We've been having quite an exciting time over the past few days!:
Huge congratulations to the Good Book Company's Logistics Manager, Tom Beard who tied the knot on Saturday to the lovely Katie. It was a fantastic, Jesus-centred service ... and a rare opportunity to see some of the Good Book lads wearing suits (so smart!).
The ladies of the company weren't looking too shabby either!
And just a few hours later, it was congratulations to one of our directors, Tom Seidler who got engaged to the wonderful Rowina!
And last but not least ... many congratulations to Senior Editor, Carl Laferton and his wife, Lizzie who are now parents of a beautiful baby boy.
What a wonderful time!
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. - Psalm 107:31
Your love, O LORD. reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love!
Psalm 36:5-7
This week we're doing Naked God at 50% off! This makes it even more affordable to give away. It's written for those asking the tough questions and wanting the truth about God. We think it's great but don't just take our word for it......
'Challenging, enjoyable and biblically faithful. I'm delighted that Naked God invites its readers to examine the naked truth behind their own beliefs, then moves on to a compelling and persuasive explanation of the person and work of Jesus Christ.'
- Rico Tice, Associate Minister (Evangelism), All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, UK
'I really like this book. Martin Ayers not only gives excellent answers to important apologetic questions but he also gives compelling reasons why the indifferent sceptic should think of asking them in the first place. He writes directly into the life and experience of a thinking unbeliever and commends Christ both by his attractive presentation of the gospel and his portrayal of the bleak consequences of an alternative naturalistic worldview. I am already thinking of people I could give it to.'
- Vaughan Roberts, Rector, St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, UK
Simply use the code ng50 at checkout to get the 50% off!
It's that familar story I'm sure we've all experienced: evil Norse legend teams up with equally evil alien race to attack Earth. Naturally, the U.S. government gathers a crack team of superheroes, monsters and scientists to thwart the tyrant and his hoardes. Okay, so the premise may be an unfamiliar and fanciful one, but the emotions, frailties and problems at the heart of this super movie are very human and recognisable...... continue reading
One of the joys of being the Children’s Editor at The Good Book Company is the letters, cards, pictures and emails sent in by our youngest readers. These are mostly under 11s who are reading the Bible with XTB (eXplore The Bible). I thought you’d enjoy a few of their comments (unedited by me except for removing names):
I have files of letters from XTB readers going back nearly 12 years. Some of them will be parents themselves now. It’s great hearing from children who love reading their Bible and getting to know God better through it – and who want to tell their friends about Jesus too. What a privilege.
Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.
His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn will be lifted high in honor.
The wicked man will see and be vexed,
he will gnash his teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
Psalm 112
This is a wonderful picture of a man who lives for God. Look where his security comes from. Look how it affects his generosity.
There's no getting away from it. Young people do love their music. And when they meet together at youth group they want to sing ... or at least listen to the songs they enjoy. But not all youth leaders share that passion for music. Some don't have a musical bone in their bodies. How can such people lead music with their keen teens?
In this seminar, first given at the Bible-centred youthworker conference in January, Philip Percival from EMU Music gives some top tips for leading music with young people at church.
This final blog on running an international Bible study answers some “What ifs?”
What if...
…there are people of other religions?
Don’t panic. Some will know very little about their religion. Others who are devout will probably appreciate your convictions. All are sinners trying to earn salvation, without assurance of hope or forgiveness. They need the gospel. So don’t worry if you don’t know about other religions. Ask them about their beliefs as topics arise during the Bible-study. Having listened, you can then respond with something like:
“That’s interesting. The Bible/Jesus teaches something quite different…”
Talk about the Bible or Jesus rather than what “I think” or what “Christians believe”. Rather than demolishing their beliefs, allow the clear teaching of God’s word to challenge their worldview.
…no-one speaks?
Language problems: Do they understand the passage and questions? If yes, are they too unconfident to speak in English? Get them to work out answers in pairs before discussing as a group. Or perhaps your questions are too simple. As with Brits, they may be embarrassed to respond when an answer is blindingly obvious.
Cultural differences: Internationals from Asia or Africa often regard teachers as authority figures. Students should receive expertise from the teacher, and not question it. This makes people unwilling to ask questions or reveal their opinions, and stifles discussion! Point out often that questions are good because they help us learn. Emphasise that their questions or disagreement won’t offend you. Allow newcomers to watch discussions and question sessions. Hopefully they’ll see that queries are welcomed, and disagreements treated with gentleness and respect.
…you can’t understand what someone is saying?
It happens to all of us! You can: Apologise for failing to catch what was said. Ask them to repeat it. Ask them to write it down, if possible. Ask someone else who understands to explain. Sometimes nothing works! Laugh at your inability to understand (rather than their inability to communicate). Show admiration and sympathy for them in the difficult task of learning a foreign language.
…someone can’t understand what you say?
Probably nobody will understand everything, but they’ll be happy if they understand most of the study and will enjoy interacting with you.
…you offend someone?
Is it something you’ve said, done or not done? Cross-cultural relationships are ripe with opportunities for misunderstanding. Perhaps someone else (from the same culture?) can enlighten you. Quickly apologise for any offence caused. Don’t criticise their culture or defend your way of doing things. Simply explain how most people will do or understand something in here. Remember, people of all cultures can understand and respond to an apology and friendliness.
But what if the offence comes from Bible truth? Check that they have correctly understood what’s been taught. But remember that the gospel both attracts and repels (2 Corinthians 2 v 15-16). People getting offended may indicate that God’s message is getting through, so be encouraged and keep praying for those who will be saved.
It’s our prayer that through international ministries such as friendship and Bible study, many of us will have the joy of bringing the gospel to “all nations”, right here on our own doorstep.
