Christian living
Unconventional - Sharon Dickens
When Sharon Dickens was asked to set up a women’s ministry in her church in Glasgow, she looked for resources to help her. She found many that outlined good theological foundations, but nothing practical. After a decade of trial, error, growth and setbacks, she wrote the resource she wished she ...
Forgive - Timothy Keller
The latest book from prolific teacher and pastor Timothy Keller, Forgive is as good a book on the topic of forgiveness as you could hope to find.
A stunning sight
It was one of those: Is this God speaking to me? moments. Seemingly from nowhere a thought surfaced, and the persistent luminosity of it made me wonder if the Holy Spirit was broadcasting on my personal wavelength.
From a life of crime to street evangelism
Nigel Williams was put into care as a child and has been in 18 different prisons. But meeting Christ set him free from his addictions and self-harm, and now he loves to share the good news with everyone he meets
Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh: ‘Church is the place where you can be a hot mess; you don’t have to be fine’
The actor and activist on growing up in the Cotswolds, coming home to the Church and what it means to take every opportunity God gives you
The cancer specialist: 'My faith compels me to seek solutions'
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
3 biblical principles on freedom of speech
Transgender rights protesters were unsuccessful in their campaign to prevent Kathleen Stock from speaking at the Oxford Union this week. The Bible doesn’t specifically address the topic of freedom of speech, but it does provide Christians with these helpful principles, explains CARE’s Peter Ladd
5 ways ordinary Christians can show extraordinary hospitality
Hospitality is not about our cooking or entertaining skills, but learning to welcome the people God has put in our lives, says Carolyn Lacey. Here’s her top five tips for not letting the call to care for others overwhelm or intimate us
Wayne Drain: ‘God has given me a song! And it sends people to sleep…’
Christian musician Wayne Drain says his ‘Lullaby for Adults’ has helped tens of thousands find untroubled sleep.
This article won’t change your mind
Your mind is tricking you, making you blind to truth, explains Chris Goswami. But it is possible to think more clearly about God, theology and the Bible. Here's how
Writing about Julian of Norwich helped me through cancer
It is 650 years since Revelations of Divine Love, the first book to be written in English by a woman, was published. As Claire Gilbert reflects on losing her mother as a child, battling cancer and living through the Covid-19 pandemic, she finds Julian’s writings are as relevant today as they were six centuries ago
How should Christians respond to the culture wars?
Ben Chang’s new book Christ and the Culture Wars aims to help Christians speak for Jesus in an increasingly divisive world. Heather Tomlinson says that although the ideas aren’t new, they may prove useful for those who are new to the subject of identity politics
The pressure to impress
I was eagerly looking forward to my annual school reunion. Inevitably, we’d pass the hours reminiscing about the classes we’d loved and loathed, the girls we’d fancied, the pranks we’d played.
Broken by love - Val Jeal MBE
Val Jeal was 50 when her work with homeless men in Bristol began. Over the next 20 years, her reach extended to sex workers, drug users and their families.
The Invictus athlete: ‘I carry a Bible wherever I go and pray before training’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
The Bible doesn’t gloss over grief, and neither should we
When Amanda Held Opelt suffered a season of loss - including three miscarriages and the death of her sister, Rachel Held Evans - she was confronted with sorrow she didn’t know to how face. Why do so many Christians insist on an immediate, redemptive story arc when they experience suffering?
Cancelled for being Christian and disciplined for saying ‘God bless’? No wonder we’re hiding our faith at work
Nearly half of Catholics do not feel able to talk about their faith in the workplace, according to a new survey. Caroline Farrow believes employers must do more to ensure Christians are comfortable expressing their beliefs in public
Lent is finishing, but your new habits can endure. Here are 5 prayers to help
Lent may only be for 40 days, but as the season of fasting draws to a close, Nigel Thonger asks: what if your Lenten habits could transform your relationship with God permanently?
Our church has banned cheesy Christian signs. There's a better way...
Recently we decided to add a digital notice board to the outside of our church building. Some might feel this is an extravagance, and many churches would not have the resources (or desire) to spend money on signage, but a road study revealed that around 11 million cars pass our ...
Enough - Dr Kathrine McAleese
Dr Kathrine McAleese’s book is a word in season for those of us who are suspicious of the latest self-help guru, but nonetheless want to hit the pause button and take stock of where we’re at in life, with a view to making some big changes.
Why do I do what I don’t want to do? - JP Pokluda
Jonathan Pokluda is a seasoned author and church leader from Texas, USA. His third book takes its name from Romans 7 and is split into two parts.
