If you use Twitter, listen to the radio, or read the papers, you’ll know that Monday’s big news was the diver Tom Daley: not his sporting prowess, but his relationship status. He’s announced that, while (and I’m deliberately using the words he chose) he still fancies girls, he’s been in a relationship with another guy for around six months.
Tom is, he says, very happy—being with this guy makes him “feel safe”.
Reaction to Tom choosing to publicise his relationship has, generally, been very positive. And, of course, the reaction most Bible-believing Christians will want to jump to is the exact opposite—a negative one. That’s understandable because, while the Bible is clear that God loves all people, sent his Son to die so that anyone can be saved, delights in giving people eternal life if they turn to him and takes no delight in judging those who choose not to, the Bible also makes very clear that active homosexuality is something that goes against God’s design for us, is an act of rebellion against him as ruler, and so (if forgiveness isn’t asked for) leaves someone outside his kingdom, for eternity, though not beyond forgiveness (eg: 1 Corinthians 6 v 9-11).
But here are two points that are worth Christians pondering, and then two things I’d love to think Tom Daley - and others - might be brought to ponder.... continue reading
A few guys at the Good Book office have joined in with the UK campaign to support and advertise men's health issues by growing moustaches. Pictured are (l to r) Creative Director Tim Thornborough, Senior Editor Carl Laferton, and Alex Webb-Peploe who is working with us on an illustrated project, The Third Day, which is launching at Easter 2014. Although we have had enormous fun, growing, shaping, comparing and pruning our facial furniture, there is a universal dislike of them from the women-folk. Movember is over - and we'll be clean shaven when the calendar clicks over into December this coming Sunday.
Europe has been buzzing with fresh questions about euthanasia in recent weeks.
A few days ago, a couple in their 80s committed suicide in a French hotel, leaving a note expressing disgust that their government deprived them of the right to a more "dignified" death. They didn't want to risk life without each other, so chose to die together.... continue reading
Wishing all our American friends a very happy thanksgiving today.
If you want something thought-provoking to read this thanksgiving, why not try Jen Wilkin's piece posted recently on The Gospel Coalition site?
But most importantly:
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures for ever" Psalm 118:1
For the last decade, the Old Vic theatre in London has managed once a year to write, cast, rehearse and put on a play in 24 hours. A single day to do everything.
The script is written overnight… the play is rehearsed through the day… the performance is in the evening. Simple!
It set us to thinking… what would a 24-hour TGBC production of a book look like? Would it be possible for us to take a book from idea to print in a single day? Here’s what might happen…
7:00 AM
Editorial team gather to brainstorm idea for a short book; agree the concept; work up a proposal.
Coffee machine switched on; extra strong coffee ordered.... continue reading
We're thrilled to have a new addition to The Good Book family, here in the UK office. Rachel Jones is going to be working with us as our editorial intern for the next six months.
Rachel, who loves pasta and hails from Burnley (where she grew up with her 2 brothers and 1 sister) is going to be spending her time learning the ropes of the publishing business, with a particular emphasis on writing and editing. She's particularly looking forward to seeing how books grow from idea to finished manuscript.
Please do pray for her as she settles in to her new home, new role at Good Book and finds a new church in the local area. And do look out for her posts on the blog in the coming months ...
Can you fix your own heart?
Yes, you can…
Engineer Tal Golesworthy has managed complex projects all his life and is used to solving problems. And he has lived with a rare life-threatening heart condition - Marfan syndrome - for the last 30 years.
A keen skier, the 57-year old from Gloucester, UK, was not impressed with the various options on offer from doctors. They would have left him unable to enjoy the life he wanted to the full.
So he started work to devise a solution to fix his own heart.... continue reading
A major topic of conversation in our office this week, like in most offices up and down the country and round the world, has been what’s happened in the Philippines.
How do we respond to such horrendous suffering? How do Christians begin to trust a good God in the face of such facts?
In some ways, now is not the time for anything other than sorrow, giving what we can, and, in a Christian’s case, prayer. But still, some people demand answers from us: here, for what it’s worth, is what we think we might try to say.... continue reading
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns finally fell silent after the brutal war tore Europe apart. Today we are all encouraged to spend 2 minute's silence at that time, in order to remember those who died, not just in World War 1 but in every conflict since then.
Remembrance Day continues to be of relevance. Not just for the "old soldiers" who served in the first and second world wars - but for the new soldiers and their families, who remember loss and pain that is much more recent. The death toll of British service personnel in Afghanistan now stands at 446 since Operation Enduring Freedom began.... continue reading
It's been a week of change here at The Good Book Company, UK office.
Yesterday we were sad to say "goodbye" to Dave McArthur after 8 years of humble service within the team. Dave has been answering phones, sending out orders and keeping our warehouse spotless throughout his time with us in our New Malden and Epsom offices - his hard work and tendency to sing God's praises as he walks up and down the stairs will be much missed. Dave told The Good Book Blog just how much he has appreciated his colleagues' support and friendship over the years - the feeling is definitely mutual. He's off to work for Bible distribution company, RL Allan and we would love it if you would join with us in praying for him as he embarks on this new phase of ministry.
But we've also been thrilled to welcome our new logistics assistant, Neil Challis to The Good Book family. Neil, who has worked for Sainsbury's in the past, will be picking up the reins of the warehouse operation and is already getting to grips with our stock, pallets and lifting equipment. If you receive an order from us, there's a good chance the books will have been through his hands at some point! He's an active member of his local church and an ardent Chelsea FC supporter ... a fact that fuels a spot of office banter here and there! Please do pray for him too as he settles in and joins with us in Kingdom work.
