It may seem a strange part of the Bible to go to in times of difficulty, but the most-forgotten section of Acts 1-4 provides wonderful comfort when things go “wrong”, both personally and globally.
So here’s what Acts 1 v 12-26 has to say about the Boston Bombings, the Texas explosion, civil unrest in Bahrain and the difficulties and distresses of our own lives. Acts 1 v 12-26—the bit between the ascension and coming of the Spirit, where the first Christians gather in a room, Peter makes a speech, and they pray and choose a twelfth apostle to replace the Christ-betraying Judas. Acts 1 v 12-26, which is often skipped over because of the awe-inspiring events either side of it, and yet which reminds us that, whatever happens:
God’s good plan has this covered.
He has everything covered.... continue reading
They work tirelessly, week by week. They are a major influence on the children and young people in the church. Their words and lives help our under 18s understand who Jesus is. They are confidantes to our teenagers. On the front line of evangelism. And many of them do all this amid busy work schedules and family responsibilities. But how often do we pray for the leaders of the youth and children's work in our local congregation? If you're anything like me, that answer is, "not enough".
So, why not take a moment now to pray for those who lead the young people of your church? And why not use Philippians 1 as a basis for your prayers?
It was an innocent question from a friend who had been asked to do their first talk. They honestly had no idea how to go about the process and were looking for some hints. But it was a question that got me thinking ... "Where do you write your evangelistic talks?"
Up until that day, the answer would have been an unswerving "in my study". That's where I write all my talks and Bible studies. It makes sense. That's where my books are. It's quiet there. That's where the filing cabinet which contains all my previous talks lives. Why wouldn't I write in there?... continue reading
There's a growing phenomenon in the UK. A service aimed at single women - and single men. It promises the chance of becoming a parent. But without the commitment of having a spouse, or a partner or even an ex. It's co-parenting.
Not to be confused with the way the term in used in the US or other parts of Europe (where often it describes a relationship whereby a divorced couple seek to co-operate for the good of the children), it's a simple scheme. You log on to a website, find a mate with suitable characteristics and then arrange to meet to exchange bodily fluids. You continue to meet until conception occurs. After that ... it's up to you. Some co-parents keep in touch and the fathers have some meaningful, if limited, contact with their children. Other dads simply walk away with the blessing of their co-parent, their job done. No money is exchanged. No health checks mandated. No awkward questions asked ... you don't even have to give your surname.... continue reading
Something strange happened at the resurrection. I hadn't seen it before, but once the question came to mind, it made sense of a puzzling feature of the first Easter morning. The question is this:
Why did the Lord Jesus not just appear to those who arrived at the tomb first?
He had promised that he would rise. He had actually risen. But the women were greeted, not by the Risen Lord, but by angels and an empty tomb.
And the next incident in Luke tells how the disciples on the Road to Emmaus were joined later that day by a mysterious stranger - the Risen Lord was hidden from their recognition. Why did he just not appear to them with a great fanfare? Why the strange "secrecy" over an event that is in such a central part of the plan of God and the Gospel proclamation?... continue reading
As someone who has a love for stories, films and drama, I have been wrestling with a creeping suspicion over the last decade. It's a doubt that the stories about Jesus - and particularly about his death and resurrection - are just one more form of a "story type" that exists in a huge number of forms in all cultures, and which certainly predates the New Testament. Stories about gods dying and rising seem to be quite common throughout the world.
You see it in the Egyptian myth of Osiris; the Norse myth of Baldr; the Aztec feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl; and even the Japanese story of Izanami. Wikipedia has an article on the theme or "trope" of dying and rising Gods that charts the extensive "lookalike Christ's" throughout history and culture.... continue reading
Here at The Good Book Company, we have a new member of staff. Dean Faulkner has just joined the team. We're excited to have him on board and we thought you'd like to meet him too.
Tell us about your role at Good Book
I'm the new UK Sales and Marketing manager. That means I'm going to be spearheading the drive to get our Bible-centred resources out to the people whose ministry will be supported by them. I'll be going to events, talking to bookstall managers, looking at the way we use social media and visiting a range of churches to talk about how we can serve you best. I'll be putting some great deals on the blog each Friday too!
What excites you about this role?
Everything! It's a great opportunity to serve God with the gifts God's given me and the experience I've built up in the commercial world. It's a privilege to be part of the Great Commission of spreading the gospel through the provision of biblical resources. And more than anything I'm passionate about holding out the light of life to those who are heading for death. Marketing isn't just about selling stuff, it's about getting gospel-resources into the hands of those who are doing gospel-work so people can come to Christ and grow in Christ. There's nothing more exciting than that.
How do you spend your time when you're not at work?
I'm married to Mary and have two boys (aged 9 and 12) - spending time with them is a big priority. I'm also very involved in my local church - St John's, Woking - where my wife is on staff as the Families and Children's worker. I'm a school governor. And, when it stops raining or snowing for long enough, I love to play Cricket - I do a spot of coaching too.
Any fascinating facts about yourself that you'd like to share?
I have two! I have a sister-in-law who's a Dame! And I was once (a long time ago) on the books of a professional football club ... until they saw through me and told me I wasn't good enough!
Please do pray for Dean as he begins his ministry with us. And do say 'hello' to him at one of the many conferences he'll be at in the coming months.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5v1-2)
Looking to the cross for our model.
Everywhere we look in the New Testament, the cross is the motive and measure of our conduct. The cross is to shape our attitude to other Christians (Romans 15 v 7; Philippians 2 v 3-8), the opinion of unbelievers (Galatians 6 v 14), and opposition (1 Peter 4 v 12-14). It is to shape our approach to leadership (Mark 10 v 42-45) and marriage (Ephesians 5 v 25). It all goes back to the call of Jesus: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9 v 23). The sacrificial love, selfdenial and service that we see in the cross are to shape our daily lives. “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5 v 1-2). It’s a hard ask. It’s self-denial. But Jesus says this is how you truly gain life (Mark 8 v 34-38). The way of the cross is the way of blessing (John 13 v 17). After all, it’s the way of my Saviour.... continue reading
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. When he had said this, he breathed his last.
The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, ‘Surely this was a righteous man. When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. (Luke 23:44-49)... continue reading
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Luke 22:39-46... continue reading