‘After years of transitioning I finally found my identity in Jesus’
Oli London first transitioned from British to South Korean and then from male to female. But now he says the multiple surgeries were a mistake and discovering Christianity has pulled him back from a lifetime of unhappiness
When God says yes…then no
Have you ever seen a dream die? Been so absolutely sure that something was right – that God himself was behind it – only to see it fail? That’s what happened to Martin Saunders, and it took his faith to the edge
‘God used furlough to reignite my dream’
When Covid-19 shattered the aviation industry, easyJet engineer Mark Draper was put on furlough. It was the start of a journey that would lead his family halfway across the globe
The community choir leader: 'Someone became a Christian by watching how we loved one another'
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ‘ordinary’ tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
Rev Les Isaac: ‘I get bored if I’m in church too much. I need to be out there’
As Street Pastors celebrates its 20th anniversary, founder Rev Les Isaac OBE says it’s time for the Church to get up out of the pews and work together
Loneliness is bad for your health - and your Christian faith
Friendship is the most important of all human relationships, but we barely ever speak about it in Church. If we want to thrive as disciples, flourish as leaders and show the world around us what the Kingdom of God really looks like, we need a better understanding of what it means to be friends, says Phil Knox
Before we can fully celebrate Easter, we need the wilderness of Lent
Everyone loves the celebration of Easter Sunday, but not so much the long season of preparation that is Lent. But if we try to skip straight to the good part, we miss the spiritual depth that God is looking to grow in us, says Aaron Damiani
‘Have you been washed in the blood of the lamb, brother?’ 5 ways to avoid Christianese in your evangelism
Struggle to share your Christian faith without slipping into jargon? Felix Aremo shares his tops tips for choosing your words wisely
Mum’s dementia
Looking back, it wasn’t the greatest idea. The care home had warned me that my mother was just days from dying. Agitation was robbing her of sleep and so I decided I would sit with her through the night.
The falling of Dusk - Paul Dominiak
This book is a detailed theological study of the last seven words spoken by Christ on the cross. Cambridge academic Dr Paul Dominiak has invited a cacophony of voices – believers and atheists alike – into a conversation about how faith and doubt coexist, and how we might chart a ...
Hope wins - Goff Hope
Church leader Goff Hope has known suffering, having had prostate cancer and experienced the sudden death of his daughter. He describes how he and his wife responded to these challenges and found hope in Jesus. But this is not a book of pious platitudes. Some church circles almost deny or ...
Fearfully and wonderfully made: 5 disabled Christians share their stories
Five Christians living with disabilities share how God is using them in powerful ways for mission and ministry
Is Easter unbelievable? - Rebecca McLaughlin
This short book is full of bubbly personality, with lots of current cultural references, from Netflix’s The Good Place to Harry Potter. The title suggests it is an apologetic for the resurrection, but that’s only one chapter. It covers other atheist arguments against Christian beliefs too.
Wally & me: How writing to a stranger in prison changed my life
Rev Jill Richardson shares a heartwarming tale of her decades long friendship with Wally
The actor: 'I have a fantastic opportunity to reframe people's perceptions of the Christian faith'
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ‘ordinary’ tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
The rewards of fasting
As Lent begins, Lucy Peppiatt looks at what scripture teaches about fasting, and why it’s a practice Christians can benefit from
Craig Greenfield moved his family to a Cambodian slum. But don’t call him a missionary
From living in open community with drug addicts to raising his family in a Cambodian slum, Craig Greenfield has spent decades living in some of the poorest places on earth. It has caused him to wrestle with weighty issues around money, mission and multiculturalism
‘The closer I got to the doors, the greater the sense of God’s presence’
Tens of thousands of worshippers have flocked to the rolling revival meeting at Asbury University over the past 14 days. The national director of Vineyard in the UK and Ireland, Debby Wright joined the crowds and filed this report while on a plane back home
What is Ash Wednesday?
Pancake day is over and Lent has begun. But where did the day we call Ash Wednesday come from, and why do we celebrate it? Karen Murdarasi explores the origins of the Christian festival, and some of the more unusual ways it is marked today
Why you shouldn’t try to grow spiritually this Lent
In comparing spiritual growth to economic growth, George Pitcher comes to an unexpected conclusion
‘I wondered if I would ever get married, but God had a plan’
From awkward dates to celebrating marriage, a lot can change in a year. Tim Bechervaise shares his story this Valentine’s Day
Why I’m taking legal action against my son’s school for promoting Gay Pride
Children go to school to learn to read and write, says Izzy Montague, not to have a political agenda forced upon them that conflicts with their religious beliefs. It is time Christian parents said: ‘Enough is enough!’
