Following our theme of new year resolutions, I'm sure many of us will be reviewing and refocusing on many aspects of our Christian lives. This might be our planned giving, prayer needs for the first part of the year (however long we deem that to be), what evangelism we might do or get involved in, how can we serve our particular church more / better or perhaps just how we live out our Christian lives.
Maybe the New Year is a good time to remind ourselves of just what we believe. Time maybe to take a step back and refresh ourselves and our minds, get to grips again with the key areas of our beliefs. Well Rock Solid is just the book to help us do that.
Doctrine is never dull in this short and clearly-written book. Glancing down the list of contents may fill you with dread but the (many) authors bring things like justification, penal substitution and the sovereignty of God to life. Throughout the text there is a clear biblical basis given for each gospel truth and there's even a little Bible study in each chapter to help you go to Scripture and think things through and apply them personally. One of the highlights is that most chapters also contain mini-biographies of key church figures from across the ages which shows the way in which they have developed or defended the doctrine under consideration. A really helpful intro to some important and practical gospel truths.
Read more HERE and get the book for just £1 until midday on Monday. Use code rs0114 at the checkout.
It was not going well.
She was a professional, and liked to tie everything down. Her team knew what was expected of them, and had worked enough big events not to get in a panic when something went wrong.
She'd handled drunks and accidents, and the time when the chicken turned out to be decidedly "off". She'd even stepped in and rescued the situation when a fight broke out between the two families.
Who'd be a wedding planner?... continue reading
The rain may be dampening a few spirits but there are plenty of things to look forward to in 2014. Of course, the most exciting thing to enjoy in the coming months will be the opportunity to grow in our understanding of the Lord and the privilege of serving him. There are many ways that can happen but joining together with other Christians at conferences can be a huge spur to our spiritual lives, so here is a smattering of what's on offer in the coming few months. Why not treat yourself to some training and encouragement this term - and bring a friend along too?... continue reading
Stuck on the sofa over the past week with a horrible bug, I've been able to indulge in a few TV favourites. One blast from the past that never fails to please is an episode or two of Frasier: a sitcom about about radio psychiatrist whose life is gloriously ridiculous. His catchphrase is well-known to fans across the globe: "I'm listening" starts every one of his radio shows, uttered in the silky smooth tones that only talented actors can muster. It's a phrase that is, at times, spoken insincerely but he tries... when on air, he wants to be there for his listeners.
The way we listen to someone shows a lot about our relationship with them:
You can always spot a young couple in the first flush of love. They hang on each other's words with eyes wide open. Even the most mundane of communications is met with delight because the mere sound of the other person's voice brings warmth to the heart.... continue reading
A look back at the On to a Good Thing highlights in 2013.
1. LivingOut
From the end of last year, a brand new website full of stories, answers to questions, and recommended resources from a group of Christians who experience same-sex attraction
2. A Passion For Life
In July last year we highlighted the A Passion For Life website ready for March and April this year.
3. TGC Worship
In June we shared a new blog from The Gospel Coalition, and in May, we shared the media from The Gospel Coalition's 2013 National Conference.
4. St. Helen's Training and Preaching Matters
Throughout 2013 we posted a number of resources from St. Helen's Training and Preaching Matters from St. Helen's Bishopsgate.
5. The Good Book Company Infographics
In March we put all our infographics in one place.
6. OnetoOne Bible Reading
In the first On to a Good Thing of 2013 in January we highlighted a great website from our friends at Matthias Media.
7. And finally...
Our video of 2013, and this week's video of the week, 'An interview with Sam Allberry':
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 we look to this new year of 2014, it is plain to see that the church has a very different place in our society to that of the 20th century. Where the church was a fairly focal point of both local life and the state as a whole a hundred years (maybe even 30 years) ago, now the church is seen to have no real place in society. We have become a nation that used to be Christian, now Jesus is no more than a name from the past or a baby that appears at Christmas.
This is why this book is important for us to read. Not just leaders of the church, but also the 'everyday Christian.' What Chester & Timmis do is to show the state of the church as it is today and how we 'should do church' in light of the culture we live in. Their argument is for us to show our culture that church isn't a building but a life lived as Christians together.... continue reading
If you live in North America or Europe, chances are that your life is difficult right now.
Bitter cold and deep snow mean that life is grinding to a halt in many places. The same storms then cross the Atlantic and dump vast quantities of water on the already drenched UK and Europe. The gales whip the sea into a frenzy, and everyone hunkers down and tries to keep warm and dry. I am keeping a daily watch on flood warnings – my aged Dad lives right next to the River Severn in Worcester (UK) and may have to move out at any time.... continue reading
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
This time last year, I mentioned six ways to look godly while not growing in your faith — and then spent 2013 battling them, falling for them, and finding several other ways, too. So here, for 2014, are six more ways to look great while doing little…
1. Multitask your Quiet Time
Every day, head off to a quiet place in your house with a Bible for half an hour. It will really encourage anyone you live with, and set a great example. And half an hour is a very long time. A brief read of the Bible, a quick Lord’s Prayer, and you’ve got about 28 minutes left for thinking through some work issues, or writing a mental shopping list, or considering where to go on your next vacation, or even doing some serious meditation with your eyes closed.... continue reading
A new year, a new beginning and the time that many people make those New Year resolutions - a commitment to change something, do something new or stop doing something they feel they ought not to be doing. Every year it's the same isn't it? A whole bunch of individuals, Christians included declaring that these are the steps they are going to take in the coming year. As we also know, very few of these actions last longer than a few months if we are lucky and can normally be seen to have dropped off the radar after more a few weeks (or even days).
However in amongst all the declarations and outpourings I suspect that one resolution you won't or haven't heard is this:
I'm going to stop asking Jesus into my heart.... continue reading
