July
5 ways you can put God’s kingdom before your political tribe
Whether you’re Labour or Conservative, Democrat or Republican, God calls you to put his kingdom ahead of your political tribe. But how? Alex Smith of Christians in Politics shares his tips
Explained: Why did this Christian baker refuse to make a gender transition cake?
The US-based baker Jack Phillips has been heavily criticised for refusing to make cakes which promote LGBT messages. After a lengthy legal battle, the Colorado Supreme Court has thrown the case out. Heather Tomlinson reports
Labour’s plans to charge tax on private school fees is not targeting Christians
Some Christian schools may struggle as a result of the government’s plans to scrap VAT exemption for private school fees. But that’s because they are small independent schools, not because they are faith-based, says deputy head Sam Brown
War between Hezbollah and Israel would be a catastrophe for Lebanese Christians
Lebanon has more Christians than any country in the Middle East. Iran shows what full Hezbollah control would mean for the Church there and across the Middle East, says Dr Martin Parsons
What should we do about Russell Brand?
Russell Brand reportedly asked the evangelist J. John for help in examining his newfound Christian faith. But when a photo emerged of Brand standing alongside Christian leaders, it prompted a huge online backlash from those who feared that serious allegations regarding Brand’s treatment of women were being minimised. Can a Christian desire to welcome all, unintentionally give abusers a free pass?
My Journey from a Prison Cell to a Graduation Podium
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Sound of Hope might break your heart - but here’s why Christians should watch it anyway
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot is the awe-inspiring true story of one small church who adopted 77 children in two years. It’s a realistic look at Christian love in action says Krish Kandiah
The Brighton bomber nearly killed my father. But Daddy forgave him - and invited him to breakfast
Could you forgive the man who nearly killed your father? That’s the journey Lani Charlwood has been on. As this weekend marks 40 years since the Brighton bombing, she explains how forgiveness and reconciliation are possible, even in the most painful of circumstances
Atheists won’t find God in a church, so we must meet them where they are
George Pitcher might be an Anglican Priest, but he reckons a church-centric faith is no longer fit for purpose.
7 ways the Church can help tackle homelessness
On World Homeless Day, Jon Kuhrt gives some practical advice on how Christians should respond to the homelessness crisis in order to help rather than hinder
Jesus didn’t change my life once. He changes it every day
The Christian life is a series of conversions, says Michael Coren, as he shares his story of experiencing “the gentle but powerful touch of Jesus” over many years
Why are Christians less likely to share their faith than Muslims?
Don’t let fear hold you back from sharing your faith, says Andy Bannister. God is at work in the world today, and he wants to involve you in his mission
Responding to racism: 3 Black writers on being othered
This Black History Month, Rev Isaac Lawrence looks to the Bible and three famous Black figures for wisdom in creating a less divided world
The Good Samaritan didn’t offer lethal drugs to the dying. Neither should we
A proposal to legalise assisted dying will be debated by MPs this month. James Mildred says Christians have many powerful reasons to oppose a change in the law
Kris Kristofferson (1936-2024): When it came to faith, his lyrics did the talking
The acclaimed Country singer who died on Saturday never seemed that comfortable with public speaking. But a glance at his most famous songs reveal a man of deep Christian faith, observes Derek Walker
Jerusalem is bitterly divided. It longs for its Prince of Peace to return
The Old City of Jerusalem contains within its walls thousands of years of religious conflict. Ahead of the first anniversary of the Hamas terror attack, George Pitcher reflects on the city where everyone prays, but where peace still seems elusive
The immigration debate can be unpleasant. Christians must be compassionate
As immigration continues to dominate headlines, Tim Farron MP says we should offer safe, legal routes to the UK for certain groups of people. He also wants Christians to eschew dehumanising rhetoric about migrants
This suicide pod is horrific. But it’s the logical result of our consumer society
Assisted suicide is the ultimate expression of individualism, says Tony Wilson. But we can’t control all aspects of our lives, and Christians have good reasons to surrender their wants and desires to God
So what if our churches mainly consist of older people?