Can Chat GPT lead someone to Christ? We put the machine through its spiritual paces…
It’s the AI software everyone is talking about. It can write essays, impersonate famous people and even give you personalised poetry. But can Chat GPT offer any of its millions of users spiritual wisdom? Our editor put the machine to the test
The power of the Christian camp
Lee Musson found God on a Christian holiday as a child. Little did he know that one day he’d work for Rock UK, the organisation that owned the campsite where he first said yes to Jesus
The civil servant: 'I'm deeply motivated by a God who is commited to putting the world to rights'
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ‘ordinary’ tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
‘Farewell, Rob Bell’
We’re twelve years on from ‘Bellgate’ - the furore over the release of Rob Bell’s controversial book on heaven and hell. But Chine McDonald says the questions raised by that episode are more pertinent than ever
What losing my keys taught me about God
Jeff Lucas says God is a searcher too
7 things climbing Mount Kilimanjaro taught me about faith and justice
When Esther Swaffield-Bray set out to climb Africa’s highest peak, she had no idea of the lessons she would learn along the way
Christians can support striking workers in good conscience
With new legislation on it’s way that would limit the rights of some workers to strike, Tony Wilson says Christians should oppose the government’s plans to crack down on industrial action
4 tech trends that will impact your life and faith in 2023
Christians have nothing to fear and everything to gain from the latest tech, says Chris Goswami. He explores the four biggest trends and explains what they may mean for society and the Church in the year ahead
Don’t focus on self-improvement this new year, just resolve to love God more
Whether looking back at fond Christmas memories, or forward to new year’s resolutions, Annette Clowes reminds us that focussing on Jesus will always bring out the best in us
I’m a Christian working in the NHS. The system is broken. Here’s how you can pray for us
What you’ve seen in the news is not exaggerated, says Dr Giles Cattermole. Pray for solutions and for NHS staff, but also for the salvation of our nation, he says
Jeff Lucas: ‘A night intruder tried to break into my house’
Night intruders are usually experts in stealth.
Faithful disobedience - Wang Yi and others
Faithful Disobedience is a series of written accounts from leaders inside the Chinese House Church Movement. It includes testimonies from six prominent Chinese voices, most notably the pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church, Wang Yi, who was sentenced to nine years in prison, charged with “inciting to subvert state power”.
Subversive Mission - Craig Greenfield
Craig Greenfield’s Christian life has been a wild ride. After growing up in New Zealand, he lived in a Cambodian slum for seven years, where he and his wife raised two children. After that they moved their young family to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, running an open house among the drug ...
‘I was dabbling in paganism and taking cocaine. But then God called my name and I’ve never been the same’
A series of miraculous interventions while at university saw Jo Hargreaves turn her back on paganism and drug taking. At the same time, hundreds of miles away, God was working in her family
Deny yourself: How to bring your appetites and desires to order in 2023
By rekindling our rich tradition of self-denial, Christians in the West will reap an abundant spiritual harvest and learn to cope better with life’s painful losses, says Tony Wilson
God’s Undertakers: ‘We constantly pray that families encounter God’s peace in their grief’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
My new year's resolution: Stop trying to make church sound attractive
I have spent much of my career trying to improve the Church’s PR. As part of this, I wanted to write an article on why I still go to church and why you should, too. It was going to be one of those numbered lists: for the music, for community, ...
No pain, no gain: Rend Collective’s ‘Coach Chris’ has a new year’s message for you…
Chris Llewellyn has noticed a fascinating similarity between the message of the cross and the science of resistance training
Are you a ‘Christmas-only Christian’? Here’s 4 ways to go deeper in your faith
Going to church once or twice a year can’t earn us our salvation. Nor will it give us the life of abundant joy that a relationship with Jesus can
Editor’s picks: 15 best features from 2022
Premier Christianity has been at the forefront of unpacking all the big stories of 2022 from a distinctly Christian perspective. Here’s a round-up of our favourite long-reads the year
Highway 35: A heartwrenching tale of life-changing injuries, and a God who was always there
This memoir took ten years in the writing and is not for the faint hearted. It’s a roller coaster of emotion and horror, and a story of faith in the midst of suffering, says Jane Hepburn
Church should be inter-generational. Just like our family's Christmas dinner
Around the Christmas dinner table, millions of families will be gathered across generations. It’s one of the things that makes this time of year so special. The great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers, the matriarchs and patriarchs who have seen many festive seasons come and go, tucking into Christmas dinner alongside newborn babies.
Can Christians afford to be hospitable this Christmas?
Christmas provides us with a special opportunity to show love to others, says Jo Swinney, and being hospitality doesn’t have to cost the earth
God’s builder: ‘All my work is for the glory of God’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ‘ordinary’ tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the front line
‘God used donkeys to rescue me from addiction’
After leaving the army, Patrick Barrett turned to alcohol to cope with trauma, but God called him back to his childhood faith using the most unlikely means
As an American living in the UK here's how I'm using Thanksgiving to share my faith
When Sarah Yardley moved from California to the UK eight years ago, she brought her love of Thanksgiving with her. Here’s how the American festival gives her the best opportunity to share the gospel with her British friends and neighbours
When it comes to evangelising Muslims, truth matters more than hurt feelings
Hatun Tash believes evangelist Shaun O’Sullivan was justified in describing Muhammed as a “paedophile”. She explains why
I think Matthew Perry's encounter with God was real. It reminds me of my own
The Friends actor has spoken candidly about a supernatural encounter with God on his kitchen floor. It reminds former Miss England, Natasha Hemmings, of her own conversion experience
Matt Hancock wants forgiveness. Should Christians oblige?
