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Regular Columnists
Did Jesus die for aliens?
As the US military gets ready to release an unclassified report into UFOs, David Instone-Brewer looks at the biblical evidence for extra-terrestrial life
Philippa Hanna: My 8 favourite songs
The British singer-songwriter, author and worship leader shares 8 songs which have helped her through the pandemic
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 ...
One year since George Floyd: 3 things the Church can do next
Today marks one year since George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis
God loves Israelis and Palestinians. Here’s how we can be praying for them
We might not all agree on the politics, but we should all cry out to God for peace in the Middle East
Every election victory is temporary, but God’s kingdom lasts forever
Tim Farron MP reflects on the results of last week’s elections
Why Christians should vote this Thursday
Christians have good biblical reasons for voting in the biggest set of elections for decades, says Tim Farron MP
Mindfulness: Why Christians have nothing to fear and everything to gain
I used to sneer at ‘mindfulness’. As a Christian, I thought I was automatically an expert when it comes to the interior, ‘spiritual’ life and there was nothing I could learn about it from the secular world.
Does God suffer with us?
God’s ‘impassibility’ means that God doesn’t experience emotions the way humans do. It comes from the Latin ‘passio’, which is about suffering. Suffering can be seen either in terms of ‘this is very painful’, or in a more technical way – the idea that something is being done to me. ...
Is your faith real? Try this test on for size
Drawing on the book of Daniel, Jeff Lucas shares a lesson about unconditional faith
YouTube is the new front line for religious debates. St Paul would have loved it
The modern-day Areopagus is increasingly providing Christians with spiritual content and is an ideal platform for evangelism and debate, says Chris Goswami
How to have a career in Christian music
Far and away the most common question I receive in my inbox is: “How do I begin a career in Christian music?”
Should Christians support violent protests?
Q: Some of my Christian friends have been supporting violent protests over racial justice. They cite Jesus’ cleansing of the temple as justification. Do you agree?
A Good Eye: Unlocking Jesus’ commonly-misunderstood idiom
Lois Tverberg unlocks a Jewish idiom that Jesus used, but many of his followers have scratched their heads about
What a packet of out of date noodles taught me about mountains and molehills
Our doorbell rang, the welcome announcement that our weekly grocery delivery was arriving on time. A rather jolly chap in a fluorescent yellow tabard (and matching mask, which made him very seeable in the dark) hauled in trays laden with our supplies. The ability to order online and avoid the ...
David Cameron was wrong to misuse his influence for Greensill Capital
Integrity is important for us all – but especially for those in positions of leadership, says Tim Farron MP
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.
Why Easter is the new Christmas
These two seasons present us with significant opportunities to share our faith, says Tim Farron MP
Ask NT Wright Anything: Do pets go to Heaven?
Q: My daughter’s dog died recently and she is heartbroken. Will we see our pets again in heaven?
Does the gift of tongues still operate today? NT Wright gives his answer
Ahead of Pentecost Sunday, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars, Tom Wright, gives his view on the gift of tongues
NT Wright answers: Is it always a Christian duty to vote?
Q) Is it our Christian duty to always vote in elections, or is it OK to abstain if you don’t feel able to back either candidate?
A note to the unnoticed servants
It happened at the end of one of the ten-day trips that Kay and I lead to the Holy Land. We’d all had a wonderful time; there is something special about being in the place where the big story of God unfolded. When you stop by Jesus’ adopted home town, ...
Ask, Seek, Knock: Why we’ve misunderstood Jesus’ teaching on prayer
One evening, my wife was reading out the recycling rules and said: “Why not do it right now?” Feeling somewhat aggrieved, I asserted (rather too loudly) that I had already been doing it right, but she cut me off. “No,” she said. “Why not do it right now – the ...
Which God tells the truth?
When I was growing up, I remember being told: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Sound advice to give a child. But when I read through the Bible I discovered God operates a little differently.
It used to be easy to recite the Lord’s prayer. It isn’t anymore
Even before I was a follower of Jesus, I would rattle off the Lord’s Prayer. Emanating from our school assemblies, the sound could be described as ‘reluctant unison’. There was a sleepy and contented cadence to it, which perfectly matched my 9am energy levels.
What really happened to Jesus on the cross?
