Teaching for today

Westminster is threatening to override the NI Executive and unilaterally expand the abortion provision it imposed in 2019. Revisit our podcast where Callum Webster speaks to Angus Saul about the radical change.

The Christian Institute's Ciarán Kelly speaks to Trustee Rupert Bentley-Taylor about his own journey with the Lord, the responsibilities and trials of preachers, and how they should approach the Word of God.

Dr Sharon James and Michael Taylor discuss the recent rise in people identifying as transgender, where this has come from, and how Christians can respond with compassion and sensitivity.

A year after the landmark judgment protecting freedom of expression in the UK, The Christian Institute’s Sam Webster gives his verdict on the ruling, explains why it was so important, and dives a little deeper into some of the far-reaching implications.

The Christian Institute’s Education Officer John Denning explains his role, and how parents and teachers can engage with schools over the introduction of Relationships and Sex Education and other materials being used to promote LGBT issues in the classroom.

Northern Ireland is under attack from politicians and activists wanting to change the laws on marriage and abortion. Dawn McAvoy from Both Lives Matter and The Christian Institute’s Callum Webster contribute to the discussion.

Dr Chris Sinkinson and Ciarán Kelly chat about The Christian Institute’s brand new DVD Bible study series Living Christianity, and how it all came together.

What is 'hate'? Can we define it? Which, if any, characteristics should be protected by law? All that and more in this our podcast on "Hate Crime". The Christian Institute's Scotland Officer Nigel Kenny and sociologist and author Dr Stuart Waiton contribute to the discussion.

Institute Deputy Director Simon Calvert and Be Reasonable spokeswoman and mother-of-two Penny Lewis feature in this month’s longer listen, discussing a proposal to ban smacking in Scotland.

What is no-fault divorce? Where has the recent push come from? And why would it be detrimental to children, families and society? Find out in our new podcast.

Throughout scripture, beginning with the Fall, there is a conflict between good and evil. Today, Christians are in a battle against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Far from hindering the gospel, there are times when God uses conflict to further his redemptive purposes.

"To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." (Ephesians 1:6)"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)

"Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3)"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

"God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords." (1 Timothy 6:15)"To the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore!" (Jude 1:25)

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16)"You alone are holy." (Revelation 15:4)

"... in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Christians are not immune from discouragement and frustration in their lives. In a society where people expect to be able to obtain everything instantly Christians must live with an eternal perspective, and thereby find the strength to persevere. They must 'keep on keeping on'.

The world is always trying to squeeze us into its mould. Before a watching world we are to live with integrity. This means applying God's Word consistently to the circumstances of our lives.

We all have routines of eating, sleeping, work and leisure, yet many Christians neglect personal discipline in their spiritual lives. Godly habits become the means that God uses to work His grace in our lives.

Prayer sustains and nourishes the Christian. It is a litmus test of our relationship with God. It is the means whereby we can bring all our anxieties and needs before the Lord. Failure in our prayer lives inevitably leads to weaknesses in other areas.

This, the final lecture of the series, looks at teaching for the church today and the promises of what is to come when Christ returns. David Jackman focuses in particular on the book of Hebrews, the Pastorals (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) and Revelation.

In this penultimate lecture, David Jackman covers the Acts of the Apostles, setting the context for the ministry and letters of the Apostle Paul. Concluding with a focus on Paul's teaching on the person, life and results of Jesus Christ.

This lecture speaks of the fullfilment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. It looks at the distinctive qualities of the four Gospels and the central concept of the Kingdom.

Tracking the highs and lows of Israel's monarchial reign, including the division of kingdoms. Starting with Solomon, the lecture goes through the books of 1 & 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, finishing by focusing on the task and message of the Prophets.

The third in this series of lectures looks at the occupying of the Promised land - from its conquest, to the rule of judges and then the demand for a king.