Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
therefore He will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for Him!”
Isaiah 30:18
Church of England attendances 'stabilising'
Why do more women flock to the Church?
New York man spends four years copying the King James Bible – by hand
The Sex Lives of Unmarried Evangelicals
Christian-run NHS surgery criticised for refusing to prescribe morning-after pill
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.
It's Ascension Day. And whether you're in a church that celebrates such dates or not, it's worth stopping and pondering once in a while just how exciting the ascension really is.
Luke recorded it. Paul celebrated it. And the writer of the Hebrews applied it to Christians under pressure. Because, far more than just Jesus' farewell to the world - the necessary step before the sending of his Spirit - the ascension has profound implications for our lives. The ascension points to great truths that spur us on in the here and now and help us look forward to the life to come.... continue reading
Original sin is not a popular doctrine. It’s probably why we don’t mention it very much. It’s certainly why I was surprised to hear it being mentioned on Radio Four’s Thought for the Day on Tuesday.
The speaker (or should it be, thinker?) was Rev Giles Fraser, a man not known for his sympathy towards biblical doctrines. Here’s how he defined original sin.
“I find in Christianity, especially in the Augustinian tradition, a remarkably similar observation to that proposed by Freud [ie: that we all feel helpless, because of our lack of control over the sources of our satisfaction].”... continue reading
1. The Trinity and the Christian Life
A free magazine on the Trinity.
2. Top 60 Online Resources for Battling Porn
A number of helpful links from HeardHeartHand on battling porn.
3. Left behind
An article by Richard Perkins on what it's like to be left behind after a church plant.
4. Secret sauce?
Some questions to help with Bible reading.
5. 30 Reasons Why It Is a Great Thing to Be a Pastor
John Piper shares his 30 reasons.
6. Unplugging to plug back in
A thought-provoking article from Dai Hankey.
7. And finally…
Our video of the week, well worth a watch, The Supremacy of Christ - Symphonic Sermon Jam Video:
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
I will plant her for Myself in the land;
I will show My love to the one I called ‘Not My loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not My people,’ ‘You are My people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’
Hosea 2:23
Google 'as trusted as the Church' by Britons
Obama Cleanses Day of Prayer of Christianity
Extravagance of Methodism founding father Charles Wesley's wife
Pentagon May Court Martial Soldiers Who Share Christian Faith
Single people feel 'ignored and lonely' at Church
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.
Spotted this car on my way into work this morning, and momentarily wondered if it were Daniel Craig or Matt Damon at the wheel. But it did get me thinking.
Why do people buy personalised number plates? For some it's an opportunity to make others smile. Others just spell out random funny words: LA54GNE, W4LLY or B1NGO. Others have a marketing message - G0 0GLE. There has even been one spotted with altogether darker intent: J1 HAD. But for most, it is surely all about an ego boost. They are known as "Vanity plates" for a reason.
But those who have experienced the grace of God in Christ should never boast about themselves:
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6 v 14
So it got me thinking - what number plate would I put on my car that either admitted my own weakness (WAL 1Y might work), or else said something meaningful about God and the Gospel?
Your suggestions below please...
1. 15 Measurements of Whether Americans Are Post-Christian (Infographic)
An infographic showing the findings of the Barna Group.
2. The Ministry of Hospitality
A whole series from Feathers in our Nest on the topic of hospitality.
3. New Daily Devotional Website
Desiring God's daily devotionals, Solid Joys, now available on a new website.
4. Taking It All In
A really helpful post from Joe Thorn on taking in God's Word.
5. 10 Tips for New Church Planters
20schemes shares 10 tips on church planting.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, Pete Woodcock talks about the Jesus and You series of evangelistic courses:
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
"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.
Much as it would be convenient to do so, it would be unwise to assume that children from Christian homes are immune from such temptation. Whether it's driven by natural curiosity about the sexual experience (which every child has at some stage) or peer pressure to conform to the porn-watching that slips somewhat un-naturally between video-games and eating chocolate at teenage sleepovers, some of our young people will be confronted with the sorts of images that make our hearts sink.... continue reading
