October
The most popular Bible verse of 2024 is the perfect antidote to our anxious age
YouVersion’s most popular verse may be thousands of years old, but it speaks perfectly to the times we’re living in, observes Bible Society’s Rev Mark Woods
‘Manifest’ is the Word of the Year. It nearly ruined my life
The belief that you can achieve your goals through positive thinking has gone mainstream. But Kate Orson’s attempts to “manifest” wealth led instead to debt. She believes the practice can be dangerous - and it’s not worth the price
Marc Guéhi’s armband controversy shows equality in football is not there yet
By adding ‘Jesus ❤️ U’ to his rainbow armband, Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guéhi, has sparked a vital conversation about football’s commitment to equality and diversity - whether that’s religious beliefs or sexuality and gender. Christians in Sport’s Graham Daniels says he deserves our respect
Band Aid, white saviours and why Christians should avoid cynicism
As ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ turns 40 years old this month, Ed Sheeran has added his voice to those critiquing the song’s ‘damaging stereotypes’. Maddy Fry used to share that view. She explains what changed her mind
Tim Farron: ‘Christians must keep fighting assisted dying’
Christians shouldn’t be surprised if assisted dying is legalised in the UK, says Tim Farron MP. But we must continue to challenge it, even if our motivations are questioned. The sanctity of life is at stake
Why the Church needs to denounce the far right
As Christian symbolism becomes increasingly common at far right rallies, Chine McDonald urges church leaders to condemn racism and misogyny
Esther Rantzen is wrong. There’s no such thing as ‘secular neutrality’
Christians should not feel intimidated by those who say our faith is not a legitimate basis from which to express an opinion. Everyone’s worldview is shaped by something, says Jamie Gillies, including humanists, atheists or secularists. Ours is no less valid
How the trauma of advent brings God's healing
When God came into the world, it was traumatic, argues George Pitcher. But Advent reminds us that now, more than ever, the Church needs the healing balm of Jesus - even if it is painful at first touch
5 Ways to Find Peace Amidst the Hustle and Bustle of Christmas
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AI Jesus can only give you fast-food wisdom. I prefer the real thing
A hologram of Jesus claims to be able to impart wisdom to visitors at St Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland. Christians should be cautious about our creeping dependence on AI, says Chris Goswami
The Israel Dilemma: A one-sided film about biblical prophecy
God made an everlasting covenant with Israel and their turbulent history from King David to today, is all prophesied in the Old Testament. That’s according to this new Christian-made documentary The Israel Dilemma. Chris Goswami went to see it
Saint Boris the Skinny shouldn’t be throwing stones at the Church of England
Boris Johnson has blamed the UK’s obesity crisis on the CofE. Jonty Langley thinks he can smell a whiff of hypocrisy
Tim Farron: Assisted dying makes the vulnerable even more so
Changing the law will make those at risk of abuse much more vulnerable, says Tim Farron, as well as putting pressure on the elderly and infirm to ‘do the decent thing’ and choose death
Give your brokenness to God. Vulnerability will set you free
Joshua Luke Smith explores the spiritual abundance found in admitting our brokenness and rediscovering the grace of God
Churches are burning across Europe. But why?
Deliberate arson attacks on churches are part of a wider increase in hate crimes against Christians. But who is to blame? Heather Tomlinson investigates
The God who keeps his promises
Jeff Lucas reflects on 46 years of marriage, ministry, and the temptation to blame God for broken dreams
Heaping Coals - Michael Coren
Journalist and author Michael Coren had a high-profile career in the Canadian and international media – but it all came crashing down when he wrote a newspaper column sympathetic to gay Christians.
The Road to Wisdom - Francis Collins
Francis Collins is arguably one of the most powerful biologists in the world. The US-based scientist has helped identify the cause of cystic fibrosis and a number of other genetic diseases. He led the Human Genome Project and, most recently, was a key player in the race to find a ...
