Today, the peers will be debating the third reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. Christians have been encouraged to lobby and pray. Last week, a local church was lambasted in the press for allegedly refusing to welcome a homosexual couple into their service. And every day, as such stories get debated in public and private, real people struggling with same-sex attraction get stuck in the middle. What does that feel like? We talk to one evangelical woman who struggles with same-sex attraction to find out.
How long have you struggled with same-sex attraction?
The thoughts began when I was at primary school. I knew I was different at the point when my friends were starting to talk about boys. I wasn't interested. I wanted to find out more about girls. It's been part of my life ever since.... continue reading
Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings. On that day you will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the Lord.
Zephaniah 3:9-12
This week, life-sentence prison-tariffs were deemed unlawful by the European courts. The Americans are still trying to catch up with Edward Snowdon to bring him to account for leaking national secrets. And today, of course, the funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby - brutally murdered in London - will open again all sorts of debates about the nature of justice. As a nation and as a global people we argue about what is right or wrong, too harsh or too lenient a punishment for any given misdemeanour.
Then there are issues of justice that fall beyond the criminal. What rights do human beings have? What does it mean to treat people fairly? How should we relate to those who are downtrodden and oppressed?... continue reading
‘Hope’ for B&Bs which have married couples only policy
2 Million Brazilian Evangelicals Shut Down Sao Paulo During 'March For Jesus' Event
Christians Killed in Egypt Following President's Ouster
Evangelical Christians Seem 'Freakish' To Most People, Says Southern Baptist Leader Russell Moore
Women bishops back on agenda as Archbishop of Canterbury makes first Synod address
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"So, which sin are you tackling this week?"
It wasn't a question that took me by surprise. My friend and I are both working on a counseling course at the moment. One of our projects is to identify a persistent sin in our lives, analyze it and take biblical steps towards change. Not the most comfortable of assignments but undoubtedly useful!
As I wrestled with some of my heart-issues last week, a range of questions flitted through my mind. But one of the biggest was this: why on earth had I waited for a piece of coursework before starting to address my rebellion?... continue reading
Sat and watched The Impossible last night with teenage daughters.
It tells the real-life story of a Bélon family who were caught up in the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day 2004. The mother, Maria, was horrifically wounded and almost drowned, but manages to find her eldest son Luke. Fearing that dad and the other smaller boys had been killed, there follows a gruelling fight for survival - helped by local Thai villagers, and ending up in a packed and chaotic hospital. I won't spoil the (happy) ending - but the superb acting makes this an emotional ride.
We had to wring the sofa out afterwards.... continue reading
1. A Passion for Life 2014
Check out the A Passion for Life website.
2. How I Read Books
Justin Buzzard shares how he reads books.
3. 10 Things Every Christian Should Know About Islam
Ten things that Zane Pratt learned about during his 20 years as a missionary in a Muslim-majority country.
4. 7 Alternatives to Sunday Morning Announcements
Some alternative ideas for sharing church notices.
5. 3 Keys to Teaching New Songs in Church
Chris Vacher looks at 3 ways to teach new songs.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, the trailer for Is God anti-gay? by Sam Allberry, available on 16th July:
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
The sense of panic began to rise. Her heart-beat quickened. Her throat tightened. Her stomach began to churn. And she knew that yet again, she would flee the room, the meal lovingly cooked by her friends left uneaten. A true story - a not uncommon story - but one that is desperately misunderstood.
In churches, and the wider society, anorexia and bulimia get quite a lot of press. The issues are known. The patterns for recovery, discussed. But food phobias - that's another matter. All too often considered strange or just plain attention-seeking, the people in our congregations who are genuinely terrified of certain foodstuffs are misunderstood.
So, what is a food phobia? It's when specific foods trigger reactions of anxiety or panic. At their most mild, phobias involve feelings of nervousness and nausea. At their worst, full panic-attacks ensue with strugglers reporting an inability to swallow, breath normally or even be in the same room as their trigger food.... continue reading
What an awesome day!
So many of us had been yearning for it for years. So many times, it seemed to be close but then had slipped away. So much hard work. So many prayers. So many sighs of frustration. So much disappointment in the past.
But on 7th July 2013 everything changed.
I couldn't quite believe it at first. It didn't seem real. But then my pulse started to race. My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to cheer, punch the air and hug someone. It was so wonderful...
A friend who has been convinced that God dislikes her, suddenly got it. "Because of Jesus, he delights in me!" came her words. A great, great outcome of God's good work.
Oh, and Murray won the tennis too. That was quite good then ...
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6
