In this article, we discuss the top six reasons why we, as faithful and devoted Christians, have to share the gospel with others.

1. It Creates a Stronger Bond with God

When we share the word and our devotion to God, we deepen our bond with God. While we tell others about God and his love for humanity, we automatically create a stronger bond with our faith and with God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus.

2. It’s a Sin Not to Share the Gospel

Living in passivity and not telling others about God or sharing the gospel is considered a sin in the eyes of God. We were commanded to spread the word and win more souls to join us in heaven. Failing to do so is seen as a sin in the eyes of God.

3. It is Part of Sharing Love for Our Neighbours

By not sharing our faith with others, we are not sharing our love with them. We were commanded to love and treat our neighbours as we love ourselves. If we don’t want them to join this wonderful life and journey, we are not loving them or acting in the word of God.

4. You Will Learn More About Scriptures

When sharing the word of God with others, you need to be equipped with the right verses and books. To this end, you’ll need to spend a lot of time reading up and doing your homework on the word of God to be fully prepared, which will make you more knowledgeable about the Bible.

5. It Strengthens Prayer

In our service as fishermen for God, we will come across many situations where we will bow our heads in prayer together. This automatically strengthens our prayers, as we will be using this magnificent tool often on the journey of sharing the word of God.

6. Hell is a Reality

We are not to condemn others to hell, and by withholding the truth from our brothers and sisters, that is where they will go. If we want to save souls and be true shepherds, we need to share the word and tell them about the realities of hell and what awaits after a life of sin.

As you can see, sharing the gospel and spreading the word of God is an integral part of being a Christian. One cannot simply be a Christian without proclaiming it to others. Here’s a beautiful poem by Ruth Bell Graham for some extra inspiration to share the gospel.

The post 6 Reasons Why You Should Start Sharing Christ Today appeared first on Bristol Christian Union.

In this article we share the eight simple steps to cultivate a meaningful relationship with God with the time you have available.

Step 1: Set the Time

Whether it is first thing in the morning or last thing at night, or even in the afternoon during your lunch break, mark it on your schedule. Set the time and commit to making that time available for God.

Step 2: Have Tools Ready

Make sure you have your Bible, a journal and pen as well as a devotional book ready. These are great tools for getting started with reading, reflecting on what you’ve read and making notes.

Step 3: Get Ready for Prayer

Your scheduled time should always kick off with a prayer. It doesn’t have to be a long one, speak about what’s in your heart and what you wish to accomplish with this dedicated time.

Step 4: Read Your Bible

You can read your bible or your devotional book, but read it. If you’ve found a passage of interest, think about it and see it as the word of God. Whether you use a devotional book, the bible or both, read attentively.

Step 5: Read it Until You Understand

If you have a specific book you are focusing on, read the section attentively a couple of times. Read the verses over a couple of times until it makes sense and you understand. Make any relevant notes.

Step 6: Live What You Learn

Whatever you are learning from each session spent with God’s word, make notes and apply them to your daily life. These could be personal traits or values, but be sure to apply what you’ve learned.

Step 7: Stick to Your Commitment

Now that you have a set time and have gone through the process once, you have to stick to your commitment. Keep at it and go through this exercise daily to build on your relationship with God.

Step 8: Never Give Up

There might be days when you feel too tired to get up early, or too tired to spend some time learning and making notes. Don’t give up, and keep at your commitment every day.

And that’s it, rinse and repeat. We often forget how important it is to nurture our relationship with God. There are so many things to do and think about, that we get lost in the humdrum. By following these simple steps, you’ll soon get into a routine that will establish and strengthen your relationship with God.

The post 8 Easy Steps to Cultivate a Relationship with God appeared first on Bristol Christian Union.

In this post we uncover seven reasons why you, as a Christian, should not be gambling at all. If you’ve ever had any doubts about the matter, we hope to clear it up here.

1. You’ll Damage Your Testimony

As Christians, we are representatives of God on earth. If we partake in any scandalous or sinful behavior, our testimony would be irrevocably damaged. While we are here, we should act as representatives of our savior and warn people against the perils of gambling.

2. It’s a Selfish Activity

The act of gambling makes you lose track of time, and you only focus on one thing, money. It is clear what the Bible says about money, and wanting more money and more importantly, greed. By gambling you are acting selfishly for your benefit.