The MP who was infamously caught on camera while being unfaithful to his wife and breaking Covid regulations has entered I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. He says he wants forgiveness. But Rev Jules Middleton wonders whether eating animal genitalia is a legitimate act of penance, or just TV gold
Communion, silence and Armistice Day: Why remembrance matters
Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, Caroline Pattenden considers the significance of the God-given directive to remember Jesus during Communion
10 questions to ask a Muslim
Most Muslims are very open to talking about faith. You don’t have to be an Islamic expert to start a conversation and share your own experiences, says Bethie Peltola.
Five ways to live well during a crisis
Amid political instability, the threat of war and the cost of living crisis, it is easy to be overwhelmed by our circumstances. Here’s five lessons Christians can learn from heroes of the faith
Burnout caused me to deconstruct my Christian faith, but liturgy helped me put it back together again
When tragedy caused Aaron Damiani to doubt everything he believed, it was ancient church practices that provided him with the space and safety he needed to believe again
Like Stormzy, my son was stabbed. Here’s 4 things the Church can do to tackle gun and knife crime
As Stormzy speaks about being stabbed and two men die in Brixton, Pastor Lorraine Jones Burrell shares her experience of losing her son to street violence, and encourages the Church to do more
‘Quitting booze was the best leadership decision I ever made’
Twelve months after he decided to stop drinking, Carl Beech explains why being a sober leader is something he’ll never regret
A pocketful of hope - Pat Allerton
While the dark days of Covid-19 lockdowns are becoming an increasingly distant memory, the image of a lone vicar cycling the empty streets of his London patch, stopping to pray and play a hymn to his unsuspecting parishioners is an event that many of us still recall with a great ...
Misusing scripture: Don't paper over the cracks
There is a strange intimacy that forms between fans and the bands they love.
Why I rejoice when people ridicule my Christian faith
Andrew Conway explores how an insightful question from a teenager caused him to reflect on the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ
‘My wife had a psychotic episode, then I was diagnosed with incurable cancer. Here are 16 lessons we're learning in God's classroom'
Serious illness has brought my wife and I closer to one another, and closer to God, says Alan Palmer, as he lists 16 spiritual lessons he's learned in the midst of crippling treatment for blood cancer
‘I will never be rid of the temptation to look at porn. But I have learned to resist it’
Through his decades-long battle against an addiction to porn, Nick Mance has learned to shun shame and run into the arms of a God who loves him and longs for him to be free. Now he’s sharing his story to encourage others to open up about their struggles
Want to get better at personal evangelism? Here’s how
Everyone we meet is somewhere on the journey towards or away from faith, says neighbourhood chaplain, Colin Johnson. Here’s how you can share yours
Resilient disciples - Rick Hill
While some have chosen “comfort and compromise”, Northern Ireland-based speaker and leader Rick Hill wants the reader to “embrace the cost of discipleship”.
100 Bible films
Matthew Page’s impressive book on the history of scripture adaptations is a Christian cinephile’s dream, covering everything from five-minute silent films to four-hour Italian epics.
From attempted suicide to saving souls
Jay Lowder was seconds away from ending his life when an unexpected interruption, followed by a dramatic revelation of Jesus’ love for him, changed everything
When the news is full of darkness, I cling to this truth
For much of last year, the lightbox in my office displayed the words: “All shall be well.” The full quote from Julian of Norwich reads: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”; the repetition resonant of the constant and regular ...
God on the dairy farm
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ‘ordinary’ tales of God at work rarely get told. In this new series, we bring you stories of faith on the front line
‘I can do all things through Christ’ doesn’t mean what you think it does
Jeff Lucas takes another look at Philippians 4:13
Need a shot of divine encouragement? This book is for you
This book is flowing with testimony and biblical truth, that brings inspiration to the thirsty reader.
Silence isn’t violence. It can be golden
There’s a difference between adding to the conversation and adding to the noise, says Rend Collective’s Chris Llewellyn
If the Bible proclaims equality, why did it take the Church so long to start preaching it?
Is it true that God has no favourites? David Instone-Brewer investigates
The divine mind: Does this new theory of the brain point to a creator?
Books on neuroscience don’t usually become bestsellers, but Iain McGilchrist’s new theory of the brain is capturing the attention of both Christians and sceptics.
