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How do we change and grow as Christians? In the same way we became Christians. That's why in Galatians 3 v 1-3, Paul reminds the Galatian Christians how it was that they came to Christ. And in essence, “Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified” (v 1). This portrayal was achieved through preaching, through “what you heard” (v 2, 5). Paul isn’t referring to a literal picture, but a metaphorical one.
There was a message communicated—“Jesus Christ … crucified” (see 1 Corinthians 2 v 1-5). Notice that the essence of this message is not how to live, but what Jesus has done for us on the cross. The gospel is an announcement of historical events before it is instructions on how to live. It is the proclamation of what has been done for us before it is a direction of what we must do.... continue reading
It's that day again. The heart-bearing cards, with mushy poetry, have been filling the shelves of shops for weeks. The advertisements on TV have been encouraging us to book that romantic break, organise that sumptuous meal. All to show that special someone how much they're loved.
It's fun. There was certainly a flurry of excitement in my home when an unexpected Valentine's card landed on the doorstep. Intriguing to say the least! But it's fake. Not because couples don't genuinely care about one another - many do. But because, as a BBC article suggested recently, the phenomenon of February 14th capitalises on a fictional notion of romantic love, rather than true love. It fixates on the rush of emotion, the lie that there's a soulmate out there somewhere who will make life simply wonderful with all other problems melting away.... continue reading
If you go to a church where the teaching is sound then you will know some great truths about God. You will be able to articulate something of his love, his mercy, his grace, his sovereignty and his immense kindness and provision towards humans in general and you in particular. And amen to that! What a privilege to know such amazing facts.
However, if you are like many other Christians, these facts don't always make it from your head to your heart. They certainly don't always make that 7 inch drop in my life...
Yes, the doctrine of God's sovereignty is exciting but when a job is lost, a relative dies, accidents happen, then a deep sense of life feeling out of control creeps in. And, if we're honest, it doesn't always need to be something that major to engender those feelings ... a bad day at work can do it. Or kids that just wont obey the curfew or do their homework.... continue reading
1. End times infographic
Check out this new infographic from Josh Byers If you want to untangle your premilliennialism from your postmillennialism.
2. Leadership characteristics
Look at these characteristics needed by younger men who teach older men.
3. Dealing with middle age
Handy hints on dealing with middle age.
4. And our Video Of The Week
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
Timothy Keller talks about his new resource, Galatians For You and why the book of Galatians is a wonderful book to read reflectively, feed from, and lead others through.
Expect to hear the term "Big Data" more and more over the next few years.
It's the term being used to describe the way companies are harvesting and using the enormous amounts of data that are stored about our behaviour on the Internet, and through shopping online. The amount of information is so large (and doubling every 3 or so years), that it has spawned a whole new science for the way it is analysed.
A couple of examples to help get your head around it – both come from a new book on the subject to be published next month, Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work and Think... continue reading
Take one divinely-inspired book of Scripture—Galatians, say—and one of this age’s most insightful, thoughtful and contemporary Bible teachers—Tim Keller, say—and one Christian who wants their mind and heart to be increasingly engaged and stirred by the gospel—you, say.
What do you have? Galatians For You, the first in a series of expositional guides to books of the Bible, which launches today.
Who exactly is it for? Well, though it sounds like a cliché, it is FOR YOU. Whoever you are, and whatever stage of your Christian walk you’re at, from seeker to seminary student.
You can simply read it, like a normal book, chapter by chapter, working your way through Galatians. Used this way, you’re reading a book which totally allows Scripture to set the agenda; it’s not topic-based, or a thematic look at a Bible book. It simply looks at what Paul said, and why he said it, in the order that he said it, and unpacks how it’s liberating and life-changing for us today.... continue reading
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42 v 1-8
In the middle of suffering we need to remember what God has done for us, and call ourselves to trust in Him again.
The heart of Christianity is Christ. His life, death and resurrection, not to mention his teaching, is the basis of the Christian faith and is all recorded in the four biblical Gospels. So if you want to cast doubt on Jesus, attacking the credibility of the Gospels is a great place to start!
In this great new book from Dr Paul Barnett, he outlines the most common attacks that atheists make on the Gospels and then offers powerful arguments with plenty of evidence to rebuff them. He covers such topics as New Testament dating and history, the archaeological record and apparent contradictions in the Gospels.
You can save 50% on this important book using code gt50 for the next 7 days. Now only £5 (RRP £9.99)
Offer expires 15.02.13
