Name: John Chrysostom
When: c. 347–407
Where: Bishop of Constantinople (in modern-day Turkey)
So what?
Imagine your perfect evangelical preacher. What do you have? Rigorously Biblecentred, preaching the text carefully, verse by verse? Tick. Eloquent and moving oratory? Tick. Deep understanding of current culture, and able to show how God’s word speaks into it? Tick. Challenging application, continually exhorting you to live out your faith and to use any wealth you have unselfishly? Tick. An uncompromising refusal to be influenced by the powerful? Tick. A determination to teach the truth, whatever the consequences? Tick.
Who have you got? Basically, John Chrysostom. John’s preaching was famous throughout Christendom; first in Antioch (in modern Syria), where he was born, and then in Constantinople, where he was bishop.... continue reading
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-4
Why not spend a few moments now thanking him for the great wonders he has achieved in your life and the lives of those you love?
One of the most devastating problems, that continues to ensnare a vast number of people, is the sin of pornography. Many can testify that they were trapped after just a “peek.” They just went to a site to see what was there and now they visit frequently. Pornography has reached epidemic proportions.
Pornography can be easily accessed nearly anywhere in the world. And surveys suggest the Christian community is far from immune. How did this happen? What can be done to help people get free from this bondage? What does the Bible offer as hope to those ensnared in sin?
In "Captured by a Better Vision", Tim Chester exposes the lies and deceptions of porn, inviting us to be fully free, and shows positively how this can be possible in daily life. Tim takes a gospel-centred view of porn and how to overcome it. Not just a self help, practical book (although practical measures are talked about) it aims to tackle the root of porn addiction. Read more and get it here with 20% off.
The BBC admits failings in its treatment of Christians
I forgive men who killed my husband and pray for them, says widow of a church organist
The Church of England's search for salvation
The word ‘religion’ has fallen from grace with many Americans
‘The Bible’ Slides in Rating but Channel Nine Not Upset
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.
Caught a snatch of a discussion on BBC Radio 4 Today programme about marriage this morning. It centred around research that showed the decline in people who marry young and stay married - childhood sweethearts for life - but quickly became much more general.
At one point, one of the panellists TV agony aunt Denise Robertson said this:
"A good marriage is the nearest thing we get to heaven on earth. A Bad marriage is the nearest thing to hell."
How true. On two different levels. Having supported several friends through messy and painful divorces, I have glimpsed the agony, stress and torture of a marriage gone wrong. And having known many strong, loving committed marriages - both Christian and non-Christian - I can testify that these relationships can be truly beautiful things.... continue reading
It's not a bad idea. In fact there's a lot to commend it. The Prime Minister has suggested that internet service providers should automatically block porn sites. Residents in the UK would need to "opt in" to be able to access explicit material. It's an idea that could become law in the coming years. It's designed to protect our children.
There's no doubt that our children need some protection. Statistics from Covenant Eyes suggest that 9 out of 10 boys and 6 out of 10 girls watch pornography before the age of 18. The majority have seen scenes of group-sex and same-sex interaction. Such images drag our children away from God's design for sex and preach the lie that instant gratification is the ultimate goal, regardless of the consequences.... continue reading
1. 9 Things You Should Know About Social Media
Nine things you should know about the social platforms and their usage.
2. Does God hate gays?
In case you missed it, watch Adrian Warnock interview Sam Allberry (53mins).
3. Seven Ways to Pray for Your Heart
Jon Bloom at Desiring God shares his seven "D's" to help us pray.
4. Memorizing God's Word: Colossians
A free booklet to help you work through Colossians over 15 weeks.
5. Is Scripture Enough?
The latest 9Marks Journal.
6. 3 Simple Steps for Studying the Bible
Dave Bruskas at The Resurgence gives his simple steps.
7. Ten Top Testimony Tips
Peter Mead shares his top tips for giving your testimony.
8. And finally…
Our video of the week, from Open up the Bible, 'Bible reading during the baby's nap':
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
Here are five things to ask God for, guided by Ephesians, as you look at the small, precious miracle of creation lying peacefully crying unstoppably in your arms…
Heavenly Father, please give this little one…
1. Faith in Christ.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…” (Ephesians 1 v 18). More than anything else, your baby needs to know the certain eternal hope of a future with Christ. This is the most important thing you can pray for them. You probably know this, but it’s so very easy to pray for health/happiness/a good night’s sleep instead.... continue reading
Praise God for the safe arrival of the Duke and Duchess' baby boy.
Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3
My prayer is that Jonathan Bowling and Ashley Foster will come to understand and experience the love and kindness of the God who made them in his own image and that God’s great mercy will inspire both of them to true repentance.
So came the courageous words of Mrs Maureen Greaves on the day her husband's killers were found guilty of murder.
An act of undeserved compassion. A sentence brimming with grace and hope. A sentiment silenced by the British media.... continue reading
