Rick Warren Preaches First Sermon Since His Son’s Suicide
Christians demand free speech guidance from Scotland Yard chief
Military Censors Christian Chaplain, Atheists Call for Punishment
Archbishop of Canterbury: ignoring views on gay marriage is 'foolish'
Hymn writers won't change lyric for Presbyterians
The 'European' Country That's Less Christian Than North Korea
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.
At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells eleven men to “go and make disciples of all nations” (28 v 19). But who was he talking to?
I’ve heard and read several times over the years that this “Great Commission” was:
The rest of us are called to live distinctive lives, and answer people’s questions (1 Peter 3 v 15); but we’re called only to be reactive (waiting for the question to come), rather than proactive (aiming to talk about Jesus).... continue reading
I'm sure, like me, you are thrilled that the un-named Kestrel recently accused of being an Israeli spy has been cleared of all charges by the Turkish authorities! Like me, you may have been enjoying the many other stories of animal spies across the centuries that have made the press as a result (notwithstanding the tinge of ethical uneasiness that comes with such tales ... or should that be tails?). I think my particular favourite has to be "acoustic kitty" - the feline listening device developed by the CIA in the 1960s, sadly run over by a passing car just moments after beginning its security mission. That was 10 million dollars well spent then!... continue reading
1. Is Your Child a Christian?
Brian Croft at The Gospel Coalition looks at this question.
2. Resource for Addressing Pornography in Church/Youth Group
A free resource from Glen and Emma Scrivener.
3. 85 questions to ask before you marry
Neil at A Faith To Live By shares 85 questions for marriage prep classes.
4. STEP: A New Free Online Bible Study Resource
A new, free resource from the STEP development team at Tyndale House Cambridge.
5. 10 principles to guide your giving
Jesse Johnson shares these 10 fundamental principles.
6. A Free Bible App for the Deaf
Another free resource, this time from Faith Comes by Hearing.
7. And finally…
Our video of the week, from Christianity Explored, 'Surely its arrogant to say your religion is the only right one?'. Watch all of the Christianity Explored videos now on our YouTube channel.
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
Name: John Chrysostom
When: c. 347–407
Where: Bishop of Constantinople (in modern-day Turkey)
So what?
Imagine your perfect evangelical preacher. What do you have? Rigorously Biblecentred, preaching the text carefully, verse by verse? Tick. Eloquent and moving oratory? Tick. Deep understanding of current culture, and able to show how God’s word speaks into it? Tick. Challenging application, continually exhorting you to live out your faith and to use any wealth you have unselfishly? Tick. An uncompromising refusal to be influenced by the powerful? Tick. A determination to teach the truth, whatever the consequences? Tick.
Who have you got? Basically, John Chrysostom. John’s preaching was famous throughout Christendom; first in Antioch (in modern Syria), where he was born, and then in Constantinople, where he was bishop.... continue reading
You may have seen the news report. If not, you can read it here. Archbishop Tutu has said that he would opt out of heaven and choose to wander off to hell if God were a homophobic God.
His comments came within the context of campaigning for an end to homophobic violence. An important issue to address. For brutal mobs to murder or mutilate men because of their sexual preference is wrong - horribly, awfully wrong - and every effort should be made to stop the wanton violence that mars so many states in Africa. But his passionate comments about heaven and hell ... ? Let's take a closer look at them. In reality, he is saying something quite like this ...... continue reading
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-4
Why not spend a few moments now thanking him for the great wonders he has achieved in your life and the lives of those you love?
The BBC admits failings in its treatment of Christians
I forgive men who killed my husband and pray for them, says widow of a church organist
The Church of England's search for salvation
The word ‘religion’ has fallen from grace with many Americans
‘The Bible’ Slides in Rating but Channel Nine Not Upset
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.
Caught a snatch of a discussion on BBC Radio 4 Today programme about marriage this morning. It centred around research that showed the decline in people who marry young and stay married - childhood sweethearts for life - but quickly became much more general.
At one point, one of the panellists TV agony aunt Denise Robertson said this:
"A good marriage is the nearest thing we get to heaven on earth. A Bad marriage is the nearest thing to hell."
How true. On two different levels. Having supported several friends through messy and painful divorces, I have glimpsed the agony, stress and torture of a marriage gone wrong. And having known many strong, loving committed marriages - both Christian and non-Christian - I can testify that these relationships can be truly beautiful things.... continue reading
It's not a bad idea. In fact there's a lot to commend it. The Prime Minister has suggested that internet service providers should automatically block porn sites. Residents in the UK would need to "opt in" to be able to access explicit material. It's an idea that could become law in the coming years. It's designed to protect our children.
There's no doubt that our children need some protection. Statistics from Covenant Eyes suggest that 9 out of 10 boys and 6 out of 10 girls watch pornography before the age of 18. The majority have seen scenes of group-sex and same-sex interaction. Such images drag our children away from God's design for sex and preach the lie that instant gratification is the ultimate goal, regardless of the consequences.... continue reading