On the International Day for Older Persons, Jill Harris argues that the quiet faithfulness of older Christians is just what an anxious generation needs
'Jesus is changing lives in Magaluf'
Hundreds of people heard the gospel preached on the beaches of Mallorca this summer. British student Charlie McCarthy was among the many volunteers who engaged in evangelism on the island, organised by Reach Mallorca. He explains what God did, and how engaging strangers in conversations about Jesus has grown his own faith
From Harrods to the Church, we must stand up to abusive leaders
The culture that allowed allegations of rape against Mohamed Al Fayed to go unchallenged for so long must change, says Susie Flashman Jarvis. And the Church must learn those same lessons, too
Islamists are massacring Christians in Burkina Faso. Why doesn’t the world care?
More than 200 people have been murdered in Burkina Faso, as the threat of an African Islamic caliphate continues to increase. Yet the situation isn’t garnering nearly as much international attention as it deserves, says Megan Titley
A generation of young people have been let down - and not just by Mike Pilavachi
As the Scolding Report reveals institutional failings and warns of a culture of silence, Andrew Graystone says it’s time for church leaders to speak to those who have been hurt by Soul Survivor and its founder’s actions
I’m a Bible-carrying Mr Bean. Here’s the proof
Jeff Lucas shares his most embarrassing moment
4 international praise songs for your worship playlist
The Agapé UK team share their favourite worship songs written and sung in Hebrew, Spanish, English and more
All Christians Are Monks - George Guiver
The title of this book is paradoxically challenging. However, it is meant to be ironic. George Guiver writes: “What I want to show is that women and men who live and work in religious communities have something life-giving to share with contemporary Christians”.
100 Ways to Get Your Church Noticed - Neil Pugmire
In our fast-moving, visual world, with countless organisations vying for our attention, the question of how we ensure our churches are noticed has become more and more important.
'Comfort those who mourn' is the calling of every Christian
It’s sometimes easier to feed someone than grieve with them, says Natalie Williams. But Jesus asks us to do both
Jailbreak: A new way of illustrating the good news
Sin has imprisoned us in a fallen world, says David Instone-Brewer. But one day, Jesus will return to set the captives free
‘I pretended to be a Christian, but God transformed my life for real’
Kia Hadaeghi falsely sought asylum in the UK as a persecuted Christian – even though he was a Muslim. But an encounter with God changed his life. Now he’s on a mission to reach Iranians all over the world with the hope of Jesus
Short term mission trips have become controversial. Should Christians leave them behind?
Short-term mission has come under heavy criticism in recent years, with concerns ranging from white saviourism to doubts over motivations and priorities. But Heather Tomlinson discovers another side to the story
6 lessons from Celtic Christianity
A lot of what you’ve been told about Celtic Christianity is plain wrong, argues Nick Page. He sets the record straight
How the British Isles were evangelised
With a surge in interest in spiritual formation, ancient paths and prayer rituals, Celtic Christianity is enjoying a moment. Richard Roberts shares the fascinating tale of the first missionaries to these shores
#TradCath: Why Gen Z rebellion means converting to Catholicism
Samantha Smith’s return to the faith of her childhood was, in part, encouraged by the traditional Catholic influencers she found online. She explores why young people are drawn to them
Diarmaid MacCulloch is the latest victim of the Church's toxic tribalism over sexuality
The eminent church historian seems unable or unwilling to properly engage with Christians who think differently to him, observes Tim Wyatt
10 creative ways to share your faith
If you’re struggling to share the good news with a friend or family member, here are some tips from the Agapé UK team
Frank Cottrell-Boyce: ‘I don’t have that burning evangelical thing. Faith is just part of me’
The Waterstone’s children’s laureate finds it “depressing” that it’s easier to get a book published on Norse mythology than the story of Christ. He speaks to us about normalising faith, telling hopeful stories and why he no longer apologises for being a Christian
Sacred or secular, whatever you do can bring glory to God
No job is entirely secular. And even those employed in Christian ministry should be engaging with the outside world, says Chine McDonald
‘I spent my childhood in a Japanese prison. Then God sent me back as a missionary’
Basil Scott endured three “horrible” years inside a Japanese prisoner of war camp during the second world war. He explains how God later called him back to Asia, and why reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel
The student: 'I am called to be the light of Jesus'
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 second coming of Oasis
The fans who thought they’d never see Oasis rise from the dead are desperate to see the band recapture their earlier form. That’s if they get that far. The story of two warring brothers is as old as the scriptures, says Martin Saunders
The Way UK’s Jesse Fellingham: Celebrity, self-doubt and going viral for Jesus
The son of worship leader Lou Fellingham has amassed a huge following on social media – and it’s all in the name of evangelism. He opens up about insecurity, getting his mum into gigs and why it’s OK to fail
The Church holds the solution to homelessness
Ahead of World Homeless Day (10 October), Beccy Riley explains why she believes that change is possible with the help of God
‘Hiding in plain sight’ As the Mike Pilavachi report alleges abuse, here are the lessons to learn
Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi manipulated, controlled, and mistreated young people under his spiritual care, a new independent report has stated. Fiona Scolding’s report confirms the findings of previous investigations. It also contains many potential lessons for the wider Church, reports Heather Tomlinson
Sat-7 film toxic taken up by four international airlines
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Millions have flocked to Medjugorje. What should we make of claimed visions of the Virgin Mary?
