The most interesting aspect of the whole segregated-seating debate is the issue that lies behind it.
Let me say first up, I’m not for segregated seating. Neither are most people in the country, according to the media. You’re probably not, either.
But even when we agree with each other, it’s worth asking: Why? On what grounds don’t I agree with this?
Here’s the Christian’s reasoning. God has created male and female equal, and different. God has told us when and how men and women will (or should) live differently; for instance, women have the ability to get pregnant (Genesis 3 v 15-16—I don’t think this is particularly controversial!); men are called to lead their families if they’re husbands (Ephesians 5 v 23-25—this is a little more controversial…) But, apart from where God has said otherwise, there is no difference—so it seems strange and unnecessary to seat men and women separately.... continue reading
In the last few days of 2013, we're going to repost our 10 most-read posts of 2013. Here, at number 10, is a post from the end of April containing some helpful hints on how to broach the tricky subject of pornography with young people.
"We know from the facts and figures the average age of starting to watch pornography is about 11." So runs a sentence in a recent BBC article.
Of course, not every 11 year old is watching porn. But it seems some are. And as children progress through their teens, it is more and more likely that they will engage with pornographic material. There's so much out there - in magazines, in books and, above all, on the internet. No longer are our adolescents having to sneak mags off the top shelf and hide them under their beds, there's a whole world of explicit material just a click away. And - unless internet accountability systems are put in place - a simple "clear browser history" manoeuvre often hides the evidence from the responsible adults of the house.... continue reading
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Psalm 98 v 1-3
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you'll know we made a lot of this book when it came out earlier this year. But with many churches and church people absolutely snowed under at this time of year we thought it well worth reminding you of it again.
Christmas, probably more than any other time of year, is when Christians are most under pressure. Demands on everyone's time are immense - energy and big smiles are required all round - as event after event is put on. But the constant need to be here, do this, speak at that, make something else, greet this group or that can be draining.
John Hindley examines just how and why this happens in Serving Without Sinking. It is an issue he has been aware of for a very long time and knows that it isn't just for Christmas either. The good news is he also has some encouraging help, backed by Scripture, to relieve the burdens we feel. He shows us how we can maintain that joyful servant heart at this busiest of times.
Read more HERE and get the book for just $6.50 - use code dontsink at the checkout.
The public services are over. The singing and dancing are dying down. The news crews are moving on to the next big thing.
After acres of newsprint and television interviews, now starts the long, slow, developing assessment of the life and legacy of Madiba (his Xhosa clan name), Tata (father), or as the rest of the world knows him, Nelson Mandela.
Obituaries and biographies are funny things. It's often been noted that the first to be produced are by enthusiastic supporters who write their lives as bordering on sainthood. The rough edges of their personalities are smoothed over. Their mistakes are ignored and downplayed. Those who have dirt to spill, keep silent in the general atmosphere of adulation that follows the death of a "great one". And then - perhaps 10-20 years later - comes the reaction, when critical and iconoclastic articles and biographies appear, and the difficulties that their policies have created mature and come to light.... continue reading
Same-sex weddings to begin in March
We can’t dissent against 'new gay orthodoxy’, says Christian charity
Child 'training' book triggers backlash
Jesus tops list as most significant figure in history; Mohammed at 4th
High Court verdict a turning point in same-sex marriage debate
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.
I hope that, whatever difficulties you’re facing today, you take a moment to let this photo put a smile on your face. This image of a child rescued from the rubble of the 2010 Haiti earthquake is one that has stuck with me. The picture is grainy, taken from a video filmed of the US rescue team’s operation. As he is pulled from the wreckage, the boy raises his arms and grins.
It’s interesting to compare the slightly different ways in which the story was reported at the time. In one newspaper, he was beaming with sheer triumph that he had survived his ordeal. According to another, the boy, initially overwhelmed by the sea of unfamiliar faces crowded around him, smiled upon catching sight of the familiar figure of his mother (or aunt, or neighbour…) Either way, the pure joy on the child’s face as he is lifted to liberty is is heartwarming—his grin is infectious.... continue reading
The sense of panic is starting to rise in many a quarter this week. Just two weeks to go and countless Christmas presents are yet to be bought.
When all else fails, my default is chocolate. There are few who dislike the opportunity to indulge in a spot of quality, melt-in-the mouth delight. But there are more wholesome ways to feed our friends this Christmas (and no, I'm not suggesting wrapping up an avocado instead).
Whether you're buying for an adult, a teenager or a child - a gift subscription to one of our daily reading products could be just what you're looking for this festive season. It's a gift that keeps on giving all year round as each day your friend or family member is provided with great gospel-sustenance direct from God's word.
A year's subscription to Explore (adults) - just $24.99
A year's subscription to Engage (14-18 year olds) - just $25.99
A year's subscription to Discover (11-14 year olds) - just $25.99
A year's subscription to XTB (7-10 year olds) - just $25.99
A year's subscription to Table Talk (families with children aged 4 and over) - $25.99
And you can buy the Explore Prayer Diary for just $4.99 when you purchase any gift subscription.
Simply give us your friend's contact details when you purchase the subscription online and we will make sure their daily Bible reading notes arrive promptly at the start of each quarter of 2014. And there's a voucher that you can download and tuck into the Christmas card you're sending to show people what you've done. So go on, feed a friend this Christmas - with the food that matters most ...
Homosexuality is perhaps the biggest area of conflict between Bible-believing Christians and the world at the moment. It is a subject close to my heart as I have many close Christian friends who have wrestled with this over the years. In any sizeable church there are likely to be a significant number present for whom same-sex attraction is an issue in some way.
Part of the difficulty these brothers and sisters face is the need for secrecy. It is only relatively recently that “the love that dare not speak its name” has become normalised in society as a whole. Sam Allberry articulates the problem compassionately in his book Is God Anti-Gay?, there are still many believers who feel unable to share the nature of their particular temptation for fear of being judged, rejected or misunderstood by others in their fellowship.... continue reading
1. If You Could Ask God One Question - half price until midday Thursday
Until midday on Thursday, If You Could Ask God One Question by Paul Williams and Barry Cooper is available for 50% off, that's just £2.50! (UK customers only).
2. John's Gospel
A new website designed to help you read through John's Gospel.
3. 12 Reasons You Should Pray Scripture
Andrew David Naselli looks at these 12 reasons.
4. How to write a great book review
A free e-book from Aaron Armstrong at Blogging Theologically.
5. Tom Daley and the search for safety
Our very own Carl Laferton reflects on the recent news about Tom Daley.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, the trailer for 'What happens when I die?' by Marcus Nodder, part of the Questions Christians Ask series:
Be sure to come back next week for the On to a Good Thing Christmas Special!
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