RT Kendall reflects on the emotions Christ experienced at Calvary
Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn: God is disrupting our worship
The Rend Collective frontman is reimagining his approach
What's the most important thing that Christians should do?
There are hundreds of commands in the Bible – Chris Goswami unpacks five crucial instructions Christians are given, and challenges us to keep them all in balance
Why Covid-19 is NOT God's judgement
Premier Christianity's resident Bible scholar David Instone-Brewer explains why he believes this pandemic is not a sign of God's anger
Tim Farron on the 'sinister trend' in British politics
Tim Farron reflects on the 'fake news' legacy that Trump leaves, and the alarming trend within our own nation of not caring what the truth is anymore…
Speaking for God? RT Kendall on the problem with saying 'God told me...'
Last year, a significant number of well-known and respected Christian leaders in the USA prophesied Donald Trump would be re-elected President. The fact that so many got it wrong has left the American charismatic movement reeling. In teaching on the prophetic gift, RT Kendall says much more caution is required, before any Christian can utter the words "Thus saith the Lord…"
3 ways Christians can live well in 2021
The award-wining blogger, and church leader, Chris Goswami, shares his advice on managing your faith and work in the new normal of 2021
Comic Relief is right to stop sending celebrities to Africa
Comic Relief’s brave decision to no longer send celebrities to African nations as part of its fundraising appeals is a welcome move, and will hopefully go some way towards dispelling the myths that exist around Africa, says Chine Mcdonald
What if Covid-19 really is God’s judgement?
It isn’t a popular viewpoint…but could it be true? RT Kendall thinks so
Volunteering and compassion soared during lockdown – but where is it now?
Chris Goswami unpacks the stats that show volunteering among non-faith groups was up considerably during lockdown. He asks: can Christians continue the momentum set by wider society and keep giving generously through this pandemic?
Christians will vote for Donald Trump this November. Here's why
It might appear contradictory, misguided or wrong to some Christians on this side of the Atlantic, but the majority of our brothers and sisters in the US will likely back President Trump again. Chris Goswami explains why
Tim Farron: Slashing foreign aid to pay for Covid-19 is disgusting and unbiblical
With rumours circulating that the Government is considering cutting the UK's foreign aid budget to pay for some of the domestic debt incurred by the coronavirus crisis, the former Liberal Democrat leader asks: “Are we really ok with nicking from someone’s begging bowl in order to pay the restaurant bill?”
Confessions of a minor Christian celebrity
Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn has something to confess...
The biblical roots of lockdown
Chris Goswami explores the scriptural basis for a period of confinement and argues that, despite the frustrations we feel in lockdown, we can use this time as an opportunity to grow closer to God
Was Paul a good preacher?
The gospel spread in spite of Paul’s preaching, rather than because of it, suggests David Instone-Brewer
4 unhelpful and inappropriate responses to racism
Racism in our society must be stamped out. But some of the actions by anti-racists have been misguided, argues Chris Goswami
His name is Patrick Hutchinson, but to me, he looks like Jesus
This photo is a picture of grace, says Jeff Lucas
Tim Farron: How I’m sharing my faith during lockdown
The former Liberal Democrat leader explains why lockdown is full of opportunities, and not just threats
Explained: The meaning of The Blessing lyrics
Lois Tverberg unpacks the biblical origins of the viral worship song
Is it OK for my Christian beliefs to change?
Chris Goswami looks back at the thorny theological issues he's changed his mind on
To save a life is to save a world
Lois Tverberg explores the Hebraic principle which influenced the teachings of Jesus, and explains why it is relevant to today’s pandemic
Here's why Judas betrayed Jesus
Jeff Lucas explains what motivated the most well-known traitor in history
Tom Wright: How Christians responded to ancient plagues
NT Wright, one of the world's leading New Testament scholars, tells Justin Brierley how Christians have responded to pandemics in the past
Why coronavirus is a huge opportunity to love your neighbours
Chine McDonald explains how the coronavirus has led to a deeper level of connection and community among her neighbours
Coronavirus and God's promises: 3 things Christians need to remember
It’s tempting to think that God will protect you from the worst tragedies in life. But that isn't what God has promised, says Chris Goswami. The promise is that God will hold on to you whatever life throws at you
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
Like it or not. Religion is good for us
Chris Goswami responds to the debate between Matt Dillahunty and Glen Scrivener on whether religious people are healthier, happier and more productive members of society.
