Two extracts from Scene Seven: Simeon—"A sword will pierce your own soul"
There’s only one old man who gets a mention at Christmas. He wears red… brings the presents… and, bizarrely, often pops up at random points in nativity plays. Santa Claus may not be real (sorry if that’s news to you) but he’s pretty popular. Of course, Santa was nowhere to be seen at the first Christmas. But there was an old man at the heart of the real events. Not Santa, but Simeon. And Simeon didn’t do presents.
But he did do predictions…... continue reading
An extract from Scene Two: the angel—"Christ the Lord"…
Christ: not just a surname
What job had this royal baby come to do?
“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
God had given his Son Jesus two jobs. He was (still is, in fact) Christ.
For years, I thought “Christ” was Jesus’ surname. I assumed that Joseph and Mary were Mr and Mrs Christ, and so Jesus’ full name was Jesus Christ.
But actually, “Christ” is a title, not a name.... continue reading
It may feel a bit early to start thinking about Christmas (though of course the decorations are starting to appear in the shops, and most children under the age of 10 are starting to compile their wish-lists…), but this week on the blog we've got some posts about TGBC's just-launched Christmas evangelistic title, Christmas Uncut. It's worth thinking about now, so that come December you know whether you're going to give it away, and who to.
Here's author Carl Laferton talking about why he wrote Christmas Uncut, what's in the book, and what he's hoping for this December…
All this week, you can buy Christmas Uncut for just $1.99. Simply enter the code "uncutdeal" as you check out. Why not read it in October, pray about giving it away during November and buy in some more copies, and then give it to non-Christian friends and family in December?
Tomorrow on the blog we'll feature an extract from the book.
It may feel a bit early to start thinking about Christmas (though of course the decorations are starting to appear in the shops, and most children under the age of 10 are starting to compile their wish-lists…), but this week on the blog we've got some posts about TGBC's just-launched Christmas evangelistic title, Christmas Uncut. It's worth thinking about now, so that come December you know whether you're going to give it away, and who to.
Here's author Carl Laferton talking about why he wrote Christmas Uncut, what's in the book, and what he's hoping for this December…
All this week, you can buy Christmas Uncut for just ÂŁ1. Simply enter the code "uncutdeal" as you check out. Why not read it in October, pray about giving it away during November and buy in some more copies, and then give it to non-Christian friends and family in December?
Tomorrow on the blog we'll feature an extract from the book.
The new atheists may be grabbing the headlines, and materialism making the running in everyday life. But people will still turn out for carols by candlelight and an opportunity to hear the old old story!
That means that Christmas is still the greatest opportunity we have for bringing the good news of the gospel before family, friends and neighbours. But we have some serious work to do to rescue the real message of Christmas from the fairy-tale version that most people think is the real thing. Salvation has a habit of being pushed out by Santa.
Given the size of the gospel opportunity, it's not too soon to start thinking about it - no matter how much we hate the start of the Christmas music in shops and on the radio. On the blog in the next few weeks we'll be offering you some intriguing insight to the Christmas story, and some extremely practical ideas on ways you can get ready to use the Christmas season for godly gospelling. We'll be encouraging you to:... continue reading
Ed Drew, the children’s worker at Dundonald Church in south-west London, has written the following very helpful piece about how we can respond to Halloween.
Halloween is on the way, on 31st October. In all likelihood, all of us will either have children coming to our doors or have our own children invited to Halloween parties.
Firstly, let’s not overreact.
I would guess that very, very few of those we know think it’s much more than a bit of harmless fun. We can appreciate that most of those who dress up, go to parties or go knocking on doors, are children who don’t know better. We can be gentle in how we approach those who are celebrating Halloween.... continue reading
This is an extract from the end of Vaughan Roberts' book Battles Christians Face. In it, Vaughan very helpfully outlines the challenge we face to change as churches to support those who struggle with same-sex attraction.
1. Renounce prejudice
Christians are right to object when anyone who argues that homosexual sex is wrong is dismissed as "homophobic". Many of those who believe the Bible forbids homosexual practice are warmly affirming and supportive of those who have homosexual feelings. Nonetheless, we should recognise that sinful homophobic attitudes do exist in our churches. Our conversation and the tone of our public comments sometimes reveals a dislike, not just of homosexual sin, but of homosexual people.
Edited by Vaughan Roberts and Tim Thornborough, this excellent book describes the nature of full-time Christian ministry. For anyone thinking about whether ministry is for them this is a must read.
If you, or someone you know, is seriously thinking about ministry you can get this eBook at an amazing 50% off! Simply use the code worker at checkout to redeem this offer. The offer is available in the UK and the US.
Offer expires 05/10/12.
Special launch offer!
You can buy The Hard Corps on our UK website or our US website. Use the code hardcorps at checkout and get 25% off!! This offer is available until the 30th of September.
The public launch is at the Acts29 event in Manchester, UK this Saturday. Chart topping rapper Lecrae is speaking and doing a gig in the evening. Purchase your tickets here.
We'd like to say a massive thank you to 2V design for making the video. It was a pleasure to work with a brother in Christ who made into reality the vision we had for the trailer. It's been a pleasure to work with you throughout this process.
Later this week we're launching a great new book for men, The Hard Corps. Here's a little taster to whet your appetite. Pre-order with a great launch offer.
Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the LORD brought about a great victory that day. 2 Samuel 23 v 9-10.
Question: What happens to the kid whose dad was named after a soon-to-be-extinct giant bird and whose granddad had a name that only donkeys could pronounce?
Answer: He grows up to become an Old Testament Samurai legend with a razor-sharp blade and a freakishly strong grip!... continue reading
