The great dragon was hurled down.

Revelation 12:9

In recent times, there has been an effort to rehabilitate the public image of dragons. Rather than fire-breathing monsters that pose a terrifying threat to humanity, they have become misunderstood creatures that just need to be trained and embraced. 

That idea might make for a good children’s film, but the Bible’s take is more blunt. The dragon imagery is used to depict the devastating enemy that stands opposed to God and all of his plans. He appears as the serpent in Genesis 3 and as the dragon in Revelation 12. He is called Satan, the devil—an angelic being, who was gripped with pride and rebelled against God and then set out to destroy everything God had made. The dragon has two great aims. Firstly, he is a deceiver. Jesus refers to him as “a liar and the father of lies”(John 8:44). Secondly, he is a destroyer; Jesus says he has been a murderer from the beginning. These are his operational tactics: to deceive and to destroy. He has no other weapons in his arsenal.

So, the dragon flatters and flirts with humanity. He is a con artist who offers people a version of reality that is not true. He sets himself up against the God of truth and twists God’s word in order to lead people into unbelief and pride. All lies can be traced back to him as the source.

False propaganda is particularly effective with people who are all too willing to have their egos flattered and their appetites satisfied. He has been working to cast this spell on humanity since the Garden of Eden. His deception has been disastrously effective.

And when the lies don’t work, he will simply lash out to cause as much harm as possible. He hates all of God’s image-bearers and especially those who would love God. You can see his hand in the very first murder when Cain killed his brother, Abel. And he has been continuing to stir up violence ever since.

This is the dragon. He has been deceiving and destroying and has caused untold harm. But in the face of this enemy the gospel holds out great hope. In 1 John 3:8 it says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 

Jesus came to defeat the dragon, but he doesn’t overcome the dragon by becoming a more violent dragon with superior strength. Instead, he defeats the dragon by being the Lamb. It is so counterintuitive to a world that is obsessed with power. In a battle between a dragon and a lamb there is only one winner—the lamb will be ripped to pieces and his blood will be poured out. But here is the great paradox: it is the very blood that the dragon draws

from the lamb that is the means of the dragon’s great defeat (Revelation 12:11) The moment when the dragon seemed to be winning was the precise moment when his defeat was sealed.

Jesus destroyed Satan by deploying his great weapons of truth and love. At the cross, Satan was dealt a fatal blow. He is mortally wounded but he has not yet been fully destroyed. He still prowls the earth like a roaring lion looking for those that he can ruin. He still seeks to deceive the nations with his flattery and lies. But his final defeat is inevitable. When Jesus returns, he will complete the work he began at the cross. Jesus is the truth, and that will always be more powerful than lies. Jesus is pure love and that will always be more powerful than murder. So Jesus will win and the great dragon will be cast down to the place of eternal punishment that he fully deserves.

We are still in danger of falling for his flattery and lies. We may still hear his violent roar and find our hearts shaking. But we do not need to fear—Jesus is the Dragon Slayer. We are kept safe as we fill ourselves with the truth of Jesus. We are protected as we rest in his gentle love.

Jesus is wonderful because he is the humble Lamb who has defeated the treacherous dragon.

Where do you find your heart is deceived by the dragon’s lies? How does his defeat bring you hope and strength?

This is an excerpt taken from More of Jesus, an uplifting devotional that takes a fresh look at 50 incredible truths about Jesus. 

“Who are the people (living or dead) you would invite to your dream dinner party, and why?”

Ah yes, the classic icebreaker that has been putting us on the spot for centuries! With just a handful of names, your answer can reveal whether you’re a deep thinker, an intellectual, an activist – or, as in my case, none of the above. It’s designed to encourage you to think about who you admire, offering insight into what makes you tick and what’s important to you.

I’ll admit that for many years my answer to this question would have been a series of ums and errs, followed by a panicked list of whichever personalities were the flavour of the month in this fickle world. 

If I’m completely honest, the idea of spending an entire dinner discussing art or politics with a room full of academics and Nobel Prize winners sounded downright exhausting (especially after working all day organising said imaginary dinner party!).

But was my uninspiring response caused by a lack of inspiring people? Not at all. Was it caused by not connecting with these people? Maybe. 

Perhaps, for me, it has always been less about rubbing shoulders with greatness and more about spending time with people who have stumbled and struggled, yet through their faith found the strength to keep going.

…Enter the Do Great Things for God series.

When I partnered with The Good Book Company to write a series of children’s biographies about great women of God, I had no idea the extent of the impact these women would have on me. The more I delved into their incredible stories, the more I learned about faithfulness, love, courage and grit. I learned how God often uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise… the weak things to shame the strong.

I followed their lives, watching those dreams unfold, those helping hands reaching out, those words of wisdom spreading — and just like that, my imaginary guest list began to write itself.

So, time to polish the silverware and fold the napkins into swans — my hypothetical guests are on their way:

Corrie Ten Boom (1892–1983)

Part of the Dutch resistance, Corrie and her family helped hundreds of Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II by hiding them in their home. Betrayed and arrested, she and her sister, Betsy, were sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Corrie’s faith sustained her until she was liberated. After the war, she travelled the world sharing her message of forgiveness and hope in Christ.

One of the things that really stuck with me while writing about Corrie’s life was her love for the Word of God. As a family, they gathered regularly to read the Bible together. Just as Isaiah tells us that God’s Word never returns empty, I believe the verses Corrie read and memorised propelled her to serve God’s people during persecution. They kept her going through the darkest times of imprisonment, and equipped her to share her experience with thousands — even to the point of forgiving her oppressors.

Corrie’s testimony reminds me of the importance of “stocking up” on God’s Word so that we can draw from it during the more challenging times of our lives.
 

Gladys Aylward (1902–1970)

Gladys was a British missionary who worked in China. She grew up in England and worked as a housemaid, but she dreamed of becoming a missionary. Even though she was told she was not qualified, Gladys saved her own money to cover her travels.

Gladys’ journey began with failure — literally. Her dream of serving God in China was unceremoniously crushed when she didn’t pass the required exams at missionary school. A blow like this would have deterred most people, but not Gladys. She simply had to find another way.

“Oh God,” she famously prayed, “here’s my Bible! Here’s my money! Here’s me! Use me, God!”

And the Lord listened. After a long and tortuous journey, Gladys reached China, where she shared the Gospel with weary travellers, prisoners and orphans. She even led over 100 children to safety during the Sino-Japanese War.

Not bad for someone who’d been told she didn’t have what it took!

Gladys’ determination, despite failures, difficulties and closed doors, helped me reflect on the times I let circumstances get in the way of serving God. Her story reminds me that obedience isn’t about ease or comfort — it’s about faithfulness, even when the path is winding or appears to be closed altogether.

Betsey Stockton (1798–1865)

Betsey was born enslaved. Denied access to formal education, she mostly taught herself to read and write. When Betsey gained her freedom, she was finally able to shape her own path. She was free to do whatever she wanted — and what she wanted was to be a missionary! She served in Hawaii, where she established a school for non-elite children. She also trained local teachers and helped plant new schools.

Though a trip to Hawaii might sound appealing, a five-month journey across the Pacific, spent in the cramped quarters of a foul-smelling whaling ship, was far from glamorous. Yet Betsey remained steady in her faith, always finding time alone with God.

After a life spent in enslavement, Betsey had every right to use her freedom for herself. Instead, she devoted it to serving others — especially children who, like her, had been denied education and the freedom that knowledge brings.

Her story challenges me to re-evaluate how I spend my time and how I can, like Betsey, cultivate a heart for social justice and compassion as I partner with the Lord in serving others.
 

Helen Roseveare (1925–2016)

Helen Roseveare was a British medical missionary in what is now called the Democratic Republic of Congo. She served as a doctor, built hospitals, and trained local healthcare workers. During the Congo Crisis, she was imprisoned and endured great suffering, yet later forgave her captors.

Helen’s story challenged me to think differently about discomfort and loss. She often compared her life to a somewhat useless branch that God wanted to transform into an arrow — a process involving painful whittling, sandpapering and stripping.

“Will you thank me for trusting you?” was God’s question to her during one of the darkest times in her life. Helen’s answer was “Yes.” She was prepared for the pain in order to be made a tool in God’s service, knowing that, compared to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, surrendering our comforts, ambitions and hidden attitudes suddenly shrink.

God used that arrow for the furtherance of His purposes, helping people across countries and across time to trust the Lord as He shapes them into sleek and sharp tools for His glory.

Betty Greene (1920–1997)

Betty Greene was an American aviator and co-founder of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). A pilot for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II, she later used her flying skills to support missionaries in remote areas. She became the first pilot to fly for MAF, carrying missionaries, medicine and supplies to isolated regions across the world.

We’ve all had childhood dreams — fighting baddies, putting out fires, singing, dancing, and everything in between. Mine was writing; Betty’s was flying. Sometimes God shapes our dreams into passion, our passion into service, and our service into fruitful growth for His kingdom.

From her very first flying lesson, Betty knew this was what she wanted to do with her life. God used her passion to reach unreachable places, touch unreachable hearts, and bring hope across the globe. Betty’s life is a beautiful reminder that God will use our passions if we’re willing to place them in His service.

Fanny Crosby (1820–1915)

Fanny Crosby was an American hymn writer and poet. Though blind from infancy, she wrote more than 8,000 hymns, including beloved classics such as To God Be the Glory and Safe in the Arms of Jesus.

What struck me most about Fanny was the overflowing joy that seemed to seep from the pages of her autobiography. She did not have an easy life; being visually impaired in the late 1800s brought many challenges, especially for such a bright and inquisitive girl. Yet despite it all, Fanny never stopped praising her Creator rejoicing at the thought that one day, the first face she’d see would be the face of Jesus.

When faced with challenges far greater than my own, Fanny responded with praise that still echoes in churches today. She taught me to be joyful despite circumstances, and to make the words of one of her famous hymns my own: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

From Imaginary Dinner to a Heavenly Banquet

Though my dream of spending an evening surrounded by these astonishing women won’t happen in this life, I live with the hope that one day I will eat with them. The Bible paints a picture of a heavenly banquet, a feast hosted by God Himself. At that table will sit people from every nation and generation, including this precious group of women.

There, I’ll thank them one by one for the examples they left behind — Corrie’s courage, Gladys’ grit, Betsey’s selflessness, Helen’s sacrificial love, Betty’s passion, and Fanny’s joy. We won’t need to talk art or politics. We’ll simply marvel together at the One who carried us through every page of our story — great women of God and ordinary women like me, all gathered at His table.

“The Bible says, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind!”

My 13-year-old friend spoke with righteous vehemence. She was angry: angry that a God who is supposed to love justice would give such an outrageously unjust rule. Angry that this is the character of the God she is continually being told she ought to give her life to. “How dare he?” her eyes seemed to say. And even, “How dare you?”

She had been thinking about this for a while and getting angry about it. And she had been doing so all on her own.

Building in the Dark

I’ve heard it said (with tongue in cheek) that 16 is the age of maximum infallibility. In other words, when you’re a teenager you know enough about things to feel that your opinions are important and valid, but you don’t know enough to realise how much there is that you don’t know. So you must be right—infallible even. You’re carried on a rising tide of strong emotions that solidify your newly formed ideas. It’s a dangerous way to be, and particularly so when you keep your opinions to yourself, building them in the dark, never letting anyone else in on the process.

Which is why I was glad that this teen actually challenged me with her opinion, and we were able to talk about it.

Gently, we explored the fact that the “eye for an eye” rule was designed to address the crazy spiral of ever-increasing revenge. (You annoy me, I punch you, you steal my sheep, I kill your son.) This law was designed to curb unjust retribution, keep things proportional, and provide a firm and clear end to conflicts. “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind” may be a neat quote but it completely misses the point.

My young friend nodded… and moved on to her next challenge. But at least there was now one ill-founded opinion that she didn’t have.

From Silence to Conversation

Young people are hearing objections to Christianity all the time—at school, on TV, on their phones. Sometimes they’re elegantly devised and based on specific Bible quotations; sometimes they’re just a vague but strong sense that Christianity is for stupid people, weak people, white people, or insert-adjective-here people. The majority of these objections probably don’t make it back to us as youth leaders and Christian parents, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t happening.

Some teens think hard about what they’re hearing and ask about it—or erupt in anger like my friend. Others won’t say anything at all. Maybe they don’t even think about it much, at least not consciously. They just slowly absorb the negativity and misconceptions. One day, when they’re older, it will turn out that they’ve been moulded by the culture around them far more than we realised.