Virtual baptisms, evangelism chatbots and sermon-less services: welcome to 2020
Chris Goswami highlights the ways in which technology is shaping Christianity in 2020 and beyond
Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn: 'The Bible isn't an instruction manual'
In his latest column, Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn explains what answering phones taught him about God's word
Jeff Lucas: How my dad escaped the Nazis
Jeff Lucas shares a moving story from the second world war
Decoding the Bible: Spiritual maladies
What does the Bible say about mental illness and demonic possession? David Instone-Brewer investigates
The one biblical command we never talk about
Chris Goswami explains why he believes we need to recover the Christian tradition of hospitality
How to survive the election without losing your mind
Are you blindsided by Brexit? Perplexed by politics? Or just fed up with the same old promises and political slogans? Chris Goswami is on hand to help
Are natural disasters God’s punishment for sin?
Christian Rugby player Israel Folau sparked outrage recently for linking Australia's bushfires to the nation’s liberalisation of marriage and abortion laws. Theologian David Instone-Brewer investigates whether natural disasters are ever God's punishment for sin
RT Kendall: When Word and Spirit come together, revival will follow
Christians have taken sides for too long. Either we’ve pursued strong biblical teaching, or we’ve gone after an experience of God’s presence. It’s time to end the war, says RT Kendall
Reviewed: The Netflix show that paints Christian influence as evil
The Family has been billed as an expose of a "secret Christian organisation" who are "hiding in plain sight". But Jeff Lucas says the truth is far less exciting
Ben Stokes: Redemption, forgiveness and the God of second chances
After Ben Stokes' violent behaviour was caught on camera two years ago, many viewed him as a villain. But now, having led the English cricket team to victory at the weekend, it seems he's become a national hero. Chris Goswami asks, 'Is this what redemption looks like?'
RT Kendall: 8 observations on the Hebrides Revival
It's 70 years since the Hebrides Revival took place. RT Kendall reflects on what lessons today's Church might learn from what took place
Steve Chalke’s new book will upset church-goers but it's still worth reading
Steve Chalke's controversial new book The Lost Message of Paul is released today and argues that Christians have misunderstood the crux of the New Testament message. Chris Goswami reviews it
Chris Evans claims he's heard the audible voice of God. Should we believe him?
The radio and TV personality Chris Evans says God told him to start running. But is it really possible to hear the audible voice of God? Yes, says Chris Goswami. It happened to him too...
Is the resurrection beyond belief?
David Instone-Brewer examines the gospel accounts of Jesus rising from the dead, and responds to the claim that early Christians simply made the story up
This Easter will you worship Jesus or Molech?
It's surprisingly difficult to answer the question: "How it is that Jesus dying on a cross opens up a relationship with God?" In fact, the Church has grappled with various atonement theories for centuries. Chris Goswami explains what the major issues are, and why it matters
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
'He needed my theology, I needed his power' RT Kendall on the life of Paul Cain
Author and speaker RT Kendall describes the life of Paul Cain (1929-2019); a man who, according to Kendall, had extraordinary gifts but whose moral failings meant he didn't end the race well
Was Jesus a Muslim or a Christian?
Millions of people think Jesus was a Muslim and billions think he was a Christian. Chris Goswami explains why both are wrong
RT Kendall: Why I read this Bible verse every day
The popular author and speaker writes on the Bible verse he is reading every day in 2019
What we can learn from the 5 best, worst and most surprising voices of 2018
With so many voices competing for our attention over the past 12 months, Chris Goswami summarises what we've heard and makes suggestions on who we should be listening to
You are being watched...by the idol of our time
It knows our thoughts, it notices when we rise and when we sleep and it knows us better than we know ourselves. Chris Goswami explains
Is deliverance ministry biblical or bonkers?
Chris Goswami interviews Jayne Irlam on sacred salt, holy water, and things that go bump in the night
What would it take to convince you that Christianity is false?
