It is with sadness that we bid farewell today to our youth editor of many years, Martin Cole. Martin has been with The Good Book Company for 16 years and in that time has been responsible for the writing of every issue of Discover and Engage ... not to mention quite a few youth tracts too.
His inimitable sense of humour and unending stream of sports trivia will be a great loss to the office. His devotion to the football team of his home town Chesterfield United - was only exceeded by his devotion to the Lord - and his love of sharing God's word with teenagers. We praise God greatly for the fruit that his writing has produced in young lives around the world.
Martin had a special skill as a wordsmith - and his love of wordplay led to many hilarious headlines. Here are some of my favourites:
Bye Martin! Thanks a ton. We'll miss you heaps. And every blessing for the future ...
All of us in The Good Book Team
The first year of secondary school is a year of discovery, a year of excitement, a year of learning how to take responsibility and how far you can push things - and that's just the children! For mums and dads it's probably one of the steepest points on the parenting learning-curve.
My wife and I have been coming to terms with dealing with an ever more challenging "twelveteen" son over the last six or seven months. Once the joy and freshness of the new school started to wear off, the influence of his peers and those in the school in general took over. Harry Enfield's teenage creation of a few years ago, Kevin, doesn't come close. We're told that next year will probably be even worse!
So how can Christian parents cope with all the changes and influences on a teenager's life - school, friends, physical growth?
As with any situation for a Christian, it is to God's word, the Bible, that we should turn. With honesty and humour, Ann Benton shows in Teenagers how Proverbs can speak directly into real life, however messy, today. Under that sometimes morose exterior there lies a heart and a personality with very real needs and issues who God and parents love deeply so it's worth getting equipped to bring them up well in the ways of the Lord.
Find out more about Anne's book. Buy it on line at 20% off.
Christianity and atheism are two sides of the same coin
Scout Association amends vow to God in bid to appease atheists and other faiths
Rick Santorum to head new Christian film studio
Primary schools offering Wikipedia RE lessons
After DOMA, the fading future of religious opposition to same-sex marriage
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.
The Evangelical Ministry Assembly, which has just finished, moved from its traditional home at St Helens Bishopsgate to the Barbican - and what a great conference it turned out to be.
The move, masterminded by PT Director of Ministry Adrian Reynolds, was designed to give space for the conference to grow, and the increase in numbers to around 1200 delegates over the 3 days has already endorsed the decision as wise.
But it was the quality of the content that remained the highlight. Vaughan Robert's expositions on 1 Peter in the mornings were nothing short of outstanding. Mark Dever, Paul Mallard, Rico Tice and Garry Williams all sparkled with enthusiasm and insight. And there was no hesitation in grasping some particularly difficult nettles in the afternoon seminar streams. I urge you to listen again to any and all of the sessions when the audio is released on the PT website.... continue reading
Wonderful news!
We are thrilled to announced that, at the National Brazilian Christian Publishers´Fair held in São Paulo, the Portuguese version of Christianity Explored – Investigando o Cristianismo – won the prestigious ARETE AWARD in the Evangelism section as the best foreign publication, translated into Portuguese. [Arete being the Greek word for “Excellence”]. It is such a privilege to receive encouragements such as these...
Of course, while awards are lovely, what we want to see most from Christianity Explored is gospel fruit and the news from Brazil on that front is even more wonderful!
One local church mobilized the whole congregation for a seven-week mission entitled "Journey for a new life through Christianity Explored". They had no less than 50 groups running - most in homes, but one or two in factories, one in the shopping centre, and one in the local square organised by the youth. So far there have been 15 baptisms - with more to follow. One homeless man was baptised on Sunday night – he's a new man now clothed in righteousness and, after he was baptized, his new church family gave him physical new clothes to wear and are now helping him find a job as well.
Please do praise God for the wonderful way the Christianity Explored material is being used in Brazil and please do continue to pray for the growth of the Kingdom in that beautiful nation.
1. Free eBook for Christian Accountability Partners
A free e-book from Covenant Eyes, 'Coming Clean: Overcoming Lust Through Biblical Accountability'.
2. Do You Need to Study Less?
Yancey Arrington takes an honest look at the question, Do You Need to Study Less?.
3. How to Read a Book
A look at how to read a book from the Art of Manliness - but perhaps some things to consider when reading Christian books.
4. My Secret to Reading a Lot of Books
On a similar theme, some help on reading a lot of books.
5. 9 Things You Should Know About the Bible
A helpful list from Joe Carter at The Gospel Coalition.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, in case you missed it, the trailer for our new series, Questions Christians Ask:
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
Earlier this month, in New York City, we were pleased to launch a new author and a helpful new resource. Bernard Howard, son of Lord Michael Howard, former leader of the Conservative Party is ministering at Christ Church in the West Village. Howard was on hand at Elsa's to sign copies of his new book, The Book of the Covenant. The event saw a venue full of loyal fans and curious New York City locals. It was great to be able to provide copies of the book direct to Howard's readers. Of course, everyone was anxious to get their copy signed and have a chat with him about his thoughts on the covenants. It was the first time several of those in attendance had been exposed to The Good Book Company. But others, some from as far a field as Perth Australia, had a good knowledge of our resources.
Over the rest of this month you have an opportunity to pick up this great title and interact with the author via Facebook or Twitter regarding questions and comments you might have. Click here to buy.
"I'm not going to waste my time listening to little old ladies ramble on or allow myself to get distracted by members of the congregation crying into their tissues. I'm here to preach the gospel". So said a lovely, gospel-hearted minister recently.
I wept. Though clearly not in front of him!
His comments were extreme. And certainly not in line with the view of many ministers I know who see their role as pastor to include both preaching and pastoral care. But he is not alone. Somewhere along the line the two great strands of pastoral ministry - proclaiming the word and helping individuals live out the word in the mess and complexity of their lives - seem to have become slightly parted. That is something worth weeping about.
But what exactly is the link between preaching and pastoral care? While they are clearly different in terms of method of delivery, do they really need to be at odds with one another?... continue reading
May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
Psalm 119: 41-45
I was seven the first time I said it. I took it very seriously, as only an earnest seven-year-old can, making sure I remembered every word, and practising my salute. It was exciting joining the Brownies, especially since my parents had first met through Scouting. It felt like becoming part of a family dynasty.
What was the promise I made? I’m still word-perfect on it:
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God
To serve the Queen
And help other people
And keep the Brownie Guide law.... continue reading
