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
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
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.
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
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
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
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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.
"So, which sin are you tackling this week?"
It wasn't a question that took me by surprise. My friend and I are both working on a counseling course at the moment. One of our projects is to identify a persistent sin in our lives, analyze it and take biblical steps towards change. Not the most comfortable of assignments but undoubtedly useful!
As I wrestled with some of my heart-issues last week, a range of questions flitted through my mind. But one of the biggest was this: why on earth had I waited for a piece of coursework before starting to address my rebellion?... continue reading
Sat and watched The Impossible last night with teenage daughters.
It tells the real-life story of a Bélon family who were caught up in the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day 2004. The mother, Maria, was horrifically wounded and almost drowned, but manages to find her eldest son Luke. Fearing that dad and the other smaller boys had been killed, there follows a gruelling fight for survival - helped by local Thai villagers, and ending up in a packed and chaotic hospital. I won't spoil the (happy) ending - but the superb acting makes this an emotional ride.
We had to wring the sofa out afterwards.... continue reading
1. A Passion for Life 2014
Check out the A Passion for Life website.
2. How I Read Books
Justin Buzzard shares how he reads books.
3. 10 Things Every Christian Should Know About Islam
Ten things that Zane Pratt learned about during his 20 years as a missionary in a Muslim-majority country.
4. 7 Alternatives to Sunday Morning Announcements
Some alternative ideas for sharing church notices.
5. 3 Keys to Teaching New Songs in Church
Chris Vacher looks at 3 ways to teach new songs.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, the trailer for Is God anti-gay? by Sam Allberry, available on 16th July:
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
