It's a subject that's taboo. A reality that many find shocking. A fact that some would prefer to deny. But the truth is out there: women use porn too.
Accurate statistics are difficult to source but a quick trawl of the web seems to suggest that about a quarter of those who visit internet pornography sites are female. Some pages suggest that up to 60% of women have used porn at some point in their lives. And while we might prefer to think otherwise, it's fairly safe to assume that some of those surfing such sites will be Christians who are confused, ashamed, addicted or desperate. Indeed over the last decade I've had quite a few Christian sisters confide in me - each convinced that they are the only one. Far from being a solely male pastoral issue, porn is something that affects women too and those involved in women's ministry need to be addressing the subject proactively.... continue reading
Christian group challenges ban on gay poster campaign
Christian feminists aim to spread the word on gender equality
Libya arrests suspected Christian missionaries
Tebow cancels talk at controversial Dallas church
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One of the constant nagging worries that people in ministry and Christian work of all kinds have is about money.
At it's worst, money obsession is about just keeping myself and what I have going, and ensuring my comfort. At it's best it is a desire for financial resources to move forward the work of the gospel in ambitious and exciting ways.
Direct appeals on giving often fall on deaf ears. Christians are not immune to the "Donor fatigue" syndrome that many charities are experiencing - particularly in difficult financial times as household budgets are squeezed tighter in the recession. When a preacher comes to the lectern and announces a text like Malachi 3: 10 – "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse" we mentally stiffen and prepare to resist...... continue reading
1. London Men's Convention 2013
Booking has now opened for this year's London Men's Convention. More information and tickets available here.
2. 6 ways to get to Christ via Old Testament texts
Another video in the 'How Sermons Work' series from HeadHeartHand.
3. More Choices, Less Commitment
A helpful article from Barry Cooper, author of Discipleship Explored.
4. Piper GIFs
Light-hearted fun based on gestures from John Piper.
5. And finally…
Our video of the week, filmed at the end of last year, The Course of Your Life at St. Mary's Church Wootton:
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
Jesus in the garden was much on my mind on Sunday.
First because I heard a terrific sermon at church - twice in fact - because I stayed for the second sitting to play in the band. What struck me most forcefully was this verse:
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44
I've often wondered about why the Gospels speak so neutrally about the death of the Lord Jesus. The details of his scourging, mockery and death on the cross are told with almost the minimum of detail. My temptation as a writer would have been to paint in detail the cruelty, pain and injustice of this execution of an innocent man. The gospel writers do not. They simply say: "and they crucified him." It's one of the things I had against the film The Passion of the Christ. It shows details that, while true, are not part of the the way the Gospels are written.... continue reading
Every now and then there's a conference that makes you stop in your tracks. A conference that seems so timely that it excites your heart, inspires your mind and sends you to your knees in prayer. A conference that leaves you with that feeling that what has been said is so desperately needed, it cannot be ignored. A conference that says absolutely nothing new because every word that's uttered is thoroughly soaked in Scripture but still manages to leave your jaw hanging open with the freshness of approach. The Changing Hearts conference on Saturday in central London was one such conference.
For those who weren't there, it was CCEF's (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) first official foray into the UK. They're an American organisation which offer training in biblical counselling - their stated passion being to restore Christ to counselling and restore counselling to the church.... continue reading
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4 v 4–7
God sent His Son so that we can be His children. And He sends the Spirit of His Son so we can know in our hearts that we are His children.
If you'd like to help the children in your church - or your family - to memorize verses of Scripture, this book is for you. It's packed full of great ways to commit God's Word to memory and for this weekend only it's on sale for just £5 (usual price £7.99).
Simply use the code: memory at checkout.
Offer expires 25.02.13.
“I want my children to experience another culture”. “As a family, we think it’s important to see the great wonders of our planet – the barrier reef, the Grand Canyon, the pyramids…”. “I want a full life, a fun life, and that means grabbing every opportunity with both hands”. “I’ve made my bucket-list and I’m not going to quit until every item is ticked off”.
Human beings in the West love trying something fresh. Positive new experience is actively sought. And why not?... continue reading