Mud, Bullets and Open Roads - David Robinson
Armed with five insect-resistant boxes, three mosquito nets and toys for their toddler, young British couple David and Jenny Robinson set off to Thailand to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Exorcist Files - Father Carlos Martins
The horror genre has reached an all-time high in terms of book sales during the past year. There appears to be a heightened interest in the forces of evil and the supernatural. There should therefore be a large market for this new title, and it should make essential and salutary ...
The secret to joy this Christmas
Find your joy in giving, not receiving this festive season, says Natalie Williams
Why should Christians bother improving the world?
Q: Why should Christians bother improving the world if it’s all destined for renewal?
Palestinian brothers
Palestinians are not Arabs by descent. Could their true identity provide a path towards peace in the Middle East today?
'God saved me from drugs, prison and homelessness'
A tumultuous childhood marked by sexual abuse led Rob Wery to start abusing substances at the age of seven. After more drug use and gang involvement, he ended up in the same prison as two of his children. That’s when God broke into his life
We need to talk about grief
When her mother died suddenly, Mandy Gill was not as comforted by her Christian faith as she might have expected. Her fellow believers didn’t always respond well either. Here are the lessons she’s learned from a slow and painful journey with grief
Before the night comes: My mission to rescue Brazil’s forgotten girls
When Matt Roper stumbled across an 11 year-old girl selling her body for sex on a Brazilian motorway, it changed his life forever. He tells the shocking story of the road where child exploitation is considered ‘normal’ and his journey to change hearts and minds
‘Even in the darkest stories, I’m looking for light’: The Christian faith of Denzel Washington
As Gladiator II hits our screens, Tim Bechervaise takes a look at the role that faith has played in the life of Hollywood actor, Denzel Washington
How a Christmas knock at the door changed Rob Parsons' life forever
When a homeless man arrived on his doorstep one Christmas, Rob Parsons never dreamed that he would stay for more than 45 years. Or that Ronnie would impact their life so significantly
12 creative ways to share your faith this Christmas
Phil Knox presents a dozen ideas on how to share your faith over the festive season
The Diplomat’s David Gyasi: ‘I’m quite explicit about who Jesus is’
The star of Netflix’s The Diplomat on how becoming a father at 19 drew him to faith and why he’s far more interested in people’s character than their showbiz connections
After years on TV, my life is in a changing season
Gemma Hunt kicks off her new column by exploring the somewhat uncomfortable changes she is experiencing in her life
‘Christmas was often the worst time of the year, but with God’s help, I have managed to reclaim it’
Does the biblical instruction to honour your parents mean you have to spend the festive period with your emotionally abusive alcoholic father? That’s a question Alexandra Walker grappled with for many years
The new mum: ‘God has called me to this role’
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
Could faith go viral again? Malcolm Gladwell’s new book has the answer
One of the world’s leading non-fiction writers doesn’t write much about his own Christian faith. And yet when you apply Malcolm Gladwell’s Revenge of the Tipping Point to the Church’s evangelism the implications are exciting, says Martin Saunders
Why Christians shouldn’t feel guilty for watching reality TV
After a rough year, Chine McDonald is looking forward to some escapism this Christmas
Can you be arrested for praying in your head?
The national roll out of buffer zones around abortion clinics is leading to more pro-life activists being arrested
The scandal that brought down the Archbishop of Canterbury
After facing mounting pressure, Most Rev Justin Welby has become the first Archbishop of Canterbury ever to resign. Tim Wyatt has the full story
Assisted suicide isn’t a choice we should give ourselves
Danny Webster challenges the idolisation of autonomy, highlighting how assisting suicide undermines the value of choice and freedom
Don’t be offended by The Life of Brian, it’s a great Christian apologetic
It’s 45 years since Monty Python’s The Life of Brian caused outrage among some Christians, who took offence at its mockery of Christ. But the Bible is full of people mocking Jesus – and God uses it all for his glory, says Samuel Tarr
What did Jesus’ quiet time look like?