In a live debate for the Unbelievable? show, international Christian speaker Sean McDowell and atheist blogger Hemant Mehta question what it would take for the other to change his position on faith
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
Why John MacArthur's social justice statement makes for baffling reading
Last month, the popular preacher and founder of Grace To You ministries John MacArthur wrote a blog post called "Social Injustice to the Gospel". In the piece he claimed the "detour in quest of 'social justice'" was "the most subtle and dangerous threat" to the gospel. Now, MacArthur has joined over 6,000 other pastors and leaders in signing a controversial statement on the subject. Chine McDonald from Christian Aid responds to the news
The gospel according to Google
Their motto used to be “Don’t be evil”. But as The Big G celebrates its 20th birthday, questions are being raised about the tech giant’s growing influence
Boris and the Burka: Why it's dangerous to be offended on behalf of others
Chris Goswami blogs on bank robbers, burkas and Boris
Would you recognise Jesus if you saw him this Easter?
Chris Goswami considers the response of those who failed to see Jesus once he had risen again, challenging us to remember to look for Jesus in the everyday
Tom Wright: Revealing the real Saint Paul
Don’t call him a ‘religious thinker’ or ‘philosopher’. The apostle Paul doesn’t fit into our modern categories, says one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars, Tom Wright
5 things I wish I’d been told when I became a Christian
Chris Goswami reflects on lessons learned
What would Jesus say to Trump, May, Zuckerberg, Sturridge and Prince Charles?
Chris Goswami considers what Jesus might say to some of the world's most famous figures
Secularism, spirituality and sexual harassment: 3 lessons to take from 2017
Christians are the new heretics, but the search for spirituality has never been greater, says Chris Goswami as he reviews the year
The Church needs to reclaim Halloween. Here’s how you can do it
Chine McDonald explains why she changed her mind about Halloween
I see you
It’s an old adage, and one I’ve never liked: children should be seen and not heard. Growing up, I experienced the opposite. I felt heard by my parents: they cared for me, yet I didn’t feel noticed.
God's Hobby
I always have mixed emotions when hearing about other people’s hobbies
Worshipping with angels
David Instone-Brewer considers a heavenly perspective on our worship gatherings
Of course people don't want 'religion'. The church can give them something much better
Chris Goswami responds to the latest survey which revealed more people than ever are ticking the 'no religion' box, and only 15 per cent of people in Britain now describe themselves as Anglican.
Still showing up
They are days that are consistently tinged with irritation. We generally refer to them as one of those days. You wake up with a headache to discover that the dog made a midnight snack of your new Ray-Bans, miss the bus on the way to work, and discover that your boss is actually a werewolf thinly disguised as a human being. Later in the day, you’re asked how you’re doing. You mumble, “All right, I suppose. Just having one of those days’.
3 keys to enjoying a Sabbath rest
How should Christians think about and enjoy the Sabbath? Chris Goswami shares some tips
NT Wright attacks 'fashionable fantasy' of allowing children to choose their own gender
Tom Wright is best known for his academic and popular work in defense of Christianity and Christ's resurrection. But the professor has just waded into one of the most divisive social and cultural issues of our time. Sam Hailes reports
All sit down: it's ok to do nothing in church
It was obvious to all that my sermon was drawing to a close. Not only had I uttered the words much beloved by congregations everywhere (“and finally…”) but in summarising my key points, it was clear that I was preparing to land the proverbial plane
RT Kendall pays tribute to his late friend Dr Michael Eaton
RT Kendall remembers his friend Dr. Michael Eaton (1943-2017)
The sound of silence
It’s a frustrating moment. You’re having an important conversation with a friend on the phone, when suddenly the line goes dead, usually at a critical place when they’re just about to tell you that the baby has been born, the stock market has collapsed or that chap in charge of North Korea has decided to volunteer at a food bank and revise his haircut.
Tim Farron's resignation proves Christians are the new heretics
Chris Goswami says this is a watershed moment
Jesus was political...but how would he vote?
Chris Goswami looks at the overriding issues for Christians this general election
Another election? We're losing the plot
We're less than a week on from Easter, but already Christians are in danger of forgetting what truly matters says Chris Goswami
NT Wright: Why Jesus' resurrection really happened
Tom Wright explains why, as an ancient historian, the resurrection of Jesus from death makes historical sense.
RT Kendall on the highest spiritual plateau you can reach
The former minister of Westminster Chapel Dr RT Kendall reflects on Christ's example of forgiving others
NT Wright: Why Jesus’ crucifixion is a fact of history
Leading New Testament scholar Tom Wright explains why Christians can be confident the gospel accounts are true
RT Kendall explains how God knows our mind
The former minister of Westminster Chapel Dr RT Kendall reflects on how God knows our mind even when we think we know better.
