IBSA eConnection

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Every Southern Baptist sharing the Gospel October 14 
What if every Southern Baptist would share the gospel with one person on Tuesday, October 14? Just think what could happen if you awakened on that day, spent time with God, and asked Him to empower you to share the gospel with one person that day. Then, with great intentionality, you sought after that opportunity, ready to see Him use you greatly. Learn more about this challenge at RonnieFloyd.com.
Elevate Marriage Event
Jesus and the same-sex marriage debate
Andrew Walker will be one of the speakers at the Elevate Marriage Event Oct. 16 at the IBSA Building in Springfield. Get a preview of Walker's message by reading his latest article describing how progressives are trying to bend the Christian narrative toward same-sex marriag at ERLC.com. Walker will be joined at the event by Dr. Kevin Smith who will discuss the prophetic role of the pulpit and Jill Finley who will share about creating role models in church. Register to attend at IBSA.org/marriage. 
News from the Illinois Baptist
I scream. You scream. We all scream at Osteen.
 
Victoria Osteen recently made some provocative claims about the proper motivation for obeying God, which caused an uproar among evangelical Christians. IBSA's Chase Abner shares a template for responding to public Christian controversies at IB2news.org.

21 reasons God may allow more than you can bear
As with most lies the enemy uses, it originates from a misapplied truth in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that talks about temptation and how God always allows us a way to resist that temptation. But is it through Him or us?
Read how God has wise purposes even in our most difficult seasons at ChurchLeaders.com. 

The mission continues

Thank you for your support of the Mission Illinois Offering and Week of Prayer. However, just because the suggested September 14-21 offering and prayer dates have passed, doesn't mean our Illinois missionaries and church planters no longer need your support. Please continue to pray and give as you are able to missions in Illinois throughout the year. Visit IBSA.org/mio to learn more about this offering, 100% of which is used for missions in Illinois. 

Why churches don't address decline

For many churches, as long as the bills are being paid, lower attendance numbers don't matter as much. At the same time, though, most churches in North America are plateaued or in decline. Many of those churches have been in that state for years, if not decades-sometimes under the same leadership. Find our why churches don't act at ThomRainer.com.

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

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