Richard Dawkins is right.

Whenever we talk about abortion, it's important, as Christians, to say three things:

1. God is a God who gives life in the womb
2. God is a God who punishes those who injure or end life, which is, one way or another, all of us, but which includes any part we play in terminating an unborn life
3. God is, wonderfully, a God who comes in the person of Jesus to bear that punishment himself, taking all our guilt if we ask him to, so that we can enjoy life with him, his way. Whatever you may have done in your past, there is mercy, if you will ask for it. There is forgiveness beyond measure.

But for those in society who don't agree with those statements ... Dawkins is right.

Here’s why.... continue reading

Christianity in the News 21.08.14

Travelodge removes the Bibles from its rooms on grounds of 'diversity'. Were Satanists complaining?

Iraq crisis: Cameron warns of IS threat to UK

Navy reverses Bible ban

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's first Australian interview

Australia to offer refugee visas to Iraqi Christians and Yazidis

Disclaimer: The Good Book Company is not responsible for the content of external sites and does not necessarily agree with the content of articles listed.

Post-camp prayers

Summer camps can be great times of growth. Young people seeing Jesus for the first time... Teenagers getting equipped to be faithful witnesses at school or college ... Sins being addressed and lifestyles turning around ... Leaders sharpening their teaching gift as they handle tough questions from curious minds ... But once summer draws to a close, the excitement (along with the exhaustion) of Bible camps can begin to disappear. And as our excitement dissipates, so our prayers can drift into oblivion too.

So, how can we keep praying for our young people and fellow leaders? Here are five ideas - to put into action before we all forget!... continue reading

You stood aloof

Reading the little book of Obadiah in the light of current world events can be a useful exercise. It shows us a glimpse of God's character and heart in the face of atrocities committed against his children.

God's people had been betrayed, attacked, robbed and cut-down in ways too gruesome to contemplate. And, in the face of such awfulness, Obadiah reminds us of three important things: God has seen, God is angry and God will act to bring justice and judgement on those who have acted so badly.

The message - seen through the lens of the cross of Christ - brings a wider context, a sense of hope and a clearer perspective to modern times.... continue reading

Praying for Good Book: Translations

We're conscious, here at The Good Book Company, of our need for prayer. We want to be working in God's strength - for God's glory - in God's Kingdom not just pottering about doing what we think is good and right. If you could remembers us in prayer, that would be so much appreciated. To that end, this Wednesday we're continuing to pop up some prayer requests - asking you to pray for us department by department. This week, translations:

Although the majority of the books we sell are in English, we also have a growing range of editions available in other languages. These editions are prepared by local publishing houses and the person who manages this process is our translations co-ordinator, Elizabeth. She works with publishers in more than 30 countries around the world. Please pray for:

• wisdom in choosing suitable publishing partners in different countries and clear communication to overcome any language barriers between us
• encouragement for our publishing partners, many of whom are working in countries where it can be difficult to find the financial resources and experienced translators needed
• the publication of high-quality translations that can be made widely available to encourage and equip Christians in their daily lives

On to a Good Thing

1. Gospel Truth just £4.95 till midday Thursday!

Get the ebook version of Gospel Truth for just £4.95!

2. Why We Love to Read

A post from Tim Challies about reading.

3. Surprised by Suffering - free ebook

Free ebook version of R. C. Sproul’s book on pain and suffering (also available on Amazon).

4. Five Back-to-School Basics

Marshall Segal at Desiring God shares five basics as you prepare to go back to school.

5. And finally...

Our video of the week, ‘1 Samuel For You Trailer’:

What do you see?

What do you notice in this photo? Take a moment to have a look. Is it the industrial buildings? The parked cars? The train at the station? The fading sun?

This is the view from the back of my flat, and is one of the many, many photos I've taken hanging out the bathroom window. All of sunsets. This one was stunning - but as usual, it failed to translate into the photo. And it struck me that life is a bit like that…... continue reading

Fighting the Monday feeling

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.

1 Chronicles 16:8-11