3. You Can Become Addicted

One of the many dangers of gambling is of course problem gambling, or gambling addiction. It is a very real problem and has even led to divorce, suicide and more unthinkable heinous acts. To refrain from addiction, it’s best to leave it be and not gamble at all.

4. It Leads to Divorce

Yes, those who are addicted to gambling will say that it cost or could have cost them their marriage. Gambling is an evil activity run by evil people who are set out to ruin you and your loved one’s lives. For you to remain a tool for God’s purpose, don’t gamble at all.

5. You Won’t Worship God

The Bible states that we have to worship and glorify God. By gambling, we are not doing that at all. We are acting selfishly with our own needs as motivation and no intention to glorify God. We need to glorify God in everything that we do, and that includes hobbies.

6. You Won’t Win

As we’ve mentioned in an earlier post, the majority of casino operators rig games to ensure that they don’t lose too much money. Your chances of winning are slim, and is completely based on luck. Have you ever seen a wealthy gambler? Probably not, but you know of wealthy casinos, don’t you?

7. Gambling Takes Away Your Purpose

Our purpose on earth is to be a steward of God, to care for the earth and our fellow human beings. Gambling does not allow for this purpose at all, and leaves us focusing on our selfish desires. Using the money, we’ve earned by the grace of God for gambling is not an example of good stewardship.

As you can see, there are loads of reasons why you should refrain from gambling altogether. If you are still not convinced on the topic, better jog your memory on some basic Christian beliefs. We trust that you now have clarity on whether or not it is acceptable for a Christian to gamble.

The post Top 7 Reasons Why Christians Should Not Gamble appeared first on Bristol Christian Union.

In this post we share four key arguments why we as Christians should refrain from supporting these immoral institutions.

#1: It Tears Communities Apart

The government and casinos work together to tear communities apart. Driven by greed, these institutions prey on the weakness of men to make a pretty penny. This in turn leads to problem gambling, which leads to other addictions and even in some cases to divorce.

#2: Operators Trick Gamblers

Studies have shown that casino operators, in their endeavor to make more money than they actually may lose, rig slot machines and games. In this way, gamblers and problem gamblers are enticed to continue wasting money by wagering, without ever getting a fair chance of winning.

#3: Casinos Target Those Who Are Addicts

The bright flashing lights, the humdrum of slot machines, and of course all the alcoholic beverages. These are but a few elements that casino operators use to lure potential problem gamblers into their web of lies. If they get someone to give in to these temptations, they are more likely to develop a gambling addiction.

#4: Casinos Prey on the Poor

Who is it that wagers frequently? Is it the ultra-rich? More often than not casinos are filled with the poor who only dig their holes deeper with every bet placed. This is in precise opposition to what the word of God sees as acceptable behavior. We should not support these baddies in their efforts to take advantage of people’s vices.

As you can see, there is no reason why any Christian or follower of God should promote or support these fiends. In resisting the casino industry, we ensure that they have less money to continue this sinful cycle. Read more on how you can live your Christian citizenship to the full here.

The post 4 Arguments for Christians to Resist Casinos appeared first on Bristol Christian Union.

In this post we’ll share some top tips on how to get into university culture quickly as a Christian, and provide some info on all the nearest Christian Unions.

1. Make New Friends

It might seem scary at first, but you have to go out and make some new friends. Chat with people who has the same classes with you and try to attend a lot of university events.

2. Experience New Things

Be open for experiencing new things along the way. It’s the perfect time to broaden your horizons and discover the new city, church and people. Whether you start as a volunteer or join a team, do it.

3. Don’t Exclude Others

The biggest mistake you can make is sticking with your old friends or just living in a Christian bubble. Try to include a diverse group of friends. This can also be the best opportunity for evangelism.

4. Make Time for Yourself

You’ll be working hard and studying half of the time. It is important that you take time off now and then to take a break. Working and studying too hard can lead to fatigue.

5. Practice Good Time Management

There will be a lot of activities you want to join, and you’ll have to keep up with your studies. The best way to juggle it all is to practice good time management and invest your time where it matters.

6. Make Time for Church

Finally, you have to make some time for church too. Just because you are living on your own or in a hostel doesn’t mean you can neglect your relationship with God. This is crucial in building towards your bright future.

It’s going to be challenging, and exciting. By sticking with these top tips, you’ll get settled in and enjoy university life in no time. Find your closest Christian Union here. Good luck with your first year of university, and have fun!

The post Freshers: Find Your Christian Union Before You Head to Uni appeared first on Bristol Christian Union.