Mike Wallbridge offers a glimpse into Jesus’ personal times of prayer, revealing a form of communion with God you may not expect. Could Jesus’ moments of prayer provide a model for your own quiet time today?
Iraq wants to lower the age of consent to 9. Christians must do something
Proposals by Iraq’s ultra conservative government to make the law reflect strict Islamic Shia principles would have devastating affects on women’s rights - and lower the age of consent to just nine years old. They must not be allowed to do so, says one Iraqi woman
Is the last stained glass ceiling about to come down?
The Church of England needs a clean slate and a fresh pair of eyes, says Michelle Guinness. Is it time for a female Archbishop of Canterbury?
Ed Sheeran is right. Ending poverty in Africa will take more than a song
Popstar Ed Sheeran says he did not want to feature on the 40th anniversary re-release of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ Andrea Kazindra wonders why it takes a rock star to get us talking about aid to Africa
The Bible doesn’t give us neat answers on assisted suicide. But these 3 stories will help
As the conversation surrounding assisted suicide intensifies, Mark Woods considers the message of three stories from the Old Testament
7 ways you can advance global mission
Peace Ashenafi left Lausanne’s Global Congress in South Korea with renewed vision for how the Church can better reach its communities.
Tony Campolo (1935-2024): The Red Letter Christian who provoked the Church to action
Tony Campolo relentlessly challenged the Church to take the words of Jesus seriously and to serve “the least of these”. Peter Meadows says he will be remembered as a preacher who was used by God to make Christians feel uncomfortable
Living the Call to Community: Walking Together in Faith and Fellowship
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Why is this pastor standing up for Tommy Robinson?
The recent mixture of worship songs with anti-immigrant rhetoric at a pro-Tommy Robinson rally suggests a worrying alliance is developing between far-right politics and some faith leaders. Christians must be careful not to lend legitimacy to divisive and dangerous ideologies, says Evan L John
From the editor: Why I’m against assisted suicide
A change in the law could be disastrous, says Sam Hailes, as he introduces Premier’s new campaign
Why Christians struggle to believe positive news about the Church
You may have been given wrong information when it comes to church decline, says Gareth Russell
Are rural parishes racist?
When Rev Augustine Tanner-Ihm moved to rural Dorset, he found the church to be welcoming and kind. But that isn’t the experience of all Black priests, and there were racist attitudes in the wider community, he says
7 ways to make the Church a safer place for everyone
It will take more than Justin Welby’s resignation to prevent abuse in the Church, says Susie Leafe. We all need to play our part
Rico Tice: ‘I didn’t leave the Church of England. It left me’
The Christianity Explored founder opens up about his psychological wounds, the reason he exited the Church of England and why, when it comes to equipping the Church for evangelism, he’s more confident than ever
Justin Welby’s resignation is too little too late for victims of abuse
The Archbishop of Canterbury had to step down. But it’s what happens next that will decide the fate of the Church of England, says abuse survivor Samantha Smith
7 reasons why the assisted suicide plans should be rejected
The full text of the End of Life Bill tabled by Kim Leadbeater MP, has been published. With less than three weeks before politicians vote on it, James Mildred explains why it is imprecise, dangerous and should not be passed into law
Empathy before judgement: We should seek to understand why Christians voted differently
Faithful Christians voted in opposite directions during this election, says Amanda Held Opelt. But we can all agree that neither Trump nor Harris can save America. Christians have an opportunity to be a non-anxious presence in the face of political division
Sat-7 supports viewers in living faithfully under persecution
A recent report says that persecution of Christians worldwide has “significantly worsened” over the past 12 months.[1] Here are some first-hand accounts from SAT-7 viewers who are facing persecution. We also consider how SAT-7 is supporting believers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in living faithfully in these difficult conditions.
Church leaders knew about John Smyth’s child abuse. They covered it up
Andrew Graystone battled for decades to reveal the truth about serial abuser John Smyth. Now as a report confirms Smyth’s abuse was “prolific, brutal and horrific,” Andrew says church leaders must repent of their wilful blindness
Justin Welby has resigned. What happened?