That’s why I think it’s important to do what we can to bring these questions, challenges and tricky ideas out into the open.

Not to say, “You shouldn’t think that". Not to say, “Listen to me, I’m much wiser than you". Those things do need to be said sometimes, but the starting point should be to take young people seriously and make sure they know we’re listening. That way we’re in the right position to help them as they learn to think. We can be there, alongside them, asking questions and being part of their journey to figure out their opinions.

How can we do it? Perhaps simply by sharing with them the things we’re wondering about, and inviting dialogue. Perhaps (in a youthwork context) by having regular slots for young people to ask questions. Perhaps by actively seeking to explore hard topics together, through conversation starters or through books. Perhaps by reminding them that sometimes there aren’t black-and-white answers, and encouraging them that it’s okay to ask questions.

It’s worth saying that these kinds of conversations also provide us as adults with a joyous opportunity to think about these things again for ourselves. There are some aspects of Christian apologetics that I haven’t thought about since I was a student ten years ago, or even before then. But they are worth thinking about—since I myself don’t want an unthinking, unreflective faith. I want to believe what’s true, and I’ll be surer of what is true if I’m forced to think about it. It’s challenging, but it’s good for me to have to grapple with hard things and not just shove them under the carpet. It’ll help me love the Lord more in the end.

Out of the Dark

So, what opinions could the teenagers in your life be building in the dark—without you knowing anything about it? What misconceptions do they have that they haven’t mentioned? What pressures are they experiencing that they haven’t even noticed?

Maybe they’ve ended up with the assumption that God hates gay people, or that the Bible has been changed over time, or that science has disproved Christianity. They might feel positive about Jesus while believing that the God of the Old Testament is evil, and they haven’t seen why that combination doesn’t make sense. They might think they can cherry-pick the bits of the Bible they like while ignoring the bits that are “out of date".  Maybe they’ve fallen for a particularly politicised version of Christianity that is filling up their feeds, or they’ve become convinced by an unhealthy view of gender roles. They might simply be muddled about what makes Christianity different from other religions. And all this is happening in the dark.

It is scarily easy for young people to form ill-considered views that lead them in the wrong direction, without any wise adult ever knowing anything about it. Let’s invite them out of the dark and into real conversations about real hard things.

This morning almost started well. When I opened my eyes, I offered a prayer of gratitude for a new day and a warm house. “At last, I’m learning to be content,” I thought. But immediately, my husband ruined it. I had to get up, but he was still asleep and wasn’t breathing quietly! I deliberately yanked the duvet as I got up.

“How is this fair?” I seethed.

“All right for you,” I grumbled.

Struggling in the dimly lit hall, I tripped over my daughter’s bag. “Clear up after yourself!” I ranted inwardly.

Before long, even the cheap kettle had got a rant for its slow boiling.

“Maybe I’d be happier living alone,” I thought.

The kitchen clock chimed 6 a.m. The day had barely begun and already a monster was on the loose. I slumped into a heap, feeling utterly despondent. This is not who I want to be. Surely this isn’t who I am?

As a clinical neuropsychologist, I’m supposed to be the expert, but despite five decades of life, you can see I remain a deeply flawed, moderately messed-up muddle of a human. Like most of us, I hope others won’t see my true nature if I paste on a smile, wear clean clothes and work hard at church. Sadly, that isn’t true. In the face of the smallest struggle, the truth is shown by my actions.

But it’s not how we want to be, is it? I desperately want to be a supportive wife. I want to be a loving mum, a kind colleague and the most grateful friend. I want to be seen as joyful, sunny and easy to please. I want to be remembered as someone who exemplifies the love of Jesus.

So, why am I grumpy and irritable at the smallest problem? Why do I withdraw when I want to have fun? Why am I mean when I want to be kind?

Why am I such a mess?

Two Kinds of Answer

When I’m asked this question at work, I explain that whether we’re aware of it or not, we are frequently controlled by what’s going on inside of us. Our negative thoughts and painful feelings act as internal saboteurs, which is why we so often behave like the person we least want to be.

My clinical answer explains what we experience as part of the normal human condition. But the Bible explains why this is the default human condition. We all struggle in much the same way because we’ve inherited Adam’s weak and sinful DNA. By nature, we are unable to be good because we are not good. We are sinners.

Sometimes, of course, we do better. We help out even though we’d rather watch Netflix. We take criticism with humility and respond well when we envy. In these moments, we feel like the rational, spiritual people we were created to be. We experience the sweet spot we’ve been designed to enjoy.

But our best moments are less frequent than we’d like. So, how do we manage our inner turmoil and enjoy more time in the sweet spot?

Should we lie about our thoughts and feelings?

Should we try harder?

Should we use our tricky thoughts and painful feelings as an excuse to behave badly?

The reality is that there is only one true solution. Jesus lived a perfect life and gave it up for me so that I can be transformed to become like him. I am still a mess, but in Jesus, I am a holy mess. One day, I’ll leave my mess and enjoy being forever holy.

My job as a clinical psychologist is to help people spend more time in the “sweet spot”. I teach them the skills to manage their thoughts, feelings and desires so that their behaviour starts to match up with how they want to be, and they can live the lives they want.

As a Christian, I also know that in order to see the deepest change, we need God to be at work in our lives. We need to be transformed from within. Then our outer behaviour will not just reflect who we want to be but who God wants us to be.

But this transformation we need from God doesn’t mean that the skills I teach as a psychologist are not relevant for believers. They are! Even as Christians, we get distracted. We forget what Jesus has done for us, or we stop following in his ways, and consequently we end up burnt out, or withdrawing from people because we can’t cope.

The Bible urges us “to put off your old self”—which you might call the messy self— “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Put off and put on. As Christians, we have been given a new self by the work of Jesus—but we still have to put it on every day. And here is where the tools of psychology can help.

This excerpt is taken from Disentangled: Taming Our Thoughts and Feelings to Live Freely for Jesus. 

As 2025 draws to a close, The Good Book Company has much to celebrate. We look back at this eventful season, reflecting and rejoicing in all that God has accomplished! 

Sales Milestone & Awards 

In May, Pray Big, by renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg, surpassed 100,000 copies sold.  Released in 2019, it focuses on the Apostle Paul’s prayers for his friends in the church of Ephesus in Ephesians 1 and 3.  Begg emphasizes that to pray bigger, bolder prayers, we must grasp the big, bold truths that shape those prayers. We are thrilled to see this resource excel and pray that it continues to encourage believers in their prayers.

May also brought the newest addition to Katy Morgan’s Bible Retellings Series, The Outsider, which imaginatively captures the story of Ruth.  In October, it received both Christianity Today’s Book Award in the Young Adult category and ECPA’s Top Shelf Award for Cover Design (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association).  This marks three awards in total for the Bible Retellings Series, following Songs of a Warrior receiving ECPA’s Christian Book of the Year in 2024.  

New & Notable Releases

The Kingdom and the King storybook Bible was released in September.  Catalina Echeverri’s stunning illustrations were guided by prayer, and Bob Hartman’s masterful writing drew upon biblical truths and three decades of storytelling.  The project was completed with tremendous care and carries with it four and a half years of thoughtful work by Hartman, Echeverri, and our team.   

Our beloved Do Great Things for God biography series for children welcomed its first male figures, C.S. Lewis and John Knox, who now sit alongside many tremendous women featured in this collection.  The Boy Who Loved to Ask Big Questions and The Boy Who Changed a Country inspire readers to ask good questions and act with courage, remaining rooted in the strength of Christ’s power and love.  Next year, Jonathan Edwards and Elisabeth Elliot will be added.  

Abbey Wedgeworth's popular Training Young Hearts board book series released What Are Feelings For? and a new box set. This set completes the collection of the playful Life-the-Flap board books and includes a new Guide for Grownups. The series remains a bestseller, providing a redemptive gospel framework that helps children understand how to honor Jesus in all their actions.

New Partnership 

In October, we launched an exciting new partnership with Yoto, becoming the first officially licensed Christian content provider on their platform. We began by releasing a Yoto card for our bestselling book: God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook. This was quickly followed by Bible Stories Volume 1, the first in our Yoto series based on The Tales that Tell the Truth books.  We are delighted to share gospel-centered stories in a fun and easy audio format.

Growth and Changes  

In September, The Good Book Company officially became fully employee-owned, giving staff a collective voice in the company’s direction and safeguarding our ongoing mission.  The change comes after thirty-four years of operation, bringing a fresh wave of eagerness and excitement for the future. Additionally, we have been delighted to welcome several new, talented teammates this year, and are greatly encouraged by God’s provision as we continue to grow.  

In the midst of these changes and celebrations, our core commitment remains the same: to create biblical, relevant, and accessible resources for the church.  With joy, we look towards 2026, grateful for the privilege of helping brothers and sisters in Christ grow in their understanding and love of Jesus.

Can you imagine what a day would look like without any digital connection with the outside world? Our everyday lives—especially if we’re part of a generation that’s grown up with the internet—are deeply engaged online. It’s impossible for most of us to think about not having a phone because of the nearly universal adoption of digital technology by everyone, everywhere, all the time.

And why wouldn’t you fold things like a phone and online social connections into your life? At its beginning, social media was created to make life more convenient and communal for people all over the world to connect. Your digital identity is a way for you to express yourself and relate to others in the world. Can’t that be a good thing?

Sadly, social media has not proved itself to be super social. In fact, it’s had an adverse effect on most of its users. It hasn’t really connected us with people—at least not on a deeper, soul-satisfying level— it’s driven us apart instead.

I believe the irony in all this digital “connection” is that we’ve detached from others more than joined others in our desire to plug in and belong. And as a result, you may be experiencing an increasing sense of hurt and solitude as you dive deeper and deeper into your phone in search of a network of belonging that you’ll never be able to find. 

Why? Because you’re looking in the wrong place.

Digital social interaction will never quench your actual thirst for connection because it will always sacrifice community on the altar of convenience. In other words, when given the choice between community and convenience, the algorithm will always pick ease over the complexity of human relationships. In fact, the digital identity you project online may have made you feel less and less like your actual self, and deep down in the truest recesses of your heart, that bothers you.

Bottom line: you know that identity isn’t the real, raw you. You’re creating a “brand” that needs to be nurtured and curated to an ambiguous list of specifications, and if you don’t, your online “community” could abandon you for someone else flashier, prettier, funnier, or more extreme.

We know our digital platforms are volatile and unsteady ground to build our lives on, and that creates a deep sense of insecurity within us.

The hunger for legitimate relationship isn’t being fed through the creation of your digital identity, because the belly of your soul grumbles for something genuine. Investing in digital connection to the neglect of real connection will always leave you feeling lonely. And here’s the thing: social media isn’t necessarily the actual root issue. It’s a crutch—a facade hiding the real needs and problems going on under the surface of our lives. These symptoms of loneliness and isolation that aren’t satisfied by connecting with people online are pointing you somewhere.

Only a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ will satisfy our craving to know and be known—a genuine, life-giving connection with our Father, alongside a godly community where he wants us to thrive. It was our sin that fractured the connection with God in the first place and Jesus is the only one who gives us the opportunity to be meaningfully connected to our Creator. So, the first step is to admit that you need him. And when you come to him with a humble posture of seeking God’s grace, he will always move toward you with overflowing joy, welcome, and comfort. He’ll connect you with himself.

Regardless of where you’re at right now, let me tell you that you were made for meaningful connection and community—starting with God and then branching out to others in his church too. Your desire for connection and community comes from the God who made you “in his own image” (1:27), and it can therefore only be met in God himself. It all starts with him. A deeper understanding of who you are in relation to your heavenly Father begins to heal the deep loneliness you may be experiencing both online and in real life. And sometimes God actually woos people to himself and teaches them about meaningful relationships through other Christians first, making the gospel plausible and a relationship with him a reliable reality.

So even though it can be scary, move toward him, and you’ll find a truly different way of living than what you’ve perhaps settled for in your attempt to connect with others through your digital identity. Move toward him, and you’ll find a more fulfilling and abundant way of life—as Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b).

God is never too busy or preoccupied to receive you when you bring your burdens into his presence. God cares for your children. That is such an encouragement when we are struggling to persevere in prayer.

But it’s hard to know what to pray sometimes; or we’ve been praying for so many years that we’ve run out of steam and lost momentum. So, to reinvigorate your prayers for your children, here are ten ways you can pray. They’ve been drawn from conversations I’ve had with parents in pain who have shared some of the substance of their prayers. Each situation has its own complications, but over time several common themes have emerged.