Christ-like consultancy: ‘My faith is always present with me in the workplace’
The best, most Christ-like thing for the client is usually good for business, says Lizzie How
William Adoasi: The faith of the entrepreneur who is making millions and funding education in Africa
The British-Ghanaian entrepreneur explains how his faith inspired him to build a £1m watch company
Why I'm pleased Creflo Dollar has changed his mind on tithing
Creflo Dollar has become the latest celebrity pastor to change his position on prosperity teaching. Adesanya Adewusi asks: Did he go far enough?
Why a freshly cooked meal is one of the Church’s greatest evangelistic tools
There are few things that say church and community more than a meal train. If you’ve not heard of it, it’s the practice of providing a rota of meals for church members who are going through a major life occurrence.
The gift of kindness - Debbie Duncan and Cathy Le Feuvre
If someone asked you: “Do you think you are kind?” what would you say? You may think of yourself as a kind-hearted person but, sometimes, kindness is associated with niceness. This book helps to differentiate the two.
A little book of rest - Sheila Jacobs
Sheila Jacobs found herself wrestling with anxiety in her early 30s when she contracted Ménière’s disease, which causes severe vertigo.
Distracted by your smartphone? This is the book you’re looking for
Andy Crouch doesn’t advocate ditching your electronic gadgets. We just need to use them differently, he says
The road less travelled: How to live for God alone
The temptation to seek affirmation from people rather than God will send you down an unfruitful path, warns RT Kendall
Should Christians go on expensive holidays?
Bible scholar NT Wright gives his answer
God on the ward: ‘Being a follower of Jesus affects everything’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet ‘ordinary’ tales of God at work rarely get told. In the first of a new series, Paul Woolley discovers stories of faith on the front line
'Simultaneously joyous and exhausting' 5 Christians share their stories of adoption
This year in the UK, around 35,000 children and young people will enter the care system. That’s 95 children every single day. Claire Musters speaks to five different families who have opened their homes and hearts to foster or adopt some of them
Bulls, rear ends and seeing the world from God’s perspective
Jeff Lucas had to quietly control the urge to weep when his farmer friend asked him to help castrate a bull. Here’s what it taught him about perspective.
Justin Welby: Every Christian is called to seek reconciliation
Oneness is how the world might know that Jesus Christ is Lord, says Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
From idol worship to Christian evangelist
Nia-Cerise Conteh explains how a surprise encounter with the Holy Spirit in her kitchen radically changed the trajectory of her life
‘A coma stole years of my life’
After contracting meningitis during childbirth, Marcy Gregg awoke to a world she no longer recognised
How (not) to speak the truth in love
There’s a sentence that sounds to my ears like the removal of a pin from a grenade, sending me scrambling for cover and bracing for a doctrinal explosion: “I just have to speak the truth in love.”
Hollywood won’t stop taking the Lord’s name in vain. It’s time Christians made them listen
Blasphemy is so endemic that even sticking to ‘U’ rated movies won’t prevent Christians from stumbling across it. It may not seem a big deal to movie makers, but Charlie Gobel says Christians shouldn’t take it lightly
Bowel cancer led my husband to Jesus. I pray it does for Dame Debs too
When Louise Blyth’s husband died of bowel cancer aged 34, his death was marked by a supernatural peace that led them both to find faith
How renewing your mind can reduce the risk of dementia
Good emotional and mental health can help prevent dementia. That’s good news for Christians, says Louise Morse, who have the Holy Spirit to help them take control of their thoughts. But the greater hope is that God promises to be with us always
How 90 days of cold showers, fasting and no TV changed my life
Find out what happened when a Protestant embarked on a radical Catholic spiritual exercise which promised him freedom from addictions, individualism and pride
Almost half the population believe in Jesus’ resurrection. It’s time for the Church to be bolder
Are more people open to the gospel than we think? A new report suggests they are, says Andy Kind. Let’s start talking Jesus
Church is not a safe space
Jesus often lived a high-risk, low-security lifestyle. As Christians, we are called to follow him, says Andy Flannagan
Destructive criticism
Bestselling author Rob Parsons believes Christians are increasingly violating the Church community’s standards with waspish critique and verbal attacks. He explains why we must be wise in how we handle the power of the tongue
Will God only forgive me if I forgive others?
Q: I’ve got a deep regard for the Sermon on the Mount but I’ve always been bothered by Matthew 6:15: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Likewise, the Lord’s Prayer says: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who ...
Understanding shalom: How to find peace in a turbulent world
From world peace to inner peace, we all know that peace is a good thing, and that we’d like more of it. But in the uncertainty and intensity of everyday life, how do we find it?
Triggered by scripture? This version of the Bible could help you
While supporting survivors of abuse, pastor Mike Leake found Eugene Peterson’s The Message translation of the Bible instrumental in their healing journey
5 tips to help you share your faith
Evangelism is a ministry for the whole Church, not just a few, says James Lawrence. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating
Your church is being hit by the cost of living crisis. It might be time to look again at your giving
Church incomes could plummet within a matter of months, says Paul Houghton
What does it mean to ‘walk the way of the cross’?
