrah’s New Orleans casino has six months to cure the problem or its contract with the state will automatically terminate and thus, close the casino. I like the words "automatically terminate." The news is out that the Gaming Control Board on Tuesday, September 19 declared the New Orleans land casino in "financial default." The Board’s action means that the Harrah’s New Orleans casino has six months to cure the problem or its contract with the state will automatically terminate and thus, close the casino. I like the words "automatically terminate." This is precisely what should happen. There needs to be no discussion, no deliberation, and no encouragement from the Governor or any member of the Louisiana Legislature to give any concession to the casino in New Orleans. It should never have been built. It’s a blot on Louisiana, and the very fact that it exists indicates a great number of compromises on the part of a lot of people in the last few years. The compromising is done. I say, with deep conviction, let it fold Perry R. Sanders First … [Read more...]

Giving to state missions – without doubt, a sure thing

Your gift to the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering is a sure thing. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all the money you give will go to that purpose and to that purpose only. The money goes specifically and directly and completely for direct support of Louisiana Baptist Convention efforts to lead the lost of the state to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and help them grow in their discipleship. Your gift to the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering is a sure thing. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all the money you give will go to that purpose and to that purpose only. The money goes specifically and directly and completely for direct support of Louisiana Baptist Convention efforts to lead the lost of the state to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and help them grow in their discipleship.   In recent years, a great deal of media attention has put a spotlight on the spending of charitable organizations, particularly what portion of the receipts goes directly to the promoted causes. Some charities spend large portions of their receipts on raising the money. Direct mailings, professional phone solicitations, personal cultivation of individual donors and organizations all are high … [Read more...]

Physician-assisted suicide must be opposed, Southern Baptist experts say

Despite a recent television presentation regarding physician-assisted suicide, the practice still must be opposed, a pair of Southern Baptist experts said.   The television series, "On our Own Terms: (Bill) Moyers on Dying," aired on four nights last month on most PBS stations. Two years in production, the six-hour series covers a wide range of topics, including hospices, palliative care and advances in medical technology. In the third episode, Moyers interviews two terminally-ill patients and their families. During the episode, both patients said they prefer an early death via physician-assisted suicide. Despite a recent television presentation regarding physician-assisted suicide, the practice still must be opposed, a pair of Southern Baptist experts said.   The television series, "On our Own Terms: (Bill) Moyers on Dying," aired on four nights last month on most PBS stations. Two years in production, the six-hour series covers a wide range of topics, including hospices, palliative care and advances in medical technology. In the third episode, Moyers interviews two terminally-ill patients and their families. During the episode, both patients said they prefer an early death via … [Read more...]

National leaders meet with Texas directors of missions

Texas associational workers pleaded with Southern Baptist leaders recently to do something - anything - to bridge the chasm between the state and national conventions.   In reply, Southern Baptist leaders affirmed the autonomy of the local association and urged directors of missions to help them tell about the good things happening in the national convention. They also approved a resolution pledging their willingness to cooperate with Texas churches Texas associational workers pleaded with Southern Baptist leaders recently to do something - anything - to bridge the chasm between the state and national conventions.   In reply, Southern Baptist leaders affirmed the autonomy of the local association and urged directors of missions to help them tell about the good things happening in the national convention. They also approved a resolution pledging their willingness to cooperate with Texas churches.   The statement said: "We, the presidents of the entities of the Southern Baptist Convention, celebrate our partnership with Baptist churches in Texas and we affirm our eagerness to work with all Texas Baptists through our historic partnership.   "We express appreciation to the … [Read more...]