1. what happens after death?
2. what will happen at the end of the world?

After preaching on 1 Thessalonians 4 last week I was bombarded with a whole host of questions and I expect that this coming Sunday on 1 Thessalonians 5 will be no different.  Greg Clarke and John Dickson from Sydney’s Centre for Public Christianity have put together a really helpful and accessible book called “666 and All That: the truth about the future”.  We will have copies of the book available from our bookstall this coming Sunday at the bargain price of $10.

Here is a brief overview of the book from Centre for Public Christianity:

The Second Coming, Hell, the Beast, Life after death: these are all themes that fascinate, and sometimes divide us.  Beyond Hollywood productions, apocalyptic websites, and a plethora of prophetic literature, what does the Bible really say about the end times? In their new book, 666 and All That, John Dickson and Greg Clarke provide a reality check on this hot and controversial topic.

Here is a brief overview of the booklet from Matthias Media’s website:

Adapted from his vast experience of delivering sermons at funerals, Simon Manchester has written this short booklet for those whose grief may have caused them to think about what is beyond this life. “At a Time Like This” tells of the only expert on life and death who has come back from the grave and told us what it’s like: Jesus Christ. This short booklet tells why we should come to Jesus for truth, meaning and real comfort. It also includes Christian answers to common questions about grief.

Why not explore some of the guides below. You may pick one up from the bookstall at 8.30 and 10.30am church for a gold coin donation.
John Haxton, Ian & Margaret Mears, and Ruth Sheath are willing to assist you find the guide that will suit your needs.

Table Talk , Daily Bread, Daily Readings, Search the Scriptures

Can a man scoop fire into his lap

without his clothes being burned?

Can a man walk on hot coals

without his feet being scorched?

Proverbs 6:27-28

Neither can a man indulge in sexual immorality without expecting his life to be destroyed.  In 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Paul addresses the problem of sexual immorality amongst Christians.  Paul does not merely say don’t do it! He sets forward a radically Christian view of our bodies:

1. your body is not your own to do whatever you like with – it belongs to Jesus!
2. your body is eternal – it will be raised up just like Jesus was!
3. your body is profoundly united with Jesus Christ – one flesh!
4. your body is sacred – a temple where God’s Spirit now dwells!

In light of such a radical view of our bodies Paul commands us to flee sexual immorality and honour God with our bodies.   Click here to listen to the sermon.

Probably the most prominent expression of sexual immorality in our society today is internet pornography.  God’s command to flee sexual immorality! means that we must be proactive about guarding ourselves and each other against pornography.  If you are already caught in pornography then you need to be decisive in dealing with it.  Bring it before God, ask his help and then seek someone who can help you through these issues is the way to go. Our Recovery ministries are a good first port of call.

The internet is not only the source of problems, it also has some great resources to help move forward.  Some are of these resources are fences which help prevent you and your children from straying to unsafe places.  Some have good practical and Biblical advice on dealing with pornography:

www.x3watch.com – a way to let your chosen accountability mate know what sites you’ve viewed. It’s free and is used by the Lakes staff. Click here to get a brief guide on how to set it up.  Why not get serious and install it now!

www.netalert.gov.au/filters.html – a free download from the Australian government to block any Internet porn.

www.covenanteyes.com – a way to let your mate know what Internet sites you’ve viewed.

www.settingcaptivesfree.com – Scripture-based and very thorough- every bloke should look at this site if they feel tempted by porn.

http://www.mobicip.com/online_safety/iphone – Now available, an alternate browser for iPhone and iPod touch that enables parental controls. Not just for kids!

Mark Driscoll has made his book “Porn again Christian” available for free as an e-book.

Click here to read an excerpt from the book.

You can purchase the book by entering the store here.