In this Holy Week, Christians are invited to walk the way of the cross. But what does that actually mean?
What Ukrainians need this Easter is not more happiness, but resurrection hope
Happiness might be in short supply in Ukraine at the moment, but Rev George Pitcher believes it’s hope that will make all difference
The prodigal son ends on a cliffhanger...What happened next?
Despite being the leader of a church for many years, Alistair Forman didn’t fully appreciate the grace of God. When he delved deeper into the parable of the prodigal son, he discovered a loving father who really is as good as he says he is
How to hear God’s voice in troubled times
The bewildered founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement shares what he has learned through years of trying – and sometimes failing – to listen to the still, small voice
Why believing conspiracy theories corrupts your Christian witness
Christians have a dual responsibility to question conspiracy theories and show compassion to those who believe them, says Jared Stacy
Jeff Lucas: Lessons from my psychedelic shirt
There was something about me that was screamingly obvious, but I hadn’t noticed it myself.
‘Cancer has caused my faith to soar’
When she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, Fi Johnston wondered if her faith would stand the test
Why I avoid church on Mothers Day
Lizzie Lowrie explains why some people find going to church on Mothers Day so hard
My schizoaffective disorder means I can’t watch the Ukraine news. Here’s what I am doing instead
Christians should be aware of what is taking place in our world so we can pray. But what should we do when our own mental health makes watching the news impossible? Dr Sharon Hastings shares her story of living with schizoaffective disorder
Why the cross is bigger than you think
Dr Krish Kandiah explains how Jesus’ words from the cross reveal God’s hospitality towards us
Need to give your pain to God? Sheila Walsh's encouraging book will help
To be human is to want to give up when life gets too much; to be a Christian is to cling to the promises and the hand of God when life feels overwhelming. This is the encouragement of Scottish songwriter Sheila Walsh in her latest book.
Meet the evangelists: Efrem Buckle on how to preach the gospel at a funeral
Funerals are one of the most difficult places to share the Gospel, says London City Mission’s Efrem Buckle. Here’s how he approached the task
Meet the evangelists: Andy Kind shares his most embarrassing moment
Three Christians with the gift of the gab on how you can grow in sharing your faith
How I overcame my fear of death
Do you secretly fear heaven won’t be as good as your life here and now? You’re not alone, says Mike Williams, but it was not this way for the early Church, and it need not be for us
'A vision from God lifted me from the pit of despair'
At just 22, a seizure left Erica Gomez bedridden and in constant pain. But throughout her trials, she’s learned to rely on the presence of a saviour who is always there
Jesus And Jollof: A fun podcast about the most important things in life
Looking for something different to listen to? ‘Jesus and Jollof’ may be just what you are looking for.
Could you be the next member of Rend Collective?
There’s only one quality I look for when auditioning a new band member – and it’s probably not your first guess.
Rachel Gardner: The ‘God Sex Lady’ on why the Church needs to get better at bedroom talk
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Rachel Gardner says discussing sex may make us squirm, but not talking about it is far worse
Don't cling to rigid black and white theology. There's so much of God we don't understand
A few years ago, I was having a particularly challenging time navigating my way through doubts around a decision that I had to make. As I sought guidance from friends and loved ones, some were adamant that I was to go in one particular direction, convinced that the Bible was ...
Too busy to go on a retreat? Here's how you can enjoy one at home
A spiritual retreat doesn’t have to cost money or take lots of time, says Gemma Simmonds. Whether we have busy jobs, children or responsibilities that we just can’t get away from, God is with us in our every day, just waiting to meet with us
The Daily Examen: How this ancient practice could refresh your prayer life
Want to re-connect with God? Try praying the Daily Examen. Amy Boucher Pye explains how you can give it a go
Why you should make ‘Keep the Sabbath holy’ your New Year’s Resolution
God mandated a day of rest for our good, says David Hoffbrand. Try it. You might be surprised by the many benefits it brings to you and your family
Van life: How Jesus’ counter-cultural lifestyle inspired me to quit my job and live on the road
Why would a married couple trade their comfortable careers for a year of wild camping in Europe? Oliver R Moore-Howells explains how following Jesus turned him into an eleutheromaniac
‘Losing my husband to cancer led to us both finding Jesus’
Louise Blyth was just 33 when her husband, George, died of bowel cancer. For many people, experiencing such a tragedy would cause them to question the existence of a good and loving God. But for Louise and George, it was the beginning of a miraculous journey to faith
Carl Beech: 'There is endemic alcohol dependency in the Church'
The church planter explains why reaching the forgotten places of the UK has resulted in him giving up alcohol, and cancelling Sunday services
Finding the missing pieces of the Christmas puzzle
If you read the Christmas story in isolation, you will miss the beauty of the Bible’s bigger picture, says Jo Swinney
5 reasons why you need to read more Christian books
Reading has been in decline for decades, with social media, Netflix and video games competing for our attention. There’s also a gender divide. The Telegraph recently reported that men are twice as likely not to read books at all. Krish Kandiah explains why he believes reading good books should be a priority for every Christian
Why ‘being yourself’ is a bad idea
Following your heart won’t lead you to fulfilment, but denying yourself might, argues Bishop Graham Tomlin
Evangelistic courses have their place. But nothing beats relationship
During lockdown, with church programmes on pause and people confined to their homes, many Christians found new opportunities to build relationships with those around them. Maybe it’s the start of a new era of friendship evangelism, says Carl Knightly
Why confessing your sins should be a joyful experience
Confessing our sins doesn’t sound like a barrel of laughs. But if we don’t give it the attention it deserves, we miss the joy that God wants for us, says Howard and Holly Satterthwaite
A (non-judgmental) Christian response to Black Friday
A relative newcomer to the UK, Black Friday is now the biggest retail event of the year. But is it a flagrant celebration at the altar of mammon or a legitimate way for businesses to drum up trade? And how, asks Jonty Langley, should Christians respond?