RT Kendall explains why Jesus cursed the fig tree
The former minister of Westminster Chapel Dr RT Kendall reflects on an unusual event in the life of Christ
The Doorman
Being a man, and trying to be polite with it, can be challenging these days.
RT Kendall: How the church fell asleep and why it needs to wake up
We must get ready for the second coming, says RT Kendall
Misuse and abuse
Please don’t talk about ‘Adam and Steve’ says David Instone-Brewer. Misusing Bible verses to make your point only hurts your argument
The 7 most important words in your Christian marriage
Chris Goswami introduces some game-changing phrases to use in your marriage
Never say never
It’s a conversation that the now President of the United States bitterly regrets. Unaware that he was being recorded, he was caught making horribly abusive comments about the way he treated women. His exact words are well known, releasing me from the need to stain this page by repeating them. ...
3 videos which explain Tom Wright's cross-centred Christianity
Ahead of London Bible Week, Tom Wright tells Justin Brierley how Christians should think about the atonement
Tom Wright's cross centred revolution
The former Bishop of Durham remains the most influential Bible scholar on the planet. He tells Justin Brierley why he’s returning to the cross of Christ
6 lessons that 2016 has taught me
Chris Goswami presents six things Christians should reflect on as this year draws to a close
Why I don't have enough faith to be an atheist
Is atheism fundamentally flawed? Chris Goswami investigates
3 ways to cheat death
Following the news that a 14-year-old girl has been allowed to have her body cryogenically frozen in the hope that scientific progress will allow her to be resurrected in the future, Chris Goswami looks at three ways you could try to cheat death
Why we need to let Trump have a fresh start
While we can't ignore what Trump did in the past, it's time to move on and allow him to lead in a better way, says Chris Goswami
Here Is The News
It was an unexpected invitation.
3 ideas that changed my Christian faith forever
Chris Goswami shares three life-changing ideas which have helped him grow in faith
Shadow boxing
The dive master surveyed the nervous gaggle of divers, including me. He knew we were all scared and seemed quite delighted about it. We were about to conquer the depths of the Great Barrier Reef.
Does God hate sinners?
David Instone-Brewer explains why it’s good to be reminded of God’s wrath
Why your midlife crisis could really be a chrysalis
Is God calling you to something new? Chris Goswami blogs on how to overcome your midlife crisis
Pray and Display
Snakes. They look scary, they slither and hiss, and Adam should never have chatted with one. Here in Colorado they’re our neighbours.
How to put Britain back together
Premier Christianity magazine is bringing you a variety of Christian views in response to the EU referendum (click here for other blogs).
3 lessons we should learn from the life of Jo Cox MP
Chris Goswami explains how Jo Cox's 'unstoppable spirit' should inspire each one of us
It’s A Dog’s Life
I’ve never been a fan of bumper stickers, especially the Christian kind.
Confessions of a church tech guy
Chris Goswami explains what goes through his mind when the church laptop dies 6 minutes before the Sunday morning service.
When God took over my church meeting
Jeff Lucas tells the story of how the Holy Spirit took over a Christian meeting in a remarkable way.
Making sense of sacrifice
Continuing his series on the significance of the cross, David Instone-Brewer examines what it means to say that Jesus died as a ‘sacrifice’ for our sins
GO AWAY
‘You’re doing what?’ My interrogator, his voice shrill and appalled, his nose wrinkled with disdain, stared at me with a mixture of shock and pity.
RT Kendall: Why I won’t take sides on Donald Trump
Following an endorsement from Beni Johnson of Bethel Church, Dr R.T. Kendall shares his thoughts on why some of his fellow US church leaders are speaking out in support of Donald Trump
A RITE OF PASSAGE
Clutching my ticket for a brief trip on the London underground, I squeezed myself into the crammed rush-hour carriage.
What I've learned from ministering on the biggest council estate in Europe
Chris Goswami reflects on his experience working in Wythenshawe, Manchester.
The Power of Prejudice
I was in unfamiliar territory, sitting in an Anglican church with high ceilings and even higher theology. I loved the warm glow of the flickering candles, but I felt uncomfortable in a church that was stylistically a billion miles from my own worship expression of choice.