1. Pray for their conversion. 

This is the obvious place to begin. As we have seen, every conversion is a miracle. God needs to take away the heart of stone and in its place put a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26-27). At this point it is quite easy to become knotted up by our theology. What if God has not chosen them? Where does human responsibility begin? What is the place of prayer? Without being overly simplistic, my advice is to simply set these matters aside and cling to the fact that God encourages us to pray for lost people to be saved. We can pray in the face of mystery without full comprehension. So come with childlike faith and ask for the one thing above everything else that you long for. You can leave the results with God. Pray that God will deliver your child from the dominion of darkness and transfer them to the kingdom of his Son (Colossians 1:13).

2. Pray for exposures to the faith. 

One parent said to me, “I’m praying that my daughter will come into contact with the gospel at work—I know that there are at least two Christians in the school where she teaches”. The contact might come through conversations, social media, music or some other means. It is amazing how often God uses unexpected and unforeseen methods to awaken dull consciences. So be imaginative! Pray for providential encounters.

3. Pray that God would break into your child’s life, however much it costs. 

We want our children to be happy, and most parents will do anything in their power to protect

their children from disappointment and difficulty. But their eternal salvation is more important than any temporary happiness in this world. When they go through hard times, we rightly do whatever we can to support them, but we can also pray that God will use the situation to open their eyes.

4. Pray that they may remember things that they learned while they were growing up. 

Children brought up in a Christian home will be exposed to so much biblical truth during their formative years. Many of these great truths are never truly forgotten. Pray that the Holy Spirit would bring back to mind the seeds that were planted in their hearts. Ask God to awaken within them a yearning for himself (Psalm 42:1).

5. Pray that the devil would not blind their eyes to the truth.

We are engaged in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10- 20). I remember seeing a Christian poster many years ago. The light of the moon streams through a window and illuminates a small child lying in bed. On his knees next to the bed we see a man, presumably this child’s father, deep in passionate prayer. Underneath are the words “Spiritual Warfare”. Pray that the devil will not snatch away the seed of God’s word (Matthew 13:4, 18-19). Ask God to protect them from the snares of the evil one (2 Timothy 2:22-26).

6. Pray for all aspects of their lives. 

Pray for their marriages. Pray for their children. Pray about their work stresses and house moves. Pray about their small needs and big decisions. And then don’t be embarrassed to tell them how you’ve been praying—it may give them pause for thought when they see God answer. (And if you have children who are walking with the Lord, don’t neglect to pray for them too. I have met parents whose children turned away from the faith in their 20s or 30s. Avoid complacency.)

7. Pray for the influence of other Christians in their lives.

We sometimes think that they can only be saved through our witness. But the Lord might choose to use someone else to lead them to Christ. Pray for Christians that they might meet at university or in the workplace. I witnessed to my sister for many years, but it was my son who led her to Christ. Ask God to give them gracious and tenacious Christian friends. Pray

that any encounter with believers or with church may be positive. Pray that the Christians they meet would be full of grace.

8. Pray for the influence of their own children. 

If you have grandchildren, pray that they might become Christians but also that they may influence their parents. I have seen this happening in a number of ways. When faced

with the challenge of bringing up their own kids, folks will often remember the wonderful influence of a Christian home or the excitement of a Christian camp when they were young. They want their own children to share this experience. So pray that your grandchildren may point them to the Lord. In several cases, I have seen this as the first step back to church and then into Christ.

9. Pray for yourself. 

Ask for God’s help to be faithful, wise, and loving. Pray that you would grow through the

pain that you are experiencing. Pray that you don’t become bitter or resentful towards God. Pray that you will be able to persevere and not give up.

10. Pray for other parents with unsaved children. 

Consider doing this together. In one of the churches I served, there was a regular prayer meeting for “Parents in Pain”. There is a wonderful fellowship when we share

our common burdens. And for many of us, praying with and for other people often seems easier than praying on our own.

God’s timing is not the same as ours. Sometimes he opens his hand one finger at a time! We are creatures of a moment, whereas he is the God of eternity. You cannot hold an hourglass to the creator of time. God loves your children more than you ever will, so by prayer, place them into his hands and learn to leave them there.

This is an excerpt from When Children Walk Away From Jesus, by Paul Mallard. Available on 1st December 2025, this book provides comfort, hope, and practical advice for parents of non-believing children. 

Illustrator Catalina Echeverri is dedicated to grounding her designs in rich theology, biblical truth, and as much historical accuracy as possible. Every detail of her illustrations is carefully considered—from facial expressions and skin tones to objects and symbolism.

See some examples for yourself…

Story #6, The Nation Grows

• Abraham and Isaac ascend the mountain on the left, carrying wood. We then see the redeeming ram. Then, as Abraham descends the mountain with Isaac, he is showing him the stars of God’s promise. The stars are all connected with subtle lines like a family tree.
• The bowl on the right is the bowl of stew from the story of Esau forfeiting his birthright. It shows Jacob and Esau as babies (with Jacob grabbing his brother’s heel) and as adults: one smooth son holding a spoon, one hairy son holding a hunting spear. 
• The women at the top of the page are Jacob's wives. Rachel is on the left, looking downcast with two stars above her representing her two sons (again, the stars are from the promise to Abraham of family). Leah, on the right, is looking content with six stars to represent her six sons.

Story #10, The Redeemer King, and Story #33, A Sudden Angel Surprise

• The illustrations mirror one another to signal Jesus as the passover lamb. In the first story, from Exodus, the passover lamb is shown between the buildings with bitter herbs underneath it. Then, in the later story of Jesus’ birth, baby Jesus (the lamb of God) is shown between the buildings of Bethlehem with the vine and fruit of his teaching underneath him. This vine becomes a repeated feature in all the stories of Jesus as an adult. The swaddling cloths use the same texture as the lamb’s wool from the Exodus story. 

Story #12, Another Kingly Covenant

• The people in the desert are collecting manna, and silhouettes of quail footprints create a pattern at the bottom. The people stand on the everlasting hands of God, who is caring for them in the wilderness.
• On the next page, the 10 Commandments are given against a background of stars, harking back to God’s promise to bless Abraham’s descendants and multiply them in the land.

Story #18, A King After God’s Own Heart

• The concept of God seeing the heart is displayed in the way the strapping sons of Jesse match up with the small, dark hearts on the right-hand page. Meanwhile, the spindly, young David has a heart burning for God—and so receives the crown.

All 70 stories in The Kingdom and the King Storybook Bible are illustrated and written with such care and consideration of the bigger picture and context of God’s word. We hope this storybook Bible points families to our incredible, true king—Jesus!

From September 2025, The Good Book Company will become fully employee-owned, giving staff a collective voice in the company’s direction and ensuring that the ministry’s mission, values, and commitment to high-quality Christian resources will be preserved for generations to come.

Founders Tim and Kathy Thornborough and the three other shareholding directors will transfer 100% ownership to an independent Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which will ensure that the company continues to operate in line with its founding values and mission and will provide accountability from a trustee board made up of staff members and independent trustees. 

For Tim, who started the ministry in 1991, this transition follows careful succession planning and reflects his desire to see TGBC’s mission outlast his own tenure:

“This is about stewardship. Our goal has always been to serve the church with faithful, accessible resources, and the Lord has entrusted us with a ministry we love. He’s also blessed us with a talented and committed team who share the founding vision, theological convictions, and ministry goals that underpin our mission. So, by placing the company in their hands, we’re safeguarding that mission for decades to come and keeping Christ at the heart of everything we do.”

The directors are handing the company over in a strong financial position: it carries no debt, is consistently profitable, and has grown remarkably since its humble beginnings. Over the years, it has navigated the shifting publishing landscape with a focus on quality content, strong partnerships, and a commitment to biblical truth.

Day-to-day leadership will now lie with James Burstow and Carl Laferton, who become joint CEOs, having previously been part of the senior leadership at TGBC. Tim and Kathy will remain involved in the Finance and Rights teams, and Tim will chair the trustee board.

Independent Trustee Matthew Dalton, who previously worked for John Lewis, the UK’s best-known employee-owned company, said:

“Safeguarding the mission of Christian organisations is vital work. It’s great to see the transition to a structure that will keep the business agile and creative, while giving powerful checks and balances to maintain the founding values and company direction.”

US Customer Service Manager Calista Doty added:

“I am deeply honored to be the first Employee Trustee representing our rapidly growing US team. This transition will further strengthen the warm and productive transatlantic bonds that we already enjoy, as well as reinforcing our sense of purpose and investment in a ministry that we care so passionately about.”

“We’re excited about the future,” said Tim. “This move ensures that the ministry of The Good Book Company will remain true to our founding principles—not only in what we publish, but also in how we go about our ministry. At the same time, it will enable us to continue our growth and serve even more people around the world with great gospel resources that magnify and proclaim the Lord Jesus.”

The Good Book Company joins other notable employee-owned companies including John Lewis, The Entertainer toy shop chain, Richer Sounds, and Aardman Animations (the creators of Wallace and Gromit) in the UK—and in the US, Taylor Guitars, Bob’s Red Mill, Barbour Christian Publishing, W.L. Gore (creators of Gore-Tex), and Publix Grocery Stores.

To learn more about The Good Book Company, visit the About Us page. 

What is the meaning of life? It’s the question that sits at the very heart of our existence. Most of us have asked it. Some of us have tried, unsuccessfully, to answer it. And then there are those select few—the arrogant ones—who claim they’ve cracked the code. 

Guess what? I’m one of the arrogant ones. The worst kind, in fact—the guy who writes a book and says, “You can discover the secret, too”. A motivational-speaking, pyramid-selling, self-exalting guru. 

Hopefully not. But I am, with hand on heart, telling you that I do believe I’ve found the answer to this question. Not with a sense of arrogance—it has nothing to do with any supreme intellect I may possess. Rather, it’s a confident boast in a promise that comes from God himself.

God’s Definition

When Jesus is asked by a Pharisee what the greatest commandment is (Matthew 22:34-40), he famously declares that it is to love God and to love our neighbour as ourselves. But it’s the often overlooked following verse that is perhaps the most striking of all:

“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:40)

Jesus is doing something extraordinary here. He isn’t saying that love is the greatest command because it’s better than all the others. He’s saying it’s the greatest command because it encompasses all the others. 

This is, I believe, Jesus’ answer for why we’re here in the first place. We’re here to love. Which begs the question, but “what is love?”

I guess you’ll have to buy my book to find that out. Maybe there is a bit of a pyramid seller in me after all! But for now, let me leave you with just one brief thought. 

Love Finds A Better Way

Humanity, it seems, is becoming increasingly tribal—at least by modern standards. I only have to point to the most recent US presidential elections, or the different opinions that swirl around Israel and Palestine, to make this claim. 

But it isn’t just politics. In my home country of Australia, the wealth divide between rich and poor according to home ownership grows larger by the day. During Covid, I saw debates about the ethics of lockdowns and vaccines split even the closest families right down the middle. 

And so, in an increasingly divided world—politically, economically, socially—what if Christians were to be known by their love of those they don’t necessarily agree with? We so easily confuse association with agreement. But Jesus shows us that love finds a better way.

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’

“On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but those who are ill. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” (Matthew 9:10-13)

Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? 

Because they’re tax collectors and sinners!

Notice that Jesus doesn’t dispute the Pharisees’ claim. That is to say, he isn’t agreeing with or endorsing the decisions made by those he dines with. And yet, he associates with them. Why? 

It’s his love that drives Jesus to associate with people precisely because he doesn’t agree with them. Not the healthy, but those who are ill. 

Loving Those We Disagree With

If God himself can sit with the discomfort of dining with sinners, then surely his Church can sit with the discomfort of political, social or even denominational differences. We can, and should, associate with those we disagree with. And as we do, we might just unlock a difference in the Christian ethic that allows us to be the salt and light that we’re called to be. 

To associate without agreement is a nuanced path. And it won’t always be understood by others. Jesus certainly wasn’t understood for it in Matthew 9. But God sees the heart. 

As we pursue this vision, we uphold a love for God by sitting under his truth for the world, and at the same time we love our neighbour by meeting them with this truth precisely where they’re at. 

And here’s the really exciting thing. If it’s true that all the Law and Prophets hang on these two commands, then this is just one of many, many iterations of what love might look like in our lives. 