I was a heroin addict but Jesus turned my life around. Now I'm helping others make a fresh start
Chaz was sexually abused as a child, addicted to heroin and has spent twelve years in prison. Yet thanks to a fresh start at a Christian housing project, he has turned his life around. Now, he’s doing the same for others
Why wasting time with God may be more productive than you think
Today’s society is busier than ever. But not making time to rest well may be more to do with priorities than we realise, says Gemma Simmonds
Is it time for Christians to embrace Halloween?
The Church has traditionally shunned the festival, claiming it celebrates evil. Here’s an alternative perspective
Why it’s dangerous for Christians to fit in
”Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.” (Romans 12:2)
‘Code red for humanity’ - Why the Church needs to take climate action seriously
Chine McDonald explains why she changed her mind on climate change
Is this the most persecuted 31 year-old in Britain?
Joshua Sutcliffe has lost his job twice, and been caught up in media storms over his Christian views on sexuality, gender and other religions
‘My church didn’t know what to do with me’ - Libby’s transgender story
During her teenage years Libby Littlewood pleaded with God to make her ‘feel like a girl’. With her prayers seemingly unanswered, she transitioned to live as a man aged 17, before being convicted by God to de-transition in her early twenties. Here’s her story in full
God of All Things - Andrew Wilson
We have all groaned at a crass spiritual point made in a sermon from something in the natural world. The title of this book may give the impression of tortuous links but its actually a brilliant book which works on many levels. Each of the 30 chapters focuses on an ...
I thought a quiet home would make me calm. But God’s peace doesn’t require silence
Due to a traumatic childhood, noise has always made Mandy Gill anxious. But, as a Christian, she is learning that true peace comes not from the home we live in, or the quiet around us, but from somewhere else
RT Kendall answers: What’s the point in being a Christian?
Following Jesus means walking a narrow road, filled with difficulty and suffering. But we persevere because of the promise of heaven, says RT Kendall
Waiting for a miracle: Lessons in perseverance from Christians still praying for breakthrough
The past 18 months have been characterised by waiting for restrictions to end. Hopes were dashed when lockdowns were extended or reintroduced, often at short notice. Waiting has been painful for many, but Claire Musters believes there are lessons God wants to teach us in this time
How to read the Bible
The Bible is a rich and complex book, and there are many different ways to read it, says Revd. Dr. Miranda Threlfall-Holmes
I see you
It happened during an evening spent in the home of a family from our church. Craig and Andrea are missionaries serving on the campus of Colorado State University. Their commitment is impressive, their home often crammed full of students. Their daughter, Zoe, is a little lady with a big smile, ...
Meet the Christian Olympians heading to Tokyo
Speaking ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, some of the world’s top athletes share how sport has helped them in their Christian faith
3 ways to choose joy when your world is turned upside down
If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that change is unavoidable. Sarah Yardley shares her top tips on choosing joy regardless
The 5 most surprising lines in the Bible
What’s the most surprising line you’ve ever seen in the Bible?
‘I don’t believe God gave me fibromyalgia. I do believe he can use it for good’
When Jo Cordell’s health failed, she felt like her body had become her enemy. Here she shares how God met her in the midst of her pain
Jeff Lucas: The day I met Prince Philip
I only met him once, and it was a brief encounter. Prince Philip visited my youth club when I was ten years old. The preparations were intense. A bathroom was refurbished for his exclusive use. Regrettably, the royal bladder was resilient and he did not make use of the gleaming ...
