Category: Culture

Books, Christian Living, Culture, History, Jesus Christ

The World Turned Upside Down – Premier Thought for the Day 8

This weeks thought for the day from Premier. In a week when I have been reminded of the weakness of insipid Christianity – it’s always good to be able to turn to the real radical thing!This talk was based upon chapter 7 of Magnificent Obsession.  From which the following quotes are taken: “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also” Acts … Continue reading The World Turned Upside Down – Premier Thought for the Day 8

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Art, Bible, Culture, Evangelism, Jesus Christ, Music, St Peters, The Free Church, USA, Worship

A Revolutionary Question for the Evangelical Church (and the Participants at the “Sing” Conference)

There is a wonderful conference going on just now in Nashville – one that I would dearly love to be at! This could also be a revolutionary conference which may have a catalysing effect upon the whole American church. Keith Getty’s Sing will have 7,500 participants – mainly pastors and worship leaders. It will be addressed by people such as John MacArthur, Alistair Begg, John … Continue reading A Revolutionary Question for the Evangelical Church (and the Participants at the “Sing” Conference)

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Africa, Culture, Featured, Jesus Christ, USA

A Tale of Two Sermons – The Wedding One and the Funeral One

Remember that Royal Wedding sermon  Right Royal Preaching    Well now we have a new one.   Another African-American preacher has been in the headlines this week because of a sermon given at a great public occasion.  Rev. Jasper W. Williams has found himself in hot water because of his eulogy at the funeral of Aretha Franklin.  Given the reports about it, I thought I would listen to … Continue reading A Tale of Two Sermons – The Wedding One and the Funeral One

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Britain, Culture, Equality, Media, Newspaper/Magazine Articles, Sex and sexuality, The Record

Emotional Women and Rational Men – Why I’m Coming Out as Binary

Did you know that being a man means that you are “competitive, ambitious, independent, rational, tough, sexual, confident, dominant, taking risks and caring about your work? Or that being a woman means that you are “nurturing, caring, social, emotional, vulnerable and concerned with appearance.” No – this is not out of some 1950’s traditionalist uber right-wing Christian fundamentalist manual for relationships.  This is bang up … Continue reading Emotional Women and Rational Men – Why I’m Coming Out as Binary

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Art, Culture, Music, Videos

What’s the Danger of a Christian Ghetto Mentality? The Christian Music Scene….

This is a short reflection recorded in 2015 at ELF in Poland – I think its subject matter is more important than ever.  This was not a scripted or pre-prepared interview…I was asked the question live and this is the unedited response.  What do you think?   “Rather than being salt and light in the culture, we end up inventing our own culture, which itself … Continue reading What’s the Danger of a Christian Ghetto Mentality? The Christian Music Scene….

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Christian Living, Culture, Evangelism, Jesus Christ, Radio

Is it ever ok to speak ill of the dead? and some reflections on funerals – BBC Radio Scotland

“Could you come on the show and talk about celebrity funerals – especially Barry Elliott of the Chuckle brothers”  was one of the strangest requests I’ve ever had from the BBC.  This is the resultant discussion. The story is that the MSP Trish Marwick had tweeted a derogatory comment about the Chuckle brothers after the death of one of them (Barry) in which she stated … Continue reading Is it ever ok to speak ill of the dead? and some reflections on funerals – BBC Radio Scotland

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Britain, Culture, Media, The Free Church, The Record

Speaking Up – The September Record

The September Record is coming out this week…here is the cover, table of contents and lead article.  You can purchase it from your church, the Free Church offices or online. Speaking Up With the rapid retreat from any form of Christian values in today’s ‘progressive’ Scotland, the question arises as to what the Church can or should do about it. Sadly, the confusion in the … Continue reading Speaking Up – The September Record

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Christian Living, Culture, Evangelism, USA

Memphis Blues and Lessons from Aunt Jemima

I am currently in Memphis speaking at a conference on evangelism.  As Arnie would say ‘its good to be back’! But The South is changing.   And the Church is in trouble.  Of course that is not immediately obvious.  There are still the same large buildings, big congregations, incredible resources (they know how to look after their pastors)  and of course the glorious Southern hospitality. IPC … Continue reading Memphis Blues and Lessons from Aunt Jemima

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Britain, Calvinism, Creation, Culture, Dundee, Europe, Politics

Has Britain lost the Protestant Work Ethic?

One of the more puzzling aspects of the Brexit debate I don’t understand (and I mean I genuinely can’t get my head round it) is the concern about the possibility of a shortage of workers after Brexit. Only this week I heard that one in ten care home staff are from the EU and that there are major concerns for agriculture (especially fruit picking) and … Continue reading Has Britain lost the Protestant Work Ethic?

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Britain, Culture, Media

BBC Bias, Faith Behind Bars and How to Get to Heaven in Montana

I remember when the BBC used to produce quality documentaries –  I still recall the brilliant How to Get to Heaven in Montana.   Occasionally they still do – but sadly they are far too often of the standard of last night’s ‘Faith Behind Bars’  The programme is only available from the Iplayer for 29 days – but you can see a clip here….. What was wrong with … Continue reading BBC Bias, Faith Behind Bars and How to Get to Heaven in Montana

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