Last week the Vatican welcomed what it calls “abundant spiritual fruits” in the Bosnian town of Medjugorje, but has stopped short of validating the claimed Marian apparitions that have reportedly taken place there in recent years. Heather Tomlinson explains the full story
‘We will dance again’ a harrowing documentary on the hell of 7 October
This BBC documentary on the massacre at the Nova Music Festival in Israel is agonising to watch, reports Michael Coren. But he won’t give up hoping and praying for peace
‘I was adopted and abused. Now I’m teaching young people to repair bicycles so they can know God’s love’
Neil Obbard was an Army sniper filled with anger over his childhood abuse. Seeing the young people on his estate in Leeds suffering with similar traumas, he started a bicycle repair programme with the hope of reaching them with the good news
The 3 women who challenged Jesus
When Jesus was confronted by the audacious faith of three females who risked everything to get what they needed from God, he responded in ways that shocked those around him. Chris Goswami unpacks the unexpected lessons we can learn from their bold encounters
3 lessons from a summer of Christian festivals
Rich Martin has attended more Christian events than most this summer. There’s much to be encouraged by, he says
The row over Sue Gray’s pay is a distraction from what really matters
Whether the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff should be paid more than him is a gossipy non-story. It may be easier to binge on tales of political intrigue than face what’s going on in the world, but Christians must not get distracted from the real work of politics, says Tim Farron
Reviewed: Diarmaid MacCulloch’s history of sex and Christianity
The acclaimed historian’s new book Lower than the angels: A history of sex and Christianity is not a light read. But it’s a useful contribution to ongoing debates, says our reviewer
Do all religions lead to God?
Pope Francis has caused controversy by seeming to suggest all paths lead to God. But if this was the case, the apostles wouldn’t have so passionately preached the gospel to the Greeks, Romans or Jews - or died for their exclusivist beliefs, says John Stevens. And Christians wouldn’t need to share the gospel today
Shepherds for Sale is full of errors. But the author has a point
Megan Basham’s Shepherds for Sale is one of the most controversial books to emerge from the US Church in recent years
The Church has been ignoring rising extremism within its ranks. Here's what we need to do
Dangerous extremism is on the rise among all political tribes. Heather Tomlinson is urging Christians to act and pray now, in order to counter the rising tide of hate
Charging for holy water is unbiblical. God’s power can’t be sold
A Nigerian church has come under fire for selling ‘miracle products’ supposedly imbued with healing properties. The Bible does talk about holy water, anointing the sick with oil and even inanimate objects healing people – but God’s power shouldn’t come with a price tag, warns Kate Orson
Yes, I’m a Christian. But my opposition to assisted suicide isn’t faith-based
A vote to legalise assisted dying across the UK could be imminent, according to some media reports. If passed, it could bring about one of the biggest social changes in the UK since the 1967 Abortion Act. George Pitcher says the issue deserves a proper, unemotional debate
African Methodists fear aid will be withdrawn as Western church liberalises on sexuality
At its most recent conference in the USA, the United Methodist Church removed the prohibition on considering openly LGBT candidates for ordained ministry. There’s a growing divide between Africa and the West on sexuality, reports Winile Ximba
Steve Legg (1967-2024): The comedian who covered one million miles for the gospel
Steve Legg was a comedian, magician, author, broadcaster, magazine editor and speaker. But above all else, he loved telling people about Jesus. Carl Beech pays tribute to a man who was the same on and off the stage, and who never stopped laughing or inspiring others
The National Week of Prayer is coming. Here’s how you can get involved
The soul of our nation is at stake. The time has come for Christians to unite in prayer and ask God to heal our land, says Kamesh Flynn, as she introduces the upcoming National Week of Prayer
Why the Pope should stay out of US politics
In a rare intervention, the Pope has weighed in on the US presidential election, urging American Catholics to “choose the lesser evil”. Rev Peter Crumpler questions the wisdom of church leaders expressing their opinions on foreign elections
It’s Friday the 13th so don’t forget your Christian superstitions
Wait, Christians aren’t superstitious…are we? On Friday the 13th, Jonty Langley offers a tongue-in-cheek reflection on the traditions we might unwittingly be holding on to
The Spectator is now owned by a Christian. But is this good news?
