In this third episode of the UTG Podcast, guest Keith Palmer joins Alasdair MacPherson to explore the deep heart issues at the center of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder—especially the longing for certainty.

While certainty itself is not wrong, in fact, we all desire it, those struggling with OCD often seek it through their own strength, chasing an unattainable and exhausting level of assurance. Keith and Alasdair unpack how this pursuit becomes a burden and why it can never fully satisfy.

Yet the episode doesn’t end with despair. Together they discuss how the gospel speaks powerfully into the struggle, offering a certainty rooted not in personal effort but in God’s unchanging character, His faithful work, and His ongoing involvement in our lives.

Join us for a compassionate, theologically rich conversation on how gospel hope meets real-life mental and spiritual battles.

For more information about life issues such as OCD please check out www.biblicalsoulcare.co.uk

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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In this episode, we sit down once again with Keith Palmer to explore the struggles many face with OCD, especially the way people respond to intrusive thoughts. We unpack the five common patterns - checkers, washers, organisers, hoarders, and obsessors - and look beneath the surface to the deeper heart issues at play.

Together, we consider how Scripture speaks into these struggles and how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers real hope and practical help for those wrestling with these challenges.

For more information about life issues such as OCD please check out www.biblicalsoulcare.co.uk

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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In this thought-provoking episode, host Alasdair MacPherson sits down with Keith Palmer to explore the intersection of the gospel and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder. Together they unpack what lies at the heart of the struggle for Christians wrestling with OCD, moving beyond surface-level symptoms to the deeper issues of fear, assurance, conscience, and misplaced hope.

Dr. Palmer brings biblical wisdom as he helps listeners distinguish between temporary alleviation and true gospel centred hope. Whether you personally battle OCD or want to better understand and care for those who do, this episode offers a compassionate, Christ-centred look at a challenging issue, with the goal of pointing listeners back to the One who brings true peace to the anxious heart.

For more information about life issues such as OCD please check out www.biblicalsoulcare.co.uk

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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Welcome to UtG Voices - the monthly podcast from UtG, where we speak to different contributors, working behind the scenes to bring you the latest UtG content.

In this episode, we’re joined by two different UtG contributors. We begin by chatting with Douglas Robertson about some of his recently published articles. For the second part of this episode, we’ll be speaking to Paul Coxall, who gives us a preview of the upcoming Doctrines of Grace series.

Get a deeper look into the work, the voices, and the content, shaping UtG.

What is the prosperity gospel:

https://understandingthegospel.org/explore-the-gospel/short-articles/what-is-the-prosperity-gospel

Why can't my good works save me:

https://understandingthegospel.org/explore-the-gospel/short-articles/why-can-t-my-good-works-save-me

Paul's testimony:

https://understandingthegospel.org/personal-stories/all-things-for-good-pauls-story/  www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcRcaIins2U&t=188s

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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In the final episode of this series, Alasdair MacPherson and Stephen Grant turn from analysis to action-asking how churches can respond faithfully and creatively to the “quiet revival” emerging across the UK. As more people express curiosity about faith and Scripture, what can Christian communities do to nurture that interest into genuine discipleship?

We’ll share practical insights for mission, outreach, and spiritual formation, alongside real examples of churches and ministries already engaging well with seekers and new believers. Together, we’ll consider what helps people move from initial curiosity to a deeper, lived faith-and what pitfalls the Church should avoid along the way.

Finally, we’ll explore how each of us can play a part in this movement, both personally and within our local church communities.

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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Check out: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/

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In this episode, Alasdair MacPherson and Stephen Grant explore the surprising ways the Bible continues to speak into modern public life. Far from being confined to churches or private devotion, Scripture is emerging as a source of wisdom and hope in a society often described as post-religious.

We’ll explore the question of how appropriate it is for Christians, in a largely secular society, to promote biblical perspectives that often stand in contrast to contemporary culture. Along the way, we’ll confront common misconceptions about Bible engagement in Britain today and uncover surprising places where biblical ideas are re-emerging in public discourse.

Finally, we’ll reflect on how Christians can enter these conversations with humility, wisdom, and grace.

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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Check out: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/

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In this episode, we dive into how younger generations are reshaping their relationship with Scripture. Unlike their parents and grandparents, Gen Z and Millennials are turning to Bible apps, social media, and online communities to explore faith in fresh, dynamic ways. But what’s driving this shift? Is it a cultural trend, a personal quest for meaning, or a spiritual awakening in digital spaces?

Join Alasdair MacPherson and Stephen Grant as they begin the first of three episodes exploring the insights and implications of the Bible Society’s report, A Quiet Revival.

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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Check out: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/

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In this first episode of a short investigative series, Alasdair MacPherson examines the Bible Society’s “A Quiet Revival” report,  a study suggesting a notable rise in church attendance, particularly among younger men.

To understand what’s really behind these findings, Alasdair speaks with Dr Rhiannon McAleer, the lead researcher on the project. Together, they unpack the data, explore potential social and spiritual factors driving the trend, and consider what it might signal for the future of faith in the UK.

Is this the beginning of a genuine revival or simply a statistical anomaly?

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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Check out: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/

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Welcome to UtG Voices - the new monthly podcast from UtG, where we speak to different contributors, working behind the scenes to bring you the latest UtG content.

In Episode 1, we begin by talking to Stephen Grant about the vision that launched UtG and how it all began. In part 2, Jon Steeds joins us to explore his recently published series on the genres of scripture.

Get a deeper look into the work, the voices, and the content shaping UtG.

Explore at: www.understandingthegospel.org

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In our final episode of the series Stephen Grant leads the discussion on defeating Idolatry. In the previous four episodes the group (Paul Coxall, Stephen Grant, Alasdair MacPherson, Ian Proud and Graham Stannard) have looked at various manifestations of idolatry, so they now deliberate on the steps that can be taken to identify and defeat idolatry. The root of the issue is seen as in the heart but the answer isn’t always to remove the object of our idolatry from your life, to stop loving it, or even to love it less but to love God more.

Explore at www.understandingthegospel.org

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