It may seem a strange part of the Bible to go to in times of difficulty, but the most-forgotten section of Acts 1-4 provides wonderful comfort when things go “wrong”, both personally and globally.
So here’s what Acts 1 v 12-26 has to say about the Boston Bombings, the Texas explosion, civil unrest in Bahrain and the difficulties and distresses of our own lives. Acts 1 v 12-26—the bit between the ascension and coming of the Spirit, where the first Christians gather in a room, Peter makes a speech, and they pray and choose a twelfth apostle to replace the Christ-betraying Judas. Acts 1 v 12-26, which is often skipped over because of the awe-inspiring events either side of it, and yet which reminds us that, whatever happens:
God’s good plan has this covered.
He has everything covered.... continue reading
Margaret Thatcher's Christianity: if only the Churches had reached out to her
Margaret Thatcher: The grandchildren in the US who share the Iron Lady’s spirit
Richard Dawkins has lost: meet the new new atheists
Why newspapers need to hire more Christians
Pastors Respond to Boston Marathon Bombings
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They work tirelessly, week by week. They are a major influence on the children and young people in the church. Their words and lives help our under 18s understand who Jesus is. They are confidantes to our teenagers. On the front line of evangelism. And many of them do all this amid busy work schedules and family responsibilities. But how often do we pray for the leaders of the youth and children's work in our local congregation? If you're anything like me, that answer is, "not enough".
So, why not take a moment now to pray for those who lead the young people of your church? And why not use Philippians 1 as a basis for your prayers?
Prominent people in the public eye tend to be reduced to caricatures. None more so than Baroness Thatcher, who is buried today in a state funeral attended by dignitaries from around the world. Such is the strength of feeling about her character, acts and legacy, that there are expected to be protests along the route of the procession.
Love her or hate her - no one divided opinion like "Maggie" - who was elected Prime Minister at a dark time in British political and economic history. Her influence as the first (and so far only) British Female Prime Minister is with us today in the shape of the UK's cultural landscape - both in political life and in economics. No one can deny her influence. I was travelling widely internationally as a journalist during Maggie's residency of No 10. Everywhere I went - even countries in the Middle East that had felt the full force of her "handbagging" - people had an enormous admiration for her, and respect for the Britain as a result, whereas previously we had been seen as a spent force, at least economically.... continue reading
1. D.A. Carson's Bible Study Tips for the Book of Acts
Don Carson gives some helpful tips for studying the Book of Acts.
2. St. Helen's Training: Overview of Mark's Gospel. Part 2 and 3
Part 2 and 3 of St. Helen's video overview of Mark's gospel.
3. Piper on Regrets and Retirement
A fantastic 30-minute interview with John Piper.
4. Forgiveness - Matt Chandler Sermon Jam
A Matt Chandler sermon jam on forgiveness.
5. 20 Sermon Structures
A couple of videos from David Murray at HeadHeartHand on sermon structures.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, Nate Morgan Locke talks about the Soul course for older teenagers and young adults:
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
Praying for our brothers and sisters in Boston.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Psalm 46, ESV
It was an innocent question from a friend who had been asked to do their first talk. They honestly had no idea how to go about the process and were looking for some hints. But it was a question that got me thinking ... "Where do you write your evangelistic talks?"
Up until that day, the answer would have been an unswerving "in my study". That's where I write all my talks and Bible studies. It makes sense. That's where my books are. It's quiet there. That's where the filing cabinet which contains all my previous talks lives. Why wouldn't I write in there?... continue reading
There's a growing phenomenon in the UK. A service aimed at single women - and single men. It promises the chance of becoming a parent. But without the commitment of having a spouse, or a partner or even an ex. It's co-parenting.
Not to be confused with the way the term in used in the US or other parts of Europe (where often it describes a relationship whereby a divorced couple seek to co-operate for the good of the children), it's a simple scheme. You log on to a website, find a mate with suitable characteristics and then arrange to meet to exchange bodily fluids. You continue to meet until conception occurs. After that ... it's up to you. Some co-parents keep in touch and the fathers have some meaningful, if limited, contact with their children. Other dads simply walk away with the blessing of their co-parent, their job done. No money is exchanged. No health checks mandated. No awkward questions asked ... you don't even have to give your surname.... continue reading
How abundant are the good things that You
have stored up for those who fear You,
that You bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in You.
Psalm 31:19
The Gospel Coalition's outstanding National Conference took place this week in Orlando, Florida. As usual it featured a host of top speakers, superb music from Keith and Kristyn Getty and a plethora of breakout sessions. But this time, there was something brand new: a focus on youth work.
The Good Book Company sponsored two workshops, the first looking at Jesus' mission to the next generation led by Dave Wright and Tim Hawkins, and the second thinking about how to build a youth ministry based "on Jesus rather than jokes" with Nate Morgan Locke and Josh Cousineau. Several hundred youth workers attended the sessions which inspired a host of conversations, many delegates staying on afterwards to discuss their particular situations with the speakers.
On the final day, The Good Book Company put on a Youth work panel, moderated by Tim Challies and including all of the previous day's speakers. The session covered topics as varied as youth ministry philosophy, time management and the most important foundation of all work with young people: making- and keeping - the gospel central. Tim Hawkins said "Youth ministry is an area that is often overlooked and under-resourced, so it was fantastic to be able to encourage these guys and think together about keeping our youth ministries centered on Jesus."
Both Tim Hawkins and Nate Morgan Locke are staying in the US with speaking engagements and training events lined up across the country. As well as training, Nate is introducing the new look line up for Christianity Explored's youth range which launched at the conference. "It's great to be able to spend time with my counterparts in the US" said Nate, "and our prayer at Christianity Explored, is that these new-look youth resources will be a great blessing to the church as they reach out to a new generation."