Is the new owner of The Spectator an ambitious mogul, an obedient servant or perhaps both? Chair of Christians in Media, Lani Charlwood, shares her view
Like the Princess of Wales, my cancer journey taught me to see God’s light in the darkness
Princess Catherine has released a moving family video to mark the end of her cancer treatment, and its message of hope is straight from the Bible. Dr Claire Gilbert says she’ll be praying the joy the princess has found continues to grow
I Overcame Poverty to Become Ethiopia’s First Gospel Rap Artist
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‘My faith is massive to me’: The Christian faith of Raheem Sterling
Video footage has emerged of footballer Raheem Stirling getting baptised. Tim Bechervaise takes a look at the faith of the new Arsenal winger, the latest Premiership star to go public about following Jesus
The loss of winter fuel payments is bad news, but it need not spell disaster
Millions of pensioners will lose winter fuel payments, following Labour’s decision to means test it. The Church now has a unique opportunity to alleviate the challenges facing older people in our communities, says Pilgrims’ Friend Society CEO Stephen Hammersley
Kaos imagines a world shaped by the Greek pantheon, not Christianity
The Netflix series Kaos takes Greek myths and puts them in a modern setting. But what does Zeus have to do with the God of the Bible? Giles Gough explores
Scrapping winter fuel payments will plunge more pensioners into poverty
Means-testing winter fuel payments is more nuanced than headlines suggest, says Tim Farron. But it runs the risk of leaving older people worse off. If we want to look after those on the margins, Christians must pray for wise leaders and support those who are vulnerable
Too old to pioneer?
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The Church needs to break its silence on menopause. This book will help
Menopause is becoming increasingly spoken about in secular spheres, yet much of the faith community remains alarmingly silent, observes Arianna Walker. Jayne Manfredi’s new book, Waking the Women, will help plug the gap
March for Life: Why is Gen Z taking up the pro-life cause?
With a record 250,000 abortions now taking place in England and Wales per year, the pro-life cause appears to be losing ground. But could the next generation of pro life activists succeed where elder generations have failed?
The Grenfell report shames us all. We are blinded to the plight of the poor
Today’s scathing report into the Grenfell Tower fire has blamed “dishonest” companies and failures by successive governments. George Pitcher says Christians can’t only mourn the 72 lost lives. We must also repent of our own blindness to the suffering of the poor, both at Grenfell and in the English Channel
How a far right extremist found God
Theo Wilmot is a former activist for the far right political group Patriotic Alternative. He explains how the unexpected welcome and love he experienced in multicultural churches helped him leave his old views behind
The biggest divide in the Church isn’t gender or race. It’s class
Jesus is grieved by the vast wealth inequalities between our churches, says Suzy Stride
The Paralympics celebrates our God-given equality. But there’s still a long way to go
The treatment of Tanni Grey-Thompson, who was forced to crawl off a train when assistance failed to arrive, is a stark contrast to the spirit of the Paralympics, observes Tim Farron MP. Attitudes must change if disabled people are to experience their God-given right to full equality in our society, he says
4 things women want from church
It might be controversial, but as she enters the second half of life, Deborah Sloan is finally raising her head above the parapet. Here’s four things women want – and need – to find refreshment, renewal and restoration in their faith
Beware Christians who disguise suspicion as discernment
We should be grateful when narcissists are exposed and justice follows. But there’s a dark side to increased levels of suspicion, warns Jeff Lucas
RT Kendall: Here’s what my ‘finest hour’ will look like…
My finest hour won’t be my greatest sermon or book, says RT Kendall. Drawing inspiration from the life of David, the Bible teacher explains what his finest hour will look like, and reveals how you can have one too
Downtime
What the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
Rumours of a Better Country - Marsh Moyle
The Ten Commandments are really all about freedom, Marsh Moyle says in this fascinating and easy-to-read book.