God: Puppeteer, Chess Master or Warrior?
Christians agree that God is all-powerful. But how does the Almighty work out his plan? David Instone-Brewer looks at the biblical evidence
Why consumer culture could be killing your faith
As consumers, we're told we have the right to tailor everything to our own needs. But Chris Goswami says Christians should care more about serving others than serving themselves
How much do you read your Bible?
As 2016 gets underway, RT Kendall urges Christians of all denominations and backgrounds to commit to a Bible reading plan
Multitasking
A message popped up on my computer screen. It seemed innocuous enough, announcing that it was time for my software to be updated. A single mouse click would launch the procedure.
A one woman man
Many churches teach that Christian leaders must never have been divorced, quoting 1 Timothy 3:12: ‘the husband of one wife’ (KJV). But the apostle Paul had something else in mind, says our doctrine detective David Instone-Brewer
Dear Western democracies, please bomb Syria. Lots of love, ISIS
As Parliament votes on whether or not to bomb Syria, church leader Chris Goswami wonders what Jesus would do
Waiting
Waiting is one of my least favourite things. At the supermarket cheese counter I take one of the numbers helpfully dispensed to prevent irate shoppers from punching each other if someone jumps the queue.
RT Kendall: How I was saved from liberalism
RT Kendall writes about the moment that changed his ministry for good
The Perfect Wife
Is ‘wifely submission’ a curse we should ignore, or biblical teaching we should follow? Our Doctrine Detective David Instone-Brewer investigates
Intimate
My personal history of gaffs and lash-ups is extensive. Once I asked a lady when her baby was due – when it had arrived weeks earlier
Step away from the plate
Fasting. It’s one of my least favourite things. There are absolutely no benefits that I can think of, and personally I’m against it. I rather fear that there’s been a terrible spelling error, resulting in thousands depriving themselves of food through the centuries, and all because of a lash-up by an errant Friday afternoon scribe.
The Truth about Tithing
In a new series, David Instone-Brewer becomes the Doctrine Detective and investigates whether there’s really a biblical basis for many popular teachings. This month: Should Christians be tithing 10%?
Taking Jesus to the movies
Kathleen has an unusual hobby. She likes to take Jesus to the movies. In this case, Jesus goes by the name of Barney.
Blood moons and Bible prophecy
David Instone-Brewer delves into the world of astronomy as he examines recent claims of end-time signs.
Evolution’s Creator
Wherever they stand on the debate, all Christians can praise God for the process of evolution, says our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer.
Offloading
I have just returned from a trip to one of my favourite places. Visiting this particular destination is always refreshing; a minibreak there never fails to re-energise me. Checking in is always a breeze, and it’s very inexpensive. I go every week.
Shouty Church
It was a provocative slant on the Easter story. Last April, broadcaster and journalist Janet Street-Porter made a poignant observation about the society we’re becoming, and suggested that we’re using technology like a rabble of loud bullies.
God of the multiverse
Some atheists use multiverse theories to argue against the existence of God. David Instone-Brewer agrees that our universe may be just one among many – but God must have created all of them.
The letter of RT Kendall to the UK Church
Best-selling author, speaker and the former leader of London’s Westminster Chapel, RT Kendall celebrates his 80th birthday this summer. Premier Christianity magazine asked him to pen an open letter to the UK Church.
The haircut
Hairdressers often make great evangelists. For one thing, they have a captive audience, keen to chat beyond the standard conversational fodder that they (and taxi drivers everywhere) have to endure: ‘So, have you been busy?’.
Does individual life really begin at conception?
Writing in the June edition of Premier Christianity, David Instone Brewer argued that an individual life begins 14 days after conception. Read David’s controversial article, and Peter D Williams’ response below.
To infinity and beyond
Could the mathematics of infinity point to something beyond this universe?
Slow up
I stared at the envelope and tried to halt the rising feeling of dread that sickened my stomach. Printed on the corner of the stern brown stationery was the Surrey constabulary’s logo. Meldrew-like, I could not believe it. I had been caught speeding yet again; the hapless target of a motorway camera.
Autopsy of a crucifixion
Drawing on his studies in forensic pathology, David Instone-Brewer explores the science of crucifixion.
Upcycled Earth
Our planet will one day become our renewed eternal home, so we had better look after it, says David Instone-Brewer.
