None of us are perfect. And so none of us enters into any ministry with entirely pure motives. Such fallenness doesn't stop us from serving God. But it's always good to be aware of our weaknesses and to be honest about the reasons that lay behind our ministry decisions. Certainly, when it comes to something as costly as church planting, it's imperative we know why we're doing it. There are good reasons to start a new congregation. And there are profoundly bad reasons too.
In this article, Phillip Jensen from Australia sets out 12 common reasons why people decide to start new churches. It's the good, the bad and the ugly of church-planting motivation. If you're in the process of thinking through whether to be involved in starting up a new church or a new congregation then you might like to put your heart to the test and see where your true motives lie!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1 v 2-5
Obviously we'll feel really low sometimes as we face trials in life... but we're to consider them pure joy! James reminds us that God uses tough times to build us up. Our faith grows as we learn to persevere and keep going with the Christian life. And as we keep going, we'll grow in maturity as believers. In eternal life, the work of God making us more like Jesus will be completed. We'll be like Him. What a future!
After 45 years of searching, some of the world's top physicists think they may have done it. They think they may have discovered the Higgs Boson particle - or something very like it.
Such a discovery, in one field of physics from a lab in Switzerland, would probably pass most of us by if it weren't for this little boson's nickname. The Higgs Boson is more commonly known as the "God particle". And that gets people twitchy. It creates the impression that scientists are on their way to disproving God.
If you have studied a lot of physics, then you may understand your photons from your bosons and your leptons from your quarks. And you might be able to understand with ease what such things tell us about our universe. But for those of us who struggle with physics and want a little assistance when it comes to engaging with our non-Christian friends on this subject, here are some helpful words from the Gospel Coalition:
They also link to this interesting video.
The role of bringing up children is a profoundly important one. And whether we're a parent, grandparent, God-parent or family friend, we know it's crucial to be praying for the little ones we love. But in the busyness of each day, it's all too easy for our prayers to become formulaic, limited to practical needs or simply forgotten.
So, in the coming month, why not try working your way through these 31 prayer points.
It's a great encouragement to put spiritual growth right at the centre of our prayers for the children in our immediate and extended families.
Gay marriage: newlywed couple bombarded with internet hate mail
Christians must confront their own 'disgust' over homosexuality, says Archbishop
Can the Church finally embrace women bishops?
Hotel offers guests electronic Bibles
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.
To go along with our latest infographic we're doing an amazing 50% off our Good Book Guide on David. This 6 session Bible study gives an overview of David's life and points to the coming of a far greater King in Jesus.
The offer only lasts for 5 days so don't miss out! It's available on our UK, US, Australian and New Zealand websites.
Simply use code kingdavid at the checkout.
Offer expires Monday 9th July 2012
(Posted by Phil Grout)
Today, Americans will be celebrating the Declaration of Independence. A holiday to focus on freedom, sacriļ¬ce and acting on convictions. Good values for a country. A great reminder of the gospel.
Freedom - āFor freedom Christ has set us free; stand ļ¬rm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.ā (Galatians 5:1)
True freedom is rooted in Christ. Without it thereās nothing but despair. The freedom He gives is the highest freedom, freedom to delight in His mercy and grace.... continue reading
Derek Jacobi, the Oscar-winning actor, has spoken of feeling āconned and embarrassedā when he was taken to a Billy Graham rally as a young man.
Thatās how he describes the moment when, having gone to the front to āgive my life to Jesusā, the American evangelist stopped talking: āIt was like the choir stopped singingā.
What an evocative description of a faith-response which depends on a man, rather than on the man. āThe choir stopped singingā.... continue reading
