Earlier this year, the entire Pool of Siloam was revealed after a 20-year excavation in Jerusalem. Are discoveries like this just for history enthusiasts, or can they actually help prove the truth of the Bible? Dr. Andrew Ollerton, a theologian and founder of the Bible Course joins Esther Higham to unpack this.
At St Mary’s church in East Preston, Sussex villagers created a cascade of thousands of poppies down the steeple of the church to mark Remembrance Sunday. More than 11,000 knitted and crocheted poppies were hand created by local people - members of the East Preston Yarn bombers with help from the community - and it created quite the spectacle. Vicar of St Mary’s, Rev Andrew Perry join Esther Higham to share the inspirational story behind this feat.
The persecuted church is the fastest growing part of God's kingdom, with over 100 million believers in more than 9 million house churches in challenging regions. As Western churches seem to be on the decline, what should we learn from the persecuted church's success? Phil Moore, who has met secret believers in Iran, and Rachel Fadipe from SAT 7, discuss this with Esther Higham.
Scientists in the USA have confirmed that watching films can change a person’s views, affecting our understanding of emotions and moral positions. This aligns with scripture, as Jesus said in Luke 11: “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light.” How can Christian filmmakers use movies to influence viewers’ minds about God? Director Paul Syrstad and film critic Andy Godfrey discuss this with Esther Higham.
After 30 years of experience as a police officer and receiving the Queen’s Police Medal, Deborah Akinlawon is now taking on the role of Executive Director of the Christian Police Association. With reports of misogyny and other forms of prejudice towards women within the police, how has the force changed for women over time, and what are the challenges of being a Christian in the police force? Deborah discusses this with Esther Higham.
Later this month, MPs will vote on assisted dying for the first time in nearly a decade. Would a law change be necessary if hospices had better funding and resources? Health Secretary Wes Streeting opposes the bill. So, if all life is precious before God, what is the right approach? Former Hospice Medical Director Rev Dr Susan Salt and Senior Fellow at Theos Dr Nick Spencer discuss this with Esther Higham.
Worship artist Martin Smith's brand-new album is as celebratory and uplifting as they come - a heady mix of gospel and rock, with a little sprinkling of 70s style funk. The record is simply titled 'Joy'. So after 30 plus years in the music business, what keeps the former Delirious frontman going? Martin sat down with our producer Max Avard to chat about it
Polling booths are open, and results show a close tie between the two candidates. Although it’s not our election, its outcome impacts global affairs. Considering Jesus’ call to be a light in the world, which candidate best models biblical values? Chair of Republicans overseas Greg Swenson and broadcaster and clergywoman Rev Christina Rees CBE discussed this with Esther Higham.
What's the most creative thing you could do with a needle and thread? Jacqui Parkinson, a Devon-based Christian embroidery artist, took on this challenge by weaving Bible stories using 25 million stitches across 44 huge panels. Her project, ‘Threads Through the Bible,’ combines her previous works with a new piece. Jacqui shared her journey and faith with Esther Higham.
If you disagree with a pastor’s sermon, should reporting them be an option? Reverend Chris Demetriou of Rosyth Baptist Church was reported to the Scottish charity watchdog by the National Secular Society for making ‘misogynistic comments.’ So, can charity law restrict free speech in a church, and should clergy preach what is socially acceptable or biblical? Daniel Jones from Stewardship UK and Evangelist Dominic Muir discussed this with Esther Higham.
What is your most curious question about the bible, faith and life? Host of Premier’s Questions of Our Times podcast Major Nigel Bovey launches a brand-new season live on Premier Christian Radio – asking the topical questions about health and well-being. He joined Esther Higham to unpack what to expect in the brand new season.
TikTok's #WitchTok has garnered 69 billion views, making witchcraft a major trend among young people. The Bible in Galatians 5:19-20 warns against acts like witchcraft. How can we protect our youth from this trend, and how should the church respond? Youth worker Rachel Gardner and Olly Goldenberg from Children Can discussed this with Esther Higham.
Author Nick Page chats to Esther Higham about the mythology surrounding the Reformation, whether Henry VIII was really responsible for the split, and how it helps us understand current rifts in the Church of England.
Leadership is a hot topic globally, with the US election next week and the new Tory leader announcement this weekend. What can church leaders learn to stay out of the spotlight for the wrong reasons? Rev Dr. Kate Coleman, founder of Next Leadership, discusses this with Esther Higham.
Evangelist Danny Neale and Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Campaign Director for 40 Days for Life in Birmingham, chat with Esther Higham about new legislation restricting prayer around abortion clinics in England and Wales.