Explore the why and how of love as the driving force in the life of a Christian in Here to Love by Chris Cipollone, available here.

I love words. I love language and grammar, and the order and beauty they can convey. I love to read—to learn and to be transported to another time, place or world. I love that Jesus my God is called—by the Gospel- and letter-writer John—Logos: THE WORD. I love it when Christian books are recommended and turn out to be as inspirational as they were described. Yet I know this is not true for everyone.

A Frustrated Friend

A friend at church has struggled with words for a long time. I often jot down simpler ways of saying something which have not been used by the leader or preacher, and she can’t understand why they don’t say “crossed over” instead of “traversed”, for example. Book recommendations have been severe provocations to her as the recommended books are most often beyond her current reading level. They can make her feel frustrated and angry when they are not aimed at her level of literacy. She is growing in her love of reading, from zero a few years ago to the stage she is at now—of always carrying a book with her to read in any spare moments. 

However, when I looked for Christian books that would be accessible to her, I looked in vain… and so I decided to write something that I hoped would encourage her in her faith in an easier-to-understand style. Including trains of thought that span several long sentences or paragraphs was not an option. Using words that are not in everyday use was not an option. Being patronising was not an option—she is not unintelligent and always asks great questions! 

Straightforward Devotions for My Friends and Yours

Plain and Simple Devotions: Explore the Book of Jonah and Explore the Life of Jesus are the results of my thinking and writing. In these books you’ll find…

• short sentences that don’t skimp on content.
• two, or at the most three, verses of Scripture to read and contemplate.
• background information and explanation of words that are not commonly understood outside of church circles.
• questions to help the readers think through how to apply the verses to themselves in their everyday lives.
• a prayer that the reader is invited to pray, which helps embed the daily message and also gives them an insight into how they might shape their own prayers.

There are also pages interspersed where the reader can, if they want, write their own prayers and God’s answers or make a note of questions that have arisen for them.

I am excited because I can see multiple uses for these books, not just for those with reading issues but also for those whose first language is not English, those who are new to the Christian faith and without a church background, or those with concentration difficulties, maybe for health or age-related reasons. It’s my prayer that God will use these for the good of his people and for his glory.

Learn more about Plain and Simple Devotions here. Each devotional is useful for anyone who would appreciate short devotions that are easy to understand.

What makes a great small-group experience? What brings spiritual growth to a Bible-study group’s members? 

It takes a lot more than a good Bible study—one that enables everyone to engage with the text, encourages them to think about how it applies to their lives, and prompts them to pray with and for each other in response. But it never takes less than that. 

That’s why the Good Book Guides exist. They’re our way of resourcing local churches like yours with a Bible study that works for your small-group members. 

Okay… but why use a Good Book Guide rather than produce your own resources within your church? After all, you know your people better than any publisher or author. And you wouldn’t outsource sermon-writing…

Well, here are three reasons you might want to let us help with your small-group materials.

1. Writing great Bible studies is hard

It’s really hard to write a great Bible study. It requires a different set of skills to preaching. Turning a one-way, didactic sermon into an interactive, inductive Bible study is especially challenging. 

If you’ve ever been in a study with too many “too-obvious” questions and even more “guess-what’s-in-my-head” questions (or, if the studies are linked to a sermon series, “repeat-what-was-said-on-Sunday” questions), you’ll know that. These kinds of study don’t foster real engagement with the text, nor real wrestling with application. 

You may have someone in-house who is a gifted Bible-study writer (and maybe it’s you)—in which case, great. But if not, Good Book Guides have been carefully written and edited to work as an in-the-text, well-applied inductive study—so they might be a great answer for your small-group needs.

2. We’ve been able to take the time

If you’re a pastor, you’re very busy. There is always too much to do, and a lot of it is essential and a first-order pastoral priority. Caring for the flock. Preparing sermons. Mentoring younger Christians. Encouraging your elders. Doing evangelism. 

If you don’t have time to sit down and spend several hours prepping a great study, that’s understandable. Equally, if you find it hard to carve out time to check resources that come from somewhere else, that’s understandable too. 

And that’s why Good Book Guides exist. They’ve been developed by Reformed evangelical, trustworthy Bible teachers. They’ve been honed by gifted editors who have taken hours and hours to ensure each study is totally biblical and genuinely useful. We have the time to do that—let us use it to serve you!

3. You would love to raise up Bible teachers

If you have gifted Bible teachers among your small-group leaders, we hope they don’t use the Good Book Guides as anything more than a guide. They know their group and they’re the best people to guide them through a passage.

But if you have new or under-confident leaders among your small-group leaders (as most churches do), we designed the Good Book Guides to give them everything they need. The Leader’s Guide is there to help. Where extra questions might come up, we’ve sought to address them. Where prayer prompts might be helpful, they’re right there. 

So using Good Book Guides makes leading a group a far easier thing to say “yes” to. But not only that, as a leader gains confidence using a Good Book Guide, we hope that they’ll start adapting some questions, making them better for their particular context. We hope they’ll refocus some application, making it more specific for their group. We hope the week will come when they think “I’m going to write my own study”—and that’s wonderful. The Good Book Guides are here to make it easy to start leading, and possible to learn on the job.

You might be thinking that this blog is a bit of an advertorial. You’d be right. But the reason the Good Book Guides exist at all is because we’re passionate about equipping pastors and small-group leaders with an easy-to-choose, easy-to-use, faithful and applied Bible studies. 

So, they might not be the best fit for you and your church. They might not be the answer for your small groups’ needs. But… they might be. And if they are, we’d love to help you make sure your small groups are thriving and growing—without taking hours of your time each week! 

Ready to equip your small groups with faithful and engaging studies? Discover the Good Book Guides. 

I’m sure many of you are in a position similar to my family’s. We’re regularly in contact with folks who identify as LGBT+. Not just random people but my daughter’s teacher, her town soccer coach, and her local-branch librarian. These are kind, talented adults tasked in various ways with caring for and leading my daughter.

At home and in church, she hears about the God who made and redeemed us, and who has a plan for our bodies and our relationships. Out in the world, she sees plenty of people she likes and admires who either seem to not know about this God and his plan or just don’t care. So, how can we answer specific questions that bring the message of the Bible and the message of the world into conflict, such as, “Mom, can two daddies get married?”

Point to Relationship with God First

I found my daughter, like other little kids, really wanted to divide the world into good people and bad people. She sometimes would make statements to the effect that people who went to church must be good people and wondered if people who didn’t go to church were bad people. We would assure her that according to God’s word we’re all born sinners and rebels, which means we’re all born bad people. And that God’s word also affirms that God himself created us, and died and rose again to save us! Which means we are all very loved and able to be rescued. The question to ask about each person is not “Is this a good person or a bad person?” but “Have they heard about the good King and Savior, Jesus?” And “Have they said, ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to his offer of rescue and kingship?”

By offering her this category of kingship, we were giving her a way to understand why some people followed Jesus and obeyed him, and others did not. If we say “Yes” to Jesus, then we say “Yes” to his plans for our bodies, for our money, for our time, for everything. But if someone has not said “Yes” to Jesus, it makes sense that they won’t obey his plans for their bodies, their money, or their time. This is not a safe place for anyone to be because only in Jesus are we saved from our sin and the judgement that God will bring. But it does help us recognize why there are people—even nice, friendly people—who live so differently than Christians try to live.

Highlight What is Fitting for Followers of Jesus

So, with a show like She-Ra, if I choose to watch it with my child and she wants to understand why there are same-sex romantic relationships in that world, we could observe that God doesn’t exist in that fictional world, so lots of things are different. And what is more, the people who made the show probably don’t follow Jesus, so it makes sense that they will create characters who don’t act in the way Jesus says is best.

When it came to her kindergarten teacher, I expressed to my daughter that I didn’t think her teacher followed Jesus and so it wasn’t a surprise if important parts of her life didn’t match his commands. Or if your child asks you, “Can two daddies get married?” you could reply with something like “Jesus tells his people that marriage is only for a man and woman, which means it’s not right for his followers to try to make marriage something else.

If your child is ready for a bit more or is a bit older, you could observe with them that not all of your country’s laws match God’s laws, and that no one in your country is forced to follow Jesus, so sometimes it is legal to do something, even if God’s people shouldn’t do it. This can be tricky, but you’d be surprised how much your kids can understand. Following Jesus or not makes a real difference in how we live, and it’s helpful for our children to see various ways in which this plays out. 

Emphasize the Role of the Holy Spirit

It’s not only with regards to sexuality, of course. We may need to repent when the ways in which we spend our money or time look more like the ways of the world than Jesus’ vision for how we use money and time. But we of all people know that confession and repentance aren’t death but life. And this brings up the other category we can use with our little kids: the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches us that it is only by the power of God the Holy Spirit that we are born again, united to Christ, and enabled from the inside out to truly obey God from our hearts.

Even when we have Jesus as our King, we still struggle with feelings and desires that are not according to his plan. But he gives us his Holy Spirit so that we can have the power to repent and to grow in our obedience. The Christian life is learning how to rely not on ourselves but on the Spirit. 

It is essential to share with our kids, both in general and for LGBT+ questions. Why? Because along with kingship, it helps us see that we’re not in and of ourselves different from people who don’t follow Jesus. We’re all born rebels with desires and temptations that are sinful and fallen. The difference for Christians is that we have a new King and a new power: the Holy Spirit.

Someone who doesn’t have Jesus as King won’t have a reason to follow him nor the ability to do so from the heart. Encouraging our kids to see others in this way means we don’t shame people, but we do recognize their great need because it’s a need we share: to be saved from our sin.

This is an adapted excerpt from Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World: Discipling Our Kids with Jesus' Truth and Love by Rachel Gilson. This book helps parents to teach young children what the Bible says about sexuality proactively and positively in a culture with contrasting ideas and values.

“I definitely think there must be something,” one of my friends said to me recently, as conversation drifted into discussion of God. “I just don’t know what it is.”

He’s not alone. Most people around us have a sense that there may be more out there than only what we can see or touch—not necessarily a God but something. This intuition is sometimes referred to as "somethingism." Somethingism is not a posture of commitment but simply of openness.

You can probably name the “somethingists” in your life: those who are neither atheists nor strong believers yet have an intuition of something more.

Over the past decade, I’ve helped facilitate hundreds of conversations with people who share this same sense, and have found a number of things which enable those conversations to be helpful. Here are four of them:

1. Assume God Is Already at Work 

When talking about God, I often like to draw a circle, to represent the universe, and then to write the word “us” inside the shape and “God” beyond its exterior. Then I mark some lines indicating that God, while continuing somehow to relate to our reality, is not just another item on the inventory of objects found in our reality.

We are part of the reality God has generated. To be alive is therefore to experience God. That’s true of everyone, regardless of their opinion on God or their perspective on religion. Our existence is made possible only by him, and we—with our every contingent breath—inescapably brush up against the divine simply by being. There is no special action required on our part.

The Gospel writer John goes so far as to call Jesus “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). For John, God is actively shedding “light” on everyone; reality, he implies, is suffused with a subtle undercurrent of divine invitation. We sense that there is something more because, as someone once described it to me, “God is flirting with us.” It’s not just that God did reach out to humanity in Jesus. It’s that he, the Jesus-shaped God, continues to do so even now.

2. Ask Questions

People are not blank slates when it comes to God. We aren’t “bringing God to them,” and their experience of him doesn’t begin when we enter the room. So we can ask questions and hear about their experience. A few questions which I have found helpful in my conversations, and which are included in my book Somethingism, are…

• do you ever have a sense that there’s something more? What has given you that sense?
• if there is some transcendent aspect of reality, or even a God, do you think you have either experienced or perceived this at some point? 
• what images or ideas typically come to your mind when you think of the word “God”?

A genuine curiosity about others, which these questions express, can help open up some deep conversations.

3. Share How You Know 

One of my friends, in his days as a religious-affairs journalist, was covering a press conference in a crypt, held by a future British prime minister. As people began their post-event dispersal, he sidled up to the politician and raised the question of God. “What,” he asked, “is your take?” The man looked shocked and exclaimed, “Are you actually asking me what I believe?” He ran his hand through his hair, hemmed for a moment, and then replied, “I’d say I believe, but it’s like trying to get a radio signal when you’re driving through the Chilterns”—a particularly hilly area of central England. “Sometimes you can get it, and sometimes you can’t, and you’re just left twiddling the dial.”

God may be part of every person’s experience. But they need that experience to move from intuition to clarity. Otherwise they, too, will be left twiddling the dial.

