The research is complete. The results are in. We now know the location of the happiest place in the developed world. It's ... drum-roll please ... Australia. At least that's the findings of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Australia ranks highest of all the nations under consideration when assessed on criteria such as income, health, safety and housing. Life expectancy there is about 82 years - approximately double some developing nations.
And if you're wondering, the United States ranks 6th - the UK, 10th.
Now, I love Australia. If you leave aside the grueling 23-hour flight between London and Sydney, I have adored visiting that beautiful country. Potentially, I could be convinced that it's the happiest place there is. And I don't for a moment doubt that many people do equate pleasure with a good standard of living and a functioning body. Health, wealth and happiness are the goals of so many in the world.... continue reading
1. TGC13 Media Now Available
The recordings from The Gospel Coalition's 2013 National Conference are now available.
2. R.C. Sproul's Crucial Questions eBooks Now Free Forever
Download these free e-books from R.C. Sproul's Crucial Questions series.
3. Scale of the Universe
Something slightly different for On to a Good Thing. Take a look at this. Colossians 1:17 - He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
4. The Case for Marriage
Kevin DeYoung shares a helpful video on marriage.
5. And finally…
Our video of the week, 'Woolwich Attack: Response in the aftermath' by Woolwich Congregational Church:
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
One week, three amazing events and thousands praising and worshiping our wonderful and gracious God—all framed by one song.
Last Saturday the London Men’s convention in Westminster kicked off with Matt Redman’s 10,000 Reasons, and the man himself closed the Big Church Day Out event with it on this Sunday night in the beautiful Sussex countryside near Steyning.
Many Christian events, conferences and festivals are struggling to keep up with change and keep visitors coming back, But the newest kid on the block, The Big Church Day Out (BCDO), has struck a formula that appeals to young and old alike, individuals and families, groups large and small.... continue reading
Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous 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.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
make music to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ramās hornā
shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.
Let the rivers clap their hands,
let the mountains sing together for joy;
let them sing before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples with equity.
Psalm 98
āSacrificeā isnāt a popular word today. We live in a āmeā culture of iPods and iPhones that tells us āweāre worth it too.ā Itās easy to fall for when everyone around you is looking out for Number One, but giving up that prerogative is one more way we, as Christians, stand out.
Charlie T. Studd is chiefly remembered as Englandās cricketing champion. For four years running he won his Cambridge blue; captained the team; and even defeated the Australians with his great century in 1882. His time on the pitch, however, was relatively short. After just three years of fame, Studd exchanged the cricket field for the global mission field and joined Hudson Taylor in China, (later serving in India and Africa). Friends, family and nation alike were shocked by his decision. What could possibly have induced him to give up his prestigious position for a life of poverty and hardship in a foreign land?... continue reading
If you have enjoyed our short dip into Women's Ministry this week on the blog, why not get equipped to serve in this important area of ministry? The Good Book College's short course in Women's Ministry is a 10-session distance learning course that covers the basics of:
Usually £30, this biblical, practical and accessible course is available this bank holiday weekend for just £20. The price includes the course material and the cost of marking the (optional) assignments.
To enrol - or to request further information - email info@thegoodbookcollege.co.uk or enrol online.
Offer ends midnight on Monday 27th May.
Who hears #PrayersForOklahoma?
Gay marriage Bill — Letter to The Telegraph
Gay marriage could stop Christians becoming teachers or doctors - church leaders
Christians aren't being persecuted in American schools
UK Census: religion by age, ethnicity and country of birth
King, Messiah: New Baby Names Suggest High Hopes
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.
If there isn't a women's ministry initiative in your church at the moment but you have a sneaking suspicion that there could be one in the future, how can you go about setting one up?
Here are our top tips:
1. Pray
Unless the Lord builds the house, the labourers labour in vain.
2. Check your motives
Anger at the minister, frustration at lack of ministry opportunities or a desire to separate from the men are really bad reasons to start a women's ministry initiative! Make sure you are focused on Jesus, his glory and the growth of his Kingdom.... continue reading
Women's ministry will only flourish in the local church if women are willing to get involved. And that means giving time to it. And that often means asking people to step out of their comfort zone. But what kind of women can get involved in women's ministry?
The short answer to that question is: any woman who believes in Jesus!
But the slightly longer answer is: any woman to who believes in Jesus and is willing to work in his strength, for his glory and in accordance with the gifts that he has given.... continue reading
Like most forms of ministry, women's ministry is Jesus-centred. It's all about helping other women to come to Christ and grow in Christ. It's about encouraging people to understand the gospel, respond to the gospel and apply the gospel to every aspect of life. And that happens when women engage with God through his Word and prayer, in the community of the local church. Beyond that - there are many forms that women's ministry can take!... continue reading
