Vaughan Roberts has done it again. Since the publication of Turning Points fifteen years ago, he has been producing a steady stream of books on subjects from biblical theology and worship to godliness and apologetics. Now the tradition continues with his latest offering, True Friendship (10 Publishing, 2013)
Like Vaughan’s other books, True Friendship is insightful, punchy, clear, and biblical. He writes as a Pastor to ordinary people, and it’s hard to imagine anyone struggling to understand what he’s saying. If you can read English, you can read True Friendship.
And yet behind this easy style lies a remarkable depth of theological and pastoral reflection. Vaughan has clearly read widely and deeply on the subject of friendship, and brings us insights from (among others) the 12th-century English monk Aelred of Rievaulx, the 19th-century theologian Hugh Black, and the 20th-century Catholic Priest Henri Nouwen, along with more familiar names such as C. S. Lewis and Francis Schaeffer. Vaughan encourages his readers to take time chewing over what he says, and each chapter ends with questions for reflection, making the book ideal for group discussion.... continue reading
The horror of the girls abducted in Nigeria can barely be quantified. The plight of those trafficked across the world as domestic slaves or tools for the sex industry continues each year. Individuals mysteriously disappear each month, even in the safe suburbs of the developed world, despite the best efforts of the authorities to track them down. And in the wake of such tragedy there is pain and desolation in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
If we live nearby we can help search, we can encourage those affected through visits and cards. But, for many of us, the only way to help is prayer - geographically we are in the wrong place to do anything else, except maybe sign a petition or two. But all too often words fail us. All too often we allow our busy lives to crowd out the pain of others across the world. So why not take a moment now to bring their plight to the Lord, in the [slightly adapted] words of the Psalmists...... continue reading
Name: Peter Lombard
When: c. 1100-1160
Where: Born in northern Italy, later lived in Paris
So What?
While you might be forgiven for thinking of Wayne Grudem as the father of systematic theology, Peter Lombard was around considerably earlier. Lombard was a theologian who studied and taught in Paris. His most influential theological work was his Four Books of Sentences (sentences means “opinions”), a sort of systematic theology. The four books were on:
The sentences were a collection of teachings on different aspects of Christian doctrine. First, Lombard would state the church’s official teaching, quote relevant passages of Scripture, and then give the opinions of the early church fathers. Finally, he discussed any apparent contradictions, using logic to resolve them. Although little of Lombard’s theology was new, what was novel was the way he marshalled the different arguments together and interacted with them before making a judgement. Sentences became a standard textbook for all students of theology; for instance, John Calvin quoted it over 100 times in his Institutes.... continue reading
1. Serving without Sinking ebook - just £1.49!
Get the ebook version of Serving without Sinking by John Hindley for just £1.49!.
2. Preaching Matters: David Cook, Gospel Preaching
A video with David Cook on how we preach the gospel from John’s Gospel.
3. A Timeless Prayer Before a Sermon
Erik Raymond looks at praying before preaching.
4. 5 ways to use your commute for Jesus
Helen Thorne looks at 5 ways to make the most of your commute.
5. And finally...
This week's video of the week, ‘Titus For You 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
I have a confession to make. I’m not very good at having quiet times. I know they are important. I believe the Bible is God’s living and active word that equips me for all I am called to do. And I know that building up my relationship with God in prayer is utterly vital. But I’m still rubbish at doing it. And I feel just awful as a result.
I could give you a list of excuses...
But the trouble is, they are just excuses. Excuses that ooze out of my sinful heart.... continue reading
No one is like you, Lord;
you are great,
and your name is mighty in power.
Who should not fear you,
King of the nations?
This is your due.
Among all the wise leaders of the nations
and in all their kingdoms,
there is no one like you.
Jeremiah 10:6-7
It's been kept shrouded in secrecy for years. There have been hints and wild rumours - whispered speculation in dark corners. And there have been those who have made wild speculations about the timing and nature of this return. It will be soon; it will never happen.
But now we know it's definitely soon. Star Wars is coming...
The new movie is about to start shooting in Pinewood Studies, in North London, and at last the details are beginning to emerge. The new movie, to be made by Disney, will feature the same trio of actors that were propelled to world fame through the original movie: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher - plus the original actors who appeared "costumed" as C3PO, R2D2 and Chewbacca - the big hairy Wookie.... continue reading
1. Pray as you travel
If you're anything like me, you'll see many of the same faces every morning. Each day I can be fairly sure I'll cross paths with Marks and Spencer breakfast man in his trendy black trainers (he bought a fruit salad and sausage roll this morning), grumpy grey-haired lady in wrinkly socks (who invariably expresses her discontent at something to a disinterested world) and desperate-for-a-cigarette guy (who only stubs out when the bus arrives and lights up immediately he alights) to name but three. I find their consistency in my life quite pleasing - they bring structure to a part of my day when my brain barely functions well. Who do you see morning by morning, week by week? Why not pray for them? Let your eyes wander along the platform or the queue and ask God to give each person a clear opportunity to get to know God better. Of course, you can pray for your friends and family too.
2. Read Scripture as you travel
I know it's more common to read the paper, listen to an iPod or mindlessly scroll through the headlines on your smartphone but there's no rule. Why not get your Bible out - as tree book or ebook? Everyone peers over everyone else's shoulder at some point in a journey so give them something great to look at. And feed yourself something inspirational as you do. The Explore app can be a great help.... continue reading
Banter and the Bible
A great time at the London Men's Convention on Saturday - the last in its current format. The theme was the resurrection of Christ, and the day started with a terrific session with Welsh whirlwind Graham Daniels. He encouraged us from the story of the disciples on the Emmaus Road by showing us how Banter led to Bible and then Belief. Same process with us as we proclaim the risen Lord - engaging in normal, ordinary, everyday conversation, can lead us to opening up the Bible with people through which the Spirit can bring about the miracle of belief.
Seminars: Greening the workplace...
Mark Green of LICC gave one of three stimulating seminars on offer - on being fruitful for Christ in the workplace. Excellent and thought-provoking session that got us thinking more about being a disciple wherever we are. Got everyone talking. Other seminars were led by Pete Woodcock and Dan Strange.
Vaughan and the future
A crackling last session in which Vaughan Roberts pointed us to the future - our resurrection hope in Jesus. Richard Coekin (pictured) finished the conference by pointing the way to the future. This was the last LMC in its current form, and the organisers are considering a different kind of event for the future. Watch this space.
Name: Pope Leo the Great
When: Pope from 440-461
Where: Rome, Italy
So what?
Leo I was Pope from 440-461—but what made Leo “great”? For one thing, he made some pretty “great” claims for the power of the papacy; he believed himself, as Pope, to be Saint Peter’s direct successor and invested with his power. But by many accounts he was also a fine preacher and a terrific theologian.
And this was a period of church history when theology was fiercely fought over. At the time, the church was divided over Christology, the theology of the nature of Jesus. How could he be fully human and fully divine at the same time?... continue reading
