Wednesday, April 16, 2014

News from the Illinois Baptist

Pierced, crushed, chastised: Embracing the offense of the cross

Our culture loves blood. The latest vampire novel, graphic movies, every CSI crime drama, the nightly news - they're all pictures painted in blood. Even the walking dead are promoting a bloody afterlife every Sunday night on cable. But our culture's bloodthirst is biting into the wrong vein. Read more at iB2news.org.

5 mistakes pastors make on Easter (and how to avoid them)

Easter is a busy time for churches. It is easy to make mistakes when you feel overwhelmed with all the extra work and preparation. To help make this Easter the best yet, here are 5 of the common mistakes pastors sometimes make on Easter to be mindful of from ProPreacher.com.

B101: What we believe about God, the Son

The latest issue of B101 focuses on what Southern Baptists believe about God, how Illinois Baptists are at work in secular Canada, the importance of legendary leader Annie Armstrong and more. Get it now at IBSA.org.

Catch up on B101 issues you might have missed.

3 things the devil doesn't want you to know about God

When your loved ones lose their way, when they take a detour away from God's best for their lives and leave you grieving, the devil wants to keep you confused about God's redemptive strategy for them. For he knows how powerful your intercessory prayers are on their behalf! Discover three things that the devil doesn't want you to know about God at LifeWay.com.

Calling all women's ministry leaders: Register now for the Annual Women's Meeting!

It's time to register to attend the Illinois Baptist Women's Meeting May 1-3, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Marion! Allison Allen is the Friday night guest, Chaplain Kenneth DeWitt will lead the Bible study, plus hear from missionaries, attend breakouts and more. Find out more including how to register at IBSA.org.

If you've ever felt like a failure in ministry ...

Every man or woman who ministers in the Kingdom of God is immediately struck by two great realities: the perfection of God and the imperfection of mankind. As a result, we are often tormented with feelings of inadequacy and hounded by the sensation that our efforts have not been enough, our devotion has been too weak, and our ministries a far cry from what we had hoped. Read more at ChurchLeaders.com.

IBSA eConnection is a weekly e-newsletter designed to provide Illinois Baptists with relevant, useful information and resources. We pray it enriches your ministry and helps your church to grow and minister.