The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned after a week of mounting pressure following a report into a prolific child abuser that accused the Church of England of a cover-up. Tim Wyatt takes us through the events that led to Justin Welby’s decision to step down
Donald Trump is an unsavoury man, but he may be America’s best bet in protecting Christian values
Donald Trump might offend our British sensibilities, but Christians in the UK should be careful when criticising their brothers and sisters across the pond, says former MP, Miriam Cates. He may not be the man you want leading your church, but the new President-elect has much to offer the USA
Bonhoeffer: This provocative biopic is a warning to Christians
Bonhoeffer isn’t a nice story about someone standing up for their faith. It’s a warning to all Christians not to tie themselves to any one political identity, says our reviewer
Is Patriarch Kirill in favour of the death penalty?
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has said that Jesus Christ did not oppose the death penalty. Andreja Bogdanovski explains the context behind this surprising statement
Did Kim Clement prophesy Donald Trump’s second term?
Did the late charismatic leader Kim Clement accurately predict major political events? That’s what some Christians have claimed on social media. Heather Tomlinson investigates
Explained: Why Christians voted for Donald Trump
We may disagree with their decision, but our American brothers and sisters had good reasons for backing Trump, says Heather Tomlinson. We should seek to understand them
Why do Jews and Christians read the Bible differently? This book attempts an answer
If you want to understand why Jews read the Bible in the way they do, then The Bible With and Without Jesus may be worth a read, says Lois Tverberg
Josephine Butler: The Christian feminist who took on the Victorian sex trade and won
She was a devout Christian, a passionate feminist and the most distinguished woman of the 19th Century. So why did Josephine Butler vanish from the pages of history?
As a Christian I don’t like Trump’s victory. But I won’t panic either
Krish Kandiah suggests three ways Christians should react to Donald Trump’s historic comeback
Why Christian Nationalists defend the criminal Trump at any cost
George Pitcher takes a look at what Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election means for Christian Nationalism around the globe, and the troubling precedent that it sets
'Ministry in war-torn Lebanon is tough. But the good news of Jesus shines in the darkness'
Rouba Yammine, a church leader in Beirut, Lebanon, shares her experiences of life and ministry in a war zone, and asks Christians everywhere to pray for peace
Kemi Badenoch has a tough road ahead. Let’s pray she navigates it well
Leading the opposition with such a small number of seats is a real challenge, says Tim Farron. The new Conservative Party leader - who describes herself as a “cultural Christian” but also says she’s not at all religious - will need our prayers
I don’t judge the prisoners I work with. There but for the grace of God go I
Working as a prison chaplain is sometimes funny, sometimes sad and often challenging. But it has taught Rev Hilary Edgerton more about grace than she ever thought possible
Is Kenya about to lock up evangelical pastors?
Church leaders worry that a new bill designed to crack down on rogue clerics in Kenya could be used against mainstream churches. Daniel Sitole reports
Why I am voting no to the culture war
We are free to vote as our political persuasion leads us to, but it is time Christians stop fuelling the less-than-holy warring spirit so prevalent in our culture, says US pastor Austin Fischer
The CofE is split on sexuality, but structural differentiation is wrong. Christ calls us to unity
In response to the continued acrimony within the Church of England over Living in Love and Faith, Elliot Swattridge puts forward a biblical case against structural differentiation
Conclave: This enthralling papal thriller is a must-watch
Ralph Fiennes captivates as a cardinal thrust into the fierce politics of the Vatican, says our reviewer
“Every day, I never wanted to leave my mum or my dad. I always used to cry.”