None of us, though, can find God on our own because God is not some element in the proverbial circle of the universe. He’s not like cheese or trees or neural circuits or dark matter or democracy. It’s not as if we might someday unscrew the appropriate cosmic panel and behind it find God, beavering away, keeping the whole thing going. Neither can we pierce beyond the circle and grasp at him.

The only way we could know about God would be if he showed himself to us within the space-time confines of the circle:

Christians would say he has done precisely this—“the true light that gives light to everyone ...  became flesh and made his dwelling among us” in the person of Jesus (John 1:9, 14). So, while we may not be “bringing God to people,” we are sharing with them the news of Jesus.  He brings their fuzzy sense of “something” into focus. “Can I share with you what comes to mind when I think of God?” may be a key question for us to ask in these conversations.

4. Tell Your Story

Loads of people pray. In Somethingism I tell the story of my dad, then an agnostic, praying for rescue while sharks circled nearby. Similar urgent prayers, often only whispered or thought, spring from most of us at some point. Job interviews, first dates, coursework deadlines and exams, or medical procedures and diagnoses—it doesn’t usually take a shark attack for us to ask God to enter a moment or situation.

But God is inviting us towards an encounter more profound than a cry for help in difficult moments. His invitation is something closer to opening a door and saying, Come in—you are welcome to be God not only of all reality but also of me.

Sharing our firsthand experience of knowing and following Jesus helps make this experience of life with God tangible for others. One of the turning points in my own story, in fact, was listening to two office workers at a prayer meeting share what God had done in their lives in the preceding week. “These people,” I commented to a friend afterwards, “ – they have something I don’t.”

Somethingism is a brilliant intuition – an amazing starting point for conversation. And as we ask questions, expecting God to already be at work, opportunities will emerge to share the revelation of God in Jesus, as well as our own experience and story. And, as we do so, may God do surprising things around and through us.

If you want to think about this further, maybe check out my short book Somethingism, which I wrote both as a way for people to begin exploring their own sense of more and also to help Christians looking for fresh ways to articulate their own faith to those around them.

Growing up, my twin sister and I had a bunch of Bibles. Ones we’d been given at school. Ones we’d been given at church. Ones we’d been given by godparents. Ones that belonged to our parents and had somehow made it onto our own bookshelves. There were so many Bibles in our home that when the Gideons came to our school to hand everyone a copy of the New Testament, I politely declined.

Christians love to give kids Bibles! Which is wonderful. 

But the sad truth is, many of these Bibles end up just gathering dust. 

There are many reasons why kids might not actually read the Bible they’ve been given. Here are just a few—and some thoughts on how to help!

1. They don’t realise how important it is

If a child has grown up in a Christian home or attended a Christian school, it can be easy for them to take the Bible for granted—letting it become part of the background. They never think of looking at it properly for themselves, just like they never question their parents’ carpets or curtains.

Meanwhile, for those who haven’t had much connection with Christianity, the Bible is likely to seem like an irrelevant piece of ancient history. “Christians read the Bible, and I’m not a Christian, so why would I look at it?”

Kids need to know that the Bible is the most important book they’ll ever read. That’s true even from a cultural, historical standpoint, even without any interest in God—this book has changed the world! And, as we know, it can change us too.

Things to try:

• Tell them about the difference the Bible has made in history.
• Talk about how transformative it’s been in your own life!

2. They don’t understand it

There’s always at least one kid who turns up on the camp I help lead each summer clutching a King James Bible. I have to say, it’s not the translation I’d personally turn to for a 10-year-old! But even in a modern version, there’s a lot to confuse and perplex—vocabulary, cultural differences, references to elsewhere in the Bible… And let’s not get started on all those intimidatingly unpronounceable names!

But this doesn’t necessarily mean that kids can’t read a grown-up Bible. Actually, it’s possible that their incomplete understanding is a good thing—it means they will be able to spend their whole lives getting to know this text, and the God it describes.

Things to try:

• Draw kids’ attention to parts of Scripture that are easier to read.
• Provide them with a simple list of Bible word definitions that they can refer to.
• Encourage them that it’s okay if they don’t understand everything!

3. They think they know it

Many kids think they know the Bible because they’ve heard certain stories dozens of times. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jonah… But take them into the details and they’ll realise there’s much more to these stories than they realised. And then there are all the vast tracts of Scripture that their storybook Bible never covered at all. 

Let’s do everything we can to stop them checking out with just a basic version of Noah plus a few parables!

Things to try:

• Take them to a familiar story, but encourage them to read it in short chunks and zero in on the details.
• Suggest some stories or passages they’ll never have heard before. For example, read the whole story of David, not just the part with Goliath.
• Give them Bible reading notes that will help them go deeper.

4. They’re not sure it’s good or trustworthy

A 12-year-old girl at my church recently told me with great confidence that the Bible has changed over time: “They’ve added bits in and taken bits away.” It’s a surprisingly common belief. Add in the suspicion that science may have disproved what the Bible says, and you have a young person whose basic assumption is that the Bible is not trustworthy. 

Or perhaps they think it’s not good. “Is God really all-wise? What about all those things he did in the Old Testament? And what if I want to live my life my own way?”

Things to try:

• Invite them to air their doubts and questions.
• Encourage them to read kid-friendly apologetics books (like Chris Morphew’s The Big Questions series).
• Draw their attention to passages and verses that they’ll find helpful in their lives.

5. They don’t have a routine

One of the best pieces of advice I received in my childhood was from my dad, who instructed me that if I wanted to read the Bible for myself, I was going to need to do it at the same time every day. I needed to make it a habit.

Some families are more routine-based than others, but every family does have things they do every day—from brushing teeth to eating dinner. So it should be possible for most children to find a consistent 5 or 10 minute slot for Bible reading and prayer. If they can make this a habit in their childhood, it’s all the more likely to last a lifetime! 

Things to try:

• Encourage them to pick their own time slot and place. It could be every day or every week.
• Help them make their Bible-reading place really nice so that they want to go there!

A little something to help

It’s with all these things in mind that I wrote A Short Guide to the Bible, which is designed to help kids go from owning a Bible to reading a Bible—as well as to help those kids who are already reading it to get the most out of it.

Across 32 illustrated pages, it includes:

• Facts about how the Bible came to be and the impact it has had in history
• A simple Bible dictionary
• A list of helpful verses that connect with kids’ lives
• Several short reading plans
• Advice about forming a habit of Bible reading
• Visual timelines to help kids understand the overall structure of the Bible and its story
• FAQs covering some common doubts about the Bible and Christianity
• … and more!

My hope and prayer is that as kids read this booklet, they’ll find themselves becoming more and more excited about the most important book they’ll ever read—God’s word!

A pastor interrupted me during a seminar with a simple yet profound question: What even is the point of sport? Why do you care about it so much?

If you turn to most systematic theologies or books on cultural engagement, you might be left with the same question. Music, drama and literature are frequently acknowledged as legitimate areas of Christian reflection, but sport is often overlooked.

Yet sport is deeply embedded in society. Over nine million people actively participate in the UK alone, with millions more watching. Globally, its influence is undeniable. 

Is it maybe because the world of sport, what it values, how it behaves and the stories it tells seem to clash in many areas with the world of the Bible? 

The World of Sport

Consider the slogans of major sports brands, which reveal the values that underpin athletic culture (and a number of what I’d call half-truths):

• Nike recently told us that “Winning isn’t for everyone” while making it clear that winning was the primary purpose for all athletes.
• The Adidas slogan “Impossible is nothing” tells its customers that, with determination and hard work, you can do anything. 
• Under Armour’s “I will what I want” also promises that clear focus and effort will help you achieve your dreams. 

• Even individual sports have this focus, with New Balance recently encouraging athletes to “Run your way” – to dress how you want, run where you want and so on. 

It can be complex to talk about one “world” of sport. Even in the slogans above, you can see a divide: between team sports and individual sports or between elite athletes, for whom sport is a career and competitive, and leisurely athletes, for whom sport is less about victory and more about health and well-being. 

This raises questions for Christians: How do we pursue victory while loving our opponents? How can we dedicate ourselves to sport without compromising our faith? 

So how should we think biblically about sport?

Author Chris Watkin reminds us that “among the cornucopia of deities the God of the Bible is unique and therefore the Bible offers a unique understanding of society and culture, one that reflects who that God really is.1

So while there are a number of ways to answer this (and you can read about them in a new book soon), the answer starts with understanding the nature of God.

Sport Helps Us Meet God

Having studied Islamic theology, I’ve found that Islamic scholars struggle to identify a Quranic or Hadith-based perspective on culture in a positive light. Islam emphasises Allah’s transcendence and distance, leaving little room for a personal relationship with God in daily activities.

The God of the Bible, by contrast, is both transcendent and immanent—he reigns sovereignly but is also intimately involved in our lives. This truth gives all of our lives purpose, including the talents, gifts and passions of athletes and the games they play.

Many Christian athletes use the hashtag #AO1—audience of one—as a reminder that God’s opinion matters most. However, the phrase could unintentionally suggest that God is merely an observer, watching from the stands. Some sportspeople can have a problematic image of God that sees him like a coach: someone watching from afar and deciding if a performance is good enough to bless. It’s an image which emphasises his absoluteness.

It is important for Christian athletes, though, to know that God is not only in the stands as we play. He is in us, by his Spirit, like the air we breathe, enabling us every step of the way. God sustains us. God empowers us. God is with us, alongside us, in all the highs and lows of our sport. Incredibly, the good news of the gospel is not that God stayed “up there” but that he came down to dwell among us and within us by his Spirit. 

Sport, then, can be a means through which we encounter God and draw closer to him. 

Sport Is Challenged by the God of Love

A fundamental challenge to much of sport for Christians is: What does it look like to love while competing?

Tim Keller said that our culture is dominated by career advancement and power, and so relationships are hard and poor.2 Sport reflects this culture. 

Competition, by its nature, involves comparison. If it is used to elevate ourselves at the expense of others, it contradicts the character of God, whereby the three divine Persons can be described in comparison to each other but not in a way which leads them to division or jealousy. In the Trinity there is unity and there is a clarity of roles. 

Many of the problems found in sport come from an elevated view of self and a desire to win at all costs – to prove myself. For Christians, though, competition can be redeemed. It can be a context in which we can discover our strengths and weaknesses, refine our character, and learn about our place in creation. When viewed in this way, it becomes a tool for growth rather than self-glorification. 

It can become a way to love our neighbour. Love like that of the trinitarian God is agape (self-giving) love. When we think about our opponents, instead of reducing them to "the other" to be defeated, we can see them as fellow image-bearers of God—partners in a shared, creative endeavour.  

In sport opposing fans or opposing teams or match officials are often seen like this: 

• “They’re all cheats.” 
• “West Ham fans are all thugs.” 
• “The referee is useless.” 

However, as Watkin says, “The love relationships of the Trinity help us think about sameness and difference in a way that provides for distinctness, distance and honouring, as well as intimacy, knowledge and mutuality.” 3

Maybe here there is a new way to view an opponent. Not just as the “other” to be violently defeated but as someone in mutual relationship with us, also known and loved by God, uniquely created to image him and to help bring out the best in us as we do this creative activity of sport together. 

Sport Is a Gift

When sport and competition is spoken about in this way, it is attractive to the watching world. Rafa Nadal famously spoke of his rivalry with Roger Federer in this way: as one which made him better. Rory McIlroy has alluded to his love for the team side of golf, recognising it’s a more fufilling way to compete, helping and serving others and not just himself. 

Maybe competition redeemed, in the image of the trinitarian God, could teach the world something better than it often sees when it looks at sport. Sport like this would show the world more of what human flourishing is all about – a life marked by a sense of security in not needing to prove ourselves and by an outward focus on serving those we play with and against. 

Here, then, we begin to see why sport might hold such a prominent place in God’s creation. It is not a mere human invention or a cultural distraction but a good gift—one that, like all good things, can be distorted but also redeemed. It has been given to help us grasp more of his fatherly sovereignty and to reflect him in relationships of love – and, when we inevitably get it wrong, a tool to help direct us back to God.

Sport, then, is not just something we do. It is something God, in his grace, has given us—to enjoy, to grow through, and ultimately, to know him, our trinitarian God, better.

1. Watkin, Biblical Critical Theory, p. 34.
2. Timothy Keller, “Before the Beginning,” sermon on Genesis 1:1-3, preached at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 16, 2008, available at http://www.gospelinlife.com/before-the-beginning-6078.htm
3.  Watkin, Biblical Critical Theory,  p. 47.

