Life Issues

Have you ever stuffed up? Got it so badly wrong that you’ve thought “that’s it - there’s no way back from this”?

John Mark – author of the 2nd Gospel did, but with the help of those around him discovered that a second chance wasn’t a case of ignoring his flaws, but learning that in them God could make a place of value and strength.

So what if your mistakes are God’s opportunities and your response to others mistakes is the pathway for them to learn that?

Paul Hammond speaks with Dr John Andrews, author of Second Chance: The fall and rise of John Mark.

Singer-songwriter, worship leader and mental health awareness advocate Steph Macleod joins Paul Hammond to share his personal experience of the life-transforming light of Christ in Part 2 of our 2022 Christmas Life Issues: ‘Let the light in’.

John 1v5 says, ‘the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it’. But what does that mean for the lives we live in the times we live?

Paul Coulter, Head of Ministry Operations for Living Leadership and Executive Director of Centre for Christianity in Society, unpacks what it looks like to ‘Let the light in’ in the first of our 2022 Christmas Life Issues. 

Kindness has connotations of sweetness and softness, but does this make us prone to overlook the dynamic power of kindness and the legacy it leaves?

Paul takes up the discussion with Debbie Duncan and Cathy Le Feuvre in this week’s Life Issues. 

Christmas is one of the most poignant moments in the year for those who mourn so in this week’s Life Issues Paul Hammond is exploring with Yvonne Richmond Tulloch

how we deal with grief and asking why those who grieve are so often left to simply get on with it? 

Is it really possible to be a friend of God? Ian Galloway, author of Called To Be Friends: Unlocking the Heart of John's Gospel, shares his verdict in the latest Life Issues.  

As Britain commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, many who served in conflict continue to struggle to forget the trauma they experienced.

Vicky Gibbens speaks with Dr Walter Busuttil and Commodore Adrian Nance OBE about the impact of PTSD on veterans in this week’s Life Issues.

As we partner with Christians Against Poverty, our Life Issues focuses on their work. Vicky is joined by CEO Paula Stringer and CAP client Nicole.

Releasing people from poverty is a clear priority for God and it’s the full-time mission of Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Vicky is joined by CEO Paula Stringer and CAP client Nicole to gain a new-found appreciation for this life-transforming work.

Are you inclined to shy away from reaching out to Muslims with the gospel? This week Andy Bannister from the Solas Centre for Public Christianity shares his perspective on the importance of building bridges with our Muslim neighbours and how we can be better equipped to show the love, grace, power and truth of ‘Isa’ to the Muslims who live and work alongside us.

Gardening – it’s is one of the nation’s favourite hobbies. But are we overlooking the spiritual insight it offers? Richard Littledale took up 'project garden' to help combat the loneliness of bereavement, only to find that the physical transformation of his garden mirrored a real change in himself too. 

Hear how he discovered more of God through his perspective as an ‘under gardener’ in this conversation with Vicky Gibbens.