Together for the Nations, Resurrection Facts & Following Jesus

Because 59 percent of the world’s population has little to no access to the Gospel, the International Mission Board is committed to rallying and equipping missions leaders and influencers for the task of reaching the nations, together. The number of those lost without Christ is growing and that’s not OK with Southern Baptists, as evidenced by the recent record Lottie Moon offering.

A new IMB initiative to include even more partners in the task of bringing the Gospel to the nations is a series of microevents sponsored by churches, associations and state conventions. These limited-capacity events allow for close interaction between participants and IMB missionaries and staff.

Throughout the event, attendees learned specific ways to be a part of the IMB’s Revelation 7:9 vision by attending Global Missions Focus breakouts where they had the opportunity to hear directly from IMB missionaries and other personnel.

Those who felt called to take a next step toward serving with the IMB were amply resourced and connected to do so by the end of the day.
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To some, the resurrection carries the credibility of any story beginning with “once upon a time”—wishful thinking for the simple-minded. This view is misguided because this central claim of Christianity boasts great historical evidence.

In a piece from the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, they are

In a post-Christian age where unbelief reigns, here are five basic resurrection FACTS that can be used to encourage believers and engage skeptics:

Foretold—Jesus foretold his resurrection.

Appearances—Jesus appeared to many, transforming lives.

Cost—The apostles shared a costly testimony.

Time—The apostles shared a timely testimony.

Setting—The apostles’ testimony spread in the immediate setting of Jesus’ death.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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But what did Jesus mean when He said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19)? That is the question pastor and author David Platt explores in “Follow Me.” Did Jesus mean for us to tag along behind Him like the kitten?

To keep up with what He was doing like a sports fan? To adopt a set of principles and guidelines like a dieter or philosopher? Platt stresses that one thing Jesus did not mean was to merely voice a prayer, even the so-called sinner’s prayer. He asks, “Should it alarm us that the Bible never mentions such a prayer?”

Such dying to self involves a repentance that leads to a changed life. The idea one can attain rightness with God without seeing changes in one’s own life, attitudes and actions harbors a dangerous deception.

Many have settled for saying the words of a prayer rather than following Jesus in His doing of the Father’s will.

Read the full piece and sign up for our daily emails at Baptist Press.com.