Cosmetic companies are an encouraging bunch with each advert repeating the same life-affirming message: Apparently, we’re worth it. Worth spoiling. Worth pampering. Worth indulging. Worth – and here’s the crux of the matter – spending our money on.
And, even if we don’t purchase their products, as Christians, we often buy into their message. In the West, we live in societies where ease, pleasure, popularity and security are sought above all else. And we can often get very grumpy and resentful when God asks us to give up even the smallest of these things.... continue reading
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Christianity hasn't 'had its day', insists Rowan Williams in final Christmas sermon
Let's not turn 'inward' amid economic troubles, urges Justin Welby in Christmas message
In the Middle East, the Arab spring has given way to a Christian winter
Church of England facing a crisis of faith
A new year in Christ: 8 new ways to live
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Spent New Year's Eve in pleasant company over good food. Around the table was a Professor of Quantum Mechanics who was eagerly questioned on the subject of the Large Hadron Super Collider, and the Higgs Boson - a.k.a. "The God Particle".
Last year the scientists who crank the handle on this massive underground machine in Geneva announced that they think it "more probable" that the elusive particle exists, and their work continues under the gaze of the world's press who seem hungry for any news about developments. "But what use is it if we actually find it?" we asked our guest. None that we know of at the moment, came the answer.... continue reading
I know these ways are effective because I have fallen, and still fall, into all of them, and need prayer that I will battle against them every day of 2013.
1. Regularly go away for the weekend and go to a different church
You’re still in church each Sunday. It just happens that no one church family gets to know you well enough to be able to challenge you where and when it’s needed. Being away once a month should do the trick; twice will make sure of it.... continue reading
On the second day of the new year, let's look back at some of the On To a Good Thing highlights of the past year:
A happy new year to all our blog readers!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
And here, on the last day of 2012, is a round-up of our most read blog posts of the past 12 months.
1. Infographic: Rulers of Israel and Judah
2. Introducing one of our exciting new books of the year: The Hard Corps
3. Infographic: Life of David - from Shepherd to King
4. Debunking a few myths surrounding the women bishops' debate
5. Some tips on how to break free from self-harm
6. Making the most of Halloween
7. Reflections on Vaughan Robert's interview in Evangelicals Now
8. Some great tips for Home Group leaders
Your word, O Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
Psalm 119 v 89-94
This is mind-blowing stuff. God made the earth and that has lasted. But God's word has always been true and perfect and will be for ever. And His faithfulness will never end — we can rely on God's promises. He'll never let you down.
It's not too late to plan for the new year and get your daily Bible reading notes with our great 10% discount.
And if you haven't read Explore before you might be interested in reading some these great comments from some of our Scottish readers:
"Having participated in Bible studies for over 30 years, I find the Explore notes to be the most helpful in that they help with our daily walk in the Christian faith. The format is very user-friendly."
"I find reading Explore notes is a good discipline, it is challenging, it is healthy, it is addictive!"
"I don't think there is any shame in saying that the Bible is a daunting challenging read! In my experience, the Explore notes have been a fantastic companion guide. It provides an understandable and accessible entry point to the Bible."
There's something about the run-up to new year that makes us think about our lives: ponder the possibility of change; plan for the future; resolve the tensions of the past. For those of us in churches, it's a time when we often think about what ministry we're involved in and whether it might be time for a move. But whether we're a youth worker wondering about handing in our notice; or a member of the music-group, planning to ditch the flute in favour of a role in the children's work, how do we make such ministry-decisions well? Here are 6 principles to hold on to as we make decisions at the end of 2012:... continue reading
