They’re everywhere at the moment. There are the small children – usually girls – swathed in white sheets and gold tinsel all poised to enter stage left and address the tea-towel clad shepherds and associated stuffed sheep with “tidings of great joy”. There are the cards we’re sending and receiving. There may even be one on the top of your tree. But what exactly are angels? And what do they do when they’re not announcing the birth of our Saviour? Here, this Christmas time, is a quick Q&A about our angelic neighbours:... continue reading
As the year draws to a close and people make all sorts of Top 5 for 2014 lists, we thought we'd do our own. And add a little competition.
Over the next few days, we'll be telling you our Top 5 selling books for 2014. The competition is to guess the top selling book. We'll send a free copy to the first 5 people who guess the correct answer. Comment on the Blog, reply via Twitter, comment on Facebook. We could let you know all sorts of terms and conditions, but we're all friends here!
Today is the last day for sending us your guesses. Competition closes at 11am tomorrow (Friday 19 Dec).
Today, coming in at Number 2 is: Original Jesus by Carl Laferton: A funny, faithful introduction to Jesus, comparing him to other versions of "Jesus". Perfect for giving away. ... continue reading
I was just reminded of this really helpful article I read last year. Hugely wise and practical advice, like:
Accept the day isn’t fully yours and that you’re just called to be faithful. God knows you long for your loved ones to know the Lord. Be a servant to your family and ask God to give you eyes to see them as he sees them. Also don’t forget to reflect upon how God has changed you and your family over time.
Be prepared to say ‘Grace’ at the dinner table. As the token Christian, it may well fall upon you to do the ‘Christian thing’ at the table. You might even want to volunteer! Have a good Gospel-centered ‘Grace’ up your sleeve for this moment.
Read the rest of the article by the Australian Bible Society. Highly recommended!
And hot on the heels of it being our number 3 bestseller this year, we're offer the The Third Day for just £1.
As the year draws to a close and people make all sorts of Top 5 for 2014 lists, we thought we'd do our own. And add a little competition.
Over the next few days, we'll be telling you our Top 5 selling books for 2014. The competition is to guess the top selling book. We'll send a free copy to the first 5 people who guess the correct answer. Comment on the Blog, reply via Twitter, comment on Facebook. We could let you know all sorts of terms and conditions, but we're all friends here!
Today, coming in at Number 3 is: The Third Day Alex Webb-Peploe's faithful
For two evenings this week I was present when emergency alarms were sounded.
Emergency no. 1
Monday night's was spectacular - and also quite funny. As I waited at a c-c-cold bus stop, a 71 pulled up, and a guy with a HUGE package got on. The bus driver took one look and refused to let the guy travel on the bus.
Driver: "That's too big. You can't come on here."
Guy (wearing earphones): "What?"
Driver: "It's too big."
Guy: "What?"
1. Come Home for Christmas
A short video from UCCF about coming home for Christmas.
2. The Pendulum of Growing up Christian
A great little poem from Nicholas McDonald about the realities of being a Christian.
3. Glen Schrivener and Carl Laferton speak...
Listen to them discuss why Tricky was written; how to have a Jesus-centred approach to evangelism; how Christians can speak about homosexuality in conversations with non-Christians; and much more.
4. Christmas Carols Radio
They play none-stop traditional Christmas carols choral music, with Bible thoughts on the nativity. Listen here.
5. Pilgrim's Progress for Free
Desiring God are giving away eBook version of Pilgrim's Progress for free. Get it here!
6. And finally...
Our video of the week, 'Tommy the Tiger' from St. Thomas Church, Norwich:
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
As the year draws to a close and people make all sorts of Top 5 for 2014 lists, we thought we'd do our own. And add a little competition.
Over the next few days, we'll be telling you our Top 5 selling books for 2014. The competition is to guess the top selling book. We'll send a free copy to the first 5 people who guess the correct answer. Comment on the Blog, reply via Twitter, comment on Facebook. We could let you know all sorts of terms and conditions, but we're all friends here!
Today, coming in at Number 4 is: Questions Christians Ask: Can I really trust the Bible? Barry Cooper's short, readable book that explains clearly and simply what Christians believe about the Bible
We're used to images of the Jolly fat guy who is kind to everyone. And even though he supposedly makes a list of "who's naughty and nice" - he never really leaves the naughty kids off the list - it's just a feeble attempt by parents to introduce justification by works into the Christmas story.
But the real St Nic was quite different, although stories about his life are more in the realm of folklore and legend than accredited
"It's the most wonderful time of the year". Or so the 1960's crooner, Andy Williams would have us believe. And his tune - along with many others sharing the same sentiment - are being piped at us endlessly as we shop, commute and potter round the house. Wherever we turn, we are confronted with cheery melodies, tinsel and trimmings, party invitations and the expectation of some presents to remember.
Of course, there's some truth in the sentiment that it's a wonderful time of year. Remembering the moment when God took on human flesh to save us from our sins is undoubtedly awesome, profoundly life-changing. But that doesn't necessarily make Christmas fun. And, personally, I don't find it hard to think of people who are, quite frankly, dreading it:... continue reading