Delve deeper into what the Bible says about sport in Spiritual Game Plan by Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid. The book is for anyone who enjoys sport, and shows how the gospel transforms our thinking, our playing and our watching.

We are so excited excited to announce the release of videos for kids telling the true story of Easter based on God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook, written by Carl Laferton and illustrated by Jennifer Davison (The Good Book Company, September 2023).

Narrated by Andrew Wilson, there is a series of 8 short, 2-minute videos that begins with Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey and ends with Thomas rejoicing with his risen Lord. The video series uses animations based on God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook as an engaging way to share the Easter story in all-age church services, in kids’ groups, and as a family. Just like the Bible storybook, the videos are biblically faithful resources for kids ages 2+ through 8. A shorter compilation video version also shares the Easter story more succinctly.

James Burstow, President and Chief Commercial Officer of The Good Book Company, says, “A passion for God’s word is at the heart of everything we do at The Good Book Company and so we are thrilled to be launching this new Easter video series for younger children. We hope it will share with kids everywhere the amazing news that King Jesus is alive again!”

Download of these videos includes permission to play them for family, classroom, or the whole church. 

A visitor hesitates near the door of your church building one Sunday. They make their way through the door but then pause. They look distracted, almost in a world of their own. You move toward them, but they seem unaware of your presence. You get a sense of agitation, as if they are on high alert, and you notice perspiration on their forehead. When you speak a word of greeting, they seem neither to see you nor hear you. Instead, they move away toward a notice board at the side of your church foyer, avoiding eye contact. 

All sorts of things might explain what is happening. But of the various options, would it cross your mind that this person might be struggling with the effects of trauma? Trauma takes many forms, and its effects vary widely. People experience trauma in the armed forces or as paramedics. Trauma can result from an assault or an accident. Others experience trauma in the context of childhood loss or abuse. 

Not many of our churches will have “trauma experts”, but all of us can acquire a basic awareness. And if we are going to respond well to people who have faced severe suffering, this awareness is something we badly need. When people worry whether others are going to understand the impact of trauma in their life, often all they are really asking is “Will you see me? Are you aware of the kinds of struggles trauma can cause, or am I at risk of being ignored and misunderstood?” 

In regard to trauma, it’s important that churches shouldn’t overreach by imagining themselves capable of doing everything that is needed and dismissing expert help. It is equally important that churches don’t underreach by finding trauma so complex and confusing that they do nothing to help. 

Here, briefly, are a few of the ways our churches can misstep (and how we can rectify them).

1. Ignore the possibility.

If the members of a church welcome team are unaware of the kind of anxiety and hypervigilance trauma can cause, they may well misinterpret people’s behaviour. When someone arrives late at church to avoid the crowd that they find so overwhelming or steps out of church because their anxiety is peaking close to panic, welcomers may simply view them as awkward and problematic. When someone asks for a seat right at the back or enquires about a quiet room to sit in, the request may just be considered odd and difficult. If we consider the possibility of trauma, we are more likely to be generously gracious. 

2. Never mention trauma.

If our church never uses refers to trauma, or worse, we speak of trauma in a trivial or dismissive way, we communicate that our church is either not interested in or not responsive to people who have experienced trauma. The message is Don’t come, or If you do come, don’t talk about the trauma you have faced.

3. Be always neat, tidy and sorted.

When our churches are only ever seamlessly excellent at the front and when we never interview or have testimonies from those who are struggling, we give the impression that “being sorted” is a necessary feature of Christian discipleship. That’s hard for people when trauma from their past persistently invades, disturbs and disrupts them in the present. 

4. Describe traumatic events casually.

If, when we come to Bible passages that describe physical brutality or sexual assault, we read them without acknowledging the content or alerting people in advance, we make church unsafe. People traumatised by these kinds of assault are often careful to avoid such reminders because they evoke the experience they suffered. When a church unexpectedly confronts someone with such experiences, it makes church feel dangerous. 

5. Be unaware of shame and alienation.

People who have experienced trauma often carry a sense of shame. They may blame themselves for what happened, even though objectively they did nothing wrong. They may tell themselves they really should have “got over it by now”. Often someone may feel as if they are somehow set apart, different – as if trauma has left its mark upon them. If we don’t appreciate the alienation people may feel, we probably won’t do enough to welcome and include them. 

6. Offer trite solutions.

It’s hard to overemphasise how hurtful it can be when someone responds to our suffering with trite platitudes. Romans 8:28 does speak truly when it tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him”, but applying that truth like a band-aid over a gaping wound is neither loving nor kind. According to Proverbs, ‘the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18). Wisdom recognises that, even with biblical truth, timing matters. All too often, platitudes are spoken for the benefit of the speaker rather than the hearer. 

7. Fail to follow up.

When someone talks about hard things in their past, it is deeply unloving if we fail to follow up. Shame is at work here, too, and sharing hard things can leave a person vulnerable, wondering if they have made themselves unacceptable in some way. A quick text or phone call to check someone is okay helps reassure a person that what has been said has not disrupted your relationship. In fact, when you choose the right words you can even convey a sense that your relationship is deeper now because of what was shared. 

8. Forget the gospel.

At the heart of the gospel is our Saviour suffering a traumatic death in our place: a Saviour who covers our shame, welcomes the outcast, and unites us regardless of all our differences. The gospel may not make us instant experts on trauma, but it gives us plenty of reasons to move toward those who have suffered. And when we gather as a church, we aren’t two groups: one respectable, the other not; one with reason for shame, the other not. There is just one group, and it is labelled Needy Saved Sinners –  and that applies to all of us. The more our churches grasp the gospel, the more we will see all the reasons why we have to be one of the very best and most welcoming of communities for those who have experienced trauma. 

If we ignore trauma in our churches, we will misstep. And while engaging with trauma doesn’t mean becoming experts, it does mean caring enough both to see and to love those who have faced some of the hardest suffering. 

Written by Steve Midgley, author of Understanding Trauma: A Biblical Introduction for Church Care. Steve trained as a psychiatrist before being ordained, served as Vicar of Christ Church Cambridge for 18 years and is now Executive Director of Biblical Counselling UK

A couple of years ago, I wouldn't have called myself a Christian perfectionist, but I did consistently have a vague and underlying sense of perpetual guilt. I believed that the Lord was pleased with me because of my Savior, Jesus, but I also lived with a partly subconscious suspicion that he might also be disappointed with me.

Then, one spring morning, in preparation for a discussion of Faith Chang's then-upcoming book Peace over Perfection, I read the introduction and wept. I had never been able to put into words that never-good-enough feeling. I had always been told that I was too hard on myself or that I wasn't trusting God's word, leaving me feeling even more confused and stressed. When I read Faith's book, I just felt seen. She so accurately describes the feelings, worries, and doubts of the Christian perfectionist. Even better, she offers wisdom and help from God's word for those, like me, who struggle but still want to obey.

There are many, many gems in her insightful book, but I've pulled out some of my favorites to share as an encouragement to the Christian perfectionist.

"Many of the desires of the Christian perfectionist—to obey God perfectly, to always do what’s right for the good of others, to be the best version of ourselves—are in part a vision of the perfect world we were meant for."

"Beloved, none of God’s people have ever pulled a fast one on him, and neither have you. He knows you completely, and nothing you do or don’t do will lead to any disillusionment on his part."

"Our God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4). And you who have tasted this mercy need not fear its supply running low. His mercies never come to an end (Lamentations 3:22-23)."

"Sometimes, when we are plagued with guilt and anxiety, what we most need is not forgiveness or rebuke but discernment to know whether we are carrying a yoke other than Christ’s."

"If we took time to really think about who we would be apart from God and to consider the difference Jesus has made, we’d be in awe of how far we’ve come."

"We need faith because it doesn’t make sense that God would delight in people who continually fail him. It doesn’t make sense that the Creator of the universe would take pleasure in our imperfect obedience. It doesn’t make sense that God would die for sinners—and in some ways it isn’t supposed to."

If you'd like to read more, please grab a copy of Faith's book. I recently told a friend that I need to reread it soon, and she joked that she needs to reread it every month until she goes to be with Jesus. It's true that we may wrestle with Christian perfectionism until we die, but I'm grateful for sisters in Christ, like Faith, who can help us to love him more here and now.

I worked with Tim as the editor on Life with Jesus—and I couldn’t help thinking that this sort of material would be perfect for the tweens and teens in my church youth group. It’s just the right balance between biblical (with a Bible study setting the agenda for each session) and topical (with a practical focus that feels real and relevant). All we’d need to do, I thought, is write new discussion questions and teen-oriented case studies, and add some game ideas—oh, and change the name of the chapter on sex and marriage to something that wouldn’t induce giggles.

I was soon trialling the youth version of Life with Jesus at my church in Chessington, south-west London—and sending it elsewhere for other youth groups to give it a go too. Then we got the illustrator Jason Ramasami involved, adding bespoke doodles that bring to life the teen-friendly versions of Tim's insightful teaching. The result is a simple, flexible, discussion-based guide that I hope will help both young believers and young sceptics to explore what it is really like to follow Jesus for the long haul.

For a long time, I wanted to be someone who runs. Over the years, I’d watched several family members and friends lace up their running shoes, bound out of the house and down the road, and return sometime later looking sweaty but invigorated. I’d like to be that person, I thought. But I’d tried it once. Maybe twice. And running was not something I did. Perhaps you feel something similar about spending time in God’s word. You know of friends or family members who make a hot drink and withdraw to a quiet room with their Bible in the morning, and emerge, sometime later, looking serene but invigorated. I’d like to be that person, you think. You’ve tried it once or twice or even a whole bunch of times over the years—or perhaps it was something you used to do regularly, but now you’re out of the habit. Reading the Bible is not something you do.

But it can be.

If you’re hoping 2025 will be the year when you finally, actually, for-real-this-time establish a daily habit of reading the Bible, here are eight practical tips that will maximise your chances of success.

1. Plan: time and place

If you only read the Bible when the urge takes you, then—speaking for myself, at least—it’s not going to happen very often. Most of us will benefit from having a time and place set aside to do this. Consider what would be most helpful to you and make a plan. It might help to set an alarm or put it in your calendar the way you would with another appointment.

2. Prepare: what to read

Plan what you’re going to read—perhaps a book of the Bible that’s always intrigued you or a devotional book that’s piqued your interest—and get it ready. Nothing is going to reduce your momentum more than spending half your time on day 1 flicking through your Bible, wondering where to begin!

3. Start where you’re at

Personally, one thing I find alarming at this time of year is articles comparing “the best Bible-in-a-year plan”. Suffice to say that it’s been a long time since I read the Bible in a year—and I certainly haven’t done it enough times to be making any comparisons. If that’s what you’re aiming for this year, all power to you! But if you’d prefer a more gradual approach, that’s okay too—especially if you’re just starting out. Something is better than nothing. I designed The Quiet Time Kickstart to start small and build up, while giving you tips and pointers on how to understand the Bible for yourself: like a Couch to 5k for your quiet time.

4. Think outside the box

There is no one biblically mandated way of “having a quiet time”. Even the very concept of a quiet time is non-compulsory; thousands of believers throughout time and around the world who have had less access to the Bible than us have faithfully endured without one! So, don’t feel bound by what you perceive to be “what you’re meant to do”. Some people chomp through great chunks of Scripture; others meditate deeply on a single verse. Some people like to draw and journal; others seize up at the thought. Some will find it invigorating to pray while out walking; others want to meet with the Lord from the warmth and safety of their own bed. Some people love the structure of a devotional; others want to follow their interests. Anything that gets you into God’s word is probably going to be good—and sometimes it’s great to mix it up a bit!

5. Accountability

If this is an area of repeated struggle for you, ask a couple of Christian friends to pray for you and give them permission to check in. You could even message someone right now: “I’m really trying to establish a habit of reading the Bible this year. Can you pray for me in that? And ask me next Sunday how it’s gone!”

6. Bring a friend along

Better yet, if you have a friend who also wants to grow in this area, why not suggest that you read the same thing? I have happy memories from a period of lockdown when I exchanged daily voice notes with a couple of friends as we read through books of the Bible chapter by chapter.

7. Ask for help

Consider if there is something that someone in your household could do to help you in this, and ask them. I remember how, years ago, my mum’s devotional life was transformed when she realised that it would genuinely really help her if my dad brought her a cup of tea in bed—otherwise, she would go downstairs and get distracted by all the jobs to be done around the house. My dad has lovingly obliged ever since!

