Germany’s banning of child circumcision should alarm Christians in the UK.
Not because we want to get our children circumcised for religious reasons. But because of the thinking behind the decision.
The judgment by the court in Cologne said: "The child's body is permanently and irreparably changed by the circumcision. This change conflicts with the child's interest of later being able to make his own decision on his religious affiliation."
So, a western, mainstream, democratic country (56% of German citizens agree with the ruling, according to a poll) has decided that a parent may not do anything, for religious reasons, which cause an irreversible physical change.... continue reading
We're looking forward to seeing many of you at our open day tomorrow for bargains, burgers and some great seminars!
It's not too late to book in for one of our training sessions. So please do click through and secure your place.
And just to whet your appetite, here's the video of our last open day ... enjoy!
We're thrilled to be able to tell you some great news and offer you a great deal on the latest edition of the Christianity Explored DVD:
The recently re-shot DVD has been awarded Adult Media Product of the Year at this year's Christian Resources Together (CRT) Award Ceremony. The award was presented by Curt Cassells of sponsors Cunninghams and received by Good Book's, James Burstow. ... continue reading
We’re currently filming the next in the series of Jesus and You short, video-based evangelistic courses. It’s thrilling to hear people’s testimonies as they talk about hearing and responding to the message about Jesus. Some have been “spectacular” – others worry that their story is too “ordinary”! But each one reveals a miracle, as God changes people from rebels to disciples.
Yesterday, we filmed a friend of mine. She had a church-going childhood, but gave up on that as an adult. Much later, she and her husband moved house, and my friend got to know one of her new neighbours, an elderly gentleman who lived along the road. He invited her to join his homegroup, which she didn’t, and then to come along to church, which she occasionally did.... continue reading
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
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