Reimagining Britain: God’s vision for a post-pandemic world
The Archbishop of Canterbury says we have an unprecedented opportunity to build a global community that reflects God’s heart for the poor and respects our planet. But real change will require courage – from all of us
Drawers, doors and the key to a healthy marriage
Dr Gary Chapman may have written bestselling books on marriage, but the early years of his own relationship were a mess. Here he reveals how God challenged him to change his attitude towards his wife – and what a difference that made
How an answered prayer led this Christian businessman to deliver 2 million items of PPE
24-year-old business owner Josh Parker wanted to help the national effort to stop the virus, but he didn’t know how. So he asked God. Within weeks, an unexpected phone call led to him partnering with the NHS to deliver 2 million PPE gowns
Why our church has created a Garden of Lament
Rev Caroline Taylor from St John’s Hoxton explains why the oft-forgotten practice of lament is so important
6 ways to manage your money well
As we recover from the financial impact of a year like no other, Laide Olunloyo shares her top tips on how to manage our money well as Christians.
Joseph of Arimathea: The Secret Disciple
Dig beneath the surface of the Easter story and you will find some intriguing characters, says Chris Goswami. But just because they’re not given centre stage doesn’t mean we should pass them by. If we do, we miss a great story and some powerful life lessons.
The emotional cost of lockdown
‘If we pull together everything will be OK.’ That was the message politicians gave us when the pandemic began. But, more than a year on, serious questions are being asked about the cost of lockdowns. Claire Musters takes a closer look at how months of isolation have affected us all
Invisible kingdom: What happened when an agnostic journalist met an evangelical pastor
The open, but agnostic journalist Duncan Evans meets evangelical Middle Eastern pastor Nabil Zakhary
The top 5 apps to help you pray
With many churches still closed, now is the ideal time to explore the technology designed to help you draw closer to God
How to have hope in the face of coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic has led to an exponential rise in mental health conditions triggered by all-pervading death anxiety. Prof John Wyatt says Christians must daily rekindle biblical hope as an antidote to fear-driven government policies
6 ways to build a better world after lockdown
The coronavirus crisis has revealed just how injured God’s earth is, but this pandemic has also given us a rare opportunity to ask big questions. Could a dramatic societal shift be on the horizon? Dr Ruth Valerio thinks so
Dealing with disappointment: When life doesn’t turn out as you expect
From facing infertility to dealing with a breakdown, five Christians share the hope they have in Jesus
Coronavirus: 7 inspiring stories of Christians making a difference
Our head of news Marcus Jones reports on how Christians are serving their local communities
An audience of one: RT Kendall on how to live for God's approval
RT Kendall explains why God’s opinion is the only one that matter
2020: The Year of Evangelism
High-profile preachers and pastors are joining forces with evangelistic organisations to galvanise Christians to share their faith. Could this be a breakthrough year?
Dying well: How to face death with faith and not fear
Retired intensive care doctor Professor John Wyatt shares his unique perspective on what it means to die well
Why we should ban Bible study
Interacting with the Bible should be a rewarding and transformational experience, argues Nick Page
5 stories of miraculous provision
From money turning up in bank accounts out of the blue to the family of God responding to each other’s financial needs, here are five incredible testimonies.
7 ways to stop sinning
Nick Page explains why he believes these insights from psychology can help us live less sinful lives
Do you want more FROM God or more OF God?
The difference between wanting more from God and wanting more of God is subtle but vitally important, says RT Kendall
Remember who you are
Scripture is a weapon we should use offensively to cut down the negative thoughts we repeat to ourselves, says Claire Musters
'Everything happens for a reason' and 7 other things you must never say to those who are suffering
Kate Bowler was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at age 35. In this extract from her critically acclaimed book Everything happens for a reason and other lies I've loved (SPCK), she lists some of the most unhelpful phrases she's since heard
How does faith survive the death of your 11-year-old son?
Martin and Rachel Riddall share their view of the valley of the shadow of death
RT Kendall: How to be popular in heaven and famous in hell
The popular author and speaker explains why every Christian should seek notoriety among angels and demons
How to live for God while living in Babylon
The prophet Daniel stood firm in a culture that undermined everything he stood for. Prof John Lennox explains how today’s Christians can learn from his example and bring light to a secular society
How I left the prosperity gospel behind
Adesanya Adewusi was taught God wanted him to be healthy and wealthy. But after reading the scriptures he came to believe this was a distortion of the real gospel
Why you should have nothing to do with divisive Christians
Do you recognise the description of this kind of Christian? Rob Parsons encourages us to heed the Bible's warnings about "divisive" Christians
You are a leader (whether you like it or not)
God has placed within you an instinct to matter and to influence. Here’s how you can use that for good.
When God doesn’t heal: Practical help for the hurting
Wes Sutton, director of Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, offers guidance on how to respond when God doesn’t heal our loved ones
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