8. Pray

Finally, but most importantly, pray. If this is an area where you want to change, it will need some change not just in your schedule but in your heart. And that’s something only the Spirit can do. So ask him to give you a deeper desire for, and a fresh delight in, his word.

Having spent years wanting to be someone who runs, a few summers ago, I finally downloaded the Couch to 5K app on my phone, chose my celebrity coach and got started. It wasn’t always fun, but it has been worth it. And it turns out that maintaining the habit is much easier than starting it in the first place.

It’s that same approach that inspired The Quiet Time Kickstart. But when it comes to reading the Bible, the rewards are far greater than better fitness or an improved ability to run for a bus. It’s simply a chance, day by day, to sit under your good Shepherd’s voice and hear how much he loves you. What could be better than that?

The start of a new year brings a fresh beginning, inspiring many of us to reflect on our lives and consider what we might do differently. As people everywhere set goals to improve as spouses, parents, friends, and professionals, the culture of self-improvement reaches an all-time high – often accompanied by a wave of striving and stress.

Even as Christians, we often feel the pressure to do more and be better, recognising we aren’t as loving, committed, or disciplined as we would like. Thankfully, God’s grace covers where we fall short, freeing us from the heavy demands of perfectionism. In light of this, how does a grace-centred perspective reshape our understanding of growth and change?

We find guidance in 2 Peter 3:18, which says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." This verse highlights that growth isn’t about striving in our own strength, but about growing in God's grace. Jesus is the one who works in us and through us to bring about lasting change. 

In this season of “New Year, New You,” let’s consider how we can approach growth differently. Here are four principles to find hope and rest in Christ’s power to transform us.

1. The Who of Growth: God is the Centre, Not Us 

God is in the business of making all things new. Growth is his idea, and he has a plan for it. Too often, we approach personal growth from a place of self-initiative. We assess our needs and desires, determine our goals, and define our path. But true growth begins when we align ourselves with God’s plan, rather than setting out on our own.

In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes, “he [God] who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God initiated new life and transformation when we accepted Christ, and that he will continue to transform us until we meet Christ in the future.

Christian growth means stepping into the life God has planned for us and embracing his calling. Self-improvement focuses on our own efforts, while God-centred growth aligns our efforts with his good purposes. As we set goals this year, let’s remember: true growth isn’t about our will being done, but his.

2. The What of Growth: To Look, Love, and Live Like Jesus

When we think of growth, we often measure it by society’s standards – career milestones, financial goals, and personal achievements. God’s plan for growth is more than external accomplishments. It is about shaping us into our truest selves, which, as believers, is being conformed to the image of Christ.

In Ephesians 4:20-24, Paul urges us to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This transformation is not merely about changing our habits or activities; it’s about becoming more like Jesus in virtue and character. The goal of biblical growth is to reflect Christ's love, compassion, and holiness in our lives.

As we grow in Christ-likeness – living with integrity, looking to God for direction, or prioritizing others above ourselves, for example – our lives transform from the inside out. 

3. The How of Growth: God’s Power, Not Our Own

True growth does not come from self-effort, but from the power of God working in us. “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us” (2 Peter 1:3). This verse reveals that it is God’s power, not our striving, that enables growth. In his faithfulness, God sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, initiating the process of transformation. 

The growth God calls us to isn’t achieved through self-effort. Even if we have the desire to do good, we cannot carry it out. True growth comes when we remain connected to Christ (John 15:5). Only by abiding in him can we bear good fruit, experiencing the life and love of Jesus flowing through our lives. 

Christian growth goes beyond mere behaviour change. It’s a deep transformation of the heart that aligns our desires with God’s. As a result, we see, think, and act differently, as our perspectives continue to shift. Our role is to remain in Christ, allowing him to cultivate lasting change in us. 

4. The Why of Growth: For the Glory of God and the Good of Others

God’s purpose for growth extends far beyond ourselves. We grow not merely for our own benefit, but to make a difference for Christ and his Kingdom. Our growth allows us to love God and love people more fully. Any achievements or spotlight we receive is ultimately meant to glorify God.

Jesus tells us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We find a similar reminder in 1 Corinthians: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (10:31). 

Viewing personal growth through the lens of others redirects our focus to the needs around us, and how we can share Christ’s love in tangible ways. This shift also guards us from the self-centredness that self-help culture often promotes. When we see growth as an opportunity to serve, our lives become a conduit for God’s love and grace.

As we begin the new year, let’s embrace growth rooted in God’s grace, not in our own striving. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). We can rest assured that the Lord will grow us and equip us to accomplish the work he has called us to. 

By keeping Christ at the centre of our goals, we find the hope, rest, and strength to partner with him to make changes in our lives. May this be a year where we rely on God’s work within us to learn, grow, and live life well. 

Whether you’re just beginning your walk with God or you’ve been following him for a long time, it’s important to remain grounded in his word. As the new year approaches, full of challenges and resolutions, maintaining that close relationship is essential. So, for both the new believer and the seasoned Christian, we have compiled a list of devotionals that will grow your faith.

A year of gospel-saturated daily devotions from renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg.

Truth for Life - Volume 1

Start each and every day with the gospel in this one-year devotional by renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg.

We all need to be reminded of the truth that anchors our life and excites and equips us to live for Christ. Reflecting on a short passage each day, Alistair spans the Scriptures to show us the greatness and grace of God, and to thrill our hearts to live as his children. Alistair’s clear, faithful exposition and thoughtful application mean that this resource will both engage your mind and stir your heart.

16 short devotions helping Christians to see where and how they can grow in their faith and joy.

Spiritual Healthcheck

We all need a spiritual healthcheck from time to time. These 16 devotions will equip you to see where and how to grow in faith and joy.

Reading this short book will help you to honestly diagnose how you’re doing in your faith, remind you how to thrive, and point you to the Holy Spirit who can enable you to grow. It’s a useful tool at any time of year, but particularly in January as you look for a positive way to start the year ahead.

Finding clear minds and full hearts through biblical meditation.

Deeper Still

We live in a fast-paced world, and our minds are often working in overdrive. Mindfulness promises a method of tuning out the voices for a few minutes to try to live in the moment. But biblical meditation offers something better: an opportunity to be transformed by God's voice of truth.

This book will help Christians who feel overwhelmed by their thought life, as well as those who want to go deeper in their devotional life.

Daily devotional that will kickstart a daily Bible-reading routine and give you the skills and confidence to understand and enjoy God’s word for yourself.

The Quiet Time Kickstart

Beginning with short, simple 5-minute devotions that are easy to make time for, this little guide will kickstart a daily Bible-reading routine. It's ideal for anyone who is new to reading the Bible or who is struggling to spend regular time in God's word.

The devotions gradually increase in length over the course of six weeks and offer focused guidance on understanding the Bible. So by the time you finish, you’ll have the skills and confidence you need to read and enjoy Scripture for yourself—and make your quiet time a habit for life.

How to engage both your mind and your emotions in your walk with God.

Truth on Fire

What would it look like to genuinely love God with our head and our heart? To have a faith marked by right thinking and right feeling? To know God deeply and worship him passionately?

Too often, Christians act as though these things are at odds with one another. But what if God intends for us to possess a faith that is radically committed to biblical truth, in a way that did not diminish the life of the heart, but actually intensified it?

If you yearn for God but desire a clearer biblical picture of this God whom you love, or if you have been walking with God for a while now, but your experience of him has become settled or dry, then this book is for you.

Interested in browsing more of our devotionals? Visit https://www.thegoodbook.com/devotionals/.

Reading is one of life’s many pleasures. It transports us to places and times, and into the lives of people and cultures that we would never experience were it not for the talent and imagination of the writers we enjoy so much.

Over the last 12 months, we at TGBC have read—and listened to—dozens of books, and we’re here to share the ones that have left the biggest impression on us. Here are the books, both secular and Christian, that our team loved reading the most. 

Mockingbird by Walter Tevis

I chose this book — first published in 1980 — for a secular all-male book group I am part of — partly because I have a love of Science Fiction — and partly because it touches on contemporary questions about the use and influence of Artificial Intelligence.

Tevis, who also wrote the classic The Man who Fell to Earth, won the SciFi equivalent of a Book Prize for this — and it deserves it. He pictures a future in which humankind are in decline, as the management of everything is controlled by AI robots. People have lost the ability to read, and dull the pain of existence with drugs (sopors) that they down regularly because they are fearful of any relational interaction with others. The hero, Paul,  is an academic who learns to read, and this sets him on a path of discover that slowly unravels his social programming to discover what real life should be about.

The dystopian future shares a lot in common with Brave New World but the AI/Robotic involvement has a much more visceral affinity with where we see technology heading today. But the futility isn’t just for humans. The central character is an advanced AI called Spofforth — who would love to kill himself, but is unable to because his programming will not allow it.

The book is bursting with ideas, pathos and humour — as when Paul comes across a Robot factory manufacturing toasters that don’t work in a futile exercise that cannot be stopped. The discussion it provoked in the group was fascinating as we explored the complexity of our relationship with technology, and the positive and negatives paths that an AI-saturated future might hold for us. There’s some talk about making a movie from the novel — but I heartily recommend this as a jumping off point for stimulating through and discussion about how we will live and work in a positive way with the mechanical minds that seem ever closer to us.

I’ve also particularly enjoyed the audiobook version of Pat Barker’s trilogy that novelises Homer’s Iliad — his description of the Trojan War — but seen through the eyes of the women caught up in it. The Silence of the Girls, The Women of Troy and The Voyage Home, are beautifully performed on Audio by Kristin Atherton. These books are not for the faint hearted — but they underline how women are so often the victims of warfare, and bear terrible consequences in both defeat and victory.

Tim Thornborough

The Martian by Andy Weir

I have always preferred reading to listening, but recent eye surgery has forced me into the world of audio books. I was recommended to pick something long, so I chose all eleven hours of The Martian by Andy Weir. It is a fictional story of an astronaut who is accidentally left behind on Mars when the rest of his crew make an emergency escape. 

Most of the book is log entries from Mark Watney, the guy left on Mars. This worked well in an audiobook as I really could imagine hearing Mark record each entry. I have always loved science fiction, and the special joy of Andy Weir’s books is that the science is as accurate as possible. So I found it genuinely believable as Mark worked out how to solve each challenge that came his way. It is a gripping read/listen that has stayed in my mind.

Alison Mitchell

Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Food Critic by Ruth Reichl

I loved this memoir from Ruth Reichl, former New York Times critic, for so many reasons. Firstly, the delicious food writing. Even though I expect that I don’t have the budget to eat at most of the restaurants mentioned, it didn’t stop my enjoyment in hearing of the chefs’ incredible concoctions and the author’s passion for cooking. 

Secondly, what really intrigued me was the psychological impact on Ruth as she became a variety of characters to disguise her identity from restaurant proprietors. Seeing how these multiple identities affected both her own mood and the behaviour of those around her was fascinating. And thirdly, despite the exclusive nature of the job, the whole book has a warmth and introspection to it that felt like a treat to read. So far this year, it’s the only book that I’ve put down intentionally in order to savour it for a little bit longer!

Catherine Durant

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle

My holiday read this past summer was Mike Gayle’s All the Lonely People. It centers on a lonely pensioner living in a London suburb who tries to keep the world at arm’s length. Much to his discomfort, a young single mother moves into the neighborhood and transforms his life, one friendship at a time. It is cliched at times but does avoid a neat ending, which is refreshing. The story acts as a reminder of how many people are seeking community and meaningful connections with others. Let’s hope our churches can be that lifeline for many such people.

A Christian book I’m valuing (note that it’s an uncomfortable read!) is a classic from yesteryear: Jerry Bridges’ Respectable Sins. It’s written in a humble, simple and thought-provoking way and will highlight many a sin that we as Christians may have become too complacent about. Well worth a read.

Caroline Napper

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

This book is dense. It's taking me a while to get through, but there's so much good stuff in it. There's a boatload of writing styles including an encyclopaedia entry on whales and a sermon on Jonah.

The range of vocabulary is astonishing—who's ever heard the word “scrimshander” before? I really like the way Melville, through the narrator, makes observations about life using what he observes in the whaling world as a metaphor. For example, his chapter on “fast fish and loose fish”. In it he explains the unwritten laws of the fishery. Some fish are fast: that is owned. Some are loose: that is fair game. He then says that this is a paradigm through which we can understand the majority of laws and even our very selves. We are both fast (owned) and loose (free) at the same time. 

