Church Replanting; 10 Reasons Why Churches Must Reach College Students

Theological education gives pastors the foundation they need to preach and teach the Word of God. In Tanzania, students are working hard at the Tanzania Baptist Theological Seminary. The International Mission Board is asking believers to join them in praying for the seminary students there. Specifically, they’re asking believers to ask God to give them a passion for learning His Word and living it out among their families and communities. Please pray for these laborers to be faithful with the training they have received and ask God to use their gifts to plant new churches, share the good news, and build His kingdom. Each year, hundreds of established churches hold their final services and close their doors. Most of these churches are in communities that desperately need a gospel witness. The Replant team helps churches in crisis regain health and vitality so they can continue to be a light to their city. Pray for Replanters across the continent as they shepherd churches through difficult seasons. You can learn more about the replant process by visiting namb.net/replant.
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In a post in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Chuck Lawless talks about how a clean life before God brings greater joy and glory to God. He compares it to his desire for a clean house.
Lawless writes he has a propensity for cleanliness and, often, after his wife and dog and Max go to bed for the evening, he dusts the counters, vacuums the rugs and sweeps the hardwood floors. He says, “The process takes me about 20 minutes, but it’s worth it to me. You see, when I make sure to clean at the end of the day, I sleep better—and, it’s a lot more enjoyable when I get up in the morning. Awakening to a mess I failed to clean up the day before is not a good way to start the day. My walk with the Lord is not much different, actually. Taking time each evening to ask the Lord to show me my sin, to confess that sin, to re-affirm my commitment to turn from it, and to bask in the Lord’s forgiveness makes a great deal of difference for me. I rest better that night, and the next morning filled with God’s renewed mercies starts in a much more positive place. Unconfessed sin, on the other hand, has a way of robbing us of rest in the night and eating at our souls in the morning. No ongoing sin is worth that cost. If you don’t already do so, I encourage you to take some time tonight to let the Lord work over your heart a bit. Holy Spirit cleansing before you go to bed can make tonight a better night and tomorrow a much better day.”