By My Sherie Johnson, WildcatsMedia
PINEVILLE (Wildcats Media) – Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Fred Luter reminded students during Louisiana College’s Feb. 20 chapel service about the importance of having a genuine relationship with God and to live a life that aligns with the Bible.
“Few pastors could speak more clearly about a genuine relationship with God and a life that honors him than Dr. Luter,” said Louisiana College President Rick Brewer. “From his upbringing in inner city New Orleans, to faithfully surviving Hurricane Katrina, and to relocating his church for more effect ministry, Pastor Fred provides a sterling example of one whose life aligns with God and the Bible. His is the kind of life that speaks volumes to our students.”
“I love speaking to students, because I was once a student. When I was in college, I gave my life to Jesus Christ,” said Luter. “So, it was a special time for me because I saw the difference that it made in my life.”
Elected in 2012 as the first black president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Luter referenced 1 Corinthians 10:13, explaining he’s convinced that if you’re truly saved you can live a victorious life. He is amazed so many people believe the devil’s untruths when it comes to their walk with God.
“If people believe the enemy’s lies, they continue to lose more than they win even while still knowing what God’s Word says,” Luter noted.
“Whose word will you believe,” Luter asked “Satan’s or the word of God? In this dark and dingy world, Luter says believe God’s word.”
“Christians through discernment and discipleship can grow and cultivate a greater understanding for what it means to live as a Christian,” said junior Nathan Carlock after the service.
A missions and ministry major, Carlock said he loved Luter’s message. “I, like Dr. Luter, believe living a Godly life isn’t impossible. We can succeed and feel the blessings of the Lord rain down upon us.”
In order to win more than you lose you must have a genuine authentic personal relationship with God. You must know the God that saves, sanctifies changes, forgives, fills, washes, and empowers you, Luter said. “To be followers of Jesus,” said Luter, “you must have discipline, self-control self-restraint in all areas of your relationship with God.
Your Christian life does not have to be like a yo-yo, or roller coaster ride, up and down, highs and lows. You must have discernment and recognize clearly that there’s nothing your eye can do about temptation because that’s the devil’s job and he is good at what he does.
“One of my frustrations is to see so many young people’s lives defeated and it doesn’t have to be. I’m convinced that can live victoriously if we desire to do it,” Luter said. “We have to stop believing the devil’s lies and stop believing everything society says. As believers, we have to stand on the word of God. That’s why the message was entitled how to win more than you lose. I’m convinced we can do that.
“God is faithful to those believers who are faithful to him,” said Luter “That’s why every one of us needs to know that we are devoted to God because of the spiritual warfare we face and because you’re devoted to God the battle is His.
“Everything Dr. Luter said is absolutely true. We need to be more committed, devoted, and discipline. The Holy Spirit is the one that does the work, but we have to want the Spirit to discipline us, we have to want to be more like Jesus everyday of our lives,” Louisiana College senior Mary Robinson said.
My Sherie Johnson is a Convergence Media major at Louisiana College.
