Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5v1-2)
Looking to the cross for our model.
Everywhere we look in the New Testament, the cross is the motive and measure of our conduct. The cross is to shape our attitude to other Christians (Romans 15 v 7; Philippians 2 v 3-8), the opinion of unbelievers (Galatians 6 v 14), and opposition (1 Peter 4 v 12-14). It is to shape our approach to leadership (Mark 10 v 42-45) and marriage (Ephesians 5 v 25). It all goes back to the call of Jesus: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9 v 23). The sacrificial love, selfdenial and service that we see in the cross are to shape our daily lives. “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5 v 1-2). It’s a hard ask. It’s self-denial. But Jesus says this is how you truly gain life (Mark 8 v 34-38). The way of the cross is the way of blessing (John 13 v 17). After all, it’s the way of my Saviour.... continue reading
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. When he had said this, he breathed his last.
The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, ‘Surely this was a righteous man. When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. (Luke 23:44-49)... continue reading
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Luke 22:39-46... continue reading
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Justin Welby enthroned as 105th Archbishop of Canterbury
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Are you in the sixth form? At college? Or uni? Are you interesting in pursuing a career in publishing? Do you long to write biblical, accessibly and relevantly? Then why not come on our work experience week in our UK offices in Epsom, Surrey?
Each year, The Good Book Company holds a work experience week for up to 5 young people. 5 days of hands-on experience in writing, editing, proof-reading and the overall workings of a publishing company.
This year, our work experience week is going to be from July 8th - 12th. If you - or someone you know - are interested, please email Helen Thorne for more information.
1. Ten Big, Daily Reminders
Ten helpful reminders from Matt Reagan at Desiring God.
2. How Many Hours Should Pastors Work?
Darryl Dash answers this question.
3. Tools for Studying the Bible
Geoff Ashley at The Village Church shares some questions to answer when reading the Bible.
4. John Stott on Preparing a Sermon
Josh Harris summarises what he learnt from a book by John Stott.
5. And finally…
Our video of the week, a trailer for this year's London Men's Convention:
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
"Church can be like a football match - 22 people running around doing all the work while thousands watch!" - Milton Jones
Do you ever get that feeling? Certainly the Easter period is a busy one in the calendars of many churches and Christians. A time when many people feel the burdens of serving, a feeling of being overrun and overwhelmed by all that is going on in their busy lives.
Well here is a reassuring and contemplative book that will uplift and reassure you in the quiet after the busy Easter period. Take time out to recharge your batteries and remember why serving our Lord is both joyful and liberating.
Simply use the code sws35 at the checkout.
Offer expires 02.04.13
I'm sure it's not just rose-tinted nostalgia - but I don't remember my own teenage years being quite so angst-ridden as what I see going on now.
Of course, I had all the same things to deal with as everyone has always had:
It's annual appraisal week here at The Good Book Company. That yearly chance for staff to get together with their managers to talk about how things are going. We're a friendly bunch. There are rarely any major problems. But I like to do well in my appraisal so when, in a doctor's waiting room, I saw an article on making progress in your job, I thought I'd have a read.
"In today's employment market, where competition to get a job, hold onto it and get promoted is tougher than ever, it's important you learn to use your wiles to stay on top" it began. A slightly more ambitious tone than I generally adopt but I was still interested in its advice. How did it continue? To stay on top you should do 7 things:... continue reading
To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
Proverbs 16 v 1-9
God has the last word. Ultimate control is in his hands. There's a limit to human wisdom: even the wisest people must recognise that God's in charge. It's hugely reassuring that no matter how things appear and whatever we do, God's in control.
