A year ago today I suddenly became unwell. And everything changed. At first the doctors were puzzled about my condition, which is never reassuring. It wasn’t till the 20th May that I was officially diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a slow growing form of blood cancer, which at the moment is relatively stable. I have previously mentioned that I’ve been unwell, and also posted some of the thoughts that have helped me in my journey so far. Throughout the... Read more
Perhaps the most remarkable advance in the history of human technology is the way social media can turn anyone into a one-person media organisation. This ability truly is as revolutionary as the printing press. Arguably the Reformation would never have happened if someone hadn’t published Luther’s 95 Theses and the books that spread the new Protestant theology. There is no question that reputations can be made and lost online. An amateur sitting in their bedroom can appear to be as... Read more
Lou Fellingham has just released an album called “This Changes Everything”. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. One day, when you are at your weakest, songs like these will give you strength. Here you will find hope no matter what you are facing. The whole album is strongly gospel focussed, and expounds both the Cross and the Resurrection, and as a result I have added a number of them to my Gospel Hope playlist. I hope this article may persuade you... Read more
Jesus would not have greatly surprised his hearers when he said that Love for God is the greatest commandment, but he would have scandalised them when he applied it also to Himself, thereby claiming to be God. Do you love Jesus? Do you love him more than anyone or anything? Is he the object of all your devotion? Does he thrill your heart more than money? More than power? More than sex? Is your love for him so great that... Read more
Good Friday is the day Jesus entered into our pain. It’s the day that demonstrates you are not alone in your suffering. For Jesus carried our pain as well as our sins on Calvary. Have y0u felt rejected? Jesus “came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” (John 1:11). Imagine, the one who had walked the streets of Israel performing miracles, and preaching like no one else could. Now the same crowds that had yelled ‘hosanna to the son of David!‘... Read more
Allow the truth of the gospel sung with emotion, passion, and anointing to do deep heart surgery on you. Today I want to share a playlist I have put together on both Spotify and Apple Music. You can easily listen to some songs that have been helping me personally in this way. A friend of mine recently attended a new church for the first time and noticed something which thrilled me as I later heard it described. My friend recognized a fresh... Read more
Billy was interviewed on TV over several decades, and even gave a TED talk. One of the many things we would do well to learn from Billy Graham is his winsomeness. This series of TV appearances which span decades, you see a man who doesn’t compromise his faith, but who speaks in such a winsome way that he even had Woody Allen agreeing to attend one of his Revival meetings despite the fact he states he disagrees with much of... Read more
This video is the complete television coverage of Billy Graham’s funeral including tributes from his family. If you loved Billy, and love Evangelicalism, do yourself a favour and put aside a couple of hours to watch this. Donald Trump’s Speech about Billy Graham at Capitol Hill Not sure who wrote this speech, but it summarises Billy’s life very well. Here are two recent bits of footage from Billy Graham to conclude: Billy Graham’s ‘Last Message’ (2015) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzZFNfO1rec Billy Graham Talks... Read more
Scroll down for embedded video memories on Billy Graham from BGEA, Terry Virgo, Lex Loizides, Adrian and maybe you! My long term pastor, dear friend, and co-author Tope Koleoso often likes to say, to do life well you must handle transitions well. You cannot sleep walk into a transition. Not if you want to be intentional, not if you want to be wise, not if you want to discern what it is that is expected of you in the next phase. Its why... Read more
It is often said that 90% of full-time church pastors do not make it to the end of their natural working life as a pastor. It is also well known that many ordinary Christians who profess a powerful faith, when you go back and meet them years later, they will sadly no longer be walking with Jesus at all. There are still more who once had at least a measure of the passion and sincerity which John Stott said singled... Read more
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