Looking at his disciples, [Jesus] said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of Man.
‘Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.'
Luke 6:20-23
In the development of the Discovering Jesus course, the material was extensively trialled among a wide variety of people and situations. Here is the story of one woman who took part in one of these trial courses:
I was invited to take part in a course called Discovering Jesus Through Asian Eyes. I am from a Muslim family, but there were two other girls from a Hindu background who were also interested in Christianity.
The course answered a lot of questions that the majority of Asians ask about Jesus and faith in God. It was very relaxed and enjoyable as we talked about these questions and looked at passages in the Bible. What amazed me was to discover that believing in Jesus is very different from the rules and beliefs that I had tried to follow.
It became evident that many of my ābeliefsā were based more around culture and man-made rules. For me, having clear words from God from the Bible strengthened my belief that there is a living God.
As each session went by, I realised that I didnāt have to change who I was; my Bengali culture, my relationships, clothing, or the food I liked, to be a follower of Jesus Christ. All I needed to do was claim Jesus as my saviour, I could be the same person for my family and for myself.
I have never felt such peace in God. Now I know the Holy Spirit is guiding me, giving me peace, wisdom, courageāand I just feel so loved. I donāt feel lonely anymore.
This is an extract from the booklet Jesus through Asian eyes now available from The Good Book Company.
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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.
“If you are English, you must be a Christian, right? And if you are Pakistani, you can only be a Muslim? If you are Chinese, you must be…?”
It’s common to link different religious beliefs and practices with certain parts of the world. So a person born into a family of a particular culture may accept those religious beliefs and practices as part of their identity—something they did not choose, but which was handed down to them.
In the same way, many people automatically link Christianity with Europe, America, and countries like Australia. They assume that all white people are “Christian”. But the situation is actually much more complex.... continue reading
We've all been there. That moment when we inwardly flinch with the pain. That moment when someone we care about says something that cuts to the quick. Maybe they meant to wound, maybe they were trying to be helpful but either way the hurt runs deep and it mars the next few minutes, if not hours or days ... Sometimes such interactions leave us angry or despondent, on other occasions resolving to keep our distance in the future. All too often we allow the feelings to fester and, let's face it, that never ends well - it certainly never ends up glorifying Jesus.
So how can we simply and faithfully work through the pain? One way is to work through the P-A-I-N!... continue reading
The Discovering Jesus course includes, many warm testimonies of Asian people who have found faith in Christ. Here is the testimony from Manoj Ratathaiata which opens the booklet. It showcases how the loving, prayerful concern of a Christian couple, the welcome of a church, and the sharing of the gospel in an appropriate way combined to bring the good news into his life.
In 2007 I was living the high life. I was a successful businessman, buying and selling blocks of apartments throughout the country.
However, as I entered the New Year, my good fortunes took a downturn. As the credit crunch set in, my property business began to wobble. But this paled into insignificance as my two-year-old son was suddenly taken severely ill with breathing difficulties.... continue reading
There are three components to this new resource, plus some promotional materials and a new website to back it up.
Discovering Jesus through Asian eyes is a full-colour booklet designed to be given to Asian people of any background. It asks and answers 16 of the most frequently asked questions that people have about Jesus, Christianity and faith in God, and is filled with warm testimonies from Asian people from different countries and faiths who have discovered the love of God in Christ. The questions are answered carefully from the Bible in a way that is culturally sensitive and gently leads the reader towards belief in Jesus. The booklet is designed to be given to anyone from an Asian background ā a neighbour, friend or colleague from work.
How does the course work?
The Discovering Jesus through Asian eyes course is based on the booklet. If someone has read the booklet and wants to know more, you can invite them to join you to explore the questions in a little more depth. The course is split into eight sessions which each look at two questions from the booklet. The emphasis is on friendly, open discussions, which look at passages from the Bible. The studies have been extensively trialled and tested with a wide variety of Asian people.
The Leaderās Guide contains everything you need to know to run a course ā extensive notes on the discussion questions, helpful advice on how to address issues unique to different people groups and religions, and ideas for promoting the course, and conducting outreach to Asian people in your local area.
The Discussion Guide is for giving to each person who takes part in a course. It contains all the questions and Bible passages, plus testimonies, and explanations of words and terms that may be unfamiliar to participants.
You can see the whole range, together with the invitation postcards and posters on The Good Book Company website here.
You can order a Starter pack to assess the course, which contains a sample copy of each of the resources.
There is also a dedicated website at www.discovering-jesus.com, with video testimonies and encouragement.
The project office at the Evangelical Alliance offers telephone support, and is organising a series of training days around the country during the rest of 2014. Call them for more information on 020 7520 3831.
Name: Martin Luther
When: 1483-1546
Where: Wittenberg, Germany
So what?
Much can be, and has been, written about Luther. So let this be a rough guide for the uninitiated. Martin Luther was a German monk, pastor, writer, theologian and lecturer at the University of Wittenberg. When Luther was a young man, there was only one church in Western Europe—the Roman Catholic Church—and Luther didn’t originally intend to leave it or split it apart. But what started as Luther’s indignation at the vulgar selling of indulgences (a kind of ticket to heaven) grew into a “reformed” theology that proved profoundly incompatible with Catholicism.
Luther did a lot of influential writing, speaking and preaching—and not all of it praiseworthy. But the key ideas that fuelled the Reformation can be bluntly summarised as follows:... continue reading
1. 9Marks Journal: The Church Singing
The latest journal from 9Marks.
2. Students, Don’t Waste Your Summer
Jeff Brewer at The Gospel Coalition looks at 10 ways to "help you grow your faith while on summer break."
3. Same-Sex Attraction in the Church
A free extract from ‘Is God Anti-Gay?’ by Sam Allberry.
4. 8 Things I Want My Toddler to Thank His Mom For (in 20 Years)
Carl Laferton shares these 8 things.
5. A Simple Habit to Set the Tone for your Day
A helpful article from Mark Altrogge at The Blazing Center.
6. And finally...
This week's video of the week, ‘Discovering Jesus through Asian Eyes Trailer’:
Found something that you think should make it on to the On to a Good Thing round-up? Send it to: ontoagoodthing@thegoodbook.co.uk
