SBC messengers pray for missionaries; U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on loneliness; Lifeway Bible study on Mark 4

Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans have prayed over more than 90 new missionaries that will be sent out this summer to carry the hope of Jesus Christ to those who’ve never heard.

The sending service was a part of the SBC Annual Meeting. 

The group also celebrated the planting of more than 10,000 new churches across the United States over the past decade. 

The convention is also set to tackle issues such as handling sexual abuse prevention, response and care in the local church and the role of women in preaching ministry.

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U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released last month an 82-page advisory focusing on an unexpected public health crisis – loneliness.

The advisory, released May 3, points out that a major cause of epidemic levels of loneliness and isolation in the U.S. is a lack of social connection among people.

“What I learned is yes, we can experience loneliness, but we are never alone because the Holy Spirit is with us pointing back to the cross, pointing us back to the power and the work of Christ.”

Some of the things Bales would try to emphasize in his youth ministries include having each student identify and connect with at least seven spiritual mentors and equipping parents as the main disciplers of their children.

He said it will take youth ministers, parents and church and Southern Baptist leaders all cooperating with one another to recognize and fight against the epidemic of loneliness among young people.

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A Lifeway Bible study based on Mark 4 says, “Jesus demonstrated God’s love for the perishing in a greater way by laying down His life to provide salvation from sin and death. All who have faith in Him receive not just another day to sail, but the gift of eternal life with God.

If we are followers of Jesus by faith, then we know firsthand the love of God who has authority over all creation. God’s love has been shown supremely in the gift of His Son Jesus. We who believe in Jesus should seek to demonstrate bold faith in Him, no matter our circumstances, so others might trust in Him for salvation.”