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The inside story of the UK’s fastest growing church
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has a vision to plant a church within five minutes’ walking or driving distance of every home worldwide. As part of Black History Month, George Luke looks at the church’s Nigerian origins, and reports on how it is experiencing significant growth in the UK
How Mary helped her family find their feet
When Mary’s husband died and violent conflict stole everything from her, Tearfund’s training helped her stand up again
Justin Welby has abandoned his own church’s teaching on sexuality
Why has the Archbishop of Canterbury changed his mind on gay sex? Peter Lynas believes it’s because the Archbishop has adopted a view of morality which is based more on personal preference than objective standards
Why ancient liturgy beats spontaneous prayer
Should our prayers be set, or spontaneous? Tony Wilson suggests that liturgy should be used as a springboard for our own personal prayers. He explains why
The Met needs to stop demonising the dead
The Met’s decision to release more information on Chris Kaba’s “character”, presents us with some worrying ethical issues, says George Pitcher
Three Ideas to Help You Shop Compassionately This Christmas
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The Bible is not safe
This global history of the Bible is full of fascinating stories, says our reviewer
The good gift guide
With Black Friday around the corner, you might be thinking about your Christmas shopping. Here’s the Premier Christianity guide to gifts that are good for people and the planet
My awkward lesson on the sin of gossip
After weeks of culinary mishaps, a home-cooked dinner led Jeff Lucas into an awkward lesson he’s never forgotten
The God Story - Alain Emerson and Adam Cox
Familiarity can often dull our sense of wonder, so it’s unsurprising that many readers of the Bible become numb to God’s redemptive plan woven through every page and person. The God Story may just shake you out of your slumber.
Can I Say That? - Brenna Blain
Growing up, Brenna Blain attended the highly conservative Mars Hill Church in Seattle. She was sexually abused aged ten. In her teens, she struggled with same-sex attraction, trauma and mental health. She self-harmed, battled with eating disorders and tried to end her own life.
Should your church be a ‘safe space’?
Navigating the delicate balance between protection and exposure, Lucy Peppiatt makes the case for embracing discomfort and adopting ‘brave spaces’, where our Christian beliefs can be respectfully challenged
From starvation to salvation
Born in Uganda, Ronnie Mulema grew up stealing food to survive. But sponsorship through Compassion gave his whole family hope, and changed his life forever
How does God speak to us today?
RT Kendall makes the case for embracing both holy scripture and Holy Spirit
Is the gospel good news for gay people?
When Ashleigh Hull was a teenager, biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality seemed far from good to her. Here’s how she changed her mind
Secret believers: The disciple-making movement that’s sweeping the Middle East
You may have heard that Christianity is spreading like wildfire across the Middle East. But did you know that leaders in the persecuted Church are now training Western church leaders in evangelism? Phil Moore calls it a quiet revolution
Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani: ‘I don’t want to be a controversialist, but I have to speak out’
Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani arrived in the UK as a refugee from Iran following her brother’s assassination. Her extraordinary life story has given her a passion for justice and an inability to keep quiet, despite what it might cost her
The life you long for is hidden in the life you have
Our new columnist the poet Joshua Luke Smith encourages you to return to your life
‘Casting out demons is the easiest evangelism I’ve ever done’
Real life ghostbuster Chris DeFlorio says the Church needs to “wake up” to the realities of spiritual warfare this Halloween
The entrepreneur: 'We've had amazing answers to prayer'
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
Witchcraft is trending on TikTok. Here are 5 ways Christians can respond
Millions of young people are diving headfirst into exploring witchcraft, and their main portal is the social media app TikTok. Martin Saunders looks at what’s going on, and suggests how Christians can address this dangerous trend
Agent to Hollywood stars Femi Oguns: ‘If fame isn’t handled the right way, you’re in the palms of the devil’
The actor-turned-agent has represented some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. But his life’s message isn’t about glitz. It’s about God
Stars celebrate the best in gospel music
The Premier Gospel Awards capped off Gospel Heritage Month 2024 with a glittering ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall in London, delivering a night of celebration and recognition for the UK’s vibrant gospel music scene.
A book of wisdom from the Christian who discovered the Covid vaccine
Having headed up the Human Genome Project and led the race to find a Covid vaccine, Franics Collins is one of the most influential Christian scientists in the world. Dr Ruth Bancewicz reviews his new book, The Road to Wisdom
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