Silent Sufferers

I'm delighted to have worked with Sam Allberry on his new book Is God anti-gay? It's a subject close to my heart as I have many close Christian friends who have wrestled with this issue. In any sizeable church there are likely to be two or three present for whom this is an issue in some way.

Part of the issue was 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. And as Sam articulates so compassionately in his book, 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. I am praying that the message of this book, as it is read by whole congregations will start to remove the fear and ignorance which many of us have - and make our churches more intelligently caring in this area.... continue reading

An interview with Sam Allberry

You've seen the trailer. You may have ordered the book. You might have even read it. Is God anti-gay? is flying off the shelves! So, now, why not find out more about the author and the thinking behind the book? Watch an interview with author, Sam Allberry:

On to a Good Thing

1. YouVersion Bible App: Series of Infographics

As the YouVersion Bible app reaches 100 million downloads, The Christian Post shares a series of infographics.

2. Top 10 Tips for Being Clearer

Andy Naselli looks at 10 tips from Saving Eutychus by Gary Millar and Phil Campbell.

3. A Question for Every Elders Meeting

A question for elders' meetings from Kevin DeYoung.

4. Four Basic Principles for "Saturating" Children with the Bible

Four basic principles from Jill Nelson at Children Desiring God.

5. To-Do Tonight

Joe Thorn shares his to-do list to prepare for both sleeping and waking.

6. And finally…

Our video of the week, an interview with Sam Allberry, author of Is God anti-gay?:

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

Surely a same-sex partnership is OK if it's committed and faithful?

This is an extract from Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam Allberry - launching today at The Good Book Company.

One of the arguments commonly made today in favour of same-sex partnerships is that what must surely count above all else is faithfulness and commitment. Shouldn’t faithfulness within a relationship be what determines its moral goodness rather than the gender of those involved in it? A promiscuous gay lifestyle with multiple partners and one-night stands might be wrong, but two people who love each other and are faithful to whatever promises they have made—surely that’s OK?

It can seem a compelling argument, and it is increasingly common to find Christians allowing for this kind of expression of homosexual practice. But a number of important things need to be said in response.... continue reading

Introducing: Is God anti-gay?

It's a question that's on many lips at the moment: If the Bible genuinely does teach that sex is only for heterosexual marriage, then doesn't that mean that God is anti-gay?

It's a good question. A great question. A question that, in the current climate, needs a good answer. And so, today, we are thrilled to be launching the latest in our Questions Christians Ask series - Is God anti-gay?

This short, sensitive book, written by Sam Allberry, takes readers on a journey into the key biblical issues at stake in this hotly debated area. But it's no dry academic, text - it also gives helpful hints on dealing with any personal struggles with homosexuality; pointers on how we can lovingly support those who are experiencing same-sex attraction and encouragement to engage, faithfully, with an increasingly liberal society.

Described as "truly marvellous" by Carl Trueman, this clear, but never strident, little book is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to be better equipped to live faithfully and humbly in today's confusing climate. Click here to order Is God anti-gay?

Once you've got it, why not join us in tweeting the sentences that you find most helpful using #IsGodAntiGay.

And if you want to encourage others in your congregation to be reading it too, you can download our video trailer.

How like footballers are we?

Football’s Suicide Secret is a programme shown a few days ago by the BBC. It was extremely well presented by footballer Clarke Carlisle, and I was impressed by how balanced it was. But it also got me thinking. How like footballers are we?

Here are some of the main points that come out in the documentary:... continue reading

The not-so-straight and narrow way

Today, the peers will be debating the third reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. Christians have been encouraged to lobby and pray. Last week, a local church was lambasted in the press for allegedly refusing to welcome a homosexual couple into their service. And every day, as such stories get debated in public and private, real people struggling with same-sex attraction get stuck in the middle. What does that feel like? We talk to one evangelical woman who struggles with same-sex attraction to find out.

How long have you struggled with same-sex attraction?

The thoughts began when I was at primary school. I knew I was different at the point when my friends were starting to talk about boys. I wasn't interested. I wanted to find out more about girls. It's been part of my life ever since.... continue reading

Fighting the Monday feeling

Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings. On that day you will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the Lord.

Zephaniah 3:9-12