It's estimated that 1 in 4 people in the UK struggle with depression at some point in their life. Most of us know someone in that situation. But how can churches respond? What difference can a loving and supportive, Jesus-centred community make to those who feel life is very bleak?
At our Open Day last Saturday, Alison Mitchell gave an immensely helpful seminar addressing just that. If you weren't able to be with us then you might like to listen online instead. Click here to start. Click here for the seminar handout.
And UK customers, do check back later for a great deal on a recommended book ...
Does belief in hell deter crime? Does belief in heaven lower rates of criminality? These were the questions investigated by researchers in Oregon and Kansas, and their findings have been published in a paper entitled "Divergent Effects of Belief in Heaven and Hell on National Crime Rates" published in the online journal PLoS ONE
Sociologists have long noted the positive effects of religion in areas like generosity, co-operation and decreased levels of cheating. But this study set out to measure the relative effect of reward in the afterlife as opposed to punishment. The results are intriguing...... continue reading
I heard on the radio last week that Spem in Alium, a piece of music by Thomas Tallis, had unexpectedly appeared at no. 7 in the classical-music chart. Unexpected because these days those charts tend to be topped by compilations or well-known artists (or both, eg: André Rieu, an Austrian violinist/conductor with Willy-Wonka hair). So why has Tallis suddenly popped up there? Because the music is referred to in the book 50 Shades of Grey.
Later that day, a neighbour started talking about this same book. She heard it was rubbish, so wasn’t going to waste her money on it. But before I could rejoice in a non-Christian having a moral objection to something that’s basically degrading porn, she told me she’d borrow it from her sister-in-law instead.... continue reading
There are some subjects that it's just plain difficult to speak on. Talking on death can reduce anyone who's been bereaved to tears. Addressing personal sins like lust, greed and immorality can easily anger those listening in.
And at times those emotional responses can't and shouldn't be avoided. Sometimes people need to cry - it's a release. And sometimes it's good for the state of our hearts to be exposed by the word of God - then the issues that lie beneath can be dealt with.
But there are other moments, unfortunate moments, where those tears or outbursts are triggered unhelpfully. Occasions when those of us who have the privilege of speaking - whether that's as a preacher, at a women's breakfast or a youth group meeting - use a tone or turn of phrase that is profoundly unhelpful to those listening. Times when we inadvertently cause great distress to those around us.... continue reading
It was great to welcome many people to our open day on Saturday!
It was lovely to meet you:
To help equip you for ministry through our range of seminars:
To chat to you about how we can support you in your local church:
And, of course, to offer you some great deals:
Our open day offers are still live on the website until the end of the day for UK customers. So do grab a bargain today!
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16 v 7-11
What faithful David looked forward to, we look back to as faithful believers today. Our confidence in life and in death does not come from ourselves, but from the One who conquered the grave and is Lord of life.
South Carolina Judge Sentences Drunk Driver to Bible Study
Churches Face Obstacles During Record-Breaking Heatwave
State Dept: Release pastor jailed for 1,000 days, sentenced to death in Iran
US Anglicans approve gay 'marriage' service
Church of England postpones vote on female bishops
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.
We're doing some amazing deals at our Open Day tomorrow and we don't want you to miss out. So if you follow this link you'll be able to access some of the amazing deals now!
These will finish at the end of Monday so don't miss out...
Germany’s banning of child circumcision should alarm Christians in the UK.
Not because we want to get our children circumcised for religious reasons. But because of the thinking behind the decision.
The judgment by the court in Cologne said: "The child's body is permanently and irreparably changed by the circumcision. This change conflicts with the child's interest of later being able to make his own decision on his religious affiliation."
So, a western, mainstream, democratic country (56% of German citizens agree with the ruling, according to a poll) has decided that a parent may not do anything, for religious reasons, which cause an irreversible physical change.... continue reading
