It's Ascension Day. And whether you're in a church that celebrates such dates or not, it's worth stopping and pondering once in a while just how exciting the ascension really is.
Luke recorded it. Paul celebrated it. And the writer of the Hebrews applied it to Christians under pressure. Because, far more than just Jesus' farewell to the world - the necessary step before the sending of his Spirit - the ascension has profound implications for our lives. The ascension points to great truths that spur us on in the here and now and help us look forward to the life to come.... continue reading
Original sin is not a popular doctrine. It’s probably why we don’t mention it very much. It’s certainly why I was surprised to hear it being mentioned on Radio Four’s Thought for the Day on Tuesday.
The speaker (or should it be, thinker?) was Rev Giles Fraser, a man not known for his sympathy towards biblical doctrines. Here’s how he defined original sin.
“I find in Christianity, especially in the Augustinian tradition, a remarkably similar observation to that proposed by Freud [ie: that we all feel helpless, because of our lack of control over the sources of our satisfaction].”... continue reading
1. The Trinity and the Christian Life
A free magazine on the Trinity.
2. Top 60 Online Resources for Battling Porn
A number of helpful links from HeardHeartHand on battling porn.
3. Left behind
An article by Richard Perkins on what it's like to be left behind after a church plant.
4. Secret sauce?
Some questions to help with Bible reading.
5. 30 Reasons Why It Is a Great Thing to Be a Pastor
John Piper shares his 30 reasons.
6. Unplugging to plug back in
A thought-provoking article from Dai Hankey.
7. And finally…
Our video of the week, well worth a watch, The Supremacy of Christ - Symphonic Sermon Jam Video:
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
If you are planning to come down to the Christian Resources Exhibition next week, do pop by and say hello to us on stand E53-55 in the Esher Hall of Sandown Park. We'd love meeting you.
In addition you might also like to plan to pop along to one of our seminars. It would be great to see you there too!
Tuesday 14th May
1.30-2.30 Administration: How to keep Jesus at the centre of your paperwork (Helen Thorne)
3.30-4.30 No child is an island: supporting families through children's ministry (Alison Mitchell)
3.30-4.30 How to grow genuine disciples in the local church (Barry Cooper)
Thursday 16th May
11.00-11.50 How people change - an introduction to pastoral care (Helen Thorne and Andrew Nicholls)
2.30-3.30 Fundamentals of youth evangelism (Nate Morgan Locke and Bev Probert)
2.30-3.30 Dealing with doubt in children and young people (Tim Thornborough)
Friday 17th May
2.30-3.30 Encouraging each other one-to-one (Carl Laferton)
2.30-3.30 Starting women's ministry in the local church (Helen Thorne)
I will plant her for Myself in the land;
I will show My love to the one I called ‘Not My loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not My people,’ ‘You are My people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’
Hosea 2:23
Ken Roach, Stuart Hall, Dave Lee Travis and many other celebrities from the 60s, 70s and 80s are all in the news for the wrong reasons just now. Following on from the Jimmy Saville scandal a string of well known public faces have been found to have found their past exposed for all to see. Sexual abuse, under age sex and indecent assault are among the offenses that have been said to have taken place and in some cases admitted.
All those named above are men, but lust and sexual desire isn't just a guy problem — it's a human problem. And we don't need to have committed a crime to know that our desires are all too often outside God's design. Sexual intimacy needs to be rescued from lust so we can experience it as God intended.
Joshua Harris says our generation is one bombarded by images of sexual sin. In his book Sex is not the Problem (Lust is) he shares his own struggles and suggests ways to fight back against lust with your own personal plan.
Get the book here - for just £6.74 using code sal0305 - thats 25% off until 7th May.
Google 'as trusted as the Church' by Britons
Obama Cleanses Day of Prayer of Christianity
Extravagance of Methodism founding father Charles Wesley's wife
Pentagon May Court Martial Soldiers Who Share Christian Faith
Single people feel 'ignored and lonely' at Church
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.
Spotted this car on my way into work this morning, and momentarily wondered if it were Daniel Craig or Matt Damon at the wheel. But it did get me thinking.
Why do people buy personalised number plates? For some it's an opportunity to make others smile. Others just spell out random funny words: LA54GNE, W4LLY or B1NGO. Others have a marketing message - G0 0GLE. There has even been one spotted with altogether darker intent: J1 HAD. But for most, it is surely all about an ego boost. They are known as "Vanity plates" for a reason.
But those who have experienced the grace of God in Christ should never boast about themselves:
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6 v 14
So it got me thinking - what number plate would I put on my car that either admitted my own weakness (WAL 1Y might work), or else said something meaningful about God and the Gospel?
Your suggestions below please...
There are few things as exciting as growing as a Christian. What better way to spend time than learning more about God, falling more deeply in love with God and getting equipped to serve him better?
Of course, there are many ways to do that. But we thought we'd flag up a few conferences that may well inspire, encourage and equip you this Spring.
Northern Men's Convention 2013
Sorted: Nano 2013
London Men's Convention 2013 - Late
Planting for Christ 2013
Sheffield Music Ministry Conference 2013
Bristol Men's Convention 2013: Nothing to Fear
Confidence in Christ: Peninsula Women's Conference 2013
Just follow the links to book your place.
1. 15 Measurements of Whether Americans Are Post-Christian (Infographic)
An infographic showing the findings of the Barna Group.
2. The Ministry of Hospitality
A whole series from Feathers in our Nest on the topic of hospitality.
3. New Daily Devotional Website
Desiring God's daily devotionals, Solid Joys, now available on a new website.
4. Taking It All In
A really helpful post from Joe Thorn on taking in God's Word.
5. 10 Tips for New Church Planters
20schemes shares 10 tips on church planting.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, Pete Woodcock talks about the Jesus and You series of evangelistic courses:
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
