Bomb Disposal: Dealing with the Seven Deadly Sins

Pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, sloth. Left undetected, ignored, or hidden in plain sight, these still have a destructive capacity, each like an unexploded bomb.

Our soul is made to flourish in God's hands, our character is precious and intended to become more like that of Jesus, yet these seven deadly sins can ruin our relationship with others, rob us of joy with God, and diminish our life as a whole. Some deliberate and careful bomb disposal may be very timely.

For each of these infamous seven, we can identify their presence in our world, how they impact us, and how they are excused, even. Then with the example and encouragement of the Bible, we look at what God might grow in our character instead: seven virtues.

This practical and encouraging book helps expose some hidden dangers and, with God's help, to defuse their deadly potential.

• Includes discussion questions and Bible study material at the end of each chapter, suitable for personal study or small groups.
• Provides practical suggestions for dealing with these sins in our lives, and assembles a 'toolkit' to get to work on our growth.

"Andrew Goldsmith's fascinating analogy of Bomb Disposal and its every day application to the life of Christian discipleship is so powerful. He works with the biblical truth of our human condition, skilfully exposing the 'explosive ordnance' of the seven deadly sins and their opposite virtues. The courage, knowledge and skills of defusing and mitigating the potential damage of these spiritual IED's within a life of discipleship is a game-changer. This book is highly insightful in helping Christians to develop courage to live with authenticity and integrity in today's fast-changing, demanding world."

Rev'd Jonathan Woodhouse CB - former Chaplain-General, British Army

"Andrew writes from a Pastor's heart and understanding. He confronts the sin but provides a biblical framework and practical support which enables us to live the life of holiness as followers of Christ. This book is about being pastorally equipped to live in a sinful world. I will encourage the Pastors in my care to read Bomb Disposal. It comes with ready-made discussion starters and most importantly of all leaves us in the gracious fellowship of a forgiving God."

Major Mark Herbert, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army

"Another valuable resource for local churches, tackling an important issue and with an emphasis throughout upon the grace of God, the title of the final chapter. Ultimately its intention is not simply to transmit knowledge but to effect transformation into the likeness of Christ ... highly recommended to individuals and groups who would benefit greatly from engaging with this stimulating and challenging material."

Rev'd Geoffrey Colmer, Regional Minister and Team Leader, Central Baptist Association

"It is completely grounded in the Word, offering extremely practical advice to some potentially crippling issues surrounding the seven deadly sins. I like that it has been tailored to appeal to a military audience although this book would be a welcome addition to anyone's library given that it is so relevant for the issues we face in the modern world. It would work in a study group or as a self-study. It really is a bomb disposal handbook for dealing with the seven deadly sins."

SAC(T) Josh Marlow, 47 Eng Sqn, RAF