If you were to die today what would you wish you’d done differently? Would there be things you’d want to put right? Would there be ambitions left unfulfilled? Tasks undone – or not done as well as you’d like?
It’s a fascinating question. And one that has captured my imagination since reading an article in the Guardian this week: Top five regrets of the dying.
In the article, the most common regrets were:
A list that, I suggest, it would be hard for any Bible-believing Christian to articulate.... continue reading
Parts of the Rhondda Valley in Wales have been declared the most Godless part of the nation that was once home to a remarkable revival and boasted thousands of churches and chapel.
The findings, gleaned from the 2011 Census, showed that five council wards in the area famous for its mining history, now have a majority of people who say they have no religion at all, according to a BBC news report.
In England, the "honour" goes to Norwich - a city noted for the number of churches within its city boundaries. Rumour has it that Norwich has a church for every week of the year, and a pub for every day of the year! Brighton comes second in the poll.... continue reading
Gay marriage: Party leaders hail vote
Tory MP gets 'death threats' over gay marriage opposition
Nearly 3-in-10 Americans Say God Plays a Role in Outcomes of Sports Events
Church of England raises fears over future of RE in schools
Richard Dawkins attacks 'irrelevant' religion in Rowan Williams debate
American Christian pastor imprisoned in Iran fears supporters have abandoned him
Justin Welby confirmed as archbishop of Canterbury
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Britain has its first atheist church.
It’s in north London, drew over 300, erm, worshippers last Sunday, and offers the chance to sing songs like Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now and Stevie Wonder’s Superstition.
And the “Sunday Assembly” has its own mantra, too: “Live better, help often, wonder more”.
Here are four thoughts, and then over to you for yours in the Comments section:... continue reading
1. Genesis – Creation and the Gospel Infographic
An infographic from Josh Byers on creation and how it relates to the gospel.
2. Preaching in a Secular Culture
An article from Dr Timothy Keller with four ideas for preaching effectively in a secular culture.
3. Making Visitors Feel Welcome
Five helpful tips from Sarah Bowler on how to make the people in our churches feel welcomed.
4. 20 Schemes
A new, church-planting initiative in Scotland.
5. And finally…
Our video of the week, a new video from Christians in Sport, 'The Greatest Discovery':
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
My friends are hurting. I’m guessing yours are too. There seems to be a never-ending stream of people sharing their struggles. In the last few months alone I’ve had phonecalls about suicide attempts, unplanned pregnancies, lost jobs, broken relationships, spiraling debt, childhood abuse and post-traumatic stress syndrome (to name just a few).
It’s a privilege to stand alongside people in tough times. Any Christian with a heart of compassion will want to support those who struggle. All of us, I’m sure, know the importance of prayer. And I imagine most of us are confident in the transformational work that can take place when people turn to Jesus as the great counselor and sovereign Lord. But, if you’re anything like me, there are moments when you feel ill-equipped. What can (or should) be said to someone in the depths of despair? What can we do to point people to Jesus in the tough times?... continue reading
Have you ever let your hair get much dirtier than you should? (Don’t worry, this isn’t a personal-hygiene homily!) On Monday my hair really needed washing – but I reckoned I could get away with it, so I didn’t bother. On Tuesday, it really, really needed a wash – but I ran out of time. So on Wednesday, it really, really, really needed washing – but…
Yuck. But it got me thinking.
On Monday, I was probably the only person who knew there was a problem. The slight itch of my scalp and lankness to my hair. On Tuesday, my scalp itched quite a bit more and the hair was greasy. But I knew only a couple of observant women (and none of the men!) would notice. Even by Wednesday, I’m confident many people didn’t spot a thing. But I knew. I could feel the constant itch.... continue reading
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1 v 26-31
Following on from our series on work, this weekend you can buy our Bible study guide, Work Songs by Tim Chester for just £2. Suitable for individuals or small groups, these six studies in the Psalms will fuel your understanding of work and encourage you to serve.
Simply enter the code work at the checkout.
Offer expires 04.02.13.
The news that a Barnsley Woman has re-mortgaged her house to offer a ransom for her stolen dog does not raise eyebrows as far as it should. In "Pet Barmy Britain" where people often seem to love their cats more than their children, such acts of extravagant expenditure on Fido or Tiddles is not uncommon.
But it's not just Money that Mrs Maw is spending in the hope of finding her German short-haired pointer. According to the BBC report, she has so far spent more than £13,000 in the hunt for the dog and has taken unpaid leave since the dog, Angel, was snatched on 6th December.... continue reading