How to Tell the Truth - Preston Perry
Only a writer of consummate skill could deliver a book like this: in part a biographic account of Preston Perry’s early life and in part a teaching book that winsomely shares biblical principles on how to speak the truth.
The Hope in Our Scars - Aimee Byrd
This is a book for those of us who have either struggled with a church, left a church or perhaps have friends in the process of deconstructing.
Politics on the Edge - Rory Stewart
As co-host of the popular podcast ‘The Rest is Politics’, Rory Stewart’s book was as eagerly awaited as the latest publication from gossip columnist Lady Whistledown in the Netflix drama Bridgerton.
Why touring Central America with Justin Welby was a profound experience
For journalist Kelly Valencia, accompanying the Archbishop of Canterbury on his tour of Central America was more than just a job. It was a personal reminder of the trials faced by her own family – and how the Church helped them
Did Jesus descend to hell after he died on the cross?
Tom Wright gives his answer
‘Raw-dogging’ is trending. But its roots draw on bibical wisdom
Critics have dubbed the latest social media craze idiotic, but Lucy Peppiatt argues that it has much in common with ancient spiritual disciplines
‘A scary dream changed my life’
Shi Ray Luo was an angry man before a supernatural dream convicted him. Knowing Christ has brought him a peace he never knew before
The significance of now: How to find God in every season
Whether you’re a newlywed, empty-nester or busy building a business, God is with you in every stage of your life. Joe Warton explains how to make the most of right now
A bitter pill: Why Christians are rethinking contraception
Christian attitudes towards contraception have changed radically during the past century. As young women start to question its use, is it time for the Church to do the same?
Amanda Cook: ‘Loud churches are overwhelming for me. I long to create stillness’
The writer of Bethel Music’s ‘You make me brave’ is often described as a worship leader. But it’s not a label Amanda Cook has ever felt comfortable with. She discusses incense and stillness, her helpful ADHD diagnosis and hitting your stride in your 40s
Churches should allow their buildings to be used for horror films
The Church of England has denied permission for director Danny Boyle to film his upcoming zombie apocalypse movie inside a church. But James Cary thinks the church has made the wrong decision. He explains why
3 words that have split the Church
What’s in a word? Time and again, Christians have divided over one single word, says Chris Goswami. Whether it’s a reference to the virgin birth, mentioning the Father and the Son in the creeds or how we talk about same-sex relationships today, is there a better way?
‘I encountered God through Psalm 23 in the midst of my cancer treatment’
When Alex MacDougall was diagnosed with cancer, his world fell apart. In the depth of painful treatment and uncertainty, he had a radical encounter with God. Here, he tells the story of how a psalm set to music brought him peace and hope
‘We pray’ is Coldplay’s most Christian song yet
Chris Martin reportedly grew up in the church and has long written lyrics infused with biblical imagery. Coldplay’s new song ‘We pray’ articulates a spiritual hunger that many resonate with, says Robin Ham. It’s time to point them to the one who hears those prayers.
‘Black Theology is taking Christianity back to its origins’
Anthony Reddie has made history by becoming the first Black professor in the University of Oxford’s theology department. But what is Black Theology, and how can it serve the Church?
Ken Ham: ‘You can’t take evolution and add it to the Bible’
Why is secularism on the rise? How did the Church become so lukewarm? The world’s best-known creationist says it’s because Christians have been undermining the authority of God’s word
The photo of the Olympics: Brazillian surfer points to God
The image of Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina pointing to the sky as he celebrated a 9.9 score – the best in Olympic history – has been praised as iconic.
Secret communities: Why Afghanistan’s tiny Christian population is growing
The Taliban’s efforts to crush Christianity have not succeeded. The gospel has taken root in Afghanistan’s soil, even if only in small, hidden pockets, reports Thomas Muller
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