Mus Yousef 

Imagine the God of Heaven by John Burke

John Burke was interviewed by Justin Brierly at Premier Radio. Burke has done serious research over three decades and has talked to hundreds of people who have had a near-death experience.  

I truly loved reading that people from different religious and cultural backgrounds saw Jesus during those moments. And what they saw of heaven really blew me away. Thinking of friends and relatives that have passed away recently, I was so hopeful and grateful to be reminded of the sheer love, forgiveness and mercy that Jesus wants to show to every human being. 

I'm a big animal lover and there's a chapter on animals and pets! Needless to say, I was overjoyed to read about it. 

Nelly Ortiz 

I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

I consider Enger one of our best living American storytellers; his novels are lyrical but concrete at the same time. This story is set in the near future, but it's near enough to our present day that I found it unsettling. The main character, Rainy, loves the Great Lakes. After he experiences a personal tragedy, Rainy sets out on a journey on the lakes. His path is interrupted by a young girl who is in need of help. Is it possible for a book to be both apocalyptic and hopeful? If so, this is it.

Kelly Keller

War Doctor: Surgery on the Front Line by David Nott 

This book captivated me with its powerful, firsthand account of performing surgery in the most dangerous and challenging war zones. Nott's resilience, skill and compassion shine through as he navigates the chaos of conflict and saves lives under extreme pressure. His unwavering dedication reflects the deep belief that every person, made in God's image, is valuable and worthy of care and love, no matter the circumstances. I was particularly moved by his honest reflections on the emotional toll this work takes, both during and after the missions. The blend of medical drama and personal insight made the book not only informative but also deeply inspiring, reminding me of the profound dignity and worth of every human life, even in the darkest places.  

Tom Beard

Peace Over Perfection by Faith Chang

I really enjoyed reading Peace Over Perfection by Faith Chang. I can often be a bit of a perfectionist myself, so reading about Faith’s own personal struggle with this, and the way knowing Jesus has made a huge difference in her life, was incredibly refreshing. The way she writes is very conversational, and almost feels like having a chat with a friend, a friend who is kindly pointing you to Jesus, and reminding you of incredible biblical truths!

Hannah Irwin

Long Story Short by Glen Scrivener

The book I enjoyed most this year is by our very good friend Mr. Glen Scrivener (but sadly not published by us)—Long Story Short. It’s a wonderfully economical overview of Scripture from cover to cover and high to low. It’s accessible for anyone and edifying for everyone. The journey begins in Genesis and traces the thread of Jesus’ promised arrival all the way to the end of Revelation. I loved the journey - brevity and all.

Matt McIlrath

The River by Peter Heller

If you’re looking for a grippy page-turner for your vacation/holiday that will keep you up at night reading, this checks the box. The River by Peter Heller is about two friends on a canoe trip in the forest that goes badly wrong, thanks to an unhinged man with a shotgun and a rapidly-approaching forest fire. I enjoyed the portrayal of male friendship and the descriptive writing had me in awe at the beauty, size and power of nature—while vowing to never venture into it without a phone. I was thinking about the ending for ages after finishing it. 

Rachel Jones

Kindness in dialogue is powerful, especially when we are speaking with someone we disagree with.

Kindness opens up not only relational doors but intellectual doors. In other words, it helps us not only to like each other more but to understand each other better.

When we sincerely wish others well, it comes across. People can tell. Similarly, when what is in your heart toward someone is contempt and a “rolling of the eyes” attitude, this also will come across. People usually pick up on what is going on in our hearts as we talk to them. They can feel either our respect or our disdain.

When someone senses that we have goodwill and respect for them, it enables them to lower their defenses and really hear what we are saying. Sincere kindness can therefore help us make progress in a disagreement. It helps unmake caricatures and promote understanding of what the other side is saying. Someone once said, in the context of preaching, that “unless love is felt, the message is not heard.” So it is in our conversations.

Here are five ways to be sincerely kind to someone you disagree with. 

1. Prepare Your Heart Ahead of Time

The next time you are approaching a conversation you anticipate being difficult, take time to pray for the person with whom you disagree. Get your heart into a place where you genuinely wish them well. Pray earnest blessings on them. Humble yourself before them. Try to lean toward them with genuine openness, showing respect for their dignity and complexity as a person made in the image of God.

This is difficult to do because during a disagreement, we will generally be tempted to place the other party into a category based on the nature of our disagreement—to see them as on the “other side.” We must work actively to remember their humanity and avoid “othering” them. We must seek to avoid despising them no matter what flaws they may have or what our concerns may be.

2. Protect Your Heart from Feeding Contempt

Avoid speaking contemptuously about the other person to others. It is difficult to switch gears in your heart orientation to someone when you transition from speaking about them to speaking to them. If you speak respectfully about them to others, it is more natural to do so in their presence.

3. Consider Their Unique Perspective

Give consideration to the experiences (and above all the suffering) that may stand behind their disagreement with you. They have not randomly arrived upon their views. Particular events have shaped them. There is often more pain and fear going on in the people around us than we can realize. Bearing this in mind may not change the disagreement, but it can give us more compassion along the way.

Try this out: the next time you are in a difficult conversation, seek with all your heart to wish the other person well while you are talking. The results might amaze you.

4. Pray for Them 

In ministry I have often been overwhelmed by the amount of pain in people’s lives. Sometimes the thought comes, “What can I possibly do to help?” In those moments, I have found that offering prayer is an amazingly effective resource.

We don’t need to be sufficient in ourselves. We just commend them to God and ask him to intervene. God can touch people in ways we cannot.

The person with whom you disagree may not be open to you praying for them, or it might feel condescending. But you can still pray for them privately. And I am regularly amazed at how often people are okay with us praying for them, including some who may not even believe in prayer.

In my time when offering to pray for people, I actually don’t recall a single time when someone has rejected the offer. This is a way to show kindness even when you disagree.

5. Offer Encouraging Words

People need encouragement more than we are likely to notice.

Sometimes, we simply forget to encourage people. At other times, we are with people who appear successful or confident, and we don’t realize that they still need encouragement.

It helps to have an intentional plan. A simple step, like a planned daily or weekly text message of encouragement, can go a long way.

In fact, as I have practiced this in my own life, I have been amazed at how frequently someone writes back by saying something like “This came at exactly the right time” or “I really needed to hear that today.” I’ve concluded that most people, most of the time, need encouragement. 

When you have a disagreement with someone, speak encouraging words and see how it might open up doorways.

As you practice these ways of being sincerely kind to someone you disagree with, join me in praying: “Jesus, give us wisdom to know what kindness looks like and strength to show kindness to everyone, no matter what we are facing!”

This article is adapted from Chapter 1 of The Art of Disagreeing by Gavin Ortlund. Please note another section of this chapter covers what kindness looks like when you are met with malice. Learn more about how to disagree with courage and kindness like Jesus, avoiding divisive arguments, here.

Love Your Church by Tony Merida launched in 2021, just as many churches and ministries were getting going afresh with in-person gatherings after the pandemic. It was an amazingly timely release—for many churches, it proved to be just what was needed to refocus and reset for the months and years ahead. We produced a small group kit to go with the book, and this was enthusiastically used by small groups in churches across the globe.

In one church in McCaysville, Georgia, children’s ministry director Sally Morris decided to work on producing a kids’ curriculum to go alongside the book. It meant that the children and young people in her church could follow the same teaching plan as the adults, so that the whole church learned together. After completing the curriculum in her own context, Sally sent us what she’d written, asking if it could be offered to other churches.

That curriculum is what we’re now excited to be able to share on our website for free download!

Each of the 8 studies takes a chapter from Love Your Church and presents the key concepts in a way that is digestible for children. It features fully written-out teaching material, including visual illustration ideas, discussion questions, introductory games, and optional extra activities.

Whether you’re working through Love Your Church as an adult congregation or not, we hope this resource will provide valuable teaching for the children at your church as they learn what it really means to be part of a church family.

You can download the free Love Your Church for Kids curriculum here.

When a man named Levi met Jesus, the first thing Levi did was hold a party for Jesus in his home. You can read about it in Luke 5:27-32. What makes this all the more remarkable is that Levi and his friends were tax collectors—social outcasts at the time. They were Jews who collected money for the occupying Roman state. So Levi was a collaborator. A traitor to his people. An enemy of God. And now—a friend of Jesus?!

The party he holds becomes a powerful demonstration of what Jesus is all about. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor,” Jesus says, “but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (v 31). For Levi, the presence of Jesus is life-changing; he later becomes an apostle and a Gospel-writer.

There’s no point in inviting Jesus to your next party. Where would you even send the invitation? And yet, his eagerness to enjoy our hospitality hasn’t changed. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). But how can Jesus be at home with his people now? 

Jesus Promises He is Present

Consider the words of Jesus in John 14:15-20:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you for ever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me any more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” 

Jesus says in John 15:16-17 that the Father will give us an “advocate” to help us and be with us always. “Advocate” is a big word. It gathers up meanings that include strengthener, witness, helper and comforter. But the key thing is that the Spirit is “another advocate”. That’s because Jesus himself has been the first advocate. 

Jesus has been the one to whom the disciples looked for support and comfort. Whenever they were in trouble, they could look up and see Jesus.

I like to imagine the disciples panicking when they get asked a tough question by the Pharisees and then feeling relieved when they look up to see Jesus poised to respond (e.g. Luke 5:30-31). Or I imagine them feeling utterly defeated by their failure to heal a demon-possessed child and then their relief as they see Jesus arriving to sort it out (e.g. 9:37-42).

With Jesus there, everything would be ok. Now, in John 15, he’s about to leave, and looking around the room for Jesus isn’t going to work any more. Yet Jesus promises, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18). Jesus is not leaving them on their own. He’s going to provide another comforter: the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is Present through the Spirit 

But hang on a minute: Jesus says, “I will come to you” (John 14:18).

Jesus is leaving them, and Jesus is coming to them.

Here we meet the beautiful mystery of the God who is three Persons sharing one divine nature. Jesus and the Spirit are one being with the Father. The Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. So the Spirit makes Jesus himself present, even when Jesus is physically absent.

The Spirit is not just Christ’s representative, like an ambassador or a spokesperson. The Spirit doesn’t simply pass on messages, like a postman delivering mail. When the Spirit is present, Jesus himself is really and truly present because Jesus and the Spirit are one, sharing one being with the Father.

When you encounter the Spirit, you encounter Jesus. You have a real and genuine experience of Jesus himself. This is what Jesus means when he says that he and the Father will come to us and make their home with us (John 14:23). The Father sends the Holy Spirit to mediate Jesus’ presence to us. To make his home in us—to enable us to experience his welcome, comfort, joy, strength and help.

Jesus is absent in body, but Jesus is present through the Spirit—right here, right now.

This is an extract from Enjoying Jesus by Tim Chester, a book that explores what it looks like to enjoy a relationship with Jesus Christ here and now.

We are delighted to announce that The Christmas Promise Storybook, written by Alison Mitchell and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales (The Good Book Company, November 2014).

The Christmas Promise Storybook is a captivating retelling of the Christmas story showing how God kept his promise to send a king unlike any other: a new, rescuing forever king. James Burstow, President and Chief Commercial Officer, reflects, “We’re thrilled to be celebrating such a great milestone for this beautiful book and the opportunity it has provided for thousands of children to learn the true meaning and significance of Christmas.”

Other products in The Christmas Promise range include:

• A Board book for 1-3s

• A Colouring and Activity Book for 4-8s

• An Advent Calendar for kids 5-11, including a 32-page book of family devotions

• A three-session children’s Sunday School resource with age-differentiated lesson plans for 3-5s, 5-8s, and 8-12s

• Full size illustrations to use when reading The Christmas Promise aloud

We are excited to celebrate this accomplishment and anticipate the series’ continued contribution toward our goal of providing biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that encourage Christians and their church families to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

About the Author

Alison Mitchell is a senior editor at The Good Book Company, where she has worked on a range of products including Bible-reading notes for children and families and the Christianity Explored range of evangelistic resources. She is the best-selling author of The Christmas Promise and the award-winning Jesus and the Lions' Den.

About the Illustrator

Catalina Echeverri is a Colombian freelance illustrator specialising in children's books. She is based in London, UK, and illustrated the best-selling The Garden, The Curtain and the Cross.