Age before beauty
School taught me how many wives Henry VIII had, helped me glean information about Australia’s mining industry and even taught me the French word for ‘station’, but nobody told me anything about the one thing you never believe will happen when you’re young but happens to every human on the planet.
Ungenerous generation
Meanness is ugly. Grabbing is unattractive. Last November’s Black Friday event was dark indeed, as the retail sector’s excuse for a greed-fuelled shopping frenzy sparked scuffles and scrums across the country.
Can you weigh a spirit?
David Instone-Brewer delves into neurology and explores the nature of the human spirit.
The Night Caller
It’s 1.20am and my mobile is ringing. Loudly. A shrill ringtone, one I selected during a moment of madness, pierces through the thick layers of sleep.
Refresh my memory
When we get to heaven, will we remember everything we said and did on earth? Our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer examines how memory works and whether our resurrection bodies will be accompanied by a reconditioned memory bank.
No Turning Back
It all started when I lost my feet. Unable to see them because of the partial eclipse of a spreading abdomen, and becoming quite breathless after navigating a single flight of stairs, I decided to get fit.
Millions in the Wilderness
Exactly how many Israelites lived in the wilderness? Continuing his series exploring science and the Bible, our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer explores whether the numbers in Exodus add up.
Christmas Scandals
Festive cards usually depict a serene tableau set in a stable complete with shepherds, wise men and baby Jesus with a halo. But the first Christmas was anything but respectable. David Instone-Brewer reveals the unconventional nativity characters that would have made even a tabloid journalist blush.
Male and female he created them?
Our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer explores what the Bible has to say on gender and transgender issues.
Does Jesus disappoint?
After four decades of being a Christian, I confess: I am disappointed with Jesus. He hasn’t delivered as anticipated.
Am I thinking what you're thinking?
I was delighted to be in Australia, despite the disconcerting reality that this is a nation with a bewildering number of options for those who’d like to get killed by wildlife.
Life before Adam?
Continuing his series on science and the Bible, David Instone-Brewer takes a closer look at what Genesis reveals about the origins of humankind.
Star-struck
In the first of his new series exploring science and the Bible, our resident theologian David Instone-Brewer uncovers the significance of stars.
Offensive Grace
It’s been an odd 24 hours. I’ve been sworn at by half a dozen people, none of whom know me or one another, but apparently despise me nevertheless. I received three messages from one young mother telling me that I made her sick to her stomach and that I surely couldn’t be a parent. In one particularly vitriolic email, I was advised that I’m as bad as a child molester.
Let us pray
I’ve never been much good at prayer. Perhaps I need to join a group. ‘Hi. My name is Jeff, and I’m addicted to activity...and conversation.’
Better the Devil you know
David Instone-Brewer explores Jesus’ teaching on someone we all-too-readily overlook: the Devil
The childlike Church
Jesus encouraged us to ‘become like little children’ (Matthew 18:3), but did he really want his Church to be like a playgroup – full of self-centred bickering and snotty noses?
Love the moment
Growing up means that you are supposed to leave childish behaviour behind. I've think I've largely succeeded. If you disagree, I won’t play with you any more, so there.
Small choices
Smiling doesn’t come easily to me. I’m not Victor Meldrew with a Bible, a practised misery with facial features permanently arranged in a gloomy scowl. And I don’t see life as a safari, ever hunting for more opportunities to frown.
Proportional Punishment in Hell
Do we gloss over teaching on hell? David Instone-Brewer takes a look at what Jesus has to say on the subject.
Jeff Lucas: Tents Moments
Before embarking on the Christian journey, I was warned that the pathway ahead might be littered with perils ...
Chucking people out of Church
Continuing his new series, David Instone-Brewer sheds light on doctrines we may have overlooked.
Jeff Lucas: Life before death... and after
Sometimes important things slip from my mind. A person at church asks me for prayer, and panic sets in because I realise that I can’t remember their name.
Doctrines That Time Forgot
In this new series, David Instone-Brewer sheds light on doctrines we may have overlooked…
Jeff Lucas: Longing for a King
My encounters with the royal family have been limited. I’d love to be able to say that I’ve spent happy days hobnobbing with the Windsors but, alas, it’s just not true.
Jeff Lucas: Unhappy Campers
God is a camper. And I am not. I’ve tried the outdoorsy life, lured by the gentle pitter-patter of rain on canvas, late night chatter around a roaring campfire, and the cocooning warmth of a sleeping bag.
Bible Stories Uncensored: David the Tyrant
We often think of David as the plucky young boy who defeated Goliath. In reality, he was a nation-builder as well as a mass murderer who ignored the rape of his own daughter.
Jeff Lucas: The Cactus Stalkers
Staying overnight at a bed and breakfast this week, we found the bed to be comfortable, but the breakfast not quite so. We began the day seated around a large kitchen table shared with the other guests, which included a couple of enthusiastic evangelists. Their passion was unswerving, and unnerving with it. With no idea that we were believers, their eyes glowed with joy as they breathlessly chattered away about their vital mission.
Jeff Lucas: Why I’m not in love with Jesus
It’s a question that I have wrestled with from my earliest days as a Christian, and one that vexes me still, because of who it is that asks. Jesus.
Bible Stories Uncensored: Sex tips from Solomon
Breasts, kisses and hair like a flock of goats…David Instone-Brewer on Old Testament turn-ons.
Jeff Lucas: Take it from Larry
In the late 1970s, the world was in the grip of a fashion demon that roamed the earth. Otherwise sensible people adorned themselves in the most grotesque garb, stupefied into believing that super-sized flares looked cool.
Jeff Lucas: Learning to hear from God
It’s a phrase that’s bandied about too frequently in Christian circles: The Lord told me. We’ve all met those breathlessly confident souls who imply that everything they do is directed by the voice of God.
Divisive Bible Doctrines: Bridging troubled waters
Rather than arguing over the ‘how’ or the ‘when’ of baptism, David Instone-Brewer explains that the real division is over what it actually does.
Popeye Lucas: Nearly four decades of pastoral leadership has taught me this unpalatable truth: people rarely change
It being the New Year, I’ve been pondering potential resolutions. I’m going easy on myself this time around. Rather than aspiring to lofty, impossible goals, I’ve settled on some more reachable objectives.
Bible Stories Uncensored: Nehemiah: Political Manipulator
David Instone-Brewer investigates the underhand tactics of this biblical hero. If we’re honest, we’d probably all admit that we’ve lied, cheated and bullied on occasion – perhaps we told ourselves it was ‘necessary’. I must admit that’s how I once got a gold star for maths homework.
Tougher than nails
Christians don’t usually arm themselves with crowbars. But on a crisp autumnal day, Kathleen Folden, a truck driver, marched into our local museum, and began smashing the glass that surrounded a painting by a Stanford-based artist, Enrique Chagoya.
Bible Stories Uncensored: Ruth the Maneater
When are feet not feet? When they are used euphemistically to spare blushes, as David Instone-Brewer discovers in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Jeff Lucas: Strange Fire
The charismatic/pentecostal movement includes around 500 million people worldwide – about 25% of the total number of professing Christians. That’s a lot of people. And according to one man, John MacArthur, they are guilty of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
Bible Stories Uncensored: Samson the Thug (and Pimp)
Should we tell children about the murkier acts of Samson, such as using prostitutes and pimping out his wife? On a family holiday some years ago, we found ourselves driving through a very rough part of a town and I started to dread what my daughters might be seeing.
5 Tough Questions about the Bible
Our resident Bible scholar responds to some typical questions about the Old Testament that The Bible series is likely to raise for non-believers (and probably plenty of Christians too, if we’re honest).
Jeff Lucas: Showtime
Yesterday I went to a strip club. It was my first time, but not, I hope, my last. Outside, a sign screamed GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS!
Bible Stories Uncensored: Esther: the best in bed
Esther might have saved the Jews through her nocturnal activity, but, writes David Instone-Brewer, she didn’t manage to save a traditional family structure which celebrated women.
Jeff Lucas: Offended by the minister
It’s confession time. One of the ministers at our church irritates me. He’s a nice enough chap, but I’m finding his preaching rather boring, and he preaches a lot. Sometimes I groan when I know it’s him again. He tries really hard, peppering his talks with anecdotes and warm humour. But recently I got to the point where I decided that if I had to listen to him preach just one more time, I’d end up breaking something.
David Instone-Brewer: Predestination or free will?
Does God decide who will be saved, or is humanity free to choose to follow him?
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