Guantánamo's 'architect of 9/11' has care worker pen pal in Nottingham
Thou shalt not Tweet in an ungodly way, Church of England tells worshippers
Court to investigate whether Boris Johnson banned ‘gay cure’ bus ads for ‘political capital’
Victorian schools warned following complaints about religious education
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Over the next couple of months, something really exciting will be happening on university campuses all over the UK: Christian Union Mission Weeks. Last year, 35 000 students went to mission week events. Some of those people were my friends at the University of Manchester; and it was a great privilege to be involved in organising our week.
CUs are engaged in a whole range of outreach activities all year round, which come with their own set of baffling Christian jargon: ‘bottle drops’ (handing out water to students coming home from nights out); ‘tea and toast’ (handing out tea and toast to the aforementioned inebriated students); ‘text-a-toastie’ (CU members deliver the toasties and answer questions about God); 'carol services' (which are… carol services).... continue reading
Lust (which for the purposes of this post, we’ll define as a strong sexual desire for someone other than our spouse) is a big problem but let’s face it, most of us don’t naturally talk about our sexual struggles over coffee after church. Every now and then, though, there’s a cracking sermon on Matthew 5:27-30 and someone quietly whispers … “I needed to hear that so much – I’m in a mess … “
In moments like this, how can we make sure our initial response is as helpful as it can be? Here are our top tips for things to say:... continue reading
“It doesn’t look like a church!” was the comment of a former Catholic coming to our church for the first time. (Admittedly, it was our old wood and asbestos structure, once thought to be a “disused woodyard” by a passer-by. We have re-built it since!). To her, a plain building, with no crucifixes, images of Mary, incense or candles was simply not ‘a church’.
Another Catholic who came to our church recently was very surprised at the Bible-centred preaching. “The Bible is never mentioned at our church”, they said.
We’ve all no doubt had comments from Catholic friends, family or work colleagues along the lines of “I go to confession, but I still feel guilty afterwards for the wrong things I know I’ve done – and I can’t seem to find any peace”, or “I go to Mass, and pray the prayers that are expected, but there’s something different about you and your church. You seem to have a personal relationship with God, and you study the Bible for yourselves”.... continue reading
1. Emotions ebook just £4.99 until midday Thursday
Get your e-book copy of Emotions by Graham Beynon for just £4.99.
2. Three Tips for Better Bible Reading
Andy Naselli looks at three ways to rethink your Bible-reading strategy.
3. A Golden Age in Christian Publishing
Tim Challies reflects on the current state of Christian publishing.
4. Should all leaders be readers?
An interesting article about reading from 20schemes.
5. 5 Ways to Pray for Your Church Family in 2014
Erik Raymond at Ligonier Ministries looks at 5 ways that we can be praying for our own church family and other churches as well.
6. And finally...
This week's video of the week, ''Explore: Timothy Keller on Judges':
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
My parents were always very strict on the matter. Whenever a friend gave me a gift I had to utter two little words or risk a withering maternal glare. Whether it was a longed-for toy or an oh so useful pencil, "thank you" was the expected response. And rightly so, it's a privilege to receive any gift - giving is an act of love and provision which should always result in gratitude.
As an adult, the habit remains. It's almost a reflex response ... Someone passes me a cup of tea (preferably peppermint) and "thanks, that's great" immediately springs from my lips.
At least it remains when it comes to other humans. When it comes to God, my response is often far slower. Which is why I was fascinated when a friend of mine shared an evening routine she has recently developed:
Every night before she goes to bed, she thanks God for 10 things.... continue reading
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Do you yearn for contentment? Do you know anyone who does? (That should cover everyone!) Then please read this book. It diagnoses our condition with insight and humour, and offers the only true cure with clear and practical explanation.
This book is simple but profound - and profoundly helpful. The common problem of comparison, with all its poisonous results, is exposed and laid bare to be seen for what it is. In its place comes biblical truth giving life and health and wholeness.
Read more and get the book HERE for just £1.50 until midday Monday. Use code hcth0114 at the checkout.
Some recent research projects have made for sobering reading. Nearly half of the population of England say they feel lonely - up to a third say they have no-one to turn to in a crisis and would be reluctant to approach a voluntary body. Most severely affected are the elderly and infirm. The quote that broke my heart the most was the comment that for some, the TV is their best friend.
So, with that in mind I interviewed the frailest, most housebound old saint I know ... For the purposes of this post, we'll call her Edith, she's always liked that name.
What does an average day look like for you?
I wake about 5am when my night-time pain killers start to wear off. It takes me a while to get going in the morning and I like to have my breakfast well before my carers arrive. My washing and dressing ladies come about 9am. It's nice when I get the same carers for a few months in a row, I can get to know them then but often people's shifts get moved about and I have to get to know someone new every few weeks. Once I'm dressed I go into the living room and put on the TV. I stay there until my night time carers come about 5pm. The meals on wheels team let themselves in each lunchtime. On Tuesdays my cleaner comes round.... continue reading
Each Wednesday afternoon over the next few months we are going to be looking at how to answer some of the common questions we might get asked after the service on a Sunday. Today, our first post:
I’ve got a friend who struggles with… guilt
“It’s all my fault”
“I know it happened years ago but it preys on my mind every day”
“I don’t believe God will forgive me … I know I can’t forgive myself”
They’re the kind of phrases I hear each week. Each Sunday we praise God for his extraordinary gift of forgiveness but that doesn’t seem to help on Mondays. The guilt of sins past and present weigh heavy on many people’s